Christopher O'Riley At The Break

This collection of 29 works for solo piano is a compilation of pieces O'Riley played on "From the Top," which is heard on more than 200 radio stations nationwide. These pieces were performed at the mid-point of the broadcasts, a required break of approximately 2 minutes during which many stations insert locally generated announcements.

According to Chris O'Riley, "It depends on one's local station, and its own use of `the breaks.' This collection serves as a fondly renewed acquaintance with some favorites of mine as well as some pieces a bit further off the beaten path. For other listeners, this is a great group of exquisite miniatures - a premiere entree into many new worlds."

From the Top is a creation of Concert Productions, Inc. in association with WGBH Radio Boston and New England Conservatory, its home and educational partner. Public Radio International distributes the program. From the Top receives support from the U.S. Department of Education, the National Endowment for the Arts, the Massachusetts Cultural Council, as well as individuals, foundations and corporations.

I highly recommend this sparkling disk to any fan of From the Top, or those who just enjoy classical music! Purchase today!~Bravo


From the Keyboard   March 8, 2002
13 out of 14 found this review helpful

Fans of NPR's popular show "From the Top," a showcase for young classical musicians, will recognize Chris O'Riley as the show's fun loving host. Thanks in no small part to O'Riley's easygoing way with kids and his fine accompaniments, the show not only presents good music, but manages to be playful and funny as well. This collection of 29 piano pieces are taken from those O'Riley plays during the mid-program break on the show, and demonstrate the depth and range of his talent. Included with the CD information are short notes by O'Riley in which he describes his connection to each piece and what he is trying to accomplish when he plays it. Particular favorites of mine include Guastavino's Cantilena, No. 4, Rachmanioff's Lilacs, Op. 21, No. 5 and Rameau's Tambourin. However, fans of Chopin, Debussy, Prokfiev and Mozart will also find something to satisfy. This is a CD that I will be returning to again and again


From the Top, and from the heart.   January 26, 2002
Michael Hawley (Cambridge, MA USA)
8 out of 8 found this review helpful

Gorgeous music beautifully played. This is a wonderfully eclectic set of pieces, some familiar, many rare, all of them played with warmth and personality. I love Christopher's eclectic tastes. The Guastavino pieces were new to me, and they're gems. The Rameau is exquisitely played. The Rachmaninoff is familiar, but it's awfully nice to hear it played with a fresh personal feeling. Pieces like the Milhaud, or Poulenc's "Babar and Celeste", or O'Riley's own transcription of the Delibes, or Maxwell-Davies' "Stromness" -- all of them are wonderfully evocative. The program notes are every bit as thoughtful and engaging as you'd expect given such a marvellous selection and such stylish playing.

There are some real treasures here. And you might also enjoy "From the Top," the public radio show O'Riley hosts. Best thing to happen to music since Bernstein's Young Person's concerts.

MJH


Michael Hawley   January 25, 2002
Michael Hawley (Cambridge, MA USA)
11 out of 11 found this review helpful

This truly is a collection of gems, both in the selection and in the playing. Christopher O'Riley has wonderful eclectic taste, a beautifully lyric style, and a knack for finding out of the way and not-yet-known treasures (and putting new luster on the regular old treasures!). The pianism is exquisite: beautiful touches in the Rameau, and especially in the delicate Rachmaninoff pieces. Several of the pieces, like the Guastavino (which are fabulous) and Davies' "Farewell to Stromness" (wonderfully evocative of those tough, remote Scottish isles), and his own arrangement of that beautiful Delibes -- these were very happy discoveries for me.

All of these little pieces (though some are not so little!) are full of love and life. The thoughtful program notes were appreciated and enjoyed as well. The sound is great.

It's a wonderful CD. Buy it. And listen to the radio show, too: FROM THE TOP. Best thing to happen to music since Bernstein's Young People's concerts.

MJH