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Noel Lester, Recordings
Released fall 2009, a brand-new Christmas CD, featuring Noel Lester and his wife, violinist RoseAnn Markow Lester, his daughter, soprano Marie Lester Loy, and his son, double bassist David Lester. Selections include classics by Bach, Handel, Mozart, and others, as well as new arrangements for the Lester family by composer Wayne L. Wold. Contact Dr. Lester for availability.
"The Lesters' music is elegantly arranged, meticulously constructed and exquisitely performed." Richard Banks, Christmas Reviews.com. Read More...
The Lester/Roldán duo: A 30-Year Celebration, released in late 2006
This brand-new recording is a compilation of highlights from the 30-year career of duo pianists Noel Lester and Nancy Roldán. The CD is a mix of stellar live performances and studio recordings of two-piano works by Rachmaninoff, St. Saens, Arensky, Beethoven, Bizet and others. Available by Christmas, 2006. To purchase go to cdbaby.com.
A superb recording of some fine two-piano repertoire.
Reviewer: Tom Benjamin
This is a remarkably fine recording, which I recommend especially to all fans of two-piano music. The 4-hand and 2-piano repertoire is vast (much of it just practical arrangements of ensemble pieces), and the ensemble, articulation and balance issues daunting. This is not a medium for the faint-of-heart, and the fact that the Lester/Roldan Duo play so very well is testimony to their superb musicianship and technical polish. After many years of playing together they have honed their ensemble playing to a fair-thee-well; I know of no finer duo-piano team out there today. The repertoire on this album is very well selected, with something for everyone, and played with an unerring sense of style. I especially enjoyed the charming pieces by Arensky, Faure, Guastavino (what a fine composer!), Benjamin (no relation)and Dykstra; there is in this music a nostalgic quality to which these musicians respond with special sensitivity, expressively but without sentimentality or parody. Altogether a superb recording, and one which deserves a place in the library of all music lovers.
CDBaby.com
A Family Christmas With The Lesters, released fall 2005
"A Family Christmas With the Lesters" includes over an hour of Christmas music by such masters as Bach, Vivaldi, Tchaikovsky and Wesley. The disc, designed as a companion to Lester’s 2004 Christmas CD, "A Classical Christmas," also features cover artwork by the late Barry Richardson. To purchase go to cdbaby.com.
"Armed only with his piano, Dr. Lester can whip out a lot of
holiday sound. But this year he brought his whole family! Together, the
Lesters concoct a holiday treat richer than eggnog and more beautiful
than the perfect poinsettia. This is an extremely ambitious holiday offering.
It features a number of excellent, yet seldom heard works, while at the
same time being among the most accessible CDs I have heard in many years.
I recommend this CD for all listeners."
- Richard Banks, www.christmasreviews.com
“…beautiful classical music presented by a truly talented
family. This generous album…covers considerable ground and everything
is played with passion, elegance and style. Favorite tracks…include
the exotic, introspective ‘I Wonder As I Wander’ with its
intensely lovely violin/piano dialogue periodically yielding to Marie
Lester’s sweet soprano. ‘A Family Christmas With the Lester’
is a first-rate family experience.”
- Carol Swanson,www.christmasreviews.com.
To read the entire reviews, go to www.christmasreviews.com
“Virtuoso pianist Noel Lester and clan constitute Frederick’s
First Family of classical music. This musical power group recently came
together…as consummate musical professionals to create Lester’s
third compact disc for the Christmas season, “A Family Christmas
with the Lesters,” on RWYA Recordings. Lester, who is a master at
creating unusual and diverting programs, collected repertoire for this
album that would recreate the experience of a nineteenth-century family
concert on Christmas Eve. The selections are not meant for studious listening
so much as to present an echo of Christmas past, in which families gathered
around the parlor piano for some devotional music making.”
