Search - Paul Meyer :: French Clarinet Art

Fabulous Musicality and Technique

01/30/2002

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Paul Meyer is an excellent clarinetist, but when playing French music, superlatives are exhausted. Here he is at his most delicate, and his lightness of touch is something to behold. The Debussy Premier Rhapsody especially is gorgeous. Undoubtably one of the most musical payers out there today, I feel that this recording is one of Meyer's very best. It should be essential listening for any clarinetist, and includes a nice array of works from the canon, and those slightly less well known. One of the most listened to recordings in my library."

Some beautiful interpretations here

Clarinet Chick | Adelaide, South Australia | 10/08/2003

(4 out of 5 stars)

"I just bought this CD in the last 6 months and there is some absolutely BEAUTIFUL interpretations of the glorious music. Debussy's Premiere Rhapsodie is gorgeous with just the right amount of vibrato. I'm not sure about his use of vibrato in other parts of the recordings but it works particularly well here. The Poulenc sonata is also a highlight for me - the second movement sends shivers up my spine! My only gripe would be the speeds of the Saint Saens sonata. I think he has taken a rather ambitious tempo for the 1st and 2nd movements (particularly the 2nd) which I think loses some of the charm of the individual notes (makes the triplets sound a bit of a farce!) The last movement is crazy but ultimately appropriate I think. Overall, I think that Paul Meyer's interpretation of the music his country has contributed to the classical genre is admirable and Eric Le Sage does much to complement his playing. I would recommend it as the cd to buy if you're looking for a recording of Debussy's Premiere Rhapsodie - I would've bought the CD for that alone."

Very well done

Donald G. Hite III | Houston, Tx USA | 12/30/2002

(5 out of 5 stars)

"This recording is really great. I really love Paul Meyer's playing. The Debussy Rhapsodie is by far the best I've ever heard (including seeing Sabine Meyer do it live!). At times, he tends to go a little too fast (the 4th movement of the Saint-Saens is particularly speedy). He does it well, but there is something to be said for relaxing just a bit... Regardless, the pieces represent a variety of styles, and all are executed very nicely."