Recommend Mozart Horn CDs

Posted by: Dozey on 17 April 2014

Can anyone recommend a recording? I have Tuckwell on vinyl and Pyatt on CD, but find the latter misses some of the fun. Is Thompson on Naxos worth investigating? Thanks for any suggestions.

Posted on: 17 April 2014 by George J

My favourite player is Alan Civil, who recorded the Concertos many times, but the best [in his own estimation, and I agree] is the 1960 recording with the Philharmonia under Klemperer.

The band plays as only a band can play when when one of their own is the soloists [Civil was then the Principal Horn played of the Philharmonia], and Klemperer was a great admirer of his First Horn Player. It shows in affectionate, clear sighted and perfectly executed performances, that are caught in a vintage EMI recording that defies it years. They all catch the warmth in the music, and avoid any sense of false drama [either nervous or musical] to give performances that are durable, stylish, and easily enjoyed.

It used to be available as a separate CD, and should be found like that second hand [or NOS] on Amazon, and is also included in the massive Klemperer Legacy issue on EMI. Testament also had it on offer for many years. It has not been out of the catalogue for more than fifty years. There is a reason for that.

ATB from George

The First Horn Concerto here:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tPZCKLaH32Y

Posted on: 17 April 2014 by George J

PS: The CD sonic is far better than the youtube presentation ...

PPS: Thompson is also a lovely player and worth investigating.

Posted on: 17 April 2014 by Dozey

Thanks for the recommendation George. I will give it a listen.

Posted on: 17 April 2014 by George J

Dear Dozey,

You can more or less listen to the complete Civil/Klemperer recording on youtube, and I am not afraid of your response to the music making! The CDs are much better than the MP3 reductions on youtube, but you'll get an idea of the amiable but clear sighted music making!

Best of luck.

ATB from George

Posted on: 17 April 2014 by naim_nymph

Dozey,

when you've had your fill of Barry-boring Tuckwell, try some delightfull divertimenti

The Philips box set is expensive new for £80 but worth it imho,

it can also be found priced at a bargain pre-owned.

A fantastic 6 cd set of Mozart's wind music compositions, horns are very often used thoughout and usually in a pair, along with; oboes, clarinets, bassoons, flutes, plus more occasional use of; cors anglais, trumpet, basset horns, timpani, and a double bass.

Very recommended! : )

Debs

Posted on: 17 April 2014 by Jay Coleman

Dennis Brain.

Posted on: 18 April 2014 by Dozey

Thanks for the recommendation Debs. I already have the Brymer set of the complete wind music on Decca. Must give it a spin.

Posted on: 18 April 2014 by Dozey

George - listened to the you tube clip. There are things going on in the rest of the orchestra I hadn't heard before! It certainly sounds joyful. I will order a copy.