- Jan Holly, The Gazette (Frederick, MD)
A wonderful addition to any Christmas collection
Reviewer: Claire Hewett
This CD is perfect to listen to while gathered around the
fire with family and friends. Favorites include "Silent
Night" on the guitar and the festive "Go Tell it on the
Mountain" with an exciting drum line enthusiastically
executed by David Lester and an extaordinary high note from
soprano Marie Lester to end it with a "bang". Violin and
piano come together beautifully on "Ave Maria". The
narraration between the Nutcracker duets adds a special
holiday touch with a very grandfatherly-sounding voice
telling the story as if speaking to a group of children
gathered around him. This is a holiday must for anyone who
enjoys classical music or just good Christmas music in
general!
-
CDBaby.Com
Appalachian Wind Quintet, released fall 2005
Dr. Lester appears with the Appalachian Wind Quintet on their new CD of 19th Century music for winds. They perform Thulle's magnificent 30-minute Sextet, for piano, flute, oboe, clarinet, bassoon, and horn. Copies may be ordered from Dr. Lester of from Barbara Spicher, manager of the quintet (bspicher@frontiernet.net).
A Portrait of Noel Lester, Pianist, released fall 2004
This CD was released in conjunction with Noel Lester's 30th anniversary at Hood College. Proceeds from the sale of this CD will benefit music scholarships and prizes at Hood College. The CD contains nearly 80 music of classical selections, drawn from Dr. Lester's live recitals and radio broadcasts. Please contact Noel Lester directly (nlester@hood.edu) for purchase.
"'A Portrait of Noel Lester' is a user-friendly compilation
of appealing and unpretentious works performed by an appealing and unpretentious
pianist who cares how the great composers of the past might have wanted
their creative treasures to be realized."
- Jan Holly/The Gazette (MD).
A Classical Christmas, released fall 2004
“A Classical Christmas” includes nearly an hour of Christmas music by such masters as Bach, Mendelssohn, Liszt, Tchaikovsky and Brahms. The disc, designed as a companion to Lester’s 2001 Christmas CD, “A Christmas Fantasy,” also features cover artwork by the late Barry Richardson. To purchase go to www.cdbaby.com.
"How pleased do you think I was when I received word that Noel
Lester has released a second CD of Christmas music? My excitement meter,
on a scale of 1 to 10, was cranked up to 11. His performance of classical
works has the same energy and passion as his earlier performance of holiday
favorites. His ability to convey warmth and emotion through changes in
tempo and volume are as evident on this recording. I liked everything
about this recording, and I'm looking forward to hearing the next installment."
- Richard Banks, www.christmasreviews.com
To read the entire review of this CD, go to www.christmasreviews.com/wnoellester2.shtml
- Jan Holly, The Gazette (MD).
The Concert Rags of Brian Dykstra, released late 2003
“Noel Lester is an ideal interpreter of my music for piano.”
- Brian Dykstra
“exhilarating ...delicious...captivating...Lester’s pianism
extracts every teasing and affectionate nuance from Dykstra’s delightful
miniatures.”
- Donald Rosenberg/The Cleveland Plain Dealer
“Witty and urbane, he blithely fox-trops his way through ...
the torrid twists and turns, without so much as breaking a sweat. The
result is an energized escapade in sizzling and stylish pianism.”
- Jan Holly/The Gazette (MD)
"The 11 solo piano rags presented here are charming, unpretentious,
well crafted, and fair game for pianists interested in the genre. Noel
Lester's excellent pianism sensitively serves Dykstra's aesthetic...this
disc is a sure thing for ragtime buffs."
- Jed Distler, www.classicstoday.com
"Pianist Noel Lester communicates a carefree enjoyment of the
music, handling the piano very well. By that, I mean his playing is clean
(especially in the pedaling and balance of chords) and meets well the
technical and musical demands, going to a place of free musical expression.
There is a nice swing to his renderings, as in, say, 'Free Spirit,' 'Rag
in Blue,' and the jumpy little 'Caffeinated Rag.'"
