Jeremy Beck - Ionsound Project - COMPACT DISCS [CD]

S. Prokofiev - Symphony 5 [COMPACT DISCS] date 04/23/1996

When four musicians of high caliber join forces, one can generally expect favorable results; but only the truly splendid manage to create a musical experience greater than the sum of it's parts. Such is the nature of The Opus Project, founded in 2020 and already rated as one of Canada's most eminent Early Music quartets. On MICHEL DE LA BARRE, the four musicians masterfully perform rarely-heard, unsung suites by the eponymous French flute virtuoso and composer, who broke new ground in Baroque music by merit of being the first to publish solo pieces for his instrument. Zesty yet courtly, refined yet effervescent, these works please at once, not least owing to the lucid and charming interpretation by The Opus Project. A match made in heaven.

The brilliant saxophone quartet Project Fusion make their debut recording featuring two major works- Glazunov's richly contrapuntal Quartet, op. 109, with it's tips of the hat to Chopin and Schumann, and the late David Maslanka's Recitation Book (2006), a work based on music by J.S. Bach. Extraordinary chamber playing! Formed in 2010 by graduates of the Eastman School of Music, Project Fusion captured the Gold Medal at the 40th Fischoff Chamber Music Competition and First Prize at the Music Teachers Nation-al Association Chamber Music Competition, and was the first saxophone quartet to win the Grand Prize, as well as the Audience Choice Award, at the 6th Plowman International Chamber Music Competition. Comprised of passionate teachers, Project Fusion is dedicated to public arts outreach, and has presented convocations, clinics, and workshops in numerous schools, as well as recitals, residencies, and masterclasses at colleges and universities throughout the United States. The ensemble has recently appeared at the Kingston Chamber Music Festival, Chamber Music Yellow Springs, and the Bridge-hampton Chamber Music Festival.