To the small body of concerted works for trumpet come these three amazing compositions that go a long way to redefine the genre. H.K. Gruber’s glittering, phantasmagorical Aerial opens in a misty atmosphere wherein the solo trumpet plays in its dark, lowest register. This, along with a relaxed embouchure that causes the tone to split in two, results in the trumpet sounding very much like a foghorn. Indeed, through his stunning technique trumpeter Hakan Hardenberger is able to create a sound that gives the impression of two or three soloists playing from different parts of the stage. Aerial’s second movement, “Gone Dancing”, is an acrobatic free-for-all featuring some simply breathtaking solo writing that Hardenberger negotiates with seeming ease.
A blaring elephant opens Peter Eötvös’ Jet Stream, accompanied by a phalanx of crashing and clanging percussion. In this work Hardenberger actually does have three other trumpeters shadowing him, and the affect is arresting. This is the most modernist of the three works on this disc, but the atmosphere Eötvös conjures is mesmerizing, like some pagan ritual from a distant planet.
Mark-Anthony Turnage’s jazz-inflected From the Wreckage brings us back to earth, though this too is full of surprises. A hard light glints over this music, which sounds like a mash-up of Duke Ellington and Alban Berg. The harsh, gloomy atmosphere of Berg’s Lulu serves as a launching point, after which the music slowly rises from dark despair to angry activity. It never really gets happy, but it’s invigorating nonetheless, especially as Hardenberger’s solo line becomes increasingly frantic. At the climax, the music careens into a demented hyperkinetic ragtime before running out of steam and settling into a poignant, resigned close.
Hardenberger proves to be one of most prodigiously talented musicians alive today, playing the B-flat, C, and piccolo trumpets, as well as the flugelhorn and cow horn (and even vocalizing through his horn in Aerial) with impeccable, confident tone, all the while popping off high notes that would make Maynard Ferguson jealous. Partnering with him is Peter Eötvös leading the Gothenburg Symphony in brilliant and bracing accompaniments, all captured in DG’s spacious, vividly detailed recording. This release is a thrill for trumpet aficionados and new music fans alike. Enthusiastically recommended! [11/9/2006]
