Crystal Records — New Releases

All of our CDs can be purchased on-line. Click on BUY NOW which will take you to the shopping bag.  If you prefer, you may order via e-mail, order@crystalrecords.com., or place your order by phone at 360-834-7022 or on our 24-hour fax line at 360-834-9680, or by mail. Price of all CDs is $19.95. U.S. shipping is FREE. Canada shipping US$10 per order. Other countries US$19 per order. All CDs are also available for download or streaming from select third party vendors. Write staff@crystalrecords.com for information.

Our special 4 for 3 free offer is now available on-line. For each 4 CDs ordered, what you need to do is place the order for the first 3 CDs using the Buy Now buttons. On the Payment Information Page, before checking out you will be given an opportunity to write a comment to go with your order.   In the "leave a comment" space, write FREE CD with the catalog number of the one you want. In that way, you will receive the 4 CDs and only be charged for 3. The free CD with purchase of 3 is good for 6 CDs (2 free ones), 9 CDs (3 free ones), 12 CDs (4 free ones), etc.

 

This page lists all new releases starting 2021. The newer CDs are at the top. We will add to the list as necessary. Please check back frequently; we usually issue one or two new releases each month. SOUND SAMPLES are available for selected movements of most of the new releases and more will be added when available.  

For a copy of our 2024 catalog (32 large pages in color with copies of the covers and listings of more than 300 CDs) please email us at staff@crystalrecords.com. The 2024 catalog was sent to everyone on our mailing list in November 2023. (if you have ordered before or asked for a catalog before you should have gotten one).

Price on all CDs is $19.95. To order on-line through our secure ordering system, please click on BUY NOW for the CD you want. You may also order by phone, fax, email, or mail. We accept Visa, MC, Discover, American Express, U.S. check, or money order. Shipping is FREE for US orders (regardless of the size of the order). U.S. shipping is FREE. Canada shipping US$10 per order. Other countries US$19 per order, regardless of the size of the order. 

 

CD719: SILVERHEELS. JOHN BARCELLONA, FLUTE. Hanah Charbonneau, Piano; Christopher Caliendo, Guitar. UPC 009414771926.  BUY NOW

Christopher Caliendo, Flute Sonata No. 5, The Italian Sonata; & Farandula (to party); Louis Moyse, Hommage a Krishna, Meditation & Introduction, Theme, and Seven Variations; Dan Welcher, Florestan's Falcon, A Fantasy after Schumann; John Barcellona, Silverheals; & Sliding Life Blues on a Robert Dick Motive.

John Bardellona is Professor Emeritus of Flute and Director of Woodwind Studies at Calif. State University, Long Beach and is flutist with the internationally acclaimed Westwood Wind Quintet. He played principal flute with many international ballet companies and has taught and performed in many music festivals, including ones in Brazil and Peru and the Fairbanks Summer Arts Festival for 30 years.

The Westwood Wind Quintet is “nothing short of breathtaking.” International Record Review

 

Dan Welcher wrote about his piece on this CD: “John Barcellona and Hanah Charbonneau really “got” this piece, which touches on Schumann’s mental illness.  The virtuosity required of both players is major, and they both possess that quality in high numbers.  But the depth of emotion, and the passion of the interpretation, is a completely different thing.  John and Hanah allow both the frightful and the serene to emerge from the piece.  I couldn’t be happier”.

 

"This release..is a true treasure. Barcellona's playing is exquisite and individual. He explores tone colors of the flute like a painter, especially in his own composition Sliding Life Blues [in which] he uses a glissando headjoint." The Instrumentalist, February 2024, Patricia George.

