CSO Showcase

Initially formed as a volunteer community orchestra in 1951, the Columbus Symphony Orchestra has, in very short order, transformed itself from those meager beginnings to a noteworthy, sophisticated professional symphony. This 2001 album, entitled CSO Showcase, does not exactly contain the best programming possible; certainly there are more coherent ways to showcase an orchestra's talents than with a smattering of unrelated opera overtures and random short pieces for solo instruments and orchestra. Regardless of the ... Read More

Initially formed as a volunteer community orchestra in 1951, the Columbus Symphony Orchestra has, in very short order, transformed itself from those meager beginnings to a noteworthy, sophisticated professional symphony. This 2001 album, entitled CSO Showcase, does not exactly contain the best programming possible; certainly there are more coherent ways to showcase an orchestra's talents than with a smattering of unrelated opera overtures and random short pieces for solo instruments and orchestra. Regardless of the programming, though, the performance is admirable. Opening with Glinka's Overture to Russlan and Ludmilla, the orchestra whisks listeners away with an extremely brisk but well-controlled rendition of this frenetic overture. Debussy's Premiere Rhapsody for Clarinet and Orchestra is given a wonderfully serene and glass-like treatment by the orchestra's principal clarinetist, David Thomas. Similarly strong performances are given by the orchestra's concertmaster and principal cellist, as well,... Read Less