Artist: Laurel Zucker & Mark Shapiro
Title: Madrigal for Flute and Piano
Genre: Classical
Label
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Laurel Zucker and Mark Shapiro continue their longstanding musical alliance with yet another superb release titled Madrigal for Flute and Piano. This is their seventh release on Cantilena Records. The duo is creating quite a legacy of classical renderings and this particular release is one the stands out amongst the many I have enjoyed over the years.

Ms. Zucker and Mr. Shapiro are in exceptional form performing music from various composers from the 18th and 19th century. Reineke, Gaubert, Hue, Boehm, and Doppler are the honored composers on this outing.

The term 'madrigal' has two distinct, unconnected meanings: a poetic and musical form of 14th-century Italy, and a 16th- or 17th-century setting of secular verse. This is ongoing education for me personally, both listening and understanding the meaning of the titles. I find it all very fascinating and can see how this beautiful music has lasted through the ages. Classical music is where it all starts and ends and everything we hear that is from a different genre stems from it. There was a day that I would have said that statement was rubbish but now I know much better.

The nine tracks take you through a story from a place far away in time with the ebb and tide of a musical ocean that seems to flow right over you while listening. This music is exciting, sad, tragic, and full of the many colors of the soul. Without uttering a word this music is so powerful, alone that it does need a single word to express itself. The flute is a beautiful instrument and if used properly it can bring out many different atmospheres, particularly when it combines with another instrument like a piano. The give and take that this dynamic duo formulates in each composition is an ongoing dialogue with their instruments that holds strong and true from the beginning to the end of this recording.

Madrigal for Flute and Piano is music that resonates through the universe and will continue to do so thanks to the fine artists performing, Laurel Zucker and Mark Shapiro. Thank you both for another classic that I intend to enjoy for many years to come.

© Keith "MuzikMan" Hannaleck

October 31, 2006

1. Carl Reineke- Movement 1
2. Carl Reineke -Movement 2
3. Carl Reineke - Movement 3
4. Carl Reineke- Movement 4
5. Philippe Gaubert- Divertissement
6. Francois Doppler- Fantaisie Pastorale Hongroise, Opus 26
7. George Hue- Fantasie
8. Philippe Gaubert - Madrigal
9. T. Boehm - Nel Cor Piu Variations

Artist: Laurel Zucker & Mark Delpriora
Title: Romanza Andaluza for Flute & Guitar
Genre: Classical
Label
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The flute and acoustic guitar are very compatible. In the realm of classical music, it can be a beautiful marriage between two delicate instruments. Laurel Zucker (flute) and Mark Delpriora (guitar) meld their musical minds for a beautiful recording of classical compositions. The musicians take a page out the books of many influential composers such as Joaquin Rodrigo and Enrique Granados. Because the heritage of the composers is Spanish, the recording carries with it a very strong flavoring of classical Spanish influence throughout.

Romanza Andaluza for Flute & Guitar is supports the Spanish composer's work very well. Each composer is different and the succinct Spanish atmosphere and culture comes through nicely through the two musicians own interpretations. Each present their vision clearly, Delpriora’s through his excellent guitar playing and Zucker via her airy and alluring tones from her flute. The two combined are like listening to a slice of heaven.

Although Laurel Zucker and Mark Delpriora have been working together since the 1970’s, this is their first CD. They will be performing for audiences in California and New York City this year and next year. After their touring is complete, the duo will go back into the recording studio and record two more albums.

This album will be appreciated not only by classical music lovers, but enjoyed by fans of Andres Segovia’s music as well.

© Keith "MuzikMan" Hannaleck

October 23, 2006


01. Pablo de Sarasate- Romanza Andalouza, Opus 21, No.1
02. Emile Pessard - Andalouse, Opus 20
03. Maximo Pujol- Suite Buenos Aires- I. Pompeya
04. Maximo Pujol - Suite Buenos Aires- II. Palermo
05. Maximo Pujol - Suite Buenos Aires - III. San Telmo
06. Maximo Pujol - Suite Buenos Aires - IV. Microcentro
07. Joaquin Rodrigo - Aria Antiqua
08. Francisco Gonzalez - Danza de Los Amantes Efimeros
09. Maximo Pujol - Dos Aires Candomberos - I. Nubes de Buenos Aires
10. Maximo Pujol - Dos Aires Candomberos - II. Candombe de los Bueno
11. Joaquin Rodrigo- Serenata al Alba del Dia - Andante moderato
12. Joaquin Rodrigo-Serenata al Alba del Dia - Allegro
13. Enrique Granados - Villanesca
14. Enrique Granados-Danza Triste
15. Enrique Granados - Zambria