Mozart: Violin Concertos

Editorial Reviews
Amazon.com essential recording
At the ripe old age of 19 Mozart wrote five violin concertos, and they represent his coming of age as a composer of orchestral music. From here on, it's basically one masterpiece after another. Though not difficult works, technically speaking, they partake in full measure of Mozart's uniquely sensual brand of melody. That means that successful performances must know how to spin out a singing musical line, while at the same time making the most of the rare opportunities for soloistic display. Taste and musicianship are more important qualities than virtuosity, and that makes these pieces ideal vehicles for Arthur Grumiaux's aristocratic temperament and technical polish. --David Hurwitz

Tracks:

No. 1 In B Flat, K. 207: Allegro Moderato
No. 1 In B Flat, K. 207: Adagio
No. 1 In B Flat, K. 207: Presto
No. 3 In G, K. 216: Allegro
No. 3 In G, K. 216: Adagio
No. 3 In G, K. 216: Rondeau (Allegro)
No. 4 In D, K. 218: Allegro
No. 4 In D, K. 218: Andante Cantabile
No. 4 In D, K. 218: Rondeau
Adagio In E For Violin And Orchestra, K. 261
Rondo In C For Violin And Orchestra, K. 373

Tracks:

Concerto No. 2 In D, K. 211: Allegro
Concerto No. 2 In D, K. 211: Andante
Concerto No. 2 In D, K. 211: Rondeau (Allegro)
Concerto No. 5 In A, K. 219: Allegro Aperto
Concerto No. 5 In A, K. 219: Adagio
Concerto No. 5 In A, K. 219: Rondeau (Tempo Di Menuetto)
Sinfonia Concertante In E Flat, K. 364 For Violin, Viola And Orchestra: Allegro Maestoso
Sinfonia Concertante In E Flat, K. 364 For Violin, Viola And Orchestra: Andante
Sinfonia Concertante In E Flat, K. 364 For Violin, Viola And Orchestra: Presto

Amazon.com essential recording

At the ripe old age of 19 Mozart wrote five violin concertos, and they represent his coming of age as a composer of orchestral music. From here on, it's basically one masterpiece after another. Though not difficult works, technically speaking, they partake in full measure of Mozart's uniquely sensual brand of melody. That means that successful performances must know how to spin out a singing musical line, while at the same time making the most of the rare opportunities for soloistic display. Taste and musicianship are more important qualities than virtuosity, and that makes these pieces ideal vehicles for Arthur Grumiaux's aristocratic temperament and technical polish. --David Hurwitz

Customer Reviews:

Perfect ? almost.......2007-06-08

I am happy to agree that Grumiaux was the best interpreter of Mozart's violin works, assured, fluent, magic flowed from his bow. And I agree that this Philips Duo is a great bargain, packed with great music. I do, however have one little reservation, while the sound quality of the violin is good, I find the sound of the orchestra rather muddy, especially during the louder periods; perhaps this is acceptable when the age of the recording is taken into account. But can you tell the scoring with any confidence? flutes ? oboes ? horns ? ( The sound quality of K 261 and K 373, with the New Philhamonia, is a little better)
Even with this reservation, I still give it 5 stars.

PS I have recently purchased a new re-release of Grumiaux playing the Beethoven violin concerto, the sound is much better than in these CDs, perhaps a more recent digital remastering of the violin concertos would result in more acceptable sound quality.

Excellent. Must-have set........2006-07-21

This is an excellent set put out by Philips in it's renowned Duo cd class. Almost all of Mozart's violin works are here. Arthur Grumiaux, one of my favorites, does a superb job of interpreting Mozart's works. This last weekend I played the same works by Heifitz and the comparison makes for interesting listening. I can't say one is better than the other, specially since I have no formal training in music, but each artist definitely leaves an impression.

Excellent set and a superb value but most importantly makes a valuable addition to anyone's collection.

Gustavo Ferreira Violin Music.......2006-01-19

This is a very good compilation of Mozart Violin Concertos and with a very good Orchestra. I did not put 5 stars because I had some of Mozart concertos played by H.Heifetz and other by Xue-Wei that I consider are more brilliant violinsts. Grumiaux is very good but not excelent.

Honesty and musical integrity!.......2005-05-16

The artistic personality of Artur Grumiaux was undoubtedly very sober. In comparision with the warmth of a David Oistrakh or the powerful musculature of Heifetz, his golden and flawless intonation was if I may, unique. His sonority and style did not belong to bravura style. He was an accurate and impressive violinist. His Mozart is crystalline and innocent. Once more, his presence in various performances in Prades Festival transformed and even improved his spelling touch. As you know all the artists who participated in this unequal Festival acquired a giant dimension. It is not by mere hazard that names of the height of Joseph Szigeti, Eugene Istomin, Rudolf Serkin, Sandor Vegh, Isaac Stern, William Kapell, Clara Haskill - above their innate skills - experienced Casals' spell. And because of this experience there was an immediate rapport with Clara Haskill and recorded one of the most incredible sets of Mozart `s Sonatas for violin that I' have heard ever.
And, despite his brief existence 1921-1986 his name will be resounding in the world of the violin during years and years. His honesty and integrity , technique and musicianship, self possession and aristocratic feature confer a special honor place. Go and get all what you can about Mozart, Faure Sonatas, his Haendel sonatas for violin, his Debussy Sonata, Guilleme Lekeu, Paganini 4th, and his version of Franck's sonata for violin is one of the most lyrical ever recorded.
An unforgettable artist!

Grumiaux at his finest.......2005-04-11

Yet another Philips Mozart DUO that is at the top of the class. Having the legendary Arthur Grumiaux on so many of these Mozart violin collections makes them easy choices. His elegant, refined style and lucious tone (from an amazing 1744 Guanari) were born for Mozart. Just about every major reviewer (Penguin, Gramophone, etc) lists this particular CD in the top two best picks for Mozart's violin concertos, often citing Grumaiux's style as the ideal model for Mozart. The recording sound is exceptional too as is typical for most Philips discs. A superb choice for the violin concertos! Anne-Sofie Mutter and Pamela Frank (amongst many) have also recorded some fine performances of these works along with a rather unique version from Baroque specialist, Fabio Biondi (Virgin).

