Notes and Editorial Reviews
ROMANCE
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Han-Na Chang (vc); Antonio Pappano, cond; Santa Cecilia Academy Rome O
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EMI 82390 (59:32)
GLAZUNOV
Mélodie,
op. 20/1.
SAINT-SAËNS
Allegro appassionato in b.
DVORÁK
Rondo in g,
op. 94.
TCHAIKOVSKY
Andante cantabile.
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LALO
Cello Concerto in d.
CASALS
El cant dels ocells
Korean cellist Han-Na Chang, after spending most of her recording time on fairly substantive fare, takes the tried-and-true road of turning out an album of decidedly more lyrical bent. This is quite a common record-company practice; at least it has been with EMI, and not necessarily one to be disparaged. Critical acclaim of Chang has been nearly universal, though even acclaimed critics have found fault when dwelling upon her manner. Most praise her control to the hills, and she does indeed have that, while others have found specific problems in her lack of meeting the challenges posed by any one piece’s emotional content. No doubt this is true, but it also remains a fault that can be applied to almost every musician at some time or the other, as no artist is fittingly fit to faithfully serve
every
composer in the pantheon.
This is the fifth album for EMI that has seen this wisp of a young girl blossom into a woman, at least if EMI’s cover art is to be trusted. And as might seem appropriate for the age, the mainly short selections (with the notable exception of the Lalo) are full of passion and pensive promise, perfect choices that seem tailor made for this time of her life.
And they are played with exceptional verve and spirit. One might think that the energy present in any human being of Chang’s age would preclude her being able to fully indulge in the more sensuous nature of the slower parts of these pieces, but not so—she amply and with great patience strains to milk every last drop of ardor out of these gorgeous miniatures. Even in the Lalo, where my general indifference to the piece causes me to withdraw any serious alternatives I might otherwise suggest, flairs anew with a fiery bluster that makes me reconsider decades-old prejudices.
This is a thoroughly enjoyable disc that has given me no end of pleasure. Pappano provides able and supple accompaniment, while EMI’s sound leaves nothing to be desired. Treat yourself to some unalloyed delight, and leave your preconceptions at the door.
FANFARE: Steven Ritter
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Works on This Recording
1.
Pieces (2) for Cello and Orchestra, Op. 20: no 1, Mélodie by Alexander Glazunov
Performer:
Han-Na Chang (Cello)
Conductor:
Antonio Pappano
Orchestra/Ensemble:
Santa Cecilia Academy Rome Orchestra
Period: Romantic
Written: 1887-1888; Russia
Length: 8 Minutes 16 Secs.
Notes: 12/03/2005 - 12/06/2005
2.
Allegro appassionato for Cello and Orchestra/Piano in B minor, Op. 43 by Camille Saint-Saëns
Performer:
Han-Na Chang (Cello)
Conductor:
Antonio Pappano
Orchestra/Ensemble:
Santa Cecilia Academy Rome Orchestra
Period: Romantic
Written: 1873; France
Length: 3 Minutes 49 Secs.
Notes: 12/03/2005 - 12/06/2005
3.
Rondo for Cello and Orchestra in G minor, Op. 94 by Antonín Dvorák
Performer:
Han-Na Chang (Cello)
Conductor:
Antonio Pappano
Orchestra/Ensemble:
Santa Cecilia Academy Rome Orchestra
Period: Romantic
Written: 1893; Bohemia
Length: 8 Minutes 50 Secs.
Notes: 12/03/2005 - 12/06/2005
4.
Andante cantabile for Cello and Strings, Op. 11 by Peter Ilyich Tchaikovsky
Performer:
Han-Na Chang (Cello)
Conductor:
Antonio Pappano
Orchestra/Ensemble:
Santa Cecilia Academy Rome Orchestra
Period: Romantic
Written: ?1886-88; Russia
Venue: Live Parco Della Musica Auditorium, Rome, Ita
Length: 8 Minutes 34 Secs.
Notes: Parco Della Musica Auditorium, Rome, Italy (07/11/2006 - 07/14/2006)
5.
Concerto for Cello in D minor by Edouard Lalo
Performer:
Han-Na Chang (Cello)
Conductor:
Antonio Pappano
Orchestra/Ensemble:
Santa Cecilia Academy Rome Orchestra
Period: Romantic
Written: 1877; France
Venue: Live Parco Della Musica Auditorium, Rome, Ita
Length: 25 Minutes 24 Secs.
Notes: Parco Della Musica Auditorium, Rome, Italy (07/11/2006 - 07/14/2006)
6.
El cant del ocells by Pablo Casals
Performer:
Han-Na Chang (Cello)
Conductor:
Antonio Pappano
Orchestra/Ensemble:
Santa Cecilia Academy Rome Orchestra
Period: 20th Century
Written: 1972
Length: 4 Minutes 37 Secs.
Notes: 12/03/2005 - 12/06/2005
Sound Samples
Allegro appassionato Op. 43
Rondo in G minor B181 (Op. 94)
Andante cantabile for cello and strings Op. 11
Cello Concerto in D minor: I. Prélude (Lento) - Allegro maestoso
Cello Concerto in D minor: II. Intermezzo (Andantino con moto)
Cello Concerto in D minor: III. Introduction (Andante) - Allegro vivace
El Cant dels Ocells (Song of the Birds)
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