Instrument: Tentet
Grade: conservatoire
Catalogue No: EC039
ISMN No: 9790570661794
Reflecting the immense respect he had for his friend, the only composer whose music Debussy actually arranged was that of the zany Erik Satie (1866-1925). Best known for his 'Gymnopédies' and 'Gnossiennes', he too fell under the spell of ragtime and his 'Rag-Time Parade' (1916-17) from the avant-garde ballet 'Parade', commissioned by the esteemed dancer and impresario Diaghilev, with a one-act scenario by Jean Cocteau, fully embraces the genre, albeit in a restrained and elegant style.
This arrangement was specially made for the album 'Preludes, Rags and Cakewalks' (MPR 005), performed by The Symphonic Brass of London conducted by Eric Crees. All of the transcriptions are new and original, making this a world premiere recording.
Super playing from living legends of the London orchestral brass scene. In these fantastic arrangements its sometimes hard to believe these pieces werent originally scored for brass. The musicianship throughout is second to none and the sound is an absolute treat.
Eric Crees pays his affectionate respects in performances subtly styled, coloured and paced - from the touchingly restrained to the joyfully raucous. Musical authenticity permeates through, understated yet valued in placement and precision. It is a fabulous exploration that deserves the richest of accolades on both sides of the Atlantic Ocean.
Iwan Fox - 4 Bars Rest - Verdict *****