CD REVIEW - KORNGOLD: VIOLIN CONCERTO + NEWS FROM COSTA COMMUNICATIONS


Korngold: Violin Concerto/Schauspiel Overture/Much Ado About Nothing
Music by Erich Wolfgang Korngold
Naxos 8.570791 (EU)
9 Tracks 53:40 mins

There is no shortage in the number of recordings available of Erich Wolfgang Korngold's Violin Concerto in D major, some of which have even been issued on this label. Curious perhaps, when the classical music Establishment and followers have so often looked down on composers who have chosen to write for film; especially as the work in question is drawn from the great Austrian composer's screen works, albeit largely lesser acclaimed ones than his biggies like The Adventures of Robin Hood, The Sea Hawk, King's Row et al.
Fact is though, it's a thoroughly entertaining work in three movements. The opening "Moderato Nobile" features melodies from 1937's Another Dawn and 1939's Juarez; whilst "Romance: Andante" features a theme from 1936's Anthony Adverse. The third movement, "Finale: Allegro Assai Vivace" is particularly appealing and takes some playing, presenting as it does, a lively theme from 1937's The Prince and the Pauper, a score that has recently enjoyed a sparkling new and complete recording on the Tribute Film Classics label.
Featured soloist on this recording of the Concerto is St Petersburg-born Philippe Quint, with Carlos Miguel Prieto conducting the Orquesta Sinfonica de Mineria, who also perform the other pieces on the disc: Overture to a Drama, Op.4, written by the teenaged Korngold in 1911; and 1918's Much Ado About Nothing, an early dramatic outing for the composer, written for a production of the Shakespeare play, first performed at Vienna's Schonbrunn Castle two years later.
Accompanying the disc are Richard Whitehouse's notes on both the composer and the works presented, as well as short bios of the soloist, conductor and orchestra.
Visit www.naxos.com.

News from Costa Communications:

COMPOSER BRIAN LANGSBARD SCORES ORIGINAL MUSIC FOR ALL FIVE LIVING U.S. PRESIDENTS TO APPEAR IN SPECIAL VIDEO PRIOR TO MAJOR LEAGUE BASEBALL ALL-STAR GAME ON FOX

First Time All of the Living U.S. Presidents Will Participate in a Ceremony at a Sporting Event

U.S. Presidents to Salute 30 People Being Celebrated for Their Outstanding

Community Service & Advocating for All Americans to Volunteer

Film & TV composer Brian Langsbard (Batman - The animated series, City Confidential, Snapped) scores the music for the historic video featuring the five living presidents. United States President Barack Obama along with former U.S. Presidents George W. Bush, Bill Clinton, George H.W. Bush and Jimmy Carter will appear in an unprecedented video address as part of a special ceremony prior to the 80^th Major League Baseball All-Star Game on FOX, Tuesday, July 14 at 5pm PST / 8 p.m. EST. The video will mark the first time all of the living U.S. Presidents will participate in a ceremony at a sporting event. Following the video, President Obama will throw out the ceremonial first pitch which will also be choregraphed to live music by Langsbard. This marks his third live to event performance in a row for Major League Baseball.

The Presidential video address, which will run approximately seven minutes, will be part of a pre-game celebration honoring the 30 “All-Stars Among Us,” men and women who are being recognized by Major League Baseball and PEOPLE magazine for their selfless acts of giving and service to their communities. According the Langsbard, “The presidential music theme is inter-woven throughout the video.” The epic score consist of solo trumpet along with 80 instruments and choir. “As a budding film composer, I always wanted to hear my music played on the big speakers at a movie theater but I never imagined I would have my music blasted through the sound-system of major stadiums.”

The 30 honorees, one representing each MLB Club, were selected by fans online at www.peopleallstars.com as part of a joint initiative between Major League Baseball and PEOPLE magazine, with nearly three quarters of a million votes cast.

“The importance of community service is personified by the 30 ‘All-Stars Among Us’ and reinforced by the willingness of the five living Presidents to come together in support of this important theme during the Midsummer Classic,” said Baseball Commissioner Allan H. (Bud) Selig. “In addition to celebrating baseball’s best on the field, Major League Baseball wants to shine a light on stars in the community whose work improves the lives of those who are less fortunate.”