- American Record Guide
A Christmas Fantasy — 27 Concert Carols by Jeanine Yeager. Released in July 2001 by RWYA Recordings. To purchase go to www.cdbaby.com.
“Noel Lester is a superb concert pianist whose fine musical sensitivity shines through his performance of these concert carol arrangements. The listener will be thrilled by his marvelous performance, the effect of which will remain in your heart for a long time.” - Jeanine Yeager
“Noel Lester’s A Christmas Fantasy is a richly textured and comprehensive treatment of sacred carols and traditional Christmas melodies. At 78 minutes and 27 favorite songs, Dr. Lester has maximized the real estate that can be covered on a single CD. More to the point, however, is the variety of moods he achieves in the process. Playing Jeanine Yeager's challenging and forthright arrangements, his treatments run the gamut from reverent to merry, from pensive to jolly, from cold, starlit Christmas Eve night to bright, shiny Christmas morning. Lester, a distinguished concert pianist, has put his talent and his soul into these songs. The evidence is in his emotionally nuanced rendering of each song, as well as his obviously adroit play. His play is tasteful without being stilted, spirited without being over-articulated, and sentimental without being mawkish or moody. Heard in foreground or background, Christmas music lovers will enjoy listening to his offering.” - Richard Banks, www.christmasreviews.com.
“Lester...has developed a reputation for exploring unusual corners of the pianist's repertory and mining them for gold. This time he has unearthed a collection that richly deserves a hearing. These arrangements...are uncomplicated in language and rich in substance, with pungent harmonies and luxuriant textures. Wrapped in the packaging of a direct and uniquely American idiom, they remain true to the spirit of the carols from which they are derived, neither detracting from nor interfering with the impact of their Christmas message — of optimism, renewal and generosity of spirit. Lester performs them with the finesse and meticulous attention to expressive detail that would be expected from a virtuoso of the first rank.” - Jan Holly, The Gazette (MD)
“This is the stuff I most want to hear while sitting transfixed by our sparkling Christmas Tree on Christmas Eve. Noel Lester ...fills his 78-minute A Christmas Fantasy; with truly wonderful arrangements of 27 carols.” - Gerry Gryzb, The Post-Crescent (Appleton, WI)
Purrfectly
Classical was released by Centaur Records in April 2001.
“You don’t have to be a cat person to enjoy the music
and performances on this CD. They are elegant, beautiful, sly, and silly,
just like the creatures they pay tribute to.” - James Miller,
Fanfare
“...most creative ...noteworthy collection ...music for the fun of it ...Lester tosses off these compositions with ease...and has assembled a cast of supporting players who bring their considerable talents, skills and virtuosic artistry to these gentle, lionine gems.” - Jan Holly The Gazette (MD)
Read customer reviews of this CD on Amazon.com
“Pianist Noel Lester’s CD features quick, scrappy, fun ragtime selections. Very old-school, very classy.” - Emily Sweeney, Townonline
“Lester turns out upbeat and boldly ...outlined performances, offering plenty of technical dazzle ... and plenty of air ... a delightful restorative ... warmly recommended.” - Peter J. Rabinowitz, Fanfare
“‘Syncopated Sensations’ is exactly what its name
implies: sensational music, sensationally performed.” - Jan
Holly, The Gazette (MD)
(You can listen to audio samples, and purchase this CD, at Amazon.com or TowerRecords.com.)
This title is now out of print; used copies may be purchased from Amazon.com
“...4 stars out of 4 ”... a wonderfully original sound.
The performances captured here, featuring Noel Lester on piano, are warm
and lively. They sparkle with the same excitement that Loeffer brought
to the continent all those years ago.” - AltaVista.Shopping
(You can listen to audio samples, and purchase this CD, at Amazon.com or TowerRecords.com.)
This title is now out of print; a limited number of new copies may be
purchased directly from Noel Lester.
“...More’s the credit to the Guilford Trio for enabling
us to hear some magnificent music ...a major acquisition to the repertoire.”
