Johann SCHELLE (1648-1701) Sacred Concertos and Cantatas - ‘Also hat Gott die Welt geliebet’ [13’57"] - ‘Gott, sei mir gnädig’ [13’40"] - ‘Eructavit cor meum’ [10’44"] - ‘Die auf den Herren hoffen’ [7’26"] - ‘Durch Adams Fall’ [11’43"] - ‘Ah! Quam multa sunt peccata’ [7’41"] - Lobe den Herrn, meine Seele’ [9’52"] - La Capella Ducale - Musica Fiata Directed by Roland Wilson - Recorded in the Funkhaus, Klaus-von-Bismark Saal, Cologne 3-5 August 2001 CPO 999 841-2 [75’44"] [JQ]

Strongly recommended to all collectors of the German baroque but well worth investigation by generalists also. … see Full Review

Alfred SCHNITTKE (1934-1998) Concerto Grosso No.1 (1977) [28’13] Concerto Grosso No.5 (1990-91) [27’35] Quasi una sonata (1987) [21’55] Gidon Kremer (violin), Tatiana Gridenko (violin) Yuri Smirnov (harpsichord, piano and prepared piano) Chamber Orchestra of Europe (Concerto 1 and sonata) Heinrich Schiff and Gidon Kremer (conductors) Vienna Philharmonic Orchestra (Concerto 5) Christoph von Dohnanyi Rec. Kammermusiksaal, Berlin, Sept. 1998 (Concerto 1 and sonata), Grossersaal, Musikverein, Vienna, Nov. 1991 Live (Concerto 5) DDD DG 20/21 ECHO 471 626-2 [77’54] [TH]

A real feeling of being the definitive article. … see Full Review

Franz SCHREKER (1878-1934) Die Gezeichneten (1913-15) - Opera in three acts to a libretto by the composer - Herzog Antoniotto Adorno - Theo Adam (bass-bar); Graf Tamare - Hermann Becht (bar); Podestà - Peter Meven; Carlotta, his daughter - Janis Martin (sop); Alviano Salvago - Kenneth Riegel (ten); Guidobald Usodimare - Heiner Hopfner; Menaldo Negroni - Thomas Moser; Michelotto Cibò - Hans Günter Nöcker; Gonsalvo Fieschi - Franz Wyzner; Julian Pinelli - Boris Carmeli; Paolo Calvi - Tomislav Neralic; Der Capitaneo di giustizia - Theo Adam; Ginevra Scotti - Regina Sgier; Martuccia - Gabriele Schreckenbach; Pietro, en bravo - Heinz Hopfner; Ein Jungling - Thomas Moser; Ein Madchen - Regina Sgier; Erster Senator - Thomas Moser; Zweiter Senator - Hans Günter Nöcker; Dritter Senator - Boris Carmeli; Eine Dienerin - Gabriele Schreckenbach; ORF-Chor, Wien; Arnold-Schönberg-Chor Radio Symphonieorchester Wien/Gerd Albrecht - Salzburg Festspieldokumente - rec. live, 16 Aug 1984, Felsenreitschule, ADD ORFEO C 584 022 1 [2CDs: 141.47] [RB]

Exuberant, euphoric, late-romantic opera. A natural for those already won over by Korngold's operas ... see Full Review

A NAXOS MUSICAL JOURNEY - Franz SCHUBERT (1797-1828) - Quintet in A Major D.667 ‘The Trout’ or ‘Die Forelle’ (1819) - Trio in Eb Major ‘Notturno’ D.897 (1828?) Ensemble Villa Musica/Leonard Hokanson, conductor. No date given for recording or filming. NAXOS DVDI 1026 [50.00] [JF]

Great music that is not enhanced by the somewhat pedestrian film. It would not encourage me to book a holiday in Austria. … see Full Review

Franz SCHUBERT (1797 - 1828) Symphony No. 9 in C, D944, "The Great" (1828) (58.08) Royal Concertgebouw Orchestra Recorded at the Concergebouw, Amsterdam, November 1992 Felix MENDELSSOHN (1890 - 1847) Die Schöne Melusina, Op. 32; Concert Overture (1833) (12.19) Berlin Philharmonic Orchestra Recorded at Philharmonie Hall, Berlin, January 1995 Nikolaus Harnoncourt, conductor WARNER CLASSICS ELATUS 0927-46750-2 [70.37] [PS]

A stunning classic recording, reissued in a sensible pairing. A must have!. … see Full Review

Franz SCHUBERT (1797-1828) Sonata in A, D.959 (1828), Wander-Fantasy, D.760 (1822) Zeynep Ucbasaran (piano) Location: Abravanel Hall, Music Academy of the West, Santa Barbara, California Dates: September 18^th-22^nd, 2002 EROICA JDT 3108 [61’ 37"] [CH]

Finely conceived and very musical performances from an artist who puts herself at the service of the composer. … see Full Review

