ANIMATO - JASMIN KOLBERG. It is with great honor that I tell you my
impressions and feelings about this new CD. I was immediately impressed
with the incredible sound of the marimba on this recording, and sense
that there is a wonderful aura and depth of musicianship and artistry
being presented.
What an amazing musical treat it is to hear Jasmin Kolberg and Eric
Sammut collaborate on this now famous composition - Rotation II. Their
performance is simply stunning. Finally there exists a recording of my
Two Mexican Dances that is not only played perfectly, but is also
inspired musically. She plays them with a simplicity and clarity of
sound and vision that is wonderfully refreshing.
The same clarity, vision and sound properly lead us through the process
of the great Gm Fugue of Bach. Her musicianship always pays homage to
the musical content, without a trace of excessive and unnecessary
bravura or emotion. In all the performances of Bach's music on this
CD, there is impeccable voicing, attention to voice leading, and
flawless playing with great class and musical taste. She emerges out of
this CD as a sophisticated interpreter of the music of Bach.
In Burritt's Caritas, which is an intensely personal and expressive
composition, Ms. Kolberg again shows us the true depth of her
marimbistic, musical and expressive powers. You should be convinced
that this CD contains some of the most beautiful marimba sounds you have
ever heard. Jasmin Kolberg produces deep and very strong sounds
without ever being harsh or brittle. Her sense of variety of accent and
articulation is great!
The Tournier composition certainly leaves us wanting more, and there is
a wonderfully balanced and blended sound between the marimba and cello.
The duo performance of the Piazzolla is as good as exists, showing a
great deal of sensitivity and the ability to shape one section into
another to create a whole. There is also a driving, exciting and
brilliant performance of Schmitt's Ghanaia. Ms. Kolberg's composition
Kalimbob has great depth, power and intensity, which bring this most
exciting CD to a close.
If I were to say that Jasmin Kolberg's ANIMATO should receive a Grammy,
some people might think I was not being serious. But they wouldn't know
how much I love the marimba - and this CD. Thanks, Jasmin!!
Gordon Stout