Robert Bonfiglio's Masterpiece
peter krampert | eharmonica.net | 01/26/2002
(5 out of 5 stars)
"Classical harmonica is one of the most difficult fields in music to get taken seriously in. Even after such amazing viruosos as Larry Adler, John Sebastian, Larry Logan, Tommy Reilly and others spent decades trying to earn acceptance, many Classical music organizations still refuse to accept the harmonica as a legitimate instrument.During a foray into an allegedly "High-brow" CD store, I was told by the clerk that there was no such thing as Classical harmonica and further searching yeilded one Larry Adler CD in the percussion section. Such is the fate of those who would pursue the harmonica as a serious instrument.Now Robert Bonfiglio comes along and gives us a stunning example as to why the harmonica deserves it's rightful place in the world of Classical music. Bonfiglio gives us a nice range of Classical pieces from Debussey to Mozart and even some Pop fare with selections from "Miss Saigon" and Stephen Sondheim. The conclusion of this master CD is Vaughan Williams "Romance" which was originally written for Larry Adler in 1951. Bonfiglio plays the piece with an authority worthy of the great masters.If you are at all curious as to what Classical harmonica sounds like, this CD is one the best that I have ever heard and I would definitely recommend that you purchase it immediately. It will open your eyes to the realm of possibilities of this much maligned instrument."
Romances
peter krampert | 06/29/2000
(5 out of 5 stars)
"This CD epitomizes Bonfiglio's supreme mastery of the harmonica. Never beforehave I heard such exquisite interpretations of familiar classical pieces like Debussy's Reverie or Ravel's Pavanne done on the harmonica. This CD has taken me three years to locate, after hearing Bonfiglio as a guest performer on the Boston Pops performing Reverie. I have now ordered four for gifts due to the enthusiastic response of family and friends, some of whom are not classical music fans. His renditions of Manha de Carnaval from Black Orpheus, Meditation from "Thais", the Wind Beneath My Wings, and other favorites are remarkable. Can't say enough for the album!"
Bonfiglio is Brilliant
L. L. Holmes | Butte, MT United States | 06/30/2004
(5 out of 5 stars)
"One of the finest classical albums I own. Until you have heard it, you cannot believe this kind of music flows from a harmonica. Pavane and Reverie are absolutely beautiful. Bonfiglio's mastery rivals that of any solo instrumentalist in the world. This collection thrills and enthralls."
Track Listings (14) - Disc #1