PART 5 S to Y

[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]

ALPHABETICAL LISTING

Camille SAINT-SAËNS (1835-1921) Complete Organ Works CD1 [63.37] Première Fantaisie in E flat major [5.55] Benediction nuptiale, Op 9 (1859) [6.15] Offertoire in E major [9.59] Élévation ou Communion, Op13 (1858) [5.29] O salutaris hostia [2.39] Prélude in C major [2.15] Trois Rhapsodies sur des cantiques Bretons, Op 7 [20.15] Prédication aux oiseaux [10.55] - CD2 [51.27]Trois Préludes et Fugues, Op 99 (1894) [27.54] Prélude in F major [1.28] Deux Versets [2.04]Thème, Variations et Choral de Dies Irae [7.06] Deuxième Fantaisie in D flat major, Op 101 (1895) [13.11] - CD3 [67.43] Trois Préludes et Fugues, Op 109 (1898) [27.36] Sept Improvisations (1917) [40.26] - CD4 [52.14] Marche Religieuse, Op 107 (1897) [4.36] Neuf Pièces pour Orgue ou Harmonium – Marche Cortège;Interlude-fugue; Offertoire; Procession; Élévation; Offertoire (Sarabande); Ave verum; Offertoire; Élévation [24.04] Prélude in C minor [3.01] Troisième Fantaisie in C major, Op 157 (1919) [13.09] Cyprés et Lauriers, Op 156 (1919) [7.33] Stefan Johannes Bleicher (organ) recorded 21-23 March 1995 (CDs 1/2/3 only) at the Johanneskirche, Schaffhausen; and 6/7 February 1995 (CD4 only) at the Stadtkirche, Winterthur - DDD ARTE NOVA 74321 35088 2 [63.37+51.27+67.43+52.14] [PJL]

If you really do want the complete Saint-Saëns organ music, this Arte Nova box can be safely (albeit conditionally) recommended. … see Full Review

ESA-Pekka SALONEN (born 1958) Mimo II (1992)^a - Floof (1988/90)^b - Yta III (1986)^c - Yta IIb (1985, arranged 1987)^d - Yta II (1985)^e - Yta I (1982)^f - Meeting (1982)^g - Concerto for Alto Saxophone and Orchestra (1980/1, rev. 1983)^h - Nachtlieder (1978)ⁱ - Jorma Valjakka (oboe)^a; Anu Komsi (soprano)^b; Avanti! Chamber Orchestra^b; Anssi Karttunen (cello)^c; Jukka Tiensuu (harpsichord)^dg; Tulja Hakkila (piano)^e; Mikael Helasvuo (alto flute)^f; Kari Kriikku (clarinet)^g; Pekka Savijoki (alto saxophone)^h; Kullervo Kojo (clarinet)ⁱ; Juhanni Lagerspetz (piano)ⁱ; Finnish Radio Symphony Orchestra^ah; Esa-Pekka Salonen - Recorded: Culture Hall, Helsinki, May 1993^a and February 1989^g; Finnish Broadcasting Company Studio M1, October 1991^b; Astoria Hall, Helsinki, August 1991^c; Puotila Chapel, Helsinki, October 1986^d; Järvenpää Hall, December 1990^e, May 1989^f and February 1991ⁱ; Roihuvuori Church, Helsinki, May and September 1988^g FINLANDIA 0927-43815-2 [75:15] [HC]

Usefully complements SONY SK 89158- a comprehensive, illuminating musically satisfying survey of Salonen’s early musical progress. … see Full Review

Erik SATIE (1866-1925) Socrate * 6 Nocturnes Menuet Jean Belliard (tenor)* Billy Eidi (piano) Recorded 26-17 August 1993, Théâtre du Poissy, France TIMPANI 1C1020 [52.11] [TB]
You can make a HUGE saving by downloading this disc

This music has a beguiling use of the language but at the same time a rather monochrome musical approach. … see Full Review

Domenico SCARLATTI (1685-1757) Complete Keyboard Sonatas Vol. 2 - Sonatas K 49-98 - Total Time: 65’49 Pieter-Jan Belder, harpsichord - Rec: Spring 2001, Doopsgezinde Kerk Deventer BRILLIANT CLASSICS 99775 [196.07] [KM]

