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ALPHABETICAL LISTING

Camille SAINT-SAËNS (1835-1921) Symphony no. 3 in C minor op. 78 (rec. April 1959) Jacques IBERT (1890-1962) Escales (rec. October 1956) Vincent D’INDY (1851-1931) Symphonie sur un chant montagnard (Symphonie Cévenole), op.25 (rec. March 1958) César FRANCK (1822-1890) Symphony in D minor (rec. March 1957) Albert ROUSSEL (1869-1937) Bacchus et Ariane – Suite no. 2 (rec. October 1952) Arthur HONEGGER (1892-1955) Symphony no. 5 – "Di Tre Re" (rec. October 1952) Boston Symphony Orchestra/Charles Munch, with Nicole Henriot-Schweitzer (d’Indy) and Berj Zamkochian, organist (Saint-Saëns) Dates as above, location not given (presumably Boston Symphony Hall?) BMG/RCA RED SEAL 74321 987152 [2 CDs: 75:12 + 76:05] [CH]

Thrilling stuff! ... see Full Review

Camille SAINT-SAËNS (1835-1921) Javotte – Complete Ballet (1896) Parysatis: Ballet; (Introduction and Three Scenes) (1902) The Queensland Orchestra/Andrew Mogrelia Recorded at the ABC Studio, Brisbane, Queensland, March 1996 MARCO POLO 8.223612 [67.42] [JW]

Diaphanous and colourful writing ... Mendelssohnian in its lightness and aptness. ... see Full Review

Hermann SCHAFER (b.1927) Fruhe Kammermusik. Sonata No. 2 for violin and piano (1958). Sonata for cello and piano (1951). Piano Trio (1946). Annette Fehrmann (violin), Ingo Zander (cello), Oliver Triendl (piano) No venue or recording dates given. DDD ANTES EDITION BM CD 31.9182 [56.58] [NL]

Antes Edition are to be congratulated for releasing this disc of music by a little known, outside Germany at least, composer ... see Full Review

Xaver SCHARWENKA (1850-1924) Overture (1869) [9.20] Symphony in C minor (1882) [41.21] Andante religioso (1881) [7.36] Gävle Symphony Orchestra/Christopher Fifield Rec. Gävle, Sweden, 20-23 Oct 2003. DDD STERLING CDS-1060-2 [58.22] [RB]

Scharwenka’s Symphony: resolute in character, a slight Russian accent and the regal/pastoral tendencies of Dvořák 5 and 6. Recommended ... see Full Review

Alfred SCHNITTKE (1934-1998) Symphony No.6 (1992) [36’41] Concerto Grosso No.2 (1982) [32’29] Tatiana Grindenko (violin) Alexander Ivashkin (cello) Russian State Symphony Orchestra/Valeri Polyansky Recorded in Mosfilm Studios, Moscow, 24-26 December, 2002 CHANDOS CHAN 10180 [69’22] [TH]

A must for Schnittke fans but the uninitiated be warned, it’s not an easy ride. ... see Full Review

Franz SCHUBERT (1797-1828) Goethe Lieder 3 Wer kauft Liebesgötter D.261, Versunken D.715, Schäfers Klagelied, 2nd setting D.121, Erlkönig D.328, Hoffnung (Schaff, das Tagwerk) D.295, Auf dem See D.543, Mahomets Gesang (fragment), 1st setting D.549, Am Flusse, 1st setting D.160, Am Flusse, 2nd setting D.766, Johanna Sebus D.728 (fragment), An die Entfernte D.765, Sehnsucht D.123, Geheimes D.719, Der Goldschmiedsgesell D.560, Liebhaber in allen Gestalten D.558, Der Musensohn D.764, Der Sänger, 2nd setting D.149, Nachtgesang D.119, Erster Verlust D.226, Trost in Tränen D.120, Jägers Abendlied, 1st setting D.215, Jägers Abendlied, 2nd setting D.368, Tischlied D.234, Willkommen und Abschied D.767
Johannes Kalpers (tenor), Burkhard Kehring (piano) Rec. Südwestrundfunk, Karlsruhe, Germany, 22nd and 23rd October, 7th and 8th November 2002 Deutsche Schubert-Lied Edition 16 NAXOS 8.554667 [71:45] [CH]

Some sensitive singing but also some piercing high notes. Serviceable if you want a mixture of well-known and much rarer Goethe-Lieder by Schubert. ... see Full Review

