Music of Debussy and Takemitsu
2010 Grammy Nomination for Best Chamber Music Performance
Joshua Smith, flute
Yolanda Kondonassis, harp
Cynthia Phelps, viola
Oberlin 21
Bridget-Michaele Reischi, conductor
Telarc 80694 (October, 2008)
AVAILABLE
Amazon / iTunes / ArkivMusic
MULTIMEDIA
INTERVIEW & PERFORMANCE: NPR Music
PRESS
Best Classical Instrumental 2008 – Amazon.com
“The immediately arresting aspect of Mr. Smith’s playing is the uncommonly expansive scope of his phrasing, every note given full value but equally integrated into the broader progressions of the music. In the title track and Debussy’s Syrinx, Mr. Smith plays with beauty of tone that, without undermining the inventiveness of the music, focuses the listener’s attention on the intricately-wrought textures of the pieces. The metaphysics of music are tested and vindicated in Mr. Smith’s playing, which reveals as compellingly as possible that designations of French or Japanese, Impressionistic or post-Modern, tonal or atonal are inherently and triumphantly insignificant.
– Voix des Arts, 15 June 2009, Joseph Newsome
“the three fine soloists on this recording are likewise a perfect match with their excellent blend of musicality, luscious tone, and intimate ensemble work.”
“…examples of Joshua Smith’s great virtuosity and delicate lyricism are not yet as widely available on solo flute recordings as they should be. This new CD should create a demand for more recordings featuring his full tone, elegant style, and outstanding technique. He reveals a distinctively poetic style and the ability to communicate emotionally in all his performances here.”
– Flute Network, November 2008
Recommended CD: Alex Ross ‘The Rest is Noise’
– blog by the music critic of The New Yorker