Alvaro Cassuto's name is associated with Joly Braga Santos. The rolling Marco
Polo series of the Santos symphonies is conducted by Cassuto (one more disc
to go). The detailed notes are also provided by Cassuto.
Cassuto's music however is far from amiable or even approachable. The
Evocations (a title redolent of Gallic exoticism - Roussel etc) runs
the gamut of effects. We get the slippery incessant chatter of the violins
and woodwind (quite like Penderecki's Threnody for the Victims of
Hiroshima). The solo violins and trumpets fanfare in peace across a
phantasmal battlefield in a softened tonal atmosphere. This reminds the listener
of Geoffrey Burgon. The insectiform Hovhaness-like chittering of the opening
returns to round out the structure.
To Love And Peace is decked out with easier fanfares than
Evocations though the use of a slightly dull version of the Lutheran
chorale in e major from Bach's St Matthew Passion does not come across
as a strength.
The In memoriam piece recalls the conductor Pedro De Freitas Branco.
The recollection takes its keynote from the sour language of the avant-garde.
Despite the notes, which do not avoid musical complexity, I did not feel
drawn to the this piece. No doubt this is my loss.
I did not find this at all compelling (musically speaking) although the
performances give every sign of dedication, technical accomplishment and
audio clarity.
Reviewer
Rob Barnett
Ordering details
for PORTUGALSOM
The prices are: UK pounds- 6 and US dollars -10 (freight not included).
The transport costs are :
For UK----- 1 or 2 CDs ------UK£1.60; 3 CDs ----£2.5
For USA---- 1 or 2 CDs-----US$3.50 ; 3 CDs --- $5.5
Orders can come by fax to fax number 351 1 7141723,
by e-mail to:strauss@mail.telepac.pt
or by mail for attention Eduarda Martins to the address:
Strauss, S.A.
Rua Adelaide Cabete, 3C,
1500-023 LISBOA
Portugal.
Credit cards are accepted with the name of the buyer, credit card number,
validity date and type of card.
orch score and parts available from Sociedade Portuguesa de Auotores
Av Duque de Loule 31
1000 Lisboa
Portugal
Orders and enquiries for this disc to
Strauss S.A.
Rua Adelaide Cabete 3-C
1500 Lisboa
Portugal
phone 01 7151151 - 7143490
fax 01 7141723
orchestral score and parts available:-
Evocations: Tonos Musikverlag - Darmstadt
To Love and Peace: G Schirmer New York
In Memoriam Pedro de Freitas Branco RDP Lisbon