 

CD719 Sound samples (mp3 files) Click on the link to hear up to 35 seconds of the title shown. (to return to this page after listening to samples, please use your browser back button)
Caliendo Flute Sonata No. 5, The Italian Sonata  1. Mediterranean   2. Tragico   3. Tarantella     Moyse  Hommage a Krishna, Meditation     Welcher  Florestan’s Falcon     Barcellona  Silverheels     Moyse  Introduction, Theme, and Seven Variations  Introduction (begins: 11)  Theme   Variation 1, Vivo   Variation 2, Grazioso   Variation 3, Molto vivo   Variation 4, Tranquillo   Variation 5, Poco lento e accel.   Variation 6, Andante   Variation 7, Molto cresc. e accel.     Barcellona  Sliding Life Blues on a Robert Dick Motive  (begins :57)   Caliendo  Farandula (to party)

 

 

CD696: VELVET BROWN, TUBA. Ron Stabinsky, Piano; Amy Gilreath, Trumpet. UPC 009414769626.  BUY NOW

Barbara York, How Beautiful; Roger Kellaway, Dr. Martin Luther King, In Memoriam;; John Stevens, Monument; Meyer Kupferman, Sound Objects 1-3; Drew Bonner, Naptown.

Velvet Brown is an international soloist, composer/arranger, chamber ensemble performer, recording artist, conductor, orchestral player, and professor. This is her sixth solo CD (four on Crystal Records). She has performed and taught in Europe, Scandinavia, Asia, and North America. She is principal tubist with the New Hampshire Music Festival, and has been principal tuba with the River City Brass, guest principal with the Lahti Philharmonic (Finland), Detroit Symphony, and as substitute principal tubist with the St. Louis Symphony and Fort Wayne Philharmonic. She is Music Professor at Pennsylvania State University and Artist Faculty at the Peabody Institute of Johns Hopkins University. Click here for more details on Velvet Brown.

“Velvet Brown is one of the best tuba players anywhere.” (Fanfare) “a very expressive player whose tone is focused yet robust and lively in all registers.”  (American Record Guide)

CD696 Sound samples (mp3 files) Click on the link to hear up to 35 seconds of the title shown. To return to this page after listening to samples, please use your browser back button)
York  How Beautiful     Kellaway  Dr. Martin Luther King, In Memoriam Part I   Part II   Part III     Stevens  Monument (begin at :32)   Kupferman  Sound Objects  Sound Objects #1   Sound Objects #2   Sound Objects #3     Bonner  Naptown

 

 

CD962: JOHN HOLT, TRUMPET; Facets Five. John Holt, Trumpet, Steven Harlow, Piano, Maria Schleuning, Violin.  UPC 009414796226   BUY NOW

Eric Ewazen: Trio for Trumpet, Violin, and Piano; Pierre Gabaye: Boutade; Ennio Porrino: Preludio, Aria e Scherzo; Gottfried Heinrich Stölzel: Bist du bei mir (attributed to J.S. Bach); Eugene Bozza: Badinage; Eugene Bozza: Rustiques; G.F. Handel: Aria con Variazioni; Astor Piazzolla: Oblivion; Bruce Broughton: Oliver's Birthday; Alexander Goedicke: Concert Etude.  

Click here for more John Holt CDs.

John Holt has been Principal Trumpet with the Dallas Opera Orchestra since 1989. He is Professor of Trumpet and Brass Coordinator at the University of North Texas. "Holt plays with perfect technique and intonation, altering his sound deftly to suit {the} works. {He} is an elegant, sensitive artist."  Gramophone

One facet of a trumpet player's performing experience is as a recitalist. Collaboration with like-minded professionals...requires the highest levels of endurance, sensitivity, strength, and balance. This CD explores this facet.

CD962 Sound samples (mp3 files) Click on the link to hear up to 35 seconds of the movement shown.
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Gabaye: Boutade     Porrino: Preludio, Aria e Scherzo     Stolzel (attrib. J.S. Bach): Bist du bei mir     Bozza: Badinage   Rustiques     Piazzola: Oblivion     Broughton: Oliver’s Birthday     Goedicke: Concert Etude     Ewazen: Trio  Mvt. 1 Andante   Mvt. 2 Allegro molto   Mvt. 3 Adagio   Mvt. 4 Allegro molto

 

 

CD776, JOSE ZARZO, HORN, with Juan Francisco Parra & Rudolf Koumans, piano, and Carlos Parra, violin. UPC 009414777621  BUY NOW  

Anthony Plog, Horn Sonata; Jose Brito, Namaste; Frederic Duvernoy, Trio no. 2: Horn, Violin, Piano; Franz Danzi, Horn Sonata, op.28; Rudolf Koumans, Horn Sonata.

