Hummel, L. Mozart, Telemann, Vivaldi: Trumpet Concertos

Read About This Recording

During the 1960s and '70s the name Maurice André was synonymous with the art of the trumpet. As Jean-Pierre Rampal did for the flute, André brought to life a literature of concertos for trumpet and orchestra that had gone unnoticed for almost two centuries. In 1974, André started recording what have become the standard performances of these concertos; the ones against which all others should be measured. Now, beautifully digitally remastered and compiled on one disc are four of the greatest André performances. This is truly a disc for anyone who loves to hear the trumpet sound like a tender voice.

The disc begins with The Hummel Concerto, the work that helped establish André as the leading trumpeter of a generation. It is a delightful piece in the style of Mozart and, like most Hummel, it is cheerful and exciting. Mozart's father is represented by his Concerto in D Major and, while no one will mistake father for son, this is a wonderful piece that blends the solo voice quite well with orchestra.

The last two concertos on the disc take us back to the Baroque Era with stunning works by Telemann and Vivaldi. People often complain that one Baroque concerto sounds just like the next. Well, these two works should dispel that. Each one contains fresh, interesting, melodic invention and gives the soloist a chance to let his instrument shine and that is exactly what Maurice André does.

The accompaniment on all four concertos is provided by the Berlin Philharmonic and Herbert von Karajan and, as one can imagine, it is idiomatic and brilliant. Fans of Maurice André should rejoice to have all of these recordings available on one disc and if you've never heard André before, it's high time you did.

—Jacob Anthony

Quotes

"Marvelous trumpeting ... these fine performances are highlighted by the excellent recording quality." —Gramophone

Contents

Hummel: Trumpet Concerto in E-flat; L. Mozart: Trumpet Concerto in D; Telemann: Trumpet Concerto in D; Vivaldi: Trumpet Concerto in A-flat.

Maurice André, Trumpet; Berlin Philharmonic; Herbert von Karajan, Conductor.