Franz Peter SCHUBERT (1797-1828) 24 Lieder Great Recordings of the Century Elizabeth Schwarzkopf (soprano) Edwin Fischer (piano, tracks 3-14) Gerald Moore (piano, tracks 1-2; 15-22) Geoffrey Parsons (piano, 23, 24) Recorded at the No. 1 Abbey Road Studio, London 21/5/1948 (tracks 1 , 2), 4-7/10/1952 (tracks 3-14), 9 , 10/1/1954 (tracks 15 , 16), 11/6/1957 (track 17) and 7/12/1962 (track 18). Recorded at the Gemeindehaus, Berlin-Zehlendorf 22-27/8/1965 (tracks 19-22) and 21-29/4/1966 (track 23 , 24) ADD EMI CLASSICS 5 62754 2 [74:17] [MC]

Lieder recitals just don’t get much better than this. Truly a great recording of the century. ... see Full Review

Franz Peter SCHUBERT (1797-1828) Die schöne Müllerin, song cycle (D 795) Richard Edgar-Wilson, tenor; Joanna Leach, square piano (Clementi, 1832) Recorded at Whatley House, Somerset, UK, 1995 DDD ATHENE ATH CD6 [63:55] [JV]

A rather unsatisfying performance of one of Schubert’s most-loved song-cycles… see Full Review

Franz Peter SCHUBERT (1797-1828) Overture in F major, Op. 34, D. 675, Fantasie in F minor, Op. 103, D. 940, German Dance with Two Trios and Two Ländler, D. 618, Variations on an Original Theme, Op. 82/2, D. 968a, Three Marches Héroïques, Op. 27, D. 602 Jeno Jando (piano) Zsuzsa Kollar (piano) Rec. Phoenix Studio, Budapest, from 1-4 April, 1998. DDD Piano Works for Four Hands, Vol. 3 NAXOS 8.554513 [59:23] [MC]

With reasonable sound quality this is for me a fairly average release. ... see Full Review

Franz SCHUBERT (1797-1828) Four Impromptus, D899 Four Impromptus, D935 Elisabeth Leonskaja (piano) Rec. November 1995 (D899), April 1996 (D935), Teldec Studio, Berlin WARNER APEX 2564 61140 2 [70.28] [TB]

Leonskaja is an artist of the front rank and her interpretations have their own validity and abundant strengths. ... see Full Review

Franz SCHUBERT (1797-1928) Piano Sonata No 20 in A major D.959 (1828) Sonata for Arpeggione and Piano in A minor D.821 (1824) Wu Han (Piano) David Finckel (Cello) Rec. American Academy of Arts and Letters, New York, June 2003. DDD ARTISTLED 10401-2 [66:46] [PCW]

This is a most successful disc ... even if you have other versions, it should not be ignored ... see Full Review

Franz SCHUBERT (1797 - 1828) Piano Sonata No. 5 in Ab, D557 (1817) [11.32] Piano Sonata No. 7a in Db, D567 (1817) [21.48] Piano Sonata No. 11 in C, D613/612 (1818) [15.04] Piano Sonata No. 12 in f, D625/505 (1818) [20.45] Gottlieb Wallisch, piano Notes in English and Deutsch. Recorded at Potton Hall, Suffolk, UK, 5 November 2002 NAXOS 8.557189 [69.09] [PSh]

Very fine recordings of these rarely played sonata fragments. If you want genius, too, you have to pay more … see Full Review

Rudolf Serkin (pianist) The Art of Interpretation Franz SCHUBERT (1797-1828) Piano Sonata in A major D959 Four Impromptus D935 Rudolf Serkin (piano) Recorded February 1966 (Sonata) and Guilford, Vermont, January 1979 (Impromptus) SONY CLASSICS 5128732 [79.22] [JW]

Serkin’s vision is remote from my experience; so much the worse for me. My heart lies with Curzon, and with the all too fallible, all too human, Schnabel. ... see Full Review

Rudolf Serkin (pianist) The Art of Interpretation Franz SCHUBERT (1797-1828) Piano Sonata No. 21 in B flat major D960 Piano Sonata No. 15 in C major D840 Reliquie Rudolf Serkin (piano) Recorded in September 1975 in Guilford, Vermont (D960) and in an unspecified location in March 1955 (D840) SONY CLASSICS 5128742 [69.22] [JW]

Despite some rather heavily italicised phrasing, there is something touching, in the deepest sense, in Serkin’s reading ... see Full Review