Jose Zarzo studied at The Hague Royal Conservatory. In 1984 he was named principal horn with the Amsterdam Sinfornietta. He remained with this Orchestra until 1989, when he became principal horn with the Gran Canaria Phiharmonic Orchestra in Spain, a position he still holds. With this Orchestra he has toured to the main cities of Spain, Germany, France, Slovakia, Switerzerland, Austria, China, and Japan. This is his third solo CD on Crystal Records. Of his other CDs, Gramophone said “Artistry is virtuosic”.  See CD771 and CD772 on the Horn page.

“Jose Zarzo plays with admirable distinction throughout the recital. His tone is consistently attractive, compact, and evenly produced, regardless of dynamics. His impressive breath control lends itself to phrasing that encompasses an extended, flexible line. His passagework is precise, and keenly articulated.” Fanfare, Ken Meltzer

“Jose Zarzo performs beautifully. Congratulations, Mr. Zarzo, on another wonderful recording with Crystal Records.”  Horn Call Magazine, Lydia Van Dreel

CD776 Sound samples (mp3 files) Click on the link to hear up to 35 seconds of the movement shown.
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Plog: Horn Sonata  Part 1/Mvt. 1   Part 1/Mvt. 2   Part 2/Mvt. 3   Part 2/Mvt. 4     Brito: Namaste     Duvernoy: Trio no. 2  Mvt. 1 Adagio-allegro   Mvt. 2 Moderato   Mvt. 3 Adagio   Mvt. 4 Allegro     Danzi: Horn Sonata, op. 28  Mvt. 1 Adagio-allegro   Mvt. 2 Larghetto   Mvt. 3 Allegretto     Koumans: Horn Sonata  Allegro

 

 

 

CD154: BRIAN MINOR, Alto Saxophone. Leon Stein: Sextet for Alto Saxophone and Woodwind Quintet and Quintet for Alto Saxophone and String Quartet; Vincent Persichetti: Parable XI, Solo Alto Saxophone; Lawson Lunde: Sonata No. 1 for Alto Saxophone and Piano; Paul Creston: Suite for Alto Saxophone and Piano;  Bernhard Heiden: Sonata for Alto Saxophone and Piano. UPC 009414715425   BUY NOW

with Westwood Wind Quintet, Chicago Symphony String Quartet, and pianists Lawson Lunde and Cola Heiden.

 

"lovingly shaped...perfect beauty...Scrupulously polished" (American Record Guide). This CD is a combination of Brian Minor's LPs on Crystal Records: S151 and S154, remastered digitally in 2022.    

 

CD154 Sound samples (mp3 files) Click on the link to hear up to 35 seconds of the movement shown.
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Stein  Sextet: 1.Allegro moderato   2.Adagio; Andante   3.Allegro     Persichetti: Parable XI     Lunde  Sonata No. 1: 1.Allegro   2.Andantino cantabile   3.Allegro vivace     Creston  Suite: 1.Scherzoso   2.P storale   3.Toccata     Heiden  Sonata: 1.Allegro   2.Vivace   3.Adagio; Presto     Stein  Quintet: 1.Allegro   2.Andante   3.Adagio; Allegro

 

 

CD311: LOUISE DiTULLIO, FLUTE. Jacques Ibert, Concerto for Flute and Orchestra; Pierre-Max Dubois, Concerto for Flute and Orchestra; Frank Martin, Ballade for Flute, String Orchestra, and Piano with the English Chamber Orchestra, Elgar Howarth, Conductor; and Sergei Prokofiev, Sonata for Flute and Piano; Pierre Sancan, Sonatine for Flute and Piano, with Virginia DiTullio, piano.  UPC 009414731128    BUY NOW

 

Louise DiTullio is one of the world’s most widely heard flutists, having recorded over 1200 motion picture and hundreds of television scores. DiTullio’s playing was heard nightly on television shows including Gunsmoke, Hawaii Five-O, Little House on the Prairie, The Waltons, and Dallas. DiTullio was principal flutist with the Columbia Symphony, performing many works of Igor Stravinsky with Stravinsky conducting. She was a long-time member of the Los Angeles Philharmonic Orchestra, and frequent soloist with many orchestras, including the Los Angeles Philharmonic, Boston Pops, Los Angeles Chamber Orchestra, Mexico City Symphony, Carmel Bach Festival, Pacific Symphony, Pasadena Symphony, and many more.

