Search - Jean-Baptiste Arban, Herbert L. Clarke, Irish Traditional :: Carnaval

Good, but not the best

A. Katko | 11/28/2004

(4 out of 5 stars)

"Marsalis is an excellent trumpet player, there is no question as to that. He is certainly not the best in the world, however. I prefer a better recording of Carnival of Venice and many other cornet solos by Gerard Schwarz. The spirit of such solos is lost when they are put to ensemble accompaniment, Schwarz interprets them far better in my opinion. Also, his technical mastery is at least equal to that of Wynton's, or was when he made the album. His sound is sweeter and more perfect to my ear. And this is not the only album in which you can hear dazzling technical pieces, either. Sergei Nakariakov, Rafael Mendez, and Allen Vizzutti are the most proficient players with recordings out there. Nakariakov and Mendez both do better readings of the Paganini, playing the entire song double-tonguing and circular breathing. The Mendez Flight of the Bumblebee has a much better sound and fits the piece more, too. The most amazing song I have ever heard is the Carnival of Venus, by Vizzutti. Listen to anything by Wynton and then this song, you will be absolutely amazed. The last variation of the Marsalis is Vizzutti's first, and they get harder from there. Simply put, this is a good recording and the most accessible, but there are better ones out there. I wouldn't buy this to hear cornet solos or amazing technical pieces, but for hearing other interpretations. I prefer Schwarz, Mendez, Vizzutti, and Nakariakov."

Sheer Brilliance

09/07/1999

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Any review of this recording is an understatement--it must be heard to be appreciated. After listening to it, there can be no question as to Wynton Marsalis' technical and overall mastery of his instrument. Even the beautiful selections--from traditionals to Rimsky-Korsakov's ubiquitous Flight of the Bumblebee-- take a back seat to Marsalis' flawless playing. What this boils down to is another collection of master works to add to Marsalis' long list."

Dazzling Showpieces (Plus more) for the Cornet!

Kenneth Fung | Hong Kong | 11/11/2000

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Marsalis is indeed an amazing player with a superd technique. The showpieces (e.g. the Bumble Bee, the Arban Variations) are simply dazzling. Wynton's command of the high range is also spectacular, listen to the high F at the end of the Carnaval of Venice, or the Clarke piece. This disc is not merely a showcase for technique, some touching lyrical pieces are included. You may fall in love with the Motherless Child song after just a few bars.This is a tastefully balanced programme with one of the best brass performers of our time displaying both his amazing skill and wide range of musical expressions."