Robert Gerle performs concertos of Delius and Barber

A while back I offered up some playing by the fine Hungarian-American violinist Robert Gerle. On this Westminster stereo lp, Gerle is joined by forgotten American conductor Robert Zeller for an interesting coupling of the Delius and Barber violin concertos. The orchestra, probably totally unfamiliar with this music, is the ubiquitous Vienna State Opera Orchestra.

I admire the programming here however, I think a bit more care could have gone into the presentation. The Delius, for one, is very much a fringe repertoire piece and having it recorded by a Viennese orchestra, not comfortable with the style and lacking in rehearsal time, makes for a somewhat wooden traversal. I think Gerle acquits himself quite well but if he had had an English orchestra with a stronger podium hand, the vinyl production could have yielded more of a winner. In short, what we have here is a solid go at the Delius (much can be said for the Barber as well) but by no means is this definitive.

Alas, an interesting curiosity and my admiration for Westminster at having a go at it.

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More from Robert Gerle

More music (this time authentic Hungarian) played by Robert Gerle. This is a Westminster stereo issue from 1968. Accompanied by pianist Regis Benoit, Mr Gerle plays a variety of shorter pieces by Bartok, Kodaly, and Dohnanyi. The front covers features a photo of Kodaly congratulating Gerle at a Budapest recital given by the latter.

I like this lp better than the previous post of Brahms' Hungarian Dances. Perhaps it is me, but I sense that Gerle delves into the guts of the music with more intensity, perhaps due to the fact that this is music that he grew up with and is native to his soul. I would suppose that returning to his native country after being in "exile" in the US was an emotional experience and performing works by men that played a role in his development brought out the best in this artist. I really sense a strong attachment to the Kodaly works, especially so.

This is a nice recital.
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Robert Gerle plays Brahms' Hungarian Dances

More music celebrating the spirit of Hungary. Brahms' Hungarian Dances featuring the  Hungarian American violinist Robert Gerle with pianist Norman Sheltler. This is the monaural issue of a Westminster recording dating from the mid 60's.

One interesting thing to point out is that the dances were not recorded in numerical order but rather in sets arranged by Mr Gerle. Therefore, the tracks are numbered based on their appearance on the lp.

These are well played but admittedly rather subdued encounters of these spicy gems. if the listening is expecting bravura playing with a hint of zigane flair, than this record might disappoint. However, if beautiful tone, attention to detail and a flawless technical display are in order, there is much to soothe and satisfy here. On a piano note, I do find Shetler a competent but somewhat invisible partner.

I have some more Gerle if there is further interest in his artistry.



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