COMPOSERS: Frankel
LABELS: CPO
WORKS: The Aftermath; Solemn Speech and Discussion; Three Sketches for Strings; Concertante Lirico; Youth Music
PERFORMER: Robert Dan (tenor)Northwest CO Seattle/Alun Francis
CATALOGUE NO: 999 221-2 DDD
Benjamin Frankel has been neglected since his death in 1973. These five works, the latest composed in 1952, cover the ground between a respectful sort of tonality and a Bartók-influenced idiom – like early Britten without the individuality. These performances for the German CPO label’s ongoing Frankel series don’t always help Frankel’s cause; the tenor in the song cycle The Aftermath sounds uneasy. The composer’s later, 12-note music is more deserving of attention. Keith Potter
Frankel: The Aftermath; Solemn Speech and Discussion; Three Sketches for Strings; Concertante Lirico; Youth Music
Benjamin Frankel has been neglected since his death in 1973. These five works, the latest composed in 1952, cover the ground between a respectful sort of tonality and a Bartók-influenced idiom – like early Britten without the individuality. These performances for the German CPO label’s ongoing Frankel series don’t always help Frankel’s cause; the tenor in the song cycle The Aftermath sounds uneasy. The composer’s later, 12-note music is more deserving of attention. Keith Potter
Published: January 20, 2012 at 3:15 pm