ALPHABETICAL LISTING

John CAGE (1912-1992) Voice and Piano. Four Walls. A Flower. Experiences II. She is asleep. The Wonderful Widow of Eighteen Springs. Nowth upon Nacht. Anna Clementi (voice); Steffen Schleiermacher (piano).
Recorded in Fürstliche Reitbahn Bad Arolsen on November 20th-22nd, 2000. [DDD] MUSIK DABRINGHAUS UND GRIMM - SZENE MDG613 1076-2 [76.47] [CC]

Dabringhaus und Grimm’s series of Cage piano music is an outstanding addition to the catalogue, and this disc of music for voice merely reiterates the hypnotic beauty and seemingly endless invention of this composer’s music. ... see Full Review

Antonio CALEGARI (1757-1828) La Resurrezione di Lazzaro
Academia de li Musici / Athesis Chorus / Filippo Maria Bressan Roberta Giua, soprano / Luca Dordolo, tenor / Rosita Frisani, soprano / Manuela Custer, contralto / Salvo Vitale, Bass Rec Duomo di Monselice, June 2000 CHANDOS CHACONNE CHAN 067 [78:11] [JL]

A welcome addition to the catalogue of a pleasing rarity performed with care and commitment that includes an informative CD ROM.

Luigi CHERUBINI (1760-1842) Medea Medea - Leonie Rysanek (soprano) Jason - Bruno Prevedi (tenor) Glauce - Lucia Popp (soprano) Creon - Nicolai Ghiuselev (bass) Neris - Margarita Lilowa (mezzo soprano) Captain - Reid Bunger (baritone) 1^st Maid - Edita Gruberova (soprano) 2^nd Maid - Laurence Dutoit (soprano) Argonaut - Ewald Aichberger Vienna State Opera Chorus Vienna State Opera Orchestra Horst Stein (conductor) Recorded live by Austrian Radio (ORF) on 31 January 1972 RCA RED SEAL 74321 79595 2 2CDs [117.46] [CF]

Mouth-watering cast list. Horst Stein paces it dramatically, phrasing the music with both elegance and care, fine playing from the VPO. A memorable recording. This is not Cherubini’s Medea, it is the glorious Rysanek’s. ...see Full Review

Domenico CIMAROSA (1749 – 1801) Le Astuzie Femminili Opera in two acts - Il Signor Giampaolo Nelson Portella (bass), Bellina Daniela Dessì (soprano) Dottor Romualdo Simone Alaimo (baritone), Filandro Michele Farruggia (tenor) Ersilia Adele Cossi (soprano), Leonara Petra Malakova (mezzo-soprano) Orchestra del Festival di Martina Franca/Massimo De Bernart - Recorded 3^rd August 1984 Teatro Verdi and remastered DDD WARNER FONIT 8573 83528 [CD1: 68.22 CD2: 58.10] [RM]

A vastly entertaining CD. "Light" opera buffa at its best. This is great entertainment and for £18.95 you will receive more than your money’s worth of fun.

Jean CRAS (1879-1932) Paysages (1917): Maritime; Champêtre [12.55] Danze (1917) [34.26] Two Impromptus (1925) [10.12] Jean-Pierre Ferey (piano) rec 22 Dec 1997, d'Aulnay-sous-Bois. SKARBO SK 1986 [57.39] [RB]

Guileless piano music of the utmost beauty with a closer nexus with nature than with the drawing room.

Jean CRAS (1879-1932) Paysages (1917): Maritime; Champêtre [12.55] Danze (1917) [34.26] Two Impromptus (1925) [10.12] Jean-Pierre Ferey (piano) rec 22 Dec 1997, d'Aulnay-sous-Bois. SKARBO SK 1986 [57.39] [RB]

Guileless piano music of the utmost beauty with a closer nexus with nature than with the drawing room.

Claude DEBUSSY (1862-1918) The World Of Claude Debussy
Prélude à l'après-midi d'un faune Cleveland Orchestra/Vladimir Ashkenazy
Petite Suite (piano duet version) Katia & Marielle Labèque
La plus que lent (orchestral version) Montreal Symphony Orchestra/Charles Dutoit
Claire de lune (from Suite Bergamasque) Pascal Rogé (piano)
Fêtes (from Trois Nocturnes) Montréal Symphony Orchestra/Charles Dutoit
Préludes (Premier livre): No. 8 La fille aux cheveux de lin, No. 10 La Cathédrale engloutie, No. 12 Minstrels Pascal Rogé‚ (piano)
Le matin d'un jour de fête (from Ibéria) Montreal Symphony Orchestra/Charles Dutoit
Sonata for flute, viola & harp: finale Mélos Ensemble
Pelléas et Mélisande: Mes longs cheveux Colette Alliot-Lugaz, Didier Henry
Montreal Symphony Orchestra/Charles Dutoit
La Mer: Dialogue du vent et de la mer Cleveland Orchestra/Vladimir Ashkenazy. Rec Decca, 1961-1996 DECCA 470 123 2 [72.25] [TB]

At an appealing price this compilation does give an intelligently chosen selection of key works by Debussy, in performances which sound splendid and are given by major artists. It's all a matter of who will enjoy less than the complete pieces.

