Naxos’s ongoing series
of the orchestral works of Joaquín
Rodrigo is nothing short of a gift to
the world of music. This disc is a fine
and welcome addition to the collection.
Rodrigo, left blind by a childhood illness,
went on to become one of Spain’s most
famous and respected composers. His
long and productive life allowed for
a sizeable output of works that extend
far beyond the couple of guitar concertos
for which he was justifiably famous.
Thanks to this excellent series, now
in its eighth volume, we have four more
delightful pieces to enjoy.
The Concierto Pastoral
from 1978 is a captivating work, opening
with a sprightly theme, brightly orchestrated
between the solo flute and the first
trumpet. Joanna G’froerer is a formidable
talent, and she delivers this music
with ease and grace, coupled with a
precise rhythmic drive that is simply
infectious. One might have wished perhaps
for a retake of the opening bars in
which the Asturias orchestra’s principal
trumpeter has a bit of problem finding
the center of the pitch. After that
brief infraction, the rest of the concerto
sails along without mishap. Ms. G’froerer
was perhaps a bit too closely recorded
here as her breath intakes are overtly
audible, and become a slight distraction
at such close quarters. This is a minor
flaw, however, and is quickly overcome
by the supremacy of her command of the
instrument.
The two string miniatures
that follow are charming enough, but
are so brief that if you are not careful
you will miss them. The standout for
the orchestra alone is the striking
Adagio for winds. Rodrigo fully exhibits
his skill as an aural painter in this
taut and lovely work, exposing the considerable
influence that Ravel must have had on
his harmonic thoughts.
The Gentleman’s Fantasy
is, of course, one of the composer’s
most famous works and, in his ceaseless
quest for new material, renowned flutist
Sir James Galway has provided a superb
and most idiomatic transcription for
his own instrument. Ms. G’froerer plays
radiantly in this hauntingly lovely
piece, shaping every phrase with care
and handling the more technically demanding
passages with ease and great panache.
A fine collection of
delightful music, worthy of any record
shelf, this is a must-have recital,
and should encourage listeners to own
the complete set of issues in this series.
Bravo again to Naxos for being the most
innovative and adventuresome record
label in business.
Kevin Sutton
see also reviews
by Steve
Arloff and Jonathan
Woolf
Joanna G’froerer (flute) 