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Compact Disc Recordings Click here to download a summary sheet of all CD's with reviews
"played with conviction and eloquence." "This is a performance on period instrumenets. The playing is excellent,
and the tone qualities are charming. The intonation is spot on, and
so is all the technique. Flutists Jan Boland and Douglas Worthen carry
this program, playing as one. Superb notes by guitarist John Dowdall
and Boland trace the players' history with this music to discoveries
at the Library of Congress."
Reviews: "The Red Cedar Trio plays this music with elegance and impeccable skill.
All three musicians "There are three inspired, colourful, beguiling sets of pieces on this CD. The performances are vibrant and full-blooded, capable of ironic humour as well as exuberance and melancholy, as ths unusual music demands." Alison Ulren, Pan –the Flute Magazine (June 2009) "The Red Cedar Chamber Music enterprise has released a number of
valuable CDs under the artistic direction of guitarist John Dowdall. Configured
here as the Red Cedar Trio, Dowdall is joined by Jan Boland on flute and
David Miller on viola. All of the payers are first rate and perform as
a perfectly refined ensemble, but the playing of violist Miller is quite
remarkable, his tone is crisp and precise, devoid of the tubby sound which
in lesser hands can afflict the instrument. ...the disc is very much to
be recommended for the other two works. Recorded sound is very good. Albert
Kunze, Soundboard, (Vol 36, no. 3, 2010)
The Repertoire:
Reviews: "As always, flutist Boland’s sure technique and sweet tone are perfection itself, and her pure intonation on the wooden 11-keyed “simple system” flute of the time is just remarkable. She makes her musical expression with a subtilty of dynamics and shading of tone; she does not need the cloying and continuous vibrato used today to gain the audience’s attention. The color and clarity of the higher tuning of the terz guitar gives Dowdall’s tone a quiet yet balanced brilliance that matches the fortepiano nicely and is never lost in the thicker textures. Throughout, fortepianist Bogard holds the works firmly together with great rhythmic vitality, a steadying hand, and flowing and well-directed melodic lines. All the members of the ensemble have grand technique and a cantabile style that allows the listener to sit back and bask in this sunny and romantic performance." Jerrold Pritchard, The Flute Network (January, 2008) "Red Cedar Chamber Music, led by its core duo of flutist, Jan Boland and guitarist, John Dowdall, sound almost as if they are dancing as they play this charming and impressive music, particularly on their delightful rendition of the Potpourri, and Boland is particularly to be noted for her ability to wrestle sweet and beautifully in-tune sounds from the rather difficult nineteenth-century flute. Very highly recommended." Music Library Association Notes (June, 2008) "…outstanding presentation. The musicians masterfully perform the Grande Serenade en Potpourri on authentic period instruments, achieving an unusual texture not found in many recordings of music of this era." Kimberlee Goodman, The Flutist Quarterly (Spring, 2009) "…superb recording. The music is light and eminently entertaining. The recording is exceptional, with great depth and breadth. The notes are also exceptionally fine." Bauman, American Record Guide (March/April, 2008) "The most attractive feature of the disc is the set of authetic instruments used, especially the rather mournfuly warm wooden flute of Jan Boland; the Iowa ensemble Red Cedar Chamber Music plays accurately and enthusiastically throughout." James Manheim, All Music Guide "The performances by Red Cedar Chamber Music are, in a purely technical sense, polished and effective." Zeichner, Early Music America (Spring, 2008) "The members of the Red Cedar Chamber Music group make a very convincing display of their focus on early nineteenth-century performing style.The playing of the ensemble is immaculate, with balance, phrasing and dynamics all occupying top priority. These factors alone ensure that this disc makes delightful listening and a fascinating glimpse into the sound-world of turn-of-the-eighteenth-century Vienna. The group's flutist, Jan Boland, holds a Doctorate in Musical Arts from the University of Iowa.Her mastery of the eleven-keyed flute is impressive. It has a sound-chracter quite different from that of the modern Boehm flute, but one that seems to be prerfectly fitted to the musical needs of its time. She brings to it a broad dynaic range and an excellent control of intonation.This group certainly derserves to have a secure future.They make the most of Hummel's delicious sonorities and also of the opportunities for solo display in the many variation movements. Whether you plan to use it for background (or even foreground) music, I urge you to buy the disc. Richard Stagg, Pan–the Flute Magazine, (June, 2009). "(Hummel is) brilliantly performed on this CD by Red Cedar Chamber Music on period instruments. The performance of Seibelt's La Tempesta di Mare (in the middle of the Grand Serenade Op. 66 no.2) on the fortepiano by Theresa Bogard is just stunning." Alison Uren, Pan–the Flute Magazine (March, 2008)
Reviews: "Spillville Variations is a group-commissioning project almost
dazzling in its simplicity. This project has obviously struck a rich compositional
vein. The composers gathered here rise to the occasion and do justice
to both their honoree [Dvorak] and their performers. One could hardly
imagine, in fact, a collection that keeps its ensemble close while putting
them through such a full range of maneuvres. From beginning to end, this
collection teases the ear but delivers the kind of musical pay-off that
all light music should strive for." "This the fourth CD released by the Red Cedar Trio (Jan Boland,
flute, David Miller, viola, and John Dowdall, guitar) and their ensemble
playing and the fresh literature they play just gets better and better.
