Strauss: Horn Concertos

On this CD:

1. Horn Concerto No. 1 in E flat major, Op. 11
Composed by Richard Strauss
Performed by Royal Philharmonic Orchestra with Vladimir Ashkenazy, Marie McLaughlin
Conducted by Vladimir Ashkenazy

2. Andante for horn & piano in C major (from unfinished sonata), AV 86a
Composed by Richard Strauss
Performed by Royal Philharmonic Orchestra with Vladimir Ashkenazy, Marie McLaughlin
Conducted by Vladimir Ashkenazy

3. Capriccio, opera, Op. 85 Final Scene: Introduction
Composed by Richard Strauss
Performed by Royal Philharmonic Orchestra with Vladimir Ashkenazy, Marie McLaughlin
Conducted by Vladimir Ashkenazy

4. Alphorn ("Ein Alphorn hör' ich schallen"), song for voice, horn, & piano, AV 29 Alphorn for Soprano, Horn and Piano
Composed by Richard Strauss
Performed by Royal Philharmonic Orchestra with Vladimir Ashkenazy, Marie McLaughlin
Conducted by Vladimir Ashkenazy

5. Introduction, Theme & Variations for horn & piano in E flat major, AV 52
Composed by Richard Strauss
Performed by Royal Philharmonic Orchestra with Vladimir Ashkenazy, Marie McLaughlin
Conducted by Vladimir Ashkenazy

6. Horn Concerto No. 2 in E flat major, AV 132
Composed by Richard Strauss
Performed by Royal Philharmonic Orchestra with Vladimir Ashkenazy, Marie McLaughlin
Conducted by Vladimir Ashkenazy

Strauss: Horn Concertos, Music, Richard Strauss, Vladimir Ashkenazy, Royal Philharmonic Orchestra, Marie McLaughlin, Chamber, Classical, Classical Music, Concerto, French Horn Concerto, German/Austrian Romantic Opera, Horn Sonata, Opera, Solo Voice(s) and Small Ensemble, Vocal

Average customer rating:

Scintillating Strauss

The Gold Standard 50 years later

Brilliant Brain!

The Brain Behind Strauss and Hindemith

Horn Concertos
Strauss , Hindemith , Brain , and Sawallisch
Manufacturer: EMI Classics
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

Chamber Music | Forms & Genres | Classical (c.1770-1830) | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music
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Brain

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ASIN: B000063UMB
Release Date: 2002-04-09

Tracks:

Horn Concerto No.1 In E Flat, Op.11: I: Allegro
Horn Concerto No.1 In E Flat, Op.11: II: Andante
Horn Concerto No.1 In E Flat, Op.11: III: Allegro - Rondo (Allegro)
Horn Concerto No.2 In E Flat: I: Allegro - Tranquillo
Horn Concerto No.2 In E Flat: II: Andante Con Moto
Horn Concerto No.2 In E Flat: III: Rondo (Allegro Molto)
Horn Concerto: I: Moderately Fast
Horn Concerto: II: Very Fast
Horn Concerto: III: Very Slow/Moderately Fast/Fast/(Declamation)/Lively/Very Slow
Concert Music For Brass And Strings, Op.50: I: Massig Schnell/Mit Kraft/Sehr Breit, Aber Stets Fliessend
Concert Music For Brass And Strings, Op.50: II: Lebhaft/Langsam/Lebhaft

Customer Reviews:

Scintillating Strauss.......2007-05-07

For me, the first horn concerto of Richard Strauss is the finer work: it has all the ebullience of youth (rather like Beethoven's Pathetique sonata). The second concerto is mellower and has echos of Capriccio, which was composed about the same time.

Notwithstanding the presence of the inimitable Dennis Brain, the delight in this recording is the sparkling performance of the Philharmonia orchestra conducted by the under-rated Wolfgang Sawallisch. He memorably captures the passion of the first concerto and is equally at home with the more subtle nuances of the second.

