> Classical CD Review Archive - Classical - Aug 2002 part 3 C-L: Classical MusicWeb (UK)

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PART 3
C - L
[Detailed listing (last two days)]
[Part 1 New]  [Part 2 A-B] [Part 3 C-L]
[Part 4 M-R]  [Part 5 S-Y] [Part 6 Misc] 
[Part 7 Misc]         



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ALPHABETICAL LISTING

 

Joseph CANTELOUBE (1879-1957) Songs of the Auvergne - series 1-5 (23 songs) (1923-30) Maurice EMMANUEL (1862-1938) Chansons Bourguignonnes du Pays de Beaune - Dawn Upshaw (soprano) Orchestre de l'Opéra National de Lyon/Kent Nagano - rec 1 Apr 1994, Auditorium Maurice Ravel, Lyon; 28-31 Aug 1996, Opéra National de Lyon ERATO 0927 44656 2 [103.42] [RB]

Will be preferred by those who like modern sound and a languid Delian approach to their Canteloube. Lovely singing from Upshaw. ... see Full Review

George Whitefield CHADWICK (1854-1931) Symphonic Sketches (1895-1905) [30.07] Melpomene Overture (1887) [13.03] Tam O’Shanter (Symphonic Poem) (1915) [19.27] Suite Symphonique (1909) [35.62] Aphrodite (Symphonic Poem) (1910) [28.18] Elegy (1887) [7.50] Czech State PO/Jose Serebrier recorded Stadion Hall, Brno 2-5 April 1995 (Sketches, Melpomene, Tam); 3-7 June 1996 (Suite, Aphrodite, Elegy) REFERENCE RECORDINGS RR-2104CD [62:50+72:25] [RB]

This two-fer is warmly recommended for fine rare repertoire and typically sprung, lively sound with power and subtlety aplenty. ...see Full Review

BARGAIN OF THE MONTH Frédéric CHOPIN (1810-1849) THE PIANO WORKS Various performers[Contents listed complete at foot of review] 13 CD set DDD BRILLIANT CLASSICS 99802-1-13 [GPJ]

It represents almost unbelievable value and musically, it is simply a gold-mine. … see Full Review

Frédéric CHOPIN (1810-1849)Piano Sonata No. 3 op. 58 (1844) [26.59]Andante spianato et Grande Polonaise brillante op. 22 (1834) [14.28]Étude op. 10 No. 2 (1830) [1.25] Étude op. 10 No. 5 (1830) [1.40]Étude op. 25 No. 11 "Winter Wind" (1834) [3.40]Nocturne op. 9 No. 1 (1830) [5.46] Nocturne op. 9 No. 2 (1830) [4.23] Nocturne op. 15 No. 2 (1831) [3.33]Impromptu op. 66 (1834) [4.58] Yundi Li, pianoRec. Teldec Studio, Berlin, 9/2001 DEUTSCHE GRAMMOPHON 471 479-2 [67.00] [AT]

Is there a musical personality at work here? The answer I think is a qualified yes. … see Full Review

Frédéric CHOPIN (1810-1849) Cello Sonata Sergei RACHMANINOV (1873-1943) Cello Sonata Jamie Walton (cello); Charles Owen (piano) Recorded 18-19 Dec 2001, Netherhall House, London SOMM SOMMCD 026 [64.36] [TB]

Well judged and rather more satisfying, I feel, than some recordings by more famous names. … see Full Review

Muzio CLEMENTI (1752-1832) Compsizioni per pianoforte (Works for Piano) vol. 4 Sonata in B flat major, op. 13 no. 4 Sonata in F major, op. 13 no. 5 Sonata in F minor op 13. no 6 "Batti, batti" from Mozart’s opera Don Giovanni,Fantasie, avec variations, sur l’air, Au clair de la lune, Minuetto a tempo di ballo, composed by Mr. Collick, with 5 variations Sonata in C major op. 37 no. 1 Sonata in G major op. 37 no. 2 Sonata in D major op. 37 no. 3 The Black Joke, theme with 21 variations, Wo2 Maria Tipo, piano Rec: Date unknown, Museo Teatrale alla Scala di Milano, Italy. WARNER FONIT 0927 43315-2 [143.00] [KM]

An attractive set, featuring some beautiful music very well played by Maria Tipo. Clementi is one of those pivotal composers who deserves more recognition. … see Full Review

RECORD OF THE MONTH Cecil COLES (1888-1918) Music From Behind The Lines: Overture: The Comedy of Errors, Fra Giacomo, Scherzo in A minor, Four Verlaine Songs: "Fantastic in appearance", "A slumber vast and black", "Pastoral: The sky above the roof", "Let’s dance the jig", From the Scottish Highlands, Behind the Lines Sarah Fox, soprano, Paul Whelan, baritone. BBC Scottish Symphony Orchestra/Martyn Brabbins Rec. City Hall, Glasgow on 12 and 13 December 2001 DDD HYPERION CDA67293 [62'44] [PB][IL]

