Caprice - Alison Balsom
|
List Price: Our Price: $10.97 You Save: $6.01 (35%) Availability: Usually ships in 24 hours Buy Used: from $7.98 (click here) Category: Music CD See more new music releases 
|
|---|
Buy this Music CD at online store in your country
Canadian Music Store
Canadian Music Store
Free Music Notes for Caprice - Alison Balsom
Free Music Review: Excellent trumpet music
Hit: 5 Stars
She did a good job, but I do not know much about classical music. Saw this on youtube, heard it, I liked it. So I bought it.Free Music Review: Dazzling!
Hit: 5 Stars
Titling a collection of works CAPRICE ('a disposition to do things impulsively') is entirely in keeping with the magnetism and flair of the talented, beautiful, and intensely musical trumpeter Alison Balsom. For this listener the introduction to Miss Balsom was a recent Los Angeles Philharmonic performance of contemporary works, the one being played by Miss Balsom was the exceedingly beautiful and treacherously difficult Bernd Alois Zimmermann 'Concerto for Trumpet and Orchestra: Nobody knows the trouble I see'. Witnessing the live performance of this gifted lass resulted in the immediate purchase of her recordings.
CAPRICE is a terrific collection of works arranged for trumpet and while such collections don't appeal on every level, for this recording Balsom makes it work. She is equally at home with Bach (of course), Mozart, and Paganini as she is with Debussy, Rachmaninov, de Falla, the infectious Piazzolla, Lindberg, and Tomasi. It is a varied recital, ably assisted by Edward Gardner conducting the Gothenburg Symphony Orchestra, and while not every 'transcription' feels right, the performances ring with an authenticity because of Balsom's assured technique.
With the technical skill Balsom possesses and the flair for interaction with not only the orchestra but also with the audience it seems obvious that she is secure on the ladder of success. She is an intelligent musician and a dazzling spirit! Grady Harp, January 08
Free Music Review: Beyond the Baroque
Hit: 5 Stars
Fans of the classical trumpet will find a large repertoire from the Baroque era and a few major concertos from the Classical period (Haydn, Hummel), but very little written for trumpet from the Romantic period and thereafter. To remedy this problem, virtuoso trumpeters of the past, such as Jean-Baptiste Arban and Rafael Mendez, transcribed pieces not originally written for the trumpet. On this CD, Alison Balsom follows in this time-honored tradition, making available transcriptions that supplement the regular trumpet repertoire. Only one selection comes from the Baroque period, not one that was originally written for trumpet, but a transcription of the second movement of Bach's first Violin Concerto. Mozart provides two selections from the Classical period, but most of the selections come from the Romantic era (Paganini, Bellini, Debussy, Rachmaninov, de Falla, Lindberg) or the 20th century (Tomasi, Piazzolla). Any trumpet fan who has wished to hear something a little more modern than a Baroque trumpet concerto will be grateful for this CD.
Only one of these selections, the second movement of Tomasi's trumpet concerto, was originally written for trumpet. The rest are transcriptions made by either Julian Milone or Balsom herself. All are well done.
Balsom gives a highly satisfying and enjoyable performance of these selections. She is a virtuoso trumpeter of the highest caliber. Her technique, tone, and musicality leave nothing to be desired. For most of the selections, she plays a C trumpet, though for two pieces she uses an E flat trumpet and for two others a piccolo trumpet. The Gothenburg Symphony Orchestra provides admirable support.
Free Music Review: You can't 'quantify' virtuosity
Hit: 5 Stars
A view which praises with-faint-damn - is too reminiscent of days in academia, and causes me to compose my first Amazon comment. On to Ms. Balsom (from a one who won a 'Silver Bugle(tm)' at a military academy / 8th grade (!) and went on with cornet/trumpet, for many decades since.)
I have heard Nakariakov live, met the miraculous man - he is my Trumpet-God! (among demi-Gods like, newly: Ms. Balsom.) But *critical* comparison of 'technique?' is utterly inappropriate, once within or beyond that sublime level of virtuosity which includes Wynton M., earlier - Gerard Schwartz and.. the precious few.
If you love music, especially brass / are still susceptible of wonderful Goose-bumps: you will not be disappointed in the divine Alison and 'Caprice'. IMHO Her pianissimo in *all* registers is second to none, her intonation flawless and her playing: Sublimely musical, in all senses of that vague but large word. Note that most selections are played on a C trumpet (same key as piano) - a bit different effect from B-flat, for those afflicted with perfect pitch.
Bon appetit - be grateful that, amidst the external absurdities of this particular time - Love expressed in sound remains amongst us. And we can afford, ene, to "buy it"! Sorta
Free Music Review: Brilliant trumpet player
Hit: 4 Stars
Alison Balsom demonstrates brilliant technique and feel throughout this albumn with a choice of contrasting pieces painting a picture of a mature performer with incredible talent. Highly recommended for the trumpet solo and concert trumpet enthusiast.... you reach the end wanting more!!