Hermann Baumann surely needs no introduction as one of the finest horn players of his generation to hail from the former East Germany, or that cradle of music making that is Leipzig. Born in Hamburg, he progressed to Munich and has most of the classic works in his repertoire.
This interesting collection features music of Mozart's contemporaries but only includes his father, Leopold's contributions to the genre of horn and orchestra. The 'Sinfonia da Caccia' is particularly exciting with its various clarion calls whilst the Concerto is also well structured but does not have the brilliance of his inspired son.
Pokorny's work is also finely structured with an exhilarating Finale whilst Witt's includes an expansive opening allegro that lasts for just under 10 minutes. In both works, Baumann displays a dexterity of playing and panache that is pretty disarming, especially in the excellent accompaniment by Jaap Schröder.
Baumann quite rivetingly plays Rosetti's F Major Horn Concerto with panache and supreme virtuosity. Although the recordings are slightly on the dry side, I would definitely recommend this disc to those who love the horn as a virtuoso instrument.
Copyright © 2006, Gerald Fenech