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Ethelbert Nevin

[February 2024.]

Bernhard LANG: ParZeFool: Der Thumbe Thor (2016). Vocal soloists include: Daniel Gloger, Magdalena Anna Hofmann, Wolfgang Bankl, Tómas Tómasson, Martin Winkler, Manuela Leonhartsberger, Marie-Pierre Roy, Melody Wilson, Xiaoyi Xu, Johanna Von Der Deken, Sven Hjörleifsson, Alexander Kaimbacher, Andreas Jankowitsch, Arnold Schoenberg Chor, Klangforum Wien, Simone Young (cond.). Kairos 0015037KAI (3 CDs) (www.kairos-music.com).

The king of loops confronts Wagner’s Parsifal, wholly transforming it with plot twists and his signature repetitive repetitions. MAYBE MAYBE.

“More Bach, Please!” Johann Sebastian BACH: Overture in the French Style in B minor, BWV 831 (1735; arr. Rinaldo ALESSANDRINI, 2023 as Overture for Two Oboes, Bassoon, Strings and Basso Continuo in D minor; Var. comps arr. as Partita for Traverso, Strings and Continuo in D Major (arr. ALESSANDRINI, 2023); Var. comps arr. as Overture for Strings and Basso Continuo in G major (arr. ALESSANDRINI, 2023). Concerto Italiano, Rinaldo Alessandrini (cond.). Naïve Records OP8454 (1 CD) (www.naiverecords.com).

In his day, Bach would have fashioned comparable arrangements for the forces at hand. These efforts are agreeable but missing something. NO.

Claude DEBUSSY: Preludes, Book I (1909-10); Preludes, Book II (1912-13). Henry BLOSSOM and Alfred G. ROBBIN: “Ain’t it funny what a difference just a few hours make” (1904)*. Haydée Schvartz (pno), Bryan Church* (bar). mode records 322/23 (2CDs) (www.moderecords.com).

With worldly fluency and terraced dynamics, enjoy unsentimental views onto 24 pieces (with bonuses!) which forever changed piano music. YES.

“The Great Violins: Volume 4, Girolamo Amati, 1629.” Johann Joseph VILSMAŸR: Six Partitas for violin solo, “Artificiosus Concentus pro Camera” (1715). Peter Sheppard Skærved (vln). Divine Arts Athene Ath 23210 (1 CD) (www.divineartrecords.com).

Published just five years ahead of Bach’s half-dozen, you can visualize Vilsmaÿr in a tavern spinning stories with these dance suites. MAYBE.

“For a Reason.” Roger REYNOLDS: Dream Mirror [SHARESPACE IV] (2010)¹; Shifting/Drifting [SHARESPACE IV] (2015)²; Here and There (2018)³; SKETCHBOOK (for The Unbearable Lightness of Being) (1985)⁴. Pablo Gómez Cano¹ (guit), Irvine Arditti² (vln), Steven Schick³ (perc, voice), Liz Pearse⁴ (pno, voice), Paul Hembree^1,2,4 (computer). Neuma 128 (2 CDs) (www.neumarecords.org).

Celebrating ninety years, four resplendent pieces reflect a rich life in the world, close friendships and collaborations with musicians. YES.

“Under an Indigo Sky.” Edward HART: Under an Indigo Sky (2010)¹; A Charleston Concerto (2020)². Yuriy Bekker¹ (vln), Harlem Quartet²: Ilmar Gavilán, Melissa White (vln), Jaime Amador (vla) Felix Umansky (vlc), Charleston Symphony Orchestra^1,2, Ken Lam^1,2 (cond.). Navona Records NV6487 (1 CD) (www.navonarecords.com).

Call me cranky, but these two concertos despite their shameless tonality and unabashed tunefulness quickly slide towards the forgettable. NO.