COMPOSERS: Rossini
LABELS: DG Masters
WORKS: Overtures; Introduction, Theme and Variations for Clarinet & Orchestra in E flat
PERFORMER: Charles Neidich (clarinet); Orpheus CO
CATALOGUE NO: 445 569-2 (1985/92)
Late 19th-century editors, with large symphony orchestras in mind, adulterated Rossini’s original orchestrations, tending to excise the piccolo and needlessly fleshing out the brass and percussion. So buffs may be attracted to this disc by performances that are faithful to the composer’s intentions. But this is far from being an academic exercise in dreary authenticity. With thinner, sharper textures, the music gleams and sparkles with vivacious good humour. Nor, with the appropriate use of percussion, is there any lack of noisy Rossinian bravado. Christopher Lambton
Rossini: Overtures; Introduction, Theme and Variations for Clarinet & Orchestra in E flat
Late 19th-century editors, with large symphony orchestras in mind, adulterated Rossini’s original orchestrations, tending to excise the piccolo and needlessly fleshing out the brass and percussion. So buffs may be attracted to this disc by performances that are faithful to the composer’s intentions. But this is far from being an academic exercise in dreary authenticity. With thinner, sharper textures, the music gleams and sparkles with vivacious good humour. Nor, with the appropriate use of percussion, is there any lack of noisy Rossinian bravado. Christopher Lambton
Our rating
4
Published: January 20, 2012 at 3:08 pm