COMPOSERS: Vaughan Williams/Delius/Walton
LABELS: DG Galleria
WORKS: Oboe Concerto; The Lark Ascending; Fantasia on Greensleeves; Two Pieces for Small Orchestra; Two Aquarelles; Intermezzo from Fennimore and Gerda; Two Pieces from Henry V
PERFORMER: Neil Black (oboe), Pinchas Zukerman (violin); ECO/Daniel Barenboim
CATALOGUE NO: 439 529-2 ADD (1977/75)
Like the curate’s egg this issue is good in parts. The disc opens with a warmly indulgent Greensleeves and Neil Black is assured and sensitive in the melodious, pastoral Oboe Concerto. Pinchas Zukerman’s Lark floats beautifully in the sky but a rather too closely recorded supporting horn disturbs the serenity. But Barenboim’s view of Delius is rather sombre and doleful. There is little joy on hearing this cuckoo. Ian Lace
Vaughan Williams/Delius/Walton
Like the curate’s egg this issue is good in parts. The disc opens with a warmly indulgent Greensleeves and Neil Black is assured and sensitive in the melodious, pastoral Oboe Concerto. Pinchas Zukerman’s Lark floats beautifully in the sky but a rather too closely recorded supporting horn disturbs the serenity. But Barenboim’s view of Delius is rather sombre and doleful. There is little joy on hearing this cuckoo. Ian Lace
Our rating
3
Published: January 20, 2012 at 3:08 pm