Craig Calhoun, et Al., Classical Sociological Theory

Poulenc - Complete Chamber Music, Vol.1 - Alexandre Tharaud et al. (2000) {Naxos 8.553611}
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© 2000 Naxos / HNH International | 8.553611
Classical / Early Modern / Early 20th Century / Chamber Music

This excellent first volume in what promises to be a two-disc collection of Poulenc's complete chamber music offers performances that compare favorably with the best available. All of the musicians are superb, but several deserve special mention. Alexandre Tharaud plays Poulenc's piano parts with great flair, wit, and a true feeling for the music's manic shifts from raucous high spirits to nostalgia and melancholy. Since all of these works feature the piano, the importance of his contribution can't be overestimated.

In this collection of dances and short works for Baroque guitar by Spanish composer Santiago de Murcia (1682-1732?), Paul O'Dette plays some pieces just as written and others with an accompaniment of percussion and other guitars based on clues he finds in the music suggesting supplemental instruments, and the resulting selection is delightfully varied. Murcia was a wonderfully versatile composer, as demonstrated in these delicate, reserved laments, formally sophisticated dance forms taken from French suites, and rowdy popular dances with Amerindian and African influences.

The title A due alti does not carry any metaphorical meaning, but simply means "for two altos": these are little Baroque chamber songs for a pair of altos and a good-sized continuo group. This repertory is almost completely unknown, but as august a personage as Handel took it up in Caro autor di mia doglia, HWV 182, and cared enough about that piece to go back and rework it years later (it is the later version that is heard here).

In a time of change and challenge, Fumito Nunoya was inspired by the transcendent power of music and found solace and connection through it. 'Marimba Prayers' presents a diverse selection of works ranging from Bach to contemporary composers including Mario Castelnuovo-Tedesco,Tomasz Golinski, Ludwig Albert; Harold Arlen, Ennio Morricone, Astor Piazzolla and even the traditional Irish tune Danny Boy! Nunoya's virtuoso playing touches the soul and invites you on a profound journey of discovery.