Maledetti Pacifisti Nico Piro

This 2007 recording of J.S. Bach's Johannes Passion, featuring Concerto d'Amsterdam and the Flemish vocal ensemble La Furia, uses the 1725 version of the piece, which substitutes some movements (most noticeably the opening chorus) more staid than those of the 1724 version. That decision to go for restraint rather than passion carries over to the performance style, as well, which tends to be reserved and tastefully correct rather than stirringly dramatic. It couldn't be characterized as flaccid because there is certainly a high energy level when appropriate, but even in these sections the performers seem more concerned with brisk precision than with stirring the blood.

This CD is very much in a West Coast Blues vein akin to what people like Rod Piazza or Paul Lamb release, but with a much fresher rendition. For a start, Nico's voice is melodious and can be very emotional when needed, but he doesn't use that in excess. What's more, Nico's harp playing is not 'systematic' but used only when it brings something to the whole sound.
The choice of material isn't very varied and it's certainly strongly anchored in the blues tradition. The interpretation though is enjoyable and the band seems to be having fun, something which isn't always obvious when listening to many albums today. Nico sings two tracks in French and the rest is in English…

Violinist Pekka Kuusisto and the Norwegian Chamber Orchestra present First Light, the first fruit of Kuusisto’s tenure as the ensemble’s Artistic Director, on which two eminent New York composers are cast in a Nordic light. The album offers the world premiere recording of Nico Muhly’s Shrink (Concerto for Violin and Strings), a unique, remotely-recorded rendition of Philip Glass’ The Orchard by Kuusisto and Muhly, and Kuusisto’s new string orchestra arrangement of Glass’ “Mishima” String Quartet No. 3.