JUNE 2010, 'Mompou: Suburbis / Les Impropères' Harmonia Mundi HMA1951482

JUNE 2010, 'Mompou: Suburbis / Les Impropères' Harmonia Mundi HMA1951482

Reviewed by Ray Picot

This is an excellent bargain reissue of some distinct rarities. Mompou is associated with some justification with his piano music, but it translates surprisingly well to an orchestral medium. Opening with the early Suburbis, which is given very subtle treatment by Manuel Rosenthal (of Offenbach fame) followed by some delightful colouring by Alexandre Tansman, of the Scenes d'enfants. Both arrangers give the music a piquant French accent. The picture is completed by hearing the composer orchestrating in his own colours, matched by some wonderful vocal writing, in the oratorio Los improperios and Combat del somni. Repeated listening reveals in the oratorio a work of extraordinary beauty that carries its message sublimely, and is not disadvantaged by its brevity.

 

 

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