The second volume in this set shows that the first was no flash in the pan, and that Belder’s cycle will become recognized as the equal of Scott Ross’s legendary set, if not surpassing it. … see Full Review

BARGAIN OF THE MONTH Arnold SCHOENBERG (1874-1951) Chamber Symphony No.1, Op.9 (1906)[21.03] Verklärte Nacht, Op.4 (1899)[31.45] Chamber Symphony No.2, Op.38 (1939) [21.32] Chamber Orchestra of Europe/Heinz Holliger - Rec. Casino Zogernitz, Vienna, June 1989 (1), Teldec Studios, Berlin, September 1992 (2 and 3) APEX 0927 44399 2[74.20] [AT]

Playing outstanding. Wind solos are played magnificently, and the brooding, searching mood is just right. A fantastic disc, budget price or not. … see Full Review

Arnold SCHOENBERG (1874 - 1951) Pelleas und Melisande Op.5 (1902-3)* Accompaniment Music for a Film Scene Op.34 (1929-30) Five Orchestral Pieces Op.16 (1909 rev.1949) Sydney Symphony Orchestra conducted by Edo de Waart Recorded in the Concert Hall of Sydney Opera House 1994 and 1996* DDD Stereo ABC CLASSICS 454 514-2 [70:03] [DB]

A magnificent disc showing both the route that Schoenberg did not take, and, triumphantly, the one that he did. … see Full Review

Franz SCHUBERT (1797-1828) Deutsche Schubert-Lied-Edition, Vol. 8 - Schiller-Lieder Vol.2 Die Bürgschaft, D246; Hektors Abschied, D312; Amalia (from: Die Räuber), D195; Gruppe aus dem Tartarus (2^nd version), D583; Sehnsucht (1^st version), D52; Sehnsucht (2^nd version), D636; Der Pilgrim, D794; Ritter Toggenburg, D397; Des Mädchens Klage (2^nd version), D191; Das Mädchen aus der Fremde (2^nd version), D252; An Emma, D113; Die vier Weltalter, D391; Die Hoffnung (1^st version), D251; Die Hoffnung (2^nd version), D637. Regina Jakobi (mezzo-soprano); Ulrich Eisenlohr (piano) - Recorded in Studio 2, Bavarian Radio, Munich, Germany, 23^rd-27^th October, 2000 NAXOS 8.554741 DDD [61.56] [US]

Inaccurate diction and flat projection tell against this disc. … see Full Review

Franz SCHUBERT (1797 – 1828) Die Winterreise Brigitte Fassbaender, mezzo-soprano, Aribert Reimann, piano Recorded Studio no.1 Abbey Road, London, October 1988 EMI Classics 5 74989 [69:51] [GPJ]

Fassbaender characterises the songs sharply and often with overwhelming emotional power. … see Full Review

Franz SCHUBERT Winterreise Gordon Pullin (tenor), Hugh Mather (piano) KBR 001 from Mr Pullin at "Treakles", The Street, Kettlebaston, Suffolk 1P7 7QA. £10.00 incl. p&p. [PS]

Intelligent musicianship and admirably clear-diction do well Winterreise recording and balance are both excellent. … see Full Review

Robert SCHUMANN (1810-1856) Piano Concerto Wolfgang Amadeus MOZART (1756-1791) Piano Concerto No. 21 in C major, K467* Dinu Lipatti (piano) Philharmonia Orchestra; Lucerne Festival Orchestra* Herbert von Karajan Recorded 9-10 April 1948, No. 1 Studio, Abbey Road, London (Schumann); 23 August 1950, Kunsthaus, Lucerne (Mozart) EMI CLASSICS GREAT RECORDINGS OF THE CENTURY CDM 5 67774 2 [59.18] [TB]

Despite the obvious drawback of fifty-year-old sound there is something special about these recordings. … see Full Review

Cyril SCOTT (1879-1970) Piano Music Two Pieces Op. 47 (1905) Two Pierrot Pieces Op. 35 (1904) Pierrette (1912) Five Poems (1912) Trois Danses Tristes Op. 74 (1910) Over the Prairie: Two Impressions (1911) Piano Sonata No. 1 Op. 66 (1909) Dennis Hennig (piano) rec 9 April 1991 ABC ELOQUENCE 465 737-2 [79.27] [RB]

