Barry Tuckwell provides his own, insightful liner notes for this, his second recording of the Strauss Horn Concertos (the first being with Istvan Kertesz). What makes this a particularly sought-after release is the inclusion of the rarities and the fact that Tuckwell has gone back to the original manuscripts. The Final Scene from ‘Capriccio’ is not a rarity at all but is included for its luminous horn solo and, in Tuckwell’s words, ‘as a tribute to the great composer, as a bonus for the listener and as an indulgence for the soloist’.
RICHARD STRAUSS
Horn Concerto No.1 in E flat major, Op.11
Andante for Horn & Piano, Op. posth.
Introduction to the Final Scene of Capriccio
‘Alphorn’, Op. 15 No.3 for soprano, horn & piano
Introduction, Theme & Variations in E flat major for horn & piano
Horn Concerto No.2 in E flat major
Barry Tuckwell, horn
Marie McLaughlin, soprano
Royal Philharmonic Orchestra
Vladimir Ashkenazy, pianist & conductor
Recording producer: Paul Myers
Recording engineer: Simon Eadon
Tape editor: Caroline Loweth
Recording location: Walthamstow Town Hall, London, February 1990
‘A well-intentioned and enterprising disc’ Gramophone
‘Lyrical warmth, elegant phrasing and rich gorgeous tone’ Limelight
‘Tuckwell’s smooth playing and obvious musicianship are very impressive … Recommended’ Fanfare
‘very enjoyable…this CD brings the advantage of some rarities: all of them pleasingly attractive…’ **(*) Penguin Guide