Customer Reviews

American Classics - MacDowell: Complete Songs / Tharp, Barbagallo

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I find less to criticize than others in this music and performance. If you know MacDowell, you know the kinds of things to expect from these songs. Not great music, but still beautiful genteel songs. MacDowell lets the lyricism flow smoothly. Most of the songs float along in the 6/8 rhythm MacDowell used so often. Concentrating on the melodic line, some of the occasional awkwardly thorny harmonies you can find in his miniatures fade into the background. Indeed, some may think the piano is too far in the background here. Too bad, because the late James Barbagallo obviously had quite a gift for MacDowell interpretation. Check out his recordings of MacDowell's solo piano works. What of tenor Tharp? Some may find his voice a little too thin, with a bit too much vibrato. But I say the songs are well sung regardless. Maybe the problem is that the songs really required a woman's voice. But what's done is done. These complete songs needed to be recorded, and this performance quite adequate, reservations notwithstanding. Over all, I wouldn't hesitate to recommend this recording.

It is lovely to have the complete songs all on one CD. The late James Barbagallo accompanies with great skill. I might like a little more prominince at times, but he has the technique to do wonders. (He also has 4 CDs of piano music. He unfortunately died in his 40s just when he was to make more recordings.)

Stephen Tharp is not such a great find. His voice is serviceable. He takes a few songs in a higher key. The problem is that certain portions of his voice sound labored,needing a higher, brighter vowel. His legato is at times too much, because we just don't get words. Thomas Hampson has recorded Opus 11 and 12, and the difference is incredible.

Mr. Tharp tries hard, but his tone is not ingratiating. Still, for most of this music, you have no alternative. So buy it and enjoy it for what it is. It's just too bad Naxos couldn't have found a better choice.

I'm sorry to have to say it, but this recording contains music that is undistinguished in performances that are competent only. The music is Grieg-and-water. The American tenor's voice is light-weight and charmless. The pianist is excellent. You can't beat the price, though, if you really want to hear this repertoire.