Geminiani: Concerti Grossi (after Corelli, Op. 5)

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

Ciao members have rated this review on average 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

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

...a particular interest in more unusual repertoire. One of the great advantages of this CD which should make it even more attractive to the potential buyer, is that both artists have frequently worked together in the past, which in my opinion is always a good thing when it comes to collaborating on a recording. The orchestra is the BBC Scottish Symphony. Music and Performances: Ernö Dohnányi (1877-1960) - Konzertstück in D major Op. 12: Dohnányi was born in Bratislava (his grandson is the eminent conductor Christoph von Dohnányi) and first established himself as a virtuoso pianist. However, after Johannes Brahms complimented him on his first composition efforts, he combined his playing career with his composing. Dohnányi's music is very much in the Brahmsian, Romantic tradition and this is especially evident in the Konzertstück, which... Read review

Ciao members have rated this review on average very helpful