Sergey Rachmaninov Alexander Glazunov Heitor VillaLobos - Saxophone Concertos (11 tracks) +Album Reviews

Banaszak sets the standard for classical sax repertoire

Neil Coulter (ncoulter@kent.edu) | Kent, Ohio | 10/25/1999

(5 out of 5 stars)

"While Eugene Rousseau's DG recording of the standard repertoire for the saxophone is certainly beautiful, it is, unfortunately, no longer available and has never been reissued on CD anyway. Other performers have recorded those same pieces since, but almost no one has endeavored to record all of them on the same album. Banaszak has not only taken on the challenge, but has triumphed. His sensitive, precise playing is a lesson to many other recording artists. Hopefully this Cd will become as widely-known and appreciated as Rousseau's, and Banaszak's artistry on the standard repertoire will be a new standard for classical sax playing. Bravo also to the conductor and orchestral players, as well as the sound engineers who have produced a lush, full, rich sound rarely heard."

A solid performance in spite of some hang-ups

Thomas Krenzel Doggett | 04/12/2000

(4 out of 5 stars)

"Banaszak offers very convincing interpretations of these "warhorses" of the saxophone repetoire, and his range (both artistic and technical) is commendable. The orchestra, though, has some serious intonation problems which hinder the effectivness of all these performanes, and it often seems to hold Banaszak back during more driving passages. These problems come together to make the Villa-Lobos something of a failure, but the rest of the selections offer Banaszak a better chance at success, and the Dubois stands as the high point of the cd, as the soloist's commanding role give him essentially free reign. Banaszak occassionally takes an overly cautious approach in his interpretations, but all in all, he gives excellent performances of what are probably the most exposed pieces in the repetoire."

A fine combination between French and American classical sax

saxman124 | Cleveland | 11/19/2002

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Through reading the other comments on this cd, I could not help but to notice either extreme positive or extreme negative opinions. In my opinion Greg Banaszak does a very good job with his interpetations of the pieces on this album. I feel he brings factors of standard French style classical saxophone and factors of standard American style classical saxophone and combines them. One thing that bores me with any classical saxophone playing is not enough vibrato. I feel Mr. Banaszak's use of vibrato in his playing really adds a nice touch to the music. Regardless of what the negative comments say, I say BRAVO!!!"

One of finest recordings to date.

Thomas Krenzel Doggett | Cincinnati, OH | 02/04/2002

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Greg Banaszak's "Saxophone Concertos" is one of finest recordings to date. I would recommend this CD to not only students but also anyone who appreciates classical music because the soloist, ensemble and interpretation are all superb. The CD opens with a transcription of Rachmaninoff's "Vocalise" and from the first note the listener is drawn into Mr. Banaszak's tone. It is rich, full of colors and very focused. The second track, Glazounov's "Concerto in E Flat", is a wonderful Neo-Romantic work originally composed for saxophonist Sigurd Rascher. The cadenza is a particular highlight. Saxophone enthusiasts should find Mr. Banaszak's first recording of the Glazounov to compare his different interpretations. Banaszak's soprano saxophone playing is a model for all saxophonists and is fully expressed on Villa-Lobos's "Fantasia". Dubois's "Concerto" begins with a challenging cadenza that Mr. Banaszak executes with extreme precision. The CD comes to a close with Ibert's "Concertino da Camera". A very demanding piece for both soloist and ensemble but very enjoyable for the listener; a Frenchman's interpretation of early American Jazz. Conductor Bohdan Jarmolowicz's guides the Polish National Chamber Orchestra of Slupsk through some of greatest pieces written for saxophone and orchestra in the 20th Century. If your CD collection is lacking in classical saxophone recordings purchase this one."

One for the Collection

J. Hayman | Albany, NY | 04/19/2006

(5 out of 5 stars)

"I've read some of the negative reviews below and I have to wonder if those reviewers and I heard the same CD. There is a reason this record was nominated for a Grammy. Banaszak takes a fresh approach to each of these pieces, with my personal favorite being the Dubois Concerto. Each performance is filled with passion and fire that creates a moving experience for the listener. Banaszak's tone is full and bright and is a lovely blend of both French and American schools of saxophone. Don't take my word for it or the word of the other "soon to be band teacher" saxophonists. Buy the CD and form your own opinion. It won't disappoint."

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