Peter Burwasser of Fanfare, in a recently published review, praised prolific Delos artist Constantine Orbelian for recordings he made over two decades ago with the Moscow Chamber Orchestra (MCO) during his burgeoning career as a concert pianist, shortly before he became the MCO’s director in 1991. Burwasser pays tribute to his subsequent success as a conductor, saying “…he and the band are fine, satisfying artists. I have heard them in concert, where they produced a rich and engaging sound.”
Burwasser goes on to describe this CD – containing concertos by Bach, Mozart and Shostakovich – as being “…meant as a showcase for Orbelian the pianist, although the ensemble matches him with aplomb.” He characterizes the Shostakovich (No. 1) as “…one of the brighter works that Shostakovich wrote” – but adds that “Even this ‘theater piece without actors’ has its dark corners, especially in the first movement, and Orbelian captures those ominous flashes of anxiety with dramatic skill.”
Our appreciative critic adds that “The Mozart and the Bach also receive solid performances here, with alert and smart playing by all involved” – and that “The Bach is delivered with masculine charm.” Burwasser concludes by proclaiming Orbelian to be “…a solid, compelling artist, and this collection does a fine job of presenting his musical persona in a satisfying package.”
So, sample the tracks below – and, as you trace the musical evolution of our cherished Constantine, hear for yourselves what the Fanfare fuss is all about!
[soundcloud url=”http://api.soundcloud.com/tracks/70136628″ params=”color=006a50&auto_play=false&show_artwork=true” width=” 100%” height=”166″ iframe=”true” /]
You must be logged in to post a comment.