Elvis Costello has emphasized that, unlike Frank Zappa, Paul McCartney and other pop composers who have crossed into the symphonic world, he doesn't rely on a computer, orchestrators or any other musical helpmates. Although Il Sogno is his first piece for orchestra, he wrote this full-length ballet score based on Shakespeare's Midsummer Night's Dream by himself and quickly, in 10 weeks. The style may be conservative and the hour's worth of music too long by half, but Costello's sound is surprisingly fresh. His melodies are memorable and untrivial. The sudden swings into jazz prove pure delight. Tilson Thomas' performance is tops, bursting with life.
|