Matthias Höfs - G. F. Handel: Sonata in F major, Op. 1, HWV 369

Trumpeter Matthias Höfs & organist Christian Schmitt perform their arrangement of the full Handel Sonata in F major, Op. 1, HWV 369, which can be heard on the latest album 'Festive Trumpets for Christmas': BC.lnk.to/FestiveTrumpetsID
00:00 - Sonata in F major, Op. 1, No. 11, HWV 369: I. Larghetto
02:00 - Sonata in F major, Op. 1, No. 1, HWV 369: II. Allegro
04:21 - Sonata in F major, Op. 1, No. 1, HWV 369: III: Siciliana
05:23 - Sonata in F major, Op. 1, No. 1, HWV 369: IV. Allegro
If there’s one thing that makes Christmas what it is, it’s festive music and uplifting melodies: 'Festive Trumpets for Christmas' is the new Christmas album from Matthias Höfs, to be released by Berlin Classics on November 5. On this new album, the trumpeter joins his brass ensemble and organist Christian Schmitt in a wide-ranging programme. The instruments of the musicians ring out in triumphal tones, brilliantly nuanced, capturing the joy and splendour of the Christmas festival. There are works by Albinoni, Handel, Vivaldi, Morales and Scheidt, along with arrangements by Peter Lawrence, Nikolaus Herman and Matthias Höfs himself.
In this programme, Matthias Höfs appears with a variety of ensemble formations, whether with trumpet quartet, with horn, trombone and tuba, or with bassoon, harpsichord and organ - amply portraying the differing characteristics of the instruments and their richness of timbre. The sensitivity with which the musicians listen to one another, for fine shading of the interpretation, creates an atmosphere of touching intimacy, of concentration on the heart of the Christmas message: Unto us a child is born.
Höfs aims to convey the German tradition as such, both in sound and style: “In the age of globalisation, in which everything is geared to international exchange, I should like to make my contribution to the preservation of this typical sound and culture.” The programme reflects his wish. He reveals the trumpet’s aptitude for chamber music in his arrangements of Baroque sonatas by Albinoni and Handel. They are well matched with the 'Canzon Cornetto for four trumpets' by Samuel Scheidt and the familiar Advent and Christmas carols 'Maria durch ein’ Dornwald ging', 'Es kommt ein Schiff, geladen' and 'Lobt Gott, ihr Christen, alle gleich', arranged by Peter Lawrence. It was in 2020 that Matthias Höfs commissioned 'The North Star Suite' by Erik Morales, and this is the work’s premiere recording. Its composer writes of the suite: “The piece is not intended to be a mere arrangement of Bach’s masterpiece, but rather to display the greatness of his music in a new, creative manner.” Another well known piece is the Advent song 'Tochter Zion', which has gone through a variety of manifestations over the centuries. The carol was set for choir by Handel in London in 1747; in 1797, Beethoven wrote twelve variations for cello and piano on the tune.
The dynamic range of the musicians and their richness of sound are astonishing. Playing with soft mutes, the winds rival string pianissimo, yet they can play without microphones in the open air. “Brass is enormously versatile,” says Höfs. “We have choirs of trombones for the church services that celebrate the great festivals of the Christian year. For secular festivals, we have brass music and big bands. Music for brass reaches a wide audience.”
What instrument can embody the radiant splendour of Christmas music like the trumpet? Its brilliance and carrying power are inseparable from the Christmas season and year after year, make the Good News known once more.
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[@BerlinClassics]

Trumpeter Matthias Höfs & organist Christian Schmitt perform their arrangement of the full Handel Sonata in F major, Op. 1, HWV 369, which can be heard on the latest album 'Festive Trumpets for Christmas': BC.lnk.to/FestiveTrumpetsID

[@massimosanti1781]

Molto bravi.

[@Apollo-in4vn]

Danke für die vielen Videos mit Höfs sein Klang ist einfach unbeschreiblich und bewegt mich immer wieder

[@AbKoster]

There are very good trumpet players, fantastic trumpet players and there is Matthias Höfs. He is Unique. So glad he makes many recordings so he will be an example for players in the future.

[@ardeleandan7]

Same about German Brass! There are many very good brasses, but no one like German Brass!

[@Tom-1967]

Meisterhaft....es ist jedesmal ein Genuss diese fantastische Leichtigkeit hören zu dürfen....Danke

[@turbocompound]

Unglaublich, mit welch einer Leichtigkeit er Trompete spielt. Das kenne ich sonst nur von Maurice André…👍👍👍🎺❤️….!

[@kurtwidenhouse2196]

a man born to play the trumpet, love this artist.

[@renelaanen8806]

Matthias Höfs, my trumpet hero!

[@marcoihrer206]

Danke für diese Musik ein Genuss das hören zu dürfen 👌

[@kcr7860]

Oooh, ich glaube, ich habe gerade Hedwig und Maurice (r.i.p.) klatschen hören, und ich möchte mich ebenfalls ganz begeistert anschließen. Vielen Dank an Euch zwei für diese wunderschöne Performance. Vielen Dank auch für's Hochladen und für's Teilen dieser strahlenden Musik, fernab von allem 'Santa Claus' Geplänkel auf diesem Globus. Nicht zuletzt gebührt dem Aufnahme-Team mein Dank.
Von drauß', vom Walde komm' ich her, ich muß Euch sagen, es weihnachtet sehr ❣️ - ❣️( -❣️).
Oooh, I think I just heard Hedwig and Maurice (r.i.p.) clap, and I want to be very enthusiastic too. Many thanks to you two for this wonderful performance. Thank you for uploading it and for sharing this brilliant music, far away from all the 'Santa Claus' banter on this globe. Last but not least, I would like to thank the recording team.
I come from outside, from the forest, I have to tell you, it's very Christmas ❣️ - ❣️ (-❣️).

[@user-sv6uz6cy9h]

I like sound trumpet. Good.

[@bertlochsinspirationforimp4902]

Mister Höfs has the fattest and richest tone on piccolo of all the living masters. Incredible playing!

[@norbertgreiner8146]

Jedes mal ein Genuß

[@milcotto4153]

Absolutely beautiful. Master class performers...Technical audio is very good too, imo.

[@jeronimobarzabe354]

El maestro !! 🤗

[@verncampbell2395]

Masterful,otherworldly!

[@user-jl6sv3bo6c]

Bravissimo

[@zabdieltorresgallegos6518]

Bravooo!!

🎺Me gustó mucho! 👏 👏

[@michaeliphilippe9467]

The professore 👌👍

[@wayneandrus240]

The MAN!!

[@user-pg6fc5bf5f]

Magnífico.

[@massimosanti1781]

Grande tromba!

[@neu4791]

👏

[@wayneandrus240]

I wonder if he has any holiday gigs?

[@BerlinClassics]

Hello, you can find out more about Matthias Höfs' concerts on his website: matthiashoefs.de/wp/?page_id=11&lang=en

[@souzatrumpet]

Divino, de muito bom gosto musical!