An alternative choice would be the intruiguing 5-CD collector's set of Grumiaux's Historic Philips Recordings from 1953-1962 which has these five concertos plus many and some rarer works from Paganini, Mendelssohn, Faure, Ravel, Debussy, Granados, Sarasate and others. 4/5 discs are in mono but the sound is fine really. If you admire this Belgian legend, then this historic set would probably be very special as it shows Grumiaux at his finest in a beautiful and diverse repertoire.

Mozart, W.A.: Violin Concertos Nos. 1, 2 & 5

Average customer rating:

(~~)==++ JULIA FISCHER: simply TREMENDOUS - a very RFRESHING new RECORDING by this very young Violinist!

Mozart, W.A.: Violin Concertos Nos. 1, 2 & 5
Julia Fischer , W.A. Mozart , Netherlands Chamber Orchestra , and Yakov Kreizberg
Manufacturer: Pentatone
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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Tchaikovsky Violin Concerto (Hybr)
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J.S. Bach: Sonatas and Partitas for Solo Violin, BWV 1001-1006

ASIN: B000I2IPPC
Release Date: 2006-10-31

Tracks:

Allegro Moderato
Adagio
Presto
Allegro Moderato
Andante
Rondeau (Allegro)
Allegro Aperto
Adagio
Rondeau (Tempo Di Menuetto)

Customer Reviews:

(~~)==++ JULIA FISCHER: simply TREMENDOUS - a very RFRESHING new RECORDING by this very young Violinist!.......2007-02-15

SEVEN STARS******* for the woman who releases a new CD almost every two months!

Right during "Mozart Year" 2006 a recording of Mozart works for violin - of all of his violin concertos on two CDs - was released by this very young and already fully established 1. Class Violinist. The release of these concertos of this tremendous quality shows or reveals JULIA FISCHER completely naturally and self-confident, and she proves to be a virtuoso, whose place is in the "thin air" of the violinistical "first league", who stands not only right by the side of but ahead of other well-established and outstanding violinists, and beyond that she belongs to the BEST OF THE VERY BEST VIOLINISTS THROUGHOUT THE WOLRD!

Julia Fischer plays her violin highly accurately and her intonation is completely clean (just as we have become accustomed to!) and she always produces a rather slightly and elegantly formed vibrato than to make it to pulsate extremely excessively; she is so certain about what she does when she is playing her violin and, to our great delight, she avoides "colouring" each note excessively and to form them in an overemphasised expressiveness and intensity, and this way she avoids unnecessary vibrato in general. HER ACOUSTIC "COLOURS" are discreet and VERY SPLENDID and of MUCH BRIGHTNESS as well as EXPRESSIVNESS, and they are much right to the point in each phrasing; JULIA FISCHER's TECHNICAL CONTROL and INTERPRETATION of THESE PIECES, as well as of PIECES BY OTHER COMPOSERS, are so PURE and HIGHLY PERFECT! This makes JULIA a TRUE and VERY FINE YOUNG MASTRESS OF the VIOLIN! This is a GRAND PLUS FOR HER, and her TECHNICAL CONTROL and INTERPRETATION of pieces for violin is GENERALLY TRUE FOR this WONDERFUL YOUNG VIOLINIST JULIA FISCHER. This is one more reason to ADMIRE HER SO MUCH!

There is one more ability, which makes me appreciate her and which makes JULIA even more admirable for me, that is the fact that SHE w r o t e / c o m p o s e d HER O W N and very beautifully created cadenzas for the five of Mozart's violin concertos - even at this very young age SHE "CADENCES" HERSELF! JULIA, I BOW FOR YOU for this! This way you I N S P I R E N E W L I F E INTO MOZART's violin works - and in particular into those "antiquated" (fusty!) old cadenzas which can be heard thousands of times from numerous other recordings of the same pieces... and which, therefore, have become known to everyone well enough and which we have so by now become a bit "tired" of (bored with!)..... (I do not mind those "old" cadenzas when they are performed/played by other virtuosos with much heart and soul as well as with much technical competence - but a few NEW, "REFRESHING" CADENZAS every now and then would be VERY WELL INTRODUCED into VIOLIN LITERATURE and SERVE us with a FRESH BREEZE of NEW MUSICALITY! THIS BREEZE now brings us to our great delight --- thanks to her musical capability and skills as well as thanks to her CLEAR and WELL-DEFINED UNDERSTANDING of MUSICAL CONTEXTS and thanks to the extraordinary and superior control of her instrument --- JULIA FISCHER!). Julia shows us that CLASSICAL MUSIC NOT ONLY lives from NEW INTERPRETATIONS or ideas, which refer to these, made by virtuosos, BUT can be VITALISED also BY INTRODUCING IDEAS OF COMPOSITION which are MADE BY CADENZAS CREATED BY VIRTUOSOS THEMSELVES!

Another, a third reason to name these recordings by Julia Fischer (one of) my absolutely favourite recordings is that somebody had the courage - much in Bach and Vivaldi style! - to use a HARPSICHORD AS ACCOMPANIMENT for the orchestral background. MOZART would be MUCH CHARMED and DELIGHTED about this really great accompaniment of his first two violin concertos, both of which were recorded with harpsichord accompaniment, through which these get a FRESH BREEZE of NEW MUSICALITY. This NEW FRESH BREEZE, in some passages, reminds me of Bach's and Vivaldi's violin concertos (maybe it reminds me a bit of Vivaldi's "The Four Seasons"); the harpsichord in the orchestral background kind of slightly and discreetly eases the musical structure of these pieces. And Julia Fischer does not "seize" these concertos but plays as a perfectly matched partner of the orchestra and the conductor Yakov Kreizberg (who seems to be her preferred conductor)! JULIA, that's BEAUTIFUL! ASTONISHING!!!

