Customer Reviews

Respighi: Church Windows; Poema Autunnale

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

 

 

This CD offers a truly stunning recording of a wonderful performance of my favorite work by this composer. Unlike his more showy compositions, the emotions conveyed by this work flow quite smoothly. The Four Symphonic Impressions contain passages of amazing power which build upon a tranquil foundation. The fourth piece, in particular, rises from a calm opening into an unforgettable final climax. Reference Recordings has managed to capture the wide dynamic range of these impressions and package them on a silvery disk that will test the limits of any stereo system.

I like the performance overall. The only thing I didn't like is the trumpet solo in the second movement of Church Windows. It is supposed to be off stage and this doesn't sound like that, as it does with the Chanos disk.

Clark's interpretation of "Church Windows" is inferior to López-Cobos's. He doesn't let the French Horns explode at the end with their ostinato figure. However, his interpretation of "Autumn Poem" is terrific, with a great soloist. So the thing to do is get a download of López-Cobos's CW and Clark's AP, and enjoy the best of both worlds.

Thank the heavens for music downloads, like the Internet, saving this great music!