Claude DEBUSSY (1862-1918) Pelléas et Mélisande - Richard Stilwell (Pelléas), Frederica von Stade (Mélisande), José van Damm (Golaud), Ruggiero Raimondi (Arkel), Nadine Denize (Geneviève), Christine Barbaux (Yniold), Pascal Thomas (Berger) - Berlin German Opera Chorus, Berlin Philharmonic Orchestra/Herbert von Karajan. Recorded in the Philharmonie, Berlin, December 1978 EMI CMS 5 67057 2 [3 CDs, 60.53, 34.33, 67.32] [CH]

A slightly unusual Pelléas but a strong reminder that Karajan, in spite of his chromium-plated image, was a very great musician indeed.

Claude DEBUSSY (1862-1918) Prélude à l'après-midi d'un faune. Nocturnes. La mer. Images – Ibéria. Concertgebouw Orchestra/Bernard Haitink Recorded in the Concertgebouw, Amsterdam in December 1976 (Prélude, La mer), December 1977 (Ibéria), May 1979 (Nocturne). [ADD] PHILIPS 50 Great Recordings 464 697-2 [78.43]

All in all, outstanding. This very well-filled and carefully programmed disc provides performances which can act as any collection’s Debussian reference points

Frederick DELIUS (1862-1934) Sea Drift, Songs of Farewell, Songs of Sunset Sally Burgess (soprano); Bryn Terfel (baritone) Waynflete Singers; Southern Voices Bournemouth Symphony Orchestra and Chorus/Richard Hickox
Rec 27-28 February 1993, Wessex Hall, Poole Arts Centre CHANDOS CHAN 9214 [77.08] [TB]

This Chandos reissue of his hugely successful recording of Delius orchestral-choral works made a strong impression when it appeared in the early 1990s, and its return nearly ten years later is no less welcome.

Ernst von DOHNANYI (1877-1960) American Rhapsody Op.47, Harp Concertino Op.45, Romanza (from Serenade in C Op.10) arr Sitkovetski, Violin Concerto No.2 Op.43, Wedding Waltz Op.18 No.4 Janice Graham (violin) Lucy Wakeford (harp) English Sinfonia/John Farrer Recorded : Watford Colosseum 3-5 October 2000 ASV CD DCA 1107 [71.23] [CF]

The music is given fine performances by all concerned. Janice Graham vacates her Leader’s desks (with the English Sinfonia featured here and the BBC National Orchestra of Wales) and rises to the tricky demands of the concerto with sweet-toned, full-blooded playing. In the Harp Concertino Lucy Wakeford is outstanding.

Gaetano DONIZETTI (1797 – 1848 ) THE THREE QUEENS
Anna Bolena, Opera in two Acts, Enrico VIII…Paul Plishka (bass), Anna Bolena…Beverly Sills (soprano), Giovanna Seymour…Shirley Verrett (soprano), Lord Riccardo Percy…Stuart Burrows (tenor), With Patricia Kern, Robert Lloyd and Robert Tear John Alldis Choir London Symphony Orchestra / Julius Rudel, Recorded: London, EMI Studios, 8/1972, Digitally re-mastered 2001 ADD [CD1 : 64.51 CD2 : 58.11 CD3 : 71.27]

Maria Stuarda Opera in three Acts, Maria Stuarda …Beverly Sills (soprano)
Elisabetta…Eileen Farrell (soprano), Roberto, Conte di Leicester…Stuart Burrows (tenor), Giorgio Talbot,Conte di Shrewsbury…Louis Quilico (baritone). With Christian du Plessis and Patricia Kern, John Alldis Choir London Philharmonic Orchestra / Aldo Ceccato Recorded: London, The Concert Auditorium, Fairfield Hall, 6/1971 Digitally remastered 2001 ADD [CD1 : 72.35 CD2 : 79.26]

