Search - Georg Philipp Telemann, George Frederick Handel, Franz Joseph Haydn :: Ralph Sauer, Trombone, plays Handel, Telemann, Haydn, etc.

An excellent recording for study.

Adam Meyer | 01/02/2001

(4 out of 5 stars)

"While I have to agree on the previous reviewer's comments in that the Serocki and Sulek were not exactly 'dynamically extroverted', I think it's unfair to dismiss the entire album as unimpressive. Sauer's renditions of the Handel, Telemanns, Haydn and Larsson are, in my humble opinion, A-Grade. Besides the fact that most of these pieces in question (excluding Larsson) aren't 'virtuosic display vehicles' (they're still pretty hard, though), I think that Sauer's playing here is 'true to the music'. If anything, they are very good 'middle of the road' interpretations that I would recommend to a student who may be learning one of these pieces. Lindberg can sometimes go a bit overboard on some pieces like those represnted here, and give an unorthodox interpretation that could send a student down the wrong road. Sauer's career as primarily an orchestral trombonist has probably put him into the habit of 'playing the ink', while guys like Lindberg can get away with being a bit 'creative' at times. In terms of being virtuosic, I think to be able to play a solid valve-register D on a straight tenor and then go all the way to articulate a High F-Sharp (I mean high,high F#) is still impressive. His execution of trills, mordents, and other ornaments is also well done.There aren't that many Trombone Recordings around the place, so I don't think we can be too picky. Nevertheless, this is still an excellent recording. Buy it and decide for yourself."

Consistancy

Adam Meyer | 09/25/2003

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Mr. Sauer does indeed play like an orchestral musician. Some may think that means a dry interpretation. It's true, there's not a lot of 'cheese' in this music. However, Sauer's sound is always clear and warm and his articulations all match. This album is a perfect example of consistant playing. He eliminates the unnecessary and lets the music shine through. Only on close inspection will the listener realize they're being treated to almost perfect playing. Every note is a gem."