A must for lovers of extraordinary trumpet playing accompanied by a superb wind ensemble.

The DePaul University Wind Ensemble has distinguished itself over the years not only with its marvelous virtuosity but with its highly original and exciting programming which can also be heard on Albany releases TROY334, 435, 501, 568 and 628. Here they are joined by John Hagstrom, who leads the trumpet studio at DePaul University. He has been a member of the Chicago Symphony’s trumpet section since 1996. He studied at the Eastman School and spent six years in “The President’s Own” United States Marine Band in Washington, D.C. All of these pieces have a wonderful way of showing off the terrific musical combination of trumpet and wind orchestra, with such highlights as the propulsive Concerto by Russian composer Andrei Petrov, the Scherzo by the famed Mexican artist Rafael Mendez, the lovely Rachmaninov arrangement, and the novelties found in the Ropartz and Arutiunian works. By now everyone has heard the latter composer’s Concerto for Trumpet and Orchestra, so it’s a pleasure to hear this more recent work. This CD is for anyone who appreciates great trumpet playing and loves the sound of a virtuoso wind orchestra.