TrumpetGirl08

For my college coursework I have to write an essya analysing a piece of my choosing. I have chosen the "Andante" (2nd movement) of the Haydn trumpet concerto in Eb.

I have to analyse 3 recordings. The recordings I have chosen are:

Maurice Andre - [FONT='Trebuchet MS','sans-serif']with the Munich Bach Orchestra in 1966, conducted by Hans Stadlmair.

Adolph Herseth - with the Chicago Symphony Orchestra, conducted by Claudio Abbado.

Jeffrey Segal - with the Zurich Tonhalle Orchestra, conducted by David Zinman.

I was just wondering if any of you know anything about these recordings, know of any reviews or have an opinions.

Thanks. [/font]

MJ

Why don't you give us your opinions first?

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TrumpetGirl08

Personally, I prefer the Jeffrey Segal recording. His sound is much cleaner than the other two. The only thing i dislike about his version is that he shortens the third quaver of the theme, which to me makes it sound disjointed.

I least like the Adolph Herseth version. I find his vibrato too much and his sound is not as crisp or still as the movement requires.

The Maurice Andre version is good, but I feel maybe a tad too slow. At 50 bpm, its much slower than the "Andante" title would suggest.

rowuk

Jeffery Segal is an expert for historical practice. I like this reading very much. I agree with you, there is no necessity for the irregular rhythm though. You could probably send him an e'mail and find out why! Maybe Ed Carroll knows were he can be found now. He is no longer with the Tonhalle in Zurich.

Bud Herseths version is a solid reading by a symphonic player. It does not have the "flash" of a travelling trumpet soloists version, nor should it. I like this also very much. I find he plays the line with the proper flow and you can close your eyes and feel the rhythm and melodic line. His use of vibrato is exaggerated by the (close)miking technique.

The Maurice André version is, well Maurice André. I consider him to be one of the greatest trumpet players and teachers ever, but his Haydn has more to do with Maurice André than Haydn. The same goes for everything else he plays. No special commitment to the composer or style of the period, just gobs of beautiful sound, technique and spirit. I just have a lot of FUN listening to him, would never dream of pulling the score out and trying to make musical sense though. (having pulled out the score..........)I find this reading to be very inconsistent in pulse, articulation and flow.

I think you have to be careful about judging the "sound". The recording techniques differ considerably and I think that the Herseth recording has the overall lowest recording quality. Adolf Herseths sound was perfect in a reasonably sized hall, putting a microphone near the bell of such a player will never provide a true picture.

When listening to MA, the recording quality is insignificant. The excitement of his person cuts through ANY recording deficiencies.

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