Of the rarities presented in this unusual Russian music collection, the most tantalizing is Gliére’s Concerto for Coloratura Soprano and Orchestra. Judging by the slight surface noise, it sounds as if this transfer could have been made from an LP. No matter, the sound is fine, and Joan Sutherland sings radiantly, pouring out beguiling tone throughout her range, while her trademark trills are put to good use by Gliére’s vocal writing, which isn’t particularly original, especially considering it was composed in 1943. The same can be said for Gliére’s 1938 Harp Concerto: beguiling solo writing set against standard-fare 19th-century orchestral accompaniment.
Sutherland’s singing also graces three slighter items: Cui’s melancholy Ici bas, Gretchaninov’s soothing Cradle Song, and Stravinsky’s Pastorale, in which Sutherland provides vocal counterpoint for the piquant woodwind melody.
Glazunov’s Violin Concerto is the most substantial work in this collection, featuring virtuoso solo writing (performed with aplomb by violinist Josef Sivo) combined with engaging melodies and sparkling orchestration. Richard Bonynge expertly accompanies Sutherland in all of her numbers, while Horst Stein does the same for Sivo in the Glazunov. In all, it’s a special album that makes a most welcome reappearance thanks to Arkivmusic.com’s “on-demand” service. [11/5/2007]