The “All-Stars Among Us” program is central to the 2009 MLB All-Star Game and its surrounding events which are dedicated to the recognition of the important role of community service and to charitable initiatives. The charity and community service initiatives, which are themed “Going Beyond,” will be the most extensive in Major League Baseball All-Star history. Major League Baseball will raise and donate millions of dollars for numerous organizations.

In addition to talking about the importance of giving back to the community, each President will highlight the accomplishments of one of the “All-Stars Among Us,” who will be saluted on the field by the Major League Baseball All-Stars and the fans at Busch Stadium.

President Obama highlights Richard Nares (San Diego, CA – Padres) whose Emilio Nares Foundation, which he began after his young son died of cancer, includes a program called Ride With Emilio that transports sick children who lack access to transportation to their cancer treatments and medical appointments.

Former President George W. Bush comments on Rob Dixon (Brockton, MA – Red Sox), who founded Project RISE, a non-profit organization that transforms at-risk youth into serious students.

Former President Bill Clinton highlights Christine Shively (Newport Beach, CA – Angels), who crochets and knits cancer caps and sends them to 140 cancer centers in the U.S., Canada, and Mexico through her organization, “Knots of Love.”

Former President George H.W. Bush honors Gary Lynn (Houston, TX – Astros), a 17-year old with cerebral palsy who started his own foundation and has raised more $12,000 for cerebral palsy research.

Former President Jimmy Carter talks about Ryan Housley (Tyrone, GA – Braves), who started HeroBox, a nonprofit that supplies specialized packages for soldiers based on their individual needs.

Major League Baseball is supporting President Obama’s call for community service through “United We Serve,” a program which encourages Americans to engage in sustained and meaningful community service. President Obama is encouraging all Americans to visit www.serve.gov to find service opportunities in their area.

The 80^th Major League Baseball All-Star Game will be televised nationally by FOX Sports, with pre-game ceremonies beginning at 8:00 p.m. ET, in Canada by Rogers Sportsnet and Sportsnet HD and televised in more than 200 countries and territories by Major League Baseball International. ESPN Radio will provide exclusive national radio coverage, while MLB.com will provide extensive online coverage.

The 30 “All-Stars Among Us” will also participate in the MLB All-Star Red Carpet Show presented by Chevy airing nationally on MLB Network on Tuesday, July 14 at 4 p.m. ET. They will join the 66 Major League Baseball All-Stars, AL and NL All-Star team managers, and Cardinals Hall of Famers who are scheduled to appear including Lou Brock, Bob Gibson, Stan Musial, Red Schoendienst, Ozzie Smith and Bruce Sutter.

The 30 “All-Stars Among Us” (please visit peopleallstars.com for full list) are individuals who dedicate their time and energy to helping others and improving the lives of those around them.

About the 2009 Major League Baseball All-Star Game

The 80^th Major League Baseball All-Star Game will be played on Tuesday, July 14th in St. Louis and will feature the best of the American League taking on the top players of the National League. Major League Baseball has responded to United States of America President Barack Obama’s call for community service through “United We Serve,” a program which encourages Americans to engage in sustained and meaningful community service. Building up to the excitement of the All-Star Game, Major League Baseball will conduct a wide variety of special events and charitable activities for fans both inside and outside of Busch Stadium. At the ballpark, the events will include Taco Bell All-Star Sunday on Sunday, July 12th featuring the XM All-Star Futures Game and the Taco Bell All-Star Legends & Celebrity Softball Game, and Gatorade All-Star Workout Day on Monday, July 13^th featuring the State Farm Home Run Derby. Outside of the ballpark, fans will have an opportunity to experience All-Star Summer through a variety of special events including Major League Baseball All-Star FanFest, the five-day interactive fan festival; the MLB All-Star Charity Concert presented by Pepsi benefiting Stand Up To Cancer, a free concert for fans under The Gateway Arch featuring Sheryl Crow; the All-Star Charity 5K & Fun Run presented by Sports Authority and Nike, a charity run on a baseball-themed route to benefit three cancer organizations; and the All-Star Game Red Carpet Show presented by Chevy, a free parade of All-Stars leading into Busch Stadium. The Midsummer Classic will be televised nationally on FOX Sports and will be shown around the world by Major League Baseball International. For more information about 2009 All-Star Summer, visit www.allstargame.com.