Audiophile Audition reviews the CD “Spectral Trio”, which includes “Miniatures for Flute, Oboe and Piano” of William Grant Still (1895-1978) alongside works of Jean-Michel Damase and Madeleine Dring:
The Spectral Trio delivers a fine program of British, American and French works for this elegant chamber aggregation.
Published on March 17, 2008
I’ve long felt the combination of flute and oboe to be one of the loveliest in chamber music, and with the piano we have a trio that is perfect for the sort of repertory this delightful CD offers. Madeleine Dring was an extremely versatile British artist who lived until 1977. Her husband was principal oboe of the London Symphony so she wrote many works for the instrument. She was also a violinist, pianist, singer, actress, lyricist and cartoonist. Her works are usually in a lighter vein and often rather jazzy. Both works by her on this disc are most charming and full of fine melodies.
Noted African-American composer Still used six American and South American folk melodies for his Miniatures, including I Ride an Old Paint and Froggie Went A-Courtin.’ Damase is a current French composer, pianist and teacher who has written numerous chamber works. Both of his efforts here are tuneful, elegant and sophisticated, with a touch of French wit. The three performers have connections to the Michigan State University College of Music. Both performances and sonics are exemplary. - John Sunier [Full Post] [Spectral Trio is available at such music websites as Amazon.com, ArkivMusic.com and HBDirect.com, as well as the website of Blue Griffin Recording, BlueGriffin.com]
Spectral Trio CD
Still's Incantation and Dance
William Grant Still's Miniatures
I Ride an Old Paint
African American Composer
African American Chamber Music
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