I recently acquired a new disc of orchestral works by Ildebrando
Pizzetti on Hyperion.  Pizzetti was a composer in the late-romantic mode.
My knowledge of his music, until now, was restricted to chamber works
(Marco Polo) and a choral disc on Chandos.  I have found his music
well-constructed and melodious.

The new orchestral disc is performed by the BBC Symphony Orchestra under
the direction of Vanska (Sibelius fame).  The recorded sound is excellent
and I am confident that Vanska and company do a fine job.

The recording contains four orchestral works.  Each one is distinctive and
variety is abundant.  Pizzetti's music is late-romantic to the core with an
aura of impressionism.  It's very easy to enjoy on a first listen, and at
least so far, has worn well over many listenings.  I was hooked by the
first work on the disc and continued in that vein throughout the recording.

As a reference, I think it compares well with Zemlinsky and is better than
the orchestral music of Marek on Koch.  I really can't imagine anyone with
a taste for late romantic music not enjoying Pizzetti.

Are the works masterpieces? It's too early for me to come to any
conclusions, but the high degree of diversity of the pieces does enhance
the staying power.

Don's Conclusion - Worth Purchasing by the general listener.  A must buy
for serious collectors of late romantic music.

Don Satz
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