Thursday, October 8, 2009

Branford MARSALIS - Romances for Saxophone 1986


Branford MARSALIS - Romances for Saxophone 1986
Label: CBS Masterworks

Jazz

Romances for Saxophone was released in 1986 by CBS Masterworks' Light Classics division. Branford Marsalis, usually known for his jazz background, asserts his mastery of the soprano saxophone on this excellent collection of romantic chamber music. Accompanied by the English Chamber Orchestra, Marsalis indulges us with some of his most fervent music yet. Each piece explores a different aspect of love and romance. Vocalese, originally for the soprano voice, portray the vocal lyricism and musicality of Marsalis' soprano saxophone. The "Rachmaninoff Vocalese" is an exceptional confirmation of the mastery of tone and musicianship that defines the music Marsalis is known for. Other well-known works, such as Debussy's L'Isle Joyeuse and Stravinsky's Pastorale, brilliantly contrast the air that Marsalis has played since 1981. The French and Russian compositions add a new dimension to the young Marsalis repertoire — classical romantic. 
By Paula Edelstein.
**
This incredible album features Branford Marsalis' moving performances of classical music from the romantic period. I enjoy a variety of musical styles, particularly classical and jazz. I wasn't familiar with any of this music or many of these composers when I bought it 15 years ago. I bought it because I enjoyed Marsalis' Jazz, and thought a classical album from him would be interesting. 15 years later, this remains one of my very favorite CDs in my large collection, and I now love music from composers like Faure, Villa-Lobos, and Satie, which this album introduced me to. And I have never heard these pieces performed better than on this great album.
By Uknown.
**
It would be disingenuous to say this is a "crossover" CD for Branford Marsalis, popularly known as a jazz artist. But what this achingly beautiful collection does is to melt all stereotypes away. Not only those that have been pinned on jazz artists in general, or Marsalis in particular, but the entire classical genre. As classical music can often be so intimidating and inaccessible to a mainstream audience, Marsalis dares to let his haunting sax breathe new life into all the selections. Trust me. As other reviewers have said, this will do three things: 1) Become one of your top five CD's in your collection, 2) Make you run out and buy other Marsalis CD's, and 3) Awaken or re-awaken you to the classics. Played like this, you can close your eyes and know, just know, it is the soundtrack of your life and all lives worth living.
By  T. S. Lord.
**
01. L'Isle Joyeuse (Instrumental) Andrew Litton;Branford Marsalis;English Chamber Orchestra 6:41  
02. Pavane (Voice) Andrew Litton;Branford Marsalis;English Chamber Orchestra 5:46 
03. Arabesque No. 1 (Instrumental) Andrew Litton;Branford Marsalis;English Chamber Orchestra 4:15  
04. Vocalise (Instrumental) Andrew Litton;Branford Marsalis;English Chamber Orchestra 6:01  
05. Pastorale Andrew Litton;Branford Marsalis;English Chamber Orchestra 2:44 $0.99  
06. Emmanuel (Instrumental) Andrew Litton;Branford Marsalis;English Chamber Orchestra 2:49  
07. Bachianas Brasileiras No. 5 (Instrumental) Andrew Litton;Branford Marsalis;English Chamber Orchestra 5:38
08. Gymnopedie No. 3 (Instrumental) Andrew Litton;Branford Marsalis;English Chamber Orchestra 2:33  
09. Prélude. Vif from Le Tombeau de Couperin Andrew Litton;Branford Marsalis;English Chamber Orchestra 3:17   
10. Pièce En Forme De Habanera (Instrumental) Andrew Litton;Branford Marsalis;English Chamber Orchestra 2:43  
11. Sicilienne from Pelléas et Mélisande (Instrumental) Andrew Litton;Branford Marsalis;English Chamber Orchestra 3:38   
12. Serenata from Pulcinella (Instrumental) Andrew Litton;Branford Marsalis;English Chamber Orchestra 2:59  
13. The Old Castle from Pictures at an Exhibition (Instrumental) Andrew Litton;Branford Marsalis;English Chamber Orchestra 4:27
**
NoPassword
*
Dlink
*

No comments:

Post a Comment