Customer Reviews

American Breath

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When one thinks of the saxophone in a classical sense, there are many assumptions that people may make about the genre. One, the saxophone is incapable of playing anything to the level of the established "classical instruments" i.e. violin, cello, flute, etc, and also that classical playing in general means that the music is being performed for the sheer technical aspects of the music. Russ Peterson disproves both of these ideas with this amazing and enlightening recording.
The first piece, Sonata by David Maslanka, is an amazing piece any way that it is viewed. From a technical aspect, it is one the hardest pieces in the saxophone repertoire. Listening to Mr. Peterson play it though, the entire piece seems effortless. The most intriguing aspect to the Maslanka sonata, however, is the emotional impact that Peterson seems to channel from it. His interpetation of the second movement is extremely powerful in an emotional as well as in a musical sense. Mr. Peterson seems to personally identify with the music, and that comes through in his interpetation. I have listened to countless other saxophonists such as Mule, Londiex, Delangle, Sugawa, etc, and while all brilliant in their own respects none have come close to the emotional impact that Mr. Petersons playing transmits.
The other pieces, the Bell and the concerto that Peterson himself composed, are great pieces of music in themselves. However, the Maslanka is the real treasure in this recording. Do yourself a favor and find any recordings you can of Russell Peterson. Start with this CD, you will not be dissapointed. Highly recommended!

I bought this as a gift for my son.
It was shipped promptly to the correct adress.
Many thanks