Search - Georges Bizet, Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart, Otto Nicolai :: Harmoniemusiken

Andreas Tarkmann, a German oboist and composer, here carries on the classical period tradition of arranging operatic suites for wind ensemble: Bizet's Carmen for nonet, Nicolai's Merry Wives of Windsor for octet, and Mozart's La Clemenza di Tito for sextet. The first two, of course, fall way outside the era when this tradition was popular, but why complain when the tunes are so good? This kind of treatment (Tarkmann's or the arrangers of the classical period) may reduce the music to the level of light entertainment or high-class dinner music. But the performances are so sparkling and delightful that if the prospect seems attractive, go for it. It's also a very generous program, running over 77 minutes. --Leslie Gerber