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Laurel Zucker & Mark Shapiro: Master Music for Flute & Piano

By Keith Hannaleck

Artist: Laurel Zucker & Mark Shapiro
Title: Master Music for Flute & Piano
Genre: Classical
Label: Cantilena Records
Website: www.laurelzucker.com
Purchase this CD: CD Baby

The long time team of Laurel Zucker & Mark Shapiro unite once again on a selection of compositions from influential composers Cesar Franck, Gabriel Faure, Claude Debussy, Franz Schubert, and Maurice Ravel on Master Music for Flute & Piano.

The title of the recording befits the 19 compositions covered on this comprehensive outing. Schubert gets extensive coverage through seven variations and the “Theme – Trochne Blumen.” While I found the entire recording beautifully done and valid, this particular broad honoring of Debussy is the most prolific and ever changing on the CD. The then the two main compositions are by Cesar Franck, which the artists feel is the most important classic. The flute and piano playing of Ms. Zucker and Mr. Shapiro are as usual, beyond reproach.

The consistency of the compositions is remarkable. I found the music sweeping and it left me mesmerized, unable to concentrate on anything else for very long. Of course, this would be the objective of any entertainer, and this marvelous couple does a fine job of capturing the essence and purpose of the original composer’s meaning.

Once again, I found myself captivated by classical music. What makes it all that much sweeter is that its independent classical musical on the label of the artist. Shapiro and Zucker serve as an inspiration to all artists from every genre on the globe. This is how you do it the indie way with class and style.

Reviewed - November 12, 2006

Tracks:

01. Cesar Franck Sonata -Allegro ben moderato
02. Cesar Franck Sonata- Allegro
03. Cesar Franck Sonata- Recitativo Fantaisia
04. Cesar Franck Sonata- Allegretto poco mosso
05. Maurice Ravel - piece en Forme de Habanera
06. Gabriel Faure - Morceau de Concourse
07. Claude Debussy - The Little Shepherd
08. Franz Schubert - Introduction & Variations on a Theme from Mulle
09. Schubert - Theme -Trochne Blumen
10. Schubert - variation 1
11. Schubert - variation 2
12. Schubert - variation 3
13. Schubert - variation 4
14. Schubert - variation 5
15. Schubert - variation 6
16. Schubert - variation 7
17. Darius Milhaud Sonatine - Tendre
18. Milhaud - Souple
19. Milhaud - Clair

About the Author:

Keith Hannaleck, known as “MuzikMan” is a Journalist specializing in independent and major music reviews and the promotion of artists via the various media outlets flourishing online. He has worked closely with artists, management, publicity directors, and webmasters to provide some of the best and far-reaching coverage an artist could have. Focusing primarily on the internet as a medium for his work, Keith has been a pioneer in the industry changing the way a reviewer with his various talents are used by many artists, PR folks, and labels. He has provided strong and valuable work to labels, artists, and publicity people, writing reviews, press releases, and biographies and much more over the years, giving the people he works with the maximum amount of exposure through several top-notch websites that post his content on their sites.

Hannaleck built and maintained his own website in 1998 while networking and building his reputation through thousands of reviews and interviews, creating a special niche for himself. Through many years of dedication and hard work, he has reached a respected level of competence and knowledge that is frequently sought by the music industry today. Known for his speaking from the heart interpretations of music and being able to put it in layman’s terms for music fans, his work is found everywhere in cyberspace and in traditional print media, from press kits to quotes from reviews in magazine advertisements.