(Originally written December 6, 2006 in Book 7)
1. Hector Berlioz's Rakoczy March
-Hungarian tune adapted for orchestra. Very good! But, a bit to horn heavy and too 'nice' to represent the ancient war hymn of the glorious Hungarian
2. Cape Breton Postcard - Catherine McMichael's Nova Scotian Folk, Gaelic Overtones
A. The Dawn - ho hum, nice use of the reverse cymbal, fiddle music not adapted well
B. The Mist - excellent violin solo at the front. The ethereal quality is much more refined in this piece's opening part then in the Dawn
The quality of the strings is vastly superior to that of the horns.
I like the "rain drum"
The wind section, especially the Oboe plays well.
C. The Thunder - Frantic, chaotic, not as crisp or clean as the short burst ought to be. Pizzicato section, a bass is noticeably absent. The ethereal, Gaelic quality was lost in this piece.
3. Christmas Concerto - Arcangelo Corelli
Baroque Composer
A. Vivace -Grave - sloppy opening
B. Allegro - absolutely gorgeous string section. Running bass line on cello. The violins come in exquisite in their high lines and trills. The stops and starts (common in Baroque) are much sharper
C. Allegro - Magnificent piece, a bit flat and dysjuncted in violin duet. Nailed it second time round.
4. Symphony Number 5 - Ludwig van Beethoven
A. Allegro con brio - played well, french horn struggled a bit, got it second time. Marvelous.
B. Andante con molto - sloppy string open. An open string shrills out. Who played that? Of course it was cellist (it was the A-Strong). The horns to the rescue! Wonderful trumpet/french horn countermelody. Strong ending.
C. Allegro (Scherzo)
Redemption for the French Horn. Love the build up, very powerful. Cellos were not in unison. Great bassoon line. Perfect tremolo from the violas in final build up.
Masterful ending.
D. Allegro - Triumphant, exuberant, inspiring finale.
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