Horn Concertos 1-4

Track Listings

1. Konzert Nr. 1 D-Dur Kv 412-Allegro

2. Konzert Nr. 1 D-Dur Kv 412-Rondo, Allegro

3. Konzert Nr. 2 Es-Dur Kv 417-Allegro Maestoso

4. Konzert Nr. 2 Es-Dur Kv 417-Andante

5. Konzert Nr. 2 Es-Dur Kv 417-Rondo

6. Konzert Nr. 3 Es-Dur Kv 447-Allegro

7. Konzert Nr. 3 Es-Dur Kv 447-Romance, Larghetto

8. Konzert Nr. 3 Es-Dur Kv 447-Allegro

9. Konzert Nr. 4 Es-Dur Kv 495-Allegro Moderato

10. Konzert Nr. 4 Es-Dur Kv 495-Romanza, Andante

11. Konzert Nr. 4 Es-Dur Kv 495-Rondo, Allegro Vivace

Tracks:

Hn Con No.1 in D, K.412: I. Rondo: Allegro
Hn Con No.1 in D, K.412: II. Allegro
Hn Con No.2 in E flat, K.417: I. Allegro Maestoso
Hn Con No.2 in E flat, K.417: II. Andante
Hn Con No.2 in E flat, K.417: III. Rondo
Hn Con No.3 in E flat, K.447: I. Allegro
Hn Con No.3 in E flat, K.447: II. Romanza: Larghetto
Hn Con No.3 in E flat, K.447: III. Allegro
Hn Con No.4 in E flat, K.495: I. Allegro Moderato
Hn Con No.4 in E flat, K.495: II. Romanza: Andante
Hn Con No.4 in E flat, K.495: III. Rondo: Allegro Vivace
Fragment in E flat, 494a
Rondo in E flat, K.371

Customer Reviews:

Mozart:: Horn Concertos 1 - 4.......2006-07-28

Exactly what we needed to prepare intermediate horn solo for competition.

This needs to be the "other" recording.......2005-05-31

As a music teacher and hornist who has performed all of the Mozart horn concertos at one time or another, I am probably more picky about recordings of these works than anything else. Everyone always upholds the Dennis Brain recordings as the best, and rightly so. Brain was the all-time master of the horn, period. The problem is that he died young and his Mozart recordings were made in the 1950s. Yes, the CD has been remastered and sounds quite good, but there's only so much a producer can do.

That's why one recording of these masterpieces simply will not do.

This CD by Barry Tuckwell most assuredly needs to be the "other" recording one has in their collection. Tuckwell with his gorgeous tone, fantastic range, and excellent lip trills is easily the best hornist in the past few decades. He plays each concerto with spirit and aggression in contrast to Brain's more controlled and leisurely interpretation. His cadenzas are more modern and showy yet maintain classical style and taste. The ASMF provides perfect, well-balanced accompaniment with, interestingly enough, a harpsicord playing basso continuo underneath the orchestra (a feature that may or may not have been used when Mozart first debuted these concertos).

Finally, the original recordings are modern enough that when digitally remastered, they sound clear as a bell.

So yes, buy the Brain recording, he is the best hornist of all time. But this recording by Tuckwell is marvellous and should be immediately added to one's collection. Both recordings are correct, both are beautiful, but both are different.

Therefore, both are needed.

Its worth it.......2003-05-27

I am impressed with the elegance of Barry Tuckwell's playing, combined with the conducting of world known conductor, Sir Marriner. As a beginner trumpeter, who also loves the french horn, I would recommend this cd for those who loves the french horn as much as I do.

Average customer rating:

What Hath God Wrought?
World class music
I Wish Dennis Brain Had Been Born So That His Performing Powers Peaked in 1995
A Master Performs a Master
Mozart: Horn Concert

Mozart: Horn Concertos Nos. 1-4

Manufacturer: EMI Classics
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

Quintets | Chamber Music | Classical | Styles | Music

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Horn Concertos
Brain
Mozart: Violin Concertos
Mozart - Clarinet Concerto & Oboe Concerto / Pay, Piguet, AAM, Hogwood
Great Recordings Of The Century - Brahms: Violin Sonatas nos 1 - 3 / Perlman, Ashkenazy

ASIN: B00000GCAD
Release Date: 1999-01-12

Tracks:

Horn Concerto No.1 In D, K.412: Allegro
Horn Concerto No.1 In D, K.412: Rondo (Allegro)
Horn Concerto No.2 In E Flat, K.417: Allegro maestoso
Horn Concerto No.2 In E Flat, K.417: Andante
Horn Concerto No.2 In E Flat, K.417: Rondo
Horn Concerto No.3 In E Flat, K.447: Allegro
Horn Concerto No.3 In E Flat, K.447: Romance (Larghetto)
Horn Concerto No.3 In E Flat, K.447: Allegro
Horn Concerto No.4 In E Flat, K.495: Allegro moderato
Horn Concerto No.4 In E Flat, K.495: Romance (Andante)
Horn Concerto No.4 In E Flat, K.495: Rondo (Allegro vivace)
Quintet In E Flat For Piano And Wind K.452: Largo-Allegro moderato
Quintet In E Flat For Piano And Wind K.452: Larghetto
Quintet In E Flat For Piano And Wind K.452: Rondo (Allegro)

Customer Reviews:

What Hath God Wrought?.......2007-04-02

Well ...

If you're reading this, it's likely that you have already have already heard about Dennis Brain and in particular the famous passages where his rapid playing left a generation of listeners shaking their heads in astonishment.

