Air (2008)

Although the two composers featured on this album were widely separated by time, place, nationality, and artistic heritage, a natural affinity may be detected in their music; whether it was through Claude Debussy's refined harmonies and timbres, inspired in part by late nineteenth century orientalism, or through Toru Takemitsu's rarefied tonal palette, plainly inspired by French Impressionism, both specialized in music that is remarkably light and transparent, and several of their chamber works fit uncommonly well together. ... Read More

Although the two composers featured on this album were widely separated by time, place, nationality, and artistic heritage, a natural affinity may be detected in their music; whether it was through Claude Debussy's refined harmonies and timbres, inspired in part by late nineteenth century orientalism, or through Toru Takemitsu's rarefied tonal palette, plainly inspired by French Impressionism, both specialized in music that is remarkably light and transparent, and several of their chamber works fit uncommonly well together. Thus, Telarc's 2008 CD Air brings harpist Yolanda Kondonassis, flutist Joshua Smith, violist Cynthia Phelps, conductor Bridget-Michaele Reischl, and the chamber ensemble Oberlin 21 together in a program that is remarkably unified through the alternation of atmospheric pieces by Debussy and Takemitsu. The lightest of these are the flute solos, the chromatic Syrinx by Debussy, and the similarly structured Air by Takemitsu, which Smith delivers with taste, delicacy, and intimacy. The... Read Less