Music that is solemn, poignant and majestic. Coles died in the Great War but unlike Butterworth, Kelly and Farrar he had no committed champions to keep his music before the public.[PB]
A penchant for the dramatic and a gift for writing evocative, atmospheric music.[IL] … see Full Review

Justin CONNOLLY (b. 1933)Night Thoughts Sonatina No. 2: Ennead Op. 26 (2000) for piano Nocturnal Op. 33 (1991) for flutes, piano, double bass and percussion Tesserae F: "Domination of Black" Op. 15f (1999) for bass clarinet Scardanelli Dreams Op. 37 (1997-98) for mezzo-soprano and piano Nicholas Hodges (piano) Nancy Ruffer (flutes) Corrado Canonici (double bass) Julian Warburton (percussion) Andrew Sparling (bass clarinet) Sue Anderson (mezzo-soprano) Recorded at St George’s Brandon Hill, Bristol January 31-February 1 and June 19, 2000 DDD METIER MSV CD92046 [72:57] [CT]

A long overdue disc of challenging yet rewarding chamber works by a British composer who is all too little represented in the catalogue. … see Full Review

Estevan DACA (1537-1590) El Parnasso (1576): Villancicos and Fantasia El Cortesano:- Jose Hernandez Pastor, counter-tenor Ariel Abramovich, vihuela Recorded at the church of St. Michael Valladolid, Spain August 2001 ARCANA A316 [61.20] [GH]

A Spanish Dowland: singer, composer and lute-player. His music is at its best when it is melancholy … see Full Review
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Richard DANIELPOUR (born 1956) An American Requiem (2001) Stephanie Blythe (mezzo-soprano); Hugh Smith (tenor); Mark Oswald (baritone); Pacific Chorale; Pacific Symphony Orchestra/Carl St. Clair Recorded: Segerstrom Hall, Orange County Performing Arts Centre, Costa Mesa, CA, November 2001 REFERENCE RECORDINGS RR-97 CD [62:58] [HC]

A powerfully expressive work in a superbly committed reading … see Full Review

Frederick DELIUS (1862-1934) The Song of the High Hills (1911-12) [25.58] Eventyr - Once upon a time (1915-17) [15.20] Sleigh Ride (1887 orch 1889) [5.49]
Five Songs from the Norwegian (orch. Bo HOLTEN)†: Slumber Song (Bjørnsterne Bjørnsen) [3.53]; The Nightingale (Theodor Kjerulf) [2.44]; Summer Eve (Johan Paulsen) [3.37]; Longing (Theodor Kjerulf) [3.19]; Sunset (Andreas Munch) [5.00] Henriette Bonde-Hansen (sop) † John Kjøller (ren); Helle Høyer Hansen (sop); Aarhus University Choir; Hummerkoret; Aarhus Chamber Choir ‡ Aarhus SO/Bo Holten - rec: 19-23 May 2001, Frichsparken, Aarhus DDD DANACORD DACOCD 536 [65.43][RB]

A highly desirable disc with splendid interpretations of the Song of the High Hills and the Norwegian Songs ... see Full Review

Frederick DELIUS (1862-1934) Paris – The Song of a Great City, In a Summer Garden, Summer Night on the River, The Walk to the Paradise Garden (from A Village Romeo and Juliet), A Song of Summer London Symphony Orchestra/Anthony Collins - Recorded 1953-54 ELOQUENCE DECCA 461 358-2 [62’08][JW]

This is truly to understand a little better the nature of orchestral genius and to absorb a beauty born of a conductor’s selfless gifts. … see Full Review

Frederick DELIUS (1862-1934) Frederick Delius in Norway The British Symphonic Collection: Vol.8 Symphonic Poem: On the Mountains,Seven Songs from the Norwegian, Norwegian Bridal Procession by Grieg, orchestrated by Delius Melodrama: Paa Vidderne Jan Lund (tenor) Peter Hall (narrator) Royal Liverpool Philharmonic Orchestra/Douglas Bostock Recorded in Philharmonic Hall, Liverpool on 3, 4, & 7 August 2000 CLASSICO CLASSCD 364 [79’52"] [CF]

Straussian melodies - lushly orchestrated - glorious music … see Full Review

François DEVIENNE (1759-1803) Six Sonates pour le basson avec accompagnement de basse, (Six Sonatas for bassoon with bass accompaniment) Masahito Tanaka, bassoon, Shin-iciro Nakano, harpsichord, Ken-ichi Kamizuka, 'cello
Recorded October 1998 in Akigawa Kirara Hall, Tokyo PAVANE ADW 7416 [62:46] [GPJ]