So, the FRESHNESS and LIVELINESS OF THESE NEW RECORDINGS of the MOZART VIOLIN CONCERTOS REMIND me very strongly of JULIA FISCHER's SUPERB RECORDING of "THE FOUR SEASONS" which she made a view years ago and which was released on DVD; both her recordings of Vivaldi as well as of Mozart are for the same reasons HIGHLY REMARKABLE as well as RECOMMENDABLE, in particular, since there are also thousands of recordings of Vivaldi's "The Four Seasons" whose interpretations are, as I see it, "antiquated" (fusty!) and by which one gets bored or feels tired from. So, some years ago, JULIA FISCHER succeeded also in BREEZING NEW and FRESH MUSICALITY into ANTONIO VIVALDI's "THE FOUR SEASONS"! Among many other recordings by Julia Fischer, there is one particular recording by her which I would like to mention on this occasion and which can be heard in the same high quality only rarely from other violin virtuosos in a comparable quality. It is the recording of the RUSSIAN VIOLIN CONCERTO by ARAM KHACHATURIAN which belongs to my personal favourites made by Julia (and certainly it belongs to Julia's favourite concertos), because it brings so much warmth and musical depth into with the beautifulness of her violin play. And also some years ago, again really early in her career, she recorded the BACH SOLO SONATAS and PARTITAS as TERRIFICALLY as BRILLIANTLY - I BOW TO YOU AGAIN!! So much bowing...

Not only because of JULIA FISCHER's OUTSTANDING VIOLIN PLAY but also because of the use of the HARPSICHORD AS ACCOMPANIMENT of the FIRST TWO of MOZART's VIOLIN CONCERTOS --- and F I R S T O F A L L because of the CADENZAS W R I T T E N AND C R E A T E D BY JULIA FISCHER H E R S E L F ! --- I would (if possible!) give AT LEAST SEVEN or MORE STARS for these REFERENCIAL RECORDINGS! ALWAYS KEEP GOING JULIA!! And PLEASE ALSO KEEP COMPOSING FURTHER CADENZAS, please also for those concertos by other composers!

Mozart: Flute Concertos; Rondo; Andante [Includes the Bis 2005 Catalog] [Hybrid SACD]

Average customer rating:

Quintessential Mozart
Hauntingly beautiful cadenzas
Mozart: Flute Concertos; Rondo; Andante [Includes the Bis 2005 Catalog] [Hybrid SACD]
Do NOT Miss this.

Mozart: Flute Concertos; Rondo; Andante [Includes the Bis 2005 Catalog] [Hybrid SACD]

Manufacturer: Bis
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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ASIN: B000AYYTD0
Release Date: 2005-09-27

Customer Reviews:

Quintessential Mozart.......2007-03-08

This is a bright and beautiful collection of four of Mozart's flute works with Sharon Bezaly as flautist who is making waves in Europe. One cannot ask very much more from BIS recording techniques.

Hauntingly beautiful cadenzas.......2006-12-18

Izrael-born Sharon Bezaly (who now lives in Sweden) has rightly risen to the top of her field with silky performances like this one which seemed universally rated highly by the music press (Gramophone, ClassicsToday, etc). Her repertoire extends to many Scandanavian composers who have written several flute concertos for her marvelously refined technique (she was a student of Aurele Nicolet). On this recording she plays a 24k instrument custom-made for her by Muramatsu Japan (see in the cover photo).

A great reference recording for Mozart's flute pieces is the Philips DUO set featuring Aurele Nicolet (concertos) and William Bennett (quartets). But even if you have this or other versions of these pieces, one good reason to get this one is the intriguing and hauntingly beautiful cadenzas (written for her). While they move a bit beyond the normal classical restraints, they are not beyond Mozart nor good taste. So, this reason - plus her stunning, breathless and seamless playing and solid orchestral support and budget price are enough reasons to get this. The frequently noted minor drawbacks - slightly overly-resonant sound and slightly low projection of flute vs. orchestra - are not really enough to take away from the superb piece of work by Ms. Bezaly. Also, the huge BIS catalog that is included is a great way to get to better know this Swedish label and Scandanavian composers/performers less represented by the US/EU music press. Compositions - 4 stars; Performance - 5 stars; Sound - 4 stars.

Mozart: Flute Concertos; Rondo; Andante [Includes the Bis 2005 Catalog] [Hybrid SACD].......2006-06-29

Mozart: Flute Concertos; Rondo; Andante [Includes the Bis 2005 Catalog] [Hybrid SACD]~ Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart is a stupendous recording with the cute and talented Sharon Bezaley. She plays the flute with such ability and fervour that she truly is able to play Mozart as it was intended. The book-let is a fair enough item but it lacks pictures and the writing is a bit long winded. The photo of Ms Bezaley is very well done but the photo on the backof the album is a bit small and I wonder why did they did it this way. It seems quite odd. Do not get me wrong, this is an amazing recording and whilst there are some details that could have been better as far as the book-let I still would very much recommend it.

Do NOT Miss this........2005-12-14

In my studies of these pieces I have gradually come to own over 10 recordings of them, and until I heard this one, I thought Galway, Rampal, and Nicolet had a comfortable proprietorship of the field. But times have changed. This Sharon Bezaly deserves to be known in every household. I have never heard flawless tone and pitch control paired with such clean articulation. She is smoother even than Maestro Galway himself. The liner notes say she studied with Aurele Nicolet - it shows. She carries all the patrician elegance of her teacher, only more easily. Her technique is a face-and-tongue equivalent of the unerring steel fingers of the young Vladimir Horowitz. As to her interpretation, the spirit of old Nicolet returns in a glorious new prophet: she is both charming and powerful, serious and joyful. She is on good terms with the orchestra, blending admirably; the recording itself seems to have been made in a more natural setting that doesn't amplify the flute beyond levels heard in the concert hall. The cadenzas are strange and beautiful. The only thing that is merely excellent on this recording is the conducting. Juha Kangas is no Karl Boehm or Neville Marriner and his understanding of Mozart is profound but still mortal. However, in the maestro's defense, he does bring out many often-obscure parts beautifully and he really does not take anything away - a difficult thing to achieve with Mozart. The orchestra is wonderful to boot. The sound recorded sound may be a bit less rich than what we're used to with the likes of Sony Classical and DG, but that doesn't matter - in a portrait of an angel, it is hard to obscure the light of heaven. Buy this recording and bask, bask, bask!

Average customer rating:

Virtuosic Trumpet: Baroque And Classical Showcase
superb playing
The Best Trumpeter in the Business
Virtuosic... Incredible
A non-trumpet player's view...

