Customer Reviews

The Carnival of Venus

5 star:		(3)
4 star:		(1)
3 star:		(1)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

Take that, Arban. Allen Vizzutti has taken the early twentieth-century cornet standard and transformed it into a piece playable only by the arranger (Vizzutti). From beginning to end, the piece is a showcase for Vizzutti's pure and unadulterated prowess on the trumpet. As the listener is still reeling from the aural barrage from the first track, he then demonstrates his versatility on the instrument by playing in several styles with equal mastery. From the technical, to the lyrical, to his staple of jazz, he plays them all with unfailing artistry.

Any trumpet player will be glad to own this CD.

The only real downfall to this disc is that the jewel is the first track. It took me a month to get to the second track!

Allen Vizzutti is one of the trumpet world's most excellent virtuosos. His articulation is so crisp and accurate it rivals Rafael Mendez. Not many trumpet players can play on a level like that. Vizzutti is also a creative player and takes a lot of risks, which makes him more interesting to hear as well.

The album opens up with what it is well-known for, Allen's stunning rendition of J.B. Arban's "The Carnival Of Venice". The beginning is...wow! Unbelievable. He also plays the piece as it was meant to be played - comically. The way he plays the theme is great.

However, this album is more than just the title piece, which makes it so well known among us trumpet players. There are also a lot of other great works on it, such as an emotional "Elegy For Trumpet" and Vizzutti's first Sonata. His second Sonata is especially great because Vizzutti wows the listener with his technique and shows off his improvising skills at the end. This is a great one to hear. Allen also shows off his virtuosity on the "Sonata For Trumpet And Piano" and "Blue Rondo". His wife plays the piano accompaniment throughout and while I will say she's not the greatest pianist in the world, she does the job here.

This is a must have for any trumpeter. The only reason I rated it four stars is because I don't find it to be the kind of recording that I listen to on a regular basis. I find that I have to be in the mood for it in order to have a truly enjoyable experience, but when I am, it's great. Once again recommended to all trumpet players. This is the best rendition of "Carnival of Venice" (or Venus lol) yet, but listen to the other pieces, they are also impressive.

I thought I had already heard everything, but now maybe I have. The first track definitely is a oddity. If you think you can play a horn, then wait until you hear it. It is a little corny, but it's not boring. Blue Rondo is good. The rest of the cuts weren't my style (I prefer Vizzutti Plays Arban better). I also don't like the distant miking. It sounds like the piano and trumpet are in the next room. The sample tracks on this web-site reproduce that effect correctly, but I didn't realize the actual cd would sound that way. In order to clearly hear some of the really wide intervals Vizzutti plays, the mike ought to be on the trumpet. Get the cd if you want to hear a performer that seems to have no limits.

Possibly the best trumpet player of all times. A great CD to hear Vizzutti's wizardardry. Every trumpet or brass player should own at least one Vizzutti CD. Wonderful delivery time.

As a high school trumpeter, I work from Vizzutti's books. His exercises are wriiten very well and recomend his books to any level player. I give all my respect to him and will follow his foot steps. This CD will make you a believer.