ANTIQUE BRASSES.
Works by Salieri, Beethoven, Crusell, Rossini, Nicolai, Beethoven etc.
London Gabrieli Brass Ensemble Christopher Larkin.
Hyperion CDA67119 80m DDD.

This is an outstandingly well played disc that includes several rarities for brass ensemble in clean and polished performances. There is a veritable host of pieces ranging from Salieri's colourful 45 second 'Aufzug' to the symphonic Horn Concerto by Bernhard Crusell. The mood of a typical 19th century band is wonderfully recreated with the Nicolai Sonata showing much work for two horns whilst Beethoven's Septet always seems to thrill with its charming simplicity. There are also pieces by Neukomm, intriguing pieces for slide trumpet and Rossini duets for two horns imbued with that master's charming vision. Pieces by Lachner and Prince Lowenstein-Wertheim-Freudenberg make up the rest of the highly varied and entertaining programme. Larkin and his brass ensemble are constantly inquisitive advocates of pieces, which have (unfortunately) long disappeared from the brass repertoire. A crystal clear recording enables one to appreciate the not inconsiderable amount of virtuosity that goes into such pieces. The notes elaborate on the instrumentation and characteristics of the various instruments used and reading them provides a clearer picture of the whole project. Brass enthusiasts should not fail to secure this disc which throws a new facet on a probably forgotten side of this type of ensemble's past.

Reviewer

Gerald Fenech

Performance:

Sound:

Reviewer

Gerald Fenech

Concert and Show tickets


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