Search - Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart, Neville Marriner, Academy of St. Martin-in-the-Fields :: Mozart: Horn Concertos Nos. 1-4

This needs to be the "other" recording

R. M. Rogers | United States | 05/31/2005

(5 out of 5 stars)

"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."

Great Performances of Great Music at a Giveaway Price!

Doug - Haydn Fan | California | 08/28/2007

(5 out of 5 stars)

"The Mozart Horn Concertos remain jewels beyond praise. Here we have excellent accompaniment and a superb soloist. And the price!

For those new to classical music this makes a wonderful starting point, and for anyone playing a brass instrument this makes a wonderful gift.

Should you enjoy classical music, but not already have a recording of this music here's a great chance to add hours of upbeat glorious music listening to your collection. This is about as positive as music gets, and a gift you can enjoy many many times throughout your life."

Its worth it

Anibeth | San Francisco, CA USA | 05/27/2003

(4 out of 5 stars)

"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."