Search - Aurelia Saxophone Quartet... :: French Saxophones

Superb

Ralphus | Goyang, Gynggi-Do Korea (South) | 06/14/2009

(5 out of 5 stars)

"This re-release from Challenge Classics features two discs by the Aurelia Saxophone Quartet previously released in the early 90s, both on the Etcetera label. The first featured transcriptions of the string quartets of Debussy, Ravel, and Roussel. The second was of standard French works for saxophone quartet. On both albums the Aurelia Quartet demonstrate their unparalleled mastery. It really doesn't get any better than this. There are other fine quartets out there--the Rascher Quartet, New Hudson Quartet, Formeau Quartet for example--but none can touch the Aurelia for technical brilliance, balance, sound, finesse, and musicianship. In the Debussy and Ravel transcriptions just listen to how they emulate soft, rapid string figurations. Their dynamic range is incredible. They give the impression that nothing is beyond the scope of their formidable technical assuredness. And all the while their performances are suave, thoughtful, sensitive, and put to the service of the music. Most probably this is (these are) the finest recording of saxophone quartet music ever made. It's hard to imagine this masterclass in impeccable musicianship and instrumental technique being bettered by anybody soon."