This is a very special recording, one which is indeed historical in that it is the 30th CD recorded by the renowned Russian Bayanist, Friedrich Lips (b.1948). Once again he proves to be more than equal to any musical task put before him. He is absolutely remarkable on all these tracks, as is the cellist, Alexander Buzlov, and the Russian National Orchestra, conducted by Mikhail Pletnev. The CD opens with a truly dramatic and magnificent composition, "The Double Mirror" by Efrem Podgaits, (b.1949), a concerto written for cello, bayan and orchestra. It was written at the request of Friedrich Lips to the composer, who counts the cello and the bayan among his favorite instruments. There are interesting notes included with the CD about the source of the title and many other details which you will enjoy reading. Be sure to read them before you begin listening; it will make you a more alert and better listener. This is a resplendent recording of a very intriguing and large orchestral composition, including the two outstanding soloists. The orchestra members must have been quite happy to have the opportunity to perform this piece since they are kept busy throughout. The piece is a physical workout for the soloists, too. It begins quietly and ends in the same manner but in between you will hear tremendous music making for some 28 minutes; you will never get tired of listening, in fact, you will want even more of the glorious performance. You will listen to this performance more than once before putting it away! If you want to hear some of the most breathtakingly beautiful melodies, they are included in this piece, not once but many times. There is tenderness, pathos, and great musical strength heard during this display of musicianship. The superb technical execution of modern bayan techniques such as bellows shake, ricochet, untempered glissando, and air button performed by Friedrich Lips, alongside the similar sounding techniques of the cellist in a wonderful section of question and answer between the two is exciting to hear. Of course, there are exquisite displays of affection in simple but playful phrases, too.While the many large moments in this piece may bring you to tears because of their innate beauty, these little sections of lightness also bring joy. No audience will go to sleep listening to this composition, especially if performed by the large retinue of exceptional musicians required in this performance. This recording is extremely well done in that both the cello and the bayan can always be heard regardless of how large the orchestration might be! It is remarkable and appreciated. You will be impressed with the sound of the bayan reeds!Whether loud or soft, accented or not, and in any range, they responded and when required, blended so truly well with the orchestra. The instrument is handled by the musician playing it, of course, but it helps to have a superior sounding instrument with which tomake those great sounds heard throughout this CD. Next on the CD you will find a "Sonata in Two Parts" by Alexander Tchaikovsky (b.1946), one of the most famous composers of modern Russia. It was dedicated to Friedrich Lips. He has used the bayan in an ensemble previously, but this is the first time he has written for the solo bayan. The descriptions of Lento and Adagio for the two parts are a bit misleading; there is much more as you will notice when listening. Often introspective but then contemporary full chords with great rhythm make these pieces interesting. I cannot believe my ears when I listen to some of the solos heard next on this recording, particularly; it is like a duo instead of a solo. You will believe you are hearing two soloists instead of one! The bellows never once got in the way of the phrasing, of course, but the instrument only has one bellows and both hands use the same bellows at the same time. You really must listen to several of these solos to hear what I am speaking about; there are disparate voices but played so artistically well. So often even a small accent in one hand reflects upon the sound being produced by the other hand. But when you listen to Friedrich Lips performing the "Jewish Holidays Suite" of four pieces by composer Mikhail Bronner (b. 1952), his control of dynamics and expression, so expertly shown in these solos, will make you believe in magic! These four pieces are wonderful to hear; they offer everything an audience might expect of a concert musician; they are fun, they are sad, they are exciting and joyful. You will like these pieces and you will admire once again the great artistry of Friedrich Lips. Next is another Mikhail Bronner solo, "Dolce Appassionato" which as Lips writes, means both soft and gentle, as well as passionately. “And according to the author, only love can unite these two concepts.” This is exactly what you hear, the piece is soft and gentle, as well as passionate; however, it is saved from being overly saccharine by the big chords and movement in the middle section. And Friedrich Lips shows his great skills for interpreting the written score by the rubato he imposes. This is a different solo from the ones in "Jewish Holidays" and yet they have the same beauty, warmth, and movement given by the composer. Finally, to bring the recording to a close we hear "Lisztonia" a Fantasy on Themes by Franz Liszt, written by the Belgian pianist/composer, Clément Doucet (1895-1950). After completing his academic education, he became quite well-known while performing his many arrangements of classical music in music salons of that time. It was a very popular way for many pianists to include the music of other composers on their programs. Vladimir Horowitz, also a favorite pianist of that period, played a Liszt/Busoni arrangement built on the “Figaro” theme. It is a perfect way for Friedrich Lips to end this recording with his performance of "Lisztonia" exhibiting once again his interpretive artistry and dexterity. Reviewed by Joan Cochran Sommers, June 27, 2021. Once again, this is one of those recordings which should be placed in the hands of every symphony orchestra conductor throughout the world since it shows how composers are writing excellent repertoire using the bayan.
The live recording of the concert “Double Mirror” by E. Podgaits received 1st prize at the international competition “Pure Sound” for the best audio recording of works of Russian academic music in 2019. |
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