Search - Capuzzi, Mark Morton :: Thresholds

Finally - a recording of double bass gems!

Stephanie Patterson | Philadelphia, PA | 01/03/2009

(4 out of 5 stars)

"First, my congratulations to Dr. Morton for his "Threshold" series of double bass recordings. Contrary to popular belief, the double bass IS a solo instrument as well as the foundation of the string section in an orchestra.



To address the previous reviewer's dislike of "trills...," this is simply Baroque ornamentation and is perfectly acceptable and desirable when done in good taste. There was NO excess here! The Eccles Sonata in question came alive!



As a professional double bassist, I've had occasion to perform the Capuzzi Concerto with orchestra and have performed recitals that included the Saint-Saens and Lorenzitti. How frustrating it has been over the years not to have a double bass recording of them - for reference. This CD is a real must-have for a double bassist.



Why only 4 stars and not 5? Sadly, Dr. Morton's intonation was not as exact as one would expect, especially on a recording. The double bass is a very difficult instrument to play in tune, simply given its size and the distance between notes - creating a large margin for error. This is where the advantage of a recording studio was not used. Many out of tune passages could have been corrected with either a re-take or engineering. Sadly, this was not done, and we are left with a mixed bag - a wonderful collection of sorely needed performances, played with a beautiful sound, but poor intonation.



My recommendation as a performer and teacher: Yes, buy this disc. Listen to the interpretations. But PLEASE play in tune!"