20th Century Solo Cello Works

Advantages: Gorgeous music, played with much passion
Disadvantages: None really

...symphonic aspirations. Eugene d'Albert (1864-1932) - Cello concerto in C major Op. 20: Despite his name d'Albert was actually a Glaswegian by birth! He started his career as a pianist and was regarded by Liszt as one of his best pupils. Like Dohnányi, d'Albert was very much a Brahmsian when it came to his compositions and Brahms also greatly admired the young man's work. D'Albert only wrote one cello concerto, which he completed in 1899. Again it is a work in one movement with 3 distinct sections as in traditional concerto form. As with the Dohnányi it has an absolutely gorgeous main theme, which reappears in different guises throughout the work, culminating eventually in a wonderfully exuberant ending - much enjoyed by the orchestra in this recording. One of the big selling points in this performance to any potential buyer is... Read review

Ciao members have rated this review on average very helpful

Advantages: All the benefits of the quadrophonic recording without the crackle
Disadvantages: the vinal still sounds warmer

...What can I add after that title? I have my original pressing first release vinal album which still sounds superb although getting a quadrophonic amp that still works is a bitch! This SACD presentation brings back much of the original feel and nearly the depth of the original which the cd lacked particuarily if used via naff kit. This is Floyd at their peak in my humble opinion and one of the defining albums of the twentieth century. If you don't already own it buy it now forget Seargent Pepper and th White Album this is the must buy album of all time. Ok you need a sacd player and a decent 5.1 amp to appreciate this album at its best having said that if you have the kit sit back and enjoy. It's hard to believe this album was recorded so long ago considering the multi level nature of the tracks that are so far ahead of their time.... Read review

Ciao members have rated this review on average somewhat helpful

Advantages: It is simply one of the finest pieces of music ever written
Disadvantages: How dare you ask of any disadvantges!?!

..., and wrote a melody in 9/8 time. In May, Elgar, his wife Alice, and daughter Carice went to their summer residence of Brinkwells, a cottage in Sussex, for some rural relaxation and healing (Elgar loved the countryside). Finally, in August, he suddenly was attacked by a great surge of creativity. He had his piano taken out of storage and wrote a Violin Sonata in E minor, Op.82, which was soon followed by the String Quartet in E minor, Op.83 and Piano Quintet in A minor, Op.84. This sudden surge showed a new streak of creative development in Elgar's music that was more elusive, economical and a million miles away from his bombastic past. The three works were premiered in May 1919, after which Elgar set out on his great summation of this new style (as well as career): the Cello Concerto in E minor, Op.85. There is not much documentation... Read review

Ciao members have rated this review on average very helpful