This latest release by Trio Sonata [Anton Kuskin, flute; Judith Dansker, oboe; Robert Phelps,guitar] follows in their tradition of mixing old and new styles and periods of music. The programming is eclectic and highly enjoyable with a mix of solos, duos and trios.
The Lauro works are well known to almost all guitarists and remain perennial favorites. Phelp's rendition is less boisterous than some, bringing out more of the lyrical quality that hides inside all Lauro's works, even the most rhythmic. His approach is in keeping with the overall tenor of the disc.
The Handel Sonata is a lovely choice to end the disc. It has great expressive variety, showcasing the ensemble's cohesiveness and taste.
The recording quality is very good with enough "room sound" to give the impression of space, but not so much that clarity is sacrificed. The overall sound is slightly distanced with a live-performance ambiance. The balance between instruments is excellent with no sense of artificial heightening of the guitar to bring it to the level of the other instruments. We are also not given the impression that the flute and oboe are holding back to accommodate the guitar's slightly more limited dynamic range. The CD is a polished and enjoyable addition to the discography of the guitar.
-John Holmquist (Soundboard - The magazine of The Guitar Foundation of America)

Ernst Krenek - Twelve Tone Miniatures (GG-1016)

"Listener's interested in exploring Krenek's piano music should go on to. . .the 12-tone Miniatures on Gasparo GG-1016 (July/August 1998). . ."
-Mark L. Lehman (American Record Guide)

Simon Sargon - A Clear Midnight (GSCD-333)

Sargon's song cycleWaves of the Sea (performed mezzo-soprano Virginia Dupuy & accompanied by the composer) has been awarded the National Association of Teachers of Singing Art Song Prize.

The Art of Yolanda Marcoulescou (GG3-1004 - a 3CD set)

"Of considerable interest is Gasparo's three-disc retrospective of French repertoire by the fascinating Romanian soprano Yolanda Marcoulescou, reigning diva at the Bucharest Opera from 1948-1968, before fleeing the Comunists and joining the faculty of the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee in 1974. The lovely operatic excerpts were made in 1968 in Romania. . . and the fascinating collection of French songs were made from the 1970s onward with her long-time and marvelous collaborator, pianist Katja Phillabaum.
These two artists achieved a mystical meeting of mind and soul throughout their exploration of [these songs]. Her voice has great humanity, charm, perfect intonation. . .and her understanding of the deep meaning of a song makes this set not only a source of pleasure, but also a tutor for approaching this repertoire. If you want to hear what her voice was in its prime, you have only to turn to the opera excerpts to enjoy her soaring high hotes and fleet fioritura, all slathered with wit, charm, and playfulness. Gasparo has spiffed up audio production values. . .as much as humanly possible, but even if this collection were on scratchy 78-rpm discs, I would want to have it around."
-Susan Larson (Journal of Singing, -NATS)

Vox Femina - Music of Dan Welcher (GSCD-314)

"Works of that colorful and literate composer Dan Welcher get some performances in Gasparo's CD 'Vox Femina' at the capable hands of soprano Judith Kellock. . .as always, a rock-solid vocalist and musician. . .she exploits her instrument to the fullest, declaiming the strong texts with great energy and variety of utterance. Welcher calls these strong songs a "ceremonial concertpiece," written in homage to the "Ewigweibliche." Also on this beautifully produced disc are Welcher.s 'Seven Songs on poems of e.e. cummings.'"
-Susan Larson (Journal of Singing, -NATS)