Ronn YEDIDIA (b.1960)
World Dance [8:31]; Farewell, Nathaniel [7:40];
Poème [13:02]; Nocturne [7:28]; Concertino*
[17:44]; Impromptu [5:51]
Alexander Fiterstein (clarinet); Ronn Yedidia (piano); *Arnaud
Sussmann (violin), Melissa Reardon (viola) and Nicholas Canellakis
(cello)
rec. 25-27 October 2010, Performing Arts Centre, Purchase, New
York
NAXOS 8.559699 [60:43]
Ronn Yedidia is a name that is new to me. His music has, apparently,
been acclaimed for its vitality, variety and imagination. Judging
from this excellent CD there is no doubt that his compositions
for clarinet are melancholic, touching and intimate. The music
is tonal, romantic, well-crafted and tuneful. There is also
a tremendous zip to the dance rhythms especially in the opening
piece, World Dance. The ear is treated to a varied and
interesting flow of music. The composer’s influences are
obvious whether it be motifs taken from Arab, Spanish, Jewish
or Eastern European sources. There’s nothing especially
innovative or original here but it’s very attractive.
Impromptu, Nocturne and World Dance were written
for the birth of friends’ new-born twins. For some strange
reason the three movements are not recorded as a single work
but split up and presented as tracks 1, 4 and 6. The Impromptu
is a miniature of real beauty, clearly inspired by Chopin and
this is followed by a contemplative Nocturne with its
long legato melody bringing to mind the world of one of Satie’s
Gymnopédies. The final World Dance is an
enjoyable, tuneful romp.
Farewell, Nathaniel ismy own personal favourite on
the CD. Written following the loss of one of Ronn Yedidia’s
closest friends and colleagues the music is lyrical but it also
has an underlying sadness. This is very touching with a haunting
feeling of regret. The gentle impact on the listener readily
brings to mind the feelings engendered by Jewish music such
as the theme music from the film Schindler’s List.
Poème is the composer’s first work for clarinet
and piano. The style is gentle and impressionistic with an animated
central section. This is another well written piece but maybe
it outstays its welcome at 13 minutes. The material really only
justifies 6 or 7 minutes, to be frank.
The clarinet and piano are joined by a string trio in the headily
romantic Concertino. The three minute clarinet cadenza
at the centre of the work is delivered brilliantly. Either side
of the cadenza we are treated to an opening movement containing
lyrical and dynamic sections and a driven, exciting finale that
dances its way to a thrilling conclusion. Yet again, in the
Concertino, there are obvious influences to be heard
from Jewish, Middle Eastern and Balkan sources.
This disc is clear evidence that the art of writing good tunes
is still alive and well. The performances are exemplary. This
is a fine example of truly world class clarinet playing at its
peak. Mr Fiterstein is very well supported by the composer at
the piano. The string players match their colleagues in all
respects and the Concertino is delivered with brio and
conviction. Recording quality is clear, forward and detailed.
A very fine disc indeed.
John Whitmore
Tuneful and delightful.