Berliner Philharmoniker, trumpet: Maurice André, conductor: Herbert von Karajan Maurice André, whose distinguished recording career with EMI began with these classic performances, is perhaps the foremost trumpeter of the late 20th century. The Hummel concerto is primarily a florid and lyrical work. The slow movement is a charmer: set against a buoyant string section and deftly interwoven woodwinds, André's beautifully rendered playing recalls the cantilena style most associated with operatic vocal solos. Leopold Mozart's concerto evokes the early "natural" trumpet (lacking valves and keyholes) and its ability to soar on high-pitched notes. The final Allegro in particular is a demanding showcase as it requires some high-register playing, all of which is pulled off with aplomb by André. Telemann's Concerto in D is a brilliant work because of its variety of moods. For example, the first movement is a rather solemn though gorgeous affair while the second is brimming with joy and optimism. In contrast to the other works here, Vivaldi's Concerto in A flat always has the trumpet at the forefront. With its rippling lines in the first movement to the fanfares of the last this brief work is a showpiece for André and serves as a fitting end to this collection of trumpet masterpieces.