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<<  -- 4 --  Carson P Cooman    STRONGLY CRAFTED

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The compositions on the disc are performed a wide array of performers and all recorded at different times and in different places. However, the performances are uniformly excellent and the recorded sound is consistent.

Although it is a distinctly positive feature that this double CD set contains so many works, this is also a downside in that the price is rather high (almost exactly double the price of a single CD). This is particularly problematic since neither CD contains even sixty minutes of music (the minimum standard for releases these days). Full texts of all poems (even the ones simply serving as inspirations and not actual sung texts) are included in the booklet, along with helpful and informative program notes by the composer on all works and biographies of all the many performers involved.

That aspect should, however, not deter interested individuals from obtaining the set. Whether or not one has heard Locklair's other work, his chamber music provides an excellent introduction to his wide-ranging emotional palate. For those who prefer a one-disc introduction, start with Albany's disc of Locklair's orchestral music, and then move to the chamber set.

If this disc does not provide as immediate of an 'impact' as Locklair's orchestral disc, it is simply because the bold, extrovert nature of the orchestral music is painted on a larger canvas. Locklair's chamber music is absolutely worth enjoying, however. He is an important American voice who deserves further recognition and performances.

Copyright © 17 November 2004 Carson P Cooman, Rochester, NY, USA

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Dan Locklair Chamber Music

TROY701/2 DDD Stereo NEW RELEASE (2 CDs) 57'38"/49'15" - TT 106'53" 2004 Dan Locklair

Melissa Suhr, flute; Steve Estes, cello; Robert Brewer, piano; Janeanne Houston, soprano; Craig Rine, clarinet; Robert Jorgensen, piano; Anna Ludwig Wilson, flute; Kelly Burke, clarinet; Hsiao-Mei Ku, violin; Thomas Warburton, piano; Klaus Liebetanz, flute; David Robbins, percussion; Joseph Pollard White, conductor; Jonathan Bagg, viola; Jacquelyn Bartlett, harp; George Ritchie, organ; Albert Rometo, percussion

Dan Locklair (born 1949): Reynolda Reflections (A Trio for Flute, Cello and Piano); In the Almost Evening (A Nocturne for Soprano, Clarinet and Piano); Music of Quince (A Tone Poem for Flute, Clarinet, Violin and Piano); '... the moon commands ...' (A Nocturne for Flute, Soprano, Percussion and Piano); Dream Steps (A Dance Suite for Flute, Viola and Harp); Constellations (A Concerto for Organ and Percussion)

BUY THIS DISC ONLINE

DAN LOCKLAIR

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