Reading the description of these works on the back of the jewel box might dissuade some from investing in the album: all eight works were composed specially for playing in the final exams for the trumpet department of the Paris Conservatory of Music. Don’t let their original purpose throw you off, because they are all wonderful pieces for the trumpet and piano duo and will remind one of the special skills many French composers have demonstrated in their writing for the trumpet – going back to the days of Louis XVI.
St.-Saens had an affinity for the trumpet in a number of his works, and his Fantasy demonstrates some lovely tone colors. Marcel Bitsch’s Four Variations was a standout for me: a transporting melody in one variation plus a very exciting uptempo virtuoso closing variation. Florent Schmitt was Alsatian rather than French. He was part of the musical circle which included Ravel and was an influence on Stravinsky. His Suite in Three Parts which closes the program is adventurous and complex, requiring unusual skills in the performer. Sonics are very natural, with the trumpet producing some identifiable sound reflections in the venue, preserved in the surround option.
– John Sunier