This is how everyone first hears of him: a sort of circus act with lots of notes but without the great tone that distinguishes really good horn playing. This first impression is strengthened by stories about the strange, narrow-bore horn he played and by the sound of occasionally clipped staccato notes and a tight low range. As someone once said, "My faults, according to this calculation, are heavy indeed!"

But in Brain's case as well as in Fitzwilliam Darcy's, closer acquaintance reverses the impression altogether.

At odds with the idea of frenetic speed, Brain produces some of the most sensitive phrase shaping you'll find in any musical recordings. His effortless mastery gives many passages a relaxed feeling that suggests he is playing them a third lower than written. His recordings of hornists' two signature pieces -- Strauss's first horn concerto and Mozart's third -- are both gentler than any other recording in the catalogue. He plays the Mozart third at a surprisingly slow tempo and turns the first page of the Strauss, which most players muscle up on, into a lullaby.

In the middle and upper ranges, Brain's tone, while unobtrusive, is so full and pure that many people say they have a tendency to block out everything else and just listen to that sound. That may not seem an asset for ensemble playing, but his accompaniment playing was wonderful and his reliability a huge asset for his colleagues. The expectation of perfection became so other-worldly that, on the inevitable day when Brain finally flubbed a passage in rehearsal, the always mischievous Sir Thomas Beecham stopped the orchestra, put his baton down, and just said, "Thank God."

Brain's trills, lip trills in particular, are uniquely clear, and at the end of the day, yes, there is that fabulously rapid articulation that leaves listeners wondering whether they were dreaming what they just heard.

This playing all emanated from a personality that was apparently of the utmost simplicity and modesty. Alan Civil had the last word on this forty years ago in his remembrance of Brain on the jacket of "The Art of Dennis Brain" album (Seraphim 60040, if you can find it). Brain's early, accidental death strikes one the same way as Beethoven's deafness does: a hint that higher forces are at play.

No, this is not a review of Brain's Mozart. It is an invitation to begin an acquaintance. Dig in!

World class music.......2007-01-10

By far the best rendition of the Mozart Horn Concertos ever produced. David Brain must be the "El Supremo" of horn playing. An added bonus on this CD is the Quintet in E flat for piano and wind and with Colin Horsley as the pianist is an added treat for New Zealanders. A "MUST HAVE" for all lovers of Mozart.

I Wish Dennis Brain Had Been Born So That His Performing Powers Peaked in 1995.......2006-05-17

I purchased The LP in 1953 and proceeded to 'wear it out.' No, I have not yet thrown it out.

However, I have had the good fortune to find myself a resident of the San Francisco Peninsula since 1970 and, in time, have had the privilege to make the acquaintance of the Philharmonia Baroque Orchestra, who perform one of each of their annual subscription concert series locally here in Palo Alto.

In 1992 they recorded the Horn Concertos with Lowell Greer performing them on the natural (valveless) horn, the instrument which was in use at the time Mozart composed them. Given the temperamental nature of the the instrument, the recording is doubtless a composite of many 'takes.' It is also a breathtaking performance and is now my 'standard.' See:

[...]

Take a moment to listen to some of the available tracks.

Form your own opinion.

A Master Performs a Master.......2005-08-20

I'm not much of a classical music reviewer. I've been exposed to a lot of music, but I tend to stick to favorite performances, so I don't have the depth needed to really be authoritative. Except perhaps for oboe, and that's because I grew up listening to John De Lancie and Marcel Tabuteau - and once you hear really good, you know what's what. This album is a similar case. Dennis Brain wasn't a 'good' French horn player, he was probably the best that there ever was or will be.

I've heard a lot of performance horn players. All you have to do to see what I mean is to wander through this website and pick off performances of the first movement of Horn Concerto No. 2 in E flat and you will discover that Brain never blurbles a note, and every attack in the Allegro Maestoso is pinpoint. He is technically and tonally perfect and couples that with a superb musical sensibility. It was one of the great musical tragedies that he died at the age of 36.

Something to keep in mind is that when Mozart wrote these works for his good friend (and cheesemonger) Joseph Leutgeb, the French horn was a very limited instrument. Many of the notes were reached by stopping the bell to some degree, which affected volume and intonation. Mozart wrote to take advantage of Leutgeb's expertise at this, and Dennis Brain chooses to maintain this effect rather than just play his modern instrument with no thought to the past.

These compositions cover a fair range of time. Number 2(K.417) is really the earliest (1783). And the incomplete No. 1 (K.412) is really the last (1791). The best though, in both my mind and Mozart's is the Quintet in E flat for piano & wind. Mozart was a master in using instrument groupings in novel and powerful fashion and this is no exception.

EMI has remastered this CD over their previous release, which enhances clarity, and makes it easier to hear Dennis Brain's considerable finesse. I own their first release and the difference in clarity makes it worth finding this edition. But even the duller production of the 1997 is enjoyable. It you want a good selection of Dennis Brain's work on one CD this is an excellent buy.