All in all an ideal way to acquire a foothold in Scott's rewarding piano music ... and at Australian Eloquence's bargain price. … see Full Review

Dimitri SHOSTAKOVICH (1906-1975) Symphony No. 4 Philadelphia Orchestra/Myung-Whun Chung Recorded November 1994, Memorial Hall, Philadelphia DG 447 759-2 [60.33] [TB]

Chung does not pass the acid test, that in performance the music sounds as if it could not possibly be performed otherwise. … see Full Review

Dmitri SHOSTAKOVICH (1906-1975) Symphony No 10 in E minor, Op 93 (1953) [47.30] Igor STRAVINSKY (1882-1971) Concerto in D for Violin and Orchestra (1931) [21.44] Wolfgang Schneiderhan (violin) Berlin Philharmonic Orchestra, cond. Karel An erl recorded in the Jesus-Christus-Kirche, Berlin, December 1962, ADD stereo Czech Philharmonic Orchestra, cond. Karel An erl recorded in the Herkulessal, Munich, October 1955, ADD mono DGG Originals 463 666-2 [69.15] [PL]

There’s an overwhelming conviction in An erl’s reading which the rather limited sound quality cannot possibly disguise: it’s truly authentic Shostakovich. … see Full Review

Dmitri SHOSTAKOVICH (1906-1975) Complete Symphonies WDR Symphony Orchestra, Cologne conducted by Rudolf Barshai DDD Stereo Recorded in the Philharmonie, Cologne (recording dates for each symphony above) BRILLIANT CLASSICS 6275[11 CDs]

The primary question any collector will want answered is, "Is this set worth buying?" The answer is a clear and unambiguous, "Yes." As a way to experience one of the greatest symphonic cycles of the 20^th century this has to be an essential purchase at this price. … see Full Review

Jean SIBELIUS (1865-1957) Incidental Music - Belshazzar’s Feast, Op.51, Concert Suite Swanwhite, Op. 54, Concert Suite, Scènes historiques I, Op.25, Concert Suite, Scènes historiques II, Op.66, Suite Norwegian Radio Orchestra/Ari Rasilainen - Recorded at NRK Broadcasting Hall, Oslo, Norway, February 2001 DDD FINLANDIA RECORDS 0927-41935-2 [74.10] [TH]

The great discovery for me was the music for Strindberg’s Swanwhite at times positively Tchaikovskian in its sweep and grandeur, and never sentimental. … see Full Review

Jean SIBELIUS (1865-1957) Symphony No. 2 [44.23] Luonnotar [8.08] Pohjoa's Daughter [12.40] Phyllis Curtin (sop) (in Luonnotar) New York PO/Leonard Bernstein - rec Philharmonic Hall, now Avery Fisher Hall, Lincoln Center, NYC, 16 May 1966 (symphony); 19 Oct 1965 (Luonnotar); Manhattan Center, 1 May 1964 (Pohjola) ADD SONY CLASSICAL SMK 61848 [65.36] [RB]

Sibelius interpretation that is never dull. Time to issue all seven please ... see Full Review

Jean SIBELIUS (1865-1957) Symphony No 5 in E flat major, Op 82 (1919) [32.06] Symphony No 6 in D minor, Op 104 (1923) [24.33] Tapiola, Op 112 (1925) [17.54] Boston Symphony Orchestra, cond. Sir Colin Davis recorded 1975 (Op 82) and 1977 (Op 104/112), ADD PHILIPS CLASSICS 468 198-2 [74.32] Superbudget [PL]

Sixth: string playing sumptuous; the sense of organic growth throughout is compelling. … see Full Review

Bedrich SMETANA (1824 - 1884) Má Vlást (My Fatherland) - Israel Philharmonic Orchestra conducted by Zubin Mehta - Recorded in the Mann Auditorium, Tel Aviv, Israel, 1994 DDD Stereo SONY ESSENTIAL CLASSICS SBK89776 [70:08] [DB]

A well recorded and performed Má Vlást which is too controlled to stand out in a crowded field. … See Full Review

Bedrich SMETANA (1824-1884) Má Vlást (My Fatherland) Vienna Philharmonic Orchestra/Rafael Kubelik - Recorded Vienna 1959 ADD Stereo ELOQUENCE DECCA 458 180-2 [74.51] [DB]

