Review by JJ November 17, 2011 (3 of 4 found this review helpful)
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Here is a welcome release, an unusual one too, and which will, for many music lovers, have the merit of being a real discovery. In reality, Amilcare Ponchielli (1834‑1886) is not only the author of “La Gioconda.” The Concertos for Wind Instruments recorded here not only reveal the Italian composer’s talent, but also how he integrated the styles of Meyerbeer and Verdi. Moreover, it is the “Fantasy on Motifs from La Traviata Op. 146” that opens the program – a work for trumpet composed in 1869. Next comes the “Concerto Op.155” for Euphonium (an instrument from the brass family invented in 1843 and denominated “wind cello”) and Orchestra, dating from 1872. The “Concerto Op.198” in E flat major for Trumpet and Orchestra which follows was written in 1867. “Gran Cappricio Op.80” in F minor for Oboe and Orchestra is a remarkable work for the soloist. There exist three versions (two for oboe and piano and one for orchestra), and the one recorded here is a compilation of the three versions. This remarkable program concludes with the “Concerto Op.123” for Trumpet and Orchestra from 1866, and our enthusiasm remains intact in that the passion of the interpreters at hand is communicative. A real resurrection of forgotten scores, this SACD is a rare pearl to treasure.
Jean-Jacques Millo Translation Lawrence Schulman
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