Leon Levitch: Ricordo di Mario; Fantasia for Oboe and Strings

1. Ricordo Di Mario for oboe and piano, Op 16a
Composed by Leon Levitch
with Leon Levitch , Greg Donovetsky

2. Fantasia for oboe & strings, Op 12
Composed by Leon Levitch
with Kenneth Burward-Hoy , Greg Donovetsky , Janice Foy , Alexander Treger

3. String Quartet, No 1, Op 13
Composed by Leon Levitch
with Camille Ericson , William Hector , Dorothy Muggerdige , Mildred O'Donnell , Valley String Quartet

4. Quartet for flute, viola, cello & piano, Op 3
Composed by Leon Levitch
with Sven Reher , Jeffrey Solow , Sheridan Stokes , Irma Vallecillo-Gray

5. Quintet for flute & strings, Op 5
Composed by Leon Levitch
with Kathleen Lenski , Paul Polivnick , Jeffrey Solow , Sheridan Stokes , Miwako Watanabe

Customer Reviews:

Avante Garde Sounds of Excellence that will repeat & repeat.......2000-08-06

Leon Levitch, a native of Yugoslavia born in 1927 studied with many marvelous composers in the contemporary era such as Darius Milhaud, Roy Harris and Marion Castlenuovo-Tedesco. He has written two symphonies, chamber works for flute and sonatas for strings and piano in addition to the material on this disk. The CD was recorded in 1991 and runs for 59 minutes.

The sounds of the flute, oboe, piano and strings playing challenging music together are picturesquely beautiful. However, the first time or two around, a listener may not be able to hear or feel the beauty because of sounds which may seem dissonant. But on more careful listening one will come to appreciate the beautiful pieces and their performances in this clear, crisp sounding CD. The sound is of DDD quality.

I found the opening work "Richardo di Mario" a wonderful piece. Levitch and Donovetsky, a fine oboe player perform a poignant, moving memorial to Mario Castelnuovo-Tedesco. Levitch's piano artistry is magnificent. I wish he would have been more involved with the playing throughout, as well as the composing. This contrasts with the second work "Fantasia for Oboe and Strings." The oboe, cello, violin and viola are masterfully used to play a light and delightful short piece with sounds that are not commonplace but truly enjoyable.

The last three works are a string quartet, quartet for flute, viola, cello and piano, closing with a quintet for flute and strings. I particularly enjoyed the Quartet for Flute, Viola, Cello and Piano, Op. 3. These instruments normally do not join together in a small group. However the sounds are very appealing as well as new. The Allegro smoothly develops the major theme and establishes dialogue among the instruments. The Adante reinforces the theme in a slower manner with shifts from one major key to another. The theme ends peacefully. But then, to close this work Levitch uses a sparkling Rondo, allegro vivace. The theme has been established and repeated. At the end Levitch shows the joyfulness that is ever-present with lively rhythms. This joyfulness closes and reaffirms the delightful work by stressing the synergy among instruments in presenting the main themes.

This CD is on special order. That may be due to the fact that few have heard it. I acquired my copy on an Internet auction from a vender who specializes in unique, rare delightful music from both well known and lesser established artists. The vendor valued this CD for its delightful sounds. I heard his words and now rejoice hearing Levitch's works.

This CD may not be for all tastes. But for those who want to hear beautiful moving themes presented through the sounds of somewhat unrelated instruments or a CD that can be thrilling on every replay, I highly recommend it. If more try this CD, then Levitch might be able to acquire some of the deserved recognition and his music more attention.

This is a rare gem worth the wait if necessary. I love it and sense many others may will also acquire the same feeling.