Search - Johann Nepomuk Hummel, Johann Georg Albrechtsberger, Johann Melchior Molter :: Trumpeter Emeritus

The Greatest Musician Who Ever Trumpeted

Darin Kelly | Philadelphia, PA USA | 04/13/1999

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Why it took Crystal Records so long to reissue this survey of Armando Ghitalla's first two solo albums, recorded in the early sixties, remains a mystery considering its sublime elegance. The former Principal Trumpet of the Boston Symphony was among the first orchestral trumpeters to record solo repertoire, and this CD represents the World Premiere recording of the Hummel Trumpet Concerto, second in importance only to Hadyn's as a centerpiece of the trumpet repertoire. Pierre Monteux led a group of BSO musicians in this recording, which also includes a little known chamber music gem of Johann Albrechtsberger. Ghitalla's playing here is at the pinnacle of musicianship; There simply has never been a more expressive or elegant player of the instrument. Though modern listeners will hear little resemblance to the sound of today's household names Marsalis, Hardenberger, or Nakharov, Ghitalla was able to coax out of his instrument a sense of drama, pathos, excitement, and sheer passion equalled only by the very finest singers of our era. Simply put, this is a recording which presents Armando Ghitalla at his peak as a player, when his ablility to express his musical elan shone like a silver moonbeam through the murky clouds we know as modern trumpet playing. Do not miss the opportunity to experience it."

Legend.

JetTone12 | USA | 09/28/2003

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Armando Ghitalla was an amazing trumpet player, musician and teacher. Not all of his great work was captured on record, but it remains an influence on most if not all great trumpeters. Ghitalla had an inspiration on a countless number of outstanding trumpeters. He was also principal trumpet in the Boston Symphony Orchestra for decades. This particular album has him tastefully playing through the Hummel Concerto. If my history is correct, Ghitalla was the first to ever record this piece. He plays it in orchestral key (for trumpets the key of F#) on a C trumpet. He plays it brilliantly and sets a tone for others to follow. However, most others played it in the key of F, originally written and arranged for band. Also on this album is a lot of very well-played Baroque music, some of it is anonymously composed, and it is all relaxing and showcases Ghitalla's wonderful sound. He also plays some Michael Haydn at the end, a Concerto for Trumpet in C. This is a trumpet treat. Anyone who enjoys great trumpet playing will love this. Mr. Ghitalla passed away in 2001, but his legacy as a teacher and performer should not and will not be forgotten!"