Are You Not Weary of Ardent Ways?

Known primarily for conducting pieces by up-and-coming composers for ERM Media's Masterworks of the New Era series, Robert Ian Winstin appears in his own right as the author of seven works on this 2006 release. Each piece reveals a different aspect of this highly versatile and eclectic artist, though his approach to form and tonality may seem conservative to some, and his music may smack too much of commercial slickness to others. However, Winstin's compositions are too eccentric, individualistic, and clever to be either reactionary or facile; just when it seems the music has become conventional or predictable, there are surprises held in store to keep the listener alert. One may spend most of the time guessing if parts of these pieces are pastiches -- in many cases, it seems they might be, but there are just enough changes and modifications to make stylistic identification difficult. Yet what matters most is the entertainment value of each work, especially in the openness and accessibility of the four concertos, which are all instant crowd pleasers. Of these, the Cello Concerto is the most substantial in material and passionate in character, and this warmly lyrical work almost makes the rest of the disc seem inconsequential. Yes, the Drum Concerto is vigorous and rousing, the Flute Concerto is pretty and sprightly, and the Piano Concerto is brilliant and comical; but the Cello Concerto is by far the most accomplished and satisfying, and most likely to secure a place in the repertoire. Of the shorter works, Are You Not Weary of Ardent Ways? for viola and orchestra is the most emotionally affecting and musically interesting, though the lighthearted Scherzo qui a la gachette facile will amuse some, and the closing Kiev Anthem is a stirring conclusion to this varied program. The performances by the Kiev Philharmonic are polished and committed, and the soloists in the first six works -- trombonist Andriy Holovko, violist Pohoryelov Alexander Anatoliyevich, drummer Ian Dwyer, flutist Maria Khmelyova, cellist Vera Kornilova, and pianist Dmitriy Tavanets -- are first rate in their technical abilities and expressive power. The audio reproduction is fine overall, though a little indistinct in some soft passages.