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Record reviews

D.J.H.

Pick of recent releases is a Decca recording of Bach's Clavier Concerto in D minor and Chopin's Piano Concerto No. 2 in F minor, played by Vladimir Ashkenzay accompanied by the London Symphony conducted by David Zinman (SXLM 6174 stereo). This is a splendid record—in the Bach the soloist performs with precision and a beautifully delicate touch. The Chopin is also outstanding: Ashkenazy brings out the lyrical quality of the work. Zinman, a relative "unknown," creates a favourable impression with his meticulous care and attention to detail in the accompaniment. The recording is very good with an excellent balance between soloist and orchestra.

It is good to be able to buy a disc with performances of both the Lizt Pian Sonata in B minor, a monumental work which is firmly etched in the history of the development of the sonata form, and Schubert's "Wanderer" Fantasy, an earlier work which broke away from the established sonata form, thereby constituting the first revolutionary step which Liszt was to follow. These two are coupled on RCA Victor LM 2871 mono and performed masterfully by Artur Rubinstein. The Liszt is exciting, Rubinstein's performance revolves around extremely careful analysis of the tempestuous nature of the work; he never seems to be caught unawares by sudden climaxes as do many other pianists, instead strict attention is paid to careful building up to them. His Schubert is pleasantly relaxed and most effective. The recording is only in mono but is satisfactory.

"Two of the World's Most Popular Violin Concertos" is the sub-title of a new RCA Victor recording of the Tchaikovsky and Medelssohn violin concertos by Eric Friedman with the London Symphony conducted by Seiji Ozawa (LSC 2865 stereo). The popularity of these works has resulted in a flood of recordings and it takes a performance of outstanding quality to make any significant impression on the market. Friedman's impeccable interpretations and alert, dynamic accompaniment by the LSO and Ozawa ensures that this disc is really competitive. The soloist's virtuosity allows him to overcome the technical difficulties of the Tchaikovsky with ease. His approach to the music is extremely sympathetic in both works. In the Mendelssohn the tone of the violin appears to be rather harsh; however, the rest of the recording is good.

The remainder of Ansermet's complete Beethoven symphonies on Ace of Diamonds (29/-) are being released gradually by HMV. When reviewing the third and sixth, I considered the interpretations "rather intellectual, solid and dependable without a host of affected mannerisms." This opinion has been further emphasised on listening to the first and eighth (SDD 101), fifth (SDD 105) and ninth (SDD 108). The ninth, with soloists of the calibre of Joan Sutherland and Anton Dermota, has previously been issued in mono on the Ace of Clubs. The recordings are right up to the high standard of all the previous issues from this catalogue.

"Sargent Conducts Sibelius" (HMV Malp 1990 mono) contains performances of "En Saga," "The Swan of Tuonela," "Finlandia" and "Karelia" by the Vienna Philharmonic under Sir Malcolm Sargent. The readings of Sibelius are extremely good: Sargent maintains a strong, continuous flow to the music. The orchestra's performance is excellent—a beautiful strong clean tone from the strings, good wind playing, and an outstanding performance by the brass section (the disc is virtually a field day for them and they certainly make the most of it). A pity the disc has only been issued in New Zealand in mono.

One of the most interesting discs to come my way for quite some time is the "Songs and Dances of Andalusia" (Record Society RZ 6161 mono). The flamenco singer Nino de Almaden is a former member of the Luisillo Spanish Ballet. Together with guitar soloist Mario Escudero he gives a virtuoso performance of a wide range of flamenco music. Highly recommended.

One of the most successful of Miles Davis's combos was when the trumpeter had a rhythm section comprising Wynton Kelly piano, Paul Chambers boss and Jimmy Cobb on drums. After leaving Davis the three formed their own group, the Wynton Kelly trio and were quite successful. In 1965 they, added guitarist Wes Montgomery for some club dates. The collaboration proved stimulating to both parties. Montgomery remained and the group is now turning out some really inventive jazz. "Smokin' at the Half Note" (Verve V8633 mono) was recorded before an audience at the Half Note Club in New York. Highlight of the disc is the terrific treatment they give to the Miles Davis tune "No Blues," which features an extremely thoughtful solo by Montgomery. Kelly shows that he has become more inventive in the past few years and Chambers's contribution (especially his bowing in "Four on Six") is good. A highly recommended record.

Another Ella Fitzgerald disc, "Elle in Hamburg" (Verve V4069 mono', a live recording at Hamburg in March. 1965. The "Queen of Jazz" is once again on top form and romps her way through "Walk Right In," "That Old Black Magic," "Body and Soul," "That Boy From Ipanema," "A Hard Day's Night" and many others. Backing is by the Tommy Flanagan trio. Need I say more?

"Star Folk" "London SAHM 6324 stereo) features Lightnin' Hopkins, Sonny Terry and Brownie McGhee recorded live at the Ash Grove, Hollywood. The material performed is just what one would expect—"Big Car Blues," "Stool Pigeon Blues," "Ball of Twine," "Walk On," etc. The three 'plus Big Joe Williams on the last two tracks) are all on form. All in all, a worthwhile acquisition for folk-blues enthusiasts.

"The Swinging 12 String" (World Record IN1002 stereo) featuring Glen Campbell and the In Group plus harpsichord, appears promising at first—"The combination of the 12 string artistry of Glen Campbell and the subtle nuances coaxed from the harpsichord by Leon Russell provide a rare listening experience," says the sleevenote. However, the dominant instrument is the harpsichord, not the guitar. In effect, all you get is the sound of a harpsichord and rhythm swinging through a number of established folk hits.

"I wanted a sound that could play the current hits and at the same time possibly something of me—a part, of me," writes David (the man from UNCLE) McCallum on the sleeve of his record, "Music-A Part Of Me" (Capitol T2432 mono). It is debatable how much of himself is projected. The disc consists of big band arrangements of tunes such as "Turn, Turn, Turn," "Yesterday," "Satisfaction," "We Gotta Get Out Of This Place," and "Downtown," together with two of his own compositions (the less said about them the better!). The only interesting aspect is the use of oboe and cor anglais as the solo instruments (supposedly because these were the two instruments McCallum played when at high school). The novelty rapidly galls and all that remains is pleasant "coffee-bar" music.