Steve Markoff and Patricia Lazzara (feat. Allison Brewster Franzetti)

The hushed and thoughtful grace I hear working in Steve Markoff and Patricia Lazzara’s “Gabriel’s Oboe” is rare in modern music today. I doubt if anyone could bring this composition taken from composer Ennio Morricone’s film score for the 1986 movie The Mission to life in the near ethereal way Markoff and Lazzara do. They are accompanied by pianist Allison Brewster Franzetti and these three musicians spellbind their live audience during an August 2020 performance of the track. The principals involved directed the show’s profits towards supporting the Randolph Regional Animal Shelter in Mendam, New Jersey. 

URL: https://www.lazzarkoff.com/ 

It didn’t need any special cause, however. It is apparent from the outset that Markoff, Lazzara, and Franzetti are interested in creating musical art just as much as benefitting the aforementioned animal shelter and the delicate craftsmanship in their playing appeals to the listener’s imagination without overplaying its hand. The chemistry between two flutists doesn’t necessarily announce itself \in an overt way but Lazzara and Markoff weave their lines together. The interweaving of evolving melody lines, from the flutist and pianist alike, holds my attention from the start. It is clear to my ears these musicians are with every moment of this performance; their take on Morricone’s piece isn’t inert, but it is exact while the musicians still allow it room to breathe. 

 ALLISON BREWSTER FRANZETTI: https://www.facebook.com/allison.franzetti 

The inclusion of Franzetti’s piano is crucial for the song’s success. Her complementary piano playing blends in well with the alto flute and flute from Markoff and Lazzara respectively. She doesn’t have a heavy touch on the instrument and her quicksilver movement across the key has a naturalness that sounds like someone “feeling” the music rather than just playing the notes. The three players are well-served by Dmitry Varelas’ arrangement for the performance. It isn’t an overly involved arrangement and emphasizes melodic virtues over even a hint of audacious turns or showmanship. Markoff and Lazzara are well-respected. 

The duo is working on an album entitled Romances in Blue for a fall 2020 release. It follows up their November 2019 outing Timeless and they’ve garnered praise from respected outlets such as Fanfare Magazine and an assortment of critics. Lazzara has built her reputation on work as a chamber and orchestral musician, soloist, and a nine-album discography. She has garnered several awards during her professional career and it isn’t a stretch to expect more forthcoming. Her appearances at five-star venues such as the Kennedy Center and Carnegie Hall further mark her as superior musician in a world rife with talent. Her ability to stand out from the pack deserves our respect. 

 HEAR NOW: https://lazzarkoff.hearnow.com/ 

I haven’t seen The Mission in many years. “Gabriel’s Oboe” makes me want to sit down again and take it the film, a lesser known work these days, but it draws my attention to Morricone as well. The sensitive rendition of this piece shows off the great interpretative powers of these three musicians and the immense respect they have for Ennio Morricone’s work. I believe anyone who admires beautiful music and possesses an open mind will enjoy this track. 

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Trace Whittaker

Newcastle-upon-Tyne

9/2020