Hindemith, Janáček, and Mathias are three of the most outstanding composers of the 20th century. The Hindemith and Janáček works are stalwarts in the repertoire for woodwind quintet with other winds. Fabulous pieces of music, they show the colors that can be garnered with the addition of just one or two instruments. Mathias’ Concertino captures piano, flute, oboe, and bassoon in all their glory – wonderful melodies and driving rhythms. We believe this is the first recording of this work.
Bruce Stark’s Americana Wind Quintet is also a world-premiere recording.“Stark's four movement, Americana Wind Quintet...there is something about it that is unmistakably American in sound and spirit that's hard to describe. Above all, I find it to be an exquisitely beautiful piece and one that has grown on me with repeated hearings and moved me deeply.What extraordinarily beautiful and how extraordinarily beautiful is the playing of the Westwood Wind Quintet. How sweet and flowing is John Barcellona's flute, how pure and focused is Peter Christ's oboe, how warm and woodsy is William Helmers' clarinet, how mellow is John Cox's horn, and how present yet blended is Patricia Nelson's Bassoon. This is woodwind playing and music-making of the highest order. Urgently recommended.” Fanfare (Jerry Dubins)
“refreshing life to all of the music, embracing the diversity of textures and styles with crisp and sensitive authority.. [Janacek is] a delightful and affectionate gem from one of music’s true originals...Stark’s Quintet abounds in poetic and dramatic flights spiced with savoury flavours and rhythmic twists.” Gramophone (Donald Rosenberg)
Westwood Wind Quintet, one of the world’s premiere ensembles, was established in 1959. “An accumulation of instrumental polish and important repertory over a long period has resulted in a treasurable sense of ensemble and musical solidity.” (Los Angeles Times). Westwood members on this CD (pictured) are John Barcellona, flute; William Helmers, clarinet; John Cox, horn; Patricia Nelson, bassoon, Peter Christ, oboe. This same five players are on the three most recent Westwood CDs: CD759, CD790, and CD791.
Doug Reneau is asst. principal trumpet of the Oregon Symphony. Carol Robe is bass clarinetist of the Portland Opera and clarinet instructor at the University of Oregon. Lisa Bergman has toured internationally with many of the most esteemed vocalists and violinists. Along with her piano playing, she is presently a Gracie Award-winning radio announcer with KING-FM in Seattle.