Mozart: Horn Concert.......2005-08-14

Great recordings of the century, and that is what it is.
Herbart von Karajan conducting, and Dennis Brain on horn tells it all; a wonderful rich music experience are waiting for you.
In my ears its probably one of the best recordings ever made of the horn concert. And even though its from the mid 50`s it comes in a wonderful remastered CD.
The CD comes with a very good booklet in English; telling the story behind the record.
I highly recommend this album

The Chicago Principal: First Chair Soloist Play Famous Concertos

Average customer rating:

Nice collection
A world class collection!
First chair players top notch in a top notch orchestra
Must-have for CSO fans
Absolutely fantastic

The Chicago Principal: First Chair Soloist Play Famous Concertos
Chicago Symphony Orchestra
Manufacturer: Deutsche Grammophon
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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Portrait of an Artist: Arnold Jacobs
The Antiphonal Music of Gabrieli
Strauss: Wind Concertos
Brahms & Beethoven: Music for Horn
Horn Concertos

ASIN: B00008RV2S
Release Date: 2003-04-08

Tracks:

I. Allegro Aperto
II. Andante Ma Non Troppo
III. Allegro
I. Allegro
II. Andante
III. Finale. Allegro
I. Allegro
II. Romance. Larghetto
III. Allegro
I. Lebhaft
II. Romanze. Ziemlich Langsam Doch Nicht Schleppend
III. Sehr Lebhaft

Tracks:

I. Allegro
II. Andante Ma Adagio
III. Rondo. Tempo De Menuetto
I. Allegro Moderato
II. Romanza. Andante Sostenuto
III. Finale - Rondo Alla Tedesca. Allegro
Prologue. Andante
Pastoral. Lento 'The Day's Grown Old'
Nocturne. Maestoso 'The Splendor Falls On Castle Walls'
Elegy. Andante Appassionato 'O Rose, Thou Art Sick'
Dirge. All Marcia Grave 'This Ae Nighte, Every Nighte'
Hymn. Presto E Leggiero 'Queen And Hantress, Chaste And Fair'
Sonnet. Adagio 'O Soft Embalmer Of The Still Midnight'
Epilogue. Andante
Bolero

Customer Reviews:

Nice collection .......2007-05-08

Great collection of concerti, some very familiar, some less so. Shortly after purchasing this double CD I had the chance to see the Chicago Symphony perform in Sarasota. Fun to see the principles at work on stage.

A world class collection!.......2006-11-16

It's not every day that you come across a recording that showcases as many elite calibur musicians as this collection does. Not only do you get some of the best names in the CSO, but you also get a tremendous diversity of musical genres to explore the viruosity. Being a horn player myself, I purchased the set for the Konzertstuck for four horns by Schumann. This single piece is worth the purchase of the 2 disk set all by itself. Describing this piece as a 'tour de force' would hardly do it justice, as horn players across the globe would agree. The fantastic four represented here certainly do not disappoint, masterfully executing the tremendous technical hurdles and extreme range requirements with flawless ease. Even though the technical demands are quite substantial, this group never loses sight of the phrasing, balance, and intonation, as can easily happen. Clevenger was most impressive in the Mozart horn concerto #3- an interpretation that I thought was extremely tasteful and pleasing. His command with changing not only of the dynamics of the piece, but also tonal colors to compliment this, is in my opinion unmatched. Adolph Hersith, what more can be said, a legend who played the Haydn to perfection. These are definitely the shining stars on the collection. Not to say the other selections were not outstandingly performed, but perhaps just fall out of the range of my preferred taste. While Jacobs played wonderfully, the tuba concerto was not to my liking as a matter of musical preference. The serenade for horn and tenor was even less appealing to me, and though the performers were stellar, I found the music to be difficult to follow, and repetitive in nature. Let's just call the entire second cd an adventure in specialties. Unless you happen to specialize in the particular instrument that is featured, you are unlikely to find these tracks as 'accessible' as the ones found on disk one. Between the bassoon concerto and Bolero, there is enough sleep aid for even the hard-core insomniac. Without the Konzertstuck, this rating would be a four, with it, it is a six!

First chair players top notch in a top notch orchestra.......2005-07-01

To be completely honest, this album did not interest me at first, even though I am the biggest CSO fan ever. The only reason I stumbled upon it was because I was browsing in a bad CD collection. All they had was generic, tripe recordings of most everything. Well, when I saw this I picked it up because I noticed it was under the DG label and because it had CSO recordings. I soon realized what I had been missing. This CD has probably the best recording ever of the Vaughn-Williams tuba concerto. Jacobs's mastery is held blatantly obvious in this recording, it is simply amazing and inspiring (even though I think his successor Gene Porkorny has a better sound). Another piece which caught my eye was the energetic Konzertstuck by Schumann. By itself the piece already speaks for itself. But, performed correctly, as it is here, the piece becomes heroic statement. The CSO horns play out boldly, without trepidation but alos without assaulting the ears. The sound is amazingly balanced between the four of them and they seem to be veritably unified in their playing, almost if one horn could double or triple stop( understandable?) instead of throwing 4 different players together and forcing them to compete. This is the CSO brass section that I know and love.

The real winner on this CD, however is the Bolero, conducted by Solti. The soloists are obviously all top notch. But espectially effective is the barely audible start with a simple side drum figure mingled with a flute to the deafening, exhilarating climax that closes the piece. If you're a brass person and you're looking for stereotypical Chicago brass, it's right here at the end. Good job Solti, and the CSO. Happy listening

Must-have for CSO fans.......2005-05-04

Recently I had an opportunity to meet with the legendary Bud Herseth, and I wanted a CD to get an autograph. But which one? The fabled archetype of the first trumpet, Herseth is on every recording the CSO made since he started in 1948 until he retired just a couple of years ago. If you want to get into an argument about who the best trumpet player who ever lived was, Herseth's name will center the argument, and the other contenders won't have been as well recorded. This CD turned out to be perfect, the Haydn concerto showcases his remarkable ability to be consistently perfect. I recommend this CD to classical music fans; Herseth, Clevenger, Still, Elliot and Jacobs are the best of the best in symphonic music, and these solo selections are truly magnificent. I recommend this CD especially to CSO fans, there are maybe a dozen symphonies at most in the same league as the CSO, and these principal chairs are one of the main reasons for the continued superiority of the symphony. I also recommend this CD to music students who play french horn, trumpet, tuba, oboe or bassoon. All musicians should strive for this level of magnificence, and though most will never reach this acme, the effort will bring you beyond the average. Lastly, I also recommend the CD to Solti fans, in spite of the fact that there are so many Solti recordings to choose from. You'll appreciate Solti's Bolero, it's my favorite Ravel recording. Oh by the way, I did get Herseth to sign the CD, he has a charming sense of humor and said "well, if I can remember how to spell my name." To which I replied: "Sir, it's printed on the CD."

