Pizzicato

Born in Manchester in 1956, Frederick Paul Naftel draws his inspiration as a composer from sources as diverse as nature and historical events. His compositions are just as diverse in terms of styles and formats, moods and atmospheres. His remarkable works include the Aubade Pastorale, which can be heard here. What is striking about his music is the unmistakable contemporary voice that reveals itself in its eccentricity and individuality.

The Aphoristic Impressions look at impressions of very different landscapes. Aubade Pastorale for strings is a short tone poem describing a gloomy day in the English countryside. The Folksong Suite for string orchestra and timpani is based on English and Scottish folk songs. The Song of Songs is a rhapsody for string orchestra and harp based on Hebrew chants and original material. It evokes images suitable for biblical films or documentaries about the Middle East.

Pascal’s Victim for tuba quartet is based on the Gregorian chant Victamae Paschali.

The String Quartet No. 2, a result of the corona pandemic, reflects the difficult times. In this work in five sections with an epilogue in one movement, the music oscillates between calm and violent sections. Villancico for guitar and small orchestra playfully bridges the gap between the Spanish Renaissance and Joaquin Rodrigo.

The various performers give the music an individual character with their committed interpretations. Only the performance of the Folksong Suite by the Northern Film Orchestra leaves an unpleasant impression with a less sensitive and also unclean arrangement, but this cannot be blamed on the charming piece. Otherwise, however, the musicians demonstrate a variable but not arbitrary composer whose works are endowed with a pleasant character.

—Uwe Krusch