3.0 out of 5 stars
A clinic in empty orchestration, November 4, 2009
This review is from: Jacob Druckman: Brangle; Counterpoise; Viola Concerto (Audio CD)
Jacob Druckman presents a number of problems to the listener. The surface of his orchestra pieces is extremely appealing. There are few composers of recent decades who have able to draw such color from an orchestra. He is an absolute master of orchestral effect--but to what end? I find that the more I listen, the less I hear. There's just not that much going on under the color.
"Counterpoise" is the strongest piece on the CD, due in no small part to the efforts of Dawn Upshaw. She is in fine voice and really manages to sell the songs. Like a fine actor (let's say Michael Caine), she can find interest in material that really doesn't have it.
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