Absolutely fantastic.......2004-04-14

As a horn player, I must unobjectively confess that there is something quite magical about the work of Dale Clevenger and the CSO horn section from the 70s and 80s.

Perhaps the predigital recording technology during this time
left a little to the listeners imagination. Perhaps the virtuosity and freshness of the performances was something truly
historic. Maybe it is just me.

The Britten Serenade for Tenor, Horn, and Strings and the Schumann Konzertstueck recordings are absolutely my hands down favorites. I cannot listen to these without getting excited about horn playing again. And, having them on CD is great.

The other performances on the CD are also excellent - so this recording is by no means just for horn players!

Tracks:

Clarinet Concerto In A Major, K622: I Allegro
Clarinet Concerto In A Major, K622: II Adagio
Clarinet Concerto In A Major, K622: III Rondo; Allegro
Flute Concerto No. 1 In G Major, K313 (285C): I Allegro maestoso
Flute Concerto No. 1 In G Major, K313 (285C): II Adagio non troppo
Flute Concerto No. 1 In G Major, K313 (285C): III Rondo: Tempo di menuetto
Oboe Concerto In C Major, K314: I Allegro aperto
Oboe Concerto In C Major, K314: II Adagio non troppo
Oboe Concerto In C Major, K314: III Rondo: Allegretto

Tracks:

Bassoon Concerto In B Flat Major, K191: I Allegro
Bassoon Concerto In B Flat Major, K191: II Andante ma adagio
Bassoon Concerto In B Flat Major, K191: III Rondo: Tempo di menuetto
Horn Concerto No. 1 In D Major, K412: I Allegro
Horn Concerto No. 1 In D Major, K412: II Rondo: Allegro
Horn Concerto No. 2 In E Flat Major, K417: I Allegro
Horn Concerto No. 2 In E Flat Major, K417: II Andante
Horn Concerto No. 2 In E Flat Major, K417: III Rondo: Allegro
Horn Concerto No. 3 In E Flat Major, K447: I Allegro
Horn Concerto No. 3 In E Flat Major, K447: II Romance: Larghetto
Horn Concerto No. 3 In E Flat Major, K447: III Allegro
Horn Concerto No. 4 In E Flat Major, K495: I Allegro maestoso
Horn Concerto No. 4 In E Flat Major, K495: II Romance: Andante cantabile
Horn Concerto No. 4 In E Flat Major, K495: III Rondo: Allegro vivace

Customer Reviews:

The Value Far Exceeds the Cost.......2005-06-28

Not only does this 2-CD set present a great set of pieces by Mozart, but the renditions given are among the best anywhere. Much good has been said about the performances of the clarinet and horn concertos, and rightly so. I must, however, being a flute player, comment on William Bennett's wonderful G Major concerto: you would be hard-pressed to find a more songful and intense recording. The bassoon concerto is the best I've heard, as is the oboe concerto. The horn concertos, though thoroughly enjoyable, are bested by James Sommerville. I would also recommend you compare the clarinet concerto here with Bohm's on DG, which is transcendent.

Value Packed Concerto Set.......2002-01-19

Outstanding value from this two-CD set. Highlighting this solid recording is a marvelous clarinet performance by de Peyer backed solidly by the London Symphony and what could be the best of the horn renderings of Mozart's Concertos by Tuckwell again with the London Symphony. The balance and mood here by their interpretation is excellent, with the strength and toning by de Peyer and Tuckwell superb.

These are ably supplemented by very able renditions of the oboe and bassoon concertos respectively by Mack and McGill with the Cleveland Orchestra.

One will not go astray by having this set in their collection.

Great Set of Concertos.......2001-03-19

This is a marvelous set of mozart's wind concertos. De Peyer is an incredible musician who executes the clarinet concerto with sheer brilliance. Elegant and refined, this is the only recording of this concerto you'll ever need. The flute and bassoon concertos are remarkable as well. John Mack is a wonderful player who shapes the most beautiful phrases in the oboe concerto, and puts a touch of elegance on every note he plays. Tuckwell is a notoriously excellent musician, and his interpretation of the horn concertos are certainly 1st-rate, with an accompaniment to match. These CD's are certainly an asset to any Mozart-lover.

Fine performances with superb accompaniments........2000-09-07

Both Barry Tuckwell on horn and Gervais de Peyer on clarinet are fine soloists who play their respective concertos beautifully. However, it is the suberb accompaniments by Peter Maag -- an extremely gifted Mozart conductor -- which provide the polish which makes this a 5-star set.

Great de Peyers and Tuckwell performances.......2000-04-04

The clarinet concerto played by de Peyer is undoubtedly the best recorded performance of this great concerto. The sound is absolutely beautiful and the interpretation is retrained but elegant to the extreme. The orchestra under Maag played precisely and stylishly. In spite of the age of this recording, the sonic quality is very fine. Tuckwell's performance is as fantastic as one would expect from the all time greatest horn player.

