Album

Following his 2002 CD Music for Saxophone and Orchestra, for which he performed demanding vehicles by Debussy, Glazunov, Ibert, Milhaud, and Villa-Lobos, Theodore Kerkezos turns to more expressly lyrical fare for this 2004 release. While these six ballades may be less overtly virtuosic than the earlier disc's concertos, they provide different challenges for the performer, not least among them the ability to maintain timbral consistency over a wide range and breath control in exceptionally long phrases. Kerkezos is clearly a skilled saxophonist, and his polished performances demonstrate both phenomenal technique and expressive depth. His program is a fine showcase for his talents and is fairly enjoyable for its variety, though the works are not especially deep or moving. The best-known selections are Ravel's Pièce en forme de habanera and Piazzola's Tango Suite, and these pleasant pieces are the disc's biggest attractions. Less familiar and inviting are the serious, concerto-like Ballades by Henri Tomasi and Frank Martin; and, obscure outside saxophone circles, the mournful Ballade by Dimitris Dragatakis and the flashy Czárdás by Pedro Iturralde receive their world-premiere recordings here. These minor works may appeal more to saxophone teachers and students than to a general audience. Naxos provides clear and vibrant sound.

© Blair Sanderson, All Music Guide

CD 1
Henri Tomasi Composer Ballade, for alto saxophone and orchestra Work Roberto Minczuk Conductor, London Philharmonic Orchestra Orchestra, Theodore Kerkezos Saxophone
1	Ballade, for alto saxophone and orchestra	15:31			$2.49
Frank Martin Composer Ballade, for saxophone, for alto sax, strings, piano and percussion Work Roberto Minczuk Conductor, London Philharmonic Orchestra Orchestra, Theodore Kerkezos Saxophone
2	Ballade, for saxophone, for alto sax, strings, piano and percussion	14:45			$2.49
Maurice Ravel Composer Pièce en forme de Habanera, for violin and piano Work Roberto Minczuk Conductor, London Philharmonic Orchestra Orchestra, Theodore Kerkezos Saxophone
3	Pièce en forme de Habanera, for violin and piano (arr. saxophone and orchestra)	3:04			$0.99
Astor Piazzolla Composer The Rough Dancer and the Cyclical Night, tango suite for chamber orchestra Work Roberto Minczuk Conductor, London Philharmonic Orchestra Orchestra, Theodore Kerkezos Saxophone
4	Preludio (Tango apasionado)	1:34			$0.99
Astor Piazzolla Composer María de Buenos Aires (operetta) Work 3:30 Roberto Minczuk Conductor, London Philharmonic Orchestra Orchestra, Theodore Kerkezos Saxophone
5	Fuga	2:11			$0.99
6	Misterio	1:19			$0.99
Astor Piazzolla Composer Fugata, tango for saxophone and orchestra Work Roberto Minczuk Conductor, London Philharmonic Orchestra Orchestra, Theodore Kerkezos Saxophone
7	Fugata, tango for saxophone and orchestra	2:26			$0.99
Astor Piazzolla Composer Oblivion, tango for chamber ensemble Work Roberto Minczuk Conductor, London Philharmonic Orchestra Orchestra, Theodore Kerkezos Saxophone
8	Oblivion, tango for chamber ensemble	4:58			$0.99
Astor Piazzolla Composer Adiós nonino, tango for chamber ensemble Work Roberto Minczuk Conductor, London Philharmonic Orchestra Orchestra, Theodore Kerkezos Saxophone
9	Adiós nonino, tango for chamber ensemble	6:50			$0.99
Astor Piazzolla Composer Libertango, tango for chamber ensemble Work Roberto Minczuk Conductor, London Philharmonic Orchestra Orchestra, Theodore Kerkezos Saxophone
10	Libertango, tango for chamber ensemble	2:42			$0.99
Dimitris Dragatakis Composer Ballade for saxophone & strings (Lullaby) Work Roberto Minczuk Conductor, London Philharmonic Orchestra Orchestra, Theodore Kerkezos Saxophone
11	Ballade for saxophone & strings (Lullaby)	2:56			$0.99
Pedro Iturralde Composer Arrangement of Pequena Czarda, for saxophone Work Roberto Minczuk Conductor, London Philharmonic Orchestra Orchestra, Theodore Kerkezos Saxophone
12	Arrangement of Pequena Czarda, for saxophone	7:35			$1.49