Famous Classical Trumpet Concertos

Manufacturer: Philips
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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ASIN: B00002DDWM
Release Date: 2000-01-11

Tracks:

Trumpet Concerto In E: 1. Allegro Con Spirito
Trumpet Concerto In E: 2. Andante
Trumpet Concerto In E: 3. Rondo
Trumpet Concerto In D: 1. Allegro Non Troppo
Trumpet Concerto In D: 2. Largo
Trumpet Concerto In D: 3. Vivace
Trumpet Concerto In D: 1. Allegro Non Troppo Presto
Trumpet Concerto In D: 2. Adagio
Trumpet Concerto In D: 3. Allegro Molto
Trumpet Concerto In E Flat, Hob. VIIIe:1: 1. Allegro
Trumpet Concerto In E Flat, Hob. VIIIe:1: 2. Andante
Trumpet Concerto In E Flat, Hob. VIIIe:1: 3. Allegro
Trumpet Concerto In D: 1. Allegro Moderato
Trumpet Concerto In D: 2. Andante
Trumpet Concerto In D: 3. Allegro

Tracks:

Trumpet Concerto In D: 1. Andante
Trumpet Concerto In D: 2. Allegro Moderato
Trumpet Concerto No. 1 In E Flat: 1. Allegro
Trumpet Concerto No. 1 In E Flat: 2. Adagio
Trumpet Concerto No. 1 In E Flat: 3. Vivace
Trumpet Concerto No. 1 In D: 1. Allegro
Trumpet Concerto No. 1 In D: 2. Adagio
Trumpet Concerto No. 1 In D: 3. Allegro
Trumpet Concerto No. 2 In C: 1. Adagio
Trumpet Concerto No. 2 In C: 2. Allegro Molto
Sonata In D For Trumpet, Two Violins And Continuo: 1. Grave
Sonata In D For Trumpet, Two Violins And Continuo: 2. Allegro
Sonata In D For Trumpet, Two Violins And Continuo: 3. Grave
Sonata In D For Trumpet, Two Violins And Continuo: 4. Allegro
Sonata In D For Trumpet, Two Violins And Continuo: 5. Allegro
Concerto In B Flat, Op. 7 No. 3: 1. Allegro
Concerto In B Flat, Op. 7 No. 3: 2. Adagio
Concerto In B Flat, Op. 7 No. 3: 3. Allegro
Adagio In G Minor
Trumpet Tune
Chorale Preludes: 'Erbarm Dich Mein, O Herre Gott' BWN 721
Chorale Preludes: 'Ich Ruf' Zu Dir, Herr Jesu Christ' BWV 639
Chorale Preludes: 'Herzlich Tut Mich Verlangen' BWV 727
Ave Maria

Customer Reviews:

Virtuosic Trumpet: Baroque And Classical Showcase.......2004-02-22

This album is an incredible showcase for the trumpet and the orchestra, in other words, the trumpet concerto. Hakan Hardenberger, the featured trumpet player, is highly talented and at the top of his game. Even the great jazz and classical trumpeter Winston Marsalis does'nt seem to reach the flights of fancy on the trumpet as does Hakan Hardenberger. Hardenberger masters the trumpet to perfection, capturing every nuance and every tone, from fortissimo fanfares to the softest pianissimo. On this compilation are the trumpet concerti of Baroque and Classical Era composers, among them Corelli and Albinoni and the Classical masters Franz Joseph Haydn and Leopold Mozart, Mozart's father. The sheer scale and magnetism of this music cannot be neglected. It is the greatest gathering of trumpet concerti ever made. The trumpet was perhaps the most fascinating instrument for Baroque composers. The trumpet produces grand, triumphant tones when played forte. It was an instrument that was displayed in ceremonial pomp- weddings, coronations and marches. The Baroque composers were sponsored by kings so they were expected to compose music for trumpet, which could be expressive not only as a fanfare for the king himself, but as an instrument of many dynamics. It can be played softly and slowly, which seems to create a nocturnal, reflective mood and staccato and fast-paced which made the music sound exciting and lively. In my opinion, it was the premier instrument of the Baroque Age.

The cd opens with the Trumpet Concerto In E Flat Major by Johann Hummel. This colorful piece is particularily impressive as it really explores the dynamic potential for the trumpet. It's third movement, the Rondo, is very exciting music, as it is played very fast and in a bouncy, dance-like manner. The Trumpet Concerto by Stamitz, Hertel and Richter are very stylish and must have been highly admired in the Baroque Era. The Trumpet concerto in E by Franz Joseph Haydn, who influenced Mozart, is beautiful, especially in its serenade-style andante second movement. In the last cd, Leopold Mozart's trumpet concerto is featured, and it's a good work. Perhaps his son Mozart greatly admired it, though Mozart did'nt really expand on trumpet concerti himself nor really ever showcased the instrument greatly. There are trumpet arrangements for the famous Albinoni Adagio in G, which on this version, sounds chilling, dark and dramatic. The cd concludes with trumpet versions of Bach's Organ Preludes and the Bach/Gounod Ave Maria.

superb playing.......2003-10-30

Hardenberger is indeed an extraordinary. The playing is right up there with the best of them. One thing unique to hardnberger is his ability to lock in ever note of every passage reguardless of register, speed, etc. In addition he playes with great character. The only reason i give hims less than 5 stars is because his lyricism, the most important thing, is surpassed by Maurice Andre and Phil Smith without questiong. especially after seing all of them live and buying their CDs. He is definitely among the greatests ever.

The Best Trumpeter in the Business.......2003-05-25

It's a rare treat for a reviewer when he can throw caution to the winds and go out on a limb for a musician. This is such an occasion for me. Hakan Hardenberger is a phenomenon. I think he is the Babe Ruth, the Wayne Gretzky, the Michael Jordan, the Vladimir Horowitz, the Jascha Heifetz of trumpet players.

Hardenberger is a Swedish trumpeter who made his first recording (Haydn, Hummel, Hertel, and Stamitz trumpet concertos, with the Academy of St. Martin in the Fields under Neville Marriner, on Philips) in 1986 when he was only 25 years old (in the cover photo of the original CD he looks like a boy). The first time I played this debut CD of his, my jaw dropped and I could hardly believe my ears. His playing was a revelation--absolutely stunning. I'd never heard trumpet playing to compare with it. In my opinion, with his first two CDs young Hardenberger not only moved into the top rank of trumpeters; he swept right past his competitors to the head of the class. I've compared a number of his baroque concerto performances, here and elsewhere, with those of other famous trumpeters, and he always comes out on top. I believe him to be in a league of his own. He has everything: virtuosity and technique to burn, dead-on intonation, clean trills, smooth legato, expressive shading, beauty of tone, brilliant high notes, enormous dynamic range. He is also a sound musician, with taste and a sense of style. His arsenal is complete and unassailable; there is no chink in his armor.

