Serenade: Music of John Heiss
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The lifelong musical collaboration between composer John Heiss and flutist Fenwick Smith is highlighted in this recording of seven works for flute.

This recording presents seven works for flute by composer John Heiss. The flute is partnered by piano, cello, harp, and chamber orchestra and the compositions span 50 years. While Heiss has primarily composed music for flute, he also has written works for orchestra, voice, chorus, and chamber ensembles. The seven works on this recording comprise an important strand in his output, particularly in the way they trace his compositional development. Heiss studied at Lehigh University, Columbia and Princeton. He has taught at the New England Conservatory for almost 50 years, directing the NEC contemporary ensemble as well as teaching composition, flute, and music history. Flutist Fenwick Smith was a member of the Boston Symphony Orchestra's flute section from 1978 to 2006 and a member of the New England Conservatory faculty from 1982 until 2012. A long-time member of Boston Musica Viva, his lifetime achievements as a flutist are legendary. Smith and Heiss have enjoyed a lifelong collaboration and this recording is a fitting encomium to their long and productive musical partnership.
Contents:
John Heiss, composer
Four Lyric Pieces
Fenwick Smith, flute

John Heiss, composer
Sonatina
Fenwick Smith, flute; Martin Amlin, piano

John Heiss, composer
Five Pieces for Flute & Cello
Fenwick Smith, flute; Natasha Brofsky, cello

John Heiss, composer
Chamber Concerto
Fenwick Smith, flute; New England Conservatory Contemporary Ensemble; John Heiss, conductor

John Heiss, composer
Whimsies
Fenwick Smith, flute; Martin Amlin, piano

John Heiss, composer
Soliloquy
Fenwick Smith, flute; Martin Amlin, piano

John Heiss, composer
Serenade
Fenwick Smith, flute; Franziska Huhn, harp

Review:
"It would be difficult to praise the flute artistry of Fenwick Smith too highly…All of the supporting artists are likewise first-rate, as is the recorded sound. This CD comes with at least a four-star rating, although I'm not sure what Fanfare's maximum number of stars is. Whatever it is, this CD received it." (Fanfare)
"This is a beautifully, professionally produced disc of some fascinating music. There is only a small amount of music by John Heiss on the Fanfare Archive, which is surprising given the expertise of his music, and its eloquent craftsmanship coupled with its approachability." (Fanfare)