Robert SCHUMANN (1810-1856) Scenes from Goethe's Faust (1849) Dietrich Fischer-Dieskau (baritone) - Edith Mathis (soprano) - Walter Berry (bass) - Nicolai Gedda (tenor) - Barbara Daniels (soprano) - Kari Lövaas (soprano) - Hanna Schwarz (mezzo-soprano) - Norma Sharp (soprano) - Ilse Gramatzki (mezzo-soprano) - Harald Stamm (bass) - Chor des Städtischen Musikvereins zu Düsseldorf - Tölzer Knabenchor - Düsseldorfer Symphoniker/Bernhard Klee - Rec April 1981, Tonhalle, Düsseldorf EMI CLASSICS 5 75667-2 [2CDs: 68.21, 41.53] [TB]

Gives enormous satisfaction twenty years after it was made. … see Full Review

Robert SCHUMANN (1810-1856) Piano Concerto in A minor - Carnaval Op.9 - Ludwig van BEETHOVEN (1770-1827) Piano Sonata in F minor Op.57 Appassionata * - Piano Sonata in C minor Op.111 - * Solomon (piano) Claudio Arrau (piano) - London Philharmonic Orchestra conducted by George Hurst - Four films made in London and Paris, 1956, 1961, 1963, 1970 - B/W Mono PAL 4:3 EMI CLASSICS DVD DVB 4928389 [1 DVD: 113 mins] [DB]

An essential purchase for lovers of great musicianship and for a unique opportunity to actually see Solomon in action. … see Full Review

Robert SCHUMANN (1810-1856) Symphony No2 in C major, Op.61 (1845-46) [38:21] Joseph HAYDN (1732-1809) Symphony in D major, Hob.I /104 ‘London’ (1795) [27:04] SWR Radio Symphony Orchestra/Roger Norrington. Recorded live 29 Sept - 1 Oct 1999, Liederhalle, Stuttgart. DDD HÄNSSLER CLASSIC CD 93.011 [65:25] [MC]

Generally enjoyable and worthwhile … see Full Review

Ravi SHANKAR In Portrait - Disc One – Ravi Shankar – "Between Two Worlds" - Disc Two – Ravi Shankar – Live in Concert. Raga Anandi Kalyan - Raga Rangeela Piloo Ravi Shankar Sitar, Anoushka Shankar Sitar, Bikram Ghosh, and Tanmoy Bose, Tablas. Recorded July 22^nd 2002 at Union Chapel, London. BBC OPUS ART Double DVD OA 0853 D [JP]

The BBC should be congratulated for this release. … see Full Review

Dmitri SHOSTAKOVICH (1906-75) Symphony no.4 in C minor, op.43 (1936) West German Radio Symphony Orchestra/Rudolf Barshai Recorded April and June 1996, Philharmonie, Cologne REGIS RRC 1103 [62:07][GPJ]

What a work, and what a performance; and it represents unbeatable value for money … see Full Review

Dmitri SHOSTAKOVICH (1906 - 1975) Symphony No.7 in C major, Op. 60 ('Dedicated to the city of Leningrad') (1941) London Shostakovich Orchestra/Christopher Cox - Recorded live at St. Cyprian's Church, London, May 18^th 2002. DUNELM RECORDS DDR1084 [72.29] [NH]

A good, interesting recording of an amateur orchestra giving their all to an ultimately flawed work … see Full Review

Dmitri SHOSTAKOVICH (1906-1975) Piano Concerto No. 1 (1933) [22.06] Piano Concerto No. 2 (1957) [21.09] Twenty-Four Preludes (1932-3) [33.37] Oleg Marshev (piano) Helsingborg SO/Hannu Lintu rec 29 July - 2 Aug 2002, Konserhuset, Helsingborg, Sweden DANACORD DACOCD 601 [76.52] [RB]

Eager, exciting, vivid and cleanly outlined performances ... see Full Review

Dmitri SHOSTAKOVICH (1906-1975) The Fall of Berlin - complete film score (ed. ADRIANO) Op. 82 (1949) [45.34, 16 tracks] The Unforgettable Year 1919 - suite Op. 89a (ed. Levon ATOVMYAN, 1901-1973) (1951) [29.53, 7 tracks] * Ellena Alekseyeva (piano) * Moscow Capella and Youth Chorus/Sergei Krivobokov Moscow SO/Adriano rec. Mosfilm Studios, Moscow, Russia, March 2000 MARCO POLO 8.223897 [75.30] [RB]

If this is not quite essential Shostakovich it makes a self-recommending acquisition for any DSCH student. ... see Full Review

Jean SIBELIUS (1985-1957) Symphony No. 1 (1899) [38.23] - Symphony No. 5 (1918) [30.57] Atlanta SO/Yoel Levi - rec Symphony Hall, Atlanta, Georgia, 1-2 Dc 1989, 17-18 Mar 1990. DDD TELARC CLASSICS CD-80246 [70.05]

