Debussy; Glière; Mozart Harp Concertos
Lively concertos from the Harpist to the Prince of Wales
View record and artist detailsRecord and Artist Details
Composer or Director: Claude Debussy, Reinhold Glière, Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart
Genre:
Orchestral
Label: Signum
Magazine Review Date: 2/2011
Media Format: CD or Download
Media Runtime: 67
Mastering:
Stereo
DDD
Catalogue Number: SIGCD216
Tracks:
Composition | Artist Credit |
---|---|
Concerto for Harp and Orchestra |
Reinhold Glière, Composer
Claire Jones, Harp English Chamber Orchestra Paul Watkins, Conductor Reinhold Glière, Composer |
Danse sacrée et danse profane |
Claude Debussy, Composer
Claire Jones, Harp Claude Debussy, Composer English Chamber Orchestra Paul Watkins, Conductor |
Concerto for Flute, Harp and Orchestra |
Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart, Composer
Claire Jones, Harp English Chamber Orchestra Paul Watkins, Conductor William Bennett, Flute Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart, Composer |
Author: Edward Greenfield
This performance of Glière’s Concerto has made me revise my earlier impressions of it as a rather dull work. The themes may not match those of Glière’s contemporary, Rachmaninov, but each movement is well crafted. The result is tuneful and passionate in the extended first movement, easily lyrical in the second. The finale relies on themes with a folk flavour, culminating in an excitingly brisk coda.
Debussy’s Danses were commissioned for a competition promoting the development of the chromatic harp, one which eliminated the need for complex pedal movements. The instrument’s unforeseen disadvantages quickly put paid to its chances, though these two evocative pieces emerge effectively when played on the conventional modern harp.
The Mozart brings in the distinguished flautist William Bennett and the result is a delight. This account of the work is light-hearted and full of fun, and warmly songful in the central slow movement. The technical problems are brushed aside and the pure joy of Mozart at his most carefree comes over exceptionally well. It perfectly crowns a disc splendidly celebrating the artistry of Claire Jones.
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