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 EXP, The Scientific Word Processor Version 3.0 for Windows $25.00 "Unsurpassed ability to handle mathematical equations and symbols in an integrated, easy-to-use graphical interface."  Holst: Double Concerto For 2 Violins / 2 Songs Without Words / Lyric Movement / Brook Green Suite $8.99 It's sort of a shame that most people recognize the English composer, Gustav Holst, with his "Planets". Yes, it's a brilliant masterpiece (and yes, the Mars & Jupiter sequences are a sure kicker), but he's more than just that. To be honest, I most recognize Holst for his "Somerset Rhapsody", his "Edgon Heath" tone poem, and his choral work "The Cloud Messenger". "The Cloud Messenger" is especially striking for its choral lyricism and its orchestral firepower. Yes, Holst is more than just "the guy who created the 'Planets' music", and this CD is further proof. The "Double Concerto" consists of two solo violins and a very small orchestra. It's a great one, and it reminds me of Holst's "Hammersmith". "Brook Green Suite" & "St. Paul's Suite" are mostly based on folk material, and it doesn't get any better than this. "Lyric Movement" and "Two Songs without Words" aren't as good as the suites, but their sheer lyricism and steadiness makes me want to listen to them over and over. The only drawback to the "Fugal Concerto" for flute, oboe, and string orchestra is that the end sounds horribly anti-climactic. Either the conductor made a mistake, or Holst no longer had interest during the last movement. Richard Hickox and the City of London Sinfonia do a fine job with these pieces, and the soloists sound very good. I give this an A-.  The 2000 Year Old Man:The Complete History $59.98 Keeps you smiling and laughing in the car. All of a sudden traffic jams ain't so bad. |
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