Search - Charles Gounod, Francis Poulenc, Jacques Ibert :: French Music for Wind Ensemble

Lovely music, short timing, low cost

Larry VanDeSande | Mason, Michigan United States | 05/31/2005

(3 out of 5 stars)

"This CD offers three delightful French scores played with aplomb and subtlety by the Athena Ensemble. The timing -- less than 50 minutes -- is hardly exemplary by modern standards but the list price of less than $9 makes up for that.



The program offered here -- Gounod's "Petite Symphonie in B flat major for Nine Wind Instruments", Poulenc's "Sextet for Piano and Wind Instruments and Ibert's "Trois Pieces Breves for Wind Quintet" -- are all lightweight fare characterized by clever writing for winds, a chamber sensibility and emphasis on enjoyment rather than profundity or power.



I've heard the Petite Symphony in several recordings, most of which are more straightforward than this subtle performance. The Poulence and infrequently-recorded Ibert also benefit from this sensibility, which places musical messaging and aura ahead of full throated playing.



These all work well and provide most of an hour's worth of enjoyment. I'd recommend this program to anyone seeking this combination or anyone that likes musical French pastry."

Warm recommendations

Brian Siegel | Greenville, SC United States | 01/29/2009

(5 out of 5 stars)

"As a high school oboist, I really enjoy wind quintet music. (See Imani Winds!) Only lately have I begun collecting it. I went looking for the French music I once had owned, and found it in this album. The Gounod is the older music, sonorous but tame. The real meat here is the Poulenc and Ibert. Sonorous, yes, but also clever and energetic. Beautiful performances."