I just managed to order (from Barnes & Noble-whilst vacationing in Sarasota, Florida), and finally get to play the new Naxos disc, featuring violinist Philippe Quint and pianist William Wolfram---and very fine it is including the three early chamber works (Opp. 4,5,7), along with what is proving to be MR's most popular late masterwork, the Sonata for Violin Solo (Op. 40).
In fact, this is the SIXTH CD recording of this latter work and, despite stiff competition, it is one of the most successful interpretations. Mr. Quint seems to breathe fresh life into every note and is highly effective, especially in the Canzone con variazioni second movement. Only in the Allegro guisto section of the North Hungarian Peasant Songs and Dances is the main theme introduced ineffectively; it lacks authority and is slow and too ponderous.
Nevertheless, this is another bargain release of valuably essential Rozsa performances: NO true lover of any of the composer's other music will be disappointed (Naxos 8.570190 with more fine booklet notes by our own Frank DeWald).
I can barely await the appearance of the next likely release of other works being recorded this month.....also for the unique Naxos set up!
In fact, this is the SIXTH CD recording of this latter work and, despite stiff competition, it is one of the most successful interpretations. Mr. Quint seems to breathe fresh life into every note and is highly effective, especially in the Canzone con variazioni second movement. Only in the Allegro guisto section of the North Hungarian Peasant Songs and Dances is the main theme introduced ineffectively; it lacks authority and is slow and too ponderous.
Nevertheless, this is another bargain release of valuably essential Rozsa performances: NO true lover of any of the composer's other music will be disappointed (Naxos 8.570190 with more fine booklet notes by our own Frank DeWald).
I can barely await the appearance of the next likely release of other works being recorded this month.....also for the unique Naxos set up!
