John Harle, a renowned saxophonist known for his distinctive voice in the international music scene, presents a captivating collection of saxophone concertos on his 1991 album "Debussy, Villa-Lobos & Ibert: Saxophone Concertos." Accompanied by the esteemed Academy of St Martin in the Fields and conducted by Sir Neville Marriner, Harle delivers a masterful performance that spans a diverse range of compositions.
The album opens with Claude Debussy's "Rapsodie for Saxophone," a piece that showcases Harle's technical prowess and expressive depth. Jacques Ibert's "Concertino da camera" follows, offering a delightful blend of French charm and virtuosity. Heitor Villa-Lobos's "Fantasia para saxophone" adds a touch of Brazilian flair, with its rhythmic complexity and rich harmonies.
Alexander Glazunov's "Saxophone Concerto in E-Flat Major" is a highlight of the album, demonstrating Harle's ability to convey both lyricism and power. Richard Rodney Bennett's "Saxophone Concerto" and Dave Heath's "Out of the Cool" round out the collection, each offering unique perspectives on the saxophone's expressive capabilities.
Recorded in 1991 and released under the Warner Classics label, this album is a testament to John Harle's artistry and the enduring appeal of these concertos. With a duration of 1 hour and 11 minutes, it offers a comprehensive exploration of the saxophone's versatility and the composer's ingenuity. Whether you're a seasoned classical music enthusiast or a newcomer to the genre, this album is sure to impress and inspire.
Debussy: Rapsodie for Saxophone, CD 104, L. 98 (Orch. Roger-Ducasse)Claude Debussy, John Harle, Academy of St. Martin in the Fields, Sir Neville Marriner
Ibert: Concertino da camera: I. Allegro con motoJacques Ibert, John Harle, Academy of St. Martin in the Fields, Sir Neville Marriner
Ibert: Concertino da camera: II. LarghettoJacques Ibert, John Harle, Academy of St. Martin in the Fields, Sir Neville Marriner
Ibert: Concertino da camera: III. Animato moltoJacques Ibert, John Harle, Academy of St. Martin in the Fields, Sir Neville Marriner
Villa-Lobos: Fantasia para saxophone, W490: I. AniméHeitor Villa-Lobos, John Harle, Academy of St. Martin in the Fields, Sir Neville Marriner
Villa-Lobos: Fantasia para saxophone, W490: II. LentHeitor Villa-Lobos, John Harle, Academy of St. Martin in the Fields, Sir Neville Marriner
Villa-Lobos: Fantasia para saxophone, W490: III. Très animéHeitor Villa-Lobos, John Harle, Academy of St. Martin in the Fields, Sir Neville Marriner
Glazunov: Saxophone Concerto in E-Flat Major, Op. 109: I. Allegro moderatoAlexander Glazunov, John Harle, Academy of St. Martin in the Fields, Sir Neville Marriner
Glazunov: Saxophone Concerto in E-Flat Major, Op. 109: II. AndanteAlexander Glazunov, John Harle, Academy of St. Martin in the Fields, Sir Neville Marriner
Glazunov: Saxophone Concerto in E-Flat Major, Op. 109: III. AllegroAlexander Glazunov, John Harle, Academy of St. Martin in the Fields, Sir Neville Marriner
Bennett: Saxophone Concerto: I. Molto vivoRichard Rodney Bennett, John Harle, Academy of St. Martin in the Fields, Sir Neville Marriner
Bennett: Saxophone Concerto: II. Interlude. AndanteRichard Rodney Bennett, John Harle, Academy of St. Martin in the Fields, Sir Neville Marriner
Bennett: Saxophone Concerto: III. Allegro - LentoRichard Rodney Bennett, John Harle, Academy of St. Martin in the Fields, Sir Neville Marriner
Heath: Out of the CoolDave Heath, John Harle, Academy of St. Martin in the Fields, Sir Neville Marriner