Armonia Ensemble Excel with Strauss Sonatinas
By Ralph Graves
Wind music from one of the greatest orchestrators of all time played by the wind players of one of the greatest orchestras of all time. How could the results be anything less than satisfying?
Towards the end of his life, Richard Strauss ceded his role as an innovator and began writing works that unabashedly embraced the past — which turned out to be just as innovative in thier way. The 1943 Sonatina for 16 wind instruments was written during Strauss’ recovery from influenza, hence the subtital “From an Invalid’s Workshop.”
Strauss embraces a Mozartian ideal in this work, creating a compoisition of clarity and balance. He revisited the form the folling year. The second wind sonatina “Happy workshop” is full of energy and good spirits.
Although written only for winds, Strauss’ orchestrational genius dazzles the ear with imaginative instrumental combinations throughout these two sonatinas.
The Armonia Ensemble is basically the Gewandaus Orchestra of Leipzig’s wind players. And that’s a plus. Because they make these works sound orchestal. Wind ensembles can sometimes sound a little wanting, but not with the Armonia. This ensemble doesn’t need strings to give it a rich, full sound. Attacks are clean, the blend is seamless, and the playing is inspired. A perfect match of music and musicians.
Richard Strauss: Sonatina No. 1 in F major for 16 wind instruments; Sonatina No. 2 in E-flat major for 16 wind instruments
Armonia Ensemble
Berlin Classics