Vintage heroic Sibelius from Levi and Atlanta. ... see Full Review

Jean SIBELIUS (1865-1957) Symphony No. 2 (1901) [42.13] Symphony No. 3 (1907) [28.08] Symphony No. 5 (1918) [29.46] Swan of Tuonela (1896) [8.35] Valse Triste (1903) [5.11] Andante Festivo (1922) [4.28] Oslo PO/Mariss Jansons rec. May 1992, Aug 1994, Konserthuset, Oslo. DDD EMI CLASSICS DOUBLE FFORTE 7243 5 75673 2 9 [2 CDs: 60.53+57.57] [RB]

A pleasing issue. Jansons is sympathetic to the Sibelian ethic. A pity that the recorded cycle was never completed. ... see Full Review

Christian SINDING (1856-1941) Symphony No. 1 in D minor Op. 21 (1892) [37.06] - Symphony No. 2 in D major Op. 83 (1904) [32.29] Norwegian Radio Orchestra/Ari Rasilainen - rec NRK Broadcasting Hall, Oslo Norway, Sept 1998 DDD WARNER APEX 0927-48310-2 [70.23] [RB]

Admirably attractive and is given vitality by Rasilainen and his Norwegian orchestra ... see Full Review

Yngve SKÖLD (1899-1992) Symphony No. 2 (1937) [35.32] - Violin Concerto (1941) [30.06] - Tobias Ringborg (violin) Swedish Radio SO/Tuomas Ollila - rec. Berwald Hall, Stockholm, 30 Apr, 2-3 May 2002 (concerto); 17-19 Sept 2002 (symphony) DDD - Musica Sveciae series PHONO SUECIA PSCD 719 [65.38] [RB]

Romantic music of considerable distinction. ... see Full Review

Pablo SOROZÁBAL (1897-1988) Basque Music Collection Vol.VI Euskalerria* (¡Ay, tierra vasca!, 1963); Suite vasca Op.5* (1923); Maite, Eguzki Eder* (1940/56); Gernika* (1966/76); Dos apuntes vascos (1925); Siete lieder** (1929); Variaciones sinfónicas sobre un canto popular (1927) **Maite Arruabarrena (mezzo-soprano)
*Bilbao Choral Society Basque National Orchestra/Christian Mandeal rec. Concert Hall of Basque National Orchestra, San Sebastian, 13-15 June; 2-6 September 2002 CLAVES CD 50-2205 [71'33"]

Sweeps the board in terms of performance, conducting and recording quality … see Full Review

Germaine TAILLEFERRE (1892-1983) Piano Trio (1916-17 – 1978) Calme sans Lenteur (1917) Violin Sonata No 1 (1921) Violin Sonata No 2 (Concerto1936 rev Sonata 1946) Sonatine for Violin and Piano (1946) Berceuse for Violin and Piano (1913) Adagio for Violin and Piano (1924) Pastorale for Violin and Piano (1942) Cristina Ariagno, piano Massimo Marin, violin Manuel Zigante, cello Recorded Camponogara, Venezia, November 2000 TIMPANI IC1063 [69.31] [JW]

Elfin pleasure, touching reserve, a lyricist and romantic, inheritor of Fauré’s gift for melody … see Full Review

Toru TAKEMITSU (1930-1996) A String Around Autumn, for viola and orchestra (1989) - I Hear the Water Dreaming, for flute and orchestra (1987) - A Way a Lone II, for string orchestra (1981) - Riverrun (1984), for piano and orchestra - Sharon Bezaly (flute), Philip Dukes (viola), Noriko Ogawa (piano) BBC National Orchestra of Wales/Tadaaki Otaka - Recorded February, April, June 2002, Brangwyn Hall, Swansea BIS CD-1300 [59.49] [TB]

It is reassuring that in so ephemeral and vulgar a society as ours, music such as this still holds evident value. … see Full Review

Joby TALBOT (b. 1971) "…similarities between diverse things…" for piano trio and vibraphone (2001) Blue cell for saxophone quartet (2001) Minus 1500 for string quartet, vibraphone and bassoon (2001) String Quartet No. 1 (1998) The Dying Swan (suite) for piano trio (2002) 6/11/98 for solo piano (1998) Falling for electric cello (1998) String Quartet No. 2 (2002) The Duke Quartet Apollo Saxophone Quartet Joby Talbot (piano, conductor) Rob Farrer (percussion, vibraphone) Everton Nelson (violin) Jonathan Carney (violin) Natalia Bonner (violin) Joel Hunter (viola) Chris Worsey (cello) Philip Sheppard (cello, electric cello) Lucy Shaw (bass) Joanna Cackett (bassoon) Ivor Talbot (guitar samples) Recorded at Winterbrook Studios, Morphonic Studios and Intimate Studios London, St. Peters Church, Ruthin, February-July 2002 DDD BLACK BOX BBM 1078 [74:37] [CT]

A genuine voice for the new millennium. Played superbly. … see Full Review

 

Sir John TAVENER Fall and Resurrection (2000) Patricia Rozario - Soprano, Michael Chance - counter-tenor, Martyn Hill - psaltis, Stephen Richardson - bass, BBC Singers, Adrian Peacock - voice of God / Christ / Devil St. Paul's Choir/John Scott City of London Sinfonia/Richard Hickox World premiere performance (2000) DDD full price BBC Opus Arte OA0841D [JL]

