In this second volume of MacDowell piano music, Barbagallo plays the composer's first published works, opp. 1 and 2, which are pleasant salon music. The title of the Modern Suite seems inappropriate even for 1881; it sounds like music Mendelssohn could have written half a century earlier. The "Norse" Sonata is appropriately dedicated to Grieg, who provided most of it's inspiration. As in volume 1, the strongest attraction is the committed, colorful playing of the late James Barbagallo, bronze medalist at the 1982 Tchaikovsky Competition. He plays this music with such obvious dedication and affection that his performances overcome critical reservations about the music itself.
3 Andantino Ed Allegretto: Con Tenerezza Serena. Piu Allegretto
4 Intermezzo: Con Leggerezza E Giocoso
5 Rhapsodie: In Ritmo Tenebre
6 Fugue: Allegro Risoluto
7 Amourette, Op. 1 (Not Fast, with Simplicity)
8 Capriciously, Yet Not Slow
9 Not Slow, Liltingly
10 In the Woods (Lightly, Almost Jauntily)
11 Siesta (Slowly, Swayingly)
12 To the Moonlight (With Breadth and Tenderness)
13 Silver Clouds (Smoothly, Placidly)
14 Flute Idyl (Lightly, Joyously)
15 The Bluebell (Lightly, Daintly)
16 Mesto, Ma Con Passione
17 Tristamente, Ma Con Tenerezza
18 Allegro Con Fuoco
In this second volume of MacDowell piano music, Barbagallo plays the composer's first published works, opp. 1 and 2, which are pleasant salon music. The title of the Modern Suite seems inappropriate even for 1881; it sounds like music Mendelssohn could have written half a century earlier. The "Norse" Sonata is appropriately dedicated to Grieg, who provided most of it's inspiration. As in volume 1, the strongest attraction is the committed, colorful playing of the late James Barbagallo, bronze medalist at the 1982 Tchaikovsky Competition. He plays this music with such obvious dedication and affection that his performances overcome critical reservations about the music itself.
