Search - Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart, Jean-Jacques Kantorow, Tapiola Sinfonietta :: Mozart: Hornbone Concertos

Very nice performances, but.....

Daniel McGlaun | Indianapolis IN, USA | 01/24/2006

(3 out of 5 stars)

"Christian Lindberg is a master of the trombone, a virtuoso beyond compare, and a consummate musician. He can do whatever he likes with his instrument, which is why I looked forward to listening to this recording so much. However, on several listens, I have to say that these are NOT definitive performances of the concertos (Dennis Brain still wins by a mile!). The Tapiola Sinfonietta is superb, with the most beautiful textures, balance, and musicianship imaginable. The music sparkles and comes alive through their playing, but they constantly struggle to try and achieve the same clipped articulation style that Mr. Lindberg employs. He is lyrical when absolutely called for by the music, but he does not hold out phrases or notes as a regular practice, and does not use legato technique where the music simply demands it. Thus, the violins are always at odds with his phrasing whenever the lines are repeated between soloist and orchestra. I find myself constantly wishing he'd hold out notes for their full value, and not use an overly staccato technique. I admire the ability shown on this recording, but the solo part is distracting to me for this reason. Others may disagree, but I will search out other recordings by Tapiola, and continue to marvel at Mr. Lindberg's other recordings, while placing these performances well behind Mr. Brain's."