In this second volume of MacDowell piano music, Barbagallo plays the composer's first published works, opp. 1 and 2, which are pleasant salon music. The title of the Modern Suite seems inappropriate even for 1881; it sounds like music Mendelssohn could have written half a century earlier. The "Norse" Sonata is appropriately dedicated to Grieg, who provided most of it's inspiration. As in volume 1, the strongest attraction is the committed, colorful playing of the late James Barbagallo, bronze medalist at the 1982 Tchaikovsky Competition. He plays this music with such obvious dedication and affection that his performances overcome critical reservations about the music itself.

Tracklist:

Praeludium: Largamente Con Energia
Presto: Scherzando - Vivace
Andantino Ed Allegretto: Con Tenerezza Serena. Piu Allegretto
Intermezzo: Con Leggerezza E Giocoso
Rhapsodie: In Ritmo Tenebre
Fugue: Allegro Risoluto
Amourette, Op. 1 (Not Fast, With Simplicity)
Capriciously, Yet Not Slow
Not Slow, Liltingly
In The Woods (Lightly, Almost Jauntily)
Siesta (Slowly, Swayingly)
To The Moonlight (With Breadth And Tenderness)
Silver Clouds (Smoothly, Placidly)
Flute Idyl (Lightly, Joyously)
The Bluebell (Lightly, Daintly)
Mesto, Ma Con Passione
Tristamente, Ma Con Tenerezza
Allegro Con Fuoco

UPC: 636943901120
Label: Naxos American
Release Date: 10.27.98
Format: CD

James Barbagallo - Piano Music 2 (CD)