Håkan Hardenberger: Charlier Etudes

Some of the most beautiful trumpet playing you’re likely to hear.

During the interviews for The Practice of Practice, it was a treat and privilege to speak with jazz trumpeter Ingrid Jensen about practice. She’d just returned from Sweden for a trumpet summit, and Mr. Hardenberger (and a lot of other great players) were there, playing their hearts out. Ingrid happened to be pregnant, too, and she said that her baby would only move when Håkan played, nobody else. It’s easy to hear why.

He’ll perform all 36 etudes and post them weekly. Below are the 20 that he’s posted so far. Gorgeous playing, and a fantastic book for study if you play trumpet. Some good music in there, and challenging. My favorite is No. 2. How about you?