A typical Tavener event of grand, contrasting dramatic musical gestures spectacularly captured for DVD in its St Paul’s Cathedral setting. … see Full Review

Music for Cello and Piano: Matthew TAYLOR (b.1964) Five Fantasy-Pieces Op. 30 (Composed between March and August, 2002):- 1. Allegretto innocemente [3:42] 2. Misterioso, sotto voce, sempre sostenuto [3:37] 3. Molto vivace [2:09] 4. Liberamente, tranquillo [4:36] 5. Vivo [1:41] Anniversaries and Intermezzi (compiled in this grouping in 1999):- 1. Blumenstück (Flower-Piece) (1995) [3:30] 2. Allegro misterioso (1982, rev. 1999) [1:10] 3. Tango (1998) [1:19] 4. Intermezzo (1993) [3:01] 5. Alla Valse (1999) [2:37] 6. A Belated Birthday Prelude (1999) [3:21] Robert SCHUMANN (1810-1856) Fantasiestücke Op. 73; Jean SIBELIUS (1865-1957) Three Pieces Op. 78. Diane Porteous (cello); Matthew Taylor (piano) Rec. 21 November 2002, St. Cyprian's Church, Glentworth Street, London, NW1 6AX DUNELM RECORDS DRD0196 [50:56] [PLS]

Good to have this sample of Matthew Taylor’s instrumental music, finely played … see Full Review

Peter Ilyich TCHAIKOVSKY (1840 – 1893) Symphony No.4 in F minor Op. 36 (Transcribed by Sergei Taneyev 1856 – 1915) Romeo and Juliet (1880) (transcribed by Nadezhda Purgold 1845 - 1915) Sixteen from Fifty Russian Folk-Songs 12, 47, 19, 23, 13, 42, 17, 34, 32, 48, 10, 18, 33, 31, 27 and 40. Goldstone and Clemmow piano duet. recorded during 2002 in St. John the Baptist Church, Alkborough, North Lincolnshire,. DDD. THE DIVINE ART 25020 [69.03] [JPh]

I did not feel that such a wonderfully orchestrated work as the Fourth Symphony would transfer well to a keyboard instrument. I was to be proved wrong. … see Full Review

Peter Ilyich TCHAIKOVSY (1840 - 1893) The Nutcracker - complete ballet - (1892) Nadja Saidakova, Mary Vladimir Malakhov, Le Prince Casse-Noisette Olivier Matz, Drosselmeyer Beatrice Knop, Reine de Glaces Viara Natcheva, Reine de Neiges Torsten Handler, Dr. Stahlbaum Barbara Schroeder, Frau Stahlbaum Kira Kirillova, Luiza Steffen Neumann, Fritz Corps de Ballet, Deutsche Staatsoper, Berlin Staatskapelle Berlin, conducted by Daniel Barenboim Choreographer and Staging by Patrice Bart, Stage Direction and Costume Designer by Louisa Spinatelli, Direction by Alexandre Tarta, Produced by Francois Duplat. recorded at the Berlin Staastoper, 1999 (DVD). Bonus DVDSwan Lake ARTHAUS 100 118 [118 minutes] [JP]

Nutcracker: A passion and sonority in the playing which I found very arresting. Not to mention the biggest "codpiece" that I have ever seen
Swan Lake An absolutely first rate interpretation … superb value for money … see Full Review

António TEIXEIRA (1707-c1759) Te Deum (1734) [79.44] Lynda Russell and Gillian Fisher (soprano) Catherine Denley and Catherine Wyn-Rogers (alto) William Kendall and Andrew Murgatroyd (tenor) Michael George and Peter Harvey (bass) The Sixteen The Symphony of Harmony and Invention/Harry Christophers Rec. St. Jude on the Hill, Hampstead, London CORO COR16009 [79.44] [PW] Special Offer January £9.99 postage free worldwide

Much to enjoy … see Full Review

Georg Philipp TELEMANN (1681-1767) Concertos for Oboe & Oboe D’Amore - Vol. 1: Concerto for oboe in E flat [11:36] - Concerto for oboe in C minor [7:51] - Concerto for oboe d’amore in G [16:17] - Concerto for oboe in E minor [12:54] - ‘Concerto gratioso’ for oboe in D [10:05] - Concerto for oboe in F minor [8:26] - Vol. 2: Concerto for oboe in D minor [8:40] - Concerto for oboe in F minor [6:58] - Concerto for oboe d’amore in A major [15:41] - Concerto for oboe in C minor [9:24] - Concerto for oboe d’amore in E minor [7:17] - Concerto for oboe d’amore, flute & viola d’amore [18:01] - Compositional dates for the above works not provided. London Harpsichord Ensemble / Sarah Francis director, oboe & oboe d’amore) Graham Mayger (flute) - Elizabeth Watson (viola d’amore) - Vol. 1 recorded at Rosslyn Hill Unitarian Chapel, London, Jan. 1992 DDD - Vol. 2 recorded St. Michael’s Church, Highgate, London, 5-7 Jan. 1993 DDD REGIS RECORDS Vol. 1 RRC 1118 [67:49] REGIS RECORDS Vol. 2 RRC 1119 [66:37] REGIS RECORDS Vol.s 1 & 2, Double CD set RRC 2057 [134:26] [MC]

