Northern Exposure

Performing Arts & Entertainment in Canada, Wntr, 1999

CANADIAN CDS IN REVIEW BY HAL HILL & JOHN SUTHERLAND

AMANDA FORSYTH

SOARING WITH AGAMEMNON

Marquis Classics 81231-2

It takes a performer with considerable assuredness and musical dexterity to tackle a programme as varied as this. Cellist Amanda Forsyth explores the many moods, shifts in tempi, and harmonic changes with passion and ease. With the praiseworthy accompaniment of pianist Peter Longworth, she draws extensively on works by her father, composer Malcolm Forsyth, from Eight Duets for Young Cellists, childhood pieces written for and named by her, Pop's Cycle, a 3-movement suite rich in a diversity of styles, to the romantic, pastoral Eclogue for solo cello, running the gamut of tonal colours and Bach-like perceptions. In addition, Gavin Bryars' early composition, The South Downs, is treated to a subtly reflective, shimmering rendition, while Arvo Part's Spiegel Im Spiegel, an atmospheric work "suspended in time" (liner), takes on calm, almost spiritual overtones. Sound reproduction and liner notes are exemplary.

GERALD FINLEY/STEPHEN RALLS

SONGS OF TRAVEL

CBC MVCD 1115

This is Gerald Finley's debut recital disc, and the Montrealborn baritone draws from the works of Ralph Vaughan Williams, Derek Holman, and Benjamin Britten for his three-fold journey, which may be viewed as a metaphor for life itself. Vaughan Williams' Songs of Travel depict the reflections of a wayfarer on the simple pleasures and expectations that life brings; Holman's The Centred Passion encompasses the emotional journey from grief to spiritual tranquility as revealed in Tennyson's In Memoriam; Britten's folksong arrangements offer many moods that grow from themes of love, fame, fortune and the inexorable passage of time. Finley's voice readily meets the demanding shifts of this musical kaleidoscope. English-born pianist Stephen Rails brings a wealth of experience to his role as accompanist, from the Aldeburgh Connection and English opera and theatre groups to the supportive collaboration with some of Canada's leading vocalists. This 1996 release, recorded in Toronto's Glenn Gould studio, strongly suggests that their respective talents may, indeed, warrant a further collective journey into uncharted musical territories.

GLENN BURR/PENDERECKI QUARTET

LEARNING TO FALL

Marquis Classics 81237-2

When one of Canada's foremost young composers links up with an outstanding Canadian chamber ensemble, the musical accord is instantaneous and provocative. Buhr draws liberally upon varied influences - music of the Near East (the third of 3 Songs/the 4th and 5th movements of String Quartet No. 1), classical liturgical tradition (the Agnus Dei movement from Ritchot Mass/"Tess" in 3 Songs, and jazz (his tribute to bassist Charlie Mingus' Goodbye Pork Pie Hat with String Quartet No.2).

The Penderecki String quartet is equal to the challenging diversity of such a repertoire. Soprano Anne-Marie Donovan gives a stellar performance of the 3 Songs, her rich, warm voice tenderly melding with the changing flow of the string ensemble. The University of Manitoba Singers adroitly handle the complexities of Buhr's Ritchot Mass; a moving 4-part piece dedicated to the community that suffered the devastating effects of Manitoba's 1997 floods.

The ambience of St. Norbert's Trappist Monastery (Manitoba) seems to heighten the superb acoustical presence of the performances on disc. Highly recommended.

JOAN WATSON

SONGS MY MOTHER TAUGHT ME

Peros 0211-2

Manitoba-born Joan Watson, currently associate principal horn player with the Toronto Symphony Orchestra, is one of only two French horn soloists in Canada. Moreover, she is a member of the popular True North quintet, as well as fulfilling teaching commitments at the University of Toronto. The music on this recent disc is a refreshingly original concept enhanced by a balanced variety of chosen material (classical, pop, folk, jazz), an inspired supporting cast of musicians, and the soloist's own technical artistry. Joan Watson proves here that the French horn is readily adaptable to any musical challenge - from a warm, lush bossa nova (The Island), a free-spirited Canadian folk song (She's Like a Swallow), a jazz-oriented piece of Ellingtonia (Sophisticated Lady), to the gentle pulsation's of Faure (Apres en Reve) or the joyous, lively depictions of Marin Marais' Le Basque.

She is a remarkable artist on a uniquely rare solo instrument, and the proof is to be found on this truly entertaining CD gem.

NANDO MICHELIN

ART

DoubLe Time DTRCD-144

Based on the premise that "Visual art and music are reciprocally inspirational" (liner), Uruguayan pianist Nando Michelin weaves a musical collage of 9 compositions, personal responses to artists/paintings that have special meaning for him. Though carefully orchestrated, the numbers reveal Michelin's skills both as a melodist and improviser, pursuing, with tenorman Jerry Bergonzi, the multidirectional chordal patterns on Juan Gris, shifting the moods with Nude or Paul Gauguin, exploring the transitory perspectives (with Latin beat) of Marc Chagall, or mirroring the stark contrasts suggested by Joan Miro. The rhythm section works well in varying the backgrounds for the quintet's ever-changing array of musical canvasses. Liner notes are extensive, informative, and insightful.