- Fanfare
“...a long overdue recording featuring Charles Martin Loeffler’s darkly brooding, beautifully wrought and grossly underrated songs.” - Fanfare
“This new recording restores a valuable period in the history of American music.” - Records International
“Fifteen (songs) are presented for the first time in this collection, and convince the listener of Loeffler’s compositional skills and of his original musical imagination. Deidra Palmour performs with deep feeling...and is well supported by the instrumentalists.” - Pluta, Klassik Heute (Germany)
"As a violist with friends who are singers, I am always looking for new repertoire. I was delighted to find these songs by Loeffler!The recording is fantastic- playful and dramatic as the songs call for, with a first-rate ensemble. The interplay between all the members of the group, their musicality, and technique really made me love this music and search for the scores." - Sonya Lawson, Amazon.com
"Exquisite! I, too, am a chamber musician. I first purchased this because I wanted to hear others' interpretations of these songs, having read through them once. After I first listened to this CD I sat there simply stunned by the musicianship, the technical brilliance and the heart and soul these musicians gave to this gorgeous music. If I had to give up all CD's but one, this would be the one I kept. As a result I have also been curious to know more about Mr. Loeffler, and purchased Ms. Knight's biography. This CD clearly opened a door and I'm grateful to those involved." —Susanna Branch, Amazon.com
"I just want to tell you how beautiful and gratifying I found your recording of Loeffler’s songs with obbligato instrument (as well as piano). I just listened to it again—I do every few months!—and was struck anew by the variety of the songs and the acuteness of the performances.
Deidra Palmour has an amazing voice, solid up and down the range, and compelling artistry. I’m very fussy about French pronunciation, but she really sounds like a native—she clearly understands what she’s singing! The piano parts for some of the songs are, as you know, nearly orchestral, and I’m glad the recorded balance, for once, didn’t put the piano in a closet. Yet one can hear the voice clearly—quite a feat, and my hat is off to the Koch engineers! The other instrumental parts are beautifully knit into the whole. I have written about Loeffler and his place in American music and studied some of these Loeffler songs closely—and listened to all available recordings of them. But this is definitely the recording that I tell people to get hold of as their first point of entry into that special half-Debussy, half-Richard-Strauss world that
Loeffler and only Loeffler was able to create."— Ralph P. Locke, Professor of Musicology, The Eastman School of Music
(You can listen to audio samples, and purchase this CD, at TowerRecords.com.)
“...an imaginative collection of ragtime music that goes far beyond the tried-and-true Scott Joplin.” - The Washington Post
(You can listen to audio samples, and purchase this CD, at Amazon.com or at TowerRecords.com.)
“Noel Lester has mined a rich lode of forgotten American literature for piano. He offers it with understanding, sympathy, and affection. Wholly free from condescension, his performances evoke the innocence of an earlier America, otherwise inaccessible to us. - S. Frederick Starr, author of Bamboula!
“Noel Lester’s poetic traversal of Lullabye Op. 10 (Centaur) augers well for a full Mason recital from this excellent pianist.” - S. Jed Distler/Classics Today.com
“All of the selections are skillfully written and rewarding to the listener. Lester and Roldán are admirable, playing with enthusiasm, excellent technique, and unity—and a feeling for the rhythms and colors of the music. Thoroughly enjoyable.” - American Record Guide
This recording is available through Centaur Records (phone 1-225-336-4877), or directly through Dr. Lester.
Noel Lester and Nancy Roldán recently celebrated their 25th anniversary as a performing duo and presented the world premiere of “Nancita and Noelito,” written for them by Brian Dykstra. Their recording of that work is included in Noel Lester’s new CD, The Concert Rags of Brian Dykstra.
Modern Starts is a Museum of Modern Art (MoMA) branded product composed of music genres that correlate to the MoMA2000 exhibitions.
Noel Lester appears amongst prestigious company on this compelling CD, including James Levine, Dawn Upshaw, Pierre Boulez, and others.
For more information, browse to:
http://www.museummusic.com/modern.html