Search - Karl Goldmark, Bruno Canino :: Karl Goldmark: Complete Works for Violin & Piano, Vol. 2

A wonderful follow-up of the First Volume.

David A. Hollingsworth | Washington, DC USA | 08/10/2000

(5 out of 5 stars)

"After giving high praises of the First Volume of Karl Goldmark's works for violin & piano (specifically his two Suites), there's much to praise in this Second Volume (where, to be honest, Goldmark's more effective & memorable music is to be found). The Sonata for Violin & Piano op. 25 (1874) is especially tuneful, with luscious & heart-warming melodies, noble, poetic, yet passionate expression throughout. The first movement is over-developed & repetitive, but one cannot help but feel the lush-romanticism not far from Mendelssohn or even Schumann and overall, this piece has to be ranked as among Goldmark's best works. The Ballad & Romance for Violin and Piano are also effective, abeit shorter pieces where the attributes of his musical writings remained intact. His Six Pieces for Piano op. 52 is very characteristique in nature, surprisingly nordic & impressionistic in the world of Grieg, Debussy, or even Nielsen, in a springlike, relaxful, poetic mood prevailing throughout all but two pieces (only the Ins Leben & Verloren has some of the virtuousic demands a la Liszt). Pianist Bruno Canino & Violinist Ulf Wallin truly served Goldmark's music well, with warmth, and understandably, with some indulgence. This CD, with natural and rich sound, should do much in raising Goldmark's stature as a serious composer immeasurably. So far, he is still underappreciated! I eagerly await the recording of Goldmark's trios and Canino & Wallin would be ideal candidates for that, hopefully upcoming, venture. In the meantime, treasure this CD, as the works are gemstones quite impossible for dissipation.
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