Molique Violin Concertos

[Alan Howe]

I'm afraid the horrid solo violin-playing just won't do. Good job the music's not of the front rank - it's sort of like Spohr, only with more guts...

[eschiss1]

(from the cat?)

[Alan Howe]

Very good, Eric!

[Mark Thomas]

Alan Howe wrote

it's sort of like Spohr, only with more guts...

Rat's! My copy came this morning and, as I was playing it I was thinking "beefed-up Spohr" and then I find that Alan already said it! Actually, the music itself is fine by me;  although clearly not by a major composer, it is quite robust in places. Despite the obvious debt to Spohr, my first impression is that Molique at least doesn't ape Spohr's all-pervading chromaticism, although Kai Köpp's insert notes contradict that impression. Unfortunately, though, I am totally with those who find the violin playing painful for the reasons which Alan has outlined earlier. The vibrato-free approach may be historically correct for all I know but its meanness does the music no favours at all and one is left with an impression that these are smaller works than they really are. A missed opportunity I feel. 

[DennisS]

I haven't as yet received my copy of the Cd but hope that I won't be too disappointed if the violin playing leaves something to be desired.

[Alan Howe]

Do let us know what you think, Dennis. You may react quite differently...

[jonfrohnen]

Such interesting concerti but the soloist...oh my, not so good at all, really detracts from the beauty of the music :-(

[Alan Howe]

It's a poor release, I'm afraid.