Search - John [Composer] Field, David Haslam, Northern Sinfonia of England :: Piano Concertos No. 2 and 4

Gentle Performances of Lovely Works

Chaconnesque | Singapore, Singapore Singapore | 09/03/2004

(4 out of 5 stars)

"Of those 3 great pianist-composers who came before Chopin, Field exerted the biggest influence on the Pole, more than either Hummel or Weber. One can easily detect it in these 2 exemplary works and compare them with Chopin's own youthful concerti. The busy figurations on the keyboard, the bel canto aria-like melodies, the tutti/solo alternations, the atmosphere. Yet of course Chopin was already outgrowing his childhood idol even by then. Nonetheless the Field concerti here are beautiful beyond description, especially No.2. Frith played sensitively and intelligently in both works, bringing out the shades and nuances very well. However I would have preferred a more lively tempo than was taken here. Otherwise I would have given 5 stars. John Field certainly does not deserve the neglect he's facing, and the current work to revie his music is encouraging. The key is not to compare him with Chopin or Beethoven, but to evaluate him on his own merits."

Gorgeous Stuff

Southern Man | Raleigh, NC | 02/01/2006

(5 out of 5 stars)

"
John Field was an almost exact contemporary of Beethoven's, who is the only composer of the Classical period whose works I love more than Field's (well, maybe it's a tie with Schubert). I know Haydn and, especially, Mozart are of greater significance historically and musically. But, typically, I don't get the same thrill listening to them as I do with Field.



These two concertos, very much in step with the Classical period, are irresistibly tuneful. Benjamin Frith absolutely nails the performance, it's clear that he has a great reverence for the music. Similarly, the accompaniment by the Northern Sinfonia is excellent. Conductor Haslam gets the tempi exactly right, wringing every bit of nuance out of this beautiful music. Trust me, if you have any affinity for music of the Classical period, once you hear the second movement of the second concerto, you'll be hooked. This is beautifully recorded by Naxos and the balance between pianist and orchestra is perfect.



Although John Field is significantly better known than he used to be, I also believe that he is still significantly less known than he should be. As more people listen to recordings like this, that will continue to change. Remember that (incredibly) Vivaldi was virtually forgotten until the 1930s. John Field's day will come and he will be considered as a peer to his contemporaries of the Classical period."