A fine performance but one that calls for more audio tolerance than it should. … see Full Review

Bedrich SMETANA (1824 - 1884) Piano Music Czech Dances, 2^nd series (1879) Six Characteristic Pieces Op. 1 (1848) Jan Novotný, piano Recorded: Domovina Studio, Prague (Czech Dances), 1972; Dvořák Hall, Rudolfinum, Prague (Six Characteristic Pieces), 1980 SUPRAPHON 3070-2 111 [68.55] [NH]

Czech piano music that is both more substantial and more modern than might be expected .….. see Full Review

Louis SPOHR (1784-1859) Complete String Quintets Volume 1 - Quintets Op 33 Nos 1 and 2 Danubius Quartet with Sandor Papp, Second Viola - Recorded February and March 1993 at the Unitarian Church, Budapest NAXOS 8.555965 [68’06] [JW]

There is plenty of room for Spohr - a craftsman of lyric abundance in the chamber literature. … see Full Review

Sir John STAINER The Crucifixion; Come Thou Long-Expected Jesus; I Saw the Lord; Love Divine. Richard Lewis (tenor), Owen Brannigan (bass), Choirs of St. John’s College/King’s College, Cambridge/George Guest/Stephen Cleobury Rec 1961, 1985 ADD DECCA - The British Music Collection - 470379-2 [74’21"] [PS]

Lewis is a genuinely moving narrator. Owen Brannigan’s rich delivery, equally well remembered, has magnificent authority. The choir bring a cathedral-type sound and their singing disarms criticism. … see Full Review

Wilhelm STENHAMMAR (1871-1927) Serenade op.31 - Royal Stockholm Philharmonic Orchestra/Sir Andrew Davis, with Bernt Lysell, violin - Edvard GRIEG (1843-1907) Grieg – Holberg Suite, op.40 - Helsinki Strings/Géza Szilvay - Carl NIELSEN (1865-1931) Nielsen – Little Suite, op.1 Norwegian Radio Orchestra/Ari Rasilainen - Stenhammar - recorded at Stockholm Concert Hall, Sweden, February 1998 - Grieg recorded Roihuvuori Church, Helsinki, Finland, August 1995 - Nielsen recorded Lindemann Hall, Oslo, Norway, February 1995 APEX 0927 43075 [72:19] [GPJ]

Another excellent value disc from Apex, worth having for the wonderful Stenhammar alone. … see Full Review

Johann STRAUSS II (1825-1899). Die Fledermaus (without dialogue). Eisenstein, Julius Patzak (ten), Rosalinde, Hilde Gueden (sop), Alfred, Anton Dermota (ten),. Adele, Wilma Lipp (sop), Orlovsky, Sieglinde Wagner (cont). Chorus of the Vienna State Opera Vienna Philharmonic Orchestra/Clemens Krauss - Recorded in the Musikvereinsaal, Vienna, September 1950. Bargain price. NAXOS Historical 8.110180-81 [2CDs: 44.18+47.05] [RJF]

A pleasing light performance. Krauss conducts with fizz. Gueden is suitably minxish. Patzak is a convincing Eisenstein and Dermota’s Alfred is suitably Italianate. … see Full Review

Josef STRAUSS Josef STRAUSS Edition Vol 22 - Einzugs Marsch; Veterans, Eccentrics, Coincidentals and Flinserin (Sequins) waltzes; polkas Patti, Die Kosende, Lock and Elfen; Rendezvous and Sofien quadrilles. Slovak State Philharmonic Orchestra (Kosice)/ Karl Albert Geyer MARCO POLO 8.223624 [62’26"] [PLS]

Music that is often attractive, charming, enjoyably rhythmic, deliciously witty. … see Full Review

Richard STRAUSS (1864-1949) Elektra (opera) and various arias sung by Astrid Varnay (sop). Elektra, Astrid Varnay (sop). Klytemnestra, Elena Nicolaidi (cont). Chrysothemis, Irene Jessner (sop). Orestes, Herbert Janssen (bar). New York Philharmonic Orchestra. cond. Dimitri Mitropoulos. Live performance given in Carnegie Hall on Christmas Day 1949. Bargain Price. GUILD HISTORICAL IMMORTAL PERFORMANCES SERIES GHCD 2213-2214 [CD1 71.59; CD2 77.48] [RJF]

