Search - Giuseppe Torelli, Nicol Matt, Soloists of the Chamber Orchestra of Europe :: Torelli: Trumpet Concertos (Complete)

Tortured Torelli

Ross Kennett | Narooma, NSW Australia | 02/22/2007

(3 out of 5 stars)

"This bargain priced double CD is of 22 lively, joyfull trumpet concertos by the baroque composer Giuseppe Torelli played on modern instruments. There concerti are well worth a listen, but not on this recording. The soloist completely dominates the performance, Hammes is clearly a skilled trumpeter but is too loud to the point of pain, the listener feels pinned to the the wall. Not recommended.

If you are interested in hearing how a baroque trumpet concerto should sound let me refer you to Naxos " The Art of the Baroque Trumpet, Vol 5, an Italian Concert". It is an excellent CD."

Worthwhile, but Not Outstanding.

Music Is Everything | Colorado Springs, CO USA | 09/09/2009

(3 out of 5 stars)

"Giuseppe Torelli's output for solo trumpet is extensive--22 works, if you count the pieces for two trumpets and orchestra. Recording them all in one set is a major undertaking, and certainly Thomas Hammes has accomplished something in doing so. Peter Leiner covers the second trumpet parts, while the European Chamber Soloist accompany under the direction of Nicol Matt. All the recordings are digital. The quality of the recordings is consistently bright, which can wear on the ears after a while, but it's not out of the realm of acceptability for Baroque music. But it's Hammes' approach that falls flat. His tone is decidedly thin and light, his articulation is unclear, and he has a habit of swelling virtually every sustained note to the point of distraction. He is uncannily agile on the modern piccolo trumpet, but he uses that technic to over-ornament almost constantly. Nonetheless, I found this recording worthwhile at Brilliant Classics' bargain price, if only to hear the many works that have never been recorded elsewhere. So, for the best recordings of the more popular pieces, Maurice Andre is still the best, but for the rest, these performances will do for now."