Customer Reviews

Cimarosa's Oboe Concerto; Concerti by Albinoni, Marcello & Vivaldi

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I never cease to be amazed by this player. And this CD is no exception. John Anderson undertakes some of the most breathtaking and exciting performances of what are now mainstays of the Oboe repetoire, breathing total new life into concertos that have, in some cases been played many times before on CD. Including a solo which was used for the film 'The Firm.' He is well supported by Simon Wright, and the String section of the Philharmonia Orchestra, with their ever glorious tone. This CD is a must for anyone who has a love for a particular composer on the disc, or the oboe itself. To put it simply, this CD is a masterpiece.

Here the Venetian composers of some great oboe concertos with the addition of Benjamin's rearrangement of Cimarosa's keyboard sonatas for Barvirolli's oboe shine.

Oboeist Anderson is consistent in exquisite performance. Wright's able conducting of the Philharmonia Orchestra provides a glorious backdrop to the solo pieces.

Especially fond of Cimarosa/Benjamin's Concerto and Albioni's Concerto in B flat.

Besides these, there are wonderful concertos by Vivaldi and Marcello.

This is marvelous addition to growing oboe collection.

I first heard this disk on my car radio while driving on a California freeway. I was so "jazzed" that I pulled off at the next exit to write down the details for ordering it, something I've never done before or since. This is artful, sensuous music played with stunning virtuosity. Don't miss it!

It is a shame that this glorious CD is so poorly advertised. I came across it at a moment, when 60-second samples of each sound track still were available on amazon.com: I was looking for Marcello's concerto and compared different versions. I was immediately caught by the ravishing sound of this soloist, John Anderson, a principal oboe in a number of European orchestras. His phrasing is perfect, and he excels both in virtuosic trills (try the last track, the final movement of Vivaldi's A minor concerto, RV 451) and in cantabile episodes, where he shows up his warm and rich sound. In the beginning of Benjamin-Cimarosa's C minor concerto and in Marcello' concerto Anderson's instrument sounds as fine bel canto voice. I have later found another Anderson's CD, where he indeed performs Pasculli's paraphrase of Donizetti's 'La Favorita' (available on White Line label, WHL 2100): his vocal line in Fernando's cavatina 'Spirto gentil' may remind you of some famous tenors of the past (Gigli, Bonci), who championed that aria.
Of course, this is not an authentic performance: Anderson plays with a vibrato and uses a modern instrument. He is accompanied by a large orchestra. But even if you prefer period performances and small bands, this CD is worth buying - for Anderson's impeccable phrasing and for Simon Wright's tasteful accompaniment. It is very easy to make baroque concertos messy and noisy even with a small group of players: here a big band - the Philharmonia Orchestra of London - offers a clear and transparent sound.
Heartily recommended.

Cimarosa's Oboe concerto is a masterpiece of baroque music and this version permits you to ear his genius.
You will surely love this cd.

Cimarosa's Oboe Concerto; Concerti by Albinoni, Marcello & Vivaldi is a 1995 Nimbus Records Limited recording starring oboe player John Anderson. Simon Wright leads the Philharmonia Orchestra. Music notes and a short biography of the orchestra, performer and conductor are both interesting and well-written. Listening to Mr Anderson play the oboe is pure joy. Highly recommended indeed. 5/5.