Dmitri SHOSTAKOVICH (1906-1975) Piano Concerto No. 1 (1933) [21.52] Piano Concerto No. 2 (1957) [17.25] Three Fantastic Dances (1922) [3.00] Preludes and Fugues: Nos 1, 4, 5, 23, 24 (1948) [33.22] Dmitri Shostakovich (piano) Ludovic Vaillant (trumpet) Orchestre National de la Radiodiffusion Française/André Cluytens rec. mono Salle Wagram (concertos), unknown (piano solos), May, Oct 1958, ADD Great Recordings of the Century series EMI CLASSICS 7243 5 62646 2 [76.05] [RB]

This valuable and rewarding release ... like a twin fusillade of vitriol-laced hailstones.
... see Full Review

Dmitri SHOSTAKOVICH (1906-1975) Cello Sonata, Op. 40 (arr. viola Annette BARTHOLDY) (1934) [28’37]. Viola Sonata, Op. 147 (1975) [34’30]. Annette Bartholdy (viola); Julius Drake (piano). Rec. Henry Wood Hall, London, on May 10th-12th, 2001. DDD NAXOS 8.557231 [63’07] [CC]

This is intensely moving music in an intensely moving performance. Required listening. ... see Full Review

BARGAIN OF THE MONTH Jean SIBELIUS (1865 - 1957) The Complete Symphonies:- Kullervo, Op. 7 (1892) (3)(f)† [80.59] Symphony No. 1, Op. 39 (1898-9) (1)(a) [39.34] Symphony No. 2, Op. 43 (1901-2) (1)(c) [46.38] Symphony No. 3, Op. 52 (1904-7) (2)(d) [30.17] Symphony No. 4, Op. 63 (1911) (1)(b) [37.18] Symphony No. 5, Op. 82 (1914-9) (2)(d) [30.17] Symphony No. 6, Op. 104 (1923) (1)(c) [26.05] Symphony No. 7, Op. 105 (1924) (1)(e) [22.51] Other Orchestral Works:- En Saga, Op.9 (1892, rev. 1901) (1)(e) [18.48] Karelia Suite, Op.11 (1893) (3)(h) [15.21] Rakastava, Op. 14 (1893) (1)(e) [14.40] Lemminkäinen Suite, Op. 22 (1893-5) (4)(g) [51.47] Finlandia, Op. 26 (1899-1900) (1)(c) [9.00] Valse Triste, Op. 44 (1904) (1)(c) [6.04] Pohjola’s Daughter, Op. 49 (1906) (4)(g) [15.05] Night Ride and Sunrise, Op. 55 (1907) (3)(h) [17.01] The Bard, Op. 64 (1913-4) (4)(g) [7.57] Tapiola, Op. 122 (1925-6) (2)(d) [18.29] The Oceanides, Op.73 (1914) (3)(h) [10.57] Hillevi Martinpelto (sop.)†, Karl-Magnus Fredriksson (bar.)† London Symphony Chorus† London Symphony Orchestra/Sir Colin Davis Rec. London: (1) Blackheath Concert Halls, (2) Watford Town Hall, (3) Walthamstow Assembly Hall, (4) Watford Colosseum, (a) December 1994, (b) April 1994, (c) 12-13 December 1994, (d) 1-3 December 1992, (e) April/December 1994, (f) November 1996, (g) 17-19 January 2000, (h) 13 February 1998 BMG/RCA RED SEAL 82876-55706-2 [7 CDs: 77.38 + 72.53 + 61.07 + 73.09 + 64.41 + 75.25 + 76.51 = 501'44] [PSe]

Sympathetic recordings and vital performances of revelatory interpretations, over 500 minutes of pure bliss for any lover or learner of Sibelius. ... see Full Review

RECORDING OF THE MONTH Valentin SILVESTROV (b. 1937)Requiem for Larissa (1997/9) National Choir of Ukraine "Dumka"National Symphony Orchestra of Ukraine/Volodymyr Sirenko Recorded: Kiev, Ukraine, 2001 ECM New Series 1778 (472 112-2) [52:32] . [HC]

Most beautiful and deeply felt. Poignant grief expressed with sincerity, honesty and restraint ...A major work ... one of the finest discs I have heard recently. ... see Full Review

Jean Baptiste SINGELÉE (1812-1875) Virtuoso Saxophone Concert Pieces Christian Peters, saxophones Yoriko Ikeya, pianoRec. Fürstliche Reitban Bad Arolsen, on 17-18 and 29 March, 2003 DDD MD&G 603 1229-2 [71:05] [PG]

For the casual lover of romantic-era music, this is merely an oddity. ... see Full Review

Derek STRAHAN (b.1958) Rose of the Bay Lauris Elms (mezzo-soprano) David Miller (piano) Deborah de Graaff (clarinet) Recorded 3-4 December 1987, ABC Studios, Australia REVOLVE RDS-003 [51.51] [RH]

