Search - Frank Bridge, Claude Debussy, Anatol Lyadov :: Impressions of the Sea

A Musical Exploration Of The Sea From Long Beach

Erik North | San Gabriel, CA USA | 05/11/2002

(5 out of 5 stars)

"JoAnn Falletta, one of the most prominent women conductors America has ever had, leads the Long Beach Symphony Orchestra in these highly celebrated classical music depictions of the sea. Works such as Mendelssohn's "Hebrides Overture", Debussy's "La Mer", and Frank Bridge's "Sea Suite", are given fine performances by this up-and-coming orchestra from here in Southern California. A sort of dedicatory album in honor of the opening of that city's Aquarium of the Pacific, it stands on its own as a fine example of music making that goes on in this part of the world, normally thought to be dominated by the Los Angeles Philharmonic. Falletta's conducting is even-handed and vividly brings out the mysteries of the sea in each of the featured compositions. Highly recommended!"

Calming, Flowing Water Music

rodboomboom | Dearborn, Michigan United States | 11/25/2003

(5 out of 5 stars)

"This thematic program of scenes of ocean, lake and landscapes provides a relaxing yet stimulating palette of swirling sounds.Included is known pieces by Debussy's LaMer and Mendelssohn's Hebrides Overture and new pieces for my discovery from Frank Bridge's Suite for Orchestra of the Sea and Liadov's "Enchanted Lake."The rippling harp/string beginning of Liadov's work is so nice! I'm really enchanted with this piece and the LBSO's string section on this. What a gorgeous piece, with its mystery and breezy, shadowy movement.Falletta conducts the LBSO with grandeur and pace, making this a soothing, relaxing CD to have in one's collection, especially given the old and new water discoveries this offers."