F. Gerard Errante - New Music For Clarinet - COMPACT DISCS [CD]

Cello Octet Conjunto Iberico - Pasion Argentina [COMPACT DISCS] date 06/12/2007

This new Ravello showcases works, originally for voice, transcribed, arranged and performed, with accompaniment, by clarinetist F. Gerard Errante. Errante selected compositions that illustrate the affinity between the clarinet and the human voice. The French Art Songs and the German Lieder serve as an excellent foil for the more contemporary North and South American songs. Mr. Errante is perhaps best known in the musical community for his contributions to the classical avant-garde.

Ian Mitchell is a leading performer on all members of the clarinet family and has made recordings with most of them. He has also led Gemini for many years, bringing the ensemble to the top of the tree especially in contemporary chamber music. This album of works for clarinet and strings arose from a prize in the 1993 Prudential Awards, which provided initial funding to record three major but neglected works, by Cyril Scott, Howard Skempton and Rebecca Clarke, together with more recent pieces by Sadie Harrison and Nicola LeFanu and jazz legend Tony Coe. This is not a clarinet feature disc however, but a program of fine works involving that instrument 'in the mix'. Added to the album as a bonus is Skempton's Gemini Dances which adds flute, piano and percussion. Gemini has a very strong following for both recordings and concerts, and since it's formation in 1974 has developed a reputation for the highest levels of musicianship and immense support for contemporary composers.