John Harle's "Debussy, Villa-Lobos & Ibert: Saxophone Concertos" is a captivating journey through the world of classical saxophone music, released in 1991 under the Warner Classics label. This album is a testament to Harle's virtuosity and versatility, featuring a diverse range of compositions that showcase the saxophone's expressive capabilities.
The album opens with Claude Debussy's "Rapsodie for Saxophone," a piece that sets the tone for the rest of the collection. Jacques Ibert's "Concertino da camera" follows, with its three distinct movements offering a blend of energy and lyricism. Heitor Villa-Lobos's "Fantasia para saxophone" is another highlight, with its three contrasting sections that range from animated to lento, demonstrating Harle's technical prowess and emotional depth.
Alexander Glazunov's "Saxophone Concerto in E-Flat Major" is a cornerstone of the saxophone repertoire, and Harle's interpretation is both sensitive and dynamic. Richard Rodney Bennett's "Saxophone Concerto" rounds out the album, with its modernist approach and intricate compositions.
Throughout the album, Harle is accompanied by the Academy of St Martin in the Fields, conducted by Sir Neville Marriner, providing a rich and nuanced backdrop to his performances. The album's duration of 1 hour and 11 minutes offers a substantial exploration of the saxophone's role in classical music, making it a valuable addition to any music lover's collection. Whether you're a seasoned classical music enthusiast or a newcomer to the genre, this album is sure to impress with its technical brilliance and emotional resonance.
Debussy: Rapsodie for Saxophone, CD 104, L. 98 (Orch. Roger-Ducasse)Claude Debussy, John Harle, Academy of St. Martin in the Fields, Sir Neville Marriner
Ibert: Concertino da camera: I. Allegro con motoJacques Ibert, John Harle, Academy of St. Martin in the Fields, Sir Neville Marriner
Ibert: Concertino da camera: II. LarghettoJacques Ibert, John Harle, Academy of St. Martin in the Fields, Sir Neville Marriner
Ibert: Concertino da camera: III. Animato moltoJacques Ibert, John Harle, Academy of St. Martin in the Fields, Sir Neville Marriner
Villa-Lobos: Fantasia para saxophone, W490: I. AniméHeitor Villa-Lobos, John Harle, Academy of St. Martin in the Fields, Sir Neville Marriner
Villa-Lobos: Fantasia para saxophone, W490: II. LentHeitor Villa-Lobos, John Harle, Academy of St. Martin in the Fields, Sir Neville Marriner
Villa-Lobos: Fantasia para saxophone, W490: III. Très animéHeitor Villa-Lobos, John Harle, Academy of St. Martin in the Fields, Sir Neville Marriner
Glazunov: Saxophone Concerto in E-Flat Major, Op. 109: I. Allegro moderatoAlexander Glazunov, John Harle, Academy of St. Martin in the Fields, Sir Neville Marriner
Glazunov: Saxophone Concerto in E-Flat Major, Op. 109: II. AndanteAlexander Glazunov, John Harle, Academy of St. Martin in the Fields, Sir Neville Marriner
Glazunov: Saxophone Concerto in E-Flat Major, Op. 109: III. AllegroAlexander Glazunov, John Harle, Academy of St. Martin in the Fields, Sir Neville Marriner
Bennett: Saxophone Concerto: I. Molto vivoRichard Rodney Bennett, John Harle, Academy of St. Martin in the Fields, Sir Neville Marriner
Bennett: Saxophone Concerto: II. Interlude. AndanteRichard Rodney Bennett, John Harle, Academy of St. Martin in the Fields, Sir Neville Marriner
Bennett: Saxophone Concerto: III. Allegro - LentoRichard Rodney Bennett, John Harle, Academy of St. Martin in the Fields, Sir Neville Marriner
Heath: Out of the CoolDave Heath, John Harle, Academy of St. Martin in the Fields, Sir Neville Marriner
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