Search - Krommer, Amphion Wind Octet :: Partita in F Major / Harmonie / Partita in E Flat

Outstanding period instrument performances

Larry VanDeSande | Mason, Michigan United States | 09/16/2006

(5 out of 5 stars)

"The Amphion Wind Octet's Krommer CD delightfully uses period instruments in three of the Moravian composer's most popular partita-octets -- Opp. 57, 76 and 69. Much of this program was on represented in the 1970s Philips LP by Netherlands Wind Ensemble that really started the modern Krommer craze.



The Amphion Octet players are Europeans representing many countries. Photos show them with their ancient instruments including Marc Girardot playing the bizarre "Serpent", an instrument with a series of semicircles that I assume is a predecessor to the modern contrabassoon. Wait til you see the picture!



The music's great too. High spirits, beautifully idiomatic playing, sharp attacks, and fast speeds characterize this group's approach. Many of their speeds compare to other groups like the Sabine Meyer Wind Octet and La Gran Partita. But when they take off, they really take off!



In the Op. 76 Menuetto: Allegretto they whip through in 2:34 compared to 3:07 for Meyer's group and 3:09 for La Gran Partita. Because their execution is so sharp and spirits run so high, this quickness never spoils the music or renders it breathless. It is a miracle these players could do this using elderly instruments!



The June 2001 recording, made in Meiningen's Reformed Church, is truthful, resonant and clear, allowing you to hear all the instruments. It has greater breadth and depth than the average wind music recording and captures the lower winds more markedly than any other recording in memory. In a word, it is wonderful.



This CD, if you can find it, will bring you an hour's worth of pleasure anytime you wish. It may not be easy to locate but it's definitely worth your time."