An attractive and polished recording… See Full Review

Georg Philipp TELEMANN (1681 - 1767) Overture (Suite) in a for recorder & strings, TWV 55 #a2 (1718-1739?) (30.58) - Concerto in F for recorder and strings (13.15) - Concerto in a for recorder, viola da gamba, and strings (14.29) - Concerto in C for recorder and strings (16.48) - Arte dei Suonatori, Aureliusz Golinski, leader. Dan Laurin, recorder; Mark Caudle, viola da gamba - Recorded at Senior Catholic Seminary, Jordanowo-Paradyz, Poland, November 2000 BIS CD-1185 [76.45] [PS]

A worthy addition to the growing list of fine Telemann recordings. If you do not already own this repertoire, you couldn’t do better with it.… see Full Review

Georg Philip TELEMANN (1681-1767) Solos and Trio Sonatas for Recorder Maurice Steger - Recorder Naoki Kitaya - Harpsichord and Direction Hanna Weinmeister - Violin Rainer Zipperling - Cello and Viola da Gamba Briahn Feehan - Theorbo Käthi Gohl - Cello Markus Märkl - Harpsichord Recorded 5-9 June 2001, Alte Kirche, Boswil, Switzerland CLAVES CD 50-2112 [65.08] [RH]

Attractive survey of Telemann's works for Recorder. Something to dip into and enjoy Telemann's endless fund of melodies … see Full Review

Ernest TOCH (1887-1964) String Quartet in C major Op. 26 (1919) [24.24] String Quartet Op. 79 (1949) [26.20] Divertimento for violin and cello Op. 37 No. 1 (1926) [7.01] Divertimento for violin and viola Op. 37 No. 2 (1926) [8.53] Dedication (1948) [3.03] Mendelssohn String Quartet rec 1990? Laurel Studios, Los Angeles, DAD and ADD LAUREL RECORD LR-850CD [69.54] [RB]

Unflinchingly close-up ... flamingly passionate and often torrential. ... see Full Review

Eduard TUBIN (1905-1982) The Symphonies (1931-1973) Toccata (1937) [5.38] Suite from the ballet Kratt (The Goblin) (1961) [23.55] Swedish Radio SO (1,2,3,6,8) Gothenburg SO (7, 9, 10, Toccata) Bergen PO (4) Bamberg SO (5, Kratt) Neeme Järvi (conductor) DDD/AAD 5 CDs for the price of 3 BIS BIS-CD-1402/1404 [5CDs: 63.20+64.01+62.46+65.24+75.49] [RB]

An epic pilgrimage of the spirit ... see Full Review

Mark-Anthony TURNAGE (b.1960) Greek – an opera (1987-88) Libretto by Steven Berkoff from his play of the same title, adapted by Mark-Anthony Turnage and Jonathan Moore Eddy – Quentin Hayes (baritone) Dad/Café Manager/Chief of Police – Richard Stuart (baritone) Wife/Doreen/Waitress/Sphinx 2 – Fiona Kimm (mezzo) Mum/Waitress/Sphinx 1 – Helen Charnock (soprano) The Greek Ensemble/Richard Bernas Recorded in Henry Wood Hall, London, 18-23 November 1992 DDD The British Music Collection series DECCA 473 426-2 [78’23] [TH]

Whether uncomfortable or not this remains essential listening for lovers of contemporary music theatre. … see Full Review

