Originally released by Columbia Masterworks in 1983,
Wynton Marsalis' debut album of Classical trumpet concertos appears in Sony's Great Performances series with what seems to be the label's nod to his phenomenal success and gratitude for a job well done. But what was once a perfectly fine, attractive recording from the sensational trumpeter's youth now appears as a crusty, fusty retread in the label's tired and unattractive econoline.
Marsalis' vivid performances of
Haydn's Trumpet Concerto in E flat major, Leopold Mozart's Concerto for trumpet and string orchestra in D major, and Hummel's Trumpet Concerto in E flat major are hard to beat (unless, perhaps, by someone of the caliber of
Maurice André); and the accompaniments by
Raymond Leppard and the
National Philharmonic Orchestra still sound vivacious and fresh, even after all these years; with DSD processing to boot, the sound quality is considerably enhanced and quite enjoyable. Yet Sony's drab packaging makes
Marsalis' exciting album seem stale and passé, and newcomers who might be attracted to this CD may wonder why it has been relegated so quickly to the budget bin of history. But don't be put off by the cover or Sony's lame marketing -- this is still one of
Wynton Marsalis' best albums in any category, and well worth consideration, no matter how dull it looks here.