Lydia KAKABADSE (b.1955)
The Mermaid, for narrator, mezzo-soprano, string quartet and piano
(2007) [11:59]
Russian Tableaux, for piano (2009) [10:48]
The Song of the Shirt, for mezzo-soprano and piano (1993) [4:04]
Arabian Rhapsody Suite, for string quartet (2007-8) [9:48]
The Phantom Listeners, for narrator, soprano, mezzo, baritone, organ
and ensemble [38:34]
Kit Hesketh-Harvey (narrator) Clare McCaldin (mezzo) Emma Brain-Gabbott (soprano)
Michael Bundy (baritone)
Christian Wilson (piano, organ) Tim Amherst (double-bass) Caroline Dale (cello)
Ben Fullbrook (percussion) Nigel Shipway (timpani)
ad hoc quartet: Madeleine Easton (violin), Sarah-Jane Bradley (viola), Bozidar
Vukotic (cello), Ben Griffiths (double-bass)
George Vass (conductor)
rec. St Michael's, Highgate, London, 5-16 February 2010. DDD
NAXOS 8.572524 [75:12]
British composer of exotic Georgian-Russian-Greek-Austrian parentage, Lydia
Kakabadse is one of those unfortunate composers whose music is so instantly
appealing that its total neglect by broadcasters, concert organisers, musicians
and labels is utterly baffling. This appears to be her first appearance on
CD, and credit to Naxos for recording this sparkling selection of Kakabadse's
music.
The Song of the Shirt is a stand-alone lied, included primarily because
Kakabadse wrote it when she was still only fifteen, setting a text by the
19th century poet Thomas Hood describing poverty and exploitation of the poor.
Though very straightforward, it is well written, melodic and effective, characteristics
of all of Kakabadse's music on this disc.
In the two works scored for string quartet, Arabian Rhapsody Suite
and Russian Tableaux, a double-bass replaces the usual second violin.
Both cast in three movements and lasting about ten minutes, these are fairly
light works, successfully focusing on conjuring up local atmosphere, but they
are far from trite and by dint of their easy-flowing melody would surely make
memorable fillers between profounder material in any number of quartet recitals.
The final two works both include a role for narrator. Such pieces are not
always afforded the credit they merit, with their effectiveness sometimes
compromised by the 'wrong' narrator. But Kit Hesketh-Harvey - the Kit of musical
comedy duo 'Kit and the Widow' - is a safe choice, being a fine communicator
and having a decent voice with little in the way of irritating mannerisms.
The Mermaid tells an unlikely story but is an extraordinarily appealing
one for young children, much in the style of Peter and the Wolf but
at 12 minutes an ideal length for little listeners. The music, needless to
say, is simple, but delectable and immediate from beginning to end.
Hesketh-Harvey is occasionally slightly overbearing and melodramatic in The
Phantom Listeners, a much longer work based on Walter de la Mare's famous
1912 poem, The Listeners, with four additional scenes well written
by Kakabadse's friend Jen Syrkiewicz. Effectively Hesketh-Harvey recites the
poem - with considerable relish, shouting where necessary and sometimes where
not - over narrative music, whilst the soprano, mezzo and baritone - the Phantom
Listeners - sing here and there in Latin. What they sing is only available
to those fluent in Latin, because Naxos only supply (via download) a copy
of de la Mare's poem with Syrkiewicz's additions.
This is in effect a cantata, and a fine one at that, suitable for both adult
and younger audiences alike. The work is lightly but beautifully orchestrated
by Kakabadse, with the occasional dramatic use of organ, cymbals, side drum
and chimes, and melodies as timelessly appealing as those of the string quartet
pieces. The Latin actually works very well, lending the music an archaic feel,
rather like Carl Orff's Carmina Burana, which reinforces the sense
of the old that permeates de la Mare's poem.
Recording quality is very good, though the sound may be a tad over-processed.
The CD booklet is slim but informative: Kakabadse's own notes on her works
are helpfully descriptive, and every single performer gets a small biography
and photo - well earnt indeed, for their contributions to this delightful
CD that will please, and deserves, a wide audience.
Byzantion
Collected reviews and contact at reviews.gramma.co.uk
A delightful CD that will please. It deserves a wide audience.