Spiritual connection
Roberto La Porte | Madrid, Spain | 02/14/2008
(5 out of 5 stars)
"The Naxos label makes a special contribution with its new recording of the two symphonies by the late Stephen Albert (1941-1992). Albert was cut down in an auto accident when he was in his prime. He had recently written a stunningly good Cello Concerto for Yo-Yo Ma (hear it on Sony SK 57961) and had just finished the short score of his Symphony No. 2, which had been commissioned by the New York Philharmonic. Now this work, as orchestrated by composer Sebastian Currier, has received its world premiere recording (8.559257) by the Russian Philharmonic Orchestra, under Paul Polivnick. It is accompanied by Symphony No. 1 RiverRun, for which Albert won the Pulitzer Prize. The most prominent influences on his music can be easily heard: Strauss (Richard), Stravinsky and Sibelius. That may seem an odd admixture, but Albert assimilated them into his unique and fascinating sound world. He endeavored to "reach out and touch an audience once again," as this music so successfully does. To achieve this, he thought it necessary to reconnect with "ideas and practices that were part of a six-hundred year continuum" of musical tradition. Aalbert believed that "continuum still moves through our soul as a subterranean river flows faithfully and silently beneath the parched desert." That river resurfaces in these two works. Of his endeavor, Albert said, "it is a matter of trying to find beauty in art again," for "art is about our desire for spiritual connection." He is missed, but listen to what he left behind. Excellent performances."
Great pieces but they deserve a better recording
W. Chiles | San Francisco, CA USA | 07/30/2008
(4 out of 5 stars)
"Composer Stephen Albert, struck dead by an automobile in his early 50s, deserves to be better known, especially for his brilliant and moving "Riverrun" Symphony commissioned by the National Symphony of Washington under Rostropovich's direction. The Delos recording, made in concert, is the finest version of this great piece in stunning sound. Rostropovich made a point of performing the piece in successive years after its Pulitzer win to insure audiences would know and appreciate it. I was fortunate enough to have witnessed the recorded concert and met the affable composer afterwards. It was delightful to find that the woman seated behind me, making many enthusiastic remarks about the performance was is mother!
The Naxos recording may be much easier to find than the Delos and provides the only source of the 2nd symphony as well as a decent but somewhat rough performance of Riverrun. I would still recommend it if you can't find the Delos for an introduction to this composer's works. i agree with the other reviewer, that you will find influences of Stravinsky and Strauss in his work, but distilled into a distinctive style. Shame that we won't hear more from his pen."
Composition - Yes! Performance Could Be Better
Philip Henika | 07/22/2009
(4 out of 5 stars)
"These are two wonderful symphonies by the late Stephen Albert. However, the horns in Symphony #2 are almost agonizing at times. I am hopeful of a Symphony #2 remake and I keep looking for it."
