COMPOSERS: Rheinberger
LABELS: Hyperion
WORKS: Suite for Organ, Violin and Cello; Six Pieces for Violin and Organ
PERFORMER: Christopher Herrick (organ), Paul Barritt (violin), Richard Lester (cello)
CATALOGUE NO: CDA 66883
Joseph Rheinberger (1839-1901) was a prolific composer, as indicated by the opus numbers (149 and 150) of these works. He was based in Munich, where he worked as professor of composition and attended the premiere of Tristan. His music – conservative in style and fluent in line of development, as well as technically accomplished – falls comfortably on the ear. These features represent both Rheinberger’s strength and his weakness. For while the Six Pieces are imaginative and attractive, the bigger scale of the Suite seems less successful, particularly the bland opening movement with its unconvincing chains of imitations. These performances are both skilful and sensitive, and the recording natural and atmospheric; the tricky balancing of organ and solo strings is effortlessly achieved. Terry Barfoot
Rheinberger: Suite for Organ, Violin and Cello; Six Pieces for Violin and Organ
Joseph Rheinberger (1839-1901) was a prolific composer, as indicated by the opus numbers (149 and 150) of these works. He was based in Munich, where he worked as professor of composition and attended the premiere of Tristan. His music – conservative in style and fluent in line of development, as well as technically accomplished – falls comfortably on the ear. These features represent both Rheinberger’s strength and his weakness.
Our rating
5
Published: January 20, 2012 at 2:38 pm