"Good is a product of the ethical and spiritual artistry of individuals; it cannot be mass-produced." - Aldous Huxley, writer

There are certain constants in a Steven Mead recording. Stunning musicianship, the absolute model of what a euphonium should sound like, technique and range like no other, crystal-clear quality of recording, and brand new repertoire for the instrument. As with the previous four volumes from this euphonium virtuoso, this disc brings to life brand new repertoire presented in one of the most satisfying musical packages to date. The combination of styles and composers not only makes this a great reference for previously unreleased recordings, but also is a very enjoyable listening experience from start to finish.

At almost eighty minutes, this disc gives the listener a very intense musical menu from which to choose from. From the Fantasy by Hummel to the A La Suite Classique by Ito, there is something for everyone to sample.

Also boasting the new Concerto for Euphonium No. 2 by Philip Sparke, the recording is a delight to the ears, proving quite jazzy at times. Howard Snell's Four Bagatelles are recorded here for the first time. These four short pieces are a great addition to any program, and are presented exquisitely by the soloist. Also included is his Dream Nocturne, which plays beautifully to the strengths of the euphonium and will undoubtedly be performed the world over by many soloists.

There are many composers who have contributed works for the euphonium, but not many have written as much repertoire as Yasuhide Ito. On this disc there are no less than three pieces by the composer, and most surprisingly show three completely different sides to this writer. His Prelude brings the lyrical qualities of the instrument to the forefront and simply allows Steven to sing to us for a bit. While Steven is famous for his multi-tracking abilities on his Euphonium Magic series of albums, we are given a short taste of this technique on Ito's 4 Euphoniums For You. Joined on this piece by Lucy Haslar on harp, this piece excites the listener with an interesting combination never heard before. Finally the A La Suite Classique is a multi-movement work that presents various dance forms in stylized versions of themselves, which are entertaining and educational for the listener.

Joseph Turrin is a friend to brass performers with his steady outpouring of new works. His Prelude, written for Jason Ham, requires great technical dexterity, but still provides the soloist with a vehicle for showing off his ability to change the color of the instrument rapidly. Also in the same vein, Torstein Aagaard-Nilsen's Lokk from the Green Island is another great work by this composer stretching the musical boundaries on the instrument and performer, as well as the listener.

Absolute Reality by Peter Meecham is quite reflective given the inspiration for the piece is the attacks on the United States on September 11, 2001. One of the greatest tools that a composer can use is to make the listener think about the music that they are hearing. Every person will have a different reaction to this piece, and that is quite possibly what makes it so unique and wonderful.

Rounding out the disc is Thomas Ruedi's rendition of Gaspar Cassadó's Danse Du Diable Vert, or the Dance of the Green Devil. Always a showman, Steve likes to end in style - and this is a great ending to a fine program. Lyrical at times, but ending in a flash of fireworks this is truly a superb piece of music.

In conclusion this is simply a great recording. The combination of Steven Mead and Tomoko Sawano on piano makes for a delightful combination that simply can't be matched! The chosen works compliment each other but at the same time provide something for every listener's ear. A truly international buffet of choices! Certainly with the final installment of the World of the Euphonium series on the Polyphonic label; Steven does not disappoint, but rather leaves us wanting a Volume 6!

- Pat Stuckemeyer - Potenza Music - review for www.tubanews.com - December 2006