The Gold Standard 50 years later.......2005-03-11

It's hard to argue that the Strauss horn concertos have made their way into the standard classical repertoire that the Mozart horn concertos hold. That's too bad, because they are both excellent showpieces for the soloist, and the change in Strauss's style over time (the first horn concerto was completed in 1883; the second, in 1942) was remarkable. Both concertos are technically challenging for the horn player, of course; the second is a workout for the orchestra as well. And no recording features a performance as facile as the late brilliant Dennis Brain, whose mellow, dark tone hardly changes throughout all registers. One has no clue just how difficult these concertos are, listening to Brain's polished, relaxed, perfect execution.

Horn players are still in debt to Brain for his inspiration of Paul Hindemith's Horn Sonata, the Sonata for 4 horns, and the Horn Concerto, which fills out this re-release. Perhaps it's because I'm rather familiar with this concerto, but I find it more accessible than much of Hindemith's music, in part because the first two movements are shorter than usual, resulting in a concerto that lasts a compact 15 minutes. In this concerto, like the flute sonata, Hindemith has compact themes that still exploit his entire system of simple-to-complex harmonization within a few bars. The performance on this CD is both conducted by the composer and played by the performer for whom it was written.

There are other good recordings of these works, of course -- the Tuckwell recordings of the Strauss come to mind -- but they will all be heard in the shadow of the Brain recordings. An absolute requirement for fans of the French horn, and a rich addition to any classical CD collection.

Brilliant Brain!.......2004-12-05

This CD from EMI features Dennis Brain, in my opinion the greatest horn player who ever lived. In his tragically brief life Brain recorded the definitive versions of numerous works, and although his Mozart horn concertos are my favorites, his treatment of Strauss is a close runner up.

Despite these recordings being from the mid-1950s, the musicianship of Brain still makes these the best available. While I like Strauss, I find Hindemith a bit derivative and monotonous, although with Brain's treatment still a delight.

These recordings are crisp and sonically well defined, despite the Strauss concertos having been recorded in mono. I am grateful to EMI for releasing these recordings on a single disc at a reasonable price. Horn lovers everywhere will relish in these recordings. I highly recommend this CD.

The Brain Behind Strauss and Hindemith.......2003-08-16

How does a performance remain definitive even after nearly fifty years? Answer: When it's played by Brain. Dennis Brain was arguably the greatest horn player to ever live. He also was the first to ever record the Strauss Horn Concertos (in 1947), and the Hindemith Concerto was dedicated to him, so he was tailor-made for this music. Despite the fact that all these recordings were made in 1956, the Strauss Concertos were taped earlier in the year and are in mono, while both Hindemith works from later that year are in stereo. The three Concertos have been available on CD previously (and still are) as a full-price title, but this remastered version from EMI's Great Recordings of the Century series offers superior sound and more music in the form of Hindemith's Concert Music for Brass and Strings. So I guess perfection can be improved on after all.

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Perfection!
Odd compilation, but stunningly performed
Captivating Concerto Masterpiece!
Amazing solo talent
A Spellbinding Recording Of Strauss' Lesser Known Wind Works

Strauss: Wind Concertos

Manufacturer: Teldec
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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ASIN: B000059TL6
Release Date: 2001-04-03

Tracks:

Hn Con No.1 in E flat, Op.11: Allegro - Dale Clevenger
Hn Con No.1 in E flat, Op.11: Andante - Dale Clevenger
Hn Con No.1 in E flat, Op.11: Allegro - Dale Clevenger
Duett-Concertino in F, AV 147: Allegro Moderato - Andante - Larry Combs/David McGill
Duett-Concertino in F, AV 147: Rondo: Allegro Ma Non Troppo - Larry Combs/David McGill
Con in D, AV 144: Allegro Moderato - Alex Klein
Con in D, AV 144: Andante - Alex Klein
Con in D, AV 144: Vivace - Alex Klein D
Andante in C, AV 86A - Dale Clevenger/Daniel Barenboim
Stimmungsbilder, Op.9: No.2 in A flat: An Einsamer Quelle - Daniel Barenboim
Stimmungsbilder, Op.9: No.4 in B: Traumerei - Daniel Barenboim

Amazon.com

This is an enchanting record. It presents several unfamiliar but beautiful works by Richard Strauss, and it showcases the principal wind players of the Chicago Symphony, who, not surprisingly, are fabulous. Moreover, they have the benefit of an equally fabulous backup band, and the hornist even gets to play a piece with the conductor, Daniel Barenboim, at the piano.

