Ole Edvard Antonsen / Norwegian Navy Band: The Golden Age of the Cornet
BIS-SACD-1598
When one listens to the sound of the cornet, one immediately conjures images of cobbled streets, delivery boys’ bikes and warm loaves of brown Hovis bread. At least, I do. There is something definitely indicative of a bygone age about it.
It is only when one comes across an album such as this that one realises quite what a beautiful instrument the cornet is. Here we find a dozen pieces by composers from all corners of the world including Americans Herbert Lincoln Clarke (reputedly the greatest cornet player of all time) and Frank Simon, both members of John Philip Sousa’s wind ensemble, Norway’s own Edvard Grieg, and Australian Percy Code.
Although the mood of the cornet can stretch to a post-horn gallop sort of pace, it is mainly quite a quiet instrument which invokes a thoughtful mood and is almost always pleasant. And yes, it is really a period instrument for the most part – I don’t see it playing a leading role in anything particularly 21st century. This is just lovely relaxing music and one really doesn’t want any nasty surprises while sitting enjoying it. Definitely just the ticket for when slippers and pipe are utilised by a cosy fire in the front room sipping from a glass of whisky. Scrumptious!
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