Composer: Charles Ives
Performer: Jean-Efflam Bavouzet
Orchestra: Melbourne Symphony Orchestra
Conductor: Sir Andrew Davis
Format: FLAC (tracks)
Label: Chandos
Release: 2017
Size: 1.16 GB
Recovery: +3%
Scan: yes
Orchestral Set No. 2
01. I. An Elegy to Our Forefathers
02. II. The Rockstrewn Hills Join in the People’s Outdoor Meeting
03. III. From Hanover Square North, at the End of a Tragic Day, the Voice of the People Again Arose
Symphony No. 3, S. 3 “Camp Meeting”
04. I. Old Folks Gatherin’
05. II. Children’s Day
06. III. Communion
Symphony No. 4, S. 4
07. I. Prelude
08. II. Comedy: Allegretto
09. III. Fugue
10. IV. Finale
For this third volume in an Ives series that Sir Andrew Davis and his Melbourne Orchestra have already made globally popular, Jean-Efflam Bavouzet takes on the challenge of the solo piano part in Symphony No. 4. The work is famous for its ubiquitous difficulties, not least the apparent impossibility of realising many of the composer’s creative intentions in a live performance, as evidenced by the forty pages of background discussion and practical advice to conductors that introduce the published score.
It is complemented by the less-often-performed triptych Orchestral Set No. 2 and the Pulitzer Prize winning Symphony No. 3. Recorded in Surround Sound in Melbourne just after a ‘remarkable, very welcome’ (Sydney Morning Herald) performance in concert of the same programme by the same forces, this album is a must-have for anyone who wants to experience this monumental music under optimal conditions.