Hungarian composer Ernst von Dohnányi (grandfather of conductor Christoph) not only was a superb composer, but he also had that most unusual of musical qualities: a real sense of humor. This is most evident in the famous Variations on a Nursery Theme, the opening of which is one of the most hilarious “set-ups” in the history of music, but it’s equally noticeable in such movements as the “Merry Funeral March” in The Veil of Pierrette Suite, and at several points in the lovely Suite in F-sharp Minor. All of this music deserves to be performed, recorded, listened to, and loved. It’s warm, inviting, exceptionally well crafted, brilliantly scored–in short, it has everything. The humor is just a bonus. Conductor Matthias Bamert proves an excellent tour guide through these appealing musical landscapes, and Howard Shelley’s performance of the piano part in the Nursery Variations, while not the last word in wit, never sounds forced or labored. Get to know Dohnányi. He’s really worth your time.
