Artist(s): Horvath, Nicolas
Label: Grand Piano
Genre: Film and TV Music; Instrumental
Period: 20th Century; Contemporary
Catalogue No: GP752LP
Barcode: 747313975228
Release Date: 02/2017

GLASS, P.: Glass Essentials (Horvath) (LP release)

This compilation celebrates Philip Glass’ 80th birthday through his unique contribution to the solo piano repertoire. It includes the sweepingly diverse and intricately melodic Etudes which are both technique-expanding and also intimately personal statements. His importance as a film composer is shown in the subtle power of his transcriptions from stage and screen music, Metamorphosis I–V, and in his BAFTA-winning score for the The Hours. And Music in Fifths—which Steve Reich called “like a freight train”—dates from his experimental years and is full of a mesmerising variety of pulse patterns.

Tracklist

Rolla, Alessandro
1I. Andante03:22
2II. Minuetto: Allegro03:43
3III. Tema con variazioni10:38
4I. Introduzione: Allegro spiritoso04:17
5II. Variations on a Theme by Paisiello: Andante07:07
6III. Rondo: Allegro04:07
7I. (Allegro)07:06
8II. Largo03:11
9III. Rondo04:10
10I. (Allegro)07:48
11II. Largo non tanto02:51
12III. Rondo04:58

Total Playing Time: 01:03:18

If I had any misgivings about Carbotta’s tone, here they are entirely dispelled. His playing in the present CD is truly excellent, with enjoyable tone, creative phrasing, lovely inflections, generous contrasts in character, good dynamics, and solid technique all around. He is helped by the partners that share the limelight with him: an inspired pianist with the lightest of touches, and strings that never sound harsh (even when they are very high in their register). Intonation is invariably firm, ensemble is tight and natural, and the quality of the recorded sound is very fine. In a word, everything conspires to turn this CD into a real gem.

Such engaged playing is usually reserved for the likes of Beethoven and Haydn. To hear it lavished on less-impressive figures is a blessing. In fact, it is a real pleasure to hear music played with such abandon, alertness, and a willingness completely to match the spirit that guides these compositions: elegance, freedom, cheerfulness, and insouciance. © 2009 Fanfare Read complete review