Customer Reviews

Haydn, Hummel: Trumpet Concertos

5 star:		(9)
4 star:		(0)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

For 95% of you buyers, you've not only heard the Haydn, the Hummel, and the Neruda before, but you've probably got multiple recordings of each (I think I have at least 8 of each on my computer, not including ones that I haven't loaded yet), so you're probably wondering why should you buy this one.

First of all, let me say, if you're not in that category and you have no recordings of these pieces and are looking for one, go ahead, get this CD and you'll love it. The Haydn and Hummel are THE TWO trumpet concertos most backed by time for as universally guaranteed likability as could be sought. The other two are quite popular concertos as well, and her performances of them are as fine as any.

For those of you who want to save their money and don't feel like buying yet another recording of the same pieces; this recording is worth your money. While everyone's made their own statements of these pieces, few of them have surprised me as much as this one. Her interpretations are quite distinct from any that I have heard of these pieces and have allowed me to hear many parts of them in a different way. The usual articulations time-tested and handed down from one teacher to everyone have, quite as often as not, been shelved for new ones; and not to the detriment of the product.

She weaves her way through the melodies effortlessly and beautifully and is a delight to listen to. What has impressed me most about her playing (and was even more exemplified when I heard her play live) is her quiet playing. Her pianissimo entrances entrance. Her strength, in my opinion, and it is a great one, is in her great chamber music playing. She can blend her sound into that of a violin better than just about any I've ever heard, and this CD exemplifies that.

With respect to the entire repertoire of modern fully orchestral trumpet concertos, Miss Balsom has chosen to exemplify her talents with these four chamber pieces, traditionally chosen though they may be, they represent her talents fully. Her fantastic ability to phrase through the orchestra with the advantage of a beautiful soft sound to a fresh and delightfully coherent scheme of articulations make this CD a delight for any collector, be they new to the genre or as well traveled as a pair of old boots.

Alsion Balsom is an extraordinary trumpet virtuoso. And this is an extraordinary recording of the warhorse trumpet concertos. There are many recordings of these works, especially the Hayden and the Hummel, but the interpretations here are new and tasteful. Even if you own every other recording of these works ever published, add this one. It is definitive. Every student of this maddening instrument should hear how it can be done.

This recording is the ideal way to hear these trumpet classics. Alison Balsom's playing is not only flawless, it is wonderfully communicative and leaves nothing to be desired. The accompaniment from The Deutsche Kammerphilharmonie Bremen is as alert and nuanced as you would expect from the world's greatest chamber orchestra.

This is an excellent disc of four of the standard works in the trumpet repertoire. Alison Balsom shows us why she has made such a stir in the musical world with her freshness, verve, tenderness and a beautiful tone. The lovely, sharp clarity of the sparkling vigorous passages is a joy but what I really loved most was the tender, beautifully phrased slow movements of both the Haydn and the Hummel concertos. It is here that Balsom shows her real control and unflashy virtuosity, and they are truly excellent. The orchestral playing is top-notch, too and the disc is worth buying even if you already own other recordings of these works.

I do have an objection to the packaging. Jonathan Freeman-Attwood's notes are very good, but I could have done without quite so many photos of Ms Balsom looking sultry in an off-the-shoulder dress. A portrait of the artist is quite appropriate on a CD, and obviously they will want it to be a flattering one, but this makes her look like just another in the line of moderately-talented musicians of both sexes being marketed on sex-appeal. She isn't. Alison Balsom is a musician of the first rank and I think that she - and we - deserve something a little more dignified.

However, dismounting from my hobby-horse, the disc itself is a huge pleasure and a minor packaging gripe shouldn't put you off. It's terrific, and I recommend it in the warmest terms.

Speaking as a classical music semi-novice (I'm familiar with several of the pieces here, but don't own multiple recordings), this collection is absolutely captivating--bright and vivid tonality, wonderful dynamics, fluid and impassioned phrasing. She plays with great verve and personality. The collection feels unified by her love of the music--there's nothing that feels like "filler," or like she threw it in merely because it fit the style of the collection. One of my favorite classical music recordings.

I heard Alison Balsom first on Music Choice (FiOS)...I loved the sound, so I checked out her albums....and sent for this one and her Bach album. This is by far my favorite and would recommend it to anyone...trumpet lover or classical music lover. And this from someone who grew up on Maurice Andre and then went to Wynton Marsalis in my later years.

Randy, Pasadena.

I have searched for trumpet plays and found this. I like bronze instruments. Also have some plays in french horn.
Trumpet has a special emotive sound for me. I knew only one play of this disc and heard others by Winton Marsalis on baroque music. Maybe one of those will be the next.

I'm not a music expert, far from it. And I also have to admit that what tempt me in the first place was Haydn's concerto, a piece I really like but never had in my collection. This recording far exceededmy expectations when I was ordering it. The whole collection is very interesting and suitable for multiple hearings. I find Bremen German Chamber Philharmonic's playing very well balanced with Ms Balsom's trumpet which seems to be from a different material, than ordinary brass! Coupled with her skillful playing, the sound is extremely clear and although the trumpet is probably not the easiest instrument to accompany one's day, it's a sheer pleasure to listen to, while at home or in the car. I highly recommend it.

This gal is awesome. She's not only beautiful, but makes playing the tpt standards sound effortless! All of my students will have this as required listening! You go girl!

This is a must have for all serious players that strive for excellence.