Everything that was on that debut CD is now in this Philips Duo set, which is a much better value, because it offers two generously filled CDs--72:55 and 78:27--for the price of one, adding most of the contents of two later Hardenberger CDs of baroque music for trumpet (the recordings here were made from 1986 through 1993). It's a good buy, and if you're going to own only one collection of baroque trumpet music, this is the one I'd recommend.

The trumpet has always been a difficult instrument to record and reproduce accurately. Here, although the consistently excellent digital recording presents Hardenberger very much front and center, it captures the timbre, "bite," and wide dynamic range of his trumpet with exemplary vividness and fidelity. On a top-quality playback system, he sounds like he's standing right between the speakers playing for you. And what playing it is! Not to be missed.

Hardenberger's second CD, of Telemann Trumpet Concertos, also accompanied by the ASMF, this time under Iona Brown, was recorded in 1987 (again on Philips). It too is marvelous, fully as impressive as his first CD, but unfortunately none of it is included in the Philips Duo reviewed here, so you have to acquire it separately. It's well worth it.

Long live the king!

Virtuosic... Incredible.......2001-08-06

You don't have to be a fan of the instrument in order to appreciate and become overwhelmed by the beauty, the splendor and acrobatics of the trumpet. In the Baroque era, it was a instrument for the royal treatment and heralded arrival of kings and war. The performances here are excellent- Hardenberger, I Musici and Neville Marriner and his orchestra deliver virtuosic renditions of Haydn's Trumpet Concerto in E flat, Hummel's, Hertel's, Molter's and Albinoni's concerti, as well as incredible arrangements of Ave Maria by Bach and Albinoni's Adagio.

A non-trumpet player's view..........2001-02-12

Although I love classical music and have done so for a long time, I must confess that I am not a trumpet player. With that said, I must say that these two CDs are wonderful. My first recording of the Hummel and the Haydn concertos was the second Marsalis/Leppard/ECO recording on Sony Classical (titled Wynton Marsalis - The London Concert). Inexperienced with trumpet recordings at the time, I really treasured the CD. After all, a big name artist known for his virtuosity was performing the technically demanding concertos. What more could you ask for? After a while, though, I began to feel that Marsalis didn't really do it for me in these works. Sure, he played with a flair (and what a flair it was), but he lacked the focused, rich tone that I've come to associate with great trumpet players (Herseth comes to mind here).

The current reviewed recording, on the other hand, is quite a piece of gem. Even though I have never heard of Hardenberger before (you trumpet players out there please excuse my ignorance), he delivers precisely what I am looking for. Hardenberger has the centered tone that most trumpeters would envy, yet he lacked none of the technical virtuosity needed for the music. His vibrato is light and very classical (as opposed to the wider jazz vibrato). On top of all that, he shows much understanding and affinity for the various works on these two CDs.

Tracks:

Vespers Of The Blessed Virgin: Deus in adjutorium - Monteverdi
Canzon V - Canadian Brass
Canon In D - Pachelbel
Le Nozze Di Figaro, K. 492: Overture - Mozart
Le Nozze Di Figaro, K. 492: Non Piu Andrai - Mozart
Ave Verum Corpus - Mozart
Die Zauberflote: Der Holle Rache - Mozart
Exultate Jubilate: Alleluia - Mozart
Piano sonata in A major: Rondo Alla Turca - Mozart
The Four Seasons: I - Allegro (Spring) - Canadian Brass
The Four Seasons: II - Largo (Winter) - Canadian Brass
The Four Seasons: III - Presto (Summer) - Canadian Brass
The Four Seasons: IV - Allegro (Autumn) - Canadian Brass
Contrapunctus I (Andante Sostenuto) - Bach
Contrapunctus XIII (Rectus, Allegro Spiritoso) - Bach
Basin Street Blues - Canadian Brass
Chinatown, My Chinatown - Canadian Brass
Just A Closer Walk With Thee - Traditional
The Saints' Halleluja - Canadian Brass

Customer Reviews:

A Must!.......2004-12-28

This is a must have for any fan of brass instrumentals. (Especially if you are a fan of the Canadian Brass.)

great music.......2000-12-18

I just bought this cd yesterday and i love it already. as a trumpeter, i can really enjoy and appreciate the music they perform. i was quite intrigued hearing canon in D (currently playing right now on my stereo), et al.

The one you need.......2000-06-26

If you are to buy only 1 CD for Brass Enemble, Get this! It captured the BEST of the Candian Brass (one of the top brass enemble in the world). It has all the nice tunes, e.g. Four Seasons, Cannon in D, etc. Strongly recommended.

Mozart: Violin Concertos Nos. 1-3; Rondo, K. 373

Average customer rating:

one of the best one

Mozart: Violin Concertos Nos. 1-3; Rondo, K. 373

Manufacturer: EMI Classics
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

General | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Chamber Music | Classical | Styles | Music

$6.99 and Under | Classical Music Blowout | Stores | Music

All Classical Music Blowout | Classical Music Blowout | Stores | Music

Instrumental | Classical Music Blowout | Stores | Music
Similar Items:

Mozart: Violin Concertos Nos. 4 & 5; Rondo concertante; Rondo; Adagio
Bach: Violin Concertos
Tchaikovsky: Violin Concerto Op35; Brahms: Violin Concerto in D Op77
Brahms: Violin Concerto; Mozart: Sinfonia
Mozart: Horn Concertos Nos. 1-4

ASIN: B00005NPJK
Release Date: 2002-08-13

Tracks:

Violin Concerto No.1 In B Flat, K.207: I. Allegro Moderato
Violin Concerto No.1 In B Flat, K.207: II. Adagio
Violin Concerto No.1 In B Flat, K.207: III. Presto
Violin Concerto No.2 In D, K.211: I. Allegro Moderato
Violin Concerto No.2 In D, K.211: II. Andante
Violin Concerto No.2 In D, K.211: III. Rondeau (Allegro)
Violin Concerto No.3 In G, K.216: I. Allegro
Violin Concerto No.3 In G, K.216: II. Adagio
Violin Concerto No.3 In G, K.216: III. Rondeau (Allegro-Andante-Allegretto)
Rondo In C, K.373

