"The Trumpets that Time Forgot"
RHEINBERGER: Suite for Two Trumpets and Organ, Op. 149. STRAUSS: Excerpts from Le Bourgeois Gentilhomme, Op. 60. ELGAR: Sonata No. 2, Op. 87a
John Wallace, Jonathan Freeman, E-flat trumpets; Colm Carey, organist
LINN SACD CDK 242 (5.l channel) TT: 59:12

BEETHOVEN: Sonata No. 8 in C minor, Op. 13. Sonata No. 14 in C# minor, Op. 27 No. 2 "Moonlight." Sonata No., 17 in D minor, Op. 31 No. 2 "Tempest." Sonata No. 23 in F minor, Op. 57 "Appassionata."
Artur Pizarro, pianist
LINN SACD CDK 244 (5.l channel) TT: 78:51
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PIAZZOLLA
Various works for guitars, bandoneón, double-bass and string quartet
Peter and Zolt·n Katona, guitarists; Daniel Storer, double-bass; Alfredo Marcucci, bandoneon; Carducci String Quartet
CHANNEL CLASICS SACD CCS SA 19804 (5 channel) TT: 54:58
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None of the works on the Linn Trumpets that Time Forgot SACD were originally composed for the combination of two trumpets and organ. Rheinberger's suite was a trio for organ, violin and cello; Strauss's Le Bourgeois Gentilhomme scored for small orchestra, and Elgar's sonata originally for organ solo. All of these are heard here in arrangements by Irish-born Colm Carey who is one of the finest organists on the British music scene and already has a number of solo recordings to his credit. Both John Wallace and Jonathan Freeman are recognized figures in the brass world and their brilliant sounds blend well with the rich sounds of the Hereford Cathedral organ, adding extra majesty to the majestic closing of the Elgar sonata. The surround sound is appropriately spacious.The only negative feature of this SACD is its short playing time, less than an hour of music. Pianist Artur Pizarro's SACD of Beethoven's last three sonatas has already been mentioned on this site (REVIEW). This issue of four of the most popular sonatas has been available for some time on regular CD and now makes its appearance on SACD. The fine performances on both SACDs are very well recorded although, as in most piano surround recordings, the piano is really too big.

There are over 200 CDs currently available with music of Argentinian based Astor Piazzolla (1921-1992) who studied with Alberto Ginastera, and Nadia Boulanger. The latter suggested he stick with the tango—which indeed he did, in somewhat unorthodox fashion. I don't understand the current fad for Piazzolla's music—aside from the tango rhythms (often distorted) he has little of substance to offer the listener. This Channel Classics SACD features eleven of his works all in arrangements by the Katona pair (except Tango Suite, originally written for two guitars) to suit the performers. No question that they play this Piazzolla assortment very well, and the recording has the usual Channel Classics sound. Produced by C. Jared Sacks and recorded in Doopsgezinde Kerk, Deventer, The Netherlands, in June 2002, we have a spacious effect, bigger than life. It's all pleasant enough—if you enjoy this music. Chandos's SACD of Piazzolla offers his music in orchestral performances (REVIEW). Both SACDs have minimal playing time, 57:11 for the Chandos, 59:12 for the Channel Classics—not much music for premiuim-priced disks.

R.E.B. (July 2004)

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