Search - George Perle, Seattle Symphony and Chorale, Royal Philharmonic & Ambrosian Opera Chorus :: George Perle: Orchestral Works

Clarity

Personne | Rocky Mountain West | 03/03/2008

(4 out of 5 stars)

"I had a different reaction to this CD from the first reviewer. With the exception of "Three Movements for Orchestra", this music is from the latter years of Perle's career (he died in 2008). It shows a very approachable composer.



"Three Movements for Orchestra" is the earliest piece, and dates from 1960. While written for full orchestra, it's really about winds--especially brass. I am vaguely reminded of the aggressive dissonance of Carl Ruggles (although I doubt Ruggles was particularly influential in Perle's work). Often the entire woodwind choir works against the brass choir. It sounds perhaps more European than the other pieces, and it's quite good. There is humor here, as in later Perle, but more sardonic.



Not too much to say about the Adagio. It's serious and lyrical. Fine piece, but not the centerpiece of the CD.



The "Sinfonietta II" and the "Piano Concerto" are wonderful pieces that put the lie to the "difficulty" of Perle's music. The writing is clear and uncluttered. Primary thematic devices are easy to spot, and it's simple to follow much of the development. There is considerable playfulness in both pieces, and some lovely tuba work in the "Sinfonietta". Overall, there's a very classical aesthetic at work in these pieces, owing much more to Haydn and Mozart than to later composers. And this is all done within a 12-tone world.



I've written about Luigi Dallapiccola in other reviews. The two composers sound nothing alike, but both shared the ability to use a 12-tone system as a means to explore deep innate musicality. The result, in both cases, is a music of tremendous humanity.



Thanks to Albany Records for putting these fine performances together."