Here’s an absolutely terrific disc that lovers of symphonic wind ensemble music will immediately want to add to their collections. It contains two major works and three smaller ones that cover a vast range of styles and idioms that together comprise a wonderful program highlighting the potential of this undervalued medium–and the performances are really excellent. Perhaps the most interesting work here is the Serenade for Brass and Percussion by Willem van Otterloo, who is best known as a conductor on some early Philips recordings (he made a fine Franck Symphony with the Concertgebouw, most recently available on a Philips Duo “Best of Franck” compilation). As a composer, his music is fluent, tonal, and very beautifully written (the Nocturne second movement is a prime example). By rights his Serenade ought to spur some interest in his other compositions: he certainly knew exactly what he was doing.
George Perle’s Concertino for Piano, Winds, and Timpani is a typical example of this composer’s comparatively approachable and vivacious 12-tone style, and it’s very well played by Chicago Symphony principal pianist Mary Sauer. Ned Rorem’s Sinfonia returns to the general style of van Otterloo, though with perhaps more of a French touch, while Thom Ritter-George’s Concerto for Flute and Winds offers eight minutes of American neo-classicism. It’s what Beecham would have called a little orchestral “lollipop” of a piece. Henze’s brilliant Ragtimes and Habaneras takes into account not only the dance steps of the title, but also a Tango, a Foxtrot, and a Rumba in 11 short movements, sometimes parodying, sometimes sinister, but always tuneful and enjoyable. It makes a fine conclusion to this well played, well recorded, and enterprising collection. Donald DeRoche and the DePaul Wind Ensemble do themselves proud.
