Reviews and Comments |
"David Baptist's compositions
for horn ensemble are wonderful! We here at NAU have commissioned several
pieces from him for different combinations of horns. The pieces he has
written for us have been gems for the student ensemble to prepare. Being
a horn player himself, Dave is a master of writing idiomatically for the
instrument in all of it's ranges and styles. Our horn ensemble has showcased
several of his works on our concerts in the region. Dave's music is inventive
harmonically, but very listenable, which the students as well as the audience
appreciate. Dave's jazz/studio background helps him to take ideas from
many styles and synthesize and harmonize a piece with a new and individual
twist. These pieces are alot of fun and I highly recommend them!"
...Dr. Nancy Sullivan, Professor of Music, Northern Arizona University
Hornist with the Flagstaff Symphony Orchestra
Director of NAU Horn Ensemble
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"...There are people who advertise themselves as arrangers...many times, in my experience, they bandy about the terms arranger, orchestrator, composer as is they were 'learnable' things like bike riding, channel surfing and making an egg sandwich. For those of us who understand the difference between 'music' and 'noise', David Baptist is one of the most gifted and unique writers I have ever known..."
REGARDING FULL ORCHESTRA COMPOSITIONS
"I have been able to perform many
of Dave's wonderful compositions with the Flagstaff Symphony Orchestra,
in which we are colleagues. The orchestra has played several things which
have been well, written, creatively challenging and enjoyed by both audience
and performers alike..."
Dr. Nancy Sullivan, Professor of Music, Northern Arizona University
Hornist with the Flagstaff Symphony Orchestra
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"The Sedona Waltz...was a delight. (David Baptist)
the composer certainly captured the myriad spirits of Sedona in the music
and...its echoes of other cultures."
...Mary Guaraldi, Flagstaff Daily Sun
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"David Baptist's Christmas arrangements for horn quartet are quite
simply, a LOT of fun to play. As a horn player, the arranger has used his
first hand knowledge in order to challenge hornists of any level to perfect
their abilities in all ranges of the horn, as well as all ranges of styles.
There's much to choose from: soft-shoe, swing, marches and classical styles
- wonderful to play as well as listen to. They're a fresh and tasteful
look (or is that listen?) at the standards of Christmas that everyone loves
again and again each yuletide season. These delightful arrangements will
keep you smiling as he blends unique harmonies together and leaves you
wishing for more. Finally, something great for the horn quartet to play
and perform.
...Todd K. Frazier, Horn, Seattle Symphony Orchestra
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"David Baptist is the most brilliant and talented composer
and arranger of our age."
...Tracey Downes-Baptist, His Wife
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"My uncle, David Baptist, is the most talented musician
that I have ever met. He is hysterical at any given moment of the day,
but.............he has no hair. I think he loves video games more than
me (which I didn't think was possible until I got a call from him, Christmas
of '97, asking if he should get a Playstation or a Nintendo 64.) A few
weeks ago I was given a report to write about the most influencial man
in my life (which I hope is included in this review) and I wrote about
Uncle Dave.
...Craig Anderson, his nephew
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