Search - Percy Grainger, Keith Brion, Slovak Radio Symphony Orchestra (Bratislava) :: Grainger: The Power of Love

An unjustly neglected genius

Terry Sanderson | London, England | 01/05/2000

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Percy Grainger is surely one of music's most unjustly neglected composers. This disc is an example of the wonderful, intense and original music that he could produce. It is unfortunate that so many people don't look beyond the better known pieces such as Country Gardens and Handel in the Strand and find the wealth of beauty and creativity that Percy Grainger left behind. Do yourself a favour - get to know Percy Grainger and you'll be opening up a word of pleasure."

A palette of orchestral colors...

vmzfla | Orlando, Fl. | 04/18/2008

(4 out of 5 stars)

"I'll tell you this is one of those discs that lets you float mindlessly through a kaleidoscope of colorful melodies. Freelance conductor/arranger

Keith Brion and those that support him score big on this NAXOS issue.

The Australian born Percy Grainger was greatly interested and influenced by music around the globe. This collection concentrates on the folksy aspects of his music. The "Suite on Danish Folk-Songs" is four movements, some depicting utter violence, but Graingers orchestrations come over like a picnic in the park on a sunny day. "Irish Tune From County Derry"(more familiar as "Danny Boy")is moving by the effectiveness of the heavy massed strings. This arrangement grew on me after repeated listenings! Grainger broke new ground with "Green Bushes" in that it was the first time a composer set a English folk tune to passacaglia form. This being one theme surrounded by a multitude of counter melodies. "Nordic Prince" is one of his more extended compositions, and was originally performed by a huge orchestra of 126 in the Hollywood Bowl Aug. 1928. He conducted it as a bridal song for the prelude to his marriage, a short ceremony followed it. It begins quietly, emerging to a brillant central climax, then ends on a gradual quiet note. The rest of collection focuses on short pieces expertly crafted but they ultimately go nowhere, for want of further development. All in all this makes for a pleasant dreamy hour and will provide a good introduction for those unfamliar with Percy Grainger."