Search - Mozart, Civil, Klemperer :: Horn Concertos 1-4

The Finest, Gutsiest Version On A Valved Horn!

10/17/1998

(5 out of 5 stars)

"While the classic monophonic Dennis Brain recording is an accomplished and incomparably smooth rendition, Alan Civil (with Barry Tuckwell, the late Dennis Brain's successors as the finest of British hornists) and Otto Klemperer and the Philharmonia bring much more life and vigor to the interpretations than did Karajan in his accompaniment to Brain; and the recorded sound is spectacularly good, much finer than the original LP release on domestic American Angel.DO NOT MISS THIS if you want to hear the concerti played on a modern valved horn; if the earlier antique style of natural horn is your preference, try Greer with McGegan on Harmonia Mundi. I have heard hundreds of recordings of these pieces, dating back to the 78 rpm era: these are my two favorite versions."

The "Dennis Brain" Stereo re-makes!

Ryan Kouroukis | Toronto, Ontario Canada | 02/21/2008

(4 out of 5 stars)

"When Dennis Brain died, EMI and the Horn community were at a loss. They wanted to re-record the Horn Concertos in Stereo since stereo was becoming ever popular, but with who? The decision fell on Alan Civil (the natural successor to Brain) and Otto Klemperer (the now head of the great Philharmonia Orchestra of London). The recordings sessions were booked and they started on the journey!...



These are the warmest and most relaxed readings of Mozart's horn concerti I've heard. Klemperer is grand and yet simple and Civil too. But I like how they present these pieces so naturally and organically. Nothing is forced. WOW, a rare thing with these energetic concertos!



The horn is well balanced with the orchestra. And you still get wonderful details from the Philharmonia (similar to what Karajan gets from the Berlin Phil. with Gerd Seifert).



That's what I think now upon reflection...this is a perfect recording of placing the music first! You don't sense the Ego's of the performers, they put music first!



A thoughtful and patient alternative to my favorite inspired version with Tuckwell and Marriner."