"'Lincolnshire Posy' is one of the greatest compositions written for wind band, and this is likely the definitive recording of the work. Frederick Fennell's (the conductor's) full score has become the definitive edition, since Grainger never published anything but a condensed score. The Eastman Wind Ensemble provides a tremendous performance of the piece, and of all the works on the album.I must admit that I usually only listen to 'Lincolnshire' and 'Hill Song' because I'm a bit of a Grainger fan, but all the music if great, especially Persichetti's 'Symphony for Band' and Rogers' 'Three Japanese Dances'.If you're not familiar with Grainger, get this album and get familiar with him. He is one of the most important and best composers of the twentieth century, despite how little attention is paid to him outside the world of wind bands."
A classic for all serious collections of wind music
Michael Simpson | Austin, TX USA | 12/01/1999
(5 out of 5 stars)
"Of all of the excellent re-releases of the Fennell/Eastman Wind Ensemble recordings, this album is de rigueur for any connoisseur of music for band and wind ensemble. The famous Fennell sound is superbly exhibited in masterful interpretations of two of the most exquisite compositions written directly for winds: Lincolnshire Posy and Persichetti's Symphony for Band. For decades these recordings set the standard by which other performances were judged. The rest of the album is outstanding as well. A fundamental for any serious classical music discography."
Eastman Wind Ensemble - Even Better on CD
Donald F. Jemella | Ramsey, NJ United States | 08/06/2002
(5 out of 5 stars)
"If you liked the original recording on 33 1/3 RPM, you'll love the sound of the Eastman Wind Ensemble on CD. The sound is amazing (especially without the scratches), the textures even more alive in the re-mastered recording. This amazing ensemble is the not-so-subtle reminder of how a "band" should sound. Sit back, set the volume control to give your speakers a work-out, and enjoy the experience."
Big fat brass
Donald F. Jemella | 04/08/2001
(4 out of 5 stars)
"Listening to this recording brings back memories of my own college band experience with some of these pieces. This performance is fun to listen to largely because of the good brass sound from the trumpets and bones. For instance, track 6 (last mvt of Lincolnshire Posy) rocks. Brass and chimes come accross very forcefully, leaving you, the listener, with no doubt that this group could easily give you 30% more without over blowing. In the words of Spinal Tap's Nigel Tuffnel, "This one goes to eleven"!"