20th Cent Works for Piano and Chamber Ensemble

Advantages: Relaxing, lovely instrumental album, no vocals.
Disadvantages: only 4 tracks

...never faulter in my opinion. What does let this album down though, is the music quality. There is not much difference in pitch and all the instruments can seem as if they are playing at the same loudness. It doesn't quite compare the the superior sound quality produced by record labels today. With only 4 tracks on the CD I am sure you are questioning whether this can at all be classed as an album at all. However each track runs for 8 to just over 20, minutes and the range of instruments that are played in each is fairly diverse. 1. Concerto for Piano and Chamber Ensemble Composed by Constant Lambert Performed by Nash Ensemble with Ian Brown Conducted by Lionel Friend ~ A nice track, but a bit slow and tedious to strat with. Piano background with the inclusion of bells, triangle and chimes. A light hearted and enjoyable track. 8/10 2. (8... Read review

Ciao members have rated this review on average helpful

Advantages: Light, clear, could be played over and again
Disadvantages: Perhaps lacks a bit of magic or sparkle

...If I was to think of performers I would choose to play my favourite pieces of music, then I would not readily think of the Oregon Bach Festival Chamber Orchestra. But a friend of mine who played in the orchestra tipped me off that this was a good one. So I got hold of the CD, opened a bottle of red and sat back with an open mind. Surprise surprise, it's good. Enthusiastic playing for sure, with plenty of joie de vivre. The typical American attention to detail slightly grates with my British sense of spontaneity, but the flawless phrasing, breathing (and no doubt bowing too) and dynamics work in the overall performances because of the lack of indulgence in the tempi. Bach can all too easily sound like a mathematical exercise written out in notes, but there is a lightness and deftness of touch here in the conducting that lifts this out... Read review

Ciao members have rated this review on average somewhat helpful

Advantages: dynamic and gripping
Disadvantages: none

...Fantastic to have another additional collection of all five of Beethoven's piano concerti. Spanning his life we can really get to grips with his evolving use of the orchestra in these works. From the Third's action packed finale to the Fourth's beautiful expressions to the grandeur of the much loved Fifth. The playing is precise, dramatic and full of energy; as indeed it should be. Aimard's playing is always well crafted and beautifully shaped. This is an insightful disk and has taken the musicians an awful lot of hard work. A must-have for any lover of Beethoven's piano music. If you usually go for his chamber music or string quartets why not branch out and explore Aimard's wonderful take on these concerti? Well worth buying and indeed an inspiration for myself and other pianists alike.... Read review

Ciao members have rated this review on average somewhat helpful