ITG 2001 Conference - Philippe Letzler

Cozy Baker, Reporter
The ITG conference audience was treated to an impressive program Friday afternoon at 1:30 pm featuring Philippe Litzler. Litzler studied under Andre Daire at the Ecole Normale de Musique de Paris, graduating with the Trumpet Diploma and the Soloist Diploma. He also studied with Pierre Thibaud.

Litzler unassumingly opened his strenuous five-piece program with Sonatine for Trumpet and Piano by Jean Francaix. The opening bars were a mere warm-up for Litzler of the more difficult music ahead. His lilting mute work in the second movement, Sarabande, was impressive, a la singing birdcall chromatics. Litzler became more intense during the Gigue as his projection filled Neu Chapel.

Concerto for Trumpet et Orchestra by Christian Gouinguene after a short piano introduction by Anne Fiedler, the accompanist for this recital, Litzler entered smartly and played effortlessly in the high register. His pitch was centered and controlled, especially during solo moments and in dialogue with the piano. Even more remarkable was Litzler’s flawless interpretation of the Andante. Litzler soared from the first measures of the Final, filling the horn with lush, well-centered tones.

The Allegretto of Concerto for Trumpet et Orchestra by John Addison opened powerfully as Litzler progressed into precise high register playing. His range and response was even and precise throughout all registers. The opening movement gave hints of the haunting second movement to follow. Litzler initiated the Adagio Misterioso with muted notes that were in tune even as he played softly. Going back to mute, Litzler’s distant calls reverberated off the limestone and wood walls of the chapel. Litzler charged aggressively into the Finale. His strong projection at the end rang through the chapel with technical perfection.

Paul Hindemith’s Sonate for Trumpet and Piano followed. Craftsman that he is, Litzler forged through this demanding piece with heroic determination. As each movement progressed he filled his trumpet with a tone quality that was full and resonant. The tempo was slow at times, but he persevered. Litzler’s endurance was remarkable and he still had one more piece to go!

Concerto for Trumpet et Orchestra by Robert Planel was interpreted beautifully by Litzler. He closed out his program with a lyricism that was fantastic. Philippe Litzler was a pleasure to hear at the 2001 ITG conference. His authority over the trumpet is obvious. His years of training have produced a mature musician in the finest essence of the European classical style. Those in attendance were fortunate indeed to absorb his memorable performance.