Search - Claude Debussy, Antonin Dvorak, Riccardo Drigo :: The Great Flautists

Wonderful vintage stuff

RL | Miami, FL United States | 04/14/2002

(5 out of 5 stars)

"This is a collection of rare recordings. We must understand early recording sessions were extremely primitive by today's standards. Some of this stuff is almost a century old! You only need to listen to the Barrere tracks and compare them to the Moyse tracks to appreciate the amazing advancements made in the art of recording in the span of a decade or so. And then to hear it on CD... wow, we've come a long way.Moyse's tone is unique and stands out. When my teachers speak of his generous person, i can almost hear it in his tone. The apparently mysterious Lily Laskine joins Eugene Ginot and Moyse in the opening Debussy number, which is in my opinion, a beautiful, rich and meaningful rendition. The ensemble and intonation may be frowned upon by some. But i would go hear a recital like this anytime over any other "perfect" interpretation.Moyse's Humoreske reminds me terribly of Mischa Elman's measured celluloid performance of 1926 vintage... controlled and thoughtful...( as seen on < The Art of Violin > a film by Bruno Monsaingeon ). Moyse's Humoreske and Drigo can also be found in two "cleaner" versions on the < the recorded Legacy of Marcel Moyse >. I confess i enjoy the scratchy ones better.Gaubert's technique is unbelivable. It is hard to imagine what his tone was really like, the recording is extremely hazy. But the amazing flow and direction of his legato and octave leaps speaks volumes about his conmand of the instrument. To my ears and imagination, he would have had what I personally perceive as perfect vibrato, technique, intonation, articulation and... ok, maybe I'm overly imaginative... but I treasure these two tracks. Rene Le Roy plays a Bach that's warm and charming. If you are a fan, you must listen to his Mozart flute concerto too. ( in C , with Laskine on harp. Sir Beecham conducted )there's a "vintage" CD where you'll also find an interesting Mozart concerto recorded by Heifetz, along with Le Roy.Barrere has a habit of growing on me. I don't care much for the ill recording and representation of the Barrere Ensemble, with him included, but they had very interesting concept of sound and music making in my opinion... I wish i had more recordings of this man.The remastering was in my opinion a great Job. Record speed and intonation was stable and the music didn't sound touched over, which i feel is important. i don't think the recordings were made prettier than they already are. I recommend vol. II and joining the Marcel Moyse society...."

A Great Early Recording.

L. XU | Flushing, NY USA | 01/29/2001

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Keep in mind that this is a historical recording. Don't expect the CD quality, though the playing is lively and faultless."