Search - Tafelmusik, Steele-Perkins, Biber :: Music for Trumpet & Orchestra

Remarkable talent and striking historical authenticity

PARTHO ROY | Tampa, Florida USA | 09/12/2002

(5 out of 5 stars)

"This well-chosen CD selection of music for trumpet and orchestra is quite a gem. The composers played represent an uncommon range, from the universally known of the high Baroque (e.g. Vivaldi, Albinoni, Telemann, and Handel) to the less famous of the early Baroque (Stradella and Biber). Throughout each piece, trumpeter Crispian Steele-Perkins truly dazzles the listener with his technically brilliant playing: trills executed with grace, rhythm paced with precision, dynamics honed with amazing subtlety. Keep in mind that he is playing the natural trumpet, the original item without valves, pistons, or any other "luxuries" of the modern instrument, making his performance all the more remarkable. With crisp and well-directed accompaniment by the ensemble Tafelmusik (so named after Telemann's popular banquet music suites) on period instruments, listening to this CD is like traveling 300 years back in time. The opening track, a sonata by Stradella, is one of my favorites, as well as the beautifully simple duets by Biber. The final piece, Handel's "Airs from Vauxhall Gardens" (as edited by Mr. Steele-Perkins), brings the CD to an exciting and "regal sounding" conclusion. A recording highly recommended not only to the "high-minded" lover of classical music, but for anyone who, say, seeks appropriate mood music for a morning drive through the country (on the way to the stables, perhaps?). Or for any other less aristocratic activity. At any rate, buy this CD, and prepare to be amazed at the beauty of the way music used to be."

A fantastic recording

PARTHO ROY | 12/19/2002

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Wow. I borrowed this recording from our local library for my husband, who plays natural trumpet (on the side, as many baroque instrumentalists do - LOL!), and he said he HAS to have this recording (of course, this happens after Santa was already finished making his toys, but what's Christmas without high last-minute shipping costs?). It is a wonderful recording....John Thiessen on trumpet is great, too, and I can't say enough great things about the quality of this group and the recording."