Average customer rating:

Great collection, value
A great way to get Mozart's concertos
A great set of Mozart concertos
Excellent - Worth Every Penny!
Highly enjoyable

Complete Wind Concertos
Mozart , and Orpheus Chamber Orchestra
Manufacturer: Deutsche Grammophon
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

General | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Chamber Music | Classical | Styles | Music

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ASIN: B000065TV1
Release Date: 2002-06-11

Customer Reviews:

Great collection, value.......2007-05-31

This is a really neat collection of the Mozart wind concertos. I really like the Sinfonia Concertante and Bassoon Concertos. The bassoonist here does a fantastic job with that concerto; he is matched only be Thuneman and the Academy of St. Martin in the Fields. The cadenza for said concerto is also interesting, and provided some inspiration for my own cadenza when I performed the work.

Overall this CD is a MUST HAVE, most particularly for the performances, but also because it is pretty cheap for such great music.

A great way to get Mozart's concertos.......2005-11-11

This set of three discs is a great, economical way to fill out your collection of Mozart concertos. Contained are good to excellent versions of all 4 horn concertos, the three works featuring flute, the fine clarinet concerto and the early bassoon and oboe concertos. The digitally recorded sound is very clear if occasionally dry and the balance between soloists and orchestra is quite natural. Many times, particularly with the flute works, on other recordings the soloist ends up being unnaturally favored but not so here.

The Sinfonia Concertante which opens the collection is a delightful work even if it is not actually a Mozart composition -- which it almost certainly is not. The Clarinet soloist in the clarinet concerto plays beutifully and I think rivals Leister's great work with Karajan. The four horn concertos are fine even if the soloists are not quite at the level of the famous Brain recordings. The Bassoon and Oboe soloists are truly excellent and these are the best versions of these pieces I have yet heard.

This collection can be recommended highly.

A great set of Mozart concertos.......2005-09-01

This set is an excellent value. 212 minutes of Mozart's music at a very modest price. And what music! The Orpheus Chamber Orchestra does a superb job.

The first disc begins with the Sinfonia Concertante for Oboe, Clarinet, Horn, Bassoon and Orchestra. Next is one of Mozart's last works, the beautiful Clarinet Concerto. Charles Neidich is the soloist, on basset clarinet, and his technique is simply the best. I also like his cadenzas very much. By the way, the use of the basset clarinet makes this concerto so much better! It was indeed written for the basset clarinet, which goes four half-notes lower than a normal A clarinet, and five half-notes lower than a normal B-flat clarinet. And the disc finishes with an Andante for Flute and Orchestra, with Susan Palma on the flute.

The second disc has the famous four horn concertos. William Purvis is the soloist for concertos 2 and 3 (playing his own cadenzas, of course). David Jolley solos for concertos 1 and 4. Purvis does a fine job, and I like Jolley even more. The disc also has a very nice recording of an early Mozart work, the bassoon concerto (written when Mozart was 18). Frank Morelli is the solist here, and offers us nice cadenzas too.

The final disc begins with the Oboe concerto, where we get Randall Wolfgang as the soloist (playing his own cadenza). Then we hear the Flute concerto, followed by the Flute and Harp concerto. Susan Palma is the flute soloist on both of these, and she plays her own impressive array of cadenzas. Nancy Allen does a great job on the harp on the latter piece.

I highly recommend this set of discs.

Excellent - Worth Every Penny!.......2004-08-19

I have heard all these pieces and even played some myself over the years and thought that this was an excellent collection of Mozart's wind concerti. You really get to see the development of this prodigy from his teens (bassoon concerto) to his late 30s, the clarinet concerto was one of his last crowning pieces.

The oboe and bassoon concerti were both delightful and the "clicking" of the keys mentioned by another reviewer are the limitations of the instruments. I'm an oboist and all oboes and bassoons make this noise. I don't find it distracting at all. If you hear it, think of it as an percussive accompaniment. :-) I thought the bassoon concerto to be one of the best interpretations yet and the oboe concerto was confident and bright.

The Sinfonia Concertante (one of my original reasons for purchasing the set) was delightfully balanced and playful - a definite pleasure.

The flute concerto and andante were both fun to listen to as well as the concerto for flute and harp. The horn concerti are always joyful and are a nice balance to all the woodwind (technically-speaking) music.

The clarinet concerto was indeed lovely and played on a basset clarinet so there were some richer tones than when it's played on a typical 'A' clarinet. Superb.

I thought all the concerti had wonderful cadenzas and the orchestra was excellently balanced against the soloists. This is a CD collection that you will never regret and will feed your soul.

Highly enjoyable.......2004-06-02

Mozart wind concertos may not rank among his finest and deepest works, but they indeed show that a master is at work. It is difficult to judge a whole set, and you may probably find some better versions of this music, but I think that this recording deserves some praise. The performings from both the soloists and the orchestra are solid, stylish and virtuosistic. To name an example I consider the clarinet concerto to be one of the best achievements here. The slow movement is just a miracle of beauty, and at one point the soloist leads the orchestra to an incredible pianissimo nuance, so soft and delicate that you may be afraid of breathing. Mozart's music is just so beautiful that instead of writing about it we should just listen and enjoy. Moreover the price is very attractive, so no excuses!

