Search - Carl Anton Wirth, Karel Husa, William Grant Still :: An American Concerto Tribute To Sigurd Raschèr

Simply amazing!

M. Kemper | USA | 06/13/2007

(5 out of 5 stars)

"This cd is filled with pieces dedicated to Sigurd Rascher, and is played by one of his star pupils, Lawrence Gwozdz. Gwozdz's playing is, for lack of better words, amazing. He has such a round, dark tone that is simply beautiful. Besides his tone, his superior musicianship shines through every song, every phrase, every note. The Jephthah, Husa, and Still Romance are all pieces to look for. Jephthah is one of the best sax duets to be written, the Husa is a standard piece, played perfectly. In my opinion, Still's Romance was the highlight of the cd. I've never heard this piece, but from the second I began listening to it I was hooked. Especially when played by Gwozdz, it is stunningly beautiful. There is always debate between the "Rascher" players and the "French" players, but in this case I think everyone should be inclined to believe that the school's don't matter, for this is just pure music."

Gwozdz is Amazing!!

M. Kemper | 03/29/2003

(5 out of 5 stars)

""An American Concerto Tribute to Sigurd Rascher" is one of the finest examples of concert saxophone playing available. Gwozdz is always in complete control of the instrument - warm, dark tone quality, technical virtuosity, exemplary musicianship, and perfect intonation. Highlights of the recording include an authoritative interpretation of Husa's "Elegie et Rondeau," and a gorgeous performance of the Still "Romance." Also of note is the Worley "Claremont Concerto," a fine example of Worley's writing presented flawlessly. This is the only available recording of the Claremont Concerto, and it is glorious. A must have for any true classical music enthusiast."