This recording is essentially a Romantic style set of 33 transcriptions for trumpets, Corno da Caccia, timpani, organ and voice in various combinations. The present arrangements reflect an aesthetic whereby the spirit of the original composition precedes the letter and flows full of creativity. Although the present program is given to transcriptions of original compositions, these are not mere adaptations intended for instrumental virtuosos; rather they are arrangements of vocal, orchestral and other instrumental pieces by true creative artists who lavished their accomplished compositional skills and imagination to these works.
In general, every transcription for any instrument and/or instrumental ensemble requires the arranger to rethink the original score. In this recording we should also say that all that remains of the original compositions are the idea and the form. The arrangers thus have fixed these in black and white within a new perspective, and it was up to the interpreters to infuse new life into them by means of timing, acoustical space and (musical) logic by way of movement or momentum. In the end, this ensemble does ensure that the music still remains faithful to the original’s spirit which is preserved and perhaps even enhanced, as in the case of track 27’s: Daughter of Zion, rejoice for example.
Originally this piece was composed by Georg Friedich Handel (1685-1759) as a movement to his oratorio Joshua and subsequently included by the composer himself as variations for other works. In this recording it appears as an extraordinary transcription for organ and timpani. This music will surely put to the test any audio system; it is a marvelous audio demonstration for all 5.1 channels, besides its obvious and meritorious artistic merits. I think of this piece (in this recording) as the best timpani solo I have ever heard in my life, truly a revelation both artistically and to see how far my audio system can go. Other notable passages are to be found in tracks 9, 20 and 25 (Carol: Let the Bright Angels Sing) for the whole ensemble, and in track 26, a beautiful transcription for organ and Corno da Caccia of Antonio Vivaldi’s (1678-1741) Concerto in F major for two horns and orchestra larghetto.
In reality there are far too many notable passages amongst all 33 tracks in this wonderful and festive SACD to possibly mention in this review. However, Caveat emptor; this recording should be reproduced at very high volume levels to fully realize the intended acoustic effect, which is outstanding…at least in my system! I highly recommend this SACD both for its obvious artistry and acoustic qualities.
— John Nemaric