Ralph VAUGHAN WILLIAMS (1872-1958) Choral and Vocal Collection -
CD1 and CD2: Toward the Unknown Region (1906) [12.09] Dona Nobis Pacem (1936) [36.12] Sheila Armstrong (sop) - John Carol Case (bar) - Fantasia (quasi variazione) on the Old 104th Psalm Tune (1949) [14.17] LP Choir, LPO/Boult -
Magnificat (1932) [13.10] Helen Watts (alto) - Ambrosian Singers - Christopher Hyde-Smith (flute) - Orchestra Nova of London/Meredith Davies - Partita for Double String Orchestra (1938-48) [19.30] Concerto Grosso (1950) [17.28] LPO/Boult - Tallis Fantasia (1910) [15.03] Philharmonia/Sargent - Romance in D flat for harmonic with strings and piano (1951) [6.40] Larry Adler (harmonica) - Eric Gritton (piano) - BBCSO/Sargent - The Lark Ascending (1920) [13.21] Jean Pougnet (violin) - LPO/Boult - rec. 1973, 1970, 1975, 1959, 1952. MONO (Romance and Lark). ADD CD3: Five Tudor Portraits (1934-35) [44.53] Elizabeth Bainbridge (alto) - John Carol Case (bar) - Bach Choir - New Philharmonia/Willcocks - Benedicite (1930) [14.12] Heather Harper (sop) - Bach Choir - LSO/Willcocks - Five Variants of 'Dives and Lazarus' (1939) [11.23] Jacques Orchestra/Willcocks - rec. 1968, 1969, 1970, ADD - CD4: Hodie - A Christmas Cantata (1953-54) [59.13] Janet Baker (sop) - Richard Lewis (ten) - John Shirley-Quirk (bar) - Bach Choir - Choristers of Westminster Abbey - LSO/Willcocks - Fantasia on Christmas Carols (1912) [12.13] John Barrow (bar) - Choir of Guildford Cathedral - String Orchestra/Barry Rose - rec. 1965-1966, ADD - CD5: ** Mass in G minor (1921) [24.22] John Eaton (treble) - Nigel Perrin (alto) - Robin Doveton (ten) - David van Asch (bass) - Gerald FINZI (1901-1956) Lo the full final sacrifice (1946) [14.00] John Bowen (ten) - Roland Robertson (bass) - God is Gone Up (1951) [3.54] - Magnificat (1952) [9.22] - Graham Green; Bruce Blyth (trebles) - Arnold BAX (1883-1953) Mater Ora Filium (1921) [10.26] - I sing of a maiden that is Makeless (1923) [3.54] - This worldes Joie (1922) [9.22] - Choir of King'sCollege Cambridge/Willcocks, Stephen Cleobury (Bax, Finzi) rec 1969 (RVW), 1986, ADD, DDD - CD6: An Oxford Elegy (1949) [22.03] John Westbrook (orator) - Jacques Orchestra/Willcocks - Whitsunday Hymn (1929) [3.46] Robin Doveton (ten) - Flos Campi (1925) [19.52] Cecil Aronowitz (viola) - Jacques Orchestra/Willcocks - Sancta Civitas (1925) [31.16] Ian Partridge (ten) - John Shirley-Quirk (bar) - Bach Choir - LSO/Willcocks - Choir of King's College, Cambridge - rec. Jan, July 1968. ADD - CD7: On Wenlock Edge () [20.15] Robert Tear (ten) - Songs of Travel (1901) [22.56] Thomas Allen (bar) - Edward ELGAR (1857-1934) Pleading; Three Songs; Two Songs () [15.43] - George BUTTERWORTH (1885-1918) Love blows as the wind blows (1912) [10.00] - Robert Tear (ten) - City of Birmingham SO/Rattle (RVW); Vernon Handley (Elgar; Butterworth) - rec. 1980, 1984, DDD/ADD - CD8 and CD9: The House of Life (1903) [28.38] - Songs of Travel (1901) [26.22] - John IRELAND (1879-1962) The Land of Lost Content (1920) [11.16] - Ivor GURNEY (1890-1937) Down by the Salley Gardens; An Epitaph; Desire in Spring; Black Stitchel [10.23] - George BUTTERWORTH (1885-1918) Six Songs from 'A Shropshire Lad' (1915) [13.09] - Peter WARLOCK (1894-1930) A Prayer to St Anthony; The Sick Heart; My Own Country; Passing By; Pretty Ring Time. [9.43] Anthony Rolfe Johnson (ten) - David Willison (piano) - rec. 1974-1975, ADD - EMI British Composers Series EMI CLASSICS 7243 5 75795 2 0 [9CDs: 148.50 (2); 71.09; 71.34; 71.29; 77.25; 69.03; 99.46 (2)] [RB]

... see Full Review

Ralph VAUGHAN WILLIAMS (1872-1958) Sir John in Love - opera in four acts (1928) [130.03] - Shallow - Terry Jenkins (ten); Sir Hugh Evans - Rowland Jones (bar); Slender - Bernard Dickerson (ten); Peter Simple - David Johnston (ten); Page - John Noble (bar); Sir John Falstaff - Raimund Herincx (bar);Bardolph - John Winfield (ten); Nym - Mark Rowlinson (bar); Pistol - Richard Van Allan (bass); Anne Page - Wendy Eathorne (sop); Mrs Page - Felicity Palmer (mz); Mrs Ford - Elizabeth Bainbridge (mz);Fenton - Robert Tear (ten); Dr Caius - Gerald English (ten); Rugby - Lawrence Richard (bass); Mrs Quickly - Helen Watts (alto); Host of the Garter - Colin Wheatley (bar); Ford - Robert Lloyd (bass); John - Brian Ethridge (bar); Robert - Stephen Varcoe (bar); John Alldis Choir New Philharmonia Orchestra/Meredith Davies - rec 4-13 July 1974, No. 1 Studio, Abbey Rd, London EMI CLASSICS CDM 5 66123 2 [63.58+66.37] [RB]

Fleshy, bumptious, joyous, bibulous and poignant. ... see Full Review

Ralph VAUGHAN WILLIAMS (1872-1958) Oboe Concerto (1944) [20.05] - Tuba Concerto (1954) [12.50] - Sinfonia Antartica (1949) [39.28] - The Wasps - Overture (1909) [8.37] - Fantasia on Greensleeves (1934) [4.19] - Five Variants of Dives and Lazarus (1939) [12.55] - Edward ELGAR (1857-1934) Introduction and Allegro (1905) [13.22] - Serenade (1888) [12.11] - Cockaigne - In London Town (1900) [14.15] rec variously 1949-1954, Abbey Road and Houldsworth Hall, Manchester, ADD MONO EMI CLASSICS CMS 5 66543 2 [71.44+65.59] [RB]

