Andy Akiho Sculptures
Andy Akiho; Omaha Symphony Aki Rhythm Productions ARP-R2004 Akiho responds to nine pieces of oversize sculpture by Jun Kaneko and in many instances plays the artworks percussively. The results are striking, though the handful of live orchestral recordings are sometimes a little overbearing. The vital visual element is obviously missing, but Bronze I and Cylinders rather captivate. (MB) ★★★★
Beethoven
String Quartets, Opp 74 & 130 Chiaroscuro Quartet BIS BIS-2668 The Chiaroscuro Quartet continues its journey through Beethoven’s quartets in two masterpieces from the composer’s middle and later periods. The group’s hallmark delicacy, poise and attention to minute detail are there in spades, with all the range and inventiveness one could wish for. But occasionally I miss a gutsier sound in the more passionate passages. (CS) ★★★★
Richard Blackford Clarissa’s Tango
Clarissa Bevilacqua (violin), Thomas Hoppe (piano) Nimbus NI1580 (single) You can tell Richard Blackford got a kick out of writing this, imbuing it with so much of what makes a classic Tango set the heart ablaze. Whether it is particularly distinct from any other of its ilk is besides the point when the playing is this good. This teasingly short, but very spirited, single leaves you wanting more. (MB) ★★★
Copland • Creston • Kay • Piston
The Tender Land Suite etc National Orchestral Institute Phil/ JoAnn Falletta Naxos 8.559911 A mixed orchestral bag, but none the worse for that. As well as echt Copland in The Tender Land, we get glimpses of, say, Prokofiev and Khachaturian in Piston’s The Incredible Flutist. The premiere recording of Paul Creston’s lively Saxophone Concerto may well be the highlight for some. (JP) ★★★★
Philip Glass Signature – Works arr. strings
Angèle Dubeau (violin); La Pietà Analekta AN28755 This is a wide-ranging portrait of Glass, spanning decades and taking in music written for theatre, the concert hall and film. Dubeau’s personally curated playlist is performed with her usual flair and artistic integrity, every note adorned with obvious love for the music. Highlights include a suite from the Candyman film score. (MB) ★★★★
J Kuusisto Symphony, Op. 39 etc
Helsinki Symphony Orchestra/Pekka Kuusisto BIS BIS-2747 Jaakko Kuusisto’s impactful two-movement symphony was poignantly completed by his brother Pekka (with Jari Eskola) after
