Search - Giffes, Faure, Debussy :: Mostly French

Music that makes a good "impression"

William F. Long | St. Charles, MO USA | 09/05/2001

(5 out of 5 stars)

"This disc is a find--wonderful performers, interesting repertoire, bargain price. The high point for me is Griffes' "Poem". Although it is a standard in 20th century flute repertoire and an impressionist classic, recordings of "Poem" are remarkably hard to find. This one is a dandy. Angela Jones flute has a powerful sound reminiscent of that of her teacher, Julius Baker, and she forms a convincing partnership with the orchestra. She understands this music well, and has technique to burn.Her approach fares, perhaps, a little less well on my other favorite included here, Debussy's "Syrinx." I might have peferred a bit more evanescence and tentativeness. Still I enjoy this interpretation, especially Ms. Jones' subtleties of articulation and control of vibrato. Has she been hanging around a traversa player, perhaps?The harp music of Faure and Gaos is pleasant, but not especially memorabile. The familiar Debussy and Ravel harp pieces are well handled, the latter offering a premiere of sorts, replacing the usual string quartet with a string orchestra. These performances hold up well, but this repertoire has become a bit too familiar by now."