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 $16.95. U.S. shipping is FREE. Canada shipping US$7 per order. Other countries US$18 per order.

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 2019. 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 2022 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 2022 catalog was sent to everyone on our mailing list in December 2021. (if you have ordered before or asked for a catalog before you should have gotten one).

Price on all CDs is $16.95. 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$7 per order. Other countries US$18 per order, regardless of the size of the order. 

FREE $50 when your order is $220 or more

Free $50 is automatic. We send a check with your order of $220 or more

We have found that some people cannot enjoy these fabulous CDs because they don’t have a CD Player. So now you can order these CDs, get a Player, and hear some fantastic music.

This free $50 offer is valid even when the 4 for 3 CD offer is used.

Free $50 on a single order is valid until December 31, 2022

 

 

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. . 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)

         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.

 

CD980 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)
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 Hydesville 1848/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.

 

CD207 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)
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.
 (to return to this page after listening to samples, please use your browser back button)
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.
 (to return to this page after listening to samples, please use your browser back button)
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

BUY NOW

 

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.
 (to return to this page after listening to samples, please use your browser back button)
Le Jeune  Revecy Venir du Printemps     Finck  Greiner, zanner     East  Desperavi     Schein  Suite No. 3:  I.Paduana   II.Galliarda   III.Courente     Engelmann   Paduana Soldat   Galliarda Morosky     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.
 (to return to this page after listening to samples, please use your browser back button)
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

 

 

CD330: JAMES CAMPBELL, CLARINET. John York, Piano.  UPC 009414733023.   BUY NOW

Malcolm Arnold, Sonatina, op. 29; Claude Debussy, Petite Pièce and Premiere Rhapsodie; Gabriel Pierné, Canzonetta; Alban Berg, Four Pieces for Clarinet and Piano, op. 5; Witold Lutoslawski, Five Dance Preludes; Paul Jeanjean, Carnival of Venice; Carl Maria von Weber, Seven Variations on a theme from Silvana, op. 33.

James Campbell, Clarinet, with John York, Piano. James Campbell has been named Canada's Artist of the Year, made a member of the CBC Classical Music Hall of Fame, awarded the Queen's Gold and Diamond Jubilee Medal, an Honorary Doctor of Laws, and Canada's highest honor, the Order of Canada. He has performed in over 35 countries with over 60 orchestras, including the Boston Pops, Montreal Symphony, and three of London's top orchestras: the Philharmonic, Symphony, and Philharmonia. He has over 40 recordings. Campbell was Professor of Music at Indiana University from 1988-2019.

Pianist John York is a winner of the International Debussy Prize and has been a frequent soloist with numerous orchestras. For 33 years he was professor of piano at the Guildhall School of Music and Drama in London

 

“Clarinet playing simply doesn’t get any better than this…his tone is pure honey, his transitions between registers smooth and seamless, his intonation precise, his technical execution flawless, and his music instincts in matters of tempo,dynamics, phrasing, and interpretive expression always true to the letter and intent of the score before him. If you love the clarinet, this is a must. If you hear it and you don’t love James Campbell, you don’t love music.”  Fanfare May 2021 (Dubins)

“James Campbell’s mastery of the clarinet is second to none. The collaboration of these two virtuosi makes this CD a must for every clarinetist’s library. Campbell’s honors and awards are too numerous to mention them all.” The Clarinet Magazine December 2021 (Lori Ardovino)

“the highest level of artistic collaboration…Campbell’s elegance, subtlety, and refinement as a musician are exceptional. This collection holds broad appeal for its purely musical values. I have never come away as musically satisfied by a clarinet recital as I did from this one. Campbell and York deserve to reach the widest possible audience.” Fanfare May 2021 (Huntley Dent)

“York is phenomenal at the keyboard, combining prodigious technique and instrumental command with a profound understanding each score, composer, and moment.” American Record Guide March/April 2021 (Hanudel)

CD330 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)
Arnold: Sonatina  Mvt 1  Allegro con brio   Mvt 2  Andantino   Mvt 3  Furioso     Debussy:  Petite Piece     Premiere Rhapsodie     Pierne  Canzonetta     Berg: Four Pieces   Mvt 1 Massig   Mvt 2  Sehr Langsam   Mvt 3  Sehr rasch   Mvt 4  Langsam     Lutoslawski: Five Dance Preludes   Mvt 1  Allegro molto   Mvt 2  Andantino   Mvt 3  Allegro giocoso   Mvt 4  Andante   Mvt 5  Allegro Molto     Jeanjean:  Carnival of Venice     Von Weber: Seven Variations on a theme from Silvana

