Search - Simon Wynberg :: Fossa: Guitar Trios, Op. 18

ROMANTIC GUITAR (de)FOSSILS UNEARTHED!!!

Melvyn M. Sobel | Freeport (Long Island), New York | 11/16/2000

(5 out of 5 stars)

"De Fossa (1775-1849), interestingly enough, wasn't a full-time composer. (Egad! Shades of Borodin!) Not even a half-time one. Nope. He led a military career--- and very little else, if anything, is actually known about his musical proclivities, except that he thought the pay too nominal to choose the field as a lifetime occupation.



Lucky for us, though, that he continued independently to write works for guitar ensemble. And it's obvious he enjoyed composing for his own pleasure, not hemmed in by financial constraints, nor stressed by publishers' deadlines. And probably why these guitar "concertants" are so agreeably disposed.



It's easy to be enchanted by the casual grace, beauty and wit de Fossa offers up in his Op. 18. Very easy. Most interesting, as well, is de Fossa's reluctance to "showcase" the guitar (as many of his contemporaries were inclined to do, e.g. Boccherini) in favor of incorporating it equally alongside violin and cello. This approach is most appealing and allows de Fossa's inventiveness full rein--- and, at the same time, increases our own enjoyment much. These compositions are not your "generic" chamber works for guitar, and hardly routine.



With de Fossa there's always something harmonious, melodious, infectious or unexpected to tantalize and to entertain. The three instruments talk to each other. Allegros are contagiously delicious; adagios and romances, piquant; minuettos, effervescent and tangy; finales, rhythmic and sophisticated.



In addition, since guitarist Wynberg and his colleagues are superb, the sound exemplary, disc length more than generous, and the cost of the CD ever-so-right, de Fossa's Op. 18 is a joy. You will hardly be disappointed.



[Running time: 78:23]





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