Search - Samuel Barber, Amy Beach, Irving Fine :: Barber: Summer Music; Beach: Pastorale

Woodwind Quintets

Eric D. Leibowitz | Massachusetts | 03/26/2000

(4 out of 5 stars)

"I bought this CD for the Harbison quintet, a piece I love by one of my favorite composers. The Rekjavik Quintet does an extraordinary job performing this extremely difficult work. Harbison's innovative use of doubling (as in the opening "Intrada") make for original and dramatic sounds. The intense and wild finale, with raucous glissandi from the ensemble creates a new and exciting sound. There are other exciting works on the disc as well. The Barber is flawless, and quite moving. The works by Gunther Schuller and Irving Fine were both new to me but are both works which are well-crafted and rewarding to listen to (the Schuller is a little "light" though, and one dimensional). The remaining two works, altough not my favorites, are well played, and will interest some. I recommend this CD for anyone looking for a recording of the Harbison Quintet or Barber's Summer Music."

Tom Arvidson

Georgia L. Arvidson | Dickinson, TX USA | 10/09/2000

(5 out of 5 stars)

"I heard Gunther Schuller's "Blues" while listening to NPR in transit from one assignment to the next at my job. I immediately knew I had to buy this CD! The colors and resonances, to say nothing of the true Jazz feeling came across like I've never heard in a classical regime. While tasting a few other Schuller listings on Amazon.com, I was a little dissappointed, but I was really infatuated with the other cuts that on this CD. I've discovered other fine pieces in the process!"