Eastman Wind Ensemble - Milhaud, Strauss, Grainger & B. Rogers: Œuvres pour ensemble d'instruments à vent (LP)

Dive into the rich tapestry of wind ensemble music with the Eastman Wind Ensemble's 1959 release, a captivating collection that showcases the virtuosity and versatility of this renowned group. This album, released under the BNF Collection label, is a testament to the ensemble's prowess in interpreting works from some of the most celebrated composers in the genre.

The album opens with Darius Milhaud's French Suite, Op. 248, a series of five movements each named after a different region of France, offering a musical tour of the country's diverse landscapes and cultures. Following this is Richard Strauss' Serenade for Wind Instruments in E-Flat Major, Op. 7, a work that exemplifies the composer's mastery of the wind ensemble.

The second half of the album features works by Percy Grainger and Bernard Rogers. Grainger's Lincolnshire Posy is a suite of six movements, each based on traditional English folk songs, while Rogers' Three Japanese Dances draw inspiration from Japanese folk music and dance. The album concludes with Rogers' French Suite, Op. 248, a work that complements Milhaud's suite and provides a fitting end to the collection.

With a duration of just over 51 minutes, this album is a concise yet comprehensive exploration of the wind ensemble repertoire. The Eastman Wind Ensemble's precise playing and nuanced interpretations bring these works to life, making this a compelling addition to any classical music collection.