Amazon.co.uk allows you to pay for your items in your local currency. Restrictions apply. Learn More. |
Frequently Bought Together
Product details
|
Suggested Tags from Similar Products(What's this?)Be the first one to add a relevant tag (keyword that's strongly related to this product)
|
Customer Reviews
Most Helpful Customer Reviews
4 of 7 people found the following review helpful
Format:Audio CD
It's funny how one can or cannot appreciate a genre of music, in this case the violin concerto, depending on which era its pieces were written in. To me violin concertos dating from before the twentieth century are typically in danger of being too sentimental and frankly boring, whereas modern day concertos I like much better for the extreme emotions and crazy tricks invested in the violin parts. The three concertos by composer and violinist Grazyna Bacewicz (1909 - 1969) collected on this all-Polish (composer, soloist, orchestra and conductor) release are a case in point, certainly with regards to concertos 3 and 7.
Number 1 dating from 1935 is a short exercise in the genre, fun to hear but displaying a bit too much one-dimensional "virtuosity for its own sake". The same applies to the early Overture that closes out the disc, a zesty piece having lots of quick notes that appear to mask a lack of musical substance.
The fine concerto number 3 premiered by Bacewicz in 1949 is clearly a public performance piece with an audience having to be won over and therefore probably best appreciated at first listening. It has a vaguely Russian feel to it with its brilliant orchestration and clearly delineated themes (apparently some were taken from folk music). Its first movement has some late-Romantic yearning and a solo cadenza late on. The lyrical second movement is a thing of beauty having plenty of tender moments without ever becoming sentimental, it is followed by the sensual final movement designed to finally render the audience speechless.
Concerto number 7 completed in 1965 appears to be more of a private affair, and Bacewicz never performed it in public herself. A modern style is evident with a distinct focus on the line taken by the violin, whose rather more abstract tales are hard to fathom. The orchestra, used sparingly compared to the other pieces, provides some telling touches here and there and includes percussion and xylophone to set up a sort of fairy tale atmosphere in the second movement. The first movement has a more alarming atmosphere and gives full reign to all kinds of violin tricks in its long cadenza again positioned towards the end. During the energetic finale the orchestra and violin are more "together", it just kind of ends in the middle of nowhere. This is in fact indicative of the whole concerto, it goes through many moods and episodes but still there is logic to it all.
Number 1 dating from 1935 is a short exercise in the genre, fun to hear but displaying a bit too much one-dimensional "virtuosity for its own sake". The same applies to the early Overture that closes out the disc, a zesty piece having lots of quick notes that appear to mask a lack of musical substance.
The fine concerto number 3 premiered by Bacewicz in 1949 is clearly a public performance piece with an audience having to be won over and therefore probably best appreciated at first listening. It has a vaguely Russian feel to it with its brilliant orchestration and clearly delineated themes (apparently some were taken from folk music). Its first movement has some late-Romantic yearning and a solo cadenza late on. The lyrical second movement is a thing of beauty having plenty of tender moments without ever becoming sentimental, it is followed by the sensual final movement designed to finally render the audience speechless.
Concerto number 7 completed in 1965 appears to be more of a private affair, and Bacewicz never performed it in public herself. A modern style is evident with a distinct focus on the line taken by the violin, whose rather more abstract tales are hard to fathom. The orchestra, used sparingly compared to the other pieces, provides some telling touches here and there and includes percussion and xylophone to set up a sort of fairy tale atmosphere in the second movement. The first movement has a more alarming atmosphere and gives full reign to all kinds of violin tricks in its long cadenza again positioned towards the end. During the energetic finale the orchestra and violin are more "together", it just kind of ends in the middle of nowhere. This is in fact indicative of the whole concerto, it goes through many moods and episodes but still there is logic to it all.
Most Helpful Customer Reviews on Amazon.com (beta)
Amazon.com:
2 reviews
18 of 18 people found the following review helpful
Bacewicz at its best
18 Sep 2009
Format:Audio CD
Intelligent, thoughtful, technically brilliant, imaginative, scintillating are only some of the adjectives that come to mind when one listens to Bacewicz's Concertos in Joanna Kurkowicz's rendition. Her new CD is one of conviction, palpable love for the works, undeniable understanding of Bacewicz and of both the Polish, and the cosmopolitan aspects of the concertos. Borowicz and the Polish Radio Symphony Orchestra create lively, colorful, vibrant soundscapes, lyricism and strength when one is called for. Concertos 1, 3, and 7 constitute an entire compendium of Bacewicz's rich imagination and admirable range as a composer who be counted among the stars in the 20th-century Polish compositional "school"--a formidable group indeed. Brava to Joanna for bringing these concertos to the wider attention they deserve. She does this effortlessly, and in style. It has been a privilege to follow the course of Kurkowicz's development and career. She is a consummate artist unafraid of challenges, poised and polished. As evident in her recording output, she is also diverse and mindful of her audiences. She undertakes worthy and valuable projects, and makes an important contribution to the musical legacy of our times. I am looking forward to the release of the remaining concertos by Bacewicz by the artists on the disc hereby reviewed. The entire set is sure to constitute an irreplaceable collection for every violinist's and music lover.
