Mozaik

HRAudio.Net 5 out of 5

“The indefatigable Niels Bijl adopted the sax at the age of 12 years, and currently plays the instrument for many European orchestras, including the Royal Concertgebouw and Anima Eterna, as well as working with chamber ensembles and jazz groups. Pianist Hans-Erik Dijkstra is Bijl’s partner on this disc. He is also responsible for most of the transcriptions of the music of this “Mosaic” program.

Bijl’s premise for his choice of items is that the oldest and most compelling element of music is a good tune. Invented in 1841 to fill out the tone between orchestral winds and brass, the tenor sax in particular has become a fine melodic instrument in many genres.

Jos Boerland’s exemplary DSD recording presents an intimate listening environment from within the Music School, Doetinchem. A gentle ambience is present, particularly in surround mode, allowing the piano and sax to develop their full timbres, yet there are no distracting clacking keys from the sax, and only gentle breaths heard from Bijl.

The Aliud label is notable for its exploration of musical by-ways, and this program is certainly eclectic, but ultimately very attractive. Saxophonists will be inspired by some unusual repertoire. If you have a spare hour or so, give this disc a spin too!

5 Star Rating for Performance, Stereo & Surround Sound quality.”

John Miller of HRAudio.Net - Source