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Amazon.co.uk Review
There's a scene in Captain Corelli's Mandolin where the eponymous hero chooses to demonstrate his mandolin-playing prowess by performing the first movement of Hummel's concerto--except that he mystifies and exasperates his audience by doing nothing, then reveals that he's simply counting the first 45 bars of orchestral introduction before the mandolin soloist can enter. It's a richly funny scene, demonstrating author Louis de Bernières' intimate knowledge of the mandolin repertoire, but it's all the more amusing if the reader actually knows the Hummel concerto. Guitarist Craig Ogden found similar instances in De Bernières' Latin trilogy where his own knowledge of guitar repertoire helped him to a greater appreciation of incidents in the stories and so--with the author's blessing and help---he determined to record an album of music inspired by the novels. The result is a delightful selection of what is, after all, pretty obscure music that almost certainly would not have seen the light of day without its association with a bestselling novel. Ogden is a top-flight musician whose solo selections of predominantly Latin-American guitar pieces, such as the (actually quite well-known) Villa-Lobos Choros No. 1 or the Catalan folksongs by Miguel Llobet, are performed with his typical grace and sensitivity (not to say virtuosity). Alison Stephens is one of the few professional classical mandolinists in the world and she's an equal partner for Ogden in the arrangements for guitar and mandolin of the Vivaldi concerto, the Giuliani duo (originally for flute and guitar) and the "Andante" from the Hummel (not the first movement, with its opening 45 bars, sadly). The balance between the two instruments is entirely complementary, arguably improving on the original orchestral accompaniments that risk obscuring the soloist, and it's beautifully realised by the Chandos recording. There are also premiére recordings of miniatures by Palumbo, Persichini and Calace: Just scratching the surface of a vast unrecorded selection of mandolin music. All the selections will charm and surprise in equal measure. Fortunately, Ogden and Stephens are set to explore further with a follow-up album already planned. --Mark Walker
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Most Helpful Customer Reviews
8 of 8 people found the following review helpful
Format:Audio CD
This is a really good CD! If you're a fan of Vivaldi and music of his era, then this CD is one to add to your list to buy!
The selection of music is very good, and the playing by the two musicians is of a very high standard. Some may find the music too 'samey' and slightly 2-dimensional, but it is worth sticking with - it improves with subsequent playings.
8 of 8 people found the following review helpful
Format:Audio CD
This is a delightful album for anyone who enjoys the mandolin or guitar whether they have read the novels of Louis de Bernieres or not. The playing of both artists is exceptional and while some of the music is well known (Vivaldi and Villa-Lobas), some is recorded here for the first time (Persichini, Calace and Palumbo). If you have read Captain Corelli's Mandolin you will remember that Corelli plays the Hummel mandolin concerto to Dr Iannis and Pelagia and causes some annoyance to the Doctor by tapping out the first 45 bars of the orchestral introduction. Unfortunately, only the second movement is featured here. Craig Ogden's guitar solos are all associated with the South American trilogy in some way and demonstrate an amazing mastery of the instrument. Alison Stephens' mandolin playing shows wonderful sensitivity and charm plus a light touch of humour. Highly recommended.
7 of 8 people found the following review helpful
Format:Audio CD
A delightful CD, an real treasure, but where is the great man himself, Archangelo Corelli (1653-1713)? At least a movement from one of his many concerti grossi would have given the listener a taste of the man's greatness! An what about the grand opera choruses sung by the Italian soldiers before their execution? Wot, no Verdi??
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