Title : Saxophone
Author : Glass, Philip
Release Date : 20021118
Binding : Audio CD
Regular Price : $17.99
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Editorial Reviews : This is the fourth CD from the archive and studio of Philip Glass relased by Orange Mountain Music. This CD of solo and all-saxophone compositions contains The world renowned Raschèr Saxophone Quartet’s brilliant recording of 'The Saxophone Concerto (Quartet Version)'. The Raschèr Quartet has performed this piece 90 times in the major concert halls of Europe and United States and it shows. This stunning recording was produced by Mr. Glass’ production team, Kurt Munkasci and Michael Riesman, in 1998 at the Looking Glass Studios.
Also represented is one of New York’s preeminent woodwind players, Andrew Sterman, performing 'Melodies for Saxophone', 13 shorter pieces for solo saxophone, some of which were inspiration for the Saxophone Concerto.
The disc is completed with a new recording, 'The Windcatcher'. The veteran Philip Glass Ensemble Woodwind players, Jon Gibson, Richard Peck, and Andrew Sterman performed this composition for saxophone sextet. Messrs. Gibson, Peck and Sterman have made enormous contributions to Philip Glass’ music for several years (over 70 years among them!) and their ongoing participation in the ensemble continues to assure its excellence. This Michael Riesman/Don Christensen-produced recording exhibits their extraordinary ensemble sensibilities and their keen understanding of Philip’s music. The Saxophone CD is 61 minutes long and has a 12 page booklet of liner notes providing background on the compositions, recordings and players.
Buyer Reviews : This CD is the fourth release on Philip Glass's new private Orange Mountain Music label. Four releases in less than a year is impressive, and each of the four has been wonderful. All are available only through amazon.com.
'Saxophone' as the name implies, is a CD of all-saxophone music. Starting off with the Concerto for Saxophone Quartet, which originally appeared on the CD 'Symphony No. 2' (Nonesuch Records) in the full version with orchestra, this version is scored for saxophone quartet only. It's a wonderful piece in four movements- each movement is markedly different from each other. Of particular note for myself is the third movement, which goes to my heart like a laser beam was shown on it. I can picture Philip Glass composing the third movement during a rainy night in Manhattan. It never fails to almost bring me to tears. The jazzy, joyous second and last movements are a great counter to the third movement. I still prefer the original recording with the orchestra, but this is a wonderful performance and you may prefer it over the original. The Rascher Saxophone Quartet does an awesome job in their performance.
The next piece on the CD is called Melodies for Saxophone, consisting of 13 short 'sketches', some of which made their way into the saxophone concerto. These are all skillfully played by Andrew Sterman, who is a member of the Philip Glass Ensemble. Some of the pieces are great, and others are definitely not much more than sketches. The pieces give further insight into the thought processes of a true genius.
The final piece on the CD is called The Windcatcher. This is my favorite piece on the CD. In three movements of moderate length, this is a beautiful piece, effortlessly played by longtime members of the Philip Glass Ensemble: Jon Gibson, Richard Peck, and Andrew Sterman. These guys have played Glass music for up to three decades and it shows (it's more difficult to play than these guys make it sound.)
This 63 minute CD is another great addition to the rapidly growing Orange Mountain Music catalog. As always, the recording quality is top-notch. This CD is not as intense overall as the first three OMM releases (The Music of Candyman, Early Voice, and A Descent into the Maelstrom). It makes for great listening no matter where you may be- in your office, in your car, at home, etc. You won't regret purchasing this disc!
