Ann Mason Stockton, Harp

Editorial Reviews
Amazon.com
Anne Mason Stockton's recordings of Harl McDonald's suite From Childhood, Caplet's The Masque of the Red Death, and Castelnuovo-Tedesco's Concertino aroused considerable interest in the 1950s when they appeared on mono Capitol LPs. They still sound fine, and the performances are extremely persuasive even when the music (especially McDonald) seems dated. Conductor Felix Slatkin was also first violinist of the legendary Hollywood String Quartet and father of present conducting star Leonard Slatkin. The disc is filled out with stereo recordings of solo harp pieces by Woollen, Schifrin, and Roussel, also very well played. A delight for harp fanciers. --Leslie Gerber

Tracks:

Introduction & Allegro
Danse Sacree
Danse Profane
La Oracion Del Torero, Op.34
I. Poco Animato
II. Allegretto
III. Andante, Quasi Adagio-Lento
IV. Allegro Vivace
I. Allegro
II. Scherzoso
III. Andante Ecclesiastico (In Modo Di Canto Gregoriano)
IV. Fuga

Customer Reviews:

Gorgeous music, beautifully played.......2006-10-21

I bought this CD sort of by mistake as a used-CD sale. On the cover I saw "Hollywood String Quartet" and the list of composers. I figured that the Hollywood played the Ravel and Debussy quartets and brief pieces by the other three composers.

When I got the CD home and realized my mistake, I was at first disappointed. But this CD has become a particular favorite. I don't know how I lived for so long with no recording of the Ravel Introduction and Allegro, but I'm very glad to have one now. I'd heard the piece before, of course, and this is a beautiful performance.

And the Debussy Danse Sacree et Danse Profane is such a gorgeous piece. Again, how did I live without this music?

The briefest piece on the CD is the Turina "La Oracion del Torero (The Toreador's Prayer) and it's a lovely miniature, with tender playing from the Hollywood.

The Villa-Lobos quartets are generally fascinating and should be played by more groups. The Sixth is one of the best and the Hollywood brilliantly captures its various moods -- yearning, energetic, astringent, mournful, melancholy, determined.

The Creston quartet is brief, less than 20 minutes. A tense, driven allegro is followed by an alternately playful and slightly spooky scherzo. A hushed, tender, exquisite slow movement is followed by a grand yet playful fugue. This piece really blows me away. Why is it virtually unknown? Though conservative, this music has a real voice.

All the recordings are mono. The sound is good but there is some slight distortion and I can't pretend it's state of the art. But this CD is a wonderful collection of both well-known and little-known music, beautifully performed. Grab it while you can.

Beautiful.......2003-03-31

As other reviewers have noted, the Hollywood String Quartet was often slighted in their day by American critics, but, sadly, it's not the first time that American critics have ignored the greatness of artists from their own country. Nevertheless, time has demonstrated the worth of this ensemble. For those new to classical music, chamber music, the Hollywood String Quartet, or any combination of the above, this disc is an excellent introduction. It is a genuinely beautiful recording. The skill of the Quartet with impressionist music is a delight to hear. I won't bias anyone with a favorite on this one. So much is good. The Hollywood String Quartet worked in the film industry, so freed from relying on the quartet for their primary livelihood, they were able to play what they wanted. Their enjoyment shows in their playing, as does their precision. They were also mature enough to include other artists when necessary, as they do here. The recording is monophonic, but the warmth, intimacy, and clarity of the analog master makes you forget that quickly. Listening to this performance is both a delicious and uplifting way to spend an hour.

Average customer rating:

Nostalgique

Manufacturer: Crystal Records
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

General | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Chamber Music | Classical | Styles | Music
ASIN: B000003J2T
Release Date: 1995-05-30

Tracks:

Suite 'From Childhood,' For Harp And Orchestra: Allegro moderato
Suite 'From Childhood,' For Harp And Orchestra: Molto moderato
Suite 'From Childhood,' For Harp And Orchestra: Allegro moderato
Conte Fantastique
Lento For Harp Solo
Continuum
Impromptu
Concertino For Harp, String Quartet, And Three Clarinets: Moderato
Concertino For Harp, String Quartet, And Three Clarinets: Andante
Concertino For Harp, String Quartet, And Three Clarinets: Finale spagnulo

Amazon.com

Anne Mason Stockton's recordings of Harl McDonald's suite From Childhood, Caplet's The Masque of the Red Death, and Castelnuovo-Tedesco's Concertino aroused considerable interest in the 1950s when they appeared on mono Capitol LPs. They still sound fine, and the performances are extremely persuasive even when the music (especially McDonald) seems dated. Conductor Felix Slatkin was also first violinist of the legendary Hollywood String Quartet and father of present conducting star Leonard Slatkin. The disc is filled out with stereo recordings of solo harp pieces by Woollen, Schifrin, and Roussel, also very well played. A delight for harp fanciers. --Leslie Gerber