         

The list of film composers with whom she has collaborated includes the most distinguished names in music today. Composer John Williams, probably the most honored film composer in history, refers to her as being “in the very front rank among the world’s great flutists”.

         

Louise DiTullio can be heard on the albums of recording stars Barbra Streisand, Frank Sinatra, Tony Bennett, Kenny G, and Michael Jackson, among others.

 

This CD is a combination of Louise DiTullio’s LPs on Crystal Records: S311 and S503. “Crystal’s original recordings were excellent. This is well worth the reissue.” Music Web (Jonathan Woolf) “some really awesome flute playing and some delightful musical treats. Wonderfully vibrant CD transfer.” Fanfare, Jan/Feb 2023 (Jerry Dubins)

 

“The performances of these works are first rate. Legendary flutist Louise DiTullio continues to sparkle with a beautiful sound and top-notch phrasing. This recording is an inspiration for any flutist.” The Instrumentalist, Oct/Nov 2022 (Patricia George)

 

CD311 Sound samples (mp3 files) Click on the link to hear up to 35 seconds of the movement shown.
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Ibert: Concerto for Flute and Orchestra  1. Allegro   2. Andante   3. Allegro scherzando     Dubois: Concerto for Flute and Orchestra  1. Presto leggiero   2. Pavane   3. Tempo di Gaviotto   4. Scherzando    Martin: Ballade for Flute, String Orchestra, and Piano     Prokofiev: Sonata for Flute and Piano  1. Andantino   2. Scherzo   3. Andante   3. Allegro con brio     Sancan:  Sonatine pour Flute et Piano

 

CD980: COOL TUNES FOR THE BIG BASSOON. Susan Nigro, Contrabassoon. Mark Lindeblad, Piano. UPC009414798022  BUY NOW

Jared Isaac Aragón, Little Suite for the Big Bassoon and Nebulae (Soanta for Contrabassoon and Piano); Jay Vosk, The Giant Stirred and Contra Blue; Alan Palider, L’Italiano Molto Breve; Joel Bjorling, Suite in A Mnor; Ann Marie Kurrasch, Chicago Cakewalk.

Susan Nigro is one of the world’s very few contrabassoonists to have made a career of playing recitals, doing solo appearances, and making recordings. She has performed in places such as Salzburg, Montevideo, Rome, and throughout the United States, and also frequently presents master classes. She performs frequently with the Chicago Symphony Orchestra. . Her quest for solo literature has inspired her to commission and premier more than fifty pieces for the contrabassoon – with more compositions still in the works. All of the works on this CD were commissioned by, written for, and premiered by Susan Nigro. This was recorded in 2021.

 

 Click here for more information about Susan Nigro.

 

“Susan Nigro is more than a terrific contrabassoonist. She is a superb musician who happens to play the contrabassoon. Because of her serious musicianship married to a virtually flawless technique, Nigro has made a bigger solo career with that instrument than anyone might have thought possible…The music displays a sense of fun, but also a beautiful lyricism that might surprise you.” Fanfare, May/June 2022 (Henry Fogel)  

         

“The works showcase Nigro’s beautiful singing tone, impressive breath control, facility in bravura passages, and her celebration…of the instrument’s sepulchral low register. A most enriching and uplifting musical experience. Five Stars: Susan Nigro’s tour de force of music for contrabassoon.” Fanfare, May/June 2022 (Ken Meltzer)

         

“Five Stars: a real eyeopener…Nigro is a real ambassador for the contrabassoon. Give it a try; you won’t regret it.” Fanfare, May/June 2022 (Colin Clarke)

 

“Susan Nigro has been a shining light in bringing the 'big bassoon' to the attention of the music world for many years, having commissioned and premiered more than 50 pieces of music for the instrument. She has carved out an extraordinary career as a contrabassoonist - playing recitals, making solo appearances, undertaking recording projects, presenting master classes, publishing books and orchestral work with ensembles including the Chicago Symphony Orchestra…I particularly enjoyed the melodic shapes and colour of Joel Bjorling's Suite in A Minor and found the two Hydesville movements quite evocative with their rhythmic free form…The final piece, Ann Marie Kurrasch's Chicago Cakewalk was a delightful lightening of mood without cheapening the contra and I thoroughly enjoyed the variation in style and the charming character with which it was infused.” Australian Double Reed Society “Reeding Matter Journal”, July 2022, Josie Hawkes

