by David Maslanka
Album Title: SCENIC MEDITATIONS
Recording: Oregon State University Wind Ensemble
Conductor: Dr. Christopher Chapman
Soloist: Boston Brass and Robert Brudvig, marimba
Publisher: MARK RECORDS 53081-MCD
Scenic Meditations opens with Meditations at Langunitas by Paul Dooley. It is a most descriptive landscape based on the philosophical poem of Robert Hass, It is followed by the first movement of Bradley Bodine’s Marimba Concerto. Originally composed for orchestra the composer displays the marimba to its finest virtuosity. St. Francis: Two Studies for Wind Ensemble is by David Maslanka and is most indicative of the unparalleled writing of this master composer the world lost last year. The program concludes with Noite De Novo Nascimento for brass quintet and wind ensemble. Kevin Walczyk wrote this “Night of the New Birth” especially for the Boston Brass and the work features African laden folk elements of Brazilian music along with improvisation from the soloists. Scenic Meditations is a most impressive recording the listener will truly appreciate.
