Ligeti - Six Bagatelles / Barber - Summer Music / Mathias - Quintet / Carlson - Nightwings - Westwood Wind Quintet

Posted By : capt.evil1 | Date : 13 Oct 2009 20:14:55 | Comments : 4 |

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The Westwood Wind Quintet (of Los Angeles) was founded in 1959 and has performed and recorded actively for close to 50 years, during which time it has given over 3000 concerts and recorded more than 20 albums.

In the mid-1980s, Daniel Carriaga, music critic with the Los Angeles Times, wrote "An accumulation of instrumental polish and important repertoire over a long period has resulted in a treasurable sense of ensemble and musical solidity."

Upon hearing the Quintet in a concert, Robert Shaw, former music director of the Atlanta Symphony, wrote “One listens to this ensemble as one listens to the finest of string quartets. It is a complete and completely satisfying musical experience.”

High Fidelity Magazine wrote: “Extraordinary tone quality. The Westwood performers manifest a technical finesse and a richness of tone that one would normally expect only from a solo concert artist.”

Fanfare Magazine wrote: “Top-notch playing that can only be envied by lesser ensembles. Exceptional recordings.”

International Record Review wrote: “The Westwood Wind Quintet has a standard of ensemble playing that is nothing short of breathtaking. The fundamental ensemble qualities…are something to be cherished, and (for some of us) to attempt to emulate.”

American Record Guide wrote: “The Westwood Wind Quintet [has been] for over 40 years one of the finest ensembles of its kind and the playing here certainly demonstrates that.”

Gramophone Magazine wrote: "Magnificent American group. Superlative playing...a recording which, equally good in tone-quality, balance and clarity, can also be described as superlative."

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