Concerto No. 1 For Violin And Orchestra (1939): I. Allegro energico
Concerto No. 1 For Violin And Orchestra (1939): II. Andantino molto tranquillo
Concerto No. 1 For Violin And Orchestra (1939): III. Allegro con spirito
Fantasia For Violin And Orchestra (1970)
Concerto No. 2 For Violin And Orchestra (1960): I. Moderato
Concerto No. 2 For Violin And Orchestra (1960): II. Andagio
Concerto No. 2 For Violin And Orchestra (1960): III. Allegro
Piston's First Violin Concerto (1939), which was once recorded on a German LP, is a prize. It's as entertaining as Piston's popular Incredible Flutist, yet so carefully crafted and serious in content as to be satisfying on... more » every level. The other two works were written much later (in 1960 and 1970), and they are both more introspective and a bit less accessible. But they are still very rewarding music. Kuchar, who studied and lives in the U.S., has his fine Ukrainian orchestra playing as though they've known the music for decades. Buswell, who lives across the street from Piston's graveyard, sounds as though he's in touch with the composer's spirit. Add state-of-the-art sound and the disc is a total winner. --Leslie Gerber« less
Piston's First Violin Concerto (1939), which was once recorded on a German LP, is a prize. It's as entertaining as Piston's popular Incredible Flutist, yet so carefully crafted and serious in content as to be satisfying on every level. The other two works were written much later (in 1960 and 1970), and they are both more introspective and a bit less accessible. But they are still very rewarding music. Kuchar, who studied and lives in the U.S., has his fine Ukrainian orchestra playing as though they've known the music for decades. Buswell, who lives across the street from Piston's graveyard, sounds as though he's in touch with the composer's spirit. Add state-of-the-art sound and the disc is a total winner. --Leslie Gerber
"What a wonderful CD! This is the first time I have had a chance to hear this much talked about CD and I am blown away by the sheer virtuosity, imagination and integrity of Buswell's playing. This is a true artist whose mind, heart and soul are completely engaged in the music of Piston. I have often enjoyed his live performances and this CD confirms much of what I already know: Buswell is amazing! The conviction of his playing in this recording and the stories he tells from the violin is truly mesmerizing. This recording is right up there with his legendary Bach unaccompanied Sonatas and Partitas performances and recording! Bravo to Naxos for finding this gem of an artist!"
Two great violin concertos from Walter Piston
Sean Patterson | Westerville, Ohio United States | 12/12/2003
(5 out of 5 stars)
"I am generally wary of "modern" music and tend to shy away from anything remotely atonal. But with this release of Walter Piston's two Violin Concertos plus the off-beat Fanatasia, I find that a little bit of spice isn't all that unnerving! His compositions here are very attractive and very listenable, even the later works on this disc. As others have noted, James Buswell is an amazing talent. His tone is very rich and warm, while his technique is sharp and crisp. So if you want to take a chance on some mildly spicy music, look no further!"
Fresh and Exciting
Sean Patterson | 04/05/1999
(5 out of 5 stars)
"I just purchased this cd a few days ago, and I really enjoy it. The engineering sounds fresh and believable, and the playing by the soloist and orchestra are engaging and musical. I recommend it! It is worthwhile music, and I find it exciting to discover good music I have not heard, especially of such quality! If I were I violinist I would want to explore getting the music and playing it myself. I am a violist and have begun trying to turn up viola works by Piston."
First recordings of Piston Violin Concertos
mahlerii@aol.com | Richfield, MN | 01/18/1999
(5 out of 5 stars)
"Admirable recordings of fine works by the great american composer Walter Piston. The orchestra is amazingly into this idiom (the conductor is now conducting in the United States). I am further looking forward to the rest of the issues in this enterprising series! Hats off, Naxos!"
Dynamite!
Steven L. Patterson | New York, NYUSA | 03/08/2001
(4 out of 5 stars)
"Hey, how could you go wrong? These are three wonderful works at an unbelievably reasonable price. Thank goodness for Naxos which seems to be the only label these days venturing outside the standard repertory. Piston's works have always given me great pleasure. I would love to see choreographer Paul Taylor create a work on the 1st Violin Concerto. A brilliant match, I think, given the piece's energy, drive and (somewhat tempered) all-American sunny-ness."