Review by threerandot May 7, 2007 (2 of 2 found this review helpful)
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I have never been a big fan of Marches, but I think this disc may change that. The Kristiansand Blaaseensemble are a more than capable wind group who play all of the marches in this collection with poise, charm and when called for, great power.
Some of these marches are more traditional in character, like the opening Marche Militaire Francaise by Camille Saint-Saens or the Militärmarsch by Richard Strauss. My favorites were the jocular March, Op. 99 by Prokofiev or the solemn Trauermarsch by Felix Mendelssohn. The Commando March by Samuel Barber featured a dazzling display of virtuosity and I paticularly enjoyed the closing Sørgemarsj by Edvard Grieg with its almost Wagnerian brass. I shouldn't forget to mention the eccentric Overture and March 1776 by Charles Ives with its avant garde approach, filled with dissonance and melodies everywhere in a controlled kind of chaos. Just about the best march on this whole disc.
Throughout these marches you will hear plenty of wind solos by oboes, clarinets, bassoons and horns. There is also the standard "theme and variations" approach with repeats, which is one reason why I've never been a huge fan of marches. It is the marches I mention above with their unconventional approach that I found the most rewarding. I don't see myself playing this a great deal, but it should appeal to march lovers.
The acoustic in this recording seems perhaps a little closer than normal although the big climaxes still seem to have plenty of weight. I think I would have preferred perhaps just a bit more distance from the microphones. Having said that, the sound is far from disappointing and provides deep bass and colorful winds. For lovers of marches this set should please those who are looking not just for something traditional, but also something more challenging. Recommended.
(This review refers to the MCH portion of this disc.)
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