Stunning technical facility, even tone, and superb intonation. … see Full Review
You can sample, download tracks or purchase this disc

Guillaume DUFAY (c.1399-1474) SACRED MUSIC FROM BOLOGNA - 915 - Vasilissa, ergo gaude; Kyrie Fons bonitatis; O beate Sebastiane; Gloria and Credo [paired] Sanctus and Agnus Dei [paired] O gemma, lux et speculum; Supremum est mortalibus;Inclita stella maris; Gloria Spiritus et alme; O sancta Sebastian. The Clerks Group directed by Edward Wickham - Recorded at St. Andrews, West Wratting, August-September 2000 SIGNUM CD023 [60.07] [GH]

Worth investigation and is always beautifully done. … see Full Review
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John DUNSTABLE (c.1390-1453) Descendi in ortum meum, Ave maris stella, Gloria in canon, Speciosa facta es, Sub tuam protectionem, Veni sancte spiritus, Albanus roseo rutilat, Specialis virgo, Preco preheminencie, O crux glriosa, Salve regina mater nire, Missa Rex seculorum Gloria, Credo, Sanctus, Agnus dei Orlando Consort Rec East Woodhay Church, Berkshire, 6-7 Feb 1995 METRONOME MET CD 1009 [74.02] [AT]

An excellent record that can be heartily recommended to Dunstaple aficionados and ignorami alike. … see Full Review
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Edmundo ECKHART (1935) Symphonic Poems:- Beatus Ille (1963) [18.52] Anastasis (1970s?) [33.13] Moldavian RTVSO/Christian Florea rec 1994? DDD GALLO CD-841 [52.05]

If your taste runs to rhapsodic Straussian neo-romanticism then this is for you. ... see Full Review

Edward ELGAR (1857-1934) Enigma Variatio ns, Cello Concerto, Cockaigne Overture, Five Pomp and Circumstance Marches, Violin Concerto Philadelphia/Ormandy (Engima; Cockaigne) Jacqueline Dupre (cello) (cello concerto), Philadelphia/Barenboim (cello concerto), Philharmonia/Andrew Davis (P&Cs), Pinchas Zukerman (violin) (violin concerto), LPO/Barenboim (violin concerto); rec Philadelphia 8 April 1962 (Enigma); 20 Jan 1963 (Cockaigne); 27-28 Nov 1970, Academy of Music; (Cello Concerto); EMI Studios, Abbey Rd 5 Apr 1976 (Violin Concerto); 30 Dec 1981 (P&Cs) ADD/DDD SONY ESSENTIAL CLASSICS SB2K63247 [2CDs: 75.28+79.25] [RB]

One of the best kept secrets in the Elgar catalogue - seek it out. Ignore the Establishment of detractors ... see Full Review

RECORDING OF THE MONTH Ken Russell’s ELGAR The classic BBC TV 100th ‘Monitor’ Programme broadcast on 11 November 1962 - together with a separate showing of the film with commentary by Ken Russell and Michael Kennedy. Plus Michael Kennedy introduces "home movie" footage of Elgar at the Three Choirs Festivals of 1929, 1930 and 1932 and film of Elgar conducting a recording of his Land of Hope and Glory at Abbey Road Studios black and white bfi (British Film Institute) BFIVD 524 [56 mins – extra material 15 mins] [IL]

Despite its few flaws this is a wonderful film and it is highly recommended to all Elgarians … see Full Review

Maurice EMMANUEL (1862-1938) Odelettes Anacréontiques Op. 13 (1911) Musiques Op. 17 (1918) Vocalise-Étude Op. 24 (1926) In Memoriam Op. 11 (1908) Florence Katz (sop) Marie-Catherine Girod (piano) Lionel Peintre (bar) (In memoriam) Claude Lefebvre (flute) (Odelettes) Jean-Marc Phillips (violin) (In memoriam) Henri Demarquette (cello) (In memoriam) rec. Théâtre de Poissy, 3/5 July 1995 TIMPANI 1C1030 [56.30] [RB]

More delightful discoveries in the realm of French mélodie. Superb singing by Katz. ... see Full Review
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George ENESCU (1881-1955) Violin Sonata No. 2 (1899) Violin Sonata No. 3 (1926) Violin Sonata - torso (1911) Adelina Oprean (violin) Justin Oprean (piano) rec 11-13 Feb 1881 DDD HYPERION HELIOS CDH55103 [63.46]

Well worth its Helios bargain price and an object lesson in the predominance of gypsy glamour. ... see Full Review

