German Flute Concertos

These four flute concertos, here recorded for the first time, span the fascinating half century that saw the emergence of Romanticism from the Classical style of the preceding decades. Each requires different forces, reflecting the growth of the orchestra during this time, while giving a prominence to the solo instrument which would decline as the 19th Century progressed. They are, therefore, rare treasures to enjoy for their diversity and unique position in musical history. The performance material for this recording was specially prepared from original sources by acclaimed soloist Bruno Meier, who plays a 14-carat gold flute.

This is a splendid performance, rich in melodic charm and brilliant display, showing off Meier’s exceptional artistry. Meier has added his own cadenzas. Completing the disc are performances of two flute concertos by Peter von Winter (1754–1825) and one by Franz Lachner (1803–1890). --Diether Steppuhn, Classical Net, December 2009

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Rosetti: 8 Symphonies

Best remembered for his often original writing for wind instruments, in particular the horn, Rosetti was a prolific composer of symphonies, concertos, chamber music and choral works, and was considered by many of his contemporaries to be the equal of Haydn and Mozart, only 42 years old, he died, on 30th June 1792.

Rosetti: Horn Concertos

[Hornists Sarah Willis and Klaus Wallendorf] "abide by all requirements and sound qualities, making even the most eccentric, ornamental and devilish flourishes and runs authentic and listenable. A Rosetti surprise." --Classical Day, Germany

"The soloists play superbly. Moesus leads fine support, and the recording is top notch. This, and the other CPO recordings by these two players, are well worth having, and the notes are also very detailed and well written " --American Record Guide, 12/2009

CPO follows up its recording of Rosetti’s double horn concertos (999 734-2) with a new release featuring two more double horn concertos and two solo concertos.

Rosetti, the Bohemian composer and contemporary of greats such as Mozart and Haydn left his native country in 1733 and joined the Hofkapelle of Prince von Öttingen-Wallerstein, whom he served for sixteen years. It was during this post he met two of the best horn virtuosos of the Wallerstein court; Joseph Nagel and Franz Zwierzina, so it is not surprising he composed numerous horn concertos.

The concertos on this disc are interpreted by two members of the Berlin Philharmonic; Klaus Wallendorf and English horn player Sarah Willis. Both players demonstrate their virtuoso capabilities in lengthy and technically demanding passages. Motivic and dynamic contrasts as well as expressive cantilenas for the solo instruments also make these concertos stand out - a welcome addition to CPO’s Rosetti collection.

Rosetti: Bassoon Concertos

Best remembered for his often original writing for wind instruments, in particular the horn, Rosetti was a prolific composer of symphonies, concertos, chamber music and choral works, and was considered by many of his contemporaries to be the equal of Haydn and Mozart. Rosetti composed five bassoon concertos, three of which are here recorded for the first time. These technically demanding works are noteworthy for long arching melodies in the slow movements framed by inventive and lively outer movements.

MP3 320 · 152 MB

Rosetti: Clarinet Concertos 1 & 2, Concerto for Two Horns

All three works here date from the early 1780s and clearly demonstrate that there is more to this period than Mozart. The highlight of the disc is the double horn concerto, which is performed superbly. Dieter Klocker’s playing is brilliantly efficient but rather charmless. --BBC Music Magazine

MP3 320 · 132 MB

Rosseti: Concerto for Two Horns, Etc

Klaus Wallendorf and Sarah Willis are members of the Berlin Philharmonic, and they play this technically difficult music with aplomb, teamwork, and sympathy. These are not "authentic" performances – modern valved horns are used by Wallendorf and Willis - but this hardly takes away from their achievement. The accompaniments by Moesus and the Bavarian Chamber Philharmonic are lively and well-nourished. Nice sound too, thanks to Bavarian Radio. --classical.net

This well-filled disc is a delight from start to finish. The engineers of Bayerisches Rundfunk have done a superlative job in capturing the vast range of pitch and volume of the solo horn parts and the recorded sound is clean and bright, without being top heavy or brittle. This is an undoubtedly joyous recording and is easily recommendable. No listener could be disappointed with music as engaging as this, performed as well as this is. --musicweb-international.com

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MP3 320 · 139 MB