Amazing trumpet playing from one of the best!
Brent Flinchbaugh | Baltimore, MD | 05/14/2005
(5 out of 5 stars)
"Hakan Hardenberger must be heard to be believed, and this CD is a great example of his artistry and mastery of the trumpet. His flawless technique and sparkling sound are showcased perfectly on this album of modern but quite "listenable" pieces for trumpet and orchestra.
I especially enjoyed the Arvo Part Concerto Piccolo uber B-A-C-H. The first movement, on C trumpet, displays the minimalist approach Part is known for in his choral works. The movement is quite tonal and beautiful but also very demanding on the trumpet soloist. The second movement is scored for piccolo trumpet. This movement is extremely neo-Baroque in nature, incorporating a piccolo/harpsichord secco-recitative style motive. Injected in the middle of these Baroque-like motives are bombastic tonal clusters, reminding the listener that the piece was written in 1994. The third movement races to the finish, lasting only 1:37.
This wonderful piece, combined with the Tamberg and Martinsson create a trumpet CD worth owning for any brass lover!"
Stellar Playing
John A. Murphy | Las Vegas, NV | 01/07/2007
(5 out of 5 stars)
"Hardenberger is what Marsalis could only dream of being as a classical player. Hardenberger's command and mastery of the standard repertoire is undeniable. But on this disk, he absolutely blows (literally) the doors off the pieces. The Tamberg is a piece I've worked on, and to hear Hardenberger perform it has inspired me to return to it. A lush piece of composing anyway, with beautiful resolutions in the strings, Hardenberger makes it all his own. From the opening intervals straight through the end, his breath control, flawless technique, and powerful sound, Hardenberger's Tamberg is a masterpiece.
The other pieces are more vehicles for Hardenberger's virtuosity. He's THE classical player for the New Millenium. Hardenberger is pushing the limits of the trumpet and the instrument's repertoire. This cd is worth listening to whether you're a trumpet player or just someone passionate about music."