Search - Ivo Janssen & Bornkamp :: Le Saxophone Classique

Budget Bornkamp

Ralphus | Goyang, Gynggi-Do Korea (South) | 12/08/2007

(5 out of 5 stars)

"This release from Brilliant Classics comprises two CDs formerly on the Vanguard Classics label: 'A Saxophone in Paris' and 'Devil's Rag'.



The former features two warhorses of the saxophone repertory, the concertos of Glazunov and Ibert, alongside the less frequently heard, 'Legende' by Andre Caplet. The real gems of the disc are the two Sonatines, originally for oboe d'amore, by Charles Koechlin performed on soprano sax. Bornkamp's playing is exceptional throughout. His Glazunov and Ibert have become my favorites (with Mule's early recordings of the Ibert). The Camerata Amsterdam conducted by Jeroen Weierink provide admirable accompaniment.



The second disc contains smaller works with piano, ranging from enjoyable standards by Jolivet (Fantaisie-Impromptu), Francaix (Five Exotic Dances), Bozza (Aria) and Demersseman (Fantaisie sur un theme original) to light-hearted pieces by Jean Matitia (the titular 'Devil's Rag'), Pedro Iturralde (Pequena Czarda) and Rudy Wiedoeft (Valse Vanite) with a few transcriptions in between (Rachmaninov, 'Vocalise'; Ravel, 'Piece en forme de habanera'; Gershwin's 'Three Preludes') and a couple of cullings from the saxophone's orchestral repertoire ('Intermezzo' from L'Arlesienne and 'The Old Castle' from Pictures at an Exhibition).

It's all on the lighter, easy-listening side of the spectrum but it's a balanced program and features something for everyone. Arno's long time accomplice, Ivo Janssen, is as good as always.



Needless to say, Arno Bornkamp's playing is outstanding. Along with Claude Delangle he's very much one of the best players around. It's a shame he doesn't quite get the recognition he deserves; at least outside of Holland. Listen to his exquisite soprano playing in the Koechlin! His control of soft low entries and his intonation throughout are impeccable. You just don't hear soprano played this beautifully very often.



Recorded sound for both discs is excellent.



At the time of writing this review, Amazon's listed price is around $50. This is a budget release, though. By way of comparison, Brilliant Classics' 3CD re-release of the Grumiaux/Haskil Beethoven Sonatas goes for around $17. So shop around or wait for it to come back in stock.



Recorded: 1994 (disc 1); 1995 (disc 2)

TT = 61'39" (disc 1); 59'29" (disc 2)"