Customer Reviews:

one of the best one .......2006-12-20

This is one of the best recordings of all Mozart violin concertos

Mozart: Violin Concertos Nos. 4 & 5; Rondo concertante; Rondo; Adagio

Average customer rating:

The search stops here
I hope a a genius does NOT write modern music
Beautiful

Mozart: Violin Concertos Nos. 4 & 5; Rondo concertante; Rondo; Adagio

Manufacturer: EMI Classics
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

General | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Chamber Music | Classical | Styles | Music
Similar Items:

Mozart: Violin Concertos Nos. 1-3; Rondo, K. 373
Bach: Violin Concertos
Brahms: Violin Concerto; Mozart: Sinfonia
Tchaikovsky: Violin Concerto Op35; Brahms: Violin Concerto in D Op77
Vivaldi: The Four Seasons; Violin Concertos

ASIN: B00005NPJL
Release Date: 2002-08-13

Tracks:

I: Allegro
II: Andante Cantabile
III: Rondeau (Andante Grazioso - Allegro Ma Non Troppo)
I: Allegro Aperto
II: Adagio
III: Rondeau (Tempo Di Menuetto)
Rondo Concertante In B Flat, K.269
Rondo In C, K.373
Adagio In E, K.261

Customer Reviews:

The search stops here.......2007-03-04

I'm the type of listener that wants a quality reading of the essential pieces of music history so I can explore with the rest of my music budget for more obscure items. This way, when the satellite radio plays something outside of my preference, or a mood strikes, I'm covered.

With this purchase, my search for the two final Mozart violin concerti ceases. There may be a better violinist than Oistrakh, or one better suited for these pieces, or whatever disclaimer someone may want to put on it. I'm not buying it. I can now look for other pieces. Oistrakh is wonderful, the price is sentational (I used both the 4-for-3 and shipping bonuses as well), and the folks at EMI threw on three wonderful extras to extend the cd out to almost 80 minutes. Nice liner notes on the composer, violinist, and the music.

If you want to spend more for less, go ahead. But for someone who enjoys phenomenal violin music that has and will stand the test of time, this cd is a simple 5 star recommendation.

I hope a a genius does NOT write modern music.......2004-02-16

The honesty and truth of his works is what made Mozart a genius and his music exceptional and not, as the previous reviwer has stated, his use of advanced 'modern' harmonic developments. Technical refinements, feeling, taste - these things, though important, should not be considered ends in themselves. Many classical collectors have lost sight of the real end admist these things. It is music's integrity, and in its instruction of moral truths that should be one's only worthy end. Many artists today can play with emotion, skill and taste, but as wise listeners we should understand that these things are secondary to the humanity and integrity displayed in performances of works that have been inspired by such important truths. Oistrakh, as few artists do (especially today) understands this. When he performs he is not engaged in intellectual exercise, rather he makes music as music should be made: he instructs and brings to life the transcendent truths that these masters of old have been appropriately called masters for.

Beautiful.......2003-11-27

This is a beautifully played, selected, remastered, and priced recording of essential pieces of music.

I was wary of picking this up, because my experiences with budget classical releases have generally been bad: although the music is always wonderful, companies either get competent but uninspired performers, or transfer a legendary performer's recording (usually pretty old) to CD without taking any time to remaster it well.

Labels realize, I suppose, that there are two types of people who buy classical music: casual listeners that don't care about (or can't notice) such things, and a coterie of discerning obsessives who are willing to get fleeced for a good recording.

But EMI has actually done everyone a favor. This CD is a gift to a person starting a classical music collection, or anyone who just wants a beautiful recording of these pieces. Mozart's two greatest violin concertos are here, along with the alternate movements that he wrote for the same concertos - the disc actually fills its running time of 80 minutes, and it sounds glorious even on headphones. I'm not sure if it was a great remastering job or just an unusually sharp recording in the first place, but everything sounds bright and alive.

My knowledge of performers isn't that good, and I had never heard of David Oistrakh when I picked this up, but after a few listens I was convinced that he had to be a legend - which, unsurprisngly, he was (and is, I suppose). His tone is incredibly pure and smooth, and his playing retains the improvisatory feel of some of Mozart's continuously unspooling melodies while remaining disciplined and clear.

The 4th and 5th violin concertos mark the point when Mozart stopped performing these compositions himself, and handed over the reins to a more skilled violinist - and my god, they seem to have gotten very complicated. The development of the melodies occasionally moves into harmonic areas where it sounds like Mozart must have been writing in 20th century: and parts of the Turkish concerto, I swear, sound like they were picked up by Sibelius to use in Tapiola. But a genius, I suppose, is always writing modern music.

Tracks:

I. Vorspiel: Allegro Moderato
II. Adagio
III. Finale: Allegro Energico
I. Allegro Molto Appassionato
III. Andante
III. Allegretto Non Troppo - Allegro Molto Vivace

Tracks:

I. Allegro
II. Adagio
III. Rondeau
Adagio In E Major For Violin And Orchestra, K261
I. Allegro Aperto
II. Adagio
III. Rondeau - Tempo Di Minuetto
Rondo In C Major For Violin And Orchestra, K373

Customer Reviews:

Not a very good recording.......2007-02-07

I don't think Joshua Bell plays this pieces very well... Its a shame that artists like Oistrakh and Milstein are forgotten when people go out to buy joshua bell cds (Must be the marketing strategy)... Kyung Wha Chung's recordings of these two pieces feature better sound and much better performances than this pitiful violinist

Joshua Bell in His Element.......2006-12-10

After reviewing the CD of Joshua Bell and Neville Marriner performing the Bruch G minor and the Mendelssohn E minor concerti, this listener realized that the CD is no longer available. BUT here is an even better option: on this generous 2 CD set are not only the original recordings of the Bruch and Mendelssohn but also a re-emergence of an absolutely exquisite recording of Mozart works that make this available CD one to buy immediately.

Having addressed the Bruch and Mendelssohn in a prior review, let it be said that there are few recordings of the Mozart concertos No. 3 in G major and No. 5 in A major that can compare with these 1992 performances by Bell and the English Chamber Orchestra conducted by Peter Maag. The playing is sweet and tender and technically secure as well as being played with heart. Bell uses his own cadenzas as has become his trademark and without exception these cadenzas show the amount of insight and careful study behind Bell's performances.

