Soundboard Review for Trio Sonata - Music for Flute, Oboe & Guitar
This latest release by Trio Sonata [Anton Kuskin, flute; Judith Dansker, oboe; Robert Phelps,guitar]
follows in their tradition of mixing old and new styles and periods of music. The programming is eclectic and
highly enjoyable with a mix of solos, duos and trios.
The Lauro works are well known to almost all guitarists and remain perennial favorites. Phelp's rendition is
less boisterous than some, bringing out more of the lyrical quality that hides inside all Lauro's works,
even the most rhythmic. His approach is in keeping with the overall tenor of the disc.
The Handel Sonata is a lovely choice to end the disc. It has great expressive variety, showcasing
the ensemble's cohesiveness and taste.
The recording quality is very good with enough "room sound" to give the impression of space, but not
so much that clarity is sacrificed. The overall sound is slightly distanced with a live-performance ambiance.
The balance between instruments is excellent with no sense of artificial heightening of the guitar to bring it
to the level of the other instruments. We are also not given the impression that the flute and oboe are holding
back to accommodate the guitar's slightly more limited dynamic range. The CD is a polished and enjoyable
addition to the discography of the guitar.
-John Holmquist (Soundboard - The magazine of The Guitar Foundation of America)
