Customer Reviews

Heroes Dreams & Icons

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In my library are many wind band recordings. I own several Eastman Wind Ensemble recordings from the "old days", some new ones too. Many new recordings of groups performing at CBDNA conventions, etc. are also here and there in my home. This recording of Northwestern's Wind Ensemble is superb. The treatment of Maslanka's Child's Garden of Dreams is remarkable. I have been a Maslanka fan for many years, I own three recordings of this particular work, and this band has done a remarkable job of transferring the feeling of that piece to CD. Buy it. I just hope you have a good set of headphones to enjoy it.

This comment will probably be a little biased....I began studying in the School of Music there, a year after this CD was released.

....I feel that Maslanka is one of the great composers of our time. Akin to strings & woodwinds, writing for brass is VERY challenging. Pulling off Maslanka's difficult music is an achievement in itself, but to do it this well is just GREAT.

...The conductor, Mallory Thompson, is by far the best baton I've played under -- and her interpretations are always very accurate. Get this CD:)

I've had the pleasure of working with Mallory when she was at USF. Listening to this recording not only brought back many fond memories but the passion she's able to get from her group is certainly heard in this recording. David Maslanka is a challenge to pull off well, and this group did his work justice. Great job Mallory!

Keith R

Malory Thompson's effort with the Keystone Wind Ensemble in tribute to John Payntor is moving and reflective.
The opening Wagner piece, "Huldigungsmarch," comes across with a stately, noble feeling, which breaks away to more thundering passions at all the right moments.
Camphouse's "Whatsoever Things" was commissioned by the Ravelli foundation in honor of Payntor. It is reflective and sensitive, borrowing the theme from Haydn's St. Anthony's chorale, which Northwestern (Payntor's teaching post) uses for its motto. Camphouse's melodies (made unique through the use of atypical but elegant melodic rhythms) and brilliant orchestration are used to their fullest by Thompson in this performance.
David Maslanka's "A Child's Garden of Dreams" is also wonderful. He manages to evoke the intimacy of chamber ensembles using different sections of the concert band, and explores exotic, ear-catching timbres using a few instruments at a time. This piece has a much more contemporary feel than anything else on the CD and is worth considerable study for composers.
The last Wagner piece, "Elsa's Procession to the Cathedral" is another solid performance.