Bach, CPE: Concerti per il Cembalo

Advantages: Fresh and enthusiastic rendition of a great classic
Disadvantages: May have to be ordered

...Concerti per liuto e mandolino is one of Antonio Vivaldi’s lesser played works, this may be because of the complexity orchestras try to build into it, and had been considered unplayable by many for a time. I had been unable to get hold of the version I wanted for quite some time and eventually it was bought as a gift for me :o) Unlike the Four Seasons this is not the stuff that muzac is made from although, as with much of Vivaldi’s work, you can hear strains of popular music in it, funnily enough someone thought I was playing the theme music from ‘Only when I laugh’ and I have to admit, that in parts, it sounds like a direct lift. The music is from Das Alte Werk library and is played on period instruments using the techniques of the day, this is probably why this recording is so good to listen to. The insert... Read review

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Advantages: Good tuba muisc
Disadvantages: None

...The tuba has generally been ignored as a solo instrument, and although it enjoyed some success in Berlioz's Symphonie Fantastique and the operas of Wagner, it didnt really emerge as a solo instrument until the 20th century. However, recently the tuba's potential as a soloist has been realised through the children's tale, Tubby the Tuba, where the whole point of the story is to highlight the fact that most peoploe would not think the tuba of being capable in taking a soloistic role, but the fact that it can take this role, and take it extremely successfully is shown here in this CD with these four Tuba Concerti, that were all written in the years after Tubby the Tuba. The first Tuba Concerto on the CD is Tuba Concerto (1978) by Edward Gregson. 1 - Allegro deciso 2 - Lento e mesto 3 - Allegro giocoso This concerto begins with a fanfare... Read review

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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