Piston: Violin Concertos Nos. 1 and 2; Fantasia Concertos

Walter Piston (Composer), Theodore Kuchar (Conductor), Ukrainian State Symphony Orchestra (Orchestra), James Buswell (Performer)

Product Details

• Performer: James Buswell
• Orchestra: Ukrainian State Symphony Orchestra
• Conductor: Theodore Kuchar
• Composer: Walter Piston
• Audio CD (October 27, 1998)
• SPARS Code: DDD
• Number of Discs: 1
• Label: Naxos American
• ASIN: B00000DHT6
• In-Print Editions: MP3 Download
• Average Customer Review: 4.6 out of 5 stars See all reviews (7 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #30,930 in Music (See Bestsellers in Music)

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Editorial Reviews

Amazon.com
Piston's First Violin Concerto (1939), which was once recorded on a German LP, is a prize. It's as entertaining as Piston's popular Incredible Flutist, yet so carefully crafted and serious in content as to be satisfying on every level. The other two works were written much later (in 1960 and 1970), and they are both more introspective and a bit less accessible. But they are still very rewarding music. Kuchar, who studied and lives in the U.S., has his fine Ukrainian orchestra playing as though they've known the music for decades. Buswell, who lives across the street from Piston's graveyard, sounds as though he's in touch with the composer's spirit. Add state-of-the-art sound and the disc is a total winner. --Leslie Gerber

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

5 of 5 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Two great violin concertos from Walter Piston, December 12, 2003

By	Sean Patterson (Westerville, Ohio United States) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

I am generally wary of "modern" music and tend to shy away from anything remotely atonal. But with this release of Walter Piston's two Violin Concertos plus the off-beat Fanatasia, I find that a little bit of spice isn't all that unnerving! His compositions here are very attractive and very listenable, even the later works on this disc. As others have noted, James Buswell is an amazing talent. His tone is very rich and warm, while his technique is sharp and crisp. So if you want to take a chance on some mildly spicy music, look no further!

5 of 5 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Fresh and Exciting, April 5, 1999

By A Customer

I just purchased this cd a few days ago, and I really enjoy it. The engineering sounds fresh and believable, and the playing by the soloist and orchestra are engaging and musical. I recommend it! It is worthwhile music, and I find it exciting to discover good music I have not heard, especially of such quality! If I were I violinist I would want to explore getting the music and playing it myself. I am a violist and have begun trying to turn up viola works by Piston.

7 of 8 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Buswell is amazing!, March 21, 2000

By	Ichin Wu (Taiwan) - See all my reviews

What a wonderful CD! This is the first time I have had a chance to hear this much talked about CD and I am blown away by the sheer virtuosity, imagination and integrity of Buswell's playing. This is a true artist whose mind, heart and soul are completely engaged in the music of Piston. I have often enjoyed his live performances and this CD confirms much of what I already know: Buswell is amazing! The conviction of his playing in this recording and the stories he tells from the violin is truly mesmerizing. This recording is right up there with his legendary Bach unaccompanied Sonatas and Partitas performances and recording! Bravo to Naxos for finding this gem of an artist!