Thread: The TC 50 Most Recommended Woodwind/Brass Concerti

Let's get cracking!

This list is the littlest sister project of all the other lists here on TC (operas, symphonies, piano concerti, etc.) and will list what the participating members count as the 50 'best' concerti for woodwind and brass.

Project definition (copypasted and slightly adapted from this post by member Air):

- the TalkClassical members with a wide variety of interests and experiences can reach a consensus on the top works from a variety of musical forms
- this process should lead to some interesting debate and discussion regarding these various specialized areas of music
- these lists may be used as reference points for both newcomers and long-time classical listeners to the world of classical music and to specific areas of classical music as defined by these lists

Those of us who run this project understand and respect the fact that not all of us enjoy lists and polls, but we ask that you refrain from criticisms here in respect for those of us who do. This project has been successfully tested and tried in both of the threads mentioned above, and it is our hope that the Woodwind/Brass Concerti thread can be just as successful as the Opera and Symphony ones and continue to foster the same sort of friendly environment created there. We hope that the the result will turn out to be the most satisfactory compromise for all the participating members of this forum and the best possible reference for both old and new listeners who desire to learn more about woodwind/brass concerti!


Here, a concerto is defined here as a work for one or more woodwind or brass instruments and orchestra, not works for woodwind/brass and piano. Further, a concerto is defined here as any work written for orchestra with a woodwind/brass soloist, not only works labeled 'concerto'. Concerti for several instruments are allowed, but the instruments must be only woodwind or brass instruments, no keyboard or string instruments. In other words, Michael Haydn's Concertino for Trombone and French Horn is totally allowed (encouraged even), whereas Vivaldi's Concerto for Oboe and Violin is not. Kapisch?

I think we'll use a few days just to discuss the matter and to see how much interest there is for this project. Also, it will give me time to finish school and be able to focus more on this project.

Any questions?

I'll participate. Thanks for starting this project.

Nice one, Aksel! This will be an interesting one. And thanks for defining it clearly what is allowed and what is not for the purpose of this. I agree with your proposal.

OK folks, get your winds ready! (Not the electronic farts, I meant ... hehehe)

I will participate in the first round, and look forward to taking some recommendations.

I may try to break some wind here, at least in the early stages.

I am totally down.

I will participate!

Pumped!

I feel like I only know about 20 works that qualify, so I better start using this preparation period well.

I've played a bunch. Count me in.

I may participate depending on how much listening time I'll be able to set aside. Either way I'll enjoy reading the posts, and gaining many suggestions.

All I know is that the Tamberg Trumpet Concerto is badass, having played it with a good trumpet friend of mine last month. Oh, and that I've yet to hear anyone play the Michael Haydn Trumpet Concerto in C correctly.

I'll bite!

I am very pleased to see that so many people are participating! I don't think we'll start the voting for another day or so.

I have my final exam on Tuesday and then I'm rushing away to play Shostakovitch and Lutoslawski with the Norwegian Youth Orchestra for a week or so, and so I hope you'll understand that I won't be too active here for the next week and a half. If it gets too hectic, I will appoint someone else to round up the lists and initiate rounds.

I would be willing to help calculate points and begin and end rounds if or when you are too busy. And, good luck with your final exam.

Originally Posted by Trout

I would be willing to help calculate points and begin and end rounds if or when you are too busy. And, good luck with your final exam.

Great! Thanks!