Rhapsodie: Fantasie: Poème

01/03/2009
Robert Benson
Classical CD Review (US)

Here are two more winners from the enterprising Australian label Melba, all featuring that country's artists. Although Barry Tuckwell's career was primarily in London, he was born in Australia and has recorded most of the French horn repertory as soloist; here he conducts the Queensland and Victoria Orchestras for his compatriot, Ben Jacks, a leading contemporary horn virtuoso. Dukas' Villanelle is heard in a new orchestration, and both the concerto by Damase and Marshall-Hall's Phantasy here receive their first recordings. Spectacular performances, and beautifully recorded with rich natural sound …Both of these Melba issues have their usual luxurious packaging.