Search - Mark Camphouse, David Maslanka, Richard [Classical] Wagner :: Heroes Dreams & Icons

Excellent

Gordon Couch | Danville, KY United States | 05/24/2003

(5 out of 5 stars)

"In my library are many wind band recordings. I own several Eastman Wind Ensemble recordings from the "old days", some new ones too. Many new recordings of groups performing at CBDNA conventions, etc. are also here and there in my home. This recording of Northwestern's Wind Ensemble is superb. The treatment of Maslanka's Child's Garden of Dreams is remarkable. I have been a Maslanka fan for many years, I own three recordings of this particular work, and this band has done a remarkable job of transferring the feeling of that piece to CD. Buy it. I just hope you have a good set of headphones to enjoy it."

Excellent Concert Band CD

Matthew Henderson | Kent, OH USA | 01/27/2003

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Malory Thompson's effort with the Keystone Wind Ensemble in tribute to John Payntor is moving and reflective.
The opening Wagner piece, "Huldigungsmarch," comes across with a stately, noble feeling, which breaks away to more thundering passions at all the right moments.
Camphouse's "Whatsoever Things" was commissioned by the Ravelli foundation in honor of Payntor. It is reflective and sensitive, borrowing the theme from Haydn's St. Anthony's chorale, which Northwestern (Payntor's teaching post) uses for its motto. Camphouse's melodies (made unique through the use of atypical but elegant melodic rhythms) and brilliant orchestration are used to their fullest by Thompson in this performance.
David Maslanka's "A Child's Garden of Dreams" is also wonderful. He manages to evoke the intimacy of chamber ensembles using different sections of the concert band, and explores exotic, ear-catching timbres using a few instruments at a time. This piece has a much more contemporary feel than anything else on the CD and is worth considerable study for composers.
The last Wagner piece, "Elsa's Procession to the Cathedral" is another solid performance."