A dramatic new song cycle, set in Sydney, by the Australian composer and writer Derek Strahan, recorded by the work’s dedicatee. ... see Full Review

Derek STRAHAN (b.1935) Voodoo Fire (1995) Alan Vivian (clarinet), Michael Askill (percussion), Susan Powell (piano, synthesiser) Live recording of première performance at the Canberra School of Music, 21st April 1996 Atlantis (1991) Belinda Gough (flute, alto flute), Josephine Allan (piano) Live recording of première performance at Gough’s Master Degree Recital, Joseph Post Auditorium, Sydney Conservatorium of Music Eric GROSS (b.1926) Mandigar III (1995) Paul Hooper (mandolin), Adrian Hooper, Joyce Bootsma (mandolas), Barbara Hooper (guitar) Caroline SZETO (b.1968) Mandolin Dance (1995) Paul Hooper (mandolin) Dulcie HOLLAND (b.1913) Lonely Valley (1994) Paul and Adrian Hooper (mandolins), Joyce Bootsma (mandola), Barbara Hooper (guitar) Colin BRUMBRY (b.1933) Dance of the Shepherds (1995) Paul and Adrian Hooper (mandolins), Joyce Bootsma (mandola), Barbara Hooper (guitar) The mandolin items recorded by ABC Classic FM, 4th April 1996 Robert ALLWORTH (b.1943) Hymn to the Bleeding Host of Santarem, Portugal (1989) Lawrence Bartlett (organ) Recorded at Saint Michael’s, Vaucluse, May 1989 BROAD MUSIC JAD CD 1063 [62:05] [CH}

There are some things worth having on this disc, but as there is such a lot of dross too, I can only leave you to decide if it’s worth it. ... see Full Review

Johann STRAUSS Senior (1804-1849) Es ist nur ein Wien! (Walzer), op.22, Josephstädter-Tänze, op.23, Hietzinger Reunion (Walzer), op.24, Frohsinn im Gebirge (Walzer), op.26, Hirten-Galoppe, op.28, Wettrennen-Galoppe, op.29a, Wilhelm Tell-Galoppe, op.29b, Sperls-Feswalzer, op.30, Des Verfassers beste Laune, op.31, Einzugs-Galopp, op.35, 3 Ungarische Galoppe oder Frischka, op.36, Sperl-Galopp, op.42, Contredanses, Oeuvre 44 Slovak Sinfonietta Žilina/Ernst Märzendorfer Recorded 21-26 June 2002 at the Fatra Concert Hall, Žilina Johann Strauss I Edition: Vol. 3 MARCO POLO 8.225253 [54:14] [MC]

I have nothing but praise for this release and the music of Johann Strauss Senior cannot have been better served on disc. ... see Full Review

Richard STRAUSS (1864 - 1949) Der Liebe der Danae (1943) Jupiter – Franz Grundhever (baritone) Merkur (Mercury) – Hans-Jürgen Schöpflin (tenor) Pollux – Paul McNamara (tenor) Danae – Manuela Uhl (soprano) Xanthe – Cornelia Zach (soprano) Midas – Robert Chafin (tenor) Nephews of Pollux – Daniele Behle (tenor), Martin Fleitmann (tenor), Simon Pauly (baritone), Hans Georg Ahrens (bass) Semele – Susanne Bernhard (soprano) Europa – Cornelia Zach (soprano) Alkmene – Gro Bente Kjellevold (mezzo-soprano) Leda – Katharina Peetz (alto) Kiel Opera Chorus Kiel Philharmonic Orchestra/Ulrich Windfuhr
Recorded live Konzertsall Kieler Schloss, 2, 11 April 2003 CPO 999 967-2 [3 CDs: 44.17 + 46.22 + 73.58] [RH]

A fine but uneven performance of Strauss’s late, flawed work. ... see Full Review

Igor STRAVINSKY (1882-1971) Fireworks, Op. 4 (1908) Witold LUTOSŁAWSKI (1913-1994) Concerto for Orchestra (1954) Basel Sinfonietta/Joel Smirnoff Werner BÄRTSCHI (b. 1950) The Grandeur of the Alps (1989) Thomas KESSLER (b. 1937) Aufbruch* (1990) Basel Sinfonietta; * Electronic Studio of the Basel Music School/Jürg Wyttenbach Rec. 3 September 2000 (Bärtschi, Kessler), 3 April 2001 (Stravinsky, Lutosławski), Stadtcasino, Basel MUSIKSZENE SCHWEIZ MGB CTS-M66 [69.34] [TB]

