Customer Reviews

Mark O'Connor: The Fiddle Concerto

5 star:		(8)
4 star:		(3)
3 star:		(0)
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1 star:		(0)

 

 

This wonderful CD is an honest attempt to marry American bluegrass idom to classical music forms. The result manages to be both toe-tapping and extraordinarily rich; maybe Dvorak would have joined in with O'Connor if he were alive today and came back to Iowa. I can't recommend this highly enough.

If Beethoven or Schumann had been able to make a trip to the new Republic and attend a few barn-raisin's and hoe-downs, they might have written something like Mark O'Connor's Fiddle Concerto. Bursting with joie d'vivre, the virtuostic composer/performer has given those of us starved for something new to listen to the benefit of his considerable talents. Though clearly less comfortable writing for the full orchestra than for his beloved fiddle, or for the string section, O'Connor nonetheless has done himself proud with those portions of the concerto that do make use of the rest of the orchestra. So much so that one wishes, despite the joys of listening to O'Connor strum solo, that he had lavished more time on writing orchestral counterpoint for his instrument of choice, as some of the solo sections cry out for a challenge from the woodwinds, or a bay from the brass. If anything, the string Quartet that rounds out the CD is even more skillfully put together.

This CD is the classical debut from one of America's greatest musical treasures of this generation. Mark has been a legend in bluegrass and acoustic music circles for years. His fiddle playing and prowess on pretty much all stringed instruments have been showcased to bluegrass and traditional music fans the world over for years. Now Mark has invaded the world of classical music, and has first CD is wonderful. Mark's playing is sheer joy and his melodic sense is delightful. A aual feast for the ears and the soul. His concerto is not as well composed as some of the classics, that that is more than compensated for with Mark's dead on playing and infectious energy. If Mark continues to mature in his compositional sense and keeps his bluegrass roots intact, we will have many more classic concertos coming from him. Buy this CD and rediscover passion in modern music.

Much has been said in praise of the Fiddle Concerto in previous reviews. It is indeed a fine piece of music and I would concur with the accolades of other reviewers. Little has been said of the String Quartet that is also on this CD. Well, to me, it is about as good as music gets. While it gives deference to the tradition of the string quartet, with a big difference being that Edgar Meyer is on double bass, it is inventive, complex and totally satisfying. A sheer delight.

I've been a big fan of O'Connor for years, but I was somewhat disappointed in his concerto debut. The Fiddle Concerto displays a flash or two of O'Connor's genius, but overall I found it lacking. The first movement sounds like it might have been written by Aaron Copland, not that that's a bad thing. But a stronger composition might have been a bit more distinctive. The second movement presents a mournful theme that really doesn't seem to go anywhere. The third movement is reminiscent of the old Marlboro cigarette TV ads or a soundtrack from a 60s western. The highlight of this album in my opinion are the cadenzas and quartet compositions. Overall it's not a bad first effort for this genre. It's a great concept incorporating the fiddle style into classical composition, but I found The American Seasons a much more interesting and memorable composition.

Fantastic, mesmorizing, gifted.

I was fortunate to see Mark in concert and was deeply moved by his expression...truly a gifted talent.

Also makes for great driving music for road trips

Mark O'Connor's Fiddle Concerto is incredible! The way that he mixes the world of fiddle and classical violin together in a concerto is simply fantastic!

The more I listen to this, the more I like it. The intertwining melodies are poetry.

What a gorgeous piece in the tradition of Copland. Mark O'Connor is a fiddler/violinist/composer/teacher and his music is so accessible in the best way. The opening of the 1st movement makes you feel happy. And there are great melodies and harmonies. He's the composer of the moment - on the cover of many music magazines right now.

I love this CD. The music is poignant, and stays with me long after the CD has finished playing.