Throughout the entire CD Boland's flute tone is clear, sweet, and lyrical;
her deft shadings of color and nuance, and her eloquent phrase endings
bring out the full potential of her wooden head joint made by master craftsman
Chris Abell. I cannot leave this review without commenting on the warm
tone, impeccable intonation, and sure technique of violist David Miller.
He balances and blends the sound of the flute and guitar so sympathetically
and musically that the ensemble melds into an integrated whole. We would
that all chamber music was played so sensitively and exquisitely. Prominent
and dashing guitar solos reveal John Dowdalls' virtuosic technique through
the characteristic and brilliant figurations." "For Spillville Variations, the Trio selected a theme from Dvorak's
American String Quartet in F Major, and commissioned 15 composers each
to write one variation. The result is a delightful collage, or one might
say collision, of diverse musical styles and inspirations, from serious
contemporary music, through blues, soft jazz, Klezmer, and, if I'm not
mistaken, heavy-metal rock, all beautifully played by world-class musicians.
Like the ingredients of your favorite Thai dish, it might sound like a
strange combination, but it really works!"
The instruments: The Repertoire:
Reviews: "The Red Cedar Trio plays this music with elegance and
ease, never overplaying. They achieve a wonderful balance as an ensemble.
As the melodies bounce around between instruments, each comes to the forefront
with clean, graceful sound. If you want music that will make you smile,
find this disc." " "
The Repertoire:
Reviews: "The second part of this disc can be accurately described as cool. It is all blues-inspired classical music for the duet, solo flute and solo guitar. Jethro Tull eat your heart out when it comes to the solo flute blues piece Fish are Jumping by Robert Dick. Boland's playing gives a cool rhythmic groove with fantastic articulation and bends, and I love the train like harmonics. This piece just sounds like it is a lot of fun to play. In the guitar solo pieces, Dowdall gets a chilled back feel going during his solo pieces of Charlie Byrd. Based on 12 bar patterns he shows off a few cool licks in between a rhythmic blues vamp. I have very much enjoyed this CD. The playing is excellent and expressive. The sound quality is clear and well balanced between the instruments. Both players are tight together with the ensemble and their interpretations are outstanding." John Couch for indie-cds.com, Australia (2006) "The playing
and interpretations by Boland and Dowdall are just stunning in their richness,
clarity, expressiveness, and ensemble. The overall effect is the kind
of brilliance and diversity that holds the listener in thrall." "A new recording
by flutist Jan Boland and guitarist John Dowdall of Red Cedar Chamber
Music is as inspired as the idea that sparked it. Boland's flute billows
like fabric in the wind, with Dowdall's guitar punctuating her lyrical
lines. In Caution to the Wind (get over it), New York composer
Gary Schocker gives breathless and lilting intepretation to Malvina Hoffman's
"Baccanale Frieze." "First-rate music
in lovely performances recorded to perfection. ...the pairing of guitar
and flute gets a fine airing. The duo really can swing. Something of a
surprise is the transcription of "Summertime," which builds
to quite a powerful climax, suggesting there is power and depth to be
had here that the other music does not tap for some reason."
"I love the recording
and recommend it to all...." "Excellent ensemble.
Both Boland and Dowdall have a warm, pure tone." "This interesting CD grew out of an innovative commissioning project.
The results form the first half of the disc and, while all contemporary
in sound, feature a range of styles and influences, from modal, improvisatory
pieces to Copland-inspired works. The playing throughout the CD is of
a high quality, with a natural sense of ensemble, and, all-in-all, it
makes for an enjoyable listen. I'll be hunting out the relevant sheet
music (and artwork) in due course." Elizabeth Green, Pan
(March 2004)
Reviews: "Elegant, charming and beautiful are a few terms that could be used to describe this disc. A terrific recording in terms of musical pleasure and performing excellence. The overall sonority...is simply lovely. The performers are obviously totally committed artistically...their ensemble skills are excellent, and their attention to detail is exemplary. The sense of jocularity from all three players in both works is refreshing." "The first impression on hearing this disc is of a mellow and appealing tone-quality
and well-balanced texture. The playing is always beautifully phrased and
technically flawless -- the intonation problems that beset so many exponents
of period instruments are wholly absent here." "All three performers are top rate; this is an instructive and imaginatively programmed CD." "...music that should please most listeners with its playfulness. Boland's flute, in particular, has a wistful character. This CD will appeal to...anyone who enjoys the small pleasures afforded by chamber music." "A sublime repast. This recording is a plum. Courtly, playful, and plaintive. The superior musicianship of this trio is no surprise." "Elegant. Impeccable historical style...will draw the listener into the intimate ambiance and mood they create. The recording is exceptional in clarity and presence. The pieces are at once charming and profound." "The ear is constantly charmed. Idiomatic flair and affectionate warmth. Interesting performances, and a brace of distinctive, engaging chamber works. Excellent and enterprising ensemble. A keen-edged and diligent performance."
