Search - Arthur Bliss :: Arthur Bliss: Clarinet Quintet; String Quartet No. 2

Approachable

Karl W. Nehring | Ostrander, OH USA | 07/08/2009

(4 out of 5 stars)

"This Naxos release of two fine compositions by English composer Arthur Bliss (1891-1975) is a real delight; I would recommend it highly to anyone who has even the least hint of affinity for chamber music. Both pieces are quite approachable, with plenty of pleasures for the ear, so you need not be daunted by the dates of composition. If you enjoy the music of Vaughan Williams, for example, you should find these pieces quite to your liking. And at the Naxos budget price, you can't go wrong giving this disc a try."

Another Naxos find

Kevin Orth | 03/12/2007

(4 out of 5 stars)

"It would be absurd to say that Artur Bliss was one of the great composers of his time, but this disc, boasting Naxos' fine sonics and superb playing by the Maggini Quartet and David Campbell, is highly recommended for lovers of English music in general and clarinet in particular."

Two fine works in excellent performances

G.D. | Norway | 08/31/2009

(4 out of 5 stars)

"Arthur Bliss is best known for his orchestral works (among others the wonderful A Colour Symphony and the imaginative ballet Checkmate), but he composed music in all genres, and on the evidence of Naxos's series his chamber music isn't inferior to his orchestral works. And his music is certainly worth listening to; sophisticated and original but always inventive, well-crafted and superbly written for the instruments. The second string quartet is a deeply probing work of huge emotional contrasts, from its powerful opening followed by mellower, but ambiguous, material to the anguished music of the finale, scaling emotional heights and plunging into abysses; it's overall one of Bliss's more impressive chamber utterances if not quite on the level of the viola sonata. The quintet for clarinet and strings is similarly an emotionally charged work, including a beautiful, elegiac middle movement and a more optimistic (more consolatory than upbeat, perhaps) finale. Again, a fine work, if not quite on the level of the string quartet. The Magginis deliver world-class playing of both work; technically impeccable but more importantly with marvelous interplay and understanding of the music. Clarinetist David Campbell plays with spirit and power when needed, but always with a mellow sound which is perfectly matched with the strings. Sound quality is also superb, and this is overall a superb disc, recommended to anyone following the series and probably everyone else as well."