Bartók: Orchestral Works

Advantages: Brilliant, stirring, excitingly unpredictable, fresh performance; "genius" is not hyperbole in Argerich's case.
Disadvantages: Reflecting its LP origins, the CD lasts only 50' 16"!

...in the same way I regard Jacqueline du Pré and the cello—both such musically charismatic and unpredictable performers who have inspired devoted, even fanatical followings whose praise and cult-like adoration resemble those showered upon the likes of Vladimir Horowitz. The word “can’t” seems to be missing from their performing vocabularies. Like du Pré, Argerich seems to play instinctively, with an intensity and passion that electrifies listeners. Argerich is that rare performer who does very well with a varied repertoire, including works by Romantics Chopin and Schumann, Ravel, modern composers like Bartok and Prokofiev, and, as in this recording, J. S. Bach. My only lament is that she has recorded too few of Bach’s works. Not much else to say except to strongly recommend the disc to one and all. It deserves a place in every Bach lover... Read review

Ciao members have rated this review on average very helpful

Advantages: Great performances of popular favourites and some rare gems
Disadvantages: Barely none, with perhaps slight issues with sound.

...Compilation albums of classical music are often a somewhat hit and miss affair. Great for the beginner, not so much for a seasoned collector. Therefore finding compilations that step outside of the norm in offering something else from the evergreens like Eine kleine Nachtmusik, Vivaldi's Four Seasons, or Beethoven's Fifth Symphony and include some rarer gems is a thing that is ever so more interesting. Such was the sensation when I chanced upon this album, entitled "Colours of the Orchestra", a collection of orchestral treats that in various ways showcase the versatility and richness of a symphony orchestra. There is a number of composers included, all sequenced alphabetically, this set containing people from A to G. This album was then followed by a second collection that continued from where the first one ended, but personally I haven... Read review

Ciao members have rated this review on average very helpful

Advantages: A stunning soundworld
Disadvantages: It is a long work

...Steve Reich has often said that writing for the orchestra was difficult. This is in part to difficult personal times but also aestetically it hindered the rhythmic agility that his music requires. However, despite reservations by many about his orchestral works (they are often considered his weaker works) I find myself continually fascinated by what he makes the orchestra do. The Desert Music is music on an epic scale featuring huge sweeping textures and turbulent chorales set to text by Wittgenstein (whom steve studied during his philosophy major). The piece lasts some 48 minutes and is sectioned into contrasting moods and tempi. The very opening and closing movements are like giant pulsating waves that literally crash down over you, it truely is an amazing feeling. The orchestra pulsates to steady quavers as the harmony morphs slowly... Read review

Ciao members have rated this review on average helpful