Search - Robert [Composer] Ward, Gerhardt Zimmermann, North Carolina Symphony Orchestra :: Robert Ward: Jubilation Overture; Symphony No. 4; Concerto for Saxophone; Sonic Structure

Serviceable performances of music that is far from top-drawe

G.D. | Norway | 10/25/2009

(2 out of 5 stars)

"Robert Ward's music is generally rather conservative, with strong ties to the music of the likes of Piston and Diamond, although Ward's music isn't quite in the league of those composers (at least not Piston). Still it is often rather finely wrought, somewhat neo-classical music, often effective and entertaining enough, and he certainly shows good sense in not letting the music outstay its welcome. Thus, the fourth symphony consists of three short movements, none of which are really inspired, but well-crafted enough to be worth a listen, tidy and elegant. The saxophone concerto similarly lasts for a quarter of an hour, and is cast in two movements. Here, however, Ward's skill and elegance just aren't enough to keep the work from lapsing into dull note-spinning. The jazz-influences sounds rather like a desperate cover-up for lack of inspiration than anything else. It is, in other words, not a work I plan to return to.



Sonic Sculpture is more harmonically adventurous, but also more romantic in sensibilities. It is still tautly constructed and never too long. The Jubilation Overture, on the other hand, is eminently forgettable. So while there is nothing close to being a masterpiece here, there are at least two works worth hearing by the adventurous (and two works that must be deemed failures). The performances are serviceable but lacking in power and sounds, at times, almost as if they are about to lose the direction - even in the more tautly constructed pieces. Sound quality is a little lacking in presence but not really objectionable. In sum, then - while I wouldn't at the same tine write off the other recordings of Ward's music, and would like to hear a really well-played and -recorded selection of his best works - this release is really mostly for the specialist."