Howard Griffiths: Orchestral Lollipops

Richard Strauss once said that ‘a composer of worth must also be able to compose a menu’. Ironically, the ‘Schlagobers’ (‘whipped cream’) ballet which he later composed was by far not as successful as the polkas and marches written by his Viennese namesake Johann Strauss. To use a sticky comparison, his work did not become a lollipop – unlike the sweet evergreen which was invented in England and has been much loved ever since. Elgar’s Pomp and Circumstance march no. 1, Anderson’s The Typewriter, and Wood’s Fantasia on British Sea Songs immediately achieved this ‘lollipop’-status: under the direction of Howard Griffiths, the Brandenburgisches Staatsorchester Frankfurt has taken a liking to these lollipops and has put them on display in this stunning recording with Fine Arts Brass. Particularly noteworthy are the pieces which commonly fall under the heading of Tin Pan Alley: among them Carmichael’s melancholic Stardust, Wright ‘Fats’ Waller’s ambiguously ironic Smashin’ Thirds and Valentine Stomp, as well as Berlin’s melodically and rhythmically extravagant Puttin’ on the Ritz. With his cover versions for Brass quintet and orchestra, Howard Griffiths erects a sounding monument to these indestructible lollipops, bursting with original flavour and subtlety.

Brandenburgisches Staatsorchester Frankfurt
Fine Arts Brass
Howard Griffiths

Cinemusical - CD-Besprechung (4. Mai 2015, N/A)

"This is overall a fun little disc with good performances. The Fine Arts Brass bring a good deal of energy to their selections and highlights [...]."

Radio WQXR (New York) - (24. Juni 2015 - N/A)

"Unabashed fun for the start of summer. "

pizzicato.lu – CD-Review (12.10.2014, Remy Franck)

„Howard Griffiths hat für Klanglogo ein unterhaltsames Programm mit kurzen, brillanten Orchesterminiaturen zusammengestellt, von Leroy Andersons ‘Typewriter’ über Gershwins ‘Strike up the band’, Cole Porters ‘Love for sale’, Edward Elgars ‘Pomp and Circumstance’, Carl Nielsens ‘Aladdin Suite’ bis hin zum ‘Banditen-Galopp’ von Johann Strauss. Griffiths sündigt nicht mit zu schnellen Tempi, sondern lässt sich Zeit, die Musik in schillernden Farben wirkungsvoll werden zu lassen. ‘Fine Arts Brass’ und das Brandenburgische Staatsorchester Frankfurt spielen engagiert und auf solidem Niveau.”