Search - Rorem, Gotham Ensemble, clarinet Thomas Piercy :: Gotham Ensemble Plays Ned Rorem

Gotham hits the heights with their playing.

Clarinet listener | DC | 12/05/2002

(5 out of 5 stars)

"From the first exciting sounds of the violin, clarinet and piano playing in the first piece to the soulful, beautiful "singing" of the clarinet in the last pieces, this CD was a delightful, aural trip. I never knew what I was going to hear or where this ensemble was going to take me next as each piece played.The CD is filled with incredible technical virtuosity and also tonal virtuosity; so many different sounds. All the players succesfully hit the highs and lows of their instruments ranges.The End of Summer is a great addition to the repertoire for violin, clarinet and piano. Not too contemporary with some great singing melodies for the violin and clarinet. The ensemble playing here, whether in slow or fast passages, was as "solid" as it gets.The Oboe Book is a nicely played "story" for oboe and piano with many small chapters. Good reading!ARIEL, with music to the poems of Sylvia Plath, is a virtuoso showpiece for soprano, clarinet and piano. This group was incredibly succesful in evoking and playing what is a scarily moving and disturbing piece to hear.I was particularly moved by the "Four Poems" played so beautifully by clarinetist Piercy and pianist Olson. Love that sound - keep "singing."Recorded at NYC's Town Hall, the sound is filled with a wonderful, natural resonance."

Superb

duffyl17 | 04/02/2004

(5 out of 5 stars)

"This is a recording which I can't seem to get out of my head. The tonal colours and wonderful intonation allow the music to reach transcendant heights. Rorem is definitely accessible....the Clarinetist is excellent!!Bravo!!"

Phenominal Music & Players

Music lover | Canada | 07/30/2004

(5 out of 5 stars)

"The music on this CD and the playing of the music is absolutely phenominal.



Listen to the musical and technical control of the pianist,violinist and clarinetist in the Trio! Then listen to the control of the clarinet and piano in the ARIEL - then listen to the dramatic abandon of the singer. This is exciting stuff.



For pure beauty of Rorem songs, you can then go to the end of the CD for the arrangements of the "songs" for clarinet.

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