Strauss lovers shouldn't hesitate to add this version and then, as the examiner might say, compare and contrast. I say also enjoy! … see Full Review

Sir Arthur SULLIVAN The Lost Chord; Onward Christian Soldiers; Overture di Ballo; March and Graceful Dance; Overture, Macbeth; Suite No 1, Victorian and Merrie England; Overture, Marmion; My Dearest Heart; Pineapple Poll Suite. Various soloists, bands and orchestras. Rec 1966-1975? ADD DECCA - THE BRITISH MUSIC COLLECTION 468 810-2 [71’31"] [PLS]

A generally recommendable disc to a cheerful conclusion. … see Full Review

Arthur SULLIVAN (1842-1900) HMS Pinafore - comic opera (1878) D'Oyly Carte Opera Company - New Promenade Orchestra/Isidore Godfrey - Rec 1949 REGIS RRC1088 [71.38] [RW] This recording was taken from LP, which in turn was taken from the last batch of conventionally cut 78-rpm wax masters in the UK.

There would be practically no break between touring and a week in the recording studio so it is amazing that the voices don’t sound tired. … see Full Review

Arthur SULLIVAN The Golden Legend Janice Watson, Jean Rigby, Mark Jeffrey Black, Jonathan Brown London Chorus New London Orchestra cond. Ronald Corp Rec 2001 HYPERION CDA 67280 (2 CDs for price of one) [PS]

Its instrumental writing brings this work to the margin of greatness. The orchestra revel in the score's felicities. … see Full Review

Arthur SULLIVAN (1842-1900) The Pirates of Penzance, comic opera (1879) Trial by Jury, comic operetta (1875) D'Oyly Carte Opera Company New Promenade Orchestra/Isidore Godfrey Rec. 1949 NAXOS 8.110196-97 [2CDs: 113.45] [RW]

Fancourt was a favourite amongst the D’Oyly Carte stars. Not only does he possess a velvety resonant bass tone but also has a relaxed vibrato that is particularly elegant. Martyn Green played the patter role - always a favourite. His voice will help to continue to sell this recording. … see Full Review

Pyotr Ilyich TCHAIKOVSKY (1840-1893) Swan Lake: ballet in four acts, Op 20 (1877) London Symphony Orchestra, cond. Michael Tilson Thomas with Rodney Franks (solo cornet), Alexander Barantschik (solo violin), Douglas Cummings (solo cello) rec 1980s? DDD SONY SB2K89735 [CD1=76.48; CD2=72.16] [PJL]

A shared first prize to Tilson Thomas, the LSO and its excellent soloists, and – the Sony engineers. Enthusiastically recommended. … see Full Review

Pyotr Ilyich TCHAIKOVSKY (1840-1893) The Nutcracker (complete) Philharmonia Orchestra/Michael Tilson Thomas - Recorded circa 1985, DDD SONY ESSENTIAL CLASSICS SB2K89778 [2 CDs: 45.45+40.41] [TH]

The whole performance has a flair and feeling of ‘rightness’ that are very captivating. … see Full Review

Pyotr Ilyich TCHAIKOVSKY (1840-1893) Manfred Symphony (1885) [54.57] Hamlet (1888) [17.28] Vienna Philharmonic Orchestra/Lorin Maazel - rec 1972 (Manfred); 1965 (Hamlet) ADD DECCA ELOQUENCE 466 671-2 [72.46] [RB]

A highly recommended disc. Two Gothically-inclined inspirations delivered at bessemer heat. ... see Full Review

Pyotr Ilyich TCHAIKOVSKY (1840-1893) Symphony No. 4 [41.10] Francesca da Rimini [22.50] London SO/Georg Szell New Philharmonia Orchestra/Lorin Maazel - rec 1971 (Francesca); 1972 (4) DECCA ELOQUENCE 466 668-2 [64.00] [RB]

Do explore, at a risibly negligible price, two resilient classics of the last complete decade of the LP. ... see Full Review

