The London Horn Sound

The London Horn Sound builds on the extraordinary tradition of French Horn playing in London (formerly the home to the talents of Dennis Brain, Alan Civil and Barry Tuckwell) and brings together for the first time, today's generation of world-class London-based players including Richard Bissell, Nigel Black, Anthony Halstead, Frank Lloyd, David Pyatt, Hugh Seenan, Michael Thomson and Richard Watkins. From Mozart to Queen, Rossini to Ellington, with a tip of the hat to film soundtracks in the shape of James Horner's fantasy from the box office smashing epic movie Titanic, complemented by deft and sensitive arrangements this is a truly unique showcase for the cream of the London crop.

Review:

"All horn players hold on to your hats when you put this disc on – to use the old expression, what a gas! These thirty-two top professional hornists really let it rip in a wonderful, fun album of horn music, most of the items being special arrangements for large horn ensemble, with the occasional addition of percussion and rhythm section instruments. Members also pick up Wagner tubas (rotary valve horns that are relatives of the euphonium) for a number of the big Romantic pieces like the Wagner and Humperdink transcriptions. Your interest is kept via the good shift of styles despite the relative sameness of the timbral combinations, as well as the use of fine soloists on many items, both traditional and jazz solos coming across with great confidence and elan. The contrast between the really hot Tico-Tico and the evening Prayer from Hansel and Gretel is startling, but it works. Sometimes I wonder pieces should be transcribed and which should be left alone in sacred isolation. This program demonstrates that, even if you have a philosophical difference with those who tamper with a works' ontology, you can't help but be pleased by the musical and technical artistry of both the arrangers and the players on a project of this type – Berlioz's Roman Carnival for 16 horns, timpani, and percussion? Yes, they'll convince you! A delightful album not just for hornists!" Brass Band Bridge September 1999

"In a word: stunning. The playing of virtually all of London's top horn players is marvellous. The Humperdinck Evening Prayer is beautifully moulded, contrasted with the 16 horns in the Arrival of the Queen of Sheba, which is a real romp. Then, if you thought you knew Berlioz's Roman Carnival, just listen to what massed horns make of it! Recommended most strongly to all but the purist" Gramophone

"With colourful dynamics and well balanced playing, conductor Geoffrey Simon does a fine job of getting the most from the music…the London Horn Sound is worth having if your interest in in quality brass music."

Tracklist:
01 Titanic Fantasy for horn ensemble
Composed by James Horner
with Stephen Henderson
Conducted by Geoffrey Simon

02 La danza. Tarantella Napolitana ("Già la luna è in mezzo al mare"), for voice & piano (Soirées musicales)
Composed by Gioachino Rossini
Conducted by Geoffrey Simon

03 Hänsel und Gretel, opera Evening Prayer
Composed by Engelbert Humperdinck
Conducted by Geoffrey Simon

04 Tico-Tico no Fubá, for voice & ensemble
Composed by Zequinha de Abreu
with Christopher Laurence, Stephen Henderson
Conducted by Geoffrey Simon

05 Horn Concerto No. 4 in E flat major, K. 495 Rondo
Composed by Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart
Conducted by Geoffrey Simon

06 Le carnival romain (Roman Carnival Overture), ouverture catactéristique for orchestra, H.95 (Op. 9)
Composed by Hector Berlioz
with William Lockhart, Gary Kettel, Frank Ricotti
Conducted by Geoffrey Simon

07 Stardust
Composed by Hoagy Carmichael
Conducted by Geoffrey Simon

08 Solomon, oratorio, HWV 67 Arrival of the Queen of Sheba
Composed by George Frideric Handel
Conducted by Geoffrey Simon

09 Here's That Rainy Day
Composed by James ("Jimmy") Van Heusen
with Christopher Laurence
Conducted by Geoffrey Simon

10 Overture: Ruslan and Ludmilla
Composed by Mikhail Glinka
Conducted by Geoffrey Simon

11 Tristan und Isolde, opera, WWV 90 Prelude
Composed by Richard Wagner
with William Lockhart
Conducted by Geoffrey Simon

12 Bohemian Rhapsody
Composed by Freddie Mercury
Conducted by Geoffrey Simon

13 Caravan
Composed by Duke Ellington, Juan Tizol
with Christopher Laurence
Conducted by Geoffrey Simon