Thakar: Pleyel – Symphonies Concertantes (FLAC)

Composer: Ignaz Pleyel
Performer: David Perry, Victoria Chiang, Isabella Lippi
Orchestra: Baltimore Chamber Orchestra
Conductor: Markand Thakar
Audio CD
Number of Discs: 1
Format: FLAC (image+cue)
Label: Naxos
Size: 319 MB
Recovery: +3%
Scan: yes

01. Allegro
02. Rondo Moderato
03. Allegro
04. Adagio
05. Rondo Moderato
06. Allegro
07. Adagio
08. Rondo: Allegro
09. Finale

Not enough said about “Pleyel”

Over the last few years, I have purchased many works by Pleyel and I am glad Naxos released such a splendid CD. I do not know about anyone else, but I find it difficult to find classical period violin concertos. Sure, I have Mozart’s(exceptional) and Haydn’s, but outside them what else is there, Viotti and Spohr. I just haven’t had the time to investigate the later. Beethoven’s grand in style, I consider it a Romantic Period VC. Pleyel, since I had other works by him and enjoyed them, I decided to buy this disc. The Sym. Con.s are expansive and move with rich melody and pleasant-counter-point. The one thing I have noticed about Pleyel, is that he wrote many good concertantes not just on this CD, but others I have in my collection. The soloist(s) here generates many notes, classical in style, unlike the sustained vibrato of the Romantic period. The 2nd SC is for two violins and is unique in that matter. The VC, the final piece, is soothing and was written before the SCs and the last mvt. was rewritten sometime later and that is the version which is featured here. As with all Naxos recordings, it is well-performed and the recording quality is great. Do buy if you are looking to add to your classical period violin concertos.

DO NOT MISS THIS!

This is absolutely gorgeous music! When one thinks of this time period, the first name that comes to mind is Mozart. What many do not know, is that there were many fabulous composers at this time with Ignaz Pleyel being one of them. I consider his music easily being the equal of Mozart any time of the day. It is so melodic and beautifully put together. This particular recording is simply 1st rate! David Perry (he teaches at U of Wisconsin) and his wife Isabella Lippi play with such precision and feeling in the Symphony Concertante for 2 Vlns. The Symphony Concertante for Vln and Viola also played by Perry with Victoria Chiang (viola) is a gem! And lastly, the Violin Concerto (played again by Perry) is superlative! All in all, this recording belongs in eveyone’s home. Also, if I were just starting out studying violin, I’d head to the U of Wisconsin pronto! Incidentally, Pleyel was very popular during his lifetime which corresponds with Mozart’s. We should be hearing more of his music and music from other composers of this era! And this means not just CD’s but in the concert hall too! I can’t understand why conductors in the USA seem to always program compositions written by such a select few composers of this era when there are many, many wonderful orchestral works written by not well known composers of the 18th century. Pleyel certainly is one of them and is definitely at the top!