Roberto Devereux Opera in three Acts, Elisabetta…Beverly Sills (soprano) Nottingham…Peter Glossop (baritone), Sara…Beverly Wolff (mezzo-soprano)
Roberto Devereux…(Robert Ilosfalvy). With Kenneth MacDonald, Don Garrard, Gwynne Howell and Richard van Allan, Ambrosian Opera Chorus Royal Philharmonic Orchestra / Charles Mackerras. Recorded: London, EMI Studios, 6/1969 Digitally re-mastered 2001 ADD [CD1 : 65.55 CD2 : 69.50]
WESTMINSTER - THE LEGACY 471 227-2 [RM]

Powerfully performed Donizetti in Tudor drama mode

Antonín DVORÁK (1841-1904) Music for violin and piano, Vol. 1
Romance in F minor, Op.11; Violin Sonata in F major, Op.57; Four Romantic Pieces, Op.75; Violin Sonatina in G major, Op.100. Qian Zhou (violin), Edmund Battersby (piano) Recorded September 2-3 1998 in Potton Hall. Suffolk, England NAXOS 8.554413 [65.20] [RBr]

A disc that has more than passing interest to recommend it, and promises similar pleasures from its successors in this series. ... see Full Review

Manuel de FALLA (1876-1946)
Victoria de los Angeles sings:-
La vida breve With Victoria de los Angeles (soprano) as Salud and Carlo Cossutta (tenor) as Paco and Orfeón Donostiarrra and Orquesta Nacional de España
conducted by Rafael Frühbeck de Burgos Recorded at Instituto Ramiro de Maeztu, Madrid, 26-31 January 1965.
Seven Popular Spanish Songs:
The Moorish Cloth; Seguidilla from Murcia; Asturian Song; Jota; Lullaby;
Song; Polo. Victoria de los Angleles and Gonzalo Soriano (piano) Recorded in Barcelona ,in December 1961 and January 1962
The Three Cornered Hat
Victoria de los Angeles and the Philharmonia Orchestra conducted by Rafael Frühbeck de Burgos Recorded in the Kingsway Hall, London, December 1963 and Abbey Road, Studio 1 April 1964
Love, The Magician
Victoria de los Angeles and The Philharmonia Orchestra conducted by Carlo Maria Giulini Recorded in Kingsway Hall London, in October 1961
Soneto a Córdoba. Psyché
Victoria de los Angeles with Annie Challan (harp) Jean-Claude Gérard (flute)
and Trio à Cordes Français. Recorded at Salle Wagram, Paris in November 1969 EMI CMS 5 67587 2 [2 CDs: 149:52] [IL]

A vibrant, colourful compilation representing a large proportion of de Falla’s masterpieces highlighted by the glorious voice of Victoria de los Angeles. Heartily recommended.

Robert FAYRFAX (1464-1521) The Masses The Cardinall’s Musick directed by Andrew Carwood and David Skinner Recorded in the Fitzalan Chapel, Arundel Castle, Arundel. Recording dates: (1) November 1994; (2) May 1995; (3) October 1995; (4) May 1996; (5) May 1997 ASV Gaudeamus CD GAX 353 [225.23] [JQ]

Magnificent discs containing sumptuous examples of early Tudor polyphony presented in first class performances.

Alexander Ernst FESCA (1820-49) Septets – No. 1 in C minor, Op. 26; No. 2 in D minor, Op. 28. Linos-Ensemble. Recorded in the South West German Radio Studios, Stuttgart on November 9th-11th, 1999. [DDD] CPO 999 617-2 [69.56] [CC]

Fesca's music is fresh, well-crafted and delightful. Do not look for anything deep, and you will not be disappointed. The Linos' sense of ensemble is impeccable, whether they are exchanging phrases or playing fortissimo chords absolutely together. Their enthusiasm is infectious.

Gerald FINZI (1901-56) Cello Concerto (1955) Eclogue for piano and orchestra (1929) Grand Fantasia and Fugue for piano and orchestra (1953) Tim Hugh (cello) Peter Donohoe (piano) Northern Sinfonia/Howard Griffiths Rec 14 and 26 Jan 2001, Jubilee Theatre, Gosforth, Newcastle-upon-Tyne NAXOS 8.555766 [62.09] [RB]

This is a choice coupling. How typical of Naxos to ring the changes on the Finzi discography with fresh style and also with generosity.[RB]
These performances by Peter Donohoe are quite splendid. And the Naxos sound has a presence and a brilliance which are not quite found in the recording of the Cello Concerto. Just try the opening of the Grand Fantasia to experience a powerful gesture captured in rich, full-toned sound.[TB]

César FRANCK (1822-1890) Sonata for cello and piano (originally for violin and piano) Gabriel FAURÉ (1845-1924) Sonata for cello and piano No.1 in D minor Op.109 Claude DEBUSSY (1862-1918) Sonata for cello and piano Arto Noras, cello Bruno Rigutto, piano Recorded at Järvenpää Hall, Finland in November 1995 TELDEC APEX 0927 40599 2 [56.26] [CF]

This is a worthy disc of the lesser known repertoire for cello, providing a snapshot of French cello music as the Romantic era faded from view.

