Calefax Reed Quintet - Hidden Gems (2018) [Official Digital Download 24/96]

Calefax is an internationally acclaimed ensemble of reed players renowned for performing their own arrangements and newly commissioned compositions for the unique combination of oboe, clarinet, saxophone, bass clarinet and bassoon. Switching genres and periods with consummate ease, this adventurous new release for PENTATONE from the reed quintet Calefax is a superb collection of well-honed arrangements of less familiar works, all played with the ensemble’s customary verve, passion, and mellow sound. From the frothy virtuosity of Corelli and Locatelli to the haunting beauty of Gesualdo, Satie, and the heartfelt introspection of Nina Simone, it’s an astonishingly varied and intriguing programme. As well as pieces by Franck and Janáček, it includes one commission, Look for Me by Nico Muhly, based on an American folk song, and an arrangement of the Chinese popular song Er Quan Ying Yue. All these pieces have regularly featured in Calefax’s concerts and they fully showcase the ensemble’s versatility and mastery.

Tracklist:
1. Introduzione teatrale in D Major, Op. 4 No. 1 (Arr. J. Althuis for Reed Quintet) : I. Allegro 01:40
2. Introduzione teatrale in D Major, Op. 4 No. 1 (Arr. J. Althuis for Reed Quintet) : II. Allegro 01:57
3. Introduzione teatrale in D Major, Op. 4 No. 1 (Arr. J. Althuis for Reed Quintet) : III. Presto 01:56
4. Violin Sonata in D Minor, Op. 5, No. 12, "La folia" (arr. R. Hekkema for reed quintet) 10:48
5. For All We Know (arr. J. Althuls for reed quintet)04:04
6. Tu m'uccidi, oh crudele (arr. R. Hekkema for reed quintet)02:24
7. Look for Me 06:00
8. Er Quan Ying Yue (Reflection of the Moon on Er-Quan) (arr. O. Boekhoorn for reed quintet) 04:58
9. Prélude, fugue et variation in B Minor, Op. 18, FWV 30 (Arr. J. Althuis for Reed Quintet) : Prélude 03:06
10. Prélude, fugue et variation in B Minor, Op. 18, FWV 30 (Arr. J. Althuis for Reed Quintet) : Interlude 00:31
11. Prélude, fugue et variation in B Minor, Op. 18, FWV 30 (Arr. J. Althuis for Reed Quintet) : Fugue - Variation 05:54
12. Symphonie a Grand Orchestre in C Minor, Op. 23: IV. Rondo (arr. J. Althuls for reed quintet) 05:51
13. Pièces froides, Pt. 2 "Danses de travers" (Arr. R. Hekkema for Reed Quintet) : 1. En y regardant à 2 fois 01:41
14. Pièces froides, Pt. 2 "Danses de travers" (Arr. R. Hekkema for Reed Quintet) : 2. Passer 01:28
15. Pièces froides, Pt. 2 "Danses de travers" (Arr. R. Hekkema for Reed Quintet) : 3. Encore 02:29
16. Variations and Motet: Motet (arr. R. Hekkema for reed quintet) 01:51
17. Thema con variazioni, JW VIII/6, "Zdenciny variace" (Zdenka Variations) (arr. A. Wesly for reed quintet) 08:44
18. Nymphes des bois (arr. L. van Helsdingen for reed quintet) 04:36

Personnel:
Calefax Reed Quintet:
Oliver Boekhoorn, oboe
Ivar Berix, clarinet
Raaf Hekkema, saxophone
Jelte Althuis, bass clarinet
Alban Wesly, bassoon