The program begins and ends with pieces Strauss wrote as a teenager, flanking two written late in his life. The former include an Andante for horn and piano--a love song reminiscent of Wagner--two dreamy, poetic piano pieces reminiscent of Liszt, and the popular first Horn Concerto, a bravura piece written for his horn-virtuoso father. Though Strauss was still finding his voice, this work no longer seems to lean on other composers and the orchestration is already masterful. The concerto is youthfully ardent and exuberant, its second movement very lyrical and a bit melancholy, the finale a brilliant hunting call. Like the other two, late concertos, it has three connected but strongly contrasting movements. The Duet-Concertino for clarinet and bassoon has an elusive quality, but the finale is delightful, the coda a Viennese waltz. The orchestration for strings and harp is rich and luscious, with several soloists who interact with the clarinet and bassoon.

The highlight is the Oboe Concerto. Serene and romantic, it has an ecstatic, gorgeous slow movement; a brilliant, florid, rhapsodic solo part full of inventive cadenzas; and rich orchestration for a small orchestra. The neglect of this work is inexplicable. Both late pieces are so haunted by echoes of all Strauss's earlier symphonic poems and operas as to invite a game of "Name That Tune's First Cousin!" --Edith Eisler

Customer Reviews:

Perfection!.......2004-09-16

This is a recording worth listening to over and over again. The peerless playing of these CSO principals as well as the excellent conducting from Barenboim make this CD the best there is in this repetoire. The Oboist Mr. Klein is sadly no longer playing much anymore due to a rare case of focal dystonia...he is an incredible musician and this performance of the Oboe Concerto is absolutely flawless with superb range in the bass register as well.

Odd compilation, but stunningly performed.......2002-08-08

I orignially purchased this CD to hear Alex Klein's rendition of the oboe concerto, but was simply delighted by the mastery given to every one of the pieces on this disc.

Dale Clevenger's performance of the first horn concerto is outstaning. From the opening fanfare, he plays through it all with spirit, sensitivity, and beautiful phrasing--not letting us down in his stature as one of the most formidable American horn players in this half of the twentieth century. My one problem is that his tone is a bit thin, which may be simply a product of the American school of playing.

Perhaps the hightlight of this album is the Duett-concertino for clarinet, bassoon and strings. Not only is it an absolutely charming piece, it is beautifully played by Combs and McGill, who weave in and out of each other with a luscious tone and gorgeously silky phrasing.

As an oboist, Alex Klein has never failed to knock me backwards with his flying fingers, incredible breathing and unique musicality. This recording is simply frightening. The first movement is taken at its true "Allegro moderato" tempo, and the opening, restless fifty-seven bars are played entirely unflinchingly and absolutely beautifully...I don't know how he does it. The rest of the piece is played just as incredibly, and the last movement sparkles with gusto and virtuosity. All throughout the piece, Klein and the orchestra connect absolutely perfectly (listen to the clarinet in the first movement).

I don't particularly like the selection of the Andante for horn and piano and the two piano pieces at the end...they just don't seem to go very well with the full orchestral pieces before them. Sill, they are very nicely played, particularly the Träumerei from the last set.

Captivating Concerto Masterpiece!.......2002-03-30

From the opening Horn Concerto, this Straussian rendering of his wind compositions is simply put, exhilirating listening! I can't get enough of hearing it, and I propose that likely many of you music conisseurs will as well. Recorded by members of the famed Chicago Symphony, it is very well done.

This collection features five compositions, his Horn Concerto No. 1 in E flat major and a second horn piece, this a Andante for Horn and Piano. As Strauss' father was a renown horn player himself and young Richard was made to accompany him at home much on the piano, that these pieces were of special import to him.
Dale Clevenger provides the solo work here, done with richness of tone and gusto in phrasing. I become enchanted more with the Horn Concerto with each listening. A great opener to this strong CD.

Next comes my favorite piece, even though I am partial to oboe numbers. This delightful Duet-Concertino for Clarinet and Bassoon is magnificently rendered by Larry Combs and David McGill. It bubbles and percolates with brilliant exhanges between the two instruments. Seductive and subtle, with magnificent light string accompanyment, this truly has become my favorite piece.

