Curtis, M Orchestral Works, Vol 3
A musicians' favourite, Curtis proves once again a great tunesmith
View record and artist detailsRecord and Artist Details
Composer or Director: Matthew Curtis
Genre:
Orchestral
Label: Cameo
Magazine Review Date: 12/2006
Media Format: CD or Download
Media Runtime: 73
Mastering:
Stereo
DDD
Catalogue Number: CAMEO2055

Tracks:
Composition | Artist Credit |
---|---|
On The Move |
Matthew Curtis, Composer
Gavin Sutherland, Conductor Matthew Curtis, Composer Royal Ballet Sinfonia |
Concerto for Flute and Orchestra |
Matthew Curtis, Composer
Gavin Sutherland, Conductor Jennifer Stinton, Flute Matthew Curtis, Composer Royal Ballet Sinfonia |
At Twilight |
Matthew Curtis, Composer
Gavin Sutherland, Conductor Matthew Curtis, Composer Royal Ballet Sinfonia |
Divertimento Concertante |
Matthew Curtis, Composer
Gavin Sutherland, Conductor Matthew Curtis, Composer Royal Ballet Sinfonia Verity Butler, Clarinet |
(5) Dances for String Orchestra |
Matthew Curtis, Composer
Gavin Sutherland, Conductor Matthew Curtis, Composer Royal Ballet Sinfonia |
Partita |
Matthew Curtis, Composer
Gavin Sutherland, Conductor Matthew Curtis, Composer Royal Ballet Sinfonia |
Author: Andrew Lamb
Ivan March and Andrew Achenbach reviewed two previous Campion CDs of music by Matthew Curtis (3/03; 5/05). That this third follows so closely is, we are told, because of the availability of performers willing to record his flute and clarinet concertos. Of the other music on the CD, the Five Dances for string orchestra were written specially for the recording.
Curtis was born in Cumbria in 1959, and the Gramophone summary of the first Campion CD rightly described him as a composer unafraid to write tunes. This is immediately apparent here in the frisky opening movement On the Move, as also in the beautifully lyrical Adagio cantabile of the Flute Concerto, the swinging opening waltz of the Five Dances, and the Allegro finale of the Clarinet Concerto. I can imagine that Flute Concerto movement especially gaining popularity separated from the remainder of the work. In its interplay between flute soloist and solo violin, it also demonstrates Curtis's particular skills as an orchestrator - remarkable for one apparently self-taught in that respect.
Apart from the final Partita, everything in the collection is scored for reduced orchestral forces, emphasising the overall impression of music that fits well into the tradition of Elgar's lighter works. Even if the music's ready accessibility means also that it perhaps leaves no deep lasting effect, the expertise and affection of Gavin Sutherland and the Royal Ballet Sinfonia ensure that the CD will not disappoint any who have enjoyed the first two Curtis volumes.
Curtis was born in Cumbria in 1959, and the Gramophone summary of the first Campion CD rightly described him as a composer unafraid to write tunes. This is immediately apparent here in the frisky opening movement On the Move, as also in the beautifully lyrical Adagio cantabile of the Flute Concerto, the swinging opening waltz of the Five Dances, and the Allegro finale of the Clarinet Concerto. I can imagine that Flute Concerto movement especially gaining popularity separated from the remainder of the work. In its interplay between flute soloist and solo violin, it also demonstrates Curtis's particular skills as an orchestrator - remarkable for one apparently self-taught in that respect.
Apart from the final Partita, everything in the collection is scored for reduced orchestral forces, emphasising the overall impression of music that fits well into the tradition of Elgar's lighter works. Even if the music's ready accessibility means also that it perhaps leaves no deep lasting effect, the expertise and affection of Gavin Sutherland and the Royal Ballet Sinfonia ensure that the CD will not disappoint any who have enjoyed the first two Curtis volumes.
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