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September 23, 2015
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It is a delight to hear the music on this new collection, more of a pleasure than its rather prosaic title might imply. The early Romantic era is still not that well known to many music lovers; we tend to associate it with Beethoven, Schubert, perhaps Mendelssohn. And that’s the end of it. The rich ... more |
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August 6, 2015
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This album is comprised of three important works for vocal ensemble that epitomize three distinctive styles within which the composer worked during his lifetime. It should be of interest to everyone who finds Messiaen’s music rewarding. Furthermore, these are all very good performances, captured in ... more |
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June 27, 2015
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Prolific Finnish composer Kalevi Aho (b. 1949) is near the end of one of his most ambitious undertakings, that of writing a concerto for every instrument in the Romantic orchestra. With his recent concerto for theremin and orchestra, he has ventured into post-Romantic territory as well. A theremin ... more |
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June 20, 2015
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The Norwegian composer Magne Amdahl (b. 1942) has enjoyed a lengthy, varied career in his native country. His work encompasses television commercials, a piano concerto and other orchestral music, chamber works, film scores, and an enormous amount of incidental music for theatrical productions. The ... more |
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July 10, 2014
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At last, a Bruckner symphony performance I can sit through. When it comes to the Viennese tradition, I harbor enormous fondness for Schubert on the one hand and Mahler on the other. Between them lies Bruckner, whose brief sacred motets, musical masterpieces of the highest order, offer reliable ... more |
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