Musical life in Greece draws on a legacy that has as much richness and depth as the nation’s long and complex history. The vibrant and colorful works on this recording, while representing the country’s lively contemporary music scene, make use of traditional melodies and rhythms combined with wider stylistic influences. This unique programme of premiere recordings includes works dedicated to the Aeolos Woodwind Quintet. The Aeolos Woodwind Quintet was formed in 2009 in Athens by leading woodwind soloists. Their aim is to draw attention to the rich Greek repertoire that remains largely unknown, promote Greek composers, and enrich the existing repertoire with commissions for new works.

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REVIEW:

If you do not readily connect Greece as a haven for Wind Quintets, you will be surprised and delighted to discover this disc of works from 20th century Greek composers. Vannis Constantinidis’s folk-music inspired piano collection, 44 Children’s Pieces on Greek Folk Tunes haa a simplicity to which he adds a degree of pungency when played by a wind quintet. Using a similar starting point, Takis Kalogeropoulos’s Epirote Chronicle is much more complex score, subjected to the added sounds of modern contemporary influences.

Alkis Baltas’s Little Suite, five contrasting movements lasting just over six minutes, gives members of the quintet some pleasing solo moments. Georgios Poniridis’s Quintet promises to be in ’absolute dissonance; don’t be put off, this is modernity in friendly guise that never offends the ear. A Blackbird in the Cricket’s Gorge, by Giorgos Koumendakis, is a charming work. Theodore Antoniou’s Second Wind Quintet is in his own sound world not far removed from tonality. Andreas Makris’s 1993 Woodwind Quintet goes all the way back to tonality in the West European culture.

The Greek-based Aeolos Woodwind Quintet are obviously a very fine group who sweep away technical demands, and individually are outstanding in solo passages. Very good and immediate sound quality.

– David's Review Corner (David Denton)