Search - Johann Sebastian Bach, Vincenzo Bellini, Franz Joseph Haydn :: Rolf Smedvig: Virtuoso

A fine introduction, with some quibbles

D. Ayars | Deerfield, IL USA | 10/25/2000

(4 out of 5 stars)

""Virtuoso" is a compilation CD, a shot at a "best of" classical trumpet player Rolf Smedvig. Seven of the tracks on this CD are drawn from three CDs Rolf Smedvig recorded for Telarc as a trumpet soloist (two with orchestras, one with pipe organ). The other ten tracks were taken from six of the many CDs Smedvig recorded as lead trumpeter with Empire Brass, Rolf's evolving brass quintet supplemented, at times, with other instruments. If you already have several Smedvig or Empire Brass CDs, compare the track listings for this CD with those you own before deciding to buy "Virtuoso". Sadly, there are no new previously unreleased bonus tracks included for long-time fans. Also, this full-price compilation CD clocks in under an hour; Telarc could have easily chosen an additional quarter-hour of material at little additional corporate expense.I was very familiar with all the Empire Brass tracks included on this CD, but not with the solo tracks which aptly demonstrate the lovely lyrical warmth in Smedvig's playing. It's always been there when he plays with Empire Brass, but it's more striking in his soloist performances. He draws on personal romantic sensibilities in his interpretations without ever making those works that are baroque or classical sound like romantic period pieces, a tough row to hoe. Particularly haunting for me was the unfamiliar Maria-Theresa von Paradis' "Sicilienne". The Empire Brass selections, however, puzzled me. The lightning-fast last minute of the Borodin, off-and-on brief sections of the Saint-Saens, and all of the Mozart track lack the effortless rhythmic fluidity that is found in virtuosi playing and can be heard in many orchestral or piano performances of these works. This small flaw these tracks share is particularly highlighted by their consecutive sequence on this CD. Three selections from "Firedance", while fairly good, are arguably not Rolf's or EB's best performances on that CD or others. And "Sibley Sanctus Lydian", from "Passage", which features an uncredited melodic line better known as the trumpet solo Respighi employed for his Roman pines near the catacombs, is well-played but a relatively easy solo for trumpeters. My Empire Brass choices to make the case for Rolf Smedvig as virtuoso would have been very different. Still, this CD is recommended, particularly for the seven Smedvig soloist cuts (1-4, 6-7 and 12), and for three very strong Smedvig/Empire Brass tracks (5, 8 and 13) that are included here. For any one who's not familiar with Rolf Smedvig, "Virtuoso" is a fine introduction that will whet the appetite for more."