Christopher D. Lewis, John McMurtery, Kevin Mallon - Philip Glass, John Rutter & Jean Francaix - Harpsichord Concertos (2013)

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Christopher D. Lewis, John McMurtery, Kevin Mallon - Philip Glass, John Rutter & Jean Francaix - Harpsichord Concertos (2013)

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Christopher D. Lewis, John McMurtery, Kevin Mallon - Philip Glass, John Rutter & Jean Francaix - Harpsichord Concertos (2013)

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What a great disc this is: three delightful contemporary works for harpsichord and orchestra, easy on the ear, but clever and consistently interesting. John Rutter’s Suite Antique might be English Poulenc. The tunes are captivating, and the “antique” element needs to be taken with a large grain of salt (the “waltz” is subtitled “A Jazz Waltz”). The writing for flute and strings is immaculate, graceful, and sounds like great fun to play, while the keyboard solo takes excellent advantage of the instrument’s sparkling timbres and ability to delineate rhythmic patterns with gentle persistence. The performance is also terrific, as fine as the composer’s own, with John McMurtery an excellent flute soloist with a firm, round tone.

Glass’ Harpsichord Concerto also has plenty of arresting harmonies and a wide range of textures. The outer movements chug along with unquenchable vitality, and even touches of humor in the finale, while the central slowish movement makes imaginative play with a variety of melodic shapes. It’s extremely visual: you can almost see the music as it unfolds. Glass takes full advantage of the harpsichord’s natural ability to act both as soloist and accompaniment, with the result that the music’s shifting layers consistently entertain through, and not despite, the usual abundance of repetition.

As for the Françaix, the Concerto begins with two contrasting toccatas, followed by a songful andantino, minuet, and finale. It’s a zesty romp that brings the disc to a wholly winning close. Christopher D. Lewis plays a bright, sweet-toned harpsichord with minimal mechanical clatter. His digital dexterity proves very satisfying, and he’s excellently balanced against the extremely capable West Side Chamber Orchestra under Kevin Mallon. This is one of those discs that you might overlook, but you’d be missing a real treat. I’ve already played it several times just for pleasure, and so will you.

Review by David Hurwitz, ClassicsToday.com

Take three concertos composed for the harpsichord and the stylistic range of post-war music would most likely be made evident. If this disc could have pushed the stylistic envelope even wider, it nevertheless results in a balanced and enjoyable collection. Best known for his choral music and carol arrangements, John Rutter essayed several orchestral pieces in his earlier years – of which Suite antique (1979) is among the most attractive in its judicious alternation of slower and faster numbers, while taking in a catchy ‘Jazz Waltz’ and no less insinuating ‘Chanson’. More subtle in its expressive contrasts, the Harpsichord Concerto (1959) of Jean Françaix looks to the economical neo-classicism of the inter-war period – opening with a brace of nimble toccatas before it continues with a whimsical Andantino, then on to a Ravelian minuet and capering finale.

The Harpsichord Concerto (2002) of Philip Glass might seem the odd one out in this context and yet its three movements – typically untitled though which might be characterised as ‘Fantasia, Aria and Toccata’ – bring a Baroque-like poise and restraint to bear on the composer’s customary range of minimalist procedures. It makes for an understated and appealing piece, and one to which Christopher D Lewis is as responsive as he is to the other works here – sensitively accompanied by the West Side Chamber Orchestra under the attentive direction of Kevin Mallon. The sound ensures due definition between soloist and orchestra, while the booklet-note is neatly succinct. If the programme appeals, then there is no need to hesitate.

Review by Richard Whitehouse, Gramophone

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Christopher D. Lewis, John McMurtery, Kevin Mallon - Philip Glass, John Rutter & Jean Francaix - Harpsichord Concertos (2013)

Close

×

Christopher D. Lewis, John McMurtery, Kevin Mallon - Philip Glass, John Rutter & Jean Francaix - Harpsichord Concertos (2013)

Close