... see Full Review

BARGAIN OF THE MONTH - Ralph VAUGHAN WILLIAMS (1872-1958) Songs: It was a lover and lass; The Lawyer; The splendour falls; The water mill; Tired; Silent Noon; Searching for lambs; Nocturne; Joy, Shipmate, Joy; Lord, come away!; Come love, Come Lord; Dirge for Fidele - Five Mystical Songs (1909) [17.23] - On Wenlock Edge (1911) [22.35] Anthony Rolfe Johnson (ten) - Simon Keenlyside (bar) - Duke Quartet - Graham Johnson (piano) - rec. 9-11 July 1996, Rosslyn Hill Chapel. London. DDD NAXOS 8.557114 [76.55] [RB]

A masterly collection - quiet consummation indeed! ... see Full Review

RECORDING OF THE MONTH - Ralph VAUGHAN WILLIAMS (1872-1958) The complete symphonies - Boult's 1950s mono cycle - Symphony No. 1 A Sea Symphony (1909) [67,46] - Symphony No. 2 A London Symphony (1913) [43.58] - Symphony No. 3 A Pastoral Symphony (1921) [34.57] - Symphony No. 4 (1931) [33.54] - Symphony No. 5 (1943) [36.34] - Symphony No. 6 (1947) [38.33] - Symphony No. 7 Sinfonia Antartica (1952) [44.53] - Symphony No. 8 (1955) [28.05] - Symphony No. 9 (1956) [34.53] - John Cameron (ten) - Isobel Baillie (sop) - London Philharmonic Choir London Philharmonic Orchestra/Adrian Boult - rec. Jan 1952 - Dec 1956, Kingsway Hall, London: ADD Mono (except 8 and 9 which are stereo); all except 9 recorded in presence of the composer. DECCA - THE BRITISH MUSIC COLLECTION 473 241-2 [5CDs: 67.46+79.30+72.17+74.21+73.22] [RB]

Classic historic recordings. For RVW enthusiasts a classic page in the history of these symphonies ... see Full Review

Ralph VAUGHAN WILLIAMS (1872-1958) The Film Music - volume 1 Scott of the Antarctic - suite (1948) [41.12] Coastal Command - suite (1942) [23.43] The People's Land (1942) [13.17] Merryn Gamba (soprano) Sheffield Philharmonic Chorus BBC Philharmonic Orchestra/Rumon Gamba rec. 12, 21 Mar 2002, Studio 7, New Broadcasting House, Manchester, DDD CHANDOS CHAN 10007 [78.30] [RB]

Another immaculately prepared and executed disc identifying a gap in the catalogue and filling it definitively. ... see Full Review

Giuseppe VERDI (1813 - 1901) Aida (1871) Maria Chiara (soprano) Aida Luciano Pavarotti (tenor) Radames Ghena Dimitrova (mezzo soprano) Amneris Juan Pons (baritone) Amonasro Paata Burchuladze (bass) The King of Egypt Nicolai Ghiaurov (bass) Ramphis Francesca Garbi (soprano) Priestess Ernesto Gavazzi (tenor) Messenger Chorus and Orchestra of the Teatro Alla Scala conducted by Lorin Maazel Stage Direction by Luca Roconi, Set Design Mauro Pagano, Video Direction by Derek Bailey recorded in 1985 at La Scala, Milan (DVD). ARTHAUS 100 058 [160 minutes] [JP]

Musically this production is very impressive, held together with fire and passion by Lorin Maazel … see Full Review

Giuseppe VERDI (1813-1901) La Travíata - Opera in three Acts; Violetta Valéry - Stefania Bonfadelli (soprano); Alfredo Germont - Scott Piper (tenor); Giorgio Germont - Renato Bruson (baritone); Flora Bervoix - Annely Peebo (mezzo-soprano); Annina - Paola Leveroni (soprano); Baron Douphol - Ezio Maria Tisi (baritone); Gastone, Visconte di Letorières - Cristian Ricci (tenor); Marquis d’Obigny - Andrea Snarsky (bass); Dr Grenvil - Gastone Sarti Director and Set Designer: Franco Zeffirelli - Orchestra and Chorus of Fondazione Arturo Toscanini conducted by Plácido Domingo [Special features: Making of "La Traviata", Clips and Interviews] - Recorded at the Teatro Giuseppe Verdi, Busseto, February 2002 TDK DVD Video DV-OPLTR [Opera: 139 mins. Features: 66 mins] [IL]

A feast for the eye … first class performances … see Full Review

Antonio VIVALDI (1678-1741) Concertos for Flute Concerto in D op. 10/3 "Il Gardellino" RV 428 [9:53] Concerto in a minor RV 440 [9:56] Concerto in F op. 10/1 "La Tempesta di Mare" RV 443 [6:45] Concerto in c minor, RV 441 [11:12] Concerto in g minor, op. 10/2 "La notte" RV 439 [9:46] Concerto in G RV 426 [8:47] Peter-Lukas Graf, flute The Württemberg-Heilbronn Chamber Orchestra Jörg Faerber, conductor Recorded at Kreutzkirche, Heilbronn, June 1988. (Reissued 2000) Claves CD 50-8807 [56:30] [KS]

A competent recording, but not a must-have… See full review.