The Oboe Concerto was inspired by a visiting American oboeist, John deLancie. Amazingly, deLancie of the Pittsburgh and Philadelphia Orchestras, only played this piece once, at Interlochen, Michigan with Eugene Ormandy and the Philadelphia Orchestra. It is demanding for the oboeist, requiring 57 solid measures without rest. Strauss reputedly recommended a mechanical breathing device for this, however, contemporary oboeists insist on overcoming the breathing issue with circular breathing. Here Alex Klein proves his rating as one of tops in the world with a brilliant sinuous and lovely expression. The gentle Adante finish with its subdivision of beats results in a brilliant finish.

A lover and collector of such Concertos, I am delighted to have discovered this one which has captivated my listening and will yours.

Amazing solo talent.......2001-08-17

I originally bought this CD simply for Alex Klein's version of the Strauss Oboe concerto, but found everything else to also be superb. Klein's performance is the best that is out there. His sound is absoultely gorgeous and unparalled by anyone. Matching this sound with his technical mastery, smooth and singing phrases, as well as full dynamic range makes him simply the best oboist around. His interpretation of Strauss's concerto is absolutely breath-taking. I can listen to it over and over again.

The Horn concerto is brilliantly done by Clevenger. His sound rings brilliantly true with the spirit of the instrument. A radiant interpretation of this jubilant concerto.

Combs, McGill, and Barenboim also do excellent work on this CD; however these are the pieces that I listen to less. Nonetheless, their talent shines through and make for stunning performances.

This CD is a prime example of the wealth of talent that the CSO has. Truly a must own CD.

A Spellbinding Recording Of Strauss' Lesser Known Wind Works.......2001-06-16

This is indeed an enchanting recording, showing a Classical side of Richard Strauss little known to most lovers of classical music. And these elegant pieces offer further proof that Barenboim is among our finest interpreters of Strauss' music; either at the podium or at the keyboard. Dale Clevenger, the principal of the Chicago Symphony Orchestra's horn section gives a brilliant, lyrical performance of the 1st Horn Concerto that easily conjurs up magnificient performances from the likes of Baumann and Brain. It is indeed a pity that the 2nd Horn Concerto wasn't recorded; instead we hear a great performance of the Oboe Concerto, with the Chicago Sympphony Orchestra's Principal Oboeist Alex Klein that is ravishingly beautiful. Once more Teldec engineers have produced a recording of highest sound quality. It should be regarded as yet another artistic triumph for Daniel Barenboim and the Chicago Symphony Orchestra.

R. Strauss: Horn Concertos Nos. 1 & 2; Duet Concertino; Serenade for Wind

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Incredible recording of Strauss 2
A rousing flourish from a wonderful young artist

R. Strauss: Horn Concertos Nos. 1 & 2; Duet Concertino; Serenade for Wind

Manufacturer: Class. for Pleas. Us
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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ASIN: B000026C6C
Release Date: 2002-06-04

Tracks:

I. Allegro
II. Andante
III. Allegro
I. Allegro Moderato
II. Andante
III. Rondo. Allegro Ma Non Troppo
Serenade in E Flat, Op.7 For Wind Instruments Horn Concerto No.2 in E Flat
I. Allegro
II. Andante Con Moto
III. Rondo. Allegro Molto

Customer Reviews:

Incredible recording of Strauss 2.......2007-03-09

In 1988, at the age of 14, DAVID PYATT became the youngest winner of the prestigious BBC Young Musician of the Year competition. He won this award performing Strauss's Second Horn Concerto. In 1996 he released this recording and it prevails ofer every recording I have ever heard. The balance between the orchestra and the soloist creates a vocal approach to Strauss' late work. The maturity of Pyatt's sound and musicality makes for an ideal approach to what Strauss was looking for. I stongly recommend this recording for all lovers of beautiful music. The only recording that comapres is the legendary Dennis Brain recording.

A rousing flourish from a wonderful young artist.......2005-12-31

David Pyatt has been hailed as successor to the sainted Dennis Brain. He won the BBC Young Musician of the Year Award in 1988 when he was only 14--the youngest recipient ever--and made this totally accomplished recording of the two Strauss horn concertos in 1994, just out of his teens. The comparison to Brain isn't frivolous. It would be hard to imagine a more lyrical player; like Brain, Pyatt can make the French horn sound like a true woodwind. He has a meltingly lovely tone, on the feminine side, again like Brain, favoring supplenesss over power.