Georg Philipp TELEMANN (1681-1767) Sonate Metodich Sonata in G minor, Sonata in A major, Sonata in E minor, Sonata in D major, Sonata in A minor, Sonata in G major, Sonata in B minor, Sonata in C minor, Sonata in E major, Sonata in B flat major, Sonata in D minor, Sonata in C major Konrad Hünteler, flute - Rainer Zipperling, cello - Carsten Lohff, harpsichord - Rec: March, September 2001, Fürstliche Reicbahn, Bad Arolsen. MD&G 311 1110-2 [2CDs: 126.30] [KM]

While flautists may be interested in this set, I cannot find it very exciting or compelling. The fine recording cannot bring this music to life, unfortunately. … see Full Review

Sigismond THALBERG (1812 - 1871) Piano music Fantasias on Operas by Rossini:- Fantasia on Semiramide, Op. 51 Fantasia on La donna del lago, Op. 40 bis
Fantasia on Il barbiere di Siviglia, Op. 63 Fantasia on Moïse, Op. 33 Francesco Nicolosi, piano Recorded Festetitch Castle, Budapest, March 1992. NAXOS 8.555501 [69:53] [NH]

An interesting and listenable excursion into the world of operatic piano transcription ….. see Full Review

Mikis THEODORAKIS (1925 - ) Choral/Orchestral Sadduzäer-Passion/Passion of the Sadducees (1982) (Cantata for Tenor, Baritone, Bass, Speaker, Choir and Orchestra) Joachim Vogt, tenor - Jürgen Frier, baritone - Hermann Christian Polster, bass - Freidrich Wilhelm Junge, speaker - Rundfunkchoir Berlin - Berliner Sinfonie-Orchester Hans-Peter Frank, conductor - Recorded: Metropol-Theater, Berlin,23^rd February 1983 (during the 9^th Musik-Biennale Berlin) BERLIN CLASSICS 0092082BC [53.17] [NH]

A profound and moving utterance from the a multi-faceted Greek composer. … see Full Review

RECORDINGS OF THE MONTH Swan Flight Veljo TORMIS (b.1930) Ocean; Swan Flight Claude DEBUSSY (1868-1918) La Mer Jean SIBELIUS (1865-1957) Swan of Tuonela Estonian-Finnish Symphony Orchestra/Anu Tali Recorded Estonia Concert Hall, Tallin, Estonia July 200, June 2001 FINLANDIA 8573-89876 [70:41] [GPJ]

A disc to be treasured, and I can’t wait to hear more from this brilliant combination.[GPJ] … see Full Review

In Anu Tali and the Estonian-Finnish Symphony Orchestra we have two newcomers with major international futures ahead of them. [CT]… see see Full Review

Rosa PONSELLE sings VERDI - The 1918-1928 Recordings Ernani: Ernani Involami (Victor) I Vespri Siciliani: Merce, dilette amiche (Columbia) Il Trovatore: Tacea la notte (Columbia) D'Amor sull'ali rosee (Columbia) Miserere (Victor) (with Giovanni Martinelli) Mira d'acerbe lagrime (Columbia) (with Riccardo Stracciari) - La Forza del Destino: La Vergine degli angeli (Victor) (with Ezio Pinza) Pace, pace (Victor) Io muoio....Non imprecare (Victor) (with Martinelli and Pinza) - Aida: Ritorna vincitor (Columbia) O patria mia (Columbia) Pur ti reveggo (Victor) (with Martinelli) La fatal pietra (with Martinelli) - Otello: Piangea cantando (Victor) Ave Maria (Victor) transfer by Ward Marston NAXOS 8.110728 [77:49] [CMG]

Younger and first-time listeners have a treat of incomparable value in store for a fiver. … see Full Review

Giuseppe VERDI Aida - Aida: Mary Curtis-Verna - Radames: Franco Corelli - Amneris: Miriam Pirazzini - Amonasro: Gian Giacomo Guelfi - Ramfis: Giulio Neri - The King: Antonio Zerbini - A Messenger: Athos Cesarini Orchestra & Chorus of Radio Televisione Italiana/Angelo Questa - Rec: Turin, Italy, 18 December 1956 - ADD WARNER FONIT 8573 82642-2 (2 CDs) [c.135.00] [CG]

A typical, which is only to say irresistible, Corelli performance! … see Full Review

