Program:
Total Time: 57:12
Released: 2001
Review Date: February 2001
Order from: The Classical Free-Reed, Inc. Online Gift Store
Review by
Henry
Doktorski:
This CD is the live recording of the April 27, 2000 concert which the
Dutch classical accordion ensemble Alphen Opus 2 performed in
Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. I was there and, in fact, had organized their
Pittsburgh itinerary. (The full story of how they came to the United
States is explained in my review of their first compact disc,
Two For You.) Since I already wrote a review of their concert (see Alphen Opus 2 Concert Review) from which
this CD is taken, I will briefly reiterate what I wrote previously.
The program was varied and interesting. The late romantic era was
represented by transcriptions of the popular Asturias by Isaac
Albéniz (1860-1909), as well as the organ work Cortege written by
Louis Vierne (1870-1937), who served as the organist of Notre Dame in
Paris.
The rest of their program was by twentieth-century composers. Of special
mention was Divertimento Ritmico, written in 1988 by Wolfgang
Russ-Plötz. It is a fascinating and attractive piece in 7/4 time which
includes lots of percussion.
I was impressed by conductor Sergé Latychev's finesse and the ensemble's
response to his subtle baton. Truly they were well-rehearsed, articulate,
as well as lovers of great music.
I discovered that I could partially compensate for this audio realism by
turning the volume on my stereo up to a level which duplicated the actual
sound of the orchestra. The fortissimo sections were extremely
loud, but at least I could more clearly hear the pianissimo
sections. (Perhaps this is why they titled the CD "A Musical Explosion?")
On the plus side, the editing is excellent. I am still amazed how the
engineer removed the applause. In conclusion, I believe this CD will be a
welcome addition to the audio libraries of all lovers of the classical
accordion. As I mentioned earlier, the performances are well-rehearsed
and articulate; truly great music-making.
The program was a joy to hear: transcriptions as well as original works
written for the accordion. My favorite piece on the program was Rudolf
Wuerthner's Variationen fuer Akkordeon-Orchester, a masterpiece
which showcased the group's extensive tonal palette and technical
abilities. Wuerthner was the conductor of the professional Hohner
accordion orchestra of Germany, which toured in dozens of countries
throughout the world. He also arranged and composed much music for the
accordion orchestra. Just as a fine orchestral composer exploits the
various tone colors of a symphony orchestra, Rudolf Wuerthner exploited
the dozens of tone colors in the accordion symphony. And the fugue! Superb
writing. I was in bliss.
Unfortunately, listening to the CD was not as rewarding for me as
listening to the live concert. For one thing, WQED-FM recording engineer
used only two microphones and placed them about fifteen to twenty feet
from the ensemble. While this does give an accurate and honest recording,
especially regarding instrumental balance, dynamics and the acoustics of
the hall, the details are not as crisp as on a recording which also
included close miking of the individual instruments. The performers sound
like they are playing at a distance. Contemporary audiophiles have been
spoiled by the magic of modern technology, recordings often sound better
than what most of the audience hears in the concert hall. Closer
microphone placement puts us in the conductor's seat, not in an audience
seat in rows 50 or 60, or even rows five or six.
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