As an added bonus to the Mozart CD, Bell and Maag offer the 'Adagio in E major', K261 and the 'Rondo in C major', K373 and once again it would be difficult to find finer recordings of these two gems in the current library. This is a splendid set of CDs offering two hours of perfect playing from one of our finest violinists on the stage today. Highly recommended. Grady Harp, December 06

A good compilation from the younger Joshua Bell.......2005-08-22

These are rereleases of previous recordings by Joshua Bell the teenager. The Bruch and Mendelssohn are from 1988 and the two Mozart concertos, plus embellishments, are from 1992.

The principal difference between these recordings and the work Bell does today is in style. Compared to his now lean and mean approach, Bell played in a warmer, more romantic style in these recordings, where he was given appropriate accompaniment by the English Chamber Orchestra under the late Peter Maag in Mozart, and by the Academy of St. Martin's in the Fields led by Neville Marriner in the romantic concertos.

Since Bell later re-recorded the Mendelssohn concerto (in 2000 with Roger Norrington and the Salzburg Academy Orchestra) it is easiest to note the differences in that work. The timings for the Mendelssohn are consistently broader in the older recording and his style is consistently more romantic.

Bell and Marriner play up the finale into a blaze or romantic language, picking up the pace at the very end. The Bruch concerto is similar in style and temperament. To my ears, the playing by the Academy and leadership by Marriner in the Mendelssohn is inferior to the 2000 recording.

For most listeners, the more notable release is the two Mozart concertos and the K.261 adagio & K.373 rondo that fills the disk, music that has been out of print for some time. Here, Bell is in territory with the greatest violinists of today and yesterday, recording Mozart's famed Concertos No. 3 and 5, the so-called "Turkish" concerto for its national dance in the final movement.

In this music, Bell again demonstrates a more committed and somewhat romanticized approach with flexible phrasing. That flexibility sometimes threw me, as I was a bit put off by the brief tenuto he employs at the beginning of certain phrases, espeically when the violin makes its initial entry after an orchestral tutti.

Aside from this, I found no objectionalbe tendencies...assuming you can live with Bell's own cadenzas in the Mozart. I found these worked part of the time and didn't work so well part of the time. Bell plays the traditional cadenzas in the Mendelssohn, something he changes in his later recording.

Bell has several outstanding moments in the Mozart concertos. The adagio of the Concerto No. 3 is especially lovely, handled with utmost care and sensitivity by both the soloist and accompanist.

In addtion, the "Turkish" section -- Tempo di minuetto -- in the finale of the Concerto No. 5 springs forth with life and brings distinction to an otherwise ordinary performance. All the while, Bell receives outstanding accompaniment from the Mozart specialist, Peter Maag, and the ECO.

I compared these recordings to a pair of collections I have at home, one by Augustin Dumay and the Salzburg Academy Orchestra and another by Pinchas Zukerman and the St. Paul Chamber Orchestra. Bell's performances compare most readily to Zukerman's 25-year-old recordings.

Both take a healthy, romantic view of the music and play it the way David Oistrakh does on his stereo recordings. Bell's accompaniment is twice as good as that given to Zukerman by the St. Paul group, whose scrappy playing seriously downgrades his meaty interpretation.

The Dumay recording of Mozart Concertos 3-5 takes the more modern chamber-period approach with faster speeds, more clipped phrasing and a complete lack of pathos, sentiment and romance. I find the music works well either way (it is Mozart, after all!) and either recording will bring pleasure.

This two CD set sells for a list price of $18, making it a 2-for-1 proposition. It is eminently worth your money if the collection is one you are seeking and you enjoy the old fashioned romantic approach.

Average customer rating:

CD: Julia Fischer: Mozart Violin Concertos
(~~)==++ JULIA FISCHER: simply TREMENDOUS - a very RFRESHING new RECORDING by this very young Violinist!
big and luminous.
More Quality Classical Music Listening
An outstanding and moving performance

Mozart: Violin Concertos
Mozart , Julia Fischer , Yakov Kreizberg , and Netherlands Chamber Orchestra
Manufacturer: Pentatone
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

General | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Chamber Music | Classical | Styles | Music
Similar Items:

J.S. Bach: Sonatas and Partitas for Solo Violin, BWV 1001-1006
Mozart, W.A.: Violin Concertos Nos. 1, 2 & 5
Russian Violin Concertos [Hybrid SACD]
Tchaikovsky Violin Concerto (Hybr)
Mendelssohn: Piano Trios Nos. 1 & 2 [Hybrid SACD]

ASIN: B0009KBMKI
Release Date: 2005-10-18

Tracks:

Allegro
Adagio
Rondeau (Allegro-Andante-Allegretto-Allegro)
Allegro
Andante Cantabile
Rondeau (Andante Grazioso)
Adagio For Violin And Orchestra In E Major, K. 261
Allegro

Customer Reviews:

CD: Julia Fischer: Mozart Violin Concertos.......2007-05-07

In March I heard Julia Fischer playing Khachaturian's violin concerto at a concert at the Kennedy Center in Washington D.C. She is such a wonderful violinist that soon after I got home I checked what other performance of hers would be available from Amazon. When I saw this CD I promptly ordered it. I was not disappointed: She plays these concertos better than anyone I ever heard. She combines deep feeling with perfect virtuosity in this performance. I recommend this CD to everybody who likes Mozart or violin!

(~~)==++ JULIA FISCHER: simply TREMENDOUS - a very RFRESHING new RECORDING by this very young Violinist!.......2007-02-15

big and luminous........2006-06-11

What makes SACD with music is to 1.improve great details or 2. Make mistakes sound even worse. In this ocation the first exception makes the rule. Later cadenzas give something different and at the same time, peerless jewels to enjoy in this immortal pieces.

More Quality Classical Music Listening.......2006-04-08

I do not claim to be an expert in classical music but I do enjoy listening to good classical music often. This recording of Mozart Violin Concertos is one that I have enjoyed listening too over and over. I would not hesitate recommending it to anyone who enjoys classical music that highlights the romantic violin.

