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CD Review
Legend
Late Romantic Danish Works for Double Bass & Piano
- Ludvig Hegner (1851-1923):
- Légende, Op. 5
- Nocturne, Op. 6
- Trois Morceaux
- Fantasi über ein Lied von Franz Abt
- Élégie
- Mazurka de Concert
- Romance
- Franz Neruda (1843-1915): Berceuse slave (d'après un chant polonæse), Op. 11
- Louis Glass (1864-1936): Nocturne, Op. 33
Per Dlasgaard Knudsen, double bass
Karsten Munk, piano
Danacord 593 65m DDD
The double bass is a curious instrument and it has always been somewhat a retractable part of the orchestra. Few composers have written solo works for it and it is certainly a surprise to find three Danish composers with substantial music in this genre albeit two of them played the instrument themselves! Ludwig Hegner was a contemporary of Bottesini, that other great virtuoso and his works display a facility of charm and relaxed invention that make for some highly enjoyable listening. The 'Légende' and 'Fantasi' are both very appealing and very well played by Knudsen, who is obviously enjoying himself here. I also enjoyed the delectable 'Trois Morceuax' and the pensive 'Élégie'. Glass is represented by a crafty Nocturne which contains much interesting shades for the instrument. I don't have any qualms with the music as such but the notes are written in very poor English and this is not acceptable for an internationally distributed CD. Danacord should spice up their act in that department otherwise the CD is very enjoyable on all counts.
Copyright © 2002, Gerald Fenech
