Search - Still, Telemann, Vivaldi :: Baroque Oboe Sonatas (Bach, Handel, Telemann, Vivaldi) / Ray Still: A Chicago Legend

An oboist who sings beautifully

P. Bergstrom | Severna Park, MD USA | 05/04/2001

(5 out of 5 stars)

"What distinguishes Ray Still from lesser oboists is his incredible expressiveness and rock-solid rhythm. That's how I can tell if he is the performer when I hear an oboe recording on the radio. Most of his solo recordings (including an amazing Bach Wedding Cantata with Kathleen Battle) are out of print, so this 70 minute disk of Bach, Handel, and Vivaldi sonatas and three Telemann partitas (from "Kleine Kammermusik") is most welcome. My personal favorites are the Telemann partitas, mainly because they are so varied and expressive. An added bonus is a 20 page booklet about Still's career. His goal is to play like one of the great singers, and he achieves it."

Thanks Mr. Still

P. Bergstrom | 09/19/2001

(5 out of 5 stars)

"What a joy to have some new material released by this incomparable musician. There's a voice-like, multi-textured,colorful quality about the oboe sound we hear on this CD! And I smile to hear Romantic qualities brought out in this Baroque literature. Track 4 made me weep; not necessarily with sadness, but with some feeling much larger. I look forward to hearing more of Mr. Still's recordings-"

Baroque oboe, bassoon and harpsichord

rodboomboom | Dearborn, Michigan United States | 12/26/2001

(5 out of 5 stars)

"This is exquisite music of Bach, Handel, Telemann and Vivaldi featuring this long renowned principal oboeist of Chicago Symphony, Ray Still, along with Conant and Sharrow.Particularly pleasing to this reviewer is the Sonata in G Minor by J.S. Bach, with its harpsichord/oboe duet.
Charmed by the basson work on Handel's Sonata No.1 in C minor and the Tempo di Menuetto of Telemann's Partita II.Showcases the tonal genius and rhythm of this talented oboeist."