 

CD980 Sound samples (mp3 files) Click on the link to hear up to 35 seconds of the movement shown.
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Aragon  Little Suite for Big Bassoon: Mvt.1 Scherzo   Mvt. 2 Berceuse   Mvt. 3 Folk Dance   Mvt. 4 Aria   Mvt. 5 Finale     Vosk: The Giant Stirred     Palider: L’Italiano Molto Breve     Bjorling  Suite in A Minor: Mvt. 1 Hydesville1848/Mr. Splitfoot   Mvt. 2 Hydesville 1848/Sisters Margaretta & Catherine   Mvt. 3 Classical Funk     Vosk: Contra Blue     Aragon  Nebulae (Sonata for Contrabassoon): Mvt. 1 Fantasia: Butterfly Nebula   Mvt. 2 Chaconne: Red Square Nebula   Mvt. 3 Toccata: Flame Nebula     Kurrasch: Chicago Cakewalk

 

 

CD207: ANNAPOLIS BRASS QUINTET. Allen Molineux, Encounters; Karl Pilss, Capriccio; Jiri Pauer, Charaktery; Alexander Tcherepnin, Brass Quintet op.105; Peter Cabus, Varieties; Herman Stein, Mock March; Douglas Allanbrook, Invitation to the Sideshow; Hernando De Cabezon, Two Variations; Daniel Speer,Three Sonatas; Johann Kessel, Sonata II; Stanley Friedman, Parodie; Robert Washburn, Five Miniatures for Five Brasses.  UPC 009414720726  BUY NOW

 

The Annapolis Brass Quintet was the first full-time brass ensemble in America. During the course of its 22-year career the ABQ introduced brass chamber music to hundreds of thousands of people throughout the world. 

         This CD is a combination of two LPs, S207 and S213. Four of this CD’s nine contemporary works were composed especially for the Annapolis Brass Quintet. The 16th and 17th century works come from manuscripts or reproductions held in the Library of Congress and, except in the case of the Daniel Speer Sonatas, were transcribed for brass quintet by members of the Annapolis Brass Quintet.

         Trumpets: David Cran, Robert Suggs; Horn: Arthur LaBar (S207), Marc Guy (S213); Trombone: Martin Hughes (S207), Wayne Wells (S213); Bass Trombone: Robert Posten.

 

“This is virtuosic brass playing. The strength of the Annapolis Quintet resides in the consummate technique of each musician and their immaculate ensemble. Their commission and performance of new works for brass form an enduring legacy.” American Record Guide (Malvern, Sept/Oct 2022)

 

“The transfers are brilliantly managed. There is real presence to the sound, enabling the listener to revel in the Annapolis’ clear virtuosity and tremendous musicality.” Fanfare (Colin Clarke, Sept/Oct 2022)

 

CD207 Sound samples (mp3 files) Click on the link to hear up to 35 seconds of the movement shown.
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Molineux : Encounter     Pilss: Capriccio     Pauer  Charaktery: 1.Allegro 9   2.Larghetto   3.Allegro Giocoso     Tcherepnin  Brass Quintet op. 105: 1.Allegretto   2.Lento – Animato   3.Cadenza, Allegro     Cabus : Varieties     Stein: Mock March     Allanbrook: Invitation to the Sideshow     H. de Cabezon: Sonata un Jur     A. de Cabezon  Two Variations: Diferencias Milanese   Diferencias Caballero     Speer  Three Sonatas  Sonata IV   Sonata V   Sonata VI    Kessel:  Sonata II     Friedman: Parodie     Washburn  Five Miniatures for Five Brasses:  1. March   2. Chorale   3. Scherzo   4. Blues   5. Burlesk

 

 

CD783: COALESCENCE. Kenneth Tse, Saxophone. Casey Dierlam Tse,  Piano. UPC 009414778321   BUY NOW

 

Piet Swerts, Paganini Capriccio; Leo Ornstein, Ballade; Jean-Denis Michat, Back to Bach; Roger Boutry, Divertimento; Luis Serrano Alarcón,Tres Preludios Mestizos; Alfred Desenclos, Prelude, Cadence et Finale; Claude Pascal, Sonatine; Paule Maurice, Tableaux de Provence.  This CD was recorded in 2021.

