Bella Italia - Steven Mead
25-Jul-2004
Steven Mead and the Italian Army Band
Bocchino Music, BOCC 102
Total Playing Time: 69:11
This latest recording of Italian arias from the Italian Army Band and Steven Mead is typical of what you would expect from the highly acclaimed euphonium player - it has class written all over it.
Class in the quality of control of the instrument; class in Steven's tone and the ease in which the arias are reproduced. The breathe control, shape and phrasing of the solo lines leave you purring with delight. This is another disc that acts as a masterclass from an exponent of his instrument for anyone who wants to discover that secret of 'how to make it sound so easy'.
A recording of Italian music would not be complete without Vincenzo Bellini, Giacomo Puccini, and of course, Giuseppe Verdi. All three 'greats' are included, and in addition, the disc includes some Feliciangeli, Giordani, Karl-Heinz Koper, Giovanni Orsomando and Toselli. If you are going to record a disc of Italian music, no better people than Italian musicians to accompany you and the Italian Army Band do a great job. Listening to this disc, you practically feel as though as you have been transported to Italy itself to be treated to the best in Italian music. Both band and soloist really do make you feel as though you are listening to some of the best soloists singing their way through numerous arias.
The opening track, Dulcamarata is music based on the opera, L'Elisir d'Amore by Donizetti arranged by Koper and doubles up as the 'overture' slot on this recording. Immediately, the sound of Steven Mead stands out, and just leaves you licking your lips in anticipation at what it is to follow. In a piece that is just short of thirteen minutes, the time flies by, as you become engrossed in the sound of this euphonium artist.
All of the Bellini and Verdi offerings resemble high quality Italian food, by leaving their mark on your pallett and leaving you wanting more but compared to the Donizetti, they are bite-size mouthfuls, and gone before you know it.
The Donizetti Variations is in fact the longest track as the majority is around three-to-four minutes in length.
The two exceptions to this are the last two tracks. The Alla Czardas for euphonium (Originally for clarinet) and Band is fascinating listening. Giovanni Orsomando was known as 'The Godfather of Italian Band Music' and the solo lines are familiar as the tune is based on Monti's famous Czardas. In a performance such as this (and others on the disc) don't be surprised if you are left shaking your head at how many notes just disappear in seconds.
Arban's Carnival of Venice brings this tour de force of euphonium playing to a conclusion in stunning style. The popular solo that has been performed by brass players of all shapes and sizes down the years is outstanding. It is one of those tracks that will have you pressing the repeat button on countless occasions, as you just want to marvel at the standard of playing.
If you have never purchased a Steven Mead solo album before, start with this one, and for those that have, you know what you are getting and it is one not to be missed.
Malcolm Wood
What's on this CD?
1. Dulcamarata (Donizetti Variations), Koper, 12'55
2. Caro Mio Ben, Giordani arr. Bona, 2'20
3. Aria di Chiesa 'Pieta Signore', Stradella arr. Barbagallo, 3'33
4. Vaga Luna Che Inargenti, Bellini arr. Bona, 3'36
5. Vi Ravviso, O Luoghi Ameni, Bellini arr. Bona, 2'43
6. Ah, Non Credea Mirarti, Bellini arr. Bona, 3'27
7. Ah, Non Giunge, Bellini arr. Bona, 3'13
8. A Fors' e Lui, Verdi arr. Creux, 2'53
9. Di Provenza Il Mar, Il Suo, Verdi arr. Creux, 3'49
10. Ave Maria, Verdi arr. Creux, 4'29
11. Vissi d'Arte, Puccini arr. Bona, 3'07
12. Serenata, Toselli arr. Ruedi, 3'56
13. Preghiera, Feliciangeli arr. Creux, 4'22
14. Alla Czardas, Orsomando arr. Creux, 6'45
15. Variations on Carnival of Venice, Arban arr. Hunsberger, 7'52
Total Playing Time: 69'11.
