Month: October 2022

Gitlis Plays Bach: A Testament to Enduring Artistry

Legendary violinist Ivry Gitlis, known for his powerful and expressive playing, is featured in this 1997 recording of Bach’s violin concertos and solo works, released on the Rhine Classics label. Gitlis is joined by Natalia Likhopoi in the Double Violin Concerto and the Louisiana Museum Art Ensemble for the concertos, while the solo works were recorded live in Tokyo in 1990.

The A minor and E major violin concertos showcase Gitlis’s virtuosity and emotional depth. His interpretations are bold and personal, with a strong sense of musical narrative. The slow movements are particularly poignant, with Gitlis’s rich, singing tone and expressive vibrato bringing out the music’s inherent beauty. The Louisiana Museum Art Ensemble provides sensitive and responsive accompaniment, creating a balanced and engaging dialogue with the soloist.

In the Double Violin Concerto, Gitlis and Likhopoi demonstrate a strong musical partnership, their lines intertwining and complementing each other with grace and precision. The famous Largo movement is a highlight, with both violinists expressing the music’s sublime serenity.

The solo works, recorded live in Tokyo, offer a glimpse into Gitlis’s profound musicianship. The Chaconne from Partita No. 2 is a tour de force, with Gitlis navigating the work’s complex architecture and emotional landscape with authority and insight. The Fugue from Sonata No. 3 and the Gavotte en rondeau from Partita No. 3 are equally impressive, showcasing Gitlis’s technical prowess and interpretive depth.

The recorded sound is clear and well-balanced, capturing the warmth and detail of Gitlis’s playing. The live solo recordings have a slightly different acoustic but are still of high quality, with minimal audience noise.

Overall, this Rhine Classics release is a testament to Ivry Gitlis’s enduring artistry and his deep affinity for Bach’s music. While some listeners may prefer more historically informed performances, Gitlis’s interpretations are undeniably compelling and emotionally resonant. This recording is a must-have for fans of Gitlis and anyone who appreciates passionate, virtuosic violin playing in the grand tradition.

From Faunes to Immortality: French Orchestral Treasures

Claude Debussy, Albert Roussel, and Paul Dukas were three prominent French composers of the late 19th and early 20th centuries, each with their unique style and approach to music. This new release from Onyx Classics, performed by the Royal Liverpool Philharmonic Orchestra under the baton of Domingo Hindoyan, showcases some of their most celebrated works.

Debussy’s “Jeux” and “Prélude à l’après-midi d’un faune” are prime examples of his impressionistic style. “Jeux,” a ballet score composed for Diaghilev’s Ballets Russes, is a complex and subtle work that explores the interplay between three dancers. Hindoyan and the RLPO capture the piece’s fluid, ever-changing nature with grace and precision. “Prélude à l’après-midi d’un faune,” inspired by Mallarmé’s poem, is a languid and sensual work that showcases Debussy’s mastery of orchestral color. The performance here is evocative and atmospheric, with the flute solo beautifully rendered.

Roussel’s “Bacchus et Ariane” is a lesser-known ballet score that deserves more attention. The second act, presented here, is a vibrant and energetic depiction of the love story between Bacchus and Ariadne. Hindoyan brings out the score’s rhythmic vitality and lush harmonies, demonstrating Roussel’s unique blend of impressionism and neo-classicism.

Dukas’ “La Péri” is a poème dansé (danced poem) that tells the story of a Persian prince seeking immortality. The music is exotic and colorful, with a memorable fanfare that bookends the piece. The RLPO’s performance is committed and engaging, capturing the work’s dramatic arc and rich orchestral palette.

Throughout the recording, the Royal Liverpool Philharmonic Orchestra plays with precision, clarity, and enthusiasm. Hindoyan’s direction is assured and insightful, bringing out the best in each work. The sound quality is excellent, with a wide dynamic range and a clear, well-balanced soundstage.

In summary, this Onyx release is a superb collection of French orchestral works, showcasing the unique voices of Debussy, Roussel, and Dukas. The performances by the Royal Liverpool Philharmonic Orchestra under Domingo Hindoyan are top-notch, making this a highly recommended recording for fans of early 20th-century French music.