Customer Reviews

Richard Strauss: Horn Concertos Nos. 1 & 2

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

 

 

I was given this CD by David Jolley himself, when I went to audition for him in New York. It has since then become one of my favorite horn CDs.

From brilliant faster movements to poignant, stirring slower sections, Mr. Jolley's Strauss horn concerti are unequaled. In them, as well as in his beautiful performance of Strauss' cello sonata, he displays the facility and expression that have made him one of the finest horn players today. In the cello sonata, he is partnered at the piano by the late, great Samuel Sanders, with whom he also recorded "Villanelle: French Masterworks for Horn".

I found Mr. Jolley to be not only a great horn player, but a noble person as well. His sensitivity, enthusiasm, and honesty totally come through in his playing and make it ever so moving and powerful. You will be thrilled by his virtuosity and enchanted by his smooth, liquid tone!

The New York Times praised Jolley's "remarkable virtuosity" and Gramaphone magazine called him "a soloist second to none". Do you know what this adds up to? Horn playing that you simply must own!

David Jolley never seems to cease amazing professionals and casual listeners alike. Every musical idea, detail and nuance is so well thought out and incisively played, the man is like no horn player alive. The incredible level of dedication that takes is enormous. Jolley's endurance, versatility, and delicacy on this recording sets a new standard for horn players, indeed musicians everywhere. His very vocal approach to the Strauss concertos makes him the perfect match to this music. Every recording and time I hear him live, I hear improvement!!! That is an inspiration to horn players everywhere. Get this recording, and get the Villanelle-the French recording- too, if you are interested in horn playing.

If you prefer a refined, sensitive interpretation, buy this recording.

Jolley's reflective, mature voice is apparent in his renditions of the Strauss Concerti, and his virtuosic mastery of the most difficult aspects of horn playing shines in his transcription of the Cello Sonata. In Strauss 2 he makes leaps with ease and delicacy, applying a degree of finesse to even the most technical passages. The Cello transcription is simply phenomenal. The different tones and colors he uses throughout the recording are again indicative of his virtuosity and control.

This is an impressive recording, one you should purchase before playing any of these pieces, and one that will remain a favorite of mine.

Dave Jolley usually plays the slower parts with care, feeling and a degree of precision, but when he has leaps to play or anything that is slightly challenging for the horn, he slows it down and takes the safe route. His tone is often uneven with some notes sounding fatter or thinner than others. I was anxious to hear Dave Jolley's recordings, but this is disappointing.

Treat yourself to the classic Dennis Brain CD instead, if you don't already have it.