Customer Reviews

Orchestral Pieces

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This little over 1hr disc makes an ample representation for the virtually obscure music of Galican composer Andres Gaos(1874-1959). At an early age his father promoted higher education for him. Andres in his day became an accomplished violinist, pianist, conductor. Composing, though not for lack of trying, was considered a lesser attribute. Touring as a musician took him through Europe and then eventually in 1895 to Buenos Aires. He was in the employ of the Argentine government for special education, where with his first wife taught violin instruction. Gaos was a born melodist, but the compositions on this recording can only be appreciated after repeated listening. His "2nd Symphony" is actually a symphonic triptych depicting the mountains of Galicia. Gaos stated he was getting back to his roots, but the work has the infuences of d'Indy and Liszt. The violin fantasy has the 19th century French influence of Saint-Saens who had visited South America around it's time composition. The "Impresion Nocturna" is influenced by the serenades of Elgar, Dvorak, and Tchaikovsky. It is a tranquil rather than stormy night! The "Suite a la Antigua" come from a set of miniatures, where he arranged the final three for string orchestra. I wish there was more to say about Gaos, but only this disc's contents will be needed to keep your collection current. The 1994 production is crisp and clear and all performers involved show their devotion to their kinsman Andres Gaos.

The Galician Andres Gaos (1874-1959) made an international career as a violinist, but his compositions have languished in obscurity. To be honest there is little that is particularly distinctive about them - the music is written in a somewhat generic romantic style with touches of local flavor (though the Spanish influence is relatively restrained). Still, the music is well written and the ideas are fine enough to merit a listen or three - one may not remember much of it afterwards, but the music manages to keep one's attention throughout. If you are especially interested in Gaos's music, you may want to know that Columna Musica has issued a two-disc set containing (as far as I can tell) his complete orchestral works; I have not heard that one, but I suppose that the disc at hand might suffice for most listeners (and the performances are overall fine).

The second symphony ("En las montanas de Galicia") is moderately picturesque, with more emphasis on color than symphonic structure, but it hangs together well enough (especially if you listen to it as you would a symphonic suite) and contains some very fine things; with respect to content, French models (Franck, for instance) are audible but the music is not entirely without personal touches. The Fantasy for violin and orchestra is a tuneful encore which goes on for slightly too long and the Impresion nocturna is reflective, somewhat atmospheric but forgettable. The Suite a la Antigua, however, is very enjoyable - not great music, perhaps, but colorful and entertaining.

The performances are, as mentioned, fine; they are relatively spirited and colorful although they lack some polish and sometimes (for that reason) also fail to completely realize the evocative atmospheres that one suspects some of this music would need. The recorded sound is generally fine as well (maybe a tad harsh and in-your-face, but not really objectionable). Overall, despite some caveats, this is a welcome release worth considering (especially given the ridiculously low price). I hover between three and four stars, and when I am generous enough to give it four it is probably in part affected by the fact that the other reviewer here gave it three.