Lent by The Metropolitan Museum of Art for this Project: FLUTES GUITARS
The Repertoire:
"I have long been a fan of Jan Boland's elegant musicianship, and it is here in evidence in every notes she plays. She and the excellent guitarist John Dowdall have used a collection of instruments from the Metropolitan Museum of Art. Jan Boland is joined by her daughter Amy in some Haydn duets played on a pair of crystal flutes by the remarkable Parisian maker Claude Laurent. These beautiful instruments must have cost a sizeable fortune, and they sound remarkably good, too. It would have been easy for a recording like this to be gimmicky, but the performances are excellent and the music is a joy to listen to, and that's surely all we want." Robert Bigio, Pan –the Flute Magazine (2000) "Rare 'Gold' Shines. Boland & Dowdall have a wonderful
knack for leading listeners down the path not taken, and rewarding them
with rare riches from the past. The clarity of the recording, not to mention
the quality of the performing, is excellent. My favorite selection is
the joyful opening dance, 'Tambourin.' It grabbed me every time I pushed
play." "The Bolands handle the flute with remarkable control and finesse, making
some highy expressive music in the process. Dowdall's facile guitar work
offers both sensitive accompaniments and a gentle haunting sound. The
vocal quality of these flutes is quite striking, particularly in such
selections as the Foster melodies." "very expressive. Played with warmth and intimacy." "Flutists and guitarists who are interested in original instruments will
doubtless find this release essential." vibrato is needed or appropriate for this music. Crystal to Gold joins a small but distinguished set of recordings of period flutes. There are a few CDs by Rachel Brown and Konrad Hunteler of 19th C music on 19th C instruments, but Jan's choice of music and instruments is unique. David Dahl, Flutelist (1999)
Wenceslaus Matiegka (1773-1830), like other musicians of his generation, was drawn to Vienna by the brilliance of its cultural heritage and its vibrant artistic life. When Matiegka arrived in Vienna from his native Czechoslovakia in 1800, the musical genius of Mozart and Beethoven was already firmly woven into the city's cultural fabric. For Matiegka to have any musical impact in this rarefied artistic atmosphere where virtuosic brilliance was expected and genius was not uncommon, he had to possess considerable talents as both a performer and a composer. Reviews: "The players on this disc give every impression of enjoying themselves hugely and their enjoyment shines out from every note. Jan Boland uses a flute of about 1820 made by the Viennese Stephan Koch, and the two string players use period instruments as well. The playing is excellent. No allowance needs to be made for the early flute, which is exactly as it should be. Jan Boland makes a beautiful sound on her old flute, free of affectation and of the overwhelming vibrato that spoils so many performances by modern flute players. This is some of the most enjoyable music-making to have graced my home in a long time. Delicious!" Robert Bigio, Pan–the Flute Magazine (December 1998) "Matiegka's music is a delightful addition to any classical music
collection, rendered thoughtfully and beautifully on period instruments
by Jan Boland, David Miller and John Dowdall." Rebecca Lindwall, The Gazette (1998) "The performers have placed considerable and appropriate emphasis on historically informed techniques. Their playing leads to an entirely satisfying balance and causes me to recommend this record to a collector seeking to enjoy undemanding but unusual late-Classical repertoire. Sound quality is first class, too." John Hayard-Warbutron, Music & Vision (April, 1999) "Intimate parlor music, warm and friendly, inventive enough to engage the careful listener, but also free of jarring or intrusive noises. .. excellent performances." Robert McColley, Fanfare (1998)
The instruments:
Reviews: "Marvelous. Very convincing interpretation. Impressive for its simplicity and sensitivity." "Rarely have I heard a recording of such elegance and sonic charm. The intonation, phrasing and articulation kept the disc on my player all week."
"A masterpiece. Totally gratifying. A remarkable example of perfect musical understanding."
"One of the best serious recordings of 1988."
"Elegant and charming." "Perfection." "Charming duets, and delicately rendered guitar solos." "Their sounds blend together almost poetically—the recording quality is excellent." "Executed with technical aplomb and a sense of fun." |
Fireflies
Johann
Nepomuk Hummel
Czech-Inspired
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