| Review by JJ August 8, 2009 (5 of 7 found this review helpful)
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Performance:  Sonics: |
Devoted to the Bohemian region, this recording regroups the works of three contemporary composers who are well-known to music lovers. “The association is not banal,” states Willem de Bordes, “but the three composers share a common point: a region, known for centuries under the name of Bohemia. This common root reveals itself through the rhythmic bounce, folk characteristics, and melodic invention in their works.” On the program, then, are the “Serenade for Strings” Op.22 by Dvorak, dating from 1875, the version for string orchestra and percussion of the “String Quartet N°2” Op.7 by Pavel Haas (1899-1944), composed in 1925, as well as the version for string orchestra of the “Five Pieces for String Quartet” WV68 by Erwin Schulhoff (1894-1942), dating from 1923. Following a remarkable and much-commented SACD devoted to Chostakovitch, once again the Amsterdam Sinfonietta, made up of 22 chamber musicians, enchant our ears and senses in a splendid pallet of captivating tones and harmonies. Everything here breathes musical passion, and the listener cannot but surrender to such a performance. In a majestic recording in pure DSD, this Bohemian Album is a must.
Jean-Jacques Millo
Translation Lawrence Schulman
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| Review by raffells October 26, 2009 (4 of 4 found this review helpful)
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A very interesting and rewarding themed disc.
The sunny serenade for strings is performed as though the band led by Candida Thompson were really enjoying themselves and the placement in stereo is nigh on perfect.
The venue changes for the curious Pavel Haas 1899-1944 arrangement of string quartet no 2 with added percussion.It is certainly more diverse,colourful and attention grabbing.
Landscape, Cart driver and Horse, The moon and I followed by a Wild night each seem like seperate movements and should be enjoyed as such.I doubt if played in its original guise this would have had as much impact.At this point I felt the mics had been moved closer to the players and less ambience was observed as a result.
The arrangement of Schlhoffs slightly more conventiuonal quartet for string orchestra may indeed be a lightly tougher nut to crack.It borders if not passes into several different musical areas and hints at his avante garde aspirations.A Walz,serenade, tango and a spirited tarantella to conclude.Excellent playing and bowing all clearly captured again in slight close focus.
Timing of 78 minutes ,nice booklet and jewel case.
This item does not appear when dvorak is entered into the sites search engine.Presumably the weird spelling of Dvorak doesnt help.
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