April 2007
La Fille Mal Gardée is an ever-evolving ballet that originally dates back to 1789. The original score was concocted of melodies and pop songs of the time, including a dose of Donizetti and Bellini. It has been revised and rewritten three times between 1828 and 1937. The result is a brilliant piece of music that is accessible, fun, and full of surprises. The recording captures the intimate detail of each instrument, as in the first movement where the listener can pinpoint each birdcall provided by the first-rate woodwind section. This is demo-quality material, from the impact of the bass drum deep into the soundstage, to the delicate plucking of the violin strings. The piano concertos performed by Radu Lupu should be familiar to those enamored with the genre. The LP version is a longtime audiophile favorite. Radu Lupu is a Romanian pianist with that rare balance of virtuosity and artistic touch. These concertos are perhaps two of his very best performances. The recording shows the piano in proper size and position, and it is captured with almost startling clarity against an orchestra that can sound slightly distant at times. Some may find fault in this, but the technique has the advantage of both showcasing the piano and helping the listener to better visualize the venue. It works. These are reissues done right. Thanks, FIM. GO BACK TO: |
Hérold, arr. Lanchbery - La
Fille Mal Gardée - Excerpts
Grieg -
Piano Concerto in A Minor, Op. 16; Schumann - Piano Concerto in A Minor