Search - Carlo Martelli, Gerald Finzi, Gustav Holst :: English String Miniatures, Vol. 3

As strong as vols 1 & 2...

John O'Neill | Alpharetta, GA | 02/27/2004

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Volume 3 in Naxos' winning English String Miniatures series is aother disc full of wonderful performances under the guidance of British music champion David Lloyd-Jones. If things to get off on a lighter than usual start with Martelli's "Persiflage" the next work, Finzi's beautiful "Prelude", immediately reminds us that the British composed some of the most beautiful music for string orchestra. Finzi is also represented by his "Romance" an absolute stunner that will take your breath away in the first measures. Other highlights include the Brook Green Suite from Holst - hard to believe this charming work is from the same composer who brought us "The Planets".Central to the disc and a wonderful discovery is Michael Hurd's Sinfonia Concertante which features some wonderful solo violin work from Robert Gibbs and a beautiful and moving Andante movement. I'll confess, I've never heard of Michael Hurd but may have to do some investigating. All of the works are from the early to mid 1900's but there is nothing modern or atonal about any of this music where melody is everything. If you've enjoyed either of the first two volumes in this series, by all means don't pass on this one."