The Magic of the French Horn

Great French Horn sound!

I love French Horn and I love this CD. This is music at it's best and very easy to listen too. It is soothing, relaxing and mellow! September 26, 2007

If Edith Piaf had been a horn player...

Just a note on the criticism of vibrato: These recordings must be heard with their cultural context in mind; they are excellent examples of the French style of playing which is famous for its lyricism, light sound and rapid, pronounced vibrato (Georges Barboteau is one of the greatest modern exponents of this style). It may well be that the use of vibrato was more widespread in Europe in the 19th century than it is today, thus giving an air of authenticity to these recordings. Despite their often widely differing tonal and lyrical characteristics, you'll still hear a good deal of vibrato in the national styles of Czech (the French style is supposed to have been established by Bohemian players imported by Louis XIV), Russian, East German, French, and Italian styles of horn playing. All a matter of taste (or lack thereof) and acculturation. June 2, 2006

Fabulous French Horns

I am not a musician, but a music lover and just happened to stumble upon this magnificent CD by accident. I am now an avid fan of the french horn. If you can get your hands on a copy, buy it! Enjoy. April 10, 2006

Excellent Selections, Bad playing

This CD on the Erato label has many great selections including the rare Konzertstuck for hour horns in orchestra. However, the performers play with too much vibrato, particularly on the pieces from the classical era. Even though the collection includes the incredible Konzertstuck, it is played most poorly, with a very obvious crack on the high E. If you want an alternate recording of the Konzertstuck, there is a phenomenal one with Gerard Schwarz and the Seattle Symphony on the Delos label. If it is the Mozart concerti you want, I suggest the classic Dennis Brain recordings. If you really enjoy the sound of vibrato on a horn, then get this CD. You will not find horns that play with more vibrato than these guys. April 6, 2004

The French Horn:Opinion

I thought this CD was really quite good. The tone I liked espcially, although the music did not provoke a major reaction or reach out and grab me. If you don't know if you would like to buy this soundtrack, I think you should. The more I listened to the music, the more I enjoyed it. October 18, 2001

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