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Re: Any opinion on this Alex Klein CD ?

Author: Jryanaus
Date: 2006-03-09 11:39

Indeed as someone has stated you cannot generally go wrong with Alex Klein.
I personally found this CD intriguing.
Whether the works aside from the Martinu are first class or not, the playing is exceptional as always.
Whilst the Martinu is beautiful it is worth having a recording that contains both cadenzas, the 2nd one is still well worth hearing.
The Sydor is extremely intense and programmatic with a vast array of extended techniques, which he handles with expected aplomb
The Yano is a unique work with an extroadinary history. Its composition and the work itself is i suppose is about the notion of struggle against adversity. Alex Klein explained to a class of us in Mexico 2003 that his friend in Sau Paulo, Brazil (Yano) was born a quadraplegic and tragically died from a brain tumor before he could finish this EPIC concerto. (Alex Klein had to complete some of the orchestration). It's some 38 or so minutes in length, which although there are a couple of 20th century works near that length is extremely long.
It is an all encompassing work , testing every aspect of technique , musicality and virtuosity of the oboist- one of the reasons that the work is so suited to Klein.
Whilst all movements are insanely difficult (he sustains a high eflat for 45 seconds at the conclusion of the 1st movement) the finale is whilst "cheesy" as some may express , is highly rhythmic and catchy. I can assure you that when Klein performed this work live in 2003 in Mexico he was virtually faultless (what you will find on this cd). His performance was utterly inspirational to all students, regardless of instrument at this summer school.
I would urge all to purchase this CD for the superb artistry of Klein which rivals his own solo Bach CD in terms of sheer raw brilliance!
If you can get your hands on it , it's a winner!

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