         

Kenneth Tse, widely recognized as one of the world’s leading classical saxophonists, won the prestigious New York Artists International Award in 1996, and then performed an acclaimed debut recital at Carnegie Hall. Since then, he has won multiple awards and has been a frequent soloist with orchestras and in recitals in five continents. An active recording artist, Tse has 19 CDs, including nine highly acclaimed CDs on Crystal Records. An advocate for new music, Tse has had more than 30 works dedicated to him. Click here for more Kenneth Tse CDs.

 

“Tse plays with seductive tonal beauty and sheer virtuosity” American Record Guide

 

“Tse has produced the most beautiful sound from a saxophone that I have ever heard…he is one of the most widely admired saxophonists on the planet…Kenneth Tse and Casey Dierlam Tse are two remarkable artists, who make music together as well as any instrumental duo I’ve heard on any instruments…Each work is a masterpiece in its own right, and to hear such fine works receive top-flight performances is a joy to experience. Anyone not yet a fan of the saxophone will surely be won over to the instrument by this latest release from Crystal, one of the top few saxophone recordings I’ve ever heard.” Fanfare (David DeBoor Canfield) 

 

CD783 Sound samples (mp3 files) Click on the link to hear up to 35 seconds of the movement shown.
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Swerts:  Paganini Capriccio     Ornstein:  Ballade     Jean-Denis Michat : Back to Bach  Allegro   Adagio dolcissimo      Boutry: Divertimento  I.Allegro ma non troppo   II.Andante   III.Presto     Serrano Alarcón:  Tres Preludios Mestizos  I.Con veemenza   II.Con moto   III.:Vitale     Descenclos:  Prélude   Cadence   Finale     Pascal:  Sonatine     Maurice:  Tableaux de Provence  I.Farandoulo di chatouno   II.Cansoun per ma mio   III.La boumiano   IV.Dis alyscamps l’amo souspire   V.Lou cabridan

 

 

CD782:The Voxman Project. Featuring Kenneth Tse, Saxophone, and faculty and staff from the Voxman School of Music, University of Iowa, conducted by Richard Mark Heidel.  UPC 009414778222   BUY NOW

Kirk O’Riordan, Ductus Figuratus, Concerto for Alto Saxophone and Chamber Ensemble; Darius Milhaud, La Création du Monde; Kurt Weill, Little Threepenny Music

Recorded in the Voxman Music Building (cover picture), University of Iowa. The impressive Voxman Bldg. houses equally impressive music faculty, staff, and students. This CD features the playing of these fine musicians.

Click here for more Kenneth Tse CDs.

 

“beautifully programmed hour of music for mixed ensemble …O’Riordan writes with both fluidity and intelligence…Darius Milhaud’s riotous La création du monde is a glorious celebration of polytonality as a means of representing primordial chaos…[in the Weill], what character there is to “Mack the Knife,” while the “Tango-Ballad,” with its evocative sax solos, is a triumph. This is stimulating repertoire, superbly performed and well recorded. Another gem for Crystal Records’ catalog.”  Fanfare (Colin Clarke, Sept/Oct 2021)

 

O’Riordan’s Saxophone Concerto has “a lot of clever and effective writing, and Tse is a splendidly fluent and masterful advocate for this new concerto…[The Weill] is a most credible performance which stands comparison with the best in the field.” MusicWeb (Marc Rochester, July 2021)

“The Voxman Ensemble gives robust performances…The Milhaud and Weill are solid, and all the lyrical passages are especially heartfelt. Tse is excellent all through, easily handling all the challenges of the O’Riordan and delivering elegant and expressive phrasing in the Milhaud and Weill.” American Record Guide (Hanudel, Sept/Oct 2021)

 