Blanka Bednarz, violinist
Blanka Bednarz, violinist
6 of 8 people found the following review helpful
Very Good Album
17 April 2011
Format:Audio CD|Amazon Verified Purchase
I purchased this item last year (in early 2010) after finding a few positive reviews online--I think it appeared on a few "best of 2009" type lists. As I recall, I was looking for something off the beaten track, and definitely feel like I was rewarded.
The album starts with the latest work on the disc, the 7th violin concerto. In all honesty, I find it un-listenable (and yes, I know that's not a word). In fact, the first time I played the disc, I initially thought I'd made a bad purchase, figuring that the rest of the disc would be this bad. I've listened a few more times sense, and haven't changed my opinion of this work, but in fairness, I should note that I've read a few reviews (including the Amazon.com review) that are positive. To me, however, the work doesn't hold itself together and ended up more cacophony than music.
However, the remainder of the disc is really excellent and I listen to it regularly. Concertos #1 & #3 are really excellent music. Both works have a lot energy with some interesting melody and rhythm. I can't quite come up with a good comparison, though I find it has general similarities with other music of the 1st half of the 20th century. There is definite dissonance, but Bacewicz still has a good sense of melody, and imbues the music with color and emotion. The first concerto is playful and has a bit of dance like feel especially in the outer movements. The 3rd concerto is somewhat similar: I still hear some dance rhythms, but it is a little less playful and more on the serious side.
The disc finishes with a short Overture. This work really packs a punch. It has a quick tempo (most of the time) and alternates been powerful and driving and delicate and a bit pastoral, all in less than 6 minutes.
On top of all that, the sound quality is really good--the both the soloist and orchestra come through clear. Music fans who are generally turned off by 20th century composers may not find much to like here. On the other hand, if you like Prokofiev, Shostakovich, Ravel, Janacek, Bartok and other composers from the first half or so of the 20th century, you will probably find much to like in Bacewicz. These are really energetic works with a lot of color, personality, and emotion. Definitely work a try.
The album starts with the latest work on the disc, the 7th violin concerto. In all honesty, I find it un-listenable (and yes, I know that's not a word). In fact, the first time I played the disc, I initially thought I'd made a bad purchase, figuring that the rest of the disc would be this bad. I've listened a few more times sense, and haven't changed my opinion of this work, but in fairness, I should note that I've read a few reviews (including the Amazon.com review) that are positive. To me, however, the work doesn't hold itself together and ended up more cacophony than music.
However, the remainder of the disc is really excellent and I listen to it regularly. Concertos #1 & #3 are really excellent music. Both works have a lot energy with some interesting melody and rhythm. I can't quite come up with a good comparison, though I find it has general similarities with other music of the 1st half of the 20th century. There is definite dissonance, but Bacewicz still has a good sense of melody, and imbues the music with color and emotion. The first concerto is playful and has a bit of dance like feel especially in the outer movements. The 3rd concerto is somewhat similar: I still hear some dance rhythms, but it is a little less playful and more on the serious side.
The disc finishes with a short Overture. This work really packs a punch. It has a quick tempo (most of the time) and alternates been powerful and driving and delicate and a bit pastoral, all in less than 6 minutes.
On top of all that, the sound quality is really good--the both the soloist and orchestra come through clear. Music fans who are generally turned off by 20th century composers may not find much to like here. On the other hand, if you like Prokofiev, Shostakovich, Ravel, Janacek, Bartok and other composers from the first half or so of the 20th century, you will probably find much to like in Bacewicz. These are really energetic works with a lot of color, personality, and emotion. Definitely work a try.
Were these reviews helpful?
Let us know
Customer Discussions
|
This product's forum
Active discussions in related forums
Search Customer Discussions
|
Related forums
|
What Other Items Do Customers Buy After Viewing This Item?
Listmania!
Look for similar items by subject
Feedback
- Would you like to update product info or give feedback on images?
|
