Review

Vagn Holmboe: Chamber Music (I)

Holmboe performed by his Danish compatriots

After its fine string quartets cycle with the Kontra Quartet, Dacapo is evidently turning its attention to the substantial body of Holmboe's remaining chamber music. This first volume gives us five representative samples spanning more than 30 years, from the genial and somewhat Nielsenesque Primavera for flute with piano trio of 1951 to the altogether grittier Gioco for string trio and Ballata for piano quartet (1983 and 1984 respectively).

As with all Holmboe's music, there are rewards in store for anyone who delights in following lines of pure musical thought. Nothing is gratuitous or extraneous; nor can the musical character ever be completely taken for granted. In Primavera, the austere central slow movement touches unexpected depths, while in the late works, hints of humour flash across the spiky surfaces. In all such cases, Shostakovich comes to mind as a kindred spririt.

At times one might suspect that compositional resourcefulness has become the be-all-and-end-all, at the expence of more urgent communicative values. The Sonata for solo flute is no doubt a good workout for the player but remains a rather arid experience for the listener. However, the Quartetto for flute and string trio proves once again that musical conversation is Holmboe's strong point, as it is for the excellent players on this cleanly recorded disc.