Volante – Alexander Wilson

Alexander Wilson, trumpet  |   Andrew Lenhart, piano

COMPOSERS: Nicole Piunno, Henri Vieuxtemps, Eris DeJarnett, Boris Asafyev

Alexander Wilson had two goals when he set out to make Volante: record fresh repertoire for the trumpet, and continue his exploration of Romantic-era violin repertoire. The first goal he accomplished with the help of several people: Eris DeJarnett, a former trumpet student from whom he commissioned Helios; Nicole Piunno, who offered him the opportunity to make the first professional recording of her fabulous new Trumpet Concerto; and Boris Asafyev, who wrote a wonderful Sonata for Trumpet and Piano in 1939 that somehow never made it to the recording booth…until now!

Wilson’s quest for trumpet-friendly violin repertoire led him to a composer by the name of Henri Vieuxtemps, who wrote seven stunning and wickedly difficult Romantic-era violin concertos. He determined the second of these would translate well for a trumpet soloist, and the Covid-19 pandemic ensured he had ample time to arrange and play-test it.

The result: a blend of new and old repertoire that will thrill and delight the ears of listeners everywhere!