An interesting record, although perhaps
of greatest interest to horn players
despite the programmer's attempts at
variety. The Schumann Konzertstück
is absolutely notorious amongst the
horn playing profession, the top two
parts of the four representing the apex
of virtuosity. More, Schumann opts to
write above top C (the usually-quoted
range ceiling), shooting up to high
Es (sounding As) at climactic moments
of the first and last movements. The
work begins with two abrupt chords from
the orchestra – here performed with
marvellous presence and aplomb. A pity
the horns do not quite match it in swagger.
The soloists' approach seems to treat
the work with a light (almost Mozartian)
touch, a refreshing alternative to the
hell-for-leather treatment it most usually
receives. The slow movement (marked
'Romanze') is traditionally taken fast,
perhaps in an attempt to save the players'
lips. Here, it flows nicely, exuding
real peace; especially the orchestra
around 2'10ff. It is the finale that
provides the fireworks and these players
are as nimble as can be. If this is
not a white-hot reading, it is certainly
impressive.
The first Handel item
will, I am sure, be almost instantly
recognisable to most listeners from
its Music for the Royal Fireworks
usage of around three years later. The
American Horn Quartet adds its own ornamentation
here, and it is clear they are having
much fun. The Telemann Overture, part
of his Hamburg output, comprises no
less than nine movements, each with
a descriptive title. Perhaps the most
outrageous is 'The Concert of the Frogs
and the Crows' ('Die Konzertierenden
Frösche und Krähen'), with
its characterful use of stopping. The
nimble lower parts of 'Das Kanonierende
Pallas' are noteworthy, as are the zippy
strings of the finale.
Finally, and perhaps
predictably, Haydn's 'Hornsignal' symphony,
given a lively performance here; the
opening horn octave-Ds spot-on. After
a robust first movement, the solo work
of the slow movement - affectionately
performed from all sides - leads to
a gallant Menuet and a naturally unfolding
finale, in which various members of
the orchestra get a chance to shine.
Colin Clarke
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American Horn Quartet (Kerry Turner, Charles
Putnam, David Johnson, Geoffrey Winter) 
