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Enchanting Performances by a Gifted Artist Dec 23, 2008
The Recorder, a woodwind instrument, is usually associated with young school children. It is relatively easy to play (at least on a casual level) and with just a little bit of practice, one can make relatively pleasant sounds. It's popularity reached its peak in medieval times until more sophisticated orchestral woodwinds displaced its use from the 18th century onward. Its wholesome sweet natural sound evokes pastoral imagery and the simplicity of earlier times. Yet, in the hands of a virtuoso, it is an instrument of great complexity, versatility and pristine beauty.
Michala Petri hails from Denmark and is one of the most highly regarded masters of the Recorder. She has toured extensively, displaying her talent before world audiences. THE ULTIMATE RECORDER COLLECTION is a two-disc collection of inspired performances of works by classical and contemporary composers. In her gifted hands, the recorder soars with unique harmonics, transporting the listener to a new appreciation of often heard works. The technical aspects of the 2 CD set are excellent, yet the performances are individually and collectively warm and inviting. There are 45 selections in the collection, all of which are performed exquisitely. Ms. Petri is a gifted performer, an artist who elevates a humble instrument to lofty heights.
1 of 1 found the following review helpful:
A Musical Treat You Will Treasure Forever! Aug 29, 2008
As a relatively new recorder player, I wanted to listen to an experienced professional, to hear the techniques and phrasings an experienced recorder player can utilize.Even after reading the other rave reviews, I was not prepared for the virtuosity I was to experience.Michala Petri did for my musicality now, what Andres Segovia did many years ago when I learned to play classical guitar.I was inspired,humbled, and totally blown away by her shear talent! Her ability to create bird-chirping sounds with a sopranino recorder on the baroque pieces is uncanny.I think my favorite out of all the incredible tracks is her rendition of Bach's Air For G-String.The sound of her playing with her husband, Lars Hannible,as he plays the classical guitar,is a heavenly experience.Not only does this lady obviously own some of the best recorders ever made, she knows how to get the best tones out of them as well.I can recommend this two cd set as one of the best musical collections ever sold.
25 of 25 found the following review helpful:
More than the sum of the parts. Feb 03, 2001
I bought this as wallpaper music - and got a very pleasant surprise!Several of the pieces stopped me in my tracks, made me sit down and forced me to listen. Michala Petri demonstrates a masterly control of her instrument and a high level of musicianship in a wide ranging selection of material - from reconstituted Bach to specially composed 20th Century pieces. Outstanding for me was the Sammartini Concerto: Ms Petri shows a lightness of touch combined with serious enthusiasm and an obvious delight that literally stopped me from working and made me listen. The support given by the Moscow Virtuosi also deserves mention. Koppel's pieces are fun, as are the arrangements from Grieg and Satie. Overall, although this could be taken as a glorified sampler... it is much more - there are complete works played intelligently and lighter, throw away pieces you'll want to chase after and listen to again.
7 of 7 found the following review helpful:
A Great First CD Jun 22, 2000
After falling in love with the recorder, I started searching for CDs and this was the first I bought. It quickly became a favorite CD. I like the fact that it ranges over a wide period--Baroque to Modern, and showcases the instrument in different settings. The liner notes are quite comprehensive as well. In a word--enchanting.
24 of 25 found the following review helpful:
The sublime collection Jun 18, 2000
I must confess up front to being a Michala Petri fanatic. I also play the recorder, although after listening to this album, I feel like throwing my instruments into the nearest dumpster. Michala Petri is a national hero in Denmark, and a recognized name among classical music fans in Europe, Asia, and Canada. If you listen to this album, you will ask yourself how the music business in the USA can frantically promote "The Three Tenors" while mostly ignoring the genius of this amazing young woman. This is not your kid's recorder. Ms Petri's complete technical and musical mastery of her instrument transforms the recorder into the equal of other familiar solo instruments, but with its own peculiar sound, penetrating but sweet, that sets it apart. This album is made up mostly of tracks from her many earlier recordings. Some are transcriptions of well-loved piano miniatures (the Grieg numbers are perhaps more charming here than on the piano, if that is possible); of baroque works for flute, recorder, or strings; of modern recorder music written for Ms Petri by contemporary masters. Some are accompanied by small orchestra and others by Ms Petri's husband, the excellent guitarist and lutist Lars Hannibal. The combination of recorder and guitar is an intimate match made in heaven, and I recommend also this duo's complete album, 'Air'.
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