Etudes and Salon Music
Cesare CIARDI (1818-1877) Le Carnaval Russe (with cadenzas by
Andersen) [7:54]
Isidor DANNSTROM (1812-1897) Schwedische Polska-Lieder, Op.
50, transcribed by Andersen [8:45]
Joachim ANDERSEN (1847-1909) Acht Vortragesstücke, Op. 55 No.
4 Die Mühle [3:21]; No. 5 Legende [6:14]; No. 8 Tarantella [2:00]; 24 Grosse
Etüden, Op. 15 No. 3 in G major [2:20]; No. 24 in D minor [6:31]; Opern-Transcriptionen,
Op. 45, No. 5 Fantasy on Don Giovanni [6:16]; Deuxième morceau de concert,
Op. 61 [10:22]
Kyle Dzapo (flute); A. Matthew Mazzoni (piano)
rec. 18-20 August 2007, The Recital Hall, The Performing Arts Center, Purchase
College, Purchase NY. DDD
NAXOS 8.572277 [54:12]
This disc comprises Etudes and Salon works by Danish Composer and flute player,
Joachim Andersen. Andersen was known primarily for his compositions for flute,
and also as a founder member of the Berlin Philharmonic
The opening work is Cesare Ciardi’s Le Carnaval Russe, a work which
Andersen performed at the inaugural concert of the Berlin Philharmonic, and
for which he composed the cadenzas. The piece is a set of variations on an
operatic theme by Alexander Serov. This is a typical example of salon music
of the time, with a popular melody by one composer subjected to virtuoso treatment
by another and then with elaborate cadenzas added by the performer. Kyle Dzapo’s
flute playing here is clean and precise, with excellent technical control
which makes up for a lack of dramatic flamboyance.
Andersen was also known for his transcriptions for flute and piano. Next on
the disc are two of Dannström’s Swedish Polka Songs, heard in transcription.
These are charming works which are full of character and are given a light
and sparkling performance here.
The Acht Vortragesstücke (8 Performance Pieces) are a set of miniatures
which are similarly full of charm and energy. Die Mühle (The Mill)
is a bustling work which is played here with excellent technical evenness,
while Dzapo and Mazzoni present Legende with a sense of romantic expression
and warmth. The set of eight pieces - of which three are heard here - concludes
with the light and dance-like Tarantella, which is characterized here
with clear articulation and a good sense of flow.
Most flute players first encounter Andersen’s music through his etudes, and
the Op. 15 set are perhaps the most celebrated, with both musical and technical
challenges. Dzapo performs numbers 3 and 24 here, with impressively smooth
lines and a good sense of phrasing.
Andersen’s opera transcriptions are also an important part of his compositional
output. Included on this disc is the Fantasy on Don Giovanni. This is an entertaining
arrangement which begins with the usual Andersen flair, but quickly relaxes
into Mozart’s lyrical lines. There is contrast between the arias, and a sense
of humour in the arrangement which brings lightness and entertainment, all
of which is captured very well by these players.
The final work on the disc is the ebullient Deuxième morceau de concert,
a virtuoso piece which begins with a display of energy. The music gradually
calms down and includes some gentle lyrical lines which allow space for imaginative
phrasing and the demonstration of a good, sonorous tone. A darker piano interlude
follows, before a turbulent section with fast-moving lines and rapid changes
of harmony. The ending is suitably dramatic, demonstrating both virtuoso skill
and performance bravura.
Overall this is an enjoyable disc of light-hearted repertoire, performed with
good technical control, a lovely flute sound and a well-judged piano accompaniment.
Worth hearing.
Carla Rees
An enjoyable disc of light-hearted repertoire, performed with good technical
control, a lovely flute sound and a well-judged piano accompaniment.