Hummel, Haydn & Neruda: Trumpet Concertos

Album Description

Experience the virtuosity of Romain Leleu, a leading figure of the French school of trumpet, in this captivating collection of trumpet concertos. Released in 2011 on the Aparté label, "Hummel, Haydn & Neruda: Trumpet Concertos" showcases Leleu's exceptional talent and his deep connection with the classical trumpet repertoire.

This two-disc album features some of the most celebrated trumpet concertos composed for trumpet and orchestra. Leleu is accompanied by the stellar soloists from the St. Petersburg Philharmonic Orchestra, performing as the Baltic Chamber Orchestra, under the direction of Emmanuel Leducq-Barôme. The ensemble's refined playing and Leleu's breathtaking performances create a harmonious blend that brings these timeless works to life.

The album opens with Johann Nepomuk Hummel's Trumpet Concerto in E Major, followed by Joseph Haydn's Trumpet Concerto in E-Flat Major, and concludes with Johann Baptist Georg Neruda's Horn Concerto in E-Flat Major, adapted for trumpet with cadenzas by Leleu himself. Each concerto is performed with precision and passion, highlighting Leleu's technical prowess and musical sensitivity.

In addition to these major works, the album includes enchanting bonus tracks such as "Mélodie" from Gluck's "Orfeo ed Euridice" and the lively "Hora Staccato" by Grigoraș Dinicu. These selections add a delightful variety to the program, demonstrating Leleu's versatility as a performer.

With a total duration of 1 hour and 27 minutes, this album is a treasure trove for classical music enthusiasts and trumpet lovers alike. Leleu's recording of these major classical concertos has earned critical acclaim, including RTL's Classique d’Or and a 5-star review from Diapason, further cementing his status as one of the most prominent trumpet virtuosos of our time.

22 november 2011

2011 Aparté

About Romain Leleu

Romain Leleu is a celebrated French classical trumpeter renowned for his virtuosic performances and innovative approach to music. Born in Lille in 1983, Leleu began his musical journey at a young age, studying at the prestigious CNSMD de Paris and later refining his skills under the guidance of Reinhold Friedrich at the Musikhochschule of Karlsruhe. His career has taken him across five continents, where he has captivated audiences with his mastery of the trumpet, spanning from Baroque to contemporary compositions. Leleu's discography is as diverse as it is impressive, featuring collaborations with renowned orchestras and ensembles, as well as solo works that showcase his technical prowess and artistic versatility. He is the elder brother of tuba player Thomas Leleu, and together, they have performed as the Virtuosi duo. Leleu's accolades include being named a Chevalier de l’Ordre des Arts et des Lettres by the French Ministry of Culture and Communication in 2016, and winning the Victoires de la Musique Classique award for Revelation Instrumental Soloist in 2009. Beyond his performances, Leleu is also dedicated to education, offering masterclasses worldwide and recently launching his own label, RL Records, with the release of his album "Nuit Fantastique." Whether performing iconic film scores or resurrecting historic instruments, Romain Leleu continues to push the boundaries of classical music, making him a standout figure in the contemporary classical scene.