Gramophone Critics’ Choice 2020 Awards: James Gaffigan and Luzerner Sinfonieorchester

THE GRAMOPHONE CRITICS’ CHOICE 2020 AWARDS: JAMES GAFFIGAN | LUCERNE | RACHAMANINOFF
December 16, 2020

Gramophone Magazine has announced James Gaffigan’s latest album release as a winner of a 2020 Critics’ Choice Award. The release on Sony Classical, Rachmaninoff in Lucerne, features him leading the Luzerner Sinfonieorchester on all-Rachmaninoff repertoire: Rhapsody on a Theme of Paganini with Behzod Abduraimov as pianist and Symphony No. 3.

The Rhapsody on a Theme of Paganini is considered one of the Romantic Period's greatest treasures. With an iconic main theme by Johannes Brahms serving as a germinating motif throughout the entire piece, The Rhapsody explores various facets of musical styles and textures. The 18th variation, Andante cantabile, remains as one of the most soaring, recognizable melodies today.

The Third Symphony is full of fascinating exploration of the symphonic structure and the use of innate melodies that yearn for nostalgia. Similar to The Rhapsody, the Third Symphony consists of a short, thematic motif that contributes to its cyclic form. The ghastly colors as well as sudden outbursts of anguish as explored in the opening of the third movement, Allegro, demand for lush imagination and exquisite temperament. Gaffigan demands this stark contrast with conviction in his latest album release leading the Luzerner Sinfonieorchester.

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To view the December 2020 issue of Gramophone, click here.