Search - Ashan Pillai :: Bax: Quintet for Harp & Strings / Sonata Flute & Harp

BOUNTIFUL BAX

Melvyn M. Sobel | Freeport (Long Island), New York | 01/31/2001

(5 out of 5 stars)

"What better music to opine about than the latest Naxos endeavor comprising some mighty fine chamber music for harp by Arnold Bax (1883-1953). Purchased a mere week ago, I've been listening to it ceaselessly--- as it fits my rather lachrimose state of mind perfectly.



Among these four outstandingly evocative, elegiac and beautiful compositions, there's nary a dud to be found.



The Elegiac Trio for Harp, Viola and Flute--- first performed in 1917--- runs a mere 8:47, but it is a real gem... and easily worth the price of the CD, alone. Heartfelt, atmospheric, luminous, the Trio ranks very close to perfection in every way. The combination of instruments, each bringing to the work its own voice and color and warmth, is simply magical.



Ditto for the gorgeous Fantasy Sonata for Harp and Viola, first performed in 1927, whose third movement "Lento" is one of the most gentle of Bax inspirations I've ever heard. There is a distinct Anglo/Irish impressionism here--- and throughout the other works, as well--- so tender and romantic, yet so sad... it's impossible to resist.



The Sonata for Flute and Harp, performed in 1928, is yet another gem, unfolding as it does with the ambience of an Irish countryside. At its heart is the particularly wistful slow movement. Kudos to flautist Lorna McGhee for her tender, poetic playing.



Lastly, the Quintet for Harp and Strings (written in 1919) is a co-joined, three movement work. Generally more "dramatic" than its sisters, the Quintet still retains an obvious Bax melancholy, its overall tone introspective. Harpist Alison Nicholls is to be commended for her delicacy of touch and sense of mystery.



What an outstanding bargain this CD is! A real find. Moody, appealing, accessible. Compliments to the members of Mobius, who play splendidly, and to the engineers who have captured their warmth and immediacy so well.



[Running time: 65:11]"

Great Music, Great Performances

A.K.Farrar | Timisoara, Romania | 02/03/2001

(5 out of 5 stars)

"At the centre of all the pieces on this disc is the harp.Bax writes wonderfully for the instrument - his inspiration possibly lying in the supposed `Irishness' of it, possibly in the luck he had of having some very good harpists to write for - the fantasy sonata (the combination of viola and harp really works well, and Bax manages to avoid an over lush sound) and the sonata for flute and harp having been written for the Russian harpist, Maria Korchinska.I must admit, as I listened to the CD I found it very hard to think of Ireland - and very easy to think of France and Europe in the early 20th century. Maybe this is why I mobius have been attracted to the music.The performances are excellent (as is the recording) bringing a dignity to the music which forces one to reassess, in a way, the nationalistic trivialisms that are all too often attached to Bax's music.As the notes point out - some of this sounds very like Debussy - but it was written before. Some of it sounds like Britten too. If you like either of those two composers - you'll love this."

Simply a pleasure

G. Metcalf | United States | 08/03/2005

(5 out of 5 stars)

"This recording contains chamber works featuring a harp. All of the pieces are pleasant to listen to and have stimulating content. The recording is very good. This CD was my first experience with Bax and has certainly inspired me to look for more."