Girolamo FRESCOBALDI (1583-1643) Arie, toccate e canzoni Anthonello BIS CD-1166 [63.38]

This is a very interesting recording, featuring a wide variety of works and instrumentations. With the diversity of a recital, this disc will delight all those who enjoy Italian renaissance music.

Raphaël FUMET (1898-1979) Hommage à Raphaël FUMET L'Ange des Bois, Lacrimosa, Barcarolle, Ode Concertante, La Rose, Toccata, La Nuit Bruno Rigutto (piano); Gérard Caussée (viola); Gabriel Fuet (flute); Jean Mouillère (violin); Jean Galard (organ); Ichiro Nodaïra (piano 2-5); Orchestra de chambre Jean-Jacques Wiederker/Anne Wiederker (soloviolin). rec March 1988, l'Association Musique-Esprit. ARION ARN 68475 [61.06] [RB]

A Fumet miscellany with a disconcertingly varied selection of works. A primer for a composer who seems not to fit into conventional categories. La Nuit is well worth hearing and may yet surprise you. ...see Full Review

Niels GADE (1817-1890) Symphony no. 4 in B flat, op. 20, Symphony no. 7 in F, op. 45, Concert Overture no. 3, op. 14 Danish National Radio Symphony Orchestra/Christopher Hogwood Recorded in the Danish Radio Concert Hall, Copenhagen Rec 26.2 & 1.3.1997 (op. 20), 6 & 9.4.2001 (op. 45), 9-10.4.2001 (op. 14) CHANDOS CHAN 9957 [67.15?] [CH]

No. 4 is an entrancing work, and gets a buoyant performances, but overall the Järvi recordings are unchallenged. ...see Full Review

Louis GANNE (1862-1923) Les Saltimbanques (The Acrobats) (1899) Operetta (complete, with dialogue in French) Mady Mesplé (Susanne), Eliane Lublin (Marion), Raymond Amade (Paillasse), Claude Calès (André), Dominique Tirmont (Grand-Pingouin), Jean-Christophe Benoit (Malicorne), Jacques Pruvost (L’Aubergiste/Le Brigadier), André Batisse (Le Comte des Etiquettes)
René Duclos Choir Orchestre de l’Association des Concerts Lamoureux/Jean-Pierre Marty Rec. Salle Wagram, Paris, July 1968 EMI 574 0792 [CD1 52.29 CD2 50.13] [RW]

This set is one of the recent EMI operetta reissues. Mady Mesplé plays Suzanne with sensitivity and brings pathos and tenderness to the part. Effective and captivating music. ... see Full Review

George GERSHWIN (1898-1937) Piano Concerto in F, Rhapsody in Blue , An American in Paris Daniel Blumenthal piano English Chamber Orchestra Steuart Bedford conductor Recorded All Saints’ Tooting, April 1983 EMI Classics for Pleasure 724357494427 [71.44] Superbudget [JW]

There is a clear-sighted, entirely plausible finesse to the playing which never slides into the slick and certainly never descends to the blowsily self-indulgent. At this price the disc is every bit as desirable now as it was back in 1983....see Full Review

Louis GLASS (1864-1936) Orchestral Works Vol. 4. Symphony No. 1 (1894) [43.38] Symphony No. 5 Sinfonia Svastica (1919-20) [41.37] Plovdiv PO/Nayden Todorov rec Concert Hall of the Plovdiv Philharmonic, Feb 2001 (No. 1); No. 5 (May 2001) DANACORD DACOCD 544 [2 CDs: 85.17] [RB]

A unique coupling of two late romantic symphonies. No lover of the Scandinavian late romantics can afford to be without this disc.

Percy GRAINGER (1882-1961) The Granger Edition Volume 16: Works for Solo Piano, Volume 1. Klavierstücke: Preludes – G; C. Birthday Gift – Gigue. Andante con moto. Klavierstücke – D; E; A minor; B flat. Peace. Saxon Twi-Ply. Eastern Intermezzo. English Waltz. At Twilight. Train Music. Sailor's Song. Walking Tune, RMTB No. 3. Three Scottish Folktunes – No. 1, O gin I were where Gadie runs; Will ye gang to the Hielands, Leezie Lindsay?; Mo Nighean Dubh. Scotch Strathspey and Reel. Seven men from all the world. Paraphrase on Tchaikovsky’s Flower Waltz. Irish Tune from County Derry, BFMS No. 6. Near Woodstock Town. In Dahomey (‘Cakewalk Smasher’). Penelope Thwaites (piano). Recorded in St Paul’s, Knightsbridge on April 3rd-5th, 2000. [DDD] CHANDOS CHAN9895 [78.01] [CC]

It is always disppointing when the booklet notes are more interesting than the music they refer to. The musicological interest of this issue is great, and libraries should avail themselves of a copy as a matter of course. The purely musical interest, may I suggest, is somewhat less.

