Beyond Noend With Errante

F. Gerard Errante is an accomplished clarinetist who has performed extensively in the United States and internationally, focusing on contemporary composition. Here, he is featured in a highly attractive set of what appears at first blush to embody "classical crossover," but which is actually an exciting blend of black stick, synthesizers, and electronics in settings ranging from pastoral to vigorously adventurous. Errante boasts a full, sweet tone, and he negotiates some prickly passages that test his abilities. Pieces include a daring and emotional memorial to humanitarian Phil Egart, entitled "Silent Tears"; the second movement of a gorgeous sonata by Jack Delano originally written for viola; and a fascinating movement from Mark Carlson's "The Hall of Mirrors," incorporating a kind of fusion of pop and classical elements. The electronic elements are tastefully added, so that the overall effect has a serious, though engagingly modern ring.