Home | Business News | Browse by Publication | A | American Record Guide

Is But A Dream.

Article Excerpt
Is But A Dream

SCHWANTNER: Black Anemones; SHAKARIAN: Is but a Dream; HENDERSON, HOOVER: Oboe Sonatas; PINKHAM: Reeds; LOEFFLER: 2 Rhapsodies; PIAZZOLLA: Oblivion

Rebecca Henderson, ob; Timothy Lovelace, p; Helen Callus, va--Boston 1057-76 minutes

These two releases (both by the same company) are interesting to compare. They have different recording venues and different engineers. Elaine Douvas is principal oboe of the Met orchestra and head of the woodwind department at the Juilliard School. Her recital is one to be reckoned with on all counts. The program, except for the Schumann, carries a heavy French flavor, even though only two of the composers are natives of that country.

The Adagio and Allegro has been heard ad infinitum on a variety of instruments, chiefly the horn, but it seems to work on almost anything. Ms Douvas's reading is one of romantic sweep and passion, though the oboe doesn't quite seem up to the frantic hunting calls that seem so natural to the horn. Nonetheless, her reading is full of verve and tenderness, and is worth a listen.

I was a little nervous when I saw the Ravel Sonatine on the program listing. Generally, piano pieces don't convert very well to instrumental...

View this article FREE - Now for a Limited Time, try Goliath Business News
Free for 3 Days!