GRIEG Edvard (1843-1907) Complete Music with Orchestra
Gothenburg Symphony Orchestra/Neeme Järvi. Other artists listed disc by disc
Recorded in the Konserthuset, Göteborg, DG 471 300 2

This is a small output of consistently high quality, and a wider range than one might expect. Performance and recording are of such quality as to ensure that it is not necessary to seek alternative versions. All that is lacking for a definitive presentation is the texts.

EDVARD GRIEG – What Price Immortality? A film by by Thomas Olofsson and Ture Rangström Directed by Thomas Olofsson
Edvard Grieg..Staffan Scheja and Philip Branmer, Nina Hagerup.. Claudia Zöhner, John Grieg..Lasse Kolsrud and Haakon Rasmos Rasmusser, Sabine Oberhorner..Leis Schjelderup, Rikard Nordraak ..Michael Baral, Pianist Staffan Scheja also plays Grieg’s Ballade and The Auryn Quartet plays the composer’s String Quartet. ARTHAUS MUSIK DVD Video 100 236 [77 mins] [IL]

A worthy concept filmed in glorious locations with more than acceptable mute acting but just that bit too enigmatic for complete satisfaction. ...see Full Review

George Frideric HANDEL (1685-1759) Water Music, Sonata from Il trionfo del Tempo e del Disinganno, Music for the Royal Fireworks, Nicolas Kynaston organ (Sonata only) Virtuosi of England Wind Virtuosi of England Arthur Davison conductor Recorded Fairfield Hall Croydon (Water Music) January 1974, Conway Hall (Fireworks Music) 1970, Royal Festival Hall (Sonata) November 1972 EMI Classics for Pleasure 5748812[74.27] Superbudget price [JW]

Davison often fails to give lift and inflection to lines, tempi occasionally solidify and congeal, and the suites tend to emerge unvaried and somewhat unyielding. ... see Full Review

Georg Friedrich HAENDEL (1685-1759) Messiah Lynne Dawson, Nicole Heaston, soprano, Magdalena Kozena, mezzo-soprano, Charlotte Hellekant, contralto, Brian Asawa, countertenor, John Mark Ainsley, tenor, Russell Smythe, baritone, Brian Bannatyne-Scott, bass, Chœur des Musiciens du Louvre Les Musiciens du Louvre, Marc Minkowski Rec: October 1997, Salle Debussy, Opera Bastille, Paris. ARCHIV 471 341-2 [123.12] [KM]

This recording of Messiah features a strong and sensitive choir, but there are too many weak points for it to deserve a top recommendation.

Georg Friedrich HAENDEL (1685-1759) Judas Maccabaeus Sinéad Pratschke, soprano Catherine King, mezzo-soprano Charles Humphries, alto
Marc LeBrocq, tenor Christopher Purves, bass Maulbronner Kammerchor Musica Florea Prague, Jürgen Budday Rec: September 22-23, 2000, Maulbronn Monastery, Germany. K&K VERLAGSANSTALT ISBN 3-930643-71-5 [154.31] [KM]

This is an excellent recording of one of Handel's best and most popular oratorios, and is highly recommended.

Georg Friedrich HAENDEL (1685-1759) Samson Sinéad Pratschke, soprano Michael Chance, alto Marc LeBrocq, tenor Raimund Nolte, baritone David Thomas, bass Maulbronner Kammerchor Barockorchester der Klosterkonzert, Jürgen Budday Rec: September 25-26, 1999, Maulbronn Monastery, Germany. K&K VERLAGSANSTALT ISBN 3-930643-62-6 [154.31] [KM]

A beautiful recording of one of Handel's finest oratorios, and is highly recommended.

HAHN and VIERNE - PIANO QUINTETS - Reynaldo HAHN (1874-1947) Piano Quintet (1922) - Louis VIERNE (1870-1937) Piano Quintet (1918) - Stephen Coombs (piano) Chilingirian Quartet, rec Henry Wood Hall, London, 1-3 Dec 2000 HYPERION CDA67258 [58.56] [RB]

Two deeply moving works from the French Musical Renaissance. Their roots grip the loss of the Great War. Loving interpretations with sound and documentation the equal of the performances.

