By WH99400
02-Jan-2013

Warm and feeling performances of Poulenc’s works  

This CD consists of 7 works of Poulenc for small ensemble. The Sonata for Clarinet and Piano is a warm and glorious piece as performed here, full of wistfulness and warmth and brought thrillingly to life by Svante Wik’s glorious clarinet playing. The Elegy for Horn and Piano is right up this Poulenc lover’s alley, and the Sonata for Flute and Piano is just beautiful. The Sonata for Oboe and Piano is an emotional conversation between the somewhat somber/melancholy Oboe (played by Peter Kirstein), shared with Martin Qvist Hansen’s beautiful piano playing. The Sonata for Clarinet and Bassoon shows just what these two wind instruments can do with a master like Poulenc wielding the composer's pen, and the Trio for Oboe, Bassoon and Piano is a perfect work to end the compilation with.

I was previously unfamiliar with the Ensemble MidtVest performers, but rest assured that if I ever have the opportunity to hear them in person, I will most definitely take advantage of it. The recording quality of the CD is fantastic from start to finish, and the dynamic range of the instruments is captured beautifully.

This is a fantastic CD. Highly recommended!
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