Treble & Bass - Kleiberg Concertos

Chronique

While newly commissioned violin concertos may be commonplace, concertos for the double bass are a rare commodity. This 2L album by the Trondheim Symfoniorkester features both, written by the orchestra's composer-in-residence, Ståle Kleiberg. The disc opens with the Violin Concerto; composed in 2005, it has a clear neo-Romantic sense coupled with impressions of Stravinsky and Prokofiev. The whole concerto is based on Kleiberg's idea of thematic transformation, a more fluid and continuous version of thematic variations. The orchestration is typically thin and veiled, allowing the violin to effortlessly rise above the accompaniment. Violinist Marianne Thorsen offers a convincing performance filled with crystal-clear sustained notes high up in the violin's register; a warm, natural vibrato; and wonderful intonation. The bass concerto was written in 1999 and focuses less on neo-Romanticism and more on a modernized, progressive version of the traditions established by earlier Nordic composers. Kleiberg is very careful to keep the orchestral accompaniment to a minimum to allow the bass a fighting chance at being heard. Still, bassist Göran Sjölin's sound is none too powerful and listeners will find themselves straining to be able to clearly hear the solo line. This is a shame, as Sjölin combines an ample technique with a fluid, warm tone across the range of his instrument. Kleiberg's clever use of harmonics extends the basses' range while still incorporating the instrument's robust, lower registers.

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