Giuseppe VERDI (1813-1901). Falstaff - Complete. Sung in English. Falstaff, Andrew Shore (bar); Alice Ford, Yvonne Kenny (sop); Ford, Ashley Holland (bar); Meg Page, Alice Coote (m. sop); Mistress Quickly, Rebecca de Pont Davies (m. sop); Nannetta, Susan Gritton (sop); Fenton, Barry Banks (ten); Pistol, Clive Bayley (bass); Bardolph, Richard Roberts (ten); Dr. Caius, Stuart Kale (ten). English National Opera Orchestra and Chorus. Cond. Paul Daniel. Recorded 2001. Blackheath Halls, London. Mid price. CHANDOS "Opera in English Series" CHAN 3079 [2CDs: 58.12+67.24] [RJF]

Not the ideal Falstaff but not without merit either. If you want Falstaff in English there is not likely to be another recording! … see Full Review

Richard WAGNER: Carl Schuricht Conducts Prelude to Parsifal Prelude to Tristan und Isolde, Dawn and Siegfried’s Rhine Journey from Götterdämmerung,
Siegfried Idyll, Good Friday Music and Closing Scene from Parsifal Stuttgart Radio Symphony Orchestra of the SWR/Carl Schuricht Recordings made in Stuttgart 1950/1954/1955/1966 remastered by Michael Sandner in 2001 SWR CD 93.019 [74:59] [AAS]

For lovers of Wagner and of the ‘old school’ of conductors, a disc not to be missed. … see Full Review

Sir William WALTON (1902-1983) Symphony No 1 in B flat minor [43.10]* Concerto for Violin and Orchestra in B minor** [27.15] Concerto for Cello and Orchestra*** [29.43] Concerto for Viola and Orchestra in A minor**** [25.46] Sinfonia Concertante for orchestra with piano obbligato (original 1927 version) ***** [18.35] * London Symphony orchestra conducted by Andre Prévin. Recorded in 1966 ** Jascha Heifetz (violin); Philharmonia Orchestra conducted by Sir William Walton. Recorded in 1950 *** Gregor Piatigorsky (cello); Boston Symphony Orchestra conducted by Charles Munch. Recorded in 1957 **** Yuri Bashmet (viola); London Symphony Orchestra conducted by André Previn. Recorded in 1994 ***** Kathryn Stott (piano); Royal Philharmonic Orchestra conducted by Vernon Handley. Recorded in 1989 BMG RCA 74321 92575 2 [144.30] Superbudget ?? [JQ]

All five recorded performances are from the top drawer and in my opinion three are ‘best buys’. The set is an ideal introduction to Walton’s music … see Full Review

William WILLIAMS (?-1701) The Complete Instrumental Music Camerat Köln: Michael Schneider, Sabine Ambos, recorders; Ingeborg Scheerer, Verena Schoneweg, violins; Sabine Bauer, harpsichord and organ; Rainer Zipperling, violoncello and viola da gamba Recorded DLF Köln, Sendesaal, January 2001 CPO 999 813-2 [48:28] [GPJ]

A delightful disc. The music is a revelation - sophisticated, technically adroit, with not only great artistic control and purpose, but also wit and elegance. … see Full Review

Heitor VILLA-LOBOS Chamber and Choral Music Sesteto Místico [7’07"] Two Chôros bis [4’37" 3’55"] Quatuor [8’47" 8’41" 3’55"] Chôros No. 7 [8’54"] Bachianas Brasilieras No. 9 [2’42" 6’48"] Lontano and The BBC Singers Conducted by Odaline de la Martinez Recordings made in St Silas Church, London NW5, 1992 LORELT LNT 102 [56’05"] [PW]

Excellent disc of chamber music that really does deserve to be more widely appreciated. … see Full Review

Antonio VIVALDI (1678-1741) 12 Sonatas for Violin and Continuo Opus 2 Cordaria, Walter Reiter, violin.Rec: May and August, 1998. SIGNUM SIGCD014 [106.34][KM]
You can make a HUGE saving by downloading this disc

An excellent recording of some of Vivaldi's earliest works. Far from being immature works, these sonatas take on a new dimension in this performance. Highly recommended. ...see Full Review

TERFEL sings Richard WAGNER Arias from: Der Fliegende Holländer, Die Meistersinger, Tannhaüser, Parsifal, Die Walküre. Bryn TERFEL (bar) Berlin Philharmoniker/Claudio Abbado. Recorded live in the Philharmonie, Berlin, May and October 2001. Full price DEUTSCHE GRAMMOPHON 431-348 GH [72.00] [RJF]