Mozart: Horn Concertos 1-4; Quintet K 452

Average customer rating:

It doesn't get any better!
A sweet-sounding remastering of these classics

Mozart: Horn Concertos 1-4; Quintet K 452

Manufacturer: EMI Classics
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

Quintets | Chamber Music | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Chamber Music | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Symphonies | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Classical | Styles | Music
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Horn Concertos
Brain
Arturo Benedetti Michelangeli Vol. 2 [Germany]
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Great Recordings Of The Century - Beethoven: Triple Concerto; Brahms: Double Concerto / Oistrakh, Rostropovich, Richter

ASIN: B000BPN24U
Release Date: 2006-01-10

Tracks:

Allegro
Rondo (Allegro) (K514, Arr. Submayr)
Allegro Maestoso
Andante
Rondo
Allegro
Romance (Largehtto)
Allegro
Allegro Moderato
Romance (Andante)
Rondo (Allegro Vivace)
Largo-Allegro Moderato - Dennis Brain Wind Ensemble
Larghetto - Dennis Brain Wind Ensemble
Rondo (Allegro) - Dennis Brain Wind Ensemble

Customer Reviews:

It doesn't get any better!.......2007-06-02

This recording is over 50 years, but Dennis Brain's performance is still the benchmark for Mozart's horn concertos. Brain was the complete master of a very difficult instrument. Pure magic!

A sweet-sounding remastering of these classics.......2006-09-02

Dennis Brain's universaly acclaimed Mozart horn concertos haven't been out of hte catalog for fifty years, but for the longest while the 1953 sonics were boxy and cramped. So it's good news that in this remastering Paul Baily has amde the orchestra and soloist sound sweet, even if the boxiness still remains. Brain's playing is uniquely supple and lyrical; future horn players like Barry Tuckwell brought more fire into their playing.

The Quintet for Piano and Winds K. 452 is also a fine performance. It dates from 1954. the only caveat is ot to mistake this reading, with Colin Horsley as the (very good) pianist, for another EMI recording, also with Dennis Brain on horn but with Walter gieseking as pianist. He was, of course, much more famous than Horsley, but the present recording is livelier in the first movement, where gieseking preferred the more usual slower tempo.

Average customer rating:

Great Horn on difficult pieces
wonderful in every aspect

Mozart: Horn Concertos

Manufacturer: EMI Classics
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

General | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Chamber Music | Classical | Styles | Music

Mozart: Concerto for clarinet in A; Concerto for bassoon in Bf
Baroque Trumpet Concertos
Mozart: Requiem, Exsultate jubilate
Mozart: Horn Concertos Nos. 1-4
Virtuoso Horn

ASIN: B00004TV9F
Release Date: 2000-06-27

Tracks:

I. Allegro
II. Rondo. Allegro
I. Allegroi Maestoso
II. Andante
III. Rondo. Allegro
I. Allegro
II. Romance. Larghetto
III. Allegro
I. Allegro Moderato
II. Romanza. Andante Cantabile
III. Rondo. Allegro Vivace
Rondo in E Flat, K.371

Customer Reviews:

Great Horn on difficult pieces.......2007-02-12

If you like great intune Horn you will Love this CD.

wonderful in every aspect.......2003-09-12

A horn-player friend introduced me to this CD when I was down-and-out about the Mozart concerti, frustrated with all the recordings I'd heard and my own performances. I've studied horn for almost 10 years now and I have to say I was absolutely _floored_ when I heard the crisp attacks, beautiful tone, and unique but expert interpretation which are consistently present on this album.

I know it sounds like blasphemy, but I think this CD is better than the Brain recording, better than the Alan Civil recording, better than any I've heard (I have about 5 by "big-name" horn players). Also, the cadenzas are really original and enjoyable, although at times I feel they stray from a direct adherence to the principles of Mozart's time.

Tracks:

Hn Con No.1 in E flat, Op.11: Allegro - Dale Clevenger
Hn Con No.1 in E flat, Op.11: Andante - Dale Clevenger
Hn Con No.1 in E flat, Op.11: Allegro - Dale Clevenger
Duett-Concertino in F, AV 147: Allegro Moderato - Andante - Larry Combs/David McGill
Duett-Concertino in F, AV 147: Rondo: Allegro Ma Non Troppo - Larry Combs/David McGill
Con in D, AV 144: Allegro Moderato - Alex Klein
Con in D, AV 144: Andante - Alex Klein
Con in D, AV 144: Vivace - Alex Klein D
Andante in C, AV 86A - Dale Clevenger/Daniel Barenboim
Stimmungsbilder, Op.9: No.2 in A flat: An Einsamer Quelle - Daniel Barenboim
Stimmungsbilder, Op.9: No.4 in B: Traumerei - Daniel Barenboim

Amazon.com

This is an enchanting record. It presents several unfamiliar but beautiful works by Richard Strauss, and it showcases the principal wind players of the Chicago Symphony, who, not surprisingly, are fabulous. Moreover, they have the benefit of an equally fabulous backup band, and the hornist even gets to play a piece with the conductor, Daniel Barenboim, at the piano.

The program begins and ends with pieces Strauss wrote as a teenager, flanking two written late in his life. The former include an Andante for horn and piano--a love song reminiscent of Wagner--two dreamy, poetic piano pieces reminiscent of Liszt, and the popular first Horn Concerto, a bravura piece written for his horn-virtuoso father. Though Strauss was still finding his voice, this work no longer seems to lean on other composers and the orchestration is already masterful. The concerto is youthfully ardent and exuberant, its second movement very lyrical and a bit melancholy, the finale a brilliant hunting call. Like the other two, late concertos, it has three connected but strongly contrasting movements. The Duet-Concertino for clarinet and bassoon has an elusive quality, but the finale is delightful, the coda a Viennese waltz. The orchestration for strings and harp is rich and luscious, with several soloists who interact with the clarinet and bassoon.