 

 

CD372: CHRISTOPHER LEUBA, HORN. Kevin Aanerud, Piano.  Sonatas for Horn and Piano by Paul Tufts, John Verrall, and Halsey Stevens. UPC 009414737229  BUY NOW

Christopher Leuba was principal horn with the Chicago Symphony, Minneapolis Symphony, and Portland Opera. For many years he was on the faculty of the University of Washington and played with the Soni Ventorum Wind Quintet. He was principal horn for several seasons at the Aspen Music Festival, and played frequently with the Philharmonica Hungarica.
   The works on this CD were all written for Leuba and have established themselves prominently in horn recital literature.

 

“Christopher Leuba is something of a legend among horn players. His illustrious career has included the position of principal horn in the Minneapolis Symphony (1954-1960 and 1963-1967) and the Chicago Symphony (1960-1962) and he played first horn on many of the Haydn symphonies in the complete set conducted by Antal Dorati with the Philharmonica Hungarica.” Fanfare (Robert Markow)

“Performances are top-notch. The works bubble with an appealing melodic facility.”  Los Angeles Times

 

“[This CD] is a must for devotees of virtuoso horn playing as well as fans of twentieth century American music.”  Music Web (March 2021, Kreindler)

 

CD372 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)
Verrall Sonata:  Mvt. 1 Pastoral   Mvt. 2 Nocturne   Mvt. 3 Vivace     Stevens Sonata:  Mvt. 1 Allegro moderato   Mvt. 2 Poco adagio   Mvt. 3 Vivace     Tufts Sonata:  Mvt. 1 Allegro moderato   Mvt. 2  Adagio   Mvt. 3 Allegro

 

 

CD646: MOZART SERENADE NO. 10 IN Bb, K. 361 for 12 Winds and Double Bass. Toronto Chamber Winds, Winton Webber, Conductor.  UPC 00941476462.   BUY NOW

Mozart's Serenade No. 10 in Bb, K.361, for 12 Winds and Double Bass, is a masterpiece in every respect. It is one of his longest instrumental works  and is a musical blockbuster. It is written for 2 oboes, 2 clarinets, 2 basset horns, 2 bassoons, 4 horns, and double bass. The Toronto Chamber winds include members of the Toronto Symphony, the Canadian Ballet Orchestra, and the Hamilton Philharmonic. Oboes: Harry Sargous, David Sussman; Clarinets: James Campbell, Gwillym Williams; Basset Horns: David Bourque, Daniel Leeson; Bassoons: Christopher Weait, Mitchell Clarke; Horns: R. Scott Wilson, Miles Hearn, Wayne Jeffrey, Gary Pattison; Double Bass: Peter Madgett.

         Serenade K. 361, Over 49 minutes, consists of seven movements of extraordinary contrast, requiring unusual instrumental resources whose characteristic colors were exploited as never before and rarely since. This performance by the Toronto Chamber Winds is one of the only recorded performances that adheres to the original Mozart manuscript. There are many differences between this and the corrupted versions that are usually heard and have been recorded previously.

This recording was originally on Crystal LP S646, released 1982, and was the first recording of the work under the guidance of Daniel Leeson, who was one of the editors of the Serenade for the Bärenreiter publication of the complete edition of Mozart’s music. The performance is embellished in a style appropriate to the time of composition.

 

“This recording represents the best in North American wind performance.”  The Horn Call (Chris Leuba)

“interpretation by the Toronto Chamber Winds of this masterpiece is exemplary…lively, refined, and spiritual…remarkable virtuosity and an irreproachable musicality.” Sonances (Jacques Boulay)

“the composer’s crowning achievement in the serenade genre, an undisputed masterpiece…a fine performance. The Toronto Chamber Winds are more than worthy for serious consideration…a fine performance.”

