Customer Reviews

Violin Concertos by Black Composers of the 18th & 19th Centuries

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The four works contained on this CD are truly wonderful pieces that deserve to be better known and more frequently played. These are not mere novelty items meant to appeal to only a segment of society but wholly fascinating works, each distinctive and representative of their period and style. Though it may be true that none of the music remotely suggests their creators ethnicity, that should hardly prove to be surprising as all of the composers were either born and/or raised in Europe; the sole exception being Joseph White (b. Matanzas, Cuba) who left for Paris in early adulthood and even if none of these works prove revolutionary in either idea or content, what they lack in innovation they more than make up for with grace, elegance, fiery bravura, sheer melodiousness and the kind of exemplary craftsmanship normally associated with the great masters. Only the Chevalier de Saint-Georges is well represented in the catalogue and though that in itself is wonderful, the other composers merit further exploration and whether it be Cedille or Naxos or Hyperion who takes up the torch, the music loving public will be the ones who will, ultimately, benefit. Rachel Barton's playing is wonderful. She may not produce the most full-bodied tone (essential in the White concerto) but her elegant approach and spot on intonation more than make up for any other shortcomings. The Encore Chamber Orchestra provided firm and spot on support and Mr. Hege proved a thoughtful and gifted conductor well versed in myriad styles. The sound and production are first rate, as are the insert notes. Cannot, I repeat, cannot be recommend enough.

I'm a violin teacher, and this is really lovely music. I enjoy listening to the CD for relaxation. The Chevalier de Saint Georges piece is especially nice, I think. He is someone I had never heard of before I bought this CD. I would recommend this for anyone who enjoys violin music. So often violinists think that all the great violin music is well known, and therefore if a piece or a composer is someone we are not familiar with we tend to assume the music is second rate. This CD demonstrates that that is not at all the case. This is great stuff and well played!

This is a fabulous find. It's so good to have new works performed instead of the usual fare. The White concerto I really like and the Coleridge-Taylor is a real find. Full marks to Rachel Barton and the record company for this release. More please!

for those of us who are not familiar with classical music, this is a must have cd. This music is exquisite. For all music fans, this cd is a musical legacy.

Quite true, this is an excellent collection of perfectly fine works, offered beautifully by an enormously gifted technician and real musician. No reservations on that point. In very recent times, however, we have determined that Meude-Monpas had no African ancestry. I was responsible for that error about twenty years ago, being misled by everything except for the composer's biography. I wondered at that time why a minority citizen would have been a royalist.

I REALLY ADMIRE THE YOUNG AMERICAN VIOLINST RACHEL BARTON. I ACTUALLY WENT TO HER CONCERT AND MET HER AND SHE RECOMMENDED THIS RECORDING TO ME. IF YOU DO LIKE TO HERE VIOLIN THIS CD IS GREAT FOR YOU. THE MUSIC IS ALSO REALLY LIGHT AND RELAXING TO LISTEN TO. I ALWAYS SEEM TO FALL ASLEEP WHILE LISTENING TO IT. IT IS ALSO GREAT BECAUSE IT IS WRITTEN BY BLACK COMPOSERS SO IT IS REALLY DIFFERENT. TRY IT!