Impression. French Chamber Music Masterpieces Gabriel FAURÉ (1845-1924): Piano Quartet No. 1 in C minor* Maurice RAVEL (1875-1937): Piano Trio Juno’s Band (Jacqueline Shave (violin); Paul Watkins (cello); Ian Brown (piano); Roger Chase (viola)*) Recorded at Potton Hall, Suffolk 20-21 June 2000 Metronome MET CD 1048 [57’ 22"] [JQ]

Good, sensitive and idiomatic performances … see Full Review
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Friedrich von FLOTOW (1812-1883) Marta - ‘Semi-serious’ opera in four acts - Lady Enrichetta: Elena Rizzieri - Nancy: Pia Tassinari - Lionello: Ferruccio Tagliavini - Plumkett:Carlo Tagliabue - Sir Tristano di Mickleford: Bruno Carmassi - The Sheriff of Richmond: Mario Zorgniotti - [The second CD also includes eight arias by Rossini, Donizetti, Thomas, Verdi, Bizet, Massenet and Wolf–Ferrari recorded by Ferruccio Tagliavini in Turin between 1940 and 1948] Orchestra and Chorus - Torino della RAI/Francesco Molinari-Pradelli - Mono recording made in Turin in July 1955 WARNER FONIT 0927 43552-2 [2CDs: 2hr 15:55mins] [IL]

A sparkling performance of Flotow’s popular opera so full of merriment and gaiety. … see Full Review

 

Richard FLURY (1896-1967) Fifty Romantic Pieces for solo piano (1949); Cathy Aubert-Tackett (piano); rec. 1995, Conservatoire de Neuchatel, DAD (well that's what it says in the booklet!) GALLO CD-908 [62.24] [RB]

Will be welcomed by those who enjoy Schumann, Chopin, Mendelssohn. Flury was an arch-romantic. ... see Full Review

Richard FLURY (1896-1967) Piano Quintet (1948) [30.45], String Quartet No. 5 (1955) [28.30], 13 Lieder for Soprano and Piano (1917-1965) [17.55] - Rosmarie Hofmann (sop), Margaret Singer (piano), Ulrich Lehmann (violin), Urs Joseph Flury (violin), Erich Meyer (viola), Stefan Thut (cello); rec 15 Mar 1996; 18 Mar 1996; 10 May 1996 DDD GALLO CD-866 [78.25] [RB]

A lovely unassuming collection. Flury a voice out of time. As much a creator of beauty as Ivor Gurney. ... see Full Review

Benjamin FRANKEL (1906-1973) Symphony No. 1 (1958) [25.33] Symphony No. 2 (1962) [35.36] Symphony No. 3 (1964) [17.24] Symphony No. 4 (1966) [25.02] Symphony No. 5 (1967) [18.03] Symphony No. 6 (1969) [28.21] Symphony No. 7 (1970) [28.03] Symphony No. 8 (1971) [24.14] Overture: May Day (1948) [9.26] Mephistopheles Serenade and Dance (1952) [6.09] Overture to a Ceremony (1971) A Shakespeare Overture (1956) The composer introducing his symphonies 2 and 3 - Queensland SO/Werner Andreas Albert
rec ABC Studio 420, Ferry Road, Brisbane, Australia, May 1993, Apr 1994, Oct 1994, Sept 1995, April 1999 - CPO 999 661-2 [4CDs: 53.24+59.18+60.03+70.27=243.12]
[RB]

Frankel stands with Hartmann and Vermeulen - different but just as rebellious; given to melody, distilled by serial technique, malleably emotional, lambently orchestrated and flooded with light. … see Full Review

Benjamin FRANKEL (1906-1973) Music for the Movies The Importance of Being Earnest (1952) Curse of the Werewolf (1961) The Night of the Iguana (1964) Trottie True (1949) The Years Between (1946) Footsteps in the Fog (1955) Queensland Symphony Orchestra/Werner Andreas Albert Recorded 2000, Studio 420, ABC, Brisbane, Australia. CPO 999 809-2 [67.13] [WH]

Themes are both immediately striking yet also repay repeated listening … see Full Review

BARGAIN OF THE MONTH Benjamin FRANKEL (1906-1973) Complete String Quartets Nomos-Quartett rec 7-9 Feb 1996, 14-16 June 1996, Zentralsaal Bamberg DDD CPO 999 420-2 [2CDs: 52.55+37.53] [RB] [HC]

Frankel's credo was melody and its magnetic communicative power … rapt and saturatedly lyrical... [RB]
Excellent readings from the Nomos playing with utmost conviction and commitment. [HC] … see Full Review

Wilhelm FURTWÄNGLER (1886-1954) Violin Sonata in D minor No. 1 (1935) Dong-Suk Kang (violin) François Kerdoncuff (piano) rec. Théâtre de Poissy, 22/23 Dec 1994 TIMPANI 1C1029 [56.30] [RB]

