Extraordinary contemporary music
Charles D. Gangemi | 07/11/2009
(5 out of 5 stars)
"This latest release of three extraordinary works by John Melby on Albany Records - Concerto for Computer and Orchestra, Concerto for Violin, Piano, and Computer, and Concerto No.2 for Piano and Computer, will undoubtably establish Melby as one of today's leading composers continuing the long tradition of brilliant interplay of solo instruments and orchestral commentary as found in the concertos of Beethoven, Brahms and Schoenberg. Expressive qualities, such as long lyrical lines forged in the violin, contrast dramatically with rapid and jagged virtuosic passages to telling effect.
The excellent performers - pianist Winston Choi, violinist Minghuan Xu, and Joel Eric Suben conducting the Polish Radio National Symphony Orchestra deserve the highest honors for presenting this very difficult music with passion and conviction.
Charles Gangemi"