Customer Reviews

Orchestral Excerpts For Trumpet

5 star:		(7)
4 star:		(0)
3 star:		(1)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

Philip Smith's full-bodied, beautiful tone is well-represented on this recording of standard audition material. Accompanying the excerpts is commentary on the style of the piece and recommendations for practice and performance. Any serious trumpet student would do well to pick up this recording; it's a terrific reference. Besides, nobody plays Mahler 5 like Phil Smith!

As a trumpet player, I must say that Phil Smith's comments during each track are immensely beneficial. His thoughts have produced profound understanding in my trumpet playing, and despite the fact that this CD is intended as a grouping of Phil Smith's insights into common Orchestral Excerpts and his following demonstration, I have countless times listened out of pure enjoyment than to gain expert insight. His tone is the most beautiful I have ever heard, and it shows on this CD. I recommend this particularly for any aspiring trumpet student.

I carry this recording around with me in my case, and listen to it before auditions, concerts, rehearsals, etc. It's simply how the excerpts (along with trumpet playing in general) should sound. Smith's virtuostic playing, coupled with his vast orchestral experience, really teach the parts. All trumpet players, top to bottom, have something to learn from this CD--and while the entire work (with orchestra) and part should be studied (Smith actually recommends this), it is still very useful to hear one of the finest players on earth performing just the trumpet part.

I feel that I developed most as a trumpeter after I spent years not playing, but listening to music and understanding the trumpet sound that I wanted. If I had this CD when I was first figuring things out, who knows where I'd be now.

To me, these excerpts are best for learning and appreciating Philip Smith's amazing classical trumpet sound. His technique, in particular his tonguing, is also very impressive.

This CD is from one of the world's greatest trumpet players - ever. Phil Smith has produced an invaluable recording of the most asked for orchestral trumpet excerpts. Not only is his playing impeccable but his commentary gives even more insight into his stylistic concepts for each excerpt. In my opinion, you can't question his interpretations considering his successes from the Chicago Orchestra to his current position as Principal Trumpet in the NY Philharmonic. An invaluable resource for any student of the trumpet. Many thanks Phil!

If any principal orchestral trumpet player has succeeded Adolph Herseth as the "state of the art," the probable consensus among his peers would be Philip Smith of the New York Philharmonic. His virtually flawless technique, gourgeous sound, rarified musicianship and exceptional leadership make him virtually unique in his field, and his more than 20 years with the Philharmonic (plus his early years with the Chicago Symphony) have firmly established him as one of the greats in the history of orchestral brass performance.

Measured simply as a documentation of his skills, this recording would be an extraordinary document - the playing throughout is stupendous. But this is much more than that; Mr. Smith proves to be as articulate (mild "New Yoahk" accent and all) as he is talented, and his performance suggestions are truly helpful, even for those of us without his superhuman abilities. The recorded sound is superb, and overall this is a joy to listen to at every level. I recommend it without reservation for any trumpet player aspiring to a higher level of musicianship and performance - and if you play it at full volume shortly after your warmup, your neighbors will be very impressed.

The previous reviewer of this CD missed the point of the CD. Lets say your working on the Carmern Prelude or Stravinsky Pétrouchka you buy this CD, and learn how Philip Smith (one of the greatest symphonic trumpet players in the world) would interpret and play it. Thats why its entitled Orchestra Trumpet Excerpts.

This CD would be excellent for aspiring orchestral trumpeters and soloists; although Philip Smith conveys his expertise exceptionally well, this short snips of music on this CD are no substitute for the actual full-orchestra recordings.