Search - Rheinberger, Barritt, Lester :: Suites for Organ Violin & Cello

Wonderful music-making

Mark Swinton | 04/17/2002

(4 out of 5 stars)

"The biographical notes in this CD begin by comparing Rheinberger's organ sonatas with Beethoven's piano sonatas. Such a comparison is not unwarranted: despite suffering some neglect in this day and age, Rheinberger was a composer of considerable worth. He had a gift for flowing, 'organic' melody and a knack for harmonic twists that keep the attention focussed. His most exciting moments hark back to the Classical era and to Bach, whilst his quietest writing is among the most deliciously crafted of the Romantic era.This disc is a particularly good introduction to Rheinberger in that it showcases his work for a little-used yet wonderful combination of instruments. The Suite (Op. 149) takes the conventional piano trio and replaces the piano with organ; coupled with it is a set of Six Pieces for violin and organ (Op. 150). Rheinberger takes full advantage of the expressive capabilities of each instrument, the result being that each has something important to contribute to the musical discourse. Furthermore - although I suspect the sound engineers may have had a helping hand in this - the organ never drowns out the delicate string tones with its richer, fuller tone.For me, the highlight of the Suite is the second movement - "Theme and Variations" - which features one of those melodies 'that just won't go out of your head'. It is expanded upon with some of the most heartwarming harmonies you will ever hear. For the most part, the organ has an accompanimental role in this work, but in the "Finale" it comes into its own with some sprightly and nimble passages that border on the virtuosic and are echoed by the strings with true 'bravura'. Meanwhile, amongst the Six Pieces, there are even more gems to single out for commendation. The opening "Theme and Variations" are deeply imaginative. "Gigue" features exciting and daring material for the violin and an imitative passage for a solo organ stop that is almost guaranteed to raise a smile. "Elegie" and "Pastorale" are simply lucious, the one being peaceful and soothing whilst the other oozes Romantic warmth. This music may not suit every taste, but it is good music, showing supreme craftsmanship. Best of all, it sounds just right for the unusual combination of instruments - the composer writes for them as if he had always done so, rather than sounding as though he might be experimenting with pitting two-thirds of a chamber group against an instrument not associated in the least with chamber music. Indeed, the music avoids falling into the trap of being 'ecclesiastical' simply because it involves an instrument of church music: these pieces appeal to any frame of mind, whether sacred or secular.A music-lover once told me that he did not usually enjoy Rheinberger's music, but he remembered one occasion on which someone had played it so well as to make it "worth hearing." The three players on this disc certainly do that. Each has a fine command of his instrument: the violinist Paul Barritt probably has the lion's share of melodies and tricky moments, but he make light work of them all; overall his tone and expressiveness are excellent. Christopher Herrick is one of the leading British organists (as is confirmed by his magnificent recording, also on Hyperion, of Bach's complete organ works) - he gets right to the heart of the music, selecting simple but effective registrations and providing a magical backdrop to the strings. Richard Lester doesn't have as much to do, but his playing is equally worthy of his companions - at some points, he matches Barritt's tone so carefully that it is almost as if the two instruments are one and the same.This is some of the best music-making I have ever heard. The disc provides something interesting for violinists, 'cellists and organists, as well as something different and special for devotees of chamber music. Listening to this would be an hour well-spent..."