Search - Stephen Dankner, Zdenek Lukas, Stephen Suber :: Simply Gifts

American Record Guide review

08/30/2000

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Review appearing in The American Record Guide, September/October issue, p. 289:SIMPLY GIFTS DANKNER: Sonata; LUKAS: Lento Drammatico; SUBER: Angels; STARER: Preludes; HARTLEY: Dance Suite Lawrence Gwozdz, sax; Lois Leventhal, piano; Stephen Redfield, violin -- Albany 378 -- 59 minutes."Stephen Dankner's music is very, very traditional. Most of it is in an uninflected tonal idiom and uses tonal forms. His Sonata for sax and piano is no different. He has command of his idiom... and knows the instruments well.... Zdednek Lukas's Lento Drammatico lives up to its name -- it is slow and dramatic. The basic texture and style of the piece is recitative, giving both instruments opportunities for expressive statements. This work would make a valuable addition to the recital repertoire. The high point of the program is Stephen Suber's two-movement Angels, an introspective, brooding, and sometimes lyrical meditation. Its melodic and harmonic turns constantly surprise the listener in subtle ways, making for a rewarding musical experience; even a gratuitous fast section at the end does not break the spell. Veteran composers Robert Starer and Walter Hartley turn in solid pieces with the Five Preludes and the Dance Suite. Saxophonist Lawrence Gwozdz is a strong and sensitive performer. He is ably accompanied by pianist Lois Leventhal. Violinist Stephen Redfield joins them in a lively performance of the Hartley. Albany's sound is very good."Stephen Hickman"

Simly gifts, Gwozdz

06/13/2000

(5 out of 5 stars)

"gwozdz, is a fantastic musician! one of the best recording saxophonists i the field! he knows what the saxophone should be!"