“Tonal colour is also a priority for Pappano. In the opening bars of the Andantino Cantabile, the lower strings took on a plangent hue, providing a quite sombre backdrop for a horn solo that for once stretched the notion of a vocal line to its very limits — immaculately played as it was by David Cooper.”
Tchaikovsky Symphony No. 5 / Pappano / London Symphony Orchestra 17 May 2013 The Standard
“Each successive entry brought more quality. The scything brass cut through the first climax to thrilling effect, the woodwinds allied pinpoint clarity with vivid characterization and the horns, always burnished and rich, were on especially fine form – David Cooper was magnificent in the solos.”
Mahler Symphony No. 9 / Haitink /Berliner Philharmoniker - By Hugo Shirley, 04 December 2017 Bachtrak
“The CSO delivered some of their finest playing of the year not least the winds and the entire brass section. David Cooper, principal of the Dallas Symphony Orchestra, made an impressive showing in a prominent role this week as guest principal horn”
Bruckner Symphony No. 6 / Haitink/ Chicago Symphony Orchestra - CCR Fri Oct 26, 2018 By Lawrence A. Johnson
“Lintu’s concentrated direction drew superb playing across all sections, none finer than principal horn David Cooper and his colleagues”
Brahms Symphony No. 4 / Lintu / Chicago Symphony Orchestra - CCR Fri Dec 03, 2021 By Lawrence A. Johnson
“Van Zweden directed a gently yielding rendering of the Andante that provided a radiant respite from the surrounding darkness. With exquisite horn playing by principal David Cooper, the movement rose to an aptly impassioned climax.”
Mahler Symphony No. 6 / Van Zweden/ Chicago Symphony Orchestra - CCR Fri Apr 22, 2022 By Lawrence A. Johnson
“The CSO musicians covered themselves in glory in this performance across every section. Especially notable was the blended strength and highly polished brass contributions led by principal horn David Cooper’s magnificent solo work”
Bruckner Symphony No. 8 / Thieleman / Chicago Symphony Orchestra - CCR Fri Oct 21, 2022 By Lawrence A. Johnson
“David Cooper’s opening horn call was more boldly present than distant and atmospheric… the CSO principal horn was first-rate throughout—nimble, expressive and with full-metal power when required”
Bruckner Symphony No. 4 / Blomstedt / Chicago Symphony Orchestra - CCR Fri Mar 11, 2022 By Lawrence A. Johnson
“More than anything else this was organic Mahler—expansive yet concentrated in the progression from darkness to light. For once the central Ländler really danced—playful and Viennese with wonderfully lilting violins. The final section was spotlighted with masterful solo horn playing by David Cooper— boldly projected, majestic and technically immaculate.”
Mahler Symphony No. 5 / Mäkelä / Chicago Symphony Orchestra - CCR Fri Feb 17, 2023 By Lawrence A. Johnson
“Primus inter pares was principal horn David Cooper, who delivered a virtual seminar in Mahler playing—finely polished, sensitive to dynamics and providing the most beautiful and expressive moments of the night”
Mahler Symphony No. 9 / Hrůša / Chicago Symphony Orchestra - CCR Fri Jun 09, 2023
“The same could be said for the brass soloists. In the first movement, Batallán cut through the entire orchestra without ever letting his tone grow too shrill or piercing. The solos in the scherzo from principal hornist David Cooper positively gleamed.”
Mahler Symphony No. 5 / Alsop / Chicago Symphony at Ravinia - CCR Thu Jul 20, 2023 By John Y. Lawrence
“One will not hear a finer account of the Andante cantabile’s horn solo than the sadly outgoing principal David Cooper provided Saturday, beginning at an exquisitely soft level that drew listeners to his gorgeous tone”.
Tchaikovsky Symphony No. 5 / Alsop / Chicago Symphony at Ravinia - CCR Sun Jul 16, 2023 By Tim Sawyier