Joseph HAYDN Complete Cello Concertos Cello Concerto in D major (Hob VIIb:2) Cello Concerto in D major (Hob VIIb:4) Cello Concerto in C major (Hob VIIb:1) Cologne Chamber Orchestra / Helmut Müller-Brühl with Maria Kliegel (cello) (recorded at Deutschland Radio, Cologne, 22–25 May 2000) NAXOS 8.555401 [75:27] [AAS]

Kliegel enjoys exceptional rapport with Müller-Brühl and the much-acclaimed Cologne Chamber Orchestra, which is in sparkling form throughout. The recording quality is no less exceptional: natural sound, perfect balance.

Joseph HAYDN (1732-1809) The Haydn Project [141.29] CD1 1. String Quartet No. 23 in F minor, Op. 20/5, H. 3/35 2. String Quartet No. 30 in E flat major "Joke" Op. 33/2, H. 3/38 3. String Quartet No. 43 in G major, Op. 54/1, H. 3/58 4. String Quartet No. 53 in D major "Lark" Op. 64/5, H. 3/63 CD2
1. String Quartet No. 59 in G minor "Rider"/"Horseman" Op. 74/3, H. 3/74
2. String Quartet No. 61 in D minor "Fifths"/"The Bell"/"The Donkey" Op. 76/2, H. 3/76 3. String Quartet No. 66 in G major "Lobkowitz" Op. 77/1, H. 3/81 Emerson Quartet Eugene Drucker, violin Philip Setzer, violin Lawrence Dutton, viola
David Finckel, cello Rec.: LeFrak Concert Hall, Queens College, NY, 2000-01 DEUTSCHE GRAMMOPHON 471 327-2 [141.29] [KM]

A magnificent recording, which deserves the utmost attention. While it is unlikely that the Emerson Quartet will record a complete set of Haydn’s quartets, one must hope that they will add more of them to their discography. This is a real gem. ...see Full Review

Joseph HAYDN (1732-1809) String Quartet in D minor Op.76 No.2 ‘Fifths’ String Quartet in C major Op.76 No.3 ‘Emperor’, String Quartet in Bb major Op.76 No.4 ‘Sunrise’, Eder Quartet. Recorded at Casino Zögernitz, Vienna in 1983 and 1984 TELDEC APEX 0927 40824 2 [62.11]

Despite facing tough competition from the excellent recordings made by the Kodály Quartet on the Naxos label, this glorious music is worth hearing as played here by the Eder Quartet.

Joseph HAYDN (1732-1809) Horn Concerto No.3 (1) in D Hob. VIId/3
Horn Concerto No.4 (2) in D Hob. VIId/4 Michael HAYDN (1737-1806) Horn Concertino P74 (MH105) Dale Clevenger, horn Franz Liszt Chamber Orchestra
János Rolla, conductor Recorded at Casino Zögernitz, Vienna in June 1983 TELDEC APEX 0927 40825 2 [51.00] [CF]

Dale Clevenger produces the goods, apart from one or two high notes on the cusp. He plays his own cadenzas to all three works. The Chamber Orchestra, with occasionally audible, but delightful, harpsichord continuo under János Rolla gives sterling support.

Jeannot HEINEN (b 1937) Violin Concerto no 2 (1993) RTL Symphony Orchestra/Manfred Honeck with Dora Entcheva (violin) (recorded June 1993) Fantasy for String Orchestra (1980) RTL Symphony Orchestra/Pierre Cao with Vassil Ivanov (violin) (recorded February 1982) Concerto for Two Violins and Orchestra (1996) Luxembourg Conservatoire Chamber Orchestra /Pierre Cao with Dora Entcheva and Marie-Denise Heininen (violins) (recorded November 1996)
EDITIONS LGNM no 531 [56:21] [AAS]

Works worth exploring: some grey and gritty passages notwithstanding, they offer generally accessible listening. Performances consistently excellent and recordings clear and spacious, if a little too forward. ... see Full Review

Richard HOL (1825 – 1904) Symphony No. 2 in D Minor, Op. 41) (1866) Symphony No. 4 in A Major, (1889) Residentie Orchestra The Hague – Matthias Bamert recorded 21 – 23/3/01, in the Dr. Anton Philipszaal, The Hague, The Netherlands - DDD CHANDOS CHAN 9952 [62.35] [JP]

Both of these recordings are World Premieres and they give us a very welcome chance to try out a new composer who writes in a very tonal style, and is an excellent orchestrator.

