Oxford Orchestra Da Camera With Julian Gallant - Gorecki, Shostakovich, Etc: Piano Concertos

Wednesday 1st February 1995
Oxford Orchestra Da Camera With Julian Gallant - Gorecki, Shostakovich, Etc: Piano Concertos

STYLE: Classical
RATING 5 5 5 5 5
OUR PRODUCT CODE: 19398-
LABEL: Medici-Whitehall 4003
FORMAT: CD Album
ITEMS: 1

Reviewed by John Irvine

It's a measure of Gorecki's pulling power that although he is only one of four composers on this disc and only accounts for 10 percent of the playing time, his name is three times bigger than anyone else's on the CD sleeve and he gets top billing ahead of Hindermith, Williamson and Shostakovich. Gorecki's piano concerto is a mere eight minutes long, in two movements, and while it is tricky to play, it failed to do anything for me, being rapid repetitions of arpeggios up and down the piano keyboard, with little development of either form and content, and no emotional or intellectual engagement. A bit like Michael Nyman or Philip Glass on a bad day, actually. Although not the first recording of the piece, it is the first to make it to the shops, so it has that merit I suppose, but little else. About to write this disc off as a non-event, I turned to the Shostakovich concerto and was knocked off my feet. This is a white hot recording of one of Shostakovich's most accessible pieces, with Julian Gallant displaying his talents to the full as a soloist who in a few years time could go very far indeed. Remember, you read it first in Cross Rhythms. I would recommend this recording of the Shostakovich above any other in the catalogue, and if you've been put off Shostakovich by his symphonies, or perhaps never sampled his music at all, start here again or for the first time and you will not be disappointed. But otherwise a disappointing release.

The opinions expressed in this article are not necessarily those held by Cross Rhythms. Any expressed views were accurate at the time of publishing but may or may not reflect the views of the individuals concerned at a later date.

Interested in reviewing music? Find out more here.

Be the first to comment on this article

We welcome your opinions but libellous and abusive comments are not allowed.












We are committed to protecting your privacy. By clicking 'Send comment' you consent to Cross Rhythms storing and processing your personal data. For more information about how we care for your data please see our privacy policy.