All Wagnerians, Welshmen, opera lovers, and many others will want to add this disc to their shelves. … see Full Review

Sir Henry WALFORD DAVIES Solemn Melody (2); Jesu Dulcis Memoria; Interlude in C; Fugue in Bb; Memorial Melody in C; Reverie for organ and two voices; Choral for organ. JONGEN: Prelude Elégiaque - Harold DARKE: Choral–Fantasia on Darwall’s 148^{th -} G THALBEN-BALL: Elegy in Bb (2) - C.H.H. PARRY: Choral – Fantasia on the old 100^th Roger Fisher (organ) - Andrew Fuller (cello) - Simon Stiggear (treble) - Michael Wakeham (baritone) - Rec 2000 DUTTON EPOCH CD LX 1708 [67.00?] [PS]

Walford Davies is comparatively little regarded these days. His memory is kept alive by the RAF March Past and Solemn Melody. The disc valuably extends our knowledge of the composer. … see Full Review

William WALTON (1902-1983) Choral Works - Coronation Te Deum (arr. Simon Preston & Mark Blatchly)* A Litany: Drop, drop slow tears - Magnificat and Nunc Dimittis* Where does the uttered music go? - Jubilate Deo* Henry V; ‘Touch her soft lips and part’ (arr. Iain Farrington)* Cantico del Sole - Henry V: Passacaglia "Death of Falstaff" (arr. Farrington)*
The Twelve* Set me as a seal upon thine heart - Antiphon* - Missa Brevis* Choir of St. John’s College, Cambridge directed by Christopher Robinson *Christopher Whitton (organ) - Recorded in the chapel of St. John’s College, Cambridge 10-12 July 2001 NAXOS 8.555793 [66.09] [JQ]

Some very fine music in absolutely top class performances which are accorded recorded sound of comparable excellence. … see Full Review

Philip WILBY (born 1949) Lincoln Windows - Caedmon’s Dream - Prayer of Mannaseh - Goldfinch Carol^a - Sonnet - Wondrous Cross - Evening Liturgy - Three Preludes on English Tunes Choir of Lincoln College, Oxford; Sarah Wilby (flute)^a; Philip Smith (organ); Tom Lydon - Recorded: Exeter College, Oxford, July 2001 GUILD GMCD 7236 [63:22] [HC]

Wilby’s attractive and well-written music is superbly served. … see Full Review

Iannis XENAKIS (1922-2001) Works for large orchestra Volume 1 Aïs for baritone, solo percussion and orchestra (1980) [17.29] Tracées (1987) [5.11] Empreintes (1975) [10.27] Noomena (1974) [12.33] Roáï (1991) [12.35] Spyros Sakkas (baritone), Béatrice Daudin (percussion solo) Luxembourg Philharmonic Orchestra Arturo Tamayo Recorded in Luxembourg Conservatoire, April, 2000 DDD TIMPANI 1C1057 [59.02]
Having been greatly impressed with a number of enterprising Timpani releases recently, I have to say that these two Xenakis discs top the lot; they are issues of real importance, and deserve the widest possible success.
Iannis XENAKIS (1922-2001) Works for large orchestra Volume 2 Jonchaies (1977) [15.51] Shaar (1983) [13.11] Lichens (1983) [16.15] Antikhthon (1971) [17.34] Luxembourg Philharmonic Orchestra
Arturo Tamayo Recorded in Luxembourg Conservatoire, March and April, 2001 DDD TIMPANI 1C1062 [63.14] [TH]
You can make a HUGE saving by downloading these discs

Very highly recommended, especially to those with a sense of adventure, and maybe a strong stomach. … see Full Review

Johann Rudolf ZUMSTEEG (1760-1802) Ballads with piano - "Die Entführung" - "Des Pfarrers Tochter von Taubertheim". Bernd Weikl (baritone). Wolfgang Sawallisch (piano). Recorded Munich 1982 in association with Bavarian Radio. ORFEO C074 02 1 A [46.03] [RJF]

Those interested in the evolution of pre-Schubert lied will find much of interest and enjoyment here. … see Full Review

 

 

 

 

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[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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