Customer Reviews

The London Horn Sound

5 star:		(30)
4 star:		(3)
3 star:		(2)
2 star:		(2)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

Cala Records is certainly to be commended for its excellent series highlighting a single musical instrument performed by the best London professionals on that instrument. "London Horn Sound" is, like others in the series, extraordinary playing. Surely there is no other city in the world with this many fine horn players (all are members of London's many fine orchestral ensembles and recording studios). The "cream" of London's fine professional hornists are featured playing a broad selection of music from Wagner & Rossini to Freddie Mercury and film music from "Titanic." This CD is a *must* for horn players. If you're a fan of trombonists, also get "The London Trombone Sound." Brilliant musical arrangements!

This is THE CD I listen to on the way to rehearsal. It truly inspires me to do my absolute best! You've got to love Roman Carnival - so excellent! I would recommend this CD to anyone, especially horn and brass players. These performers are just phenomenal. What else is there to say?

This CD is an ABSOLUTE MUST for ALL horn players and lovers. The playing in incredible, the musicianship is great, and most of all, it's incredibly entertaining!!! They do things the horn is not supposed to do!! By for the most impressive Horn CD there is(although audition improbable is pretty dang good too!).

This CD is incredible. The horn is shown for all it is worth. From the beauty of the "Titanic" Fantasy and Hansel and Gretel to the latin Tico-Tico, jazz of Ellington in Caravan and the incredible rendition of Bohemian Rhapsody, the horn proves it is not as limited an instrument as some may think. Both the high and low ends of the horn are highlighted. Simply heavenly. If you like horn playing at all or even if you don't, you will want to give this CD a listen. It is well worth your time and money.

After purchasing the Dennis Brain Mozart Concertos (which amazon is out of), this should be your next buy. It is absolutely brilliant. Geoffrey Simon and the London Players are astounding. Bohemian Rhapsody rules. It's a big wow.

This album is awesome and exiting. I listen to it when I get home and get lost in the magnificent virtuosity of the musicians. My favorite tracks are La Danza, Tico-Tico (exellent stress buster), Russlan and Ludmilla Overture, Bohemian Rhapsody and Caravan. The solos are incredible, the arrangements are first-rate, and the addition of Wagner tubas is a great idea. I like the diversity of styles throughout the album. Buy this, even if you don't like classical music.

The London Horn Sound is an excellent showcase of virtuoso horn playing. Technique, tone, and ensemble are superb. The arrangements are well done and exploit the capabilities of the horn. Especially exciting are "Roman Carnival Overture" and Duke Ellington' "Caravan." This is a fun and exciting album for any lover of French horn music.

An absolutely amazing CD! Featuring God knows how many of the best hornists in London, this CD will keep you entertained.

Is this the best Horn CD ever? Perhaps not. But it is up there. I've read some negative reviews that mention poor tone quality, arrangements, and no cohesion. These spots are few and far between, according to my ear, and do not take away from the overall great sound on this CD.

Unless you are Barry Tuckwell or Dennis Brain, I see no reason why criticism should be brought upon these horn players.

In conclusion, a very enjoyable CD, worth every penny. ESPECIALLY if you love Horns, but wonderful for all Classical Music fans as well. Buy this CD!

The London Horn Sound CD is a wonderful recording of London's best horn players. This CD is a must-have for any hornplayer. The playing quality is absolutely incredible. (Especially Tony Halstead's low horn playing!)

T. Laughlin:
This CD is more than comparable to the "London Horn Sound" and "Take 9." Horn players everywhere will debate which is the best. But in my personal opinion, I'd have to say that the Vienna Horns really shut out London and New York Phil and American Quartet on this album. This is an amazing album that should be in every horn player's collection.
As a horn player myself, I can only marvel at the weight and sheen of the bright, unique Viennese sound. One listen to "Olympic Fanfare" or "Robin Hood" will have you drooling for more.

I am sorry, but having listened to both cd's intently for months, I have decided that in my opinion the "London Horn Sound" cd simply showcase better talent, a better track-list, better arrangements and far better execution and soulful playing; the "London Horn Sound" gets the edge on its Viennese counterpart. Also, the creativity in making new uses instrumentally for the horn are so much more evident on London's effort. Yes, the "Vienna Horns" has precision, and maybe even more technicality, but nothing like that could ever make up for the lack of players such as Timothy Jones and David Pyatt who appear so excellently on the "London Horn Sound". The soul of Jones and mellowness of Pyatt's sound make me sure: the "London Horn Sound" is the original, and still (although hardly) the best.

-H. Carter