CD782 Sound samples (mp3 files) Click on the link to hear up to 35 seconds of the movement shown.
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O’Riordan Ductus figuratas, Concerto for Alto Saxophone  Mvt. 1 Cadens   Mvt. 2 Abeo   Mvt. 3 Tripudio   Mvt. 4 Demum     Milhaud La Création du Monde  Mvt. 1 Overture   Mvt. 2 Chaos Before Creation   Mvt. 3 Birth of Flora and Fauna   Mvt. 4 Birth of Man and Woman   Mvt. 5 Dance of Desire   Mvt. 6 Spring or Appeasement     Weill Little Threepenny Music  Mvt. 1 Overture   Mvt. 2 Mack the Knife   Mvt. 3 The Instead-of Song   Mvt. 4 Ballad of the Easy Life   Mvt. 5 Polly’s Song   Mvt. 6 Tango-Ballad   Mvt. 7 Cannon Song   Mvt. 8 Threepenny Finale

 

CD202: QUINTESSENCE, Annapolis Brass  Quintet.

Ingolf Dahl, Music for Brass Instruments; Francis McBeth, Four Frescoes for Five Brass; Jindrich Feld, Quintette; Walter Hartley, Orpheus; Wilke Renwick, Dance; J.S. Bach, Fuga IV and Contrapunctus VII. Plus Renaissance and Baroque music by Speer, Le Jeune, Finck, East, Engelmann, and Holborne. UPC 009414720221

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The Annapolis Brass Quintet was organized in 1971 as America's first full-time performing brass ensemble. During the course of its 22-year career the ABQ introduced brass chamber music to hundreds of thousands of people throughout the world.

         This  CD is a combination of two LPs, S202 and S206. Trumpets: David Cran, Haldon Johnson, Robert Suggs; Horn: Calvin Smith; Trombone: David Kanter, Tim Beck; Bass Trombone: Robert Posten.

 

“The performances are magnificent: lines gleam with each member of the Annapolis Brass Quintet enjoying his independence as one of five equal voices…The articulation in the faster numbers is remarkable, while the “Pavan” from that set is gloriously voiced, as is the Annapolis Quintet’s performance of Bach’s Contrapunctus VII (from The Art of the Fugue) and the Fugue from The Well-Tempered Clavier…The shift to contemporary music is swift and clear…Ingolf Dahl’s Music for Brass Instruments is ambitious in its expressive scope and technically demanding of its players, it is nevertheless joyous, especially in a performance such as this. Dahl’s Finale is a Fugue, which is particularly skillful, including a meltingly beautiful slow section…This CD is brass playing of the very first order; it is truly great to have these recordings available again.”  Fanfare, Jan/Feb 2022 (Colin Clarke)

         “vitality, aggressive spirit, and a good grasp of ensemble” The Instrumentalist

 

CD202 Sound samples (mp3 files) Click on the link to hear up to 35 seconds of the movement shown.
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Le Jeune  Revecy Venir du Printemps     Finck  Greiner, zanner     East  Desperavi     Schein  Suite No. 3:  I.Paduana   II.Galliarda   III.Courente     Engelmann   Paduana Soldat   GalliardaMorosky     Holborne  Three Pieces:  I. Galliard   II.Pavan   III.Galliard     Bach  Fuga IV     Dahl  Music for Brass Instruments: I.Chorale Fantasy   II.Intermezzo   III.Fugue     McBeth  Four Frescoes for Five Brass:  I.Brightly   II.Dramatically   III.In A Burlesque Manner   IV.Drammatico     East  Peccavi     Speer  Three Sonatas: Sonata 1   Sonata 2   Sonata 3     Bach Contrapunctus VII     Feld  Quintette:  I.Allegro   II.Adagio   III.Scherzo   IV.Andante     Hartley  Orpheus     Renwick  Dance

 

 

CD205: FINE ARTS BRASS QUINTET.  Ingolf Dahl, Music for Brass Instruments; Anthony Plog, Four Sierra Scenes; Robert Linn, Quintet for Brass Instruments; Donal Michalsky, Fantasia sopra M.F.V., and Fantasia alla Marcia. UPC 009414720528.   BUY NOW

The Los Angeles-based Fine Arts Brass Quintet concertized in the U.S. and Europe from 1968-1990. Anthony Plog and Russell Kidd, trumpets; Robert Henderson, horn; John Daley, trombone; Alan Johnson, bass trombone.