Vagn HOLMBOE (1909-96) Preludes for Sinfonietta - Vol. 2 Prelude No. 6 To the seagulls and the cormorants (1987) Prelude No. 9 To the calm Sea (1991) Prelude No. 1 To a pine tree (1986) Prelude No. 7 To the pollution of nature (1989) Prelude No. 4 To a willow tree (1987) Sonata for Trombone and piano (1987) Music with Horn (1981) Jesper Juul Sørensen (trombone) Anne Mehter Stæhr (piano) Thomas Ekman (horn) Anne Søe Iwan (violin) Athelas Sinfonietta, Copenhagen/Giordano Bellincampi rec Lyngby Park Kapel. 30 May-6 June 1999, 2 Sept 2000 DACAPO 8.224124 [50.43] [RB]

Another invaluable gain to the Holmboe discography. We certainly now need to have the Nietzsche Requiem. ... see Full Review

Hans HUBER (1852-1921) Symphony No. 1 Tellsinfonie (1882) [31.05] Symphony No. 7 Schweizerische (1917) [39.34] Stuttgarter Philharmoniker/Jörg-Peter Weigle Rec Philharmonie, Gustav Siegle Haus, Stuttgart, Germany, 19-20 March 2001 (No. 1); 9-11 July 2001 world premiere recordings STERLING CDS-1042-2 [70.57] [RB]

A genuine imagination is at work in the pages of these two pictorial symphonies. Huber works with the palette of his contemporaries but his music has about it far more drama than Raff or Rubinstein. ... see Full Review

Leos JANACEK (1854-1928) - Sinfonietta [23.47] Antonin DVORAK (1841-1904) Symphony No. 6 in D major, Op. 60 [45.54] Bavarian Radio Symphony Orchestra conducted by Rafael Kubelik. Recorded in the Herkulessaal, Munich on 16 October, 1981 Orfeo C 552 011 B [69.41] [JQ]

An extremely satisfying and idiomatic performance and since the Janacek coupling is also very successful this is a highly desirable issue.

Leif KAYSER (1919-2001) ORGAN WORKS Kirkeruder (Church Panes) (1975); Hymne til hertug Knud (Hymn to Duke Knud) (1986); Concerto for Organ (1965) Jorgan Ellegard Frederiksen on the organ at Helligandskirken
Recorded in November 2000 and in February 2001 DA CAPO 8.224167 [65.12] [GH]

Leif Kayser can lay claim to having been the most prolific Danish composer of organ music in the 20th Century. Church Panes is impressive … definitely not of the holy minimalist variety.

Erich Wolfgang KORNGOLD (1897-1957) The Romance of Korngold Various works including Much Ado About Nothing, Escape Me Never, The Adventures of Robin Hood, The Prince and the Pauper, Der Schneeman, Baby Serenade, Symphony (extract), Das Wunder der Heliane, Between Two Worlds, Symphonic Serenade, Die tote Stadt, Passover Psalm, String Quartet No. 2 in E Flat (extract), Songs of the Clown, and Concerto for Violin and Orchestra Various artists including: Gil Shaham, LSO/Previn, John Mauceri. Flesch Quartet, Caspar Richter/Linz Orchestra, RSO Berlin, Von Otter, Bengt Forsberg. Rec 1991-2000 2CD set DG 461 834-2 [CD1 78.05; CD2 74.27] [RB]

A generous double CD exploring the thick and dreamy seam in Korngold's imagination.

KREISLER PLAYS KREISLER Caprice viennois Op 2, Tambourin chinois Op 3, Liebesfreud, Liebesleid, Schön Rosmarin, La gitana, The Old Refrain, Marche miniature viennoise, Rondino on a Theme by Beethoven, HEUBERGER arr KREISLER Midnight Bells, Londonderry Air arr KREISLER, HAYDN arr KREISLER Hungarian Rondo, Chanson LOUIS XIII and Pavane, NEVIN arr KREISLER The Rosary, Stars in My Eyes (From The King Steps Out), Viennese Rhapsodic Fantasietta Fritz Kreisler (1875-1962) violin with Victor Symphony Orchestra/Charles O’Connell Victor Symphony Orchestra/Donald Voorhees RCA Victor Orchestra/Donald Voorhees Recorded 1942-1946 Philadelphia and New York NAXOS HISTORICAL 8.110947 [60.06] [JW]

A great artist in his final years and, if hardly representative of his best years, they still allow us to savour those many qualities that had led him to revolutionize violin playing. ... see Full Review

Franz KROMMER (1759-1831) Partitas for Wind Ensemble, Opp. 69, 76 and 79 Michael Thompson Wind Ensemble Recorded at St.Paul’s Church, Rustall, Kent, England 18-19 November 1996. NAXOS 8.224226 [64.49] [RB]

Krommer was clearly influenced by Haydn and Mozart but, unlike them, no genius. Buy it for your next garden party.

