Customer Reviews

Flute & Harp

5 star:		(2)
4 star:		(0)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(1)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

"Introduction and variations for flute and harp", by Rossini is a brief marvel in this incomparable crown for Rampal and Laskine. What it lack in length, it more than compensates by demonstrating how flawless a complex duet can be. Throughout the album, Rampal and Lakine perform at their peak, yet never grandstand. Their duet quality is seamless, regardless of the composer or complexity of the piece. When listening to this again for reviewing, I was awestruck, by the balanced mixing. No one instrument is given precedence, resulting in a most realistic album experience. I could only rate this a mere 5 Stars, but you will see a Nebula when reaching the jewel which ends this crown. Finishing with seventeen minutes of Debussy's "Sonata for flute, harp and viola", positively mesmerises. The performances are truly flawless in every piece, moreover, this recording is the difference between "performing" and the creatiion of art through sound.

Among all the CD I have by Rampal this is one of my preferred. Great artistry and Damase' sonata is a masterpiece.

I have the earlier cassette tape version of this CD. Its' Side Two begins with Greensleeves (same order thereafter) ending with Rossini's piece. It does not include the Debussy selection so it's a bit short at approximately 45 minutes. Its' Side One starts with Faure's Op. 16 & ends with Damasse' Adagio Presto. Adding the Debussy piece was a very good decision as it is, IMHO, the best piece on the CD, and it rounds out the CD to over an hour of music. Also, the quality difference between cassette & CD is readily apparent--the CD is markedly better.

Overall, the playing of the artists is superb--very fine individually, but also beautifully blended together to make an integrated whole. However, I don't like very many of the selections, especially the Damase which is a significant portion of the album. The music varies quite a bit in tempo; some pieces might be useful for relaxing or meditation, but others seem a bit raucus even annoying to me. Maybe that's why there's chocolate & vanilla. So, I'm just not very happy overall with this album. It may very well be a fine sample of artist virtuosity (seems to be) but it isn't all that enjoyable.