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
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
Once sought out by the young Paganini for lessons, Alessandro Rolla, a violinist and reputedly the leading viola player in Europe, served at the court in Parma. In 1802 he became conductor at La Scala, Milan, a position he held for over 30 years.
Instrumental Music
Rolla wrote ballet music and sacred music, but better known are his 21 violin concertos and 15 viola concertos. His chamber music includes a number of duets, with compositions for solo violin and solo viola.