Neprud-Ardovino, Lori, "Compact Disc Reviews", The Clarinet [Journal of the International Clarinet Association], Vol. 26, No. 1, Dec. 1998, p. 87-89
Who Nose. Bernhard Röthlisberger, clarinet; Simon Andres, piano. Works by Gershwin, Bernstein, Schnyder, Bolli, Agrell, Horovitz. GALLO CD-951 (distributed by Albany Music Distributors, Inc.)
...The most exciting piece is Jeffrey Agrell's Aviary Divertimento (1997). This seven-movement work was written for Röthlisberger. Each movement depicts a particular type of bird. The first movement, "Hummingbird Toccata," is performed on Eb clarinet. The movement is an example of perpetual motion, very fast moving, with high trills. Somewhat larger birds, as in movement two, the "March of the Penguins," which is jazzy, heavier sounding, and almost plodding, is played on the Bb clarinet. In "Toucan Calypso" we imagine ourselves in a tropical paradise with the calypso fell prevailing. The movement begins with percussion effects using the body of the piano, soon enters the clarinet, accompanied by the percussive sounds. The right hand of the piano provides a very simple accompaniment. In "Raven's Blues," using the bass clarinet, Röthlisberger "crows" out the line with a distinct blues flavor. The movement is rough and aggressive. There is some use of multiphonics and slap tonguing. "Canary Cadenza" is rather high, yet songful, played on unaccompanied Bb clarinet, showing the skillful and virtuostic technique displayed by Röthlisberger. "Elegy for the Dodo" laments an extinct bird, with the clarinet rather rough, almost plodding in character. There is use of multiphonics and slap tonguing. "Blackbird Boogie" is true to the title, showing boogie-woogie figures in the piano. It is exciting and the clarinet is all over the range. The piano and clarinet trade twos toward the close of the movement, followed by a short fugal-like section. Of all the works on this CD, Aviary Divertimento is the most intriguing and overall fun. The performer must, however, be able to adjust to the various clarinets (Eb, Bb and bass) with relative ease, and be quite virtuostic on each. This is a new work and its first recording. Blues for D.D., also by Agrell, was originally for oboe and was dedicated to Diana Doherty. This three-minute arrangement was done in 1997 for clarinet and piano, and is also recorded here for the first time. ...I highly recommend this CD.
Scharnberg, William, “Music Reviews,” The Horn Call [Journal of the
International Horn Society], XXI:1, November 2000, p. 83-84.
... Created as a “crowd pleaser” for a professional-level quintet, Circus
Etudes is best suited for the end of a recital. ... The flute, oboe, and
clarinet have the most technically challenging lines, yet all performers are
kept active. Hornists who have performed Jan Bach’s Skizzen for Woodwind
Quintet will find these movements similar in humor and difficulty. To carry
the comparison one step further, it might be possible to enhance the circus
atmosphere by creating visual backdrops. Certainly the audience should
either see or hear the program notes. With or without extra effects, Circus
Etudes will be enjoyed by all.
The jazz-inspired encore [Blues for D.D.]... was a little gem, a showpiece
for extravagant, virtuostic technique and individual interpretive style.
- The Australian
Rhythm Suite by Jeffrey Agrell captures a wide variety of textural and rhythmic executrices displayed by clarinet and marimba. This four movement work features each player in a variety of rhythmic complexities and tonal inter workings. This is a great work for professionals and experienced students.
-Stefan Ice
"Oh, No!": good, rich, fine, fun, effective. Our quintet has played it 4 times now. Thanks from all of us. It has become repertoire.
- The Wisconsin Brass Quintet
"Oh, No!" has become a quintet favorite. We've been performing it on almost every concert we've done for the past month or so. (That's about 8 concerts.) It's a lot of fun to play and the audience always gets a kick out of it too. It's a real crowd pleaser. Thanks for writing it!
-Quantum Brass
"Oh, No!" will be the finale number on our program. One thing for sure - we really like the piece! It is a very cool chart!!
- Brassafrass Quintet
I enjoyed "Jive Concerto" very much. I previously had the pleasure of hearing my young trombone students at the Guildhall School of Music playing your "Gospel Time". This was one of their real favourites and inspired them to do some really hard work.
-Christopher Mowat, Brass Wind Publications and Guildhall School of Music
