Search - Aaron Berofsky, Thomas H. Blaske, Penelope Fischer :: Fetler: Violin Concerto, No. 2; Capriccio; Three Poems by Walt Whitman

Elegance and Eloquence

Dean R. Brierly | Studio City, CA | 01/20/2010

(4 out of 5 stars)

"There is much to like in this Naxos American Classics recording featuring the music of Paul Fetler, which is the first devoted exclusively to his work. Included on this disc are his Violin Concerto No. 2, Capriccio, and Three Poems by Walt Whitman. The concerto for me is the highlight, showcasing his elegant and urgent lyricism throughout all three movements. Fetler's melodies are full of yearning yet never sound cloying, and are wonderfully embroidered with impressionistic sound colors and accents. Moreover, Fetler maintains perfect balance between the violin and orchestral passages, never letting the latter overwhelm the former, even during the overtly dramatic and propulsive third movement. The composer's Capriccio is much lighter in tone, marked by balletic rhythms and spirited melodies, and evokes Debussy in its shimmering atmospheres. I'm somewhat less enamored of the Three Poems by Walt Whitman. That's no knock on Fetler's evocative musical settings, which effectively complement the emotional and thematic tenor of Whitman's verse (narrated by the poet Thomas H. Blaske). As much as I like Whitman's poetry, and as much as I appreciate Fetler's musical underscore, I've never warmed to the combination of spoken poetry and classical music, which to my ear comes off as a little stiff and portentous. (That kind of thing seems to work much better with jazz--Jean Shepherd's improvised narration on Charles Mingus' "The Clown," for example.) All in all, however, this recording is a fine introduction to a composer long deserving of greater recognition."

Disappointing Fetler selection

Joel E. Arem | Laytonsville, MD USA | 06/19/2010

(1 out of 5 stars)

"Paul Fetler is not well known, despite an apparently prodigious output of music. Decades ago a recording was made of his "Contrasts for Orchestra", which was and remains one of my all-time favorite pieces of music - intensely original, dynamic and always enjoyable even after the 100-th hearing. Fetler's orchestration in this piece is akin to Copland's ability to do more with less - to make a huge sound with very few instruments. It is unique in the repertoire, totally unlike anything else I have ever heard after nearly 60 years of listening to 20-th century classic works.



I was very excited to finally get a chance to hear more of Fetler's music, but was severely disapointed when I listened to this disk. While the performance seems to be fine in terms of competence and sound quality, the music itself is so far removed in terms of style and impact from the "Contrasts" that I felt like I was hearing a totally different composer at work. I am sure there are folks who will enjoy these pieces and have different musical tastes from my own. My disappointment is, after all, just my own prejudice, but if you know the "Contrasts" and are looking for more of the same, let us all hope that another CD is released that gives us our wish - this one is not it."