Stoltzman

First released in 1991 and reissued in 2004, this CD of Mozart's Clarinet Concerto and the Clarinet Quintet is fair in most regards except for the featured soloist's quirky playing. Richard Stoltzman's fans may like this disc in spite of its problems, especially if they are more interested in clarinet technique than in Mozart's music. But others may sense that he has little understanding of the composer or Classical style, and that these interpretations are superficial and whimsical, rather than deeply felt or carefully considered.

A tribute album "Spirit of Chick Corea" by allies who continue their musical journey with Chick Corea's spirits. Steve Gadd Under his production, Japan's proud international marimba player Mika Stoltzman has finally completed a masterpiece of the soul spun with musicians related to Chick Corea!

World-renowned marimbist Mika Stoltzman and Navona Records present MARIMBA SOUL, an accurate reflection of Stoltzman’s remarkable ability to capture the very central being of every work she performs with naturally vivid emotion and visceral technical ability. Stoltzman’s abilities are highlighted especially so by a one-of-a-kind Demorrow Marimba, built with specially selected rosewood bars collected over the period of an entire decade.

During his musical career, Richard Stoltzman has gained a reputation not only for excellence as a clarinetist but also as a show person. His recordings are varied and demonstrate both his ability to perform difficult music as well as to provide an enjoyable listening experience. Perhaps the best example of his classical talents along with his gift for entertaining would be the collection of music from opera in his recording ARIA.

Clarinet legend Richard Stoltzman and virtuoso marimbist Mika Stoltzman arrive on AVIE with a stunning collection of works in which the duo finds freedom in music of the past and equally breaks through boundaries with new arrangements and commissions. John Zorn’s title track, Palimpsest, written in 2018 for Richard’s 75th birthday, sets the tone, evoking layers of tradition and innovation. Richard’s lifelong friendship with William Thomas McKinley led to the jazzy collection Mostly Blues, three of which are performed on this album. The musical meat of the album are the couple’s own arrangements of monumental works by Johann Sebastian Bach – Mika’s solo marimba take on the Chaconne from Partita in D minor originally for solo violin, and Richard’s colourful Chromatic Fantasia for solo clarinet and Fugue, BWV 903 bringing him together with marimba and bandoneon.

This marvelous disc contains what unquestionably is the finest available performance of Cantus Arcticus, Rautavaara's most popular piece. (…) Excellent sonics, warm and well-balanced (in the concerto).