A very fine large-scale violin sonata in constant song and imaginative soulful turmoil. ... see Full Review
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Wilhelm FURTWÄNGLER (1886-1954) Violin Sonata in D major No. 2 (1938) [44.55] Interview with Hans Müller-Kray (in German) [7.19] Alexis Galpérine (violin) François Kerdoncuff (piano) rec. Salle Adyar, Paris 8/9 June 1989 TIMPANI 1C1001 [52.14] [RB]

Bursting with symphonic intent. A passionate work deep in the romantic melos. Its stormy turbulence well caught by Galpérine and Kerdoncuff. ... see Full Review
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Wilhelm FURTWÄNGLER (1886-1954) Piano Quintet in C major (1935) François Kerdoncuff (piano) Quatuor Sine Nomine rec. Salle de Châtonneyre, CH-Corseaux, 17/20 May 1993 TIMPANI 1C1018 [66.16] [RB]

This passionate music speaks in the language of high-tide romanticism about 1930s uncertainties and of actual and impending nightmares. ... see Full Review
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Wilhelm Furtwängler (1886-1954) Symphony No. 2 Chicago Symphony Orchestra, Daniel Barenboim Recorded 12-15 December 2001, Orchestra Hall, Chicago Teldec 0927 43495 2, 2 discs priced as one (51’52 & 30’15) [MB]

Intensity, plangent string tone, spontaneity and passion … awe-inspiring see Full Review
A lanky, discursive and confident late romantic symphony rooted in the Bruckner-Dvorak tradition and gloriously spun by the Chicago SO and Barenboim ... see Full Review

Harmonious Families Volume 2 Danish Compositions by Fathers and Sons
Niels W. Gade
(1817-1890) ‘Mariotta’ Concert Overture (1848/49) ‘Hamlet’ Concert Overture (1861) Capriccio for Violin & Orchestra in A minor (1861) ‘Echoes from Ossian’ Concert Overture (1840)
Axel GADE (1860-1921) Concerto No.2 for Violin & Orchestra in F Op.10 (1899) The Danish Philharmonic Orchestra, South Jutland Iona Brown – conductor Christina Ästrand - violin Recorded Musikhuset, Sønderborg February 1999 [64.30] Danacord DACOCD 510 [JF]

Another excellent CD in this Father and Son series. Attractive music with hints of Schumann, Elgar and Mendelssohn. Well Done, Danacord! ...see Full Review

Edvard GRIEG (1843-1907) Peer Gynt, Op.25 (excerpts from the incidental music) [1876] Act One: Prelude: In the Wedding Garden; The Bridal Procession Passes; Halling; Springar. Act Two: Prelude: The Abduction of the Bride – Ingrid’s Lament; In the Hall of the Mountain King; Dance of the Mountain King’s Daughter. Act Three: Prelude: Deep in the Coniferous Forest; Solveig’s Song; Ase’s Death. ActFour: Prelude: Morning Mood; Arab Dance; Anitra’s Dance; Solveig’s Song. Act Five: Prelude: Peer Gynt’s Journey Home; Solveig’s Song in the Hut; Whitsun Hymn; Solveig’s Lullaby. Barbara Hendricks (soprano) Oslo Philharmonic Chorus and Orchestra/Esa-Pekka Salonen SONY ESSENTIAL CLASSICS SBK 89898 [63.20] [TH]

A hugely enjoyable selection, and will be an ear-opener for those who only know the music through the familiar suites. … see Full Review

Ferde GROFE (1892-1972) Mississippi Suite (1926) [13’38"] Grand Canyon Suite (1931) [31’57"] Niagara Falls Suite (1961) [22’06"] Bournemouth Symphony Orchestra/William T. Stromberg - Recorded 1999 Wessex Hall, Poole Arts Centre, Poole, Dorset, UK NAXOS DVD/AUDIO 5.110002 [67’41"] [JP]

The playing of the Bournemouth Symphony Orchestra is exemplary, and the recorded sound is more than satisfactory. … see Full Review

Myroslav GUTEJ (b. 1961) Piano Sonatas No. 1 (1991); No. 3 (1991); No. 4 (1995); No. 5 (1995); No. 6 (1995); No. 7 (1996) Myroslav Gutej (piano) KWA RECORDS no number [45.24] [RB]

If my references to Medtner, Prokofiev, Sorabji and Ravel have piqued your interest then do not hesitate. You will find this a treat. ... see Full Review

Reynaldo HAHN (1874-1947) Sonata for Violin and Piano Quintet for Strings and Piano Denis Clavier (violin) Dimitris Saroglou (piano) Quatuor Denis Clavier Recorded in the Esplanade Hall, Metz in September 1997 MAGUELONE MAG 111.107 [63.27] [IL]

