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Review by mwagner1962 May 25, 2006 (9 of 11 found this review helpful)
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WOW, what a tasty SACD. This SACD is a testimony to my ever maturing tastes, as in years past I would not have bought any wind music such as this, favoring brass chamber music.
It is my sincere hope that NBE releases more recordings like this, because what we have here is a sonic gem. The sound is superb, with tons of air, space, and a nice overall hall sound. Miking is just right...not too close and not too far away.
The playing is absolutely top notch and the musicians actually sound like they are having fun while playing (unlike some previously heard and returned) chamber recordings!!!!
A delightful choice and a gamble that paid off handsomely!!!!
Highly recommended!!!
Cheers,
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Review by Windsurfer May 14, 2006 (7 of 8 found this review helpful)
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Mozart’s Serenade No. 10 in Bb is an undisputed masterwork. Few compositions match this serenade's display of genius in writing for wind instruments. The portentous opening chord arrests the listener, raising great expectations, which are indeed rewarded as the work progresses with a sense of the numinous, the profound, looming throughout each movement.
Right in the introduction, Mozart contrasts the brilliance of solo instruments with the solid power of the ensemble, displaying his mastery of this medium. The entire work, from beginning to end surprises, delights and enriches.
The Nederlands Blazers Ensemble of whom I had not previously been aware, plays this music with great skill and enthusiasm. The production of this SACD is obviously a labor of love from all concerned.
I don’t usually appreciate digipaks but I have to admit that, questions of durability aside, that this is an elegant production. The attached booklet is rich with photos of the concert/recording sessions and helps convey the dedication of all involved - not that this performance needs any help!
Now to get to where the rubber meets the road - sound quality. This disc possesses exemplary sound. Rear channels are used “conservatively”, yielding a pleasant sense of “being there” and if the recording is perhaps a little loud, well its easy to turn it down from your usual listening level isn’t it? (still that and the slight forward quality is why I subtracted a half star - but that slight forward quality will strongly appeal to some who write in this forum and when they buy and review it you will see a 5 full stars for sound, surely!)
I heard a pleasant realistic detailed sound with no strident quality, perhaps a little forward but not aggressively so. Combine this kind of sound quality with the expert, dedicated involved performance of a true masterwork by these musicians and you know this is yet another of those MUST HAVE discs! I recommend this to everyone!
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