A new semester is starting, and my university students have new required recordings.
There are a number of criteria that go into these selections, but I mentioned one in particular back in the spring:
So far my two-semester tally, selecting recordings for four different instruments, is six white men and two white women. I’d like to improve on that in the future, though I do think that, ultimately, what comes through the earphones is more central to this project than the colors or genders represented on the CD covers.
I think I did manage to pick out two this semester that add a little diversity, and certainly without compromising one bit on quality: my oboe students are getting a fine recording by Brazilian oboist Alex Klein, and the saxophonists will be enjoying a new release by African-American saxophonist (and one of my teachers) Otis Murphy. On the other hand, I did end up with all men this time around.
One other victory this semester is that all these recordings are available for download on iTunes. I still like having the CD myself, but iTunes is a convenient and, more importantly, economical option for my students.
Here are the selections:
Oboe: Alex Klein, Oboe Concertos of the Classical Era
Repertoire: Krommer Concertos, Hummel Introduction, Theme, and Variations
Clarinet: David Shifrin, Brahms/Schumann Soirée
Repertoire: Brahms Sonatas, Schumann Fantasiestücke
Bassoon: Frank Morelli, Baroque Fireworks
Repertoire: Zelenka Trio Sonata, Vivaldi Sonatas in B-flat major and A minor, Telemann Sonata and Quartet
Saxophone: Otis Murphy, Fantasy
Find it on: iTunes
Repertoire: Maslanka Sonata, Bozza Aria, Tomasi Ballade, transcriptions of Bizet, Saint-Saëns, and Narita.
Hi Bret – David Shifrin’s recording of the Brahms’ Sonatas is really nice. It’s in my collection. However, take a listen to Jon Manasse and John Nakematsu’s recording as well. They have a really nice sense of pulse and rubato.
Thanks for the recommendation! I have some Jon Manasse in my collection (Mozart/Nielsen/Copland) but I’m not (yet) familiar with his Brahms recording.
I know I’m a late-comer to the discussion, but I thought you may want to include some of Kenneth Tse’s recordings in future lists. Thanks for all you do to disseminate useful information!
Great suggestion—I’ve got Kenneth Tse on my list for possible future required recordings for my saxophone students.
Latecomers are welcome!