Jeanne Baxtresser - Chamber Music for Flute (2007/2019)

“It takes only a few moments into the first work, Devienne’s Duo for Flute and Viola in C Minor, Op.S No.3, to realize that this is a listening treat. The recorded sound on this CD is very clean, smooth, and spacious, while retaining a charming intimacy.

“Featured are works by Devienne, Dring, Gaubert, Barber and Copland. Jeanne Baxtresser’s accomplices in this offering include some of the principal chairs in the New York Philharmonic, with whom she played for many years: Stanley Drucker, Judith leClair, Philip Myers, Cynthia Phelps, Joseph Robinson, and Alan Stepansky. The playing throughout is ravishing, and the chamber music reflects a joy of music making with good friends.

“Baxtresser has one of the most expressive sounds in recording today. There is a richness to her playing that makes one forget for a moment that it is not a voice. She sings in a way that should inspire all wind players, whether flutists or not. Intonation among each of the chamber music combinations is absolutely impeccable. The precision of ensemble playing is nearly always razor sharp, yet the ensemble achieves a flexible spontaneity that breathes life into the music.

“Most listeners will be unfamiliar, perhaps, with only one of the composers represented on this recording. Madeleine Dring (1923-1977). Her Trio for Flute, Oboe and Piano deserves to find its way into the standard literature for this combination. It is refreshingly rich, expressive, and an absolute delight to listen to. Although all flutists seem to have more than a casual acquaintance with Philippe Gaubert, few know his Three Watercolors for flute, cello and piano. The work is typical of his writing, well-crafted, relishing in that wonderful French sensitivity to timbre.

“Baxtresser’s recording of Barber’s Canzone on this CD provides food for thought and grounds for considerable discussion. It was recorded in 1996, and is more satisfying than her very fine performance of the same work nine years earlier, as heard in her CD, A Collection of My Favorites, released in 2006. This recording has more delicate entrances and nuanced phrases, although the ensemble playing is not quite as precise in spots as the earlier version. In both versions, her final phrase is an octave higher than Barber’s published score, the final note being two octaves higher than written. The Canzone is introspective and dark in mood. Altering the final phrase in both recordings changes the finishing taste on the palate, much as one might react when tasting two beautifully vintaged wines. The published version and Baxtresser’s changes are each attractive, but leave very different impressions.

“This recording of Barber’s Summer Music for Wind Quintet, Op. 31 may be the best recording available of this central work. The ensemble playing is spectacular, balance is marvelous, and the musical impact is rich and rewarding.

“The program concludes with Copland’s Duo for Flute and Piano. Baxtresser’s performance showcases her singing phrasing and sparkling tonal presence. She explores many colors in the course of this well-known and loved work. It has been recorded countless times, yet seldom with such sensitivity. This is a must-have recording.”

“Wow. This is truly an ‘all-star’ lineup of musicians. Jeanne Baxtresser has some remarkable friends and chamber music partners, all from her time playing with the New York Philharmonic, and the playing on this recording defies description. You simply must hear it for yourself…Anyone who enjoys great chamber music should find this and listen repeatedly. You will have a truly rewarding experience.”