Search - Haydn, Johnson, Pierlot :: Trumpet, Oboe & Flute Concertos

Captivating Wind Concertos by Haydn & Others?

rodboomboom | Dearborn, Michigan United States | 02/19/2003

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Papa Haydn is not typically known as a fine composer of concertos, as he himself acknowledged that it was not fond of.However, here we have two works for winds surely Haydn's, a magnificent trumpet work and the Sinfonia Concertante. The trumpet work by Johnson is superb, with its elegance and lyricism, elegantly nuanced by his fine phrasing.The Sinfonia Concertante for oboe, bassoon, violin, cello and orchestra is an excellent statement of interplay between soloists and orchestra. It is lilty, passionate and stately, even at times sounding like kicked up chamber music. The string soloists are excellent, and de Lancie and Garfield shine on the double reeds.While the Oboe Concerto is unknown as to real composer, long attributed to Hadyn. Pierlot shines here in this spirited solo effort well accompanied by the Franz Liszt Chamber Orchestra.What can one say about Rampal's playing, but it is the tops of flutists. Here in Hofmann's composition, he shines with graceful power and energy.Superb performers of excellent concerto composition. Magnificent value!"

Ormandy, As Talented & Versatile As Haydn

Michael B. Richman | Portland, Maine USA | 04/08/2001

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Once again, conductor Eugene Ormandy shows his talent and versatility by leading the Philadelphia Orchestra through Haydn's "Trumpet Concereto" and "Sinfonia Concertante." I own dozens of Ormandy recordings in the Sony Essential Classics series, by composers as diverse as Hindemith, Sibelius, Bruckner, Beethoven, Bizet, Mozart and now Haydn. What these discs all have in common is Ormandy's delightful, thoughtful and straightforward reading and interpretation of the work in question. With Ormandy you really feel like you are hearing what the composer originally intended, and the performance is never lifeless or academic; it is always heartfelt and passionate. It should be noted that the second half of this disc (Haydn's Oboe Concerto and his Flute Concerto) is led by Janos Rolla and the Liszt Chamber Orchestra, which also gives memorable performances. And with soloists as talented as Jean-Pierre Rampal, Pierre Pierlot and Gilbert Johnson among others, there is no question that is disc is truly an essential classic as the title claims. Those who enjoy Mozart's wind and horn concertos will be right at home in the company of Haydn's."

Haydn's Wind Concertos, and a great cast

Samuel Stephens | TN, USA | 06/17/2008

(5 out of 5 stars)

"This CD contains excellent music and excellent performances. The inside track notes inform us that only two of these concertos is actually by Haydn. The Oboe Concerto is dubbed "Anonymous", and the Flute Concerto is by Haydn's contemporary Josef Hofmann (now well represented on disc, thanks to the Naxos label). Both were at one time attributed to Haydn.



But it's the quality of the music and the music-making that matters, and I'm happy to assure you that it is high.



Not all of the music is very interesting. The slow movements sound about as normal as you can get in classical concertos. But the outer movements are spritely and lively AND inventive (particularly in the Haydn). The Trumpet Concerto in particular is memorable. Trumpetist Gilbert Johnson (the Philadelphia Orchestra's principal trmupet for many years) displays his facile talent. The other artists perform just as admirably. If you are cautious about the name of Ormandy being on here because he is associated with a large-orchestra sound, there is no need to worry. The orchestral textures are fine and perfectly Haydnian.



This is very enjoyable music, so if you like Haydn or any music of the classical era, then this is one of your stops."