Search - Jakov Gotovac, Moshe Atzmon, Hannover Radio Philharmonie :: Gotovac: Symphonic Poems

Way off of the beaten track, but worth investigating for the

Russ | Richmond, VA | 05/04/2008

(3 out of 5 stars)

"This release features the music of two Croatian composers: Jakov Gotovac (1895-1982) and Marko Tajcevic (1900-1984). It is unfortunate that this release appears to have slipped below the radar, as this music does warrant some level of attention by those who enjoy exploring musical rarities.



Gotovac's symphonic poems are a mixed bag. Several of Gotovac's works incorporate the lively rhythms and meter of the kolo, a folksy round dance originating in Serbia and Croatia. The exuberantly unpretentious 'Symphonic Kolo' is a particularly fine work. The same can be said for the infectious kolo from 'Ero'. Unfortunately, the slower works are far less interesting. For instance, in 'The Ploughers', Gotovac attempts to create an aura of drudgery and monotony; sentiments likely held by those who must plow fields. The problem is that ... he succeeded! Tajcevic's seven brief Balkan dances are slightly more harmonically adventurous and exotically tinged in comparison to Gotovac's works. I enjoyed the quicker dances; however, at times, I felt as if I was listening to watered-down Skalkottas.



I would place this release somewhere between three and four stars, but am going to round down is this circumstance in order to manage expectations. Most listeners can probably skip this one, but those who enjoy exploring the outskirts of the Romantic nationalist school will surely enjoy Gotovac's livelier pieces and Tajcevic's dances.



TT: 66:38"