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'CROSSFADE.' Patrick Hardish: Duo (1980) ~~ Jo Kondo: Aquarelle (1990) ~~ Ralph Shapey: Gottlieb Duo (1984) ~~ Stuart S. Smith: Links #6 (Song Interiors) ~~ (1984--1989) ~~ Christian Wolff: Rosas (1990). The Hoffmann/Goldstein Duo. Capstone Records CPS-8691 (60:34)
As an intimate collaborative art form, chamber music can provide an ideal medium for the expression of individual talents, as well as the synergy of joint efforts. And while chamber ensembles may have the potential to bring out the best in their constituent members, this is nowhere more evident than when the "ensemble" of musicians only consists of a majority of two, as in the case of The Hoffman/Goldstein Duo. Acknowledged virtuosic veterans of the new-music scene for more than two decades, pianist Paul Hoffman and percussionist Tom Goldstein amply demonstrate the intensity and power of their individual and combined talents in their very beautifully-recorded recent release under the Capstone label.
The last track is the outstanding work and highpoint on this recent Capstone release, a work that this reviewer considers to be a masterpiece in own right: Duo, by Patrick Hardish. Indeed, through an amazing economy of means, Hardish has created a thoroughly engaging and beautiful contemporary work, full of force, intelligence and an exquisite sense for the appropriately chosen and timed sonority. As a work that clearly understands and has met the dialectical challenge mentioned earlier, this work is worthy of immense admiration. In addition, one cannot imagine how anyone could improve on this truly magnificent performance of the work. Finally, although the works performed on this recording are of vastly varying quality, it is also clear, nonetheless, that the high quality and artistry of The Hoffmann/Goldstein Duo consistently come through loud and clear on this recording.
[The rest of the review appears in the End of Year 2001 issue of NMC. Please click on HOW TO SUBSCRIBE]