The British have a proud heritage of horn virtuosos (Brain, Alan Civil, Barry Tuckwell) for Pyatt to join. This CD was widely admired in the UK, though I htink it went unnoticed in the U.S. Besides the two concertos, it includes Strauss's early Serenade in E-flat and a really lovely rendition of his last orchstral work, the Duet-Concertino for clarinet and bassoon from 1947 (the horn doesn't play here). Nicholas Cleobury conducts expertly, and it's nice to hear these works accompanied by a chamber ensemble (the Britten Sinfonietta), which puts the horn in more comfortable balance than a full orchestra.

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A Horn Player's Dream

Franz & Richard Strauss: Horn Concertos

Manufacturer: Ebs
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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Mozart: Horn Concertos Nos. 1-4

ASIN: B0000044LH
Release Date: 1994-07-05

Tracks:

Konzert Es-dur fur Horn und Orchester Nr. 1, Op. 11: Allegro - Andante
Konzert Es-dur fur Horn und Orchester Nr. 1, Op. 11: Allegro
Konzert Horn und Orchester Nr. 2, Op. 86: Allegro - Andante con moto
Konzert fur Horn und Orchester Nr. 2, Op. 86: Rondo
Konzert c-moll fur Horn und Orchester, Op. 8: Allegro molto - Andante
Konzert c-moll fur Horn und Orchester, Op. 8: Allegro molto

Customer Reviews:

A Horn Player's Dream.......2001-02-24

The French Horn is counted by many to be the king of classical instruments and with recordings such as this who would balme people for thinking so. This recording is a true credit to the soloist and orchestra who invested time into making this. It has captured the true excitment and passion of the Franz and Richard Strauss Horn Concerto's and has then improved on them. It widely renowned amongst the classical world of the difficulty of the Strauss Horn Concerto's , yet Ifor James has shown true virtuosity to the point of fooling the listener into thinking that these pieces are quite simple. Antoni Wit and the Katowice Polish Radio/TV Symphony Orchestra are also stunning, bringing the music to life and giving it true Strauss character. This recording would have to be a must for any Horn Player across the world and for any respector of fine classical music. A solid listening investment.

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Great Performance
Poor recording quality
Great interpretations
Tuckwell Does a Great One on This Album

Strauss Concertos

Manufacturer: Decca
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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ASIN: B00000IX7U
Release Date: 1999-05-11

Tracks:

Horn Concerto No. 1 In E Flat Major, Op.11: I. Allegro
Horn Concerto No. 1 In E Flat Major, Op.11: II. Andante
Horn Concerto No. 1 In E Flat Major, Op.11: III. Allegro
Horn Concerto In C Minor, Op.8: I. Allegro molto
Horn Concerto In C Minor, Op.8: II. Andante
Horn Concerto In C Minor, Op.8: III. Allegro molto
Horn Concerto No.2 In E Flat Major, AV 132: I. Allegro -
Horn Concerto No.2 In E Flat Major, AV 132: II. Andante con molto
Horn Concerto No.2 In E Flat Major, AV 132: III. Rondo
Burleske, AV 85 For Piano And Orchestra

Tracks:

Violin Concerto in D minor, Op.8: I. Allegro
Violin Concerto in D minor, Op.8: II. Lento ma non troppo
Violin Concerto in D minor, Op.8: III. Rondo: Presto
Oboe Concerto, AV 144: I. Allegro moderato
Oboe Concerto, AV 144: II. Andante
Oboe Concerto, AV 144: III. Vivace-Allegro
Duett-Concertino, AV 147: I. Allegro moderato
Duett-Concertino, AV 147: II. Andante
Duett-Concertino, AV 147: III. Rondo: Presto

Customer Reviews:

Great Performance.......2005-05-12

Richard Strauss' concertos date back to his earlier days and one can easily sense the youth and the freshness in these works.True to this concept,the artists featured on this disc have given the listeners a glimpse on the early style of Richard Strauss.The highlights are the performances of the Horn Concertos,which appeal to me as outstanding performances.But the other works,notably the Violin and Oboe Concertos are also excellently performed.The recording quality is not that excellent,making some notes blend together,but in overall worth-collecting performances.

