Search - David Ott, Catherine Comet, Grand Rapids Symphony :: David Ott: Symphony No. 2; Symphony No. 3

Powerful work written in 1989

Nathaniel Madura | Charlotte, NC | 02/07/2000

(5 out of 5 stars)

"The second symphony is a very powerful work that the Grand Rapids symphony commisioned David Ott to compose in memory of my father Robert Madura after he passed away in 1989. My father was the principal cellist for the Grand Rapids Symphony before he lost his struggle with Leukemia. The symphony was composed to try and portray his struggles through Leukemia, and show the love that my father had for music. The symphony also conatins many beautiful cello movemnts. Following the success of the second symphony the Grand Rapids Symphony commissioned the 3rd symphony, which is also on the CD"

Highly enjoyable second symphony

Nathaniel Madura | 07/13/2001

(5 out of 5 stars)

"I won't suggest that Ott's second symphony is groundbreaking, and the triumphant finale may come too easily, but I found it immensely enjoyable. Ott's melodies are hummable and the tonal language is comfortable without being juvenile. There is a strong sense of narrative movement from the opening bars through each movement to the climax of the finale. The principal cello is given several wonderful solos. The Grand Rapids Symphony plays with polish and commitment, and the recording is top notch. The third symphony doesn't do much for me, but I recommend this disc highly based on the second symphony."

It works, kinda...

Jeffrey Quick | 03/09/2006

(3 out of 5 stars)

"David Ott has a 2nd mortgage at the Bank Of Shostakovich... same low string writing, tendency to 2-part counterpoint, chromatic shifts in fast melody, woodwinds doubled with xylophone, bombastic finales. He has a bad tendency to repeat short motives literally and needlessly, his ideas aren't distinctive, and his handling of rhythm is pretty pedestrian. On the positive side, he keeps a piece going forward, and there's a certain familiarity and attractiveness in the language. He writes well for orchestra. There's even a "wow" moment (entrance of the harp in the slow movement of #3.) If you're looking for big tonal dramatic symphonies, aren't too demanding about individual voice, don't mind a few quartal chords and the occasional really crunchy dissonance, this may be for you. It's an excellent performance."