The highlight is the Oboe Concerto. Serene and romantic, it has an ecstatic, gorgeous slow movement; a brilliant, florid, rhapsodic solo part full of inventive cadenzas; and rich orchestration for a small orchestra. The neglect of this work is inexplicable. Both late pieces are so haunted by echoes of all Strauss's earlier symphonic poems and operas as to invite a game of "Name That Tune's First Cousin!" --Edith Eisler

Customer Reviews:

Perfection!.......2004-09-16

This is a recording worth listening to over and over again. The peerless playing of these CSO principals as well as the excellent conducting from Barenboim make this CD the best there is in this repetoire. The Oboist Mr. Klein is sadly no longer playing much anymore due to a rare case of focal dystonia...he is an incredible musician and this performance of the Oboe Concerto is absolutely flawless with superb range in the bass register as well.

Odd compilation, but stunningly performed.......2002-08-08

I orignially purchased this CD to hear Alex Klein's rendition of the oboe concerto, but was simply delighted by the mastery given to every one of the pieces on this disc.

Dale Clevenger's performance of the first horn concerto is outstaning. From the opening fanfare, he plays through it all with spirit, sensitivity, and beautiful phrasing--not letting us down in his stature as one of the most formidable American horn players in this half of the twentieth century. My one problem is that his tone is a bit thin, which may be simply a product of the American school of playing.

Perhaps the hightlight of this album is the Duett-concertino for clarinet, bassoon and strings. Not only is it an absolutely charming piece, it is beautifully played by Combs and McGill, who weave in and out of each other with a luscious tone and gorgeously silky phrasing.

As an oboist, Alex Klein has never failed to knock me backwards with his flying fingers, incredible breathing and unique musicality. This recording is simply frightening. The first movement is taken at its true "Allegro moderato" tempo, and the opening, restless fifty-seven bars are played entirely unflinchingly and absolutely beautifully...I don't know how he does it. The rest of the piece is played just as incredibly, and the last movement sparkles with gusto and virtuosity. All throughout the piece, Klein and the orchestra connect absolutely perfectly (listen to the clarinet in the first movement).

I don't particularly like the selection of the Andante for horn and piano and the two piano pieces at the end...they just don't seem to go very well with the full orchestral pieces before them. Sill, they are very nicely played, particularly the Träumerei from the last set.

Captivating Concerto Masterpiece!.......2002-03-30

From the opening Horn Concerto, this Straussian rendering of his wind compositions is simply put, exhilirating listening! I can't get enough of hearing it, and I propose that likely many of you music conisseurs will as well. Recorded by members of the famed Chicago Symphony, it is very well done.

This collection features five compositions, his Horn Concerto No. 1 in E flat major and a second horn piece, this a Andante for Horn and Piano. As Strauss' father was a renown horn player himself and young Richard was made to accompany him at home much on the piano, that these pieces were of special import to him.
Dale Clevenger provides the solo work here, done with richness of tone and gusto in phrasing. I become enchanted more with the Horn Concerto with each listening. A great opener to this strong CD.

Next comes my favorite piece, even though I am partial to oboe numbers. This delightful Duet-Concertino for Clarinet and Bassoon is magnificently rendered by Larry Combs and David McGill. It bubbles and percolates with brilliant exhanges between the two instruments. Seductive and subtle, with magnificent light string accompanyment, this truly has become my favorite piece.

The Oboe Concerto was inspired by a visiting American oboeist, John deLancie. Amazingly, deLancie of the Pittsburgh and Philadelphia Orchestras, only played this piece once, at Interlochen, Michigan with Eugene Ormandy and the Philadelphia Orchestra. It is demanding for the oboeist, requiring 57 solid measures without rest. Strauss reputedly recommended a mechanical breathing device for this, however, contemporary oboeists insist on overcoming the breathing issue with circular breathing. Here Alex Klein proves his rating as one of tops in the world with a brilliant sinuous and lovely expression. The gentle Adante finish with its subdivision of beats results in a brilliant finish.

A lover and collector of such Concertos, I am delighted to have discovered this one which has captivated my listening and will yours.

Amazing solo talent.......2001-08-17

I originally bought this CD simply for Alex Klein's version of the Strauss Oboe concerto, but found everything else to also be superb. Klein's performance is the best that is out there. His sound is absoultely gorgeous and unparalled by anyone. Matching this sound with his technical mastery, smooth and singing phrases, as well as full dynamic range makes him simply the best oboist around. His interpretation of Strauss's concerto is absolutely breath-taking. I can listen to it over and over again.

The Horn concerto is brilliantly done by Clevenger. His sound rings brilliantly true with the spirit of the instrument. A radiant interpretation of this jubilant concerto.

Combs, McGill, and Barenboim also do excellent work on this CD; however these are the pieces that I listen to less. Nonetheless, their talent shines through and make for stunning performances.

This CD is a prime example of the wealth of talent that the CSO has. Truly a must own CD.

A Spellbinding Recording Of Strauss' Lesser Known Wind Works.......2001-06-16

This is indeed an enchanting recording, showing a Classical side of Richard Strauss little known to most lovers of classical music. And these elegant pieces offer further proof that Barenboim is among our finest interpreters of Strauss' music; either at the podium or at the keyboard. Dale Clevenger, the principal of the Chicago Symphony Orchestra's horn section gives a brilliant, lyrical performance of the 1st Horn Concerto that easily conjurs up magnificient performances from the likes of Baumann and Brain. It is indeed a pity that the 2nd Horn Concerto wasn't recorded; instead we hear a great performance of the Oboe Concerto, with the Chicago Sympphony Orchestra's Principal Oboeist Alex Klein that is ravishingly beautiful. Once more Teldec engineers have produced a recording of highest sound quality. It should be regarded as yet another artistic triumph for Daniel Barenboim and the Chicago Symphony Orchestra.