Poor recording quality.......2002-01-13

While the interpretation of these pieces are just fine--very good even--the impact is totally ruined by the poor recording quality, particularily on the Burleske. Hissing is loud and grainy, echos blur the sound together, and little pops and clicks are alarmingly common. If you care to rip the tracks and remaster them manually then this CD is worth your time, especially for the horn concertos, since the Herman Baumann versions of the horn concertos are very hard to find now, especially the second. If you just want the CD for a CD player, then I recommend finding another CD.

Great interpretations.......2001-12-03

This CD is great! It is certainly one of my favorites, and I come back to it again and again for great listening. The horn concertos, here performed by Tuckwell, are wonderful pieces all on their own, and coupled with Tuckwell's incredible virtuosity, they make for a fantastic listening experience. The Burleske for Piano and Orchestra is an equally charming piece, here done quite well. The Duett-Concertino and the Violin Concerto are also performed splendidly, the former being an almost comic representation of the Clarinet and Bassoon's innate qualities. The oboe concerto, played expertly by Gordon Hunt, is a fantastic piece. The gorgeous orchestrations and somewhat unusual chord progressions highlight this CD beautifully. The only small criticism I could offer would be Hunt's interpretation of the cadenzas; they are taken a bit too fast, so that the notes almost blur together. Besides that small factor, though, this piece and this CD are an excellent buy, and are a must-have for the Strauss lover.

Tuckwell Does a Great One on This Album.......2001-02-23

While in most instances I do not care for Tuckwell's style of playing, I must say that after hearing him play the Franz Strauss Concerto I was quite impressed. He adds delicate phrasing to the little-known concerto and it (out of the few cd publications of this piece) is the best recording I have heard of the work. I would advise any horn admirer to purchase this one.

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Richard & Franz Strauss: Horn Concertos
Steven Gross , Phil Orch Bratislava , and Dale Clevenger
Manufacturer: Summit(Classical)
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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ASIN: B000E1P230
Release Date: 2006-02-14

Tracks:

Allegro Molto
Andante
Tempo I
Allegro
Andante
Allegro
Allegro
Andante Con Moto
Rondo: Allegro Molto

Album Description

Many music lovers are not aware that the father of composer Richard Strauss was himself a composer, although better known as one of the great French horn players. Franz Strauss (1822-1905) was principal horn of the Munich Court Opera Orchestra for over 40 years and played in the world premieres of Wagner's Tristan und Isolde, Die Meistersinger, and Parsifal. This definitive recording of Richard Strauss's two famous horn concertos is greatly enhanced by the inclusion of one of his father's works. Steven Gross is currently principal horn of the Cincinnati Chamber Orchestra and professor of horn at the University of California, Santa Barbara. Principal horn of the Chicago Symphony Orchestra since February 1966, Dale Clevenger also pursues an active international conducting career. The Philharmonic Orchestra of Bratislava comprises the leading performers of the capital city of the Slovak Republic.

Dennis Brain ~ Strauss - The Two Horn Concertos & Hindemith - Horn Concerto / Sawallisch

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Heresy to say, but this mono-era classic has been surpassed
You can get this same CD with more on it remastered for less
Of course it's great- it's Dennis Brain!
Wonderful hindemith, good Strauss
My First Dennis' CD

Dennis Brain ~ Strauss - The Two Horn Concertos & Hindemith - Horn Concerto / Sawallisch

Manufacturer: EMI Records [All429]
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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Mozart: Horn Concertos Nos. 1-4
Brain

ASIN: B000002RP0
Release Date: 1990-10-25

Tracks:

I: Allegro
II: Andante
III: Rondo (Allegro)
I: Allegro
II: Andante Con Molto
III: Rondo (Allegro Molto)
I: Moderately Fast
II: Very Fast
III: Very Slow-Moderately Fast-Fast-Lively-Very Slow

Customer Reviews:

Heresy to say, but this mono-era classic has been surpassed.......2006-05-22

Rather than saying that Dennis Brain was the greatest horn player of all time, I prfer to think that he began the age of superstar horn players. In their later recordings of Strauss's two virtuosic concertos, Barry Tuckwell and David Pyatt sound much more exciting than Brain, who also isn't helped by EMI's dated mono sound and the foursquare conducting of Sawallisch. Brain gives us a definitve reading of the Hindemith concerto, but this work hasn't exaclty caught on in the repertoire. I keep Brain's elegeant performances around as a Golden Age memento of a very appealing musician whose early death sealed his lasting reputation.

