Various Artists - Hodes and Galloway - COMPACT DISCS [CD]

On the sixth album of Gergely Ittzes's seven survey of flute sonatas we examine 20th century musical trends from two points of view. One aspect is from the center of Europe, the Czech lands, the other is a faraway point, America. The composers of both countries unite the compositional trends of the century in special ways although they all honor the traditions and write tonal, melodic music. It is difficult to explain why, after the French and German repertoire, it was in the Czech lands where significant flute sonatas were composed. What is more, the Czech school of flute playing could not be considered definitive in the 20th century. These works were dedicated to French flautists; Rene´ Leroy, George Laurent and Jean-Pierre Rampal were the dedicatees. The geographical and cultural position of Bohemia facilitated the embrace of both French and German influence, uniting them with a distinctively Slavic character. Perhaps this was why, comparably to Russian music, Czech compositions, works by Dvorak, Smetana and Janacek, joined Western European mainstream music the soonest. This central location held an advantage for Czech music also in the 20th century. The influences of all the '-isms' were easily absorbed but the voices of Stravinsky and of Slav folk music were also present. In any case, it is a fact that none of the three sonatas on this album could have been omitted from this selection.

Various Artists - Music From [COMPACT DISCS] date 10/16/2006

Hardly anyone knows Damia today, a famous French singer and actress who is considered the model of later world stars such as Edith Piaf, Barbara or Juliette Greco. In her chansons, Damia almost exclusively sang the life that in her case had tragic elements, which is why she received the nickname Inchla tragedienne de la chansonInch (the tragic figure of the chanson). The singer was idolized between the world wars, but increasingly forgotten after the occupation of France by the Germans. InchDamia's story and her repertoire touched me very deeply. She had her own style and was the first 'Chanteuse realiste' in our country,Inch Elodie Lauton explained the motives for InchOriginis,Inch her second album after the much-respected crossover project InchTerminal B,Inch which she released in 2012 with the group Goldamour. For the homage to her idol Damia, Elodie assembled a number of outstanding European musicians. The result touches and goes directly to your heart. Chansons in her native language with this very special, subtly swinging jazz touch.