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The University of Texas Wind Ensemble is one of the finest college bands in America, and the diverse program they present here puts them through their paces.

The Susato is beautifully and tastefully transcribed, and the band fully owns the performance. Junkin's approach to the Vaughan Williams is perhaps less visceral than the classic Fennell account, but any band fan who doesn't already own a recording of this repertoire cornerstone would be well served by this version.

I've never been a fan of David Del Tredici's music, and I do think "In Wartime" overstays its welcome, but some really lovely and effective things happen along the way. The Daugherty is also too long for my taste, but it's hard to imagine a stronger case being made for this music - the ending in particular is thrilling.

In the second movement of the Vaughan Williams, Junkin's approach to tempo is unconventional and convincing. Otherwise these are straightforward and persuasive interpretations, played strongly and recorded in great sound.

Benn Martin

see also review by Jonathan Woolf

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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