I was not predisposed to enjoying this music but was surprised when I played
the disc.
The Quintet is succinctly succulent with on-your-toes dynamism, a heart-beat
slowing andantino and some blissfully elysian birdsong. The central
andantino reminded me of Vaughan Williams Vocalises for soprano
and clarinet (1958).
Rampal joined Alexandra (not Alexander as the booklet dubs her!) Hawley in
the Duos for two flutes in performances of abundant charm (the two instruments
echoing off each other in the allegro risoluto). The opportunity to
hear the same music in different garb comes in tracks 26-31 where flute and
clarinet are the executant instruments.
The Moments migrate from Waltonian arabesque (Walton V at the
start of the score) to a Poulencian andante that is not without urgency.
Muczynski is the pianist. The Fragments evoke summer dreams in
Reverie and adopt a cheeky though tasteful exuberance. The Three
Preludes include a sea chanty style movement similar to Malcolm Arnold's
Chanties. The Movements for wind quintet have a Moeran-like
resolve. The Sonata has a greater angularity than the other works which makes
it impressive as display but not winning musically speaking.
Detailed informative notes by the Ledins.
Reviewer
Rob Barnett
Alexandra
Hawley (flute) Jean-Pierre Rampal (flute) Stanford Woodwind Quintet
