The Greats
Since I developed this web page, I have wanted to make a tribute page to my favorite trumpeters and musicians. Obviously, this page is much too small to pay tribute to all of the players who have influenced me, so over time I will be adding to this page. Enjoy!
No orchestral trumpeter's tribute page could or should begin with anyone but the father of orchestral trumpet playing, Adolph Bud Herseth. Since hearing Mr. Herseth's Mahler 5 recording with Solti when I was a freshman in high school, I knew that I wanted to be an orchestral trumpet player. Above all the attributes that can be attributed to him, Herseth's ability to command the Chicago Symphony brass section was unparalleled. Some of my favorite recordings of Bud Herseth in the Chicago Symphony Orchestra are his recording of Pictures at an Exhibition, Pines of Rome, Mahler 5, Lt. Kije, and Ein Heldenleben.
Manny Laureano, principal trumpet of the Minnesota Orchestra, is a fantastic trumpeter! I first heard of Mr. Laureano when I played Monette instruments and mouthpieces. He has recorded many discs with the Minnesota Orchestra, all of which are great! A few of my favorites are his recordings of the Alpine Symphony, Copland's Third Symphony, Pictures at an Exhibition, and Pines of Rome. Also, Mr. Laureano is gracious enough to host a web forum to answer questions from all trumpeters. Everyone in the trumpet world should utilize this wonderful opportunity! Thanks for allowing us the opportunity, Mr. L!
Philip Smith, principal trumpet of the New York Philharmonic, has stretched the limits of the trumpet as a solo and orchestral instrument. His beautiful sound, pure, musical phrasing, and humility combine to make him a true artist on the instrument. Some of my favorite recordings of Mr. Smith with the New York Philharmonic include Prokofiev Symphony No. 5, Copland Symphony No. 3, Quiet City, Stravinsky Petrouchka, Ellen Taafe Zwilich Concerto for trumpet and five instruments, and Wagner Opera Music. In addition to playing with the orchestra, Mr. Smith has recorded extensively as a solo musician, including New York Legends, Principals, My Song of Songs, among others.
Mark Gould, former principal trumpet of the MET Opera Orchestra for twenty-nine years, epitomizes the opera trumpet player. His dynamic, expressive, and sizzling sound along with the flawless intonation, style, and power of the MET brass section on the Levine recordings of Wagner make these recordings my favorite to enjoy and emulate. Levin's recording of Parsifal with Mr. Gould playing is my all-time favorite recording. Listen for the stinging high B's in the second call of the Prelude. That is great playing!
