Catalog

Woodwind Quintet music offers a treasure trove of nuance and emotional depth, with a bright and warm essence that's playful, inviting, and in some instances, exhilarating. Navona Records’ WINDSWEPT series continues its presentation of such works in its third volume. With a fresh line-up of contemporary composers and a decorated modern chamber ensemble, WINDSWEPT VOL III blends abstract musicality with vivid imagery. Stephen Gryč’s Five American Portraits characterizes historical figures through quirky instrumental solos, while John Bilotta’s Brain Freeze, John Carbon’s Woodwind Quintet, and Ferdinando DeSena’s Rebound explore lyrical, whimsical, and modern tonalities. Marilyn Bliss’ The Discovery of Honey celebrates mythic joy and discovery, capturing Bacchus’s exuberance in a lush, dynamic soundscape. Available in Dolby Atmos and as a visual album, these works are brought to life by the celebrated Belfiato Quintet, a beacon of excellence in the world of chamber music.

It’s a rare treat to hear exceptional recordings of double reed ensembles; no trio could know this better than bassoonist Kristin Wolfe Jensen, oboist Andrew Parker, and pianist Collette Valentine, who’ve accomplished a delightful performance on their new release, MARIE DE GRANDVAL’S GRAND TRIO. A popular composer in her day, de Grandval’s works are given a breath of fresh air, handled delicately in a collaboration with remarkable natural blend. Jensen’s warm treatment of the song-like bassoon passages highlights the elegant pizzicato oboe passages serviced by Parker, the fluttering and dramatic musicality in Valentine’s piano playing tying the ensemble together with a bow.

Fairy tales have deeply and consistently fascinated humanity throughout the centuries. Enter NEW ENCHANTMENTS, bassoonist Cornelia Sommer's exploration of magical archetypes that features music by living composers along with new arrangements by Sommer herself across six world premiere recordings. Sommer has also written a prize-winning dissertation on the subject of fairy tales in music, adding further depth to this performance that showcases her musical virtuosity, great feeling for nuance, lyrical storytelling, and profound expertise to illuminate every last detail. Enriching and engrossing, this album could not be more aptly titled.