Fanfare (Jerry Dubins)

“The performing on this recording is exquisite. Lyrical, sonorous, perfectly balanced, the musicians are to be lauded for this hallmark achievement. For an exemplary recording of the Gran Partita, one need look no further.” The Horn Call (Lydia Van Dreel)

“Masterfully performed… lush performance and a master-class in knowing when to lead and when to get out of the way. This is a worthy addition to every band director's collection and teachers should make a point of sharing this with their double reed, clarinet, and horn players.” Instrumentalist (April 2020)

“The playing is polished and professional; and the group produces a rich and resonant sound. Solo passages are clear and lyrical; and the accompanying lines have excellent balance and rhythm.”  American Record Guide (July/August 2020, Hanudel)

CD646 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)
Serenade in Bb, K. 361 (370a)   I. Largo; Allegro molto   II. Menuetto;Trio 1,Trio 2   III. Adagio_sample.mp3   IV. Menuetto; Trio 1, Trio 2   V. Romanze   VI. Thema_mit_Variationen   VII. Finale:Rondo Allegro molto

 

CD775: Tribute to John Cerminaro, Horn. UPC 009414777522.   BUY NOW      

RICHARD STRAUSS, Horn Concerto No. 1 (live performance Switzerland 2007, with the PaulTaylororCHestra, Paul Taylor, conductor) Francis Poulenc, Sonata for Trumpet, Horn, and Trombone (Thomas Stevens, trumpet; John Cerminaro, horn; Ralph Sauer, trombone); Poulenc, Elegie for Horn and Piano; Doppler, LOiseau des Bois for Flute and Horn Quartet (Nadine Asin, flute; horns: John Cerminaro, Frøydis Ree Wekre, Carol Bacon, Brian Drake); Saint-Saëns, Romance, Horn and Piano; Leonard Bernstein, Elegy for Mippy, Horn and Piano; Scriabin, Romance, Horn and Piano; Gliere, Nocturne for Horn and Piano. (Zita Carno, piano)

The Strauss Horn Concerto No. 1 was recorded live on a concert by the Swiss orchestra paultaylororCHestra in 2007. It is a phenomenal performance. In addition to this, the CD includes solo and chamber works played by John Cerminaro which were originally on LP but were not previously re-released on CD.

John Cerminaro was principal horn with the New York Philharmonic from 1969-1979, the Los Angeles Philharmonic from 1979-1986 , and the Seattle Symphony from 1996-2011. He was the founding principal horn of Live from Lincoln Center with the New York Philharmonic, and Leonard Bernstein's Young People's Concerts at Avery Fisher Hall. He has been a faculty member of The Juilliard School, California Institute of the Arts, Le Domaine Forget International Music Festival and Academy, and for 35 seasons, the Aspen Music Festival and School. 

     Widely known for his diverse recording work, ranging from Mozart's Four Horn Concertos on Crystal Records CD515 to the theme music for The NBC Nightly News, Cerminaro's numerous symphonic recordings are only surpassed in popularity by his Hollywood movie scores & television music, as well as familiar horn logos heard in all major motion picture studio fanfares released since 1981.

Leonard Bernstein called Cerminaro "The greatest horn player in the world". The American Record Guide called Cerminaro "The best solo horn the New York Philharmonic has had since World War II." 

“This is a truly outstanding performance. Cerminaro’s gloriously robust playing, his impeccable precision and clarity of articulation and his stupendously rich and varied tone...set this performance apart from many others and place it very near – if not at ­­– the top of my own personal recommended versions of this most entertaining of Strauss concertos.”  (Marc Rochester, Music Web)

 

“FIVE STARS. Any horn player will see this as a gift. The programing is exemplary, a selection of chamber pieces well known to each and every self-respecting player plus a gleaming performance of a repertoire staple…[In the Strauss Concerto] the agility of Cerminaro in the finale is a demonstration of perfect technique, each note perfectly placed…While horn players that can play brazenly and brashly are ten to a penny, those who can play with real sensitivity are few and far between. Cerminaro is one of those players who has it all.” (Colin Clarke, Fanfare)

 

“For younger players who may not know of Cerminaro’s legacy and flawless performances, this disc is a good initiation to his artistry. The tempi of the Strauss are brisk and are exquisitely performed. Cerminaro’s inimitable renditions are absolutely pristine. His singing tone and agile passages are hallmarks of his playing. Cerminaro’s tribute disc is highly recommended, especially to those younger players who may not be aware of his stunning musicianship.” (Eldon Matlick, The Horn Call)

 

CD775 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)
Strauss: Concerto No. 1 in Eb   I. Allegro   II. Andante   III. Allegro     Poulenc: Elegie     Doppler: LՏiseau des Bois     Saint Saens: Romance     Bernstein: Elegy for Mippy     Scriabin: Romance     Gliere: Nocturne     Poulenc: Sonata for Trumpet, Horn, and Trombone   I. Allegro moderato   II. Andante   III. Rondeau

See John Cerminaro for a listing of his other CDs.

The art work on the cover of CD775 is by John Cerminaro.

