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Orchestra of the Swan- CD OF THE WEEK on Classic FM

by | Jun 22, 2010 | News and Reviews | 0 comments

Orchestra of the Swan’s recording of Finzi and Copland Clarinet Concertos, the Finzi Romance for Strings and the 13 Instrument version of Appalachian Spring on Somm Records is Classic FM’s CD of the Week.

Tune in on Saturday, June 26 to “The New CD Show” at 5PM as  David Mellor reviews the best of the latest classical releases, and plays excerpts from the new OOTS CD.

Other reviews–

Norman Lebrecht’s CD of the Week

17 May 2010 by Norman Lebrecht

Copland, Finzsi: Clarinet concertos (Somm) ****

Odd that this pair does not get coupled more often. Both composers were jews in self-denial who sought identity in rustic folklore.n But roots will out. The opening of Copland’s concerto is reminiscent of Mahler, while Finzi’s has a touch of the Bloch. Soloist Sarah Williamson plays with poise and verve; David Curtis conducts the supple Orchestra of the Swan. Appalachian Spring and a Finzi Romance are the fillers in this unassumingly glorious summer pudding

Classic FM Magazine-
Sarah Williamson and Orchestra of the Swan with David Curtis May 2010 by Julian Haylock
5 *****
Copland: Clarinet Concerto; Appalachian Spring
Finzi: Clarinet Concerto; Romance for Strings
Sarah Williamson (clarinet); Orchestra of the Swan/David Curtis
Sarah Williamson produces a beautifully regulated sound and matches her intonation against the strings with luminous accuracy. She purrs her way through the Finzi Concerto, luxuriating in the music’s pastoral whimsy and phrasing with captivating sensitivity. Her sensuously velvety tone is projected without the slightest hint of breathiness, imparting a radiant cool to the Copland Concerto, especially in the jaunty finale where her gently cushioned staccato proves especially seductive. She also brings a melt-in-the-mouth quality to the opening of Appalachian Spring, and receives warmly sympathetic support from David Curtis and the Orchestra of the Swan.

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