There is something
very refreshing about a disc which almost
makes a virtue of its plainness. It
presents a series of six comparatively
short works, most themselves divided
into shorter movements or sections,
in chronological order of composition
and which have the simple link that
all were influenced by or directly based
on baroque models. It would be a pity
nonetheless if its somewhat dry title
and appearance were to put casual listeners
off in favour of something with more
obvious audience appeal. For me at least,
this disc has that in quantities.
The Stravinsky is an
arrangement the composer made of movements
from "Pulcinella" for him
to play with Samuel Dushkin. It is probably
the best known piece here, and comes
across freshly with plenty of bounce
but without the thick vibrato-laden
tone which some better known violinists
have been known to inflict on it. The
Dallapiccola is perhaps less familiar,
although it too has been recorded on
a number of occasions. Heard directly
after the Stravinsky the differences
in their musical character are readily
apparent, with Dallapiccola’s lyrical
use of counterpoint casting a different
light on the baroque figuration which
both works employ.
The short piece by
the Belgian composer van Rossum was
written for a national music competition.
It is less obviously attractive but
does not outstay its brief welcome.
The Schnittke in comparison is the most
obviously charming piece, mainly consisting
of apparently straightforward pastiche,
although as always with this composer
what is
on the surface is not necessarily the
whole story. The comparatively well-known
Lutosławski Partita is always worth
hearing, with a dramatic manner which
commands immediate attention. The final
piece, by the American Don Freund, was
written specifically for this
CD and takes its name from Bach’s two
great sets of works for unaccompanied
violin – the Sonatas and the Partitas.
It is apparently influenced by what
he describes as "an antique style-period
– the late 1960s", a reference
which makes me feel very much an antique
myself, especially as I well remember
the excitement at that time of the works
by George Rochberg and Lukas Foss to
which he refers as influences here.
It is an enjoyable piece, and one which
I hope will have a life beyond this
disc.
The two performers
have set themselves a formidable task
with this programme, but come out of
it very well. The recording is somewhat
dry but by no means uncomfortable to
listen to. Overall this is a disc that
is likely to provide much - possibly
unexpected - pleasure.
John Sheppard
see also review
by Dominy Clements
TALENT
Catalogue
for details
Daniel Rubenstein (violin) 