 

CD826: BHAVANI’S OBOE. Bhavani Kotha, Oboe; Kimberly Russ, Piano; Christie Reside, Flute.  Benjamin Britten, Temporal Variations (oboe, piano); Eugene Bozza, Fantaisie Pastorale, op. 37 (ob, pa); Benjamin Godard, Scènes Écossaises (ob, pa); Madeleine Dring, Trio for Flute, Oboe, & Piano (fl, ob, pa); and Danza Gaya (ob, pa); Antonio Pasculli, Fantasia sull’ opera “Poliuto” di Donizetti (ob, pa). UPC 009414782625    BUY NOW

Bhavani Kotha is a winner of the Yamaha Young Performing Artists Competition and the National Federation of Musicians Double Reed Award. She played the Strauss Oboe Concerto on a tour of Europe, where the Gottingen Kulturbüro wrote of her “musicality and great technical abilities.” These qualities are shown on the wonderful works on this CD, which require the highest musicianship. Peter Christ, president of Crystal Records and founder/oboist of the Westwood Wind Quintet, said of Bhavani: “As a professional oboist for over 65 years, I am not easily impressed with an oboist. But impressed I am with Bhavani Kotha. Her playing on this CD is spectacular and the choice of repertoire is wonderful.”

“Bhavani Kotha is a phenomenal oboist, able to make her instrument purr like a clarinet or ring out brazenly like a trumpet.”  Fanfare Magazine (James H. North)

“Bhavani Kotha shines…she takes listeners on a musical journey that is both exciting and calming, and it is a joy to become absorbed in her playing. Her mastery of the oboe in all registers is noteworthy.”  The Instrumentalist

CD826 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)
Britten: Temporal Variations     Bozza:Fantaisie Pastorale     Godard: Scénes Écossaises  I.Légende pastorale   II.Sérénade à Mabel   III.Marche des Highlanders     Dring: Trio for Flute, Oboe, and Piano  I.Allegro con brio   II.Andante semplice   III. Allegro giocoso     Dring: Danza Gaya     Pasculli: Fantasia sull’opera “Poliuto” di Donizetti (oboe entrance at :42)

 

CD961: RIPPLES -- CLARION: Keith Benjamin, Trumpet; Melody Turnquist-Steed, Organ.  Anthony Plog, For Cam; Samuel Adler, Life is an Ecstasy; Stacy Garrop, Road Warrior;  James Mobberley, Passing Illuminations; Adam Schoenberg, Apollo.  BUY NOW

Keith Benjamin has been Professor of Trumpet at the University of Missouri since 1989. Melody Turnquist-Steed is Music Specialist for the Waterloo (Iowa) Community School District. Active recitalists, they appear nationally as soloists and as chamber musicians. Clarion is their trumpet-organ duo and it has performed throughout the U.S. with a specialty of contemporary works as well as the standard baroque literature. All of the works on this CD were written specifically for the CD and the Clarion Duo.

“Clarion [reveals] here not just an extraordinarily high level of technical ability but a keen sense of the dramatic gesture…Clearly the  unique qualities of both Benjamin and Turnquist-Steed have inspired some very original writing, and they respond with performances which are nothing if not committed to the music.” ( Rochester, Music Web)

“The standard of performance here is utterly remarkable, caught in a fine, present recording. Keith Benjamin  is the superb trumpeter, his legato a dream; organist Melody Turnquist-Steed is the perfect partner. Adler’s Life is an Ecstasy is joyous…how lovely to hear a performance of such assurance…Garrop’s Road Warrior is gestural, descriptive, and highly effective. Clarion fully invests in Mobberley’s vocabulary; the result is spellbinding…In Schoenberg’s Apollo, the grandeur of space meets timelessness. The finale is a glorious, bejeweled explosion of joy…the aspirational trumpet lines speaking of hope and expectation of return.”  Fanfare Magazine (Colin Clarke)

CD961 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)
Plog: For Cam     Adler: Life is an Ecstacy   I. Like a March   II. Declamatory     Garrop: Road Warrior   I. I am the ghost rider   II. My little baby soul   III. Are you with me here?     Mobberley: Passing Illuminations     Schoenberg: Apollo   I. Beyond   II. Light   III. Return

 

PLEASE CALL, FAX, EMAIL, or MAIL CRYSTAL RECORDS TO ORDER ANY CD ON THESE PAGES.  Or use the "Buy Now" button to order on-line. THANK YOU.

Phone 360-834-7022,  fax 360-834-9680,  email: order@crystalrecords.com.

Return to the main page.