If the classical recording industry is in such dire shape, then how do you explain labels such as Chandos, which is tireless in its thorough exploration of great swaths of recherché repertoire? After hearing this spectacularly engineered new SA-CD, I really do believe that Alexandres Tansam’s time has come… there’s no need to hesitate over Oleg Caetani’s performances. On the present CD, he and the Melbourne Symphony Orchestra will make new friends for this colourful and dramatic music with their polished, enthusiastic performances
International Record Review
‘This is fascinating and frequently intoxicating repertoire and I urge you to try it. The sound is spacious and true.’
Gramophone on CHSA 5040 Stephan Orchestral Works
His [Tansman] symphonies show a very strong influence from Stravinsky (sometimes distractingly so), with a significant dose of Gallic harmony thrown in; but his music rarely has the characteristic French neoclassical lightness, gravitating instead towards a big symphonic sound with roots in central and eastern Europe. Tansman is also a very gifted orchestrator, and the Melbourne Symphony’s smooth, gauzy sound is a perfect complement to the music, helping it though heavier moments. In fact the sound of the recording is in many ways the star of the show – this is a back-of-the-hall recording with lots of buttery warmth that comes through even on my CD-only system, so I imagine it will sound great on an SACD system.
American Record Guide
These fine performances do more that merely champion a neglected cause, revealing as they do a composer who, for all his diverse stylistic leanings, forged music of strength and integrity.
The Telegraph
There’s no questioning that Oelg Caetani and his Melbourne forces are fervent advocates of Tansman, and the recordings are excellent. For listeners in tune with Tansman’s musical world this could be the beginning of a rewarding series.
Gramophone
Thus superlative initial volume in the Tansman symphonic cycle will, it is hoped, make his svelte, pungent, and communicative output as popular and accessible as it inherently deserves to be. This is a Want List candidate for sure.
Fanfare
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