The Columbus State University Wind Ensemble – Synergy
Michael DAUGHERTY (b.1954) Brooklyn Bridge for Solo Clarinet
and Symphonic Band (2004) [26:54]
Michael BURRITT (b.1962) Duo Concertante for Clarinet and Percussion
(2006) [11:16]
David GILLINGHAM (b. 1947) Concertino for Four Percussion and
Wind Ensemble (1997) [9:11]
J.M. DAVID (b.1978) Fantasy Etudes, Book II for Clarinet, Basset
Horn, and Chamber Winds (2007) [9:40]
Scott MCALLISTER (b.1969) Black Dog for Solo Clarinet and Wind
Ensemble (2003) [10:45]
The Columbus State University Wind Ensemble/Robert W. Rumbelow
rec. Legacy Hall of CSU’s RiverCenter for the Performing Arts, Columbus, Georgia,
USA, March 2007
NAXOS 8.572319 [67:46]
I understand why this is issued under the Naxos Wind Band series, but it’s
almost a recital disc for the truly excellent John Bruce Yeh. A member of
the Chicago Symphony Orchestra, he plays on all the pieces except the Gillingham.
The program follows an arch progression from solo to duet to quartet and back
again. All told, it’s a very satisfying progression – bravo to whoever designed
it.
The repertoire itself is mostly excellent – the McAllister may be a bit too
long, and I wasn’t fully convinced by the Stravinskyesque touches of the David,
though it has grown on me. But all the works have their charms, and the Daugherty
is a wonderful surprise, the best work of his I’ve heard. The first movement
opens the disc in tremendously convincing fashion, drawing the listener in
for the full length of the work. The second movement accesses a tenderness
and harmonic sensitivity I didn’t give Daugherty credit for. The fourth movement
is a witty romp that doesn’t feel disposable the way this type of music sometimes
can. The Burritt is also very accessible, in a standard fast-slow-fast shape
and filled with memorable melodies and colors. I hope it has more of a life
outside of this disc! The percussion soloist is Yeh’s daughter, and she was
in high school when she recorded this remarkable performance. Yeh’s wife joins
him on the David, where she also plays extremely well – what a family! Finally,
the Gillingham is another excellent, colorful work which has already found
a place in the repertoire. Moving steadily from a place of stillness and suspense
to one of dramatic declamation, it is playable by an excellent amateur group
but doesn’t feel like a “compromised” work at all. This performance cleanses
the palette effectively for the rest of the disc yet also feels very much
of a piece with the rest of the program.
Then there are the performances. Yeh dominates the disc, and completely inhabits
these pieces, making each performance feel definitive. He’s a fabulous player
who deserves this level of exposure. As for the band, their performances are
thrilling, extremely precise and well rehearsed while still being very musical
– there’s a palpable sense that everybody cares about every note. It’s a balancing
act few wind bands seem to be able to achieve on recordings, with too many
erring on the side of precise-but-not-musical - an understandable but regrettable
error. On this disc, there’s a real sense of communication from composer,
through ensemble, to listener. Congratulations and appreciation to everyone
involved with this project for achieving it.
Benn Martin
A very satisfying program focused on great solo clarinet playing.