"What a delightful recording. Beautiful music, excellently played. Maestro Uwe Grodd, flutist, performs splendidly and lyrically on this new album, as is his wont. Performing with Mr. Grodd is Janaki String Trio, a group I have greatly admired since hearing them on their album for Yarlung Records (which I also bought from Amazon, incidentally!). This is a fabulous young trio, rewarding in every musical genre they tackle, from the classical repertoire through the hottest avant-garde music of today. Actually, their contemporary music performances impress me more than their classical interpretations. The sound on this new Vanhal recording is good for a budget recording. One can hear and enjoy the over-lush sound of the lovely church they used for this recording. For better sound, however, and a more interesting dynamic musical program, listen to the Yarlung Records release. No, I take that back... enjoy both! And look forward to whatever Uwe Grodd and Janaki String Trio decide to release next."
This Guy-Vanhal is Great.........
CJV | Illinois | 07/31/2008
(5 out of 5 stars)
"Look, I have bought just about everything by Vanhal, and I will tell you what, this guy is great. His Syms, SQs, and this set of Flute Quartets reassure me that his work isn't just a stroke of good-luck but well written music. As for this CD, the quartets are a well-balanced medium of Strings and Flute soloing. They are very soothing and pleasant. I find them excellent and in the same category as Mozart's and Haydn's London Trios. Bravo........."
Beautiful Music Expertly played
Monte Herridge | Meridian, Texas | 07/10/2008
(5 out of 5 stars)
"The performances by Uwe Grodd and the Janaki String Trio are some of the best I have heard recently. The liner notes are certainly correct in this detail: "Their contemporary popularity rested less on their technical accomplishment than on their melodic freshness and air of quiet sophistication." These are pieces that sound excellent on a repeat hearing. This is only half of the Opus 7 flute quartets, and I wish the rest of the quartets would be released for our enjoyment."
Fine Flute Quartets
Ross Kennett | Narooma, NSW Australia | 06/23/2007
(5 out of 5 stars)
"Vanhal was one of the first composers to go freelance in Vienna, and his success probably influenced Mozart to follow. Although not touched with the genius of Mozart, Vanhal was clearly the better businessman.
Whenever I think flute I think Mozart and his four flute quartets, the first particularly is a work of genius, and Vanhal is not quite in the same league. However they are well constructed and eloquent, very enjoyable and very easy listening.
Uwe Grodd and the Janaki Trio play beautifully, with precision, sensitivity and affection. Grodd plays as a team member and never dominates the performance, as is not uncommon in performances of the Mozart.
I found this CD, the premier recording of these flute quartets, very enjoyable, and am happy to give it 5 stars.