Peter Erasmus LANGE-MÜLLER (1850-1926) Symphony No. 1 Autumn (1879) Symphony No. 2 (1889 rev 1915) Chamber Philharmonic of Bohemia (Pardubice)/Douglas Bostock rec House of Music, Pardubice, Czech Republic, 12-7 Jan 2001 CLASSICO CLASSCD 370 [63.18] [RB]

Fresh in impulse these two symphonies are alive with Mendelssohnian flight and Schumann's fantasy.

LANNER Joseph (1801-1843) Waltzes and Galopps Vienna Johann Strauss Orchestra/Willi Boskovsky Recorded in Vienna, 5-8/5/71, Redoutensaal (2-3), 5/72, Simmeringer Hof (1, 4), 17-19/1/1977, Baumgartner Casino (5-12) EMI CLASSICS CDM 5 74372 2 [75’ 51"] [CH]

Thoroughly enjoyable but the recent reissue of Robert Stolz in some of these pieces just happens to be better

Thomas LARCHER (b. 1963) Naunz (1989) Vier Seiten (1998) Noodivihik (1992) Klavierstück 1986 Kraken (1994-1997) Antennen-Requiem für H. (1999) Thomas Larcher : piano Thomas Demenga : violoncello Erich Höbarth: violinRec Mayrhofen, Austria 1999 ECM New Series 1747 [61.00] [PGW]

Music by an undoubtedly significant composer, performed with tremendous concentration and superbly recorded. Thomas Larcher incorporates elements of modernism, new simplicity and influences from recent America, Eastern Europe and Russia.

Sylvio LAZZARI (1857-1944) Piano Trio - Violin Sonata Trio de France, rec May 1996, Studio 106, Radio France, Paris. ARION ARN 68360 [75.17] [RB]

Arion have done all of us a great service in releasing these two Radio France tapes.

Charles LECOCQ (1832-1918) La Fille de Madame Angot - operetta (1872) (complete, with dialogue in French) Mady Mesplé (Clairette), Bernard Sinclair (Ange Pitou), Charles Burles (Pomponnet), Christiane Stutzmann (Mademoiselle Lange) Denise Benoit, Michel Roux, Jacques Loreau, Gerard Chapuis Choir of the Théâtre National de l’Opéra de Paris Orchestre du Théâtre National de l’Opéra de Paris/Jean Doussard Rec. Paris, 1973 EMI 72435 7408228 [CD1 60.17 CD2 58.21] [RW]

The melodies and motifs are quite moving and the music sweeps along – Lecocq was a first class melodist. One can understand why the work was so successful and why sheet music sales of dance arrangements sold so well.

Franz LEHÁR (1870-1948) Suites Dances and Intermezzi igeunerfest (Gypsy Feast) ballet scene Marsch and Palotas from Wo die Lerche singt (Where the Lark Sings) Preludium religioso from Rodrigo Ein Marchen aus 1001 Nacht – Scène phantastique (Fairy Tale from 1001 Nights) Ballet Music from Peter and Paul im Schlaraffenland (Peter and Paul in Cockaigne) Fata morgana, Konzert-Gavotte
Korallenlippen (Coral Lips), Polka mazurka Resignation from Fürstenkind
Suite de Danse Chinesische Ballett-Suite (Chinese Ballet Suite) Berlin Oberschöneweide Rundfunk-Sinfonieorchester Berlin conducted by Michail Jurowski
recorded February 23^rd 2001 in Christuskirche CPO 999 761-2 [67:55] [IL]

A pleasant undemanding compilation. For the most part, early Lehár with more interesting music from the 1930s played with enthusiasm and warmly recorded. For Lehár completists

Franz LEHÁR (1870-1948) Le Pays du Sourire (The Land of Smiles) (1929) Romantic operetta (complete, with dialogue in French) Michel Dens (Sou-Chong), Bernadette Antoine (Lisa), Bernard Sinclair (Gustave), Sylvia Paule (Mi), Gilbert Guimay (Tchang) Rene Duclos Choirs Orchestre de l’Association des Concerts Lamoureux/Yvon Leenart/Edgard Doneux Rec. Salle Wagram, Paris, April 1970 EMI 574 0972 [CD1 51.02 CD2 50.02] [RW]

Michel Dens is ideally suited to the Prince's rôle with languid phrasing, rich warm tone and stamina. He Is well matched by the other singers. Occasional balance problems. ... see Full Review

 

[Part 1 New]  [Part 2 A-B] [Part 3 C-L]
[Part 4 M-R]  [Part 5 S-Y] [Part 6 Misc]    

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