An outstanding and moving performance.......2005-12-08

Julia Fischer doesn't just turn in an easy-listening Mozart; she gives us a rare and moving performance. The cadenzas will melt your soul as will the Adagio movement of Concerto #3 in G. The fact that she wrote 5 of the candenzas and augmented the 6th shows that she has stunning self confidence and poise. The same could be said for someone who records Bach's Sonatas & Partitas for Solo Violin at her young age. But I say if you've got the talent, flaunt it. And she has it in spades. If you take a listen to the three recordings she has out on Pentatone at the moment, (The present work, Bach's Sonatas & Partitas for Solo Violin, and Russian violin concertos by Aram Khachaturian, Serge Prokofiev and Alexander Glazunov) you will immediately perceive her extraordinary versitility in these widely different idioms, and the commitment and talent she brings to each of these (normally) duanting undertakings.

You will not regret this purchase. I certainly plan to buy anything with her name on it for some time to come.

Mozart: The Violin Concertos; Sinfonia Concertante

Average customer rating:

Superb!
Lyrical, Powerful, Moving Mozart
Buy it if you love mozart and violin
One of the most beutiful Mozart ever
Mozart: The Violin Concertos

Mozart: The Violin Concertos; Sinfonia Concertante

Manufacturer: Deutsche Grammophon
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

General | Symphonies | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Classical | Styles | Music

Deutsche Grammophon: Music | Specialty Stores | Music
Similar Items:

Mozart: The Violin Sonatas
Piano Trios
Mozart: Violin Sonatas K. 301, 304, 376 & 526
Simply Anne-Sophie
Paganini: Violin Concerto No. 1; Spohr: Violin Concerto No. 8

ASIN: B000CQKY4Y
Release Date: 2005-11-08

Tracks:

Allegro moderato
Andante
Rondeau (Allegro)
Allegro moderato
Adagio
Presto
Allegro aperto
Adagio
Rondeau (Tempo di minuetto)

Tracks:

Allegro
Andante cantabile
Rondeau (Andante grazioso - Allegro ma non troppo)
Allegro
Adagio
Rondo (Allegro)
Allegro maestoso
Andante
Presto

Amazon.com

Fans of Anne-Sophie Mutter know what to expect of her. Her technique is dazzling, and she takes an individualistic, Romantic approach to whatever she plays --occasionally inundating the music with more weight than is necessary--and her tone is luminous and grand. This 2-CD set of all of Mozart's Violin Concerti and the fantastic Sinfonia Concertante K. 364 (wherein she's joined by violist Yuri Bashmet) exemplifies all of these traits. If you like your Mozart airy and delicate you've come to the wrong place; if you like some fine showy virtuosity in fast movements and long, lush statements in the slow movements, you'll be perfectly comfortable. And indeed the slow movements are slow--occasionally hypnotically so--but they're never less than stunningly played. K. 364 is ravishing, particularly in the two energetic outer movements, with Bashmet's gorgeous tone a real attraction. This is very sophisticated Mozart playing. --Robert Levine

Customer Reviews:

Superb!.......2007-06-21

I wil be brief. These remarable pieces are played beautifully and insightfully by Ms. Mutter. No Mozart worshiper should be without these recordings.

Lyrical, Powerful, Moving Mozart.......2007-03-16

Every so often you find an almost perfect performance and recording that leaves you smiling and shaking your head in awe: Mutter Mozart -- The Violin Concertos and Sinfonia Concertante is definitely one of those.

Ms. Mutter's power, range, and stylistic sophistication are at their acme. She soars ethereally where it's required, sings sweetly in slow rhythms, and pushes forward like a commander where that's what's called for. The London Philharmonic is beautifully in concert with her every move and timing. Yuri Bashmet's viola in Sinfonia Concertante is equally sublime.

For those who first knew Ms. Mutter's Mozart playing when she was but a budding teen, it's fun to see how much her skill and interpretive abilities have expanded in 30 years. It's astonishing to see someone with that much experience can still appear quite young. And of course, there's the irony to appreciate of Ms. Mutter now being older than Mozart was at his death.

Above all this is a confident performance by players who know Mozart well, understand what they want to accomplish, and are in complete accord with what needs to be done. The bright optimism and energy of Mozart are beautifully displayed . . . reminding us with wonder of how his own life was often filled with problems even as he produced such astonishingly bright works one right after the other.

If you like Ms. Mutter and Mozart, I encourage you to purchase this two CD-set and the four CD-set, Mozart: The Violin Sonatas.

Buy it if you love mozart and violin.......2007-01-03

I bought this CD set a couple of months back. I'm glad to to say that I've enjoyed it throughly so far. I also have a copy of the rather polished recording of Violin Concertos 3 and 5 that Mutter made with Karajan, and I find the new one seems to have greater energy and emotions. Both the set of recordings are to be cherished in their own right.

The Sinfonia Concertante is to die for! I've not heard a better recording, especially the Presto.

One of the most beutiful Mozart ever.......2006-12-22

I compared this recording with Manze, Grumiaux, and Perlman's recordings.
First, no. 1 and 2. are the outstading performance with gorgeous sound.
Regarding No. 3, I prefer her earlier recording to it in especially in first movement. But, 2nd and 3rd movement are really great and probably second to none.
No. 4 and No. 5 is also great.
Sinfonia Concertante, I bet nobody else can do better than Mutter and Bashmet.
My suggestion :
If you wanna background music --> Manze OK.
If you wanna more classical music --> Grumiaux
If you love sweetier sound --> Perlman
If you love song (I think this recording shows more operatic and more lirical aspects in Mozart musics than other recordings do) and really want to be absorbed into music --> Mutter !

Mozart: The Violin Concertos.......2006-07-06

Mozart: The Violin Concertos~ Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart is a stunning and amazing recording with brilliant Anne Sophie Mutter. She plays with such bravura, skill and ability that is rarely heard and the only one that I can think of right of hand sitting here typing this is Hillary Hahn, but there could one or two more that have slipped my mind. Mozart is in my humble opinion alone one of the greatest composers of all time and alongst with Wagner, Bach and Beethoven they are the elite of all compositions and are therefore in a league of their own. The complexity of Mozart's work is often deceptive. One hears it and one is struck by its seeming simplicity. However, take a look at the score and one suddenly realizes the complexity and the brilliance that is captured within the mind and spirit of Mozart and verily being a devout Christian at heart I can not help to think that God spent a few extra seconds on the likes of Mozart. Highly recommended without any reservations to connoisseurs of classical music as well as to ordinary listeners whom will surely appreciate the magnificent ability of Anne Sophie Mutter and the amazing compositions created by Mozart.

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