You can get this same CD with more on it remastered for less.......2004-04-07

Even though I am in love with this CD, I don't really understand why you'd buy it. The same CD was rereleased by EMI Classics but with an additional 3 tracks - Hindemith's Konzertmusik for Brass and Strings. Also, that CD is cheaper, so I would recommend taking that route.

Of course it's great- it's Dennis Brain!.......2002-02-19

If I had to sum up Brain's playing on this cd with only a few choice words they would be clean, effortless, and musically rich. A non horn player listening to this disk could easily wonder how people complain about the horn being such a difficult instrument to play well. Dennis Brain truly pushes all of the difficulties of the horn aside and instead puts only wonderful musicality in its place. Brain was definitely a man in complete control of his instrument, and made it sing like no other. If you're thinking about taking up the horn after listening to this album, don't be fooled- it isn't as gloriously easy as this master virtuoso makes it sound!

Wonderful hindemith, good Strauss.......2000-10-18

I have to start saying that the recording of Hindemith concerto is simply impressive. Wonderful. Many composer were astonished by Dennis playing and wrote pieces specifically for him (Hindemith but also Britten, for instance). Also, the recording here is conducted by Hindemith himself, so I think there are no better performances available. About the Strauss concerti, like a previous reviewer i have to say that in my opinion there could exist other great recordings. Performing these concerti I prefer a more aggressive style, less smooth, more "germanic". Ok, Dennis is anyway great, his music, phrases and sound are milestones and examples for all the horn players, but try to compare (just for the sake) other interpretations (my personal favorite is H.Baumann with Gewandaus/Masur, Philips label).

My First Dennis' CD.......2000-06-21

As Dennis' fan, every single CD he left for us worth a 5-stars! As compared with his recording on other media, e.g. cass.tape, I don't really like the "digitized" sound. I wish they could make CD that has the SAME sound recorded on tape. Till then, I will keep all Dennis' CD as my private collection.

Richard Strauss: Horn Concertos/Oboe Concerto/Duett-Concertino

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Richard Strauss: Horn Concertos/Oboe Concerto/Duett-Concertino

Manufacturer: Capitol
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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ASIN: B00000DOJG
Release Date: 1993-01-12

Strauss: Concertos For Horn And Orchestra/Zimmermann: Nouveaux Divertissements

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Strauss: Concertos For Horn And Orchestra/Zimmermann: Nouveaux Divertissements

Manufacturer: Berlin Classics
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

General | Symphonies | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Classical | Styles | Music
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Horn Concertos

ASIN: B0000035U4
Release Date: 1997-01-21

Tracks:

Concerto For Horn And Orchestra No. 1 In E Flat Major Op.11: 1. Allegro
Concerto For Horn And Orchestra No. 1 In E Flat Major Op.11: 2. Andante
Concerto For Horn And Orchestra No. 1 In E Flat Major Op.11: 3. Rondo, Allegro
Concerto For Horn And Orchestra No. 2 In E Flat Major: 1. Allegro
Concerto For Horn And Orchestra No. 2 In E Flat Major: 2. Andante con moto
Concerto For Horn And Orchestra No. 2 In E Flat Major: 3. Rondo, Allegro molto
New Divertimentos (After Rameau For Horn And Chamber Orchestra: 1. Cadence ouverte vive et vertigineuse
New Divertimentos (After Rameau For Horn And Chamber Orchestra: 2. Dansant et charmant
New Divertimentos (After Rameau For Horn And Chamber Orchestra: 3. Ariette lyrique
New Divertimentos (After Rameau For Horn And Chamber Orchestra: 4. Tambourin
New Divertimentos (After Rameau For Horn And Chamber Orchestra: 5. Tres gai et rapide