Crystal Records — New
Releases
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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
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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
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
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RECORDS TO ORDER ANY CD ON THESE PAGES. Or use the "Buy Now"
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