Classic Wynton

Wynton Marsalis may not have an easily recognizable or even particularly handsome tone, but this erstwhile jazz trumpeter is an amazing virtuoso with a fine sense of classical style. If you've never owned/heard any of his classical CDs, and you love (mostly baroque) trumpet music, this compilation--a sort of "greatest hits"--is for you. From such cruddy, sensationalistic works as Carnival of Venice to the glories of Haydn's E-Flat Concerto, this is grand entertainment. Marsalis is joined by Kathleen Battle in an exciting version of Handel's "Let the bright seraphim," and the treat there is doubled. A fine piece by Hovhaness for trumpet and organ, never before released, is another surprise. Come listen to the endless, seemingly casual roulades that come out of this guy's trumpet--they'll wake you right up. --Robert Levine Amazon.com

The Good Stuff

It's easy to think that the culture is in decline (mostly because it is), but Wynton is proof that we are not done for yet. He is the real thing, whether you like classical or jazz or whatever. He is a master. I love this recording of some very familiar pieces, recorded here by a real virtuoso. Just as we were getting used to mediocrity, Wynton comes along and reminds us all that perfection is worth pursuing despite our teachers' insistence that we can feel good about ourselves no matter what we do. Here is the personification of artistry and the claim that greatness is worth pursuing and is achievable. November 14, 2007

Classic Wynton

Classic! What else is there to say? As an introduction to the other, many classic recordings of this superbly talented trumpeter, it is as good a guide as possible. July 11, 2007

amazing

Classic Wynton is the most glorious display of musicianship I have ever heard. No other trumpet player even comes close to Wynton. Don't listen to anything the editorial review says though, it must have been written by a complete ignoramus. Wynton Marsalis not having a clear or recognizable tone? Please...That's like saying Kobe Bryant isn't a good shooter. I can't believe that garbage is on a credible site such as Amazon. October 30, 2006

Heard this with NEW appreication.........

This is such a wonderful mix. I especially love the Haydn concerto finale in E flat. I was listening to this cd when my grandson (almost 3) heard the glorious music of the trumpet for the first time. He loved seeing the photos of Mr. Marsalis (which I embellished, albeit true, saying how difficult it is to play the trumpet - hence the need for a handerchief to wipe his brow in one of the photos). This awakened his awareness of trumpet music where he now loves to listen to one of his Baby Einstein cd's in the car. Specifically, he told his mother "louder" when the trumpet piece was played - repetetively. September 7, 2006

Wynton's the best

I'm not a professional musician and don't have a trained ear but Wynton Marsalis has provided me with a very delightful hour of extremely good music. March 17, 2006

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