Classic Wynton

A stunning selection of Wynton's most celebrated classical recordings, including works by Bach, Vivaldi, Purcell, Rimsky-Korsakov, Handel, Bernstein, Haydn, Paganini and more. Of particular note are a duet with Kathleen Battle from the Baroque Duet album and one previously unreleased performance. 20 tracks, more than 70 minutes of music!

Wynton Marsalis may not have an easily recognizable or even particularly handsome tone, but this erstwhile jazz trumpeter is an amazing virtuoso with a fine sense of classical style. If you've never owned/heard any of his classical CDs, and you love (mostly baroque) trumpet music, this compilation--a sort of "greatest hits"--is for you. From such cruddy, sensationalistic works as Carnival of Venice to the glories of Haydn's E-Flat Concerto, this is grand entertainment. Marsalis is joined by Kathleen Battle in an exciting version of Handel's "Let the bright seraphim," and the treat there is doubled. A fine piece by Hovhaness for trumpet and organ, never before released, is another surprise. Come listen to the endless, seemingly casual roulades that come out of this guy's trumpet--they'll wake you right up. --Robert Levine