Reviews of the CD
Amazing Grace: An American Tapestry
Eroica Classical Recordings: www.eroica.com

Amazing Grace: An American Tapestry
Donna Wissinger, flute     Jon Klibonoff, piano

The light sounds coming from flutist Donna Wissinger do indeed give special meaning to some of the quaint and important American anthems that show up on the 65 minute, 23 track CD.

Helped by gifted pianist Jon Klibonoff, the Tapestry weaves with soft skill among the fabric of many composers who have defined this land of ours. There are even some surprises. One might expect Aaron Copland to head the pack with his sweet 'Simple Gifts', measured beautifully, breath for breath, by Ms. Wissinger; and of course Copland's 'Duo for Flute and Piano' needs to be here if only from sheer definition of the course offered. A dramatic piece with plenty of room for flute solos.

Some of this I have never heard before. Truly, the 2 tracks by Peter Schickele, a.k.a. P. D. Q. Bach, are probably worth the cover charge alone. Known for taking the air out of opera and classical works, it is actually a rather sublime pleasure to hear 'Pleasant Song No. 1 & 2' out of any comic context. Who would've thought such lovely ballads would've come from the pen of that wacky master! Of course, it IS the way Donna plays them.

Barber's 'Canzone' is equally gentle, 3 minutes of dislocated harmony brought into check through accomplished collaboration between wind and keys. I wish this one could go on for half an hour.

Luckily there is something for everyone on this release, from the famed Bernstein 'Somewhere' set to the fans of original or not well known compositions like 'Orange and Blue Rag' by Stella Sung, based on the University of Florida tune. Football fight songs were never like this: breezy, flavored, simply frolicsome.