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Review by raffells September 13, 2009 (3 of 3 found this review helpful)
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All three recorded versions of the Arrangement for violin etc of Piazzollas music ( given the subtitle Four Seasons Portenas )have now been released on sacd.So those wishing to purchase a version may also be considering the remaining contents of each disc.
I cannot disagree with anything Geo states in his long informative review.The title again is misleading but all three works are "Seasons" related.
Piazzollas music has historically been difficult to categorize and certainly seems unique.It is only when you reach track 4 that it becomes easily recognizable as the composer.This arrangement is very violin orientated and The soloist is very close up especially for some of the musical effects which may be disconcerting for a tranitional classical concert listener.
Joan Valents title Four Seasons Majorca would raise a few eyebrows for most Europeansn who would die for their climate.This work is based on a poem and I would defy anyone to connect the music to the words (lines) printed in the booklet supplied.ie.
Piece of linen veiling a sprig of shrub.
Quick.
Confused aroma.
quick quick.
Boom (3 times)
Throbbing (three times)
Disconcerted.......
note,,So was I when reading it.?
The music certainly makes a quick impression.
If you are not yet a fan of minemalism or new age music.(they are different) Then this
piece may be a perfect introduction.
Once again Geos review is spot on. This piece compliments the opening work and has some
unusual sounds but the raindrops effect by plucked strings with a melancholy violin tune
will certainly please.Overall the long section of melancholic music that follows somewhat reminiscent of Richard Strauss Metamorphosen may weigh heavily.
Its certainly not the Majorca I know.
The final work in one movement Four Seasons Madrid is a mixed challenge.
Starting with almost exactly 5 minutes of wordless song with orchestra and piano , its beauty and interest is somewhat slowly shattered by the introduction of English words which unusually follow the melodic line of the interesting orchestration? This can be disconcertingly difficult to listen to and understand if you are not expecting it.Eventually I abandonded the liner notes and allow the beauty of this voice and music flow over my head with the work ending peacfully.
I began to wonder if the original poem may have been a more musical event in Spanish.
So overall three interesting, contasting and enjoyable works though the last 8 minutes after the previous hour will be more demanding for the casual listener.
I suspect this is a hirez pcm recording. The digipak is a bit fiddly for the disc itself and liner notes are best described as helpfull but needing help.Players and singer get 5 stars
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