01. Rhapsody In Blue
02. Malaguena from Andalucia Suite
03. Simple Gifts / Going Home
04. Full Stride Ahead (Rag)
05. Feria from Rapsodie Espagnole
06. Gargoyles, Op. 29; III. Allegro moderato
07. Gargoyles, Op. 29; IV. Presto feroce
08. Hungarian Rhapsody No. 6
09. Variations on a Theme of Paganini
10. Danzas Argentinas, Op. 2; I. Danza del
viejo boyero (Dance of the
Old Cowherd)
11. Danzas Argentinas, Op. 2; II. Danza de la
mozo donosa (Dance of the
Delightful Young Girl)
12. Danzas Argentinas, Op. 2; III. Danza del
gaucho matrero (Dance of
the Artful Herdsman)
13. Valse and Romance; Valse
14. Valse and Romance; Romance
15. The Firebird (from the 1911 Version)
This piano-playing team of five siblings could be easily dismissed as just another crossover ploy, but that would be a mistake. My initial surprise turned into an hour of pleasant listening and, on rehearings, to admiration for this unique ensemble of talented young artists. For one thing, they've got the chops to bring off some fiendishly difficult works. Listen to the way sisters Desirae and Deondra tackle modernist Witold Lutoslawski's Variations on a Theme of Paganini, or brother Ryan's colorful romp through Ginastera's tricky dance rhythms. The fivesome also achieve carefully balances in their concerted works, with a scrupulously turned version of Gershwin's Rhapsody in Blue and their arrangement of highlights from Stravinsky's Firebird. Those in doubt should hear tracks two through four, for irresistible versions of Lecouna's popular Malaguena, a fetching combination of Dvorak and Copland, and a piano rag by John Novacek. A delightful, spirited disc that never fails to please. --Dan Davis
It was an absolute privilege to be in attendance at the Five Browns concert in the packed-house Performing Arts Center in Brookings SD last evening, September 9, 2013. The artistic talent of these five siblings and the coordination of their combined fifty fingers is a most see and hear event that is not likely to be equaled any place in the world.
1 comment
Lewayne M Erickson
It was an absolute privilege to be in attendance at the Five Browns concert in the packed-house Performing Arts Center in Brookings SD last evening, September 9, 2013. The artistic talent of these five siblings and the coordination of their combined fifty fingers is a most see and hear event that is not likely to be equaled any place in the world.