Beautifully melodic, here are riches in abundance for the unashamedly romantic. Impeccably played, this music deserves to be much better known. … see Full Review

George Frederic HANDEL (1685-1759) Nabal - An Oratorio or Sacred Drama in three acts compiled by John Christopher Smith (1712-1795) - Stephan MacLeod, bass - Maya Boog, soprano - Knut Schoch, tenor - Francine van der Heijden, soprano - Linda Perillo, soprano - Junge Kantorei Frankfurt Baroque Orchestra conducted by Joachim Carlos Martini - Recorded Eberach Cloister, Eltville am Rhein June 2000 NAXOS 8.555276-77 [2 CDs 132’51] [JW]

An honourable presentation of a work, the problematical and artificial nature of which means that recordings will be few and far between. … see Full Review

Georg Friedrich HANDEL (1685-1759) Rodelinda - Dominique Labelle (soprano), Robin Blaze (countertenor), Ian Paton (tenor), Ewa Wolak (alto), Cécile van de Sant (mezzo-soprano), Andrew Foster (bass) Philharmonia Baroque Orchestra/Nicholas McGegan; Rec: June 7 to 13, 2000, International Handel Festival, Göttingen. GÖTTINGEN HANDEL SOCIETY - members only - No catalogue number [166 min.] [KM]

Rodelinda is relatively well recorded, with good depth and balance between the orchestra and the soloists.… see Full Review

Georg Friedrich HANDEL (1685-1759) Rodelinda The Orchestra of the Age of Enlightenment/William Christie Stage Director: Jean-Marie Villégier Video format: PAL, 4:3 stereo. English subtitles Rec: Live recording, June 1998, Glyndebourne Festival. NVC ARTS 3984-23024-3 [202 min.]

A bit bumpy, it is well worth the ride. … see Full Review

Georg Friedrich HAENDEL (1685-1759) Tamerlano Monica Bacelli, contralto (Tamerlano) Tom Randle, tenor (Bajazet) The English Concert, Trevor Pinnock Rec: 27-30 June 2001, Sadler’s Wells, London. AVIE 0001 [181.20] [KM]

A great work, one that has not been recorded much, and which deserves to be discovered or rediscovered through this fine set. … see Full Review

Roy HARRIS (1898-1979) Symphony No. 7 (1952, revised 1955) Symphony No. 9 (1962) Epilogue to Profiles in Courage - JFK (1964) National Symphony Orchestra of Ukraine/Theodore Kuchar Recorded in the Grand Concert Studio, National Radio Company of Ukraine, Kiev, Ukraine, 19th - 27th June 1999. NAXOS 8.559050 [57.49] [NH]

Serious but highly listenable music from an under-recorded American giant.….. see Full Review

Joseph HAYDN (1732-1809) The Complete Symphonies Austro-Hungarian Haydn Orchestra, cond. Adam Fischer, with *Rainer Küchl (violin), Wolfgang Herzer (cello), Gerhard Turetschek (oboe) and Michael Werba (bassoon) DDD: recorded at the Haydnsaal, Esterházy Palace, Eisenstadt, Austria BRILLIANT CLASSICS 99925 [CA]

So relevant, so engaging – timeless. Wit, imagination and dexterity. Energy and perception suffuse this life-enhancing project. … see Full Review

Jake HEGGIE (born 1961) Dead Man Walking (2000) Susan Graham (mezzo-soprano), Sister Helen Prejean; John Packard (baritone), Joseph De Rocher; Frederica von Stade (mezzo-soprano), Mrs Patrick De Rocher; Theresa Hamm-Smith (soprano), Sister Rose; San Francisco Opera Chorus and Orchestra; Patrick Summers Recorded: (live) War Memorial Hall Opera House, San Francisco, October 2000 ERATO 86238-2 [78:06 + 67:57] [HC]

A dramatically gripping work likely to appeal to large and varied audiences without ever writing down to them. … see Full Review

Piers HELLAWELL (b. 1956) Inside Story for violin, viola and orchestra (1999) The Still Dancers for string quartet (1992) Quadruple Elegy (in the time of freedom) for violin and chamber orchestra (1990) Clio Gould – violin, Philip Dukes – viola, The Vanbrugh String Quartet BBC Scottish Symphony Orchestra – Martyn Brabbins - Recorded at Glasgow City Hall June 2001 (Inside Story and Quadruple Elegy) The Harty Room, Queen’s University of Belfast, June 2001 (The Still Dancers) DDD METRONOME MET CD 1059 [76:42] [CT]

Exemplary performances of three strikingly original Hellawell scores. Inside Story in particular is a hugely rewarding listen. … see Full Review