"The Fine Arts Brass Quintet plays with robust, outspoken style [with] expressive gesture." Philadelphia Enquirer

“Excellent collection of great works for brass quintet, expertly performed by the Fine Arts Brass Quintet.” The Horn Call (May 2021)

“A brilliant celebration of brass from the Fine Arts Brass Quintet, with the addition of a soprano as an extra treat. The performances on this disc were first released between 1968 and 1990; the recording is more than satisfactory throughout.”  Fanfare (Colin Clarke, July/August 2021)

“Ingolf Dahl’s Music for Brass Instruments…is higher in quality than almost anything else in the (then) quintet repertory. Hearing this high-level group play the piece is very satisfying. The recording includes three other works of high quality. Superb players.”  American  Record Guide, (Kilpatrick July/August 2021)

“a delight from beginning to end. It opens with Dahl’s Music for Brass Instruments. The chorale-like sustains of the opening movement, Choral Fantasy, are stunning with precise intonation. [The second move ment] exhibits dynamic sensitivity and immaculate articulation. The final movement is delivered with brilliance and finesse.” International Trumpet Guild Journal, Oct. 2021 (Michael Mann)

 

CD205 Sound samples (mp3 files) Click on the link to hear up to 35 seconds of the movement shown.
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Dahl  Music for Brass Instruments:  1. Chorale Fantasy   2. Intermezzo   3. Fugue     Plog  Four Sierra Scenes:  1. Mountains   2. Sunset   3. Temples   4. Sunrise     Linn  Quintet: Mvt. 1 Rhythmic   Mvt. 2 Broad   Mvt. 3 Spirited     Michalsky:  Fantasia sopra M.F.V.   Fantasia alla Marcia

 

 

CD252: RICHARDS WIND QUINTET. Three Woodwind Quintets by Johann Peter Müller.  UPC 009414725226.    BUY NOW

 The Richards Quintet was in-residence at Michigan State University. This recording was made in 1976 and digitally remastered for CD in 2020. Performers are Israel Borouchoff, flute; Daniel Stolper, oboe; Elsa Ludewig-Verdehr, clarinet; Edgar Kirk, bassoon; Douglas Campbell, horn.

PETER MÜLLER (as he was known) was born in Germany in 1791 and died in 1877. Though he lived in the Romantic era, these pieces are delightfully classical in nature.

Dan Stolper was oboe editor of the International Double Reed Society Journal since its beginning in 1972 and was teacher at Michigan State University and the Interlochen Center for the Arts for 45 years. He died 2020. Elsa Ludewig-Verdehr with her husband Walter Verdehr are founders of the Verdehr Trio and have 24 CDs with that ensemble.

 

“These are charming pieces. The Richards Quintet sports good energy, technique, and phrasing” American Record Guide

 

“The music is certainly worthy of attention. Each quintet has its charms, but the standard of the music is raised immensely by the gorgeous slow movements, which also provide ample displays of the performers’ gorgeous playing qualities.”   International Double Reed Society Journal Fall 2021

 

“This music is definitely worth checking out, and this recording represents some of the finest quintet playing happening in the US during the 1970s. It is a pleasure to hear Douglas Campbell’s deft horn playing, as he effortlessly navigates the classical scales and arpeggios. To hear him match the speed and lightness of his woodwind colleagues is a joy.” The Horn Call (May 2021

 

CD252 Sound samples (mp3 files) Click on the link to hear up to 35 seconds of the movement shown. (to return to this page after listening to samples, please use your browser back button)
Quintet No.1   Mvt.1 Larghetto, Allegro   Mvt.2 Scherzo   Mvt.3 Larghetto   Mvt.4 Allegro molto     Quintet No.2   Mvt.1 Allegro con brio   Mvt.2Andante con moto   Mvt.3 Menuetto   Mvt.4 Allegro ma non troppo     Quintet No. 3   Mvt.1 Allegro   Mvt.2 Andante Sostenuto   Mvt.3 Menuetto   Mvt.4 Allegro

 

 

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