Beethoven: The Piano Concertos; 3 Sonatas; 2 Rondos

Average customer rating:

Beethoven: The Piano Concertos; 3 Sonatas; 2 Rondos

Manufacturer: Decca
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

Rondos | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Chamber Music | Classical | Styles | Music

The Decca Records Store | Specialty Stores | Music
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Plays Schubert
Brahms: Piano Concerto No. 1; Piano Sonata No. 3; Rhapsodies, Op. 79; Piano Pieces, Opp. 117-119
Robert Schumann: Radu Lupu - Kinderszenen/Kreisleriana/Humoreske
Grieg, Schumann: Piano Concertos / Radu Lupu, André Previn
Schubert: Impromptus D 899 & D 935 / Radu Lupu

ASIN: B000BVEKJU
Release Date: 2006-01-10

Average customer rating:

At last! I have found this recording again!
Mozart Horn Concertos Alan Civil, Oboe Concerto Neil Black
WITHOUT MOTHS

Mozart: Horn Concertos; Oboe Concerto

Manufacturer: Philips
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

General | Symphonies | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Classical | Styles | Music
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Mozart: Horn Concertos Nos. 1-4

ASIN: B00005IB5C
Release Date: 2001-10-30

Tracks:

Hn Con in D, K 386b (412/514): I. Allegro
Hn Con in D, K 386b (412/514): II. Allegro
Hn Con in E flat, K 495: I. Allegro Moderato
Hn Con in E flat, K 495: II. Romanza: Andante
Hn Con in E flat, K 495: III. Rondo: Allegro Vivace
Rondo in E flat, K 371
Hn Con in E flat, K 447: I. Allegro
Hn Con in E flat, K 447: II. Romanze: Larghetto
Hn Con in E flat, K 447: III. Allegro
Hn Con in E flat, K 417: I. Allegro Maestoso
Hn Con in E flat, K 417: II. Andante
Hn Con in E flat, K 417: III. Rondo
Ob Con in C, K 314: I. Allegro Aperto - Neil Black
Ob Con in C, K 314: II. Adagio Non Troppo - Neil Black
Ob Con in C, K 314: III. Rondo: Allegretto - Neil Black

Customer Reviews:

At last! I have found this recording again!.......2007-06-10

One of the first classical recordings I ever bought, on cassette tape.

Didn't know much about classical music since my father was a CW fan.

I was entranced by the playing of Alan Civil. I knew nothing about Mr. Civil, nothing about the qualities that make a horn player good or outstanding. All I knew was that I fell in love with Alan Civil's playing. I guess the best way I would describe his playing, from a novice classical music fan who does not know music terminology (I am still a novice) was it smoothness (like silk), and the purity of the sound emanating from his horn. It was exquisite. I played this cassette at home and in my car so often that I wore it out.

I tried to find a replacement. The recording with Alan Civil was no longer available. Every other available recording at that time (and since), each with various horn soloist, I found disappointing. There seemed something harsh about all the other soloist, as if the sound was being dragged out of the horn, being scraped along the inner metal of the horn. None of the other soloist were Alan Civil.

Now it is back. Do NOT buy any other version of these horn concertos. Once you have heard this one, all the others seem second best.

Highly recommended for the novice classical music fan!

Mozart Horn Concertos Alan Civil, Oboe Concerto Neil Black.......2007-01-23

Considering that I won't buy anything conducted by Karajan (Dennis Brain with Karajan conducting}, I believe
this was the best recording of the Mozart Horn Concertos ever done. Plus the bonus of the excellent work by
Neil Black in the Oboe concerto. The sound quality on this Philips CD which is a transfer from the original
recording done in the early 70's is very clean and better than the digital recordings presently done. Alan Civil
was one of the finest french horn players in the past fifty years and this recording with Marriner and the
Academy of St.Martin in the Fields belongs in your collection.

WITHOUT MOTHS.......2003-06-19

Mozart performances as perfect as these truly deserve to rank amongst Philips' "50 Great Recordings" legacy series. The horn concertos, sprightly and deliciously joyful when first released in the early 70s, seem now to possess an even more contagious zest for life. Civil's playing is brilliantly free of pretense, openly fresh, spontaneous, and his balance of humor and poignancy is exceptional. Marriner offers lively support, always on the mark, and the Academy of St. Martin in the Fields is equally flush with the thrill of such dedicatedly humane music making. The Oboe Concerto, too, is a treat. Neil Black plays trippingly along, tickling the ears with new delights, and his cadenza is particularly clever. The analogue sound belies its age with considerable deftness. Those fond of these Mozart concertos will find wonders here, unheard before--- with the Horn Rondo, K. 371, thrown in for good measure--- and much illumination. The CD timing as well is astounding in and of itself. Decidedly and strongly recommended.

[Running time: 81:08]

Track Listings:

Track Listings

track listings

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Emit

1. Konzert Nr. 1 D-Dur Kv 412-Allegro
2. Konzert Nr. 1 D-Dur Kv 412-Rondo, Allegro
3. Konzert Nr. 2 Es-Dur Kv 417-Allegro Maestoso
4. Konzert Nr. 2 Es-Dur Kv 417-Andante
5. Konzert Nr. 2 Es-Dur Kv 417-Rondo
6. Konzert Nr. 3 Es-Dur Kv 447-Allegro
7. Konzert Nr. 3 Es-Dur Kv 447-Romance, Larghetto
8. Konzert Nr. 3 Es-Dur Kv 447-Allegro
9. Konzert Nr. 4 Es-Dur Kv 495-Allegro Moderato
10. Konzert Nr. 4 Es-Dur Kv 495-Romanza, Andante
11. Konzert Nr. 4 Es-Dur Kv 495-Rondo, Allegro Vivace