Vagn HOLMBOE (1909-1996) Concerto No. 11 for trumpet and orchestra (1948)Concerto No. 12 for trombone and orchestra (1950)Tuba Concerto (1976)
Intermezzo Concertante for tuba and orchestra (1987) Håkan Hardenberger (trumpet) Christian Lindberg (trombone) Jens Bjørn-Larsen (tuba) Aalborg SO/Owain Arwel Hughes rec June 1996, Aalborg DDD BIS-CD-802 [55.26] [RB]

The Trumpet Concerto is bound to win new friends for Holmboe and is superior in invention to the really rather good trumpet concerto by Malcolm Arnold. ...see Full Review

Gustav HOLST (1874-1934) The Planets - Edward ELGAR (1857-1934) Serenade for Strings Radio-Sinfonieorchester Stuttgart des SWR/Roger Norrington - rec 27-29 June 2001, Stuttgart Liederhalle SWR Live Recording HÄNSSLER CLASSIC CD 93.043 [62.10] [RB]

Like hearing The Planets afresh and I recommend it firmly. … see Full Review

Herbert HOWELLS (1892 – 1983) Collegium Regale Te Deum and Jubilate (1944) Collegium Regale Office of Holy Communion (1956) Collegium Regale Magnificat and Nunc Dimittis (1945) Preces and Responses 1 and 2 (1967) Take Him, Earth for Cherishing (1964) Psalm 121 Psalm 122 Psalm Prelude Op.32 No.2 (1916)a Rhapsody for Organ Op.17 No.3 (1918) Choir of King’s College, Cambridge; Gregory Moore (cantor); Simon Williams (tenor); Peter Barley (organ); Stephen Cleobury (director and organa) Recorded: 1989 (presumably in King’s College Chapel) DECCA 470 194-2 [78:28] [HC]

The Choir of King’s College, Cambridge sings beautifully throughout and the whole is well recorded. … see Full Review

Henry Holden HUSS (1862-1953) Piano Concerto in B major Op. 10 (1898) [31.05] - Ernest SCHELLING (1876-1939) Suite Fantastique Op. 7 (1905) [29.32] Ian Hobson (piano) BBC Scottish SO/Martyn Brabbins - rec. 9-10 Jan 1997 - The Romantic Piano Concerto series Vol. No. 16 HYPERION CDA 66949 [60.50] [RB]

Two works of contrasted character and intention: one a turbulent hothouse barnstormer; the other a lilt and glitter cassation. ... see Full Review

Leoš JANACEK (1854-1928) - CD1:Sinfonietta (1924) [22.26], Lachian Dances (1906) [20.32], Taras Bulba (1928) [22.34] - CD2: The Cunning Little Vixen suite (1924) [16.28], Jealousy prelude (1906) [5.39], From The House of the Dead (1928) [6.02], The Makropoulos Case (symphonic synthesis by Jose Serebrier) [31.02] Czech State Philharmonic, Brno/José Serebrier - Rec: CD1: 2-5 Apr 1995; Brno CD2: rec 3-7 June 1996, Brno - originally issued as Reference Recordings RR-65CD and RR-75CD REFERENCE RECORDINGS RR-2103 [65.08+59.40] [RB]

The Serebrier Sinfonietta remains a top recommendation and at this price this is difficult to resist even if you wanted to. … see Full Review

Paul JUON (1872-1940) - Rhapsody No. 1 for piano quartet - Trio-Miniatures for violin, cello and piano - Arioso and Berceuse for violin and piano - Romance for viola and piano - Märchen for cello and piano Kammermusik Ensemble Chamäleon - rec. Radio Studio Zürich, 5 March, 3 Apr, 2 May 1995 GALLO CD-876 [58.31] [RB]

A little-known scion of Rachmaninov and passionately performed. ... see Full Review

SOUNDTRACKS by Wojciech KILAR, Maclej MALECI and Nicholas INGMAN
Wojciech KILAR (b.1932)
Shadow Line, Shadow Song, Elegy, Catamount Concerto, Dawn to Destiny, The Seed, Master Plan, Dawn over Manderley, Maclej MALECKI b.1940) Water Mountain, Warsaw Reverie Nicholas INGMAN Rosebud, An Elegy for Citizen Kane Studio Orchestra/Jiri Hudec Rec. Not stated CAMPION RRCD 1303 [59.39] [GH]

A nice ‘easy listening’ disc to soothe the mind. Mid price. see Full Review

Zoltan KODALY (1882-1967) Introductory speech by Madame Kodaly An Ode. The Music Makers, A Summer Evening Edward ELGAR (1857-1934) The Music Makers Christina Wilson, mezzo-soprano Choir of Oxford da Camera Oxford Orchestra da Camera Howard Williams Recorded live at St John’s, Smith Square, London 24 May 2001 SOMM CD 230 [77’44] [JW]

