The title tune from Charlie Schlueter’s new CD is a beautiful piece, written for Charlie by Eric Ewazen. "A Song From the Heart" (premiered by Charlie) was commissioned by Marsha Caron for the occasion of the retirement of her husband, Dennis Caron. Dennis and Marsha are co-founders of the Charles Schlueter Foundation.

The title of this piece really sums up the content of the rest of the CD. These are all pieces that have a special meaning to Charlie - they are either pieces that he performed publicly as a child virtuoso, or pieces that were written for him as an adult that have never been recorded before.

Charlie had wanted to record this CD for quite some time, both to demonstrate his unique interpretation of some of his favorite trumpet classics, and to introduce his audience to pieces or unusual arrangements of pieces they may not have heard before.

The CD starts off with two Frank Losey cornet solos that Charlie first performed for solo contest at ages 11 and 12! Yes, he got 1’s for both performances. The Bellstedt Carnival of Venice arrangement he performed in public in front of 15,000 people at the Du Quoin (Illinois) State Fair - at age 12! A few of the variations require some grace note playing in intervals that seem impossible! Check out the sound clip of excerpts - second segment of the clip.

Charlie first performed the Herbert L. Clarke solo "Sounds From the Hudson" at a local high school band concert at age 14, and the Harry James arrangement of "Flight of the Bumble Bee" at age 16 at a summer music camp he won a scholarship to attend. The Goldman Scherzo he played for his final high school solo and ensemble contest, and also for Bill Vacchiano for his audition to Juilliard!

The CD is scheduled to be released sometime in January by KLEOS records. Until then, we have made up an exclusive audio clip sampler of excerpts from the CD.

CHARLIE’S RECORDING SESSION FOR “SONGS FROM THE HEART”
A few thoughts by William Sperandi, assistant producer

Mountains, good food, great company, and Charlie Schlueter playing trumpet. That was the scene at Charlie's latest recording project. Taking place in Williamstown, nestled in the Berkshires, Thompson Chapel at Williams College once again provided the perfect setting for Charlie and Deborah DeWolf Emery to record their latest CD. With the recording team of Ed Marshal, James Tinsley, and myself, we proceeded to capture the magic that unfolded during the four days of recording.

When Charlie mailed out the scores months earlier we were shocked and even a little concerned at the quantity and difficulty of the repertoire. The music ranged from 19th century cornet masterpieces to 20th century compositions, most of which have never been recorded until now. The list was quite daunting. From day one Charlie and his accompanist, Deborah, attacked the pieces with an intensity and musicality that left us impressed and inspired.

Charlie played C cornet, Bb cornet, Bb trumpet and SAMADHI C trumpet, all of which were Monette instruments. It was wonderful listening to Charlie's tone and how he would vary his sound from piece to piece. The range and nuance of colors was astounding!

I believe that we were able to document both a unique and definitive recording of these pieces, and it was quite a thrill being part of it. We hope everyone who hears this new CD feels the same. Thanks Charlie!

William Sperandei