Beverly Biggs – Discography
Released 2023: The Music of Edwin McLean (ALIENOR 84239)
This recording features harpsichordist Elaine Funaro, with Beverly Biggs (harpsichord) and Rebecca Pechefsky (harpsichord) in music for one, two, and three harpsichords, composed by Edwin McLean.
“Five stars: A spellbinding release, one that will surprise and delight in equal measure.” – Colin Clarke, Fanfare Magazine, 2023
Released 2017: uno, due, tre. Available from www.store.cdbaby.com
Contemporary music for one, two, and three harpsichords, with Elaine Funaro, Rebecca Pechefsky, and Beverly Biggs playing music by Mark Janello and Edwin McLean. uno, due, tre has been selected as a Critics Choice 2018 CD by American Record Guide.
ORDER the following recordings directly from Bravura Discs, 1530 E. 14th Avenue, Spokane, WA 99202. Phone 509-533-9593. Email david.dutton.17@gmail.com.
Age of Elegance David Dutton, oboe; Beverly Biggs, fortepiano. Music of Fauconier, Delibes, Mozart, Rubinstein, S. Foster, Lailliet, others. As researched in concert programs from the late 1800′s.
Age of Elegance in the American West was named one of the Outstanding New Releases of 1991 by CD Review
“Elegant, elegant, elegant!” – The Double Reed, Quarterly Journal, Winter 1991 – International Double Reed Society
“The Biggs – Dutton rendition of Stephen Foster’s “Jeanie with the Light Brown Hair” is as beautifully romantic as any ever recorded.” – The Robesonian (Lumberton, North Carolina)
Musette – French Baroque Favorites David Dutton, oboe & musette; Beverly Biggs, harpsichord. Music of F. Couperin, Delalande, Lully, Marais, Rameau, Philidor, de Lavigne
“The playing from both Dutton and Biggs is fluent, musically varied, and stylish throughout, showing expert command of such niceties as notes inégales, embellishment, and the lilt of French syntax in general.
“Three dance movements from Rameau’s 1724 collection of Pièces de Clavecin make an effective timbral contrast to the rest of the album. Beverly Biggs’ playing here virtually defines the qualities of the French clavecin school: elegance, fire, rubato, poise, and wonderful variety of touch.” – The Double Reed, Winter 1992
Christmas with Biggs & Dutton David Dutton, oboe; Beverly Biggs, harpsichord & fortepiano; Ann Fennessy, soprano; Wayne Smith, cello. Music of Leclair, Telemann, Bach, Balbastre, and others (includes traditional).
“This CD is full of gems to satisfy all . . . The CD opens with Tambourins by LeClair and gives Dutton a chance to show off his vibrant and solid technique . . . David and Beverly’s playing are equally impressive in the lyrical performances of such works as the Sinfonia from Cantata No. 156 by Bach, followed by a beautiful interpretation of an Arioso by the rococo composer Fiocco. Soprano Ann Fennessy, whose beautiful voice has always impressed me, adds some gorgeous interpretations of both well-known and unfamiliar carols.
“Much of the CD was recorded in the Oysterville Church on the Long Beach peninsula in south-western Washington state, which was built in 1892. The acoustics are perfect for recording, with just the right balance between presence and distance to the sound. In the program notes David Dutton describes the experience of recording there:
” ‘With only a lamp and one small stand light, recording at night in the darkness of the historical Oysterville Church was a very special experience for us. As I sat there . . . with the wind blowing gently across Willapa Bay towards the church, the magic of the moment and place transformed the time. I could not help wishing that all our friends could be there to share that moment with us.’
“The final rendition of Silent Night by Biggs and Dutton does indeed capture that moment about as well as a recording ever can. This is a beautiful CD and I recommend it strongly to you.” – Double Reed International Journal, 1995
Parisian Nights Beverly Biggs, fortepiano; William Davis, bassoon; David Dutton, oboe. Music of Rossini, Donizetti, Gatterman, Jancourt and Brod, as heard in Paris in the early 1800′s. SOLD OUT.
Parisian Nights “is a delightful collection of opera-inspired works dating from 19th century Paris. The playing by all three performers is superb. This is a marvelous period-piece recording.” – Double Reed International Journal
La Cenerentola Beverly Biggs, 1840 concert grand fortepiano; William Davis, bassoon; David Dutton, oboe. Music from Rossini’s popular opera, Cinderella, presented – as was customary during the period – in a concert arrangement for period piano, bassoon and oboe. Order the CD today!
“This is a world premiere recording of Rossini’s operatic version of the Cinderella story transcribed for double reed trio and played masterfully here by David Dutton, William Davis and Beverly Biggs. According to the program notes, this project, which took many years to bring to fruition, is in the tradition of the French school of the nineteenth century, where it was common to adapt operas by such composers as Rossini and Donizetti for double reed trio. The delightful music of Rossini shows through in all its glory in this recording. All three performers are on top of their game.” – The Double Reed, Winter 2004
ORDER recordings directly from Bravura Discs, 1530 E. 14th Avenue, Spokane, WA 99202. Phone 509-533-9593. Email david.dutton.17@gmail.com.
uno, due, tre is available from www.store.cdbaby.com.