A resonant and strongly shaped voice conveying the nostalgia and intimacy of the music with considerable awareness. … see Full Review

Herman D KOPPEL (1908-1998) Composer and Pianist Herman D KOPPEL (1908-1998) Piano Sonata in E Minor Op 1 Variations and Fugue for Piano Op 3 Piano Piece Op 7 Ten Piano Pieces Op 20 Suite for Piano Op 21 Sonata No 1 for piano Op 50 15 Miniatures Op 97a Franz SCHUBERT (1797-1828) Piano Sonata in D Major D850 Johannes BRAHMS (1833-1897) Variations on a Theme of Paganini Op 35 Capriccio in B Minor Op 76 Franz LISZT (1811-1886) Au Lac de Vallenstadt Sonetto 123 del Petrarch Hermann D Koppel, piano Recorded c1957-80 DANACORD DACOCD 563-64 [2 CDs 135.36] [JW]

Experience the imagination of Koppel’s playing and the hard-won riches of his compositions.… see Full Review

RECORDING OF THE MONTH Jón LEIFS (1899-1968) Baldr Op. 34 - A Choreographic Drama in Two Acts (1943-47) Gunnar Guðbjörnsson (ten) ... Óðin Schola Cantorum/Hörður Áskelsson Iceland SO/Kari Kropsu rec Jan 2001, Halgrim's Church, Reykjavik, DDD BIS-CD-1230/1231 [40.05+49.37] [RB]

Tough, tonal, uncompromising music, rhythmically emphatic, not without melodic softness, hewn out of granite and adversity. ... see Full Review

Henry LITOLFF (1818-1891) Concerto Symphonique No. 3 in E flat Op. 45 ational Hollandais (1842) Concerto Symphonique No. 5 in C minor Op. 123 (1870) Peter Donohoe (piano) BBC Scottish SO/Andrew Litton rec. 27-28 Oct 2000, Caird Hall, Dundee The Romantic Piano Concerto series - Vol. No. 26 HYPERION CDA 67210 [65.58] [RB]

A spirited pair of performances of works that will warm the cockles of any admirer of Beethoven, Saint-Saëns and Brahms ... see Full Review

George LLOYD (1913-1998) Cello Concerto (1997) The Serf - Orchestral Suite No. 1 (1938, 1997) Anthony Ross (cello) Albany SO/David Alan Miller - rec 15 Jan 2000 (suite); 22 Apr 2001 (concerto), Troy Savings Bank Music Hall, Troy, New York, USA DDD ALBANY TROY 458 [67.24] [RB]

Lloyd on resoundingly confident form. Place it alongside symphonies 5, 7 and 8. ... see Full Review

George LLOYD (1913-1998) Requiem (1997) Psalm 130 (1995) Stephen Wallace (counter-tenor) Jeffrey Makinson (organ) The Exon Singers/Matthew Owens rec 2002 DDD ALBANY TROY 450 [61.30] [RB]

A lovely remembrance of a warm-hearted composer who wrote against the spirit of the times ... dazzling creativity ... see Full Review

Alexander LOKSHIN (1920-1987) Symphony No. 4 Sinfonia Stretta (1968) [16.41] Trois Scènes du Faust de Goethe for soprano and orchestra (1980) [37.45] Vanda Tabery (sop) Philharmonisches Staatsorchester Bremen/Michel Swierczewski - rec. July 2000, Gutsscheune Varrel, Bremen, Germany, DDD BIS-CD-1156 [55.14] [RB]

If you have a taste for a challenging late romantic modernism do not hesitate. … see Full Review

Carl LOEWE (1796-1869) Lieder: Dietrich Fischer-Dieskau (baritone), Hartmut Höll (piano) Rec 1987 Warner Apex 0927447672 [69.21] [TB]

While Fischer-Dieskau may have been in more commanding voice earlier in his career, these Loewe songs suit his voice and his vocal understanding to the full. … see Full Review

Witold LUTOSLAWSKI (1913 – 1994) Dance Preludes (1954, orch. 1955) Mátyás SEIBER (1905 – 1960) Concertino for Clarinet and String Orchestra (1928, orch. 1951) Howard BLAKE (born 1938) Clarinet Concerto (1984) Thea King (clarinet); English Chamber Orchestra; Andrew Litton, Howard Blake Recorded: May-June 1985 (Blake) and April 1986 (Lutoslawski, Seiber) HELIOS CDH 55068 [46:41] [HC]

An attractive programme, superbly performed and recorded. If you did not get it when first released it is now at customer-friendly bargain price. … see Full Review

[Detailed listing (last two days)]
[Part 1 New]  [Part 2 A-B] [Part 3 C-L]
[Part 4 M-R]  [Part 5 S-Y] [Part 6 Misc] 
[Part 7 Misc] 


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