Search - Vazgen Muradian, Donald Draganski, Alan Palider :: The Big Bassoon

Different, but more than a novelty

Lawrence Strauss | New York, NY USA | 03/21/1999

(4 out of 5 stars)

"Sue Nigro's fluent and graceful playing on an instrument nearly her own size more than justifies her being America's premier (and only, I think) contrabassoon soloist. What's more, the compositions she plays with accompanist Mark Lindebald are really very enjoyable and intelligent -- the worst thing this CD could have been is a showcase for an unusual instrument with no repertoire worth hearing.For something that no other instrument could pull off, check out Alan Palider's "The Narwhal," while Muradien's miniature conerto shows the lyrical side of an instrument which could, at first glance, be mistaken for under-the-sink plumbing."

Wonderful!

Timothy P. Scanlon | Hyattsville, MDUSA | 02/13/1999

(5 out of 5 stars)

"I have a taste for double reeds, and a taste for the lower musical registers. The bassoon is nice; Mozart did his usual best to compose music for it, particularly his Concerto for Bassoon. Unfortunately, the contrabassoon did not yet exist when Wolfgang was alive. And to find music for the contrabassoon is difficult indeed! Leave it to Amazon.com! The music of this CD is fresh, encouraging, and oh, so deep. When the soloist goes to the lowest notes, they are sometimes hard to distinguish from those off a double bass. To me, this music is a dream come true. Once I am thoroughly saturated with it, I hope I can find some music a bit more elaborate, e.g., with a full orchestra, rather than "just" a quality pianist, backing the contrabassoon soloist. But, for now, I'll wallow in Ms. Nigro's work, wishing I could play that wonderful double reed, and thanking providence that someone can, and so well!"

Revelatory!

AA5L | Fort Worth, Texas USA | 05/06/2000

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Since I was 5 years old, I have been fascinated by the contrabassoon (e.g.,Gliere's 3rd Symphony), but I had no idea that it could be played with such delicacy and facility as it is here! If you are interested in hearing what the instrument is capable of, GET THIS! It is truly amazing."