Kenneth Smith - To Pan & Syrinx - COMPACT DISCS [CD]

In the Saxon region of Upper Lusatia, a Baroque musical gem has been preserved the Silbermann organ in the parish church of Crostau. It's builder Gottfried Silbermann is regarded as one of the most important organ builders of all times and had a lasting influence on Saxony's organ landscape with his 50 instruments. The basic prerequisite for achieving this was the wonderful sound of his instruments and their excellent technical design. Lucas Pohle, the current cantor at the parish church, showcases his house instrument with a clever and stylish musical program that includes a performance of the Prelude and Fugue in G major, BWV 541, by Johann Sebastian Bach and chorales from the Schübler Collection. The chorale arrangements for oboe and organ by Johann Ludwig Krebs, a pupil of Bach, reveal further facets of the excellent tonal characteristics of the Crostau organ. The crowning finale is the Bach Cantata for alto solo InchGeist und Seele wird verwirretInch, BWV 35 - one of the few cantatas by the Leipzig Thomas Cantor with obbligato organ part. Lucas Pohle takes his audience through the soundscape of this beautiful instrument with wonderful technical skill and subtle, imaginative registrations. The alto Britta Schwarz and the oboist Luise Haugk, accompanied by the Dresden Baroque Orchestra, round off the successful program.

On THE TIME OF THE SUN, Tom and his quintet once again reaffirm their place at the top of the post-bop mainstream. Of course, Harrell's often beautiful, always rigorous solos are to the fore but Harrell allows each member of his band to shine and nobody is relegated to second fiddle. Whether it be on ballads or driving pieces, the group's expositions, interactions and song development is exuberant and extensive, devoid of gimmicks and are delivered in an energetic, yet disciplined and sophisticated manner.

Kenneth Smith is principal flute of the Philharmonia Orchestra, and also has a busy solo career; for many years he has partnered pianist Paul Rhodes, in a duo which has gained an enviable reputation for quality in both the concert hall and on recordings. The duo's first CD for Divine Art features a glorious program of French romantic music - We know Franck was Belgian - but Francophone, and he spent much time in Paris. Presented in high quality digipak.