20th Century American Orchestral works

Advantages: Two orchestras, one conductor, great selection of pieces
Disadvantages: None

...this and receding conservatism of the 19th Century than in the concert halls of Paris - city of culture and fashion. The ultra-chic Parisians, doyens of good taste were confronted by a barbaric description of a tribal sacrifice - a virgin girl forced to dance until exhaustion claims her life, and the gods her soul. Well it is nearly 100 years since the piece was written, and together with it's predecessor, the Firebird (which is wholly more Romantic and less Modern in its conception) here are two of the giants of 20th century music. The performances are very good too. The LSO flexes its muscles and shows it's power, whilst the LPO offer more clarity and transparency in their sound. This amalgamation of the two orchestras on one release serves to highlight the differences between the two of them - something which might influence your choice... Read review

Ciao members have rated this review on average helpful

Advantages: beautifully composed, orchestrated and performed
Disadvantages: not for the "sing-a-long" musician

...yes thats right folks! Gerald Finzi's music can be described as many things, but genius must be one of them. Gerald Finzi was a British composer in the early 20th Century. Though mostly known for his choral works and hymns, his orchestral pieces give him standing among the all-time musical greats. With an incredible understanding of counterpoint and harmony all the music is atmospheric and paints scenes of true England: rolling hills and valleys, greenery and wildlife. It is true, that a musician's world can be portrayed through his work. The clarinet works, performed by Robert plane, are masterfully directed and performed, keeping close to the original scores even throughout the cadenzas and most intricate of passages. This is the album I put on for stress-busting, though its not for the sing-along istener (no lyrics!), nor... Read review

Ciao members have rated this review on average somewhat helpful

Advantages: Oistrakh is perfect in technique, style, and interpretation for 20th century works
Disadvantages: as an older recording, soloist brought out well above orchestra. its oistrakh!

...The Shostakovich violin concertos are already amazing, and oistrakh playing them is perfect. his understanding, style, and technique are perfect for lots of 20th century works such as ysaye, shostakovich, and prokofiev. he uses his mastery of bow control to help bring out the shape and the journey of shostakovich and ysaye's works. i find his interpretations of shostakovich and ysaye the easiest to understand and enjoy in general. it's oistrakh...i don't need to say that much... ysaye's amitie for 2 violins is absolutely incredible. i discovered it recently... it's dramatic and has tuneful romantic moments at times (he was very influenced by romantic music), yet is very heartfelt and sentimental throughout, hence its name which means 'friendship'. it sticks to ysaye's cool modern style of music in its clever use of whole tone... Read review

Ciao members have rated this review on average helpful