Richard WAGNER (1813 - 1883) Lohengrin - complete (1850); Hans Sotin (bass) - The King of the Germans; Placido Domingo (tenor) - Lohengrin; Jessye Norman (soprano) - Elsa von Brabant; Siegmund Nimsgern (bass) - Telramund; Eva Randova (alto) - Ostrud; Dietrich Fischer-Dieskau (baritone) - The King’s Herald; Konzertvereinigung Wiener Staatsopernchor - Wiener Philharmoniker Sir Georg Solti - recorded in the Sofiensaal, Wien, November – December 1985, June 1986 (DDD) DECCA 470 795-2 [222.46] [JP]

This set wins hands down. … see Full Review

RICHARD WAGNER (1813-1883} Audio extracts from Der Ring des Nibelungen (1853-1874) and The Golden Ring 1965 BBC film on Sir Georg Solti’s recording of Wagner’s Der Ring des Nibelungen Narrated by Humphrey Burton. Features Birgit Nilsson, Wolfgang Windgassen, Gottlob Frick, Dietrich Fischer-Dieskau, and the Vienna State Opera Chorus and the Vienna Philharmonic Orchestra conducted by Sir Georg Solti Das Enhanced sound excerpts from Rheingold, Die Walküre, Siegfried, Götterdämmerung Documentary filmed in Vienna 1965 Ring recordings made in Vienna in 1959, 1963, 1965 and 1966 DECCA DVD 071 153-9 Film [88:00]; Highlights [69:00] [GPJ]

One of the great musical documentaries … a classic … see Full Review

William WALTON (1902-1983) A Walton Collection - 8CDs CD1 Symphony No. 1 (1935) Belshazzar's Feast (1931) Donald Bell (bar) Philharmonia Chorus Philharmonia Orchestra/Walton Rec. 1953, 1959 CD2 Violin Concerto (1939) Viola Concerto (1927) Partita (1957) Yehudi Menuhin (violin, viola) LSO/New Philharmonia/ Philharmonia/Walton Rec. 1970, 1959 CD3 Henry V (1943) The Battle of Britain (1969) Troilus and Cressida - Interlude - Act II (1957) As you Like it (1936) LPO and Choir/Carl Davis Rec. 1987 CD4 Belshazzar's Feast (1931) Portsmouth Point - Overture (1925) Scapino (1941) Improvisations on an Impromptu of Britten (1970) John Shirley-Quirk (bar) LSO and Chorus/Previn Rec. 1972, 1974 CD5 Gloria (1953) Te Deum (1937) Coronation March: Crown Imperial (1937) Coronation March: Orb and Sceptre (1953) Façade Suites 1 and 2 (1927) Barbara Rowbotham (alto) Anthony Rolfe Johnson (ten) Brian Rayner Cook (bar) Choristers Worcester Cathedral CBSO Chorus and CBSO/Louis Frémaux CD6 Richard III - Prelude (arr. Muir Mathieson) (1955) Richard III Suite (1955) Spitfire Prelude and Fugue (1942) Henry V Suite (arr. Muir Mathieson) (1943) Scenes from Henry V (1943) Sir Laurence Olivier Philharmonia Orchestra/Walton Rec. 1946, 1963 CD7 and CD8 The Bear (1967) Façade (1922) The Wise Virgins (1940) ECO/James Lockhart Fenella Fielding/Michael Flanders (reciters) ASMIF/Marriner CBSO/Frémaux CDs 1, 2, 6 are part of EMI’s ‘The Walton Edition’ (with Walton conducting) EMI British Composers series EMI CLASSICS 7243 5 75796 2 9 [8CDs: 78.49 + 3.38+ 50.13+ 68.10+ 67.02+ 75.40+ 48.44+ 56.46] [RB]

A set with many refulgent splendours (and a few misfires) even if you do end up with two Belshazzars. … see Full Review

Richard WERNICK (b 1934) Piano Concerto (1989-90) Violin Concerto (1984) Lambert Orkis (piano) Gregory Fulkerson (violin) Symphony II Conductors; Richard Wernick (Piano Concerto); Larry Rachleff (Violin Concerto) Recorded at Pick-Staiger Concert Hall, Northwestern University, Evanston, Illinois May 1995 (Violin Concerto) and May 1997 (Piano Concerto) BRIDGE 9082 [52.23] [JW]

Creatively tough works in many ways … they journey with intense drama and feeling. … 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-Z]
[Part 6 Misc A-L]  [Part 7 Misc M-Z]

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