music
Dancing on a Volcano album review
Ensemble Modern/Gruber/Giunta/Amarcord(Ensemble Modern Media)From Hindemith’s jazz-age energy to Schoenberg’s existential angst, and Kurt Weill’s biting satire to Korngold’s neo-Romanticism, this lively recording is a perfect example of the kind of music the Nazis couldn’t abide.
TL;DR
- The recording features music from Germany between 1920 and 1933 by composers deemed unacceptable by the Nazis.
- Composers included are Hindemith, Schoenberg, Kurt Weill, and Korngold, all of whom later emigrated to the United States.
- The performance of Hindemith's Kammermusik No 1 is described as having neo-classical spikiness and jazz-age energy.
- Korngold's neo-Romanticism is presented with acerbic wit.
- Schoenberg's Accompaniment to a Cinematographic Scene is noted for its existential angst.
- A performance of Kurt Weill's The Seven Deadly Sins is considered a highlight, with Wallis Giunta and Amarcord's male quartet delivering strong vocal performances.