By neilo
28-Jun-2010

In the shadow of Respighi  

Casella has not been in much favor since his death in 1947. This well played and even better recorded disc helps to redress this situation. The early second symphony with its Mahlerian scoring and scale is very impressive - although the second movement does sound uncannily like Rimski-Korsakov's Scheharazade. The tunes are quite memorable and this is a very worthwhile addition to the repertoire on disc.

The accompanying Scarlattiana is from later in his career and is more neo-classical in feel. The tunes selected from the multitude of sonatas by Scarlatti is scored for piano and small orchestra. It is attractive melodically and has some delicate scoring with each movement not outstaying its welcome.

Hopefully there will be more to come.
more....