Berlin Philharmonic vs Vienna Philharmonic
A dream competition between the top players of the world's best orchestras! !
Presented by the key members of the Berlin Philharmonic and the Vienna Philharmonic
The peak of Music
In addition to the two star trumpeters of the Berliner Philharmoniker, the tuba player who provides the bass, and two virtuosos supporting the traditional sound of the Vienna Philharmonic, they gather beyond the boundaries of the orchestra. When they came to Japan in February 2012, the audience was amazed and enraptured by the superb ensemble that surpassed brass instruments!
■February 6th, 2012・Tokyo Bunka Kaikan <small> From the concert review■
I could see the faces of professional musicians scattered throughout the packed venue, amid the captivating competition between the brass instruments of the world's two largest orchestras. In the first half, each member performed a solo piece, showcasing their high-level skills and delivering a thoroughly enjoyable performance. Subsequently, all five members graced the stage for a rendition of a classic brass quintet piece. It exceeded my expectations, transcending the typical realm of brass quintets into the realm of chamber music, expertly crafted by these five musicians. Their mastery of harmony, the foundation of Western music, was evident, breathing new life into a genre often focused solely on technique and sound.
Their encore performance, featuring polkas and Kreisler pieces—specialties of theirs—kept the packed audience thoroughly entertained until the end. I eagerly anticipate the opportunity to see them perform again.
Wien =Berlin Brass Quintett
◆ Member ◆
trumpet:
Gábor Tarkövi (Former Principal of the Berlin Philharmonic Orchestra)
Guillaume Jehl (Principal, Berlin Philharmonic Orchestra)
Horn:
Thomas Jöbstl (Vienna Philharmonic Orchestra)
Mark Gaal (Vienna Philharmonic Orchestra)
Alexander von Puttkamer
(Berlin Philharmonic Orchestra)
Gabor Tarkoevi / Trumpet
Born in 1969 in Esztergom, Hungary, he hails from a musical family. While initially studying the piano and clarinet, his fascination with the trumpet blossomed, leading him to receive instruction from his father, Istvan Tarkevi, at the age of 9. His ambition to become an orchestral player intensified during his formative years, propelling him to devote himself wholeheartedly to the trumpet.
He pursued his musical education at the Gyor Music School and later the Franz Liszt Music School, eventually graduating from the Franz Liszt Conservatory. Under the tutelage of esteemed mentors such as György Geiger, Hans Gansch, and György Kurtag, he honed his skills and was profoundly influenced by their guidance.
In 1999, he ascended to the position of principal player in the Bavarian Radio Symphony Orchestra, following stints as assistant principal player with the Württemberg Philharmonic Orchestra and principal player with the Konzerthausorchester Berlin. His tenure with the Berlin Philharmonic Orchestra spanned from 2004 to 2019, during which he served as the principal player.
He is also active as a member of ensembles such as Pro Brass, Austrian Brass Connection, Wien-Berlin Brass Quintet, and the Berlin Philharmonic Brass Trio. As a soloist, he has made numerous appearances across Europe, the United States, Asia, and beyond, collaborating with esteemed orchestras including the Berlin Philharmonic, Munich Bach Orchestra, Bavarian Radio Symphony Orchestra, Chugoku Philharmonic, Bach Collegium Munich, New Japan Philharmonic, Nagoya Philharmonic, and the London Symphony Orchestra.
Guillaume Jehl / Trumpet
He began playing the trumpet at the age of eight in Alsace, France. After graduating from the Mulhouse Conservatory, he furthered his studies and graduated from the Paris Conservatoire at the top of his class. In 1998, he assumed the role of second trumpet player in the Bordeaux-Aquitaine Orchestra. Following this, he joined the Orchestre National de France as a second trumpeter in 2000, and in 2001, he was appointed as the solo trumpeter of the Basel Symphony Orchestra. After serving as the solo trumpeter at the Orchestre National de France again in 2006, he relocated to Berlin in 2009 to join the Berlin Philharmonic Orchestra. He has held the position of principal trumpet since the 2018/19 season.
In recent years, he has showcased his talent as a soloist with orchestras such as the Basel Symphony Orchestra and the Orchestre National de France. Additionally, he remains active as a chamber musician, further enriching the musical landscape with his contributions.
Thomas Joebstl / Horn
Born in Wolfberg in 1978, he commenced his musical journey under the guidance of Professor Roland Berger at the University of Music in Vienna. By 1992, he had already made his debut as a soloist at the Vienna Musikverein. In 1997, he was appointed as the principal player of the Vienna Volksoper Orchestra. His talents were recognized in 1999 when he received the prestigious Bunkamura Orchard Hall Award.
Since 2000, he has been serving as an assistant to Professor Berger, sharing his knowledge and expertise with the younger generation. Additionally, since 2001, he has held the position of 2nd horn player with the Vienna State Opera Orchestra. Alongside his orchestral duties, he actively engages as a soloist and chamber musician, contributing to various ensembles and serving as a founding member of both the Vienna Horn Ensemble and the Vienna Horns.
In 2004, he attained the esteemed position of a member of the Vienna Philharmonic Orchestra, further solidifying his place among the elite musicians of his generation.
Mark Gaal Mark Gaal / Trombone
Born in 1978 in Vienna, he was introduced to the tenor horn at the age of seven and quickly developed an interest in the trombone. Since 1992, he has been studying at the Oberschutzen Institute of the University of Music and Performing Arts in Graz.
In 2002, he joined the Vienna Volksoper, and in 2007, he began playing the rotary valve trumpet with the Vienna Philharmonic. He assumed the role of bass trombonist with the Vienna Philharmonic in 2012.
In addition to his performing career, he shares his knowledge and expertise by teaching young musicians at the University of Music and Performing Arts Vienna. He also conducts master classes at the Pacific Music Festival (PMF) held in Sapporo, Japan.
He is actively involved in various ensembles such as Phil Blech Wien, Vienna Trombone Ensemble, and Pro Brass, and also participates in jazz bands, showcasing his versatility across different musical genres.
Alexander von Puttkamer / Tuba
Initially, he harbored a desire to play the trumpet, but fate intervened when there were no trumpet vacancies at the local music school. Instead, a family friend, who happened to be a tuba player, provided him with a tuba. Instantly captivated by the instrument, he redirected his passion towards mastering the tuba.
His dedication to the tuba saw him actively participating in numerous youth orchestras such as the German Federal Youth Orchestra, the Junge Deutsche Philharmonie, and the EU Youth Orchestra from an early age.
After studying under Walter Hilgers at the Hamburg University of Music and Performing Arts, he commenced his professional career by joining the North German Radio Symphony Orchestra Hamburg in 1996. Subsequently, he contributed his talents to the Bavarian State Orchestra from 1998 to 2004 and the Bavarian Radio Symphony Orchestra from 2004 to 2007.
Currently, he holds a position as a member of the esteemed Berliner Philharmoniker. Additionally, since 1999, he has been a valued member of the Bayreuth Festival Orchestra.