This enterprising disc features two 20th century classics alongside two uncompromisingly modernist works. Everything is well played and the recorded sound is exemplary ... see Full Review

Piotr Ilyich TCHAIKOVSKY (1840 - 1893) Piano Concerto No. 1 in Bb Op. 23 (1874) [33.18] Piano Concerto No. 3 in Eb, Op. 75 (unfinished) (1893) [16.02] Andante and Finale, Op. 79 (orchestrated 1897 Sergei TANEYEV) (1893) [19.52] Konstantin Scherbakov, piano Russian Philharmonic Orchestra/Dmitry Yablonsky Recorded State TV and Radio Studio 5, Moscow, Russia, 17 March 2003 Notes in English and Deutsch. also available: DVD-Audio 5.110051; SACD 6.110051 NAXOS 8.557257 [69.12] [P Sh]

A very satisfactory recording of the famous Tchaikovsky Concerto No. 1 and a disappointing No. 3 ... see Full Review

Veljo TORMIS (b. 1930) Bridge of Song (1981) Singing Aboard Ship (1983) Bride’s Farewell (1990) Kihnu Island Wedding Songs (1959) Seventeen Estonian Wedding Songs (1993) Three Estonian Game Songs (1995) Four Estonian Lullabies (1989) Estonian Radio Choir/Toomas Kapten Recorded: Merchant Guild Hall, Tallinn, Estonia, January 1994 WARNER APEX 0927-49871-2 [58:29] [HC]

Warmly recommended as the best possible introduction to Tormis’s folk settings. ... see Full Review

Geirr TVEITT (1908-1981) Piano Concerto No.5, Op.156 (1954) Variations on a folk song from Hardanger, for two pianos and orchestra (1938) Nils Mortensen, Sveinung Bjelland (pianos) Stavanger Symphony Orchestra/Ole Kristian Ruud Rec. Stavanger Concert Hall, Norway, August/September 2000 (Concerto) January/February 2001 (Variations) BIS CD 1252 [65’34] [TH]

BIS really is very good indeed, but turning to the Naxos revealed just as satisfying a rendition. I marginally prefer the sharper-focused recorded sound from Naxos. ... see Full Review

RECORDING OF THE MONTH Ralph VAUGHAN WILLIAMS (1872-1958)
The Poisoned Kiss
An opera in three acts. Libretto by Evelyn Sharp and Ralph Vaughan Williams Soloists BBC National Orchestra of Wales/Richard Hickox Rec. Brangwyn Hall, Swansea, 3-6 January 2003 World premiere recording CHANDOS CHAN 10120 [2CDs: 57:56+58:03 = 115:59] [RB]

This set now joins the strong representation of RVW Hickox-conducted operas on Chandos and provides undemanding delight, witty repartee, romantic enchantment - a serenade for a summer’s night ... see Full Review

Giuseppe VERDI (1813-1901) Otello - opera in four acts (plus Act III rehearsals) Otello, Ramon Vinay (tenor); Iago, Giuseppe Valdengo (bar); Desdemona, Herva Nelli (sop); Emilia, Nan Merriman (mezzo); Casio, Virginio Assandri (ten); Roderigo, Leslie Chabay (ten); Montano, Arthur Newman (bass); Lodovico, Nicola Moscona, (bass) NBC Symphony Orchestra. Mixed Chorus/Arturo Toscanini Live broadcast from Studio 8-H Radio City, New York. With audience. Acts I and II on 6th December 1947. Acts III and IV on 13th December. Rehearsals of Act III on 11th and 12th December GUILD HISTORICAL Toscanini Broadcast Legacy Series GHCD 2275-77 [3CDs: 70.01+67.08+68.30] [RJF]

Overall there is clarity, or lack of veiling, that many will welcome. The other added value is to be able to hear Toscanini’s orchestral rehearsal complete with his singing to provide the vocal line ... see Full Review

Heitor Villa-Lobos (1887 - 1959) Symphony No. 7 (1945) [36.02] Sinfonietta No. 1 (1916) [21.19] SWR Radio Orchestra Stuttgart/Carl St. Clair Notes in Deutsch, English, Français. Photo of conductor and composer. Rec. 7 September 1998, Stadthalle, Sindeflingen, Germany CPO 999 713-2 [57.30] [PSh]

Exotic, strange, colourful, yes, but also very satisfying ... see Full Review

Richard WAGNER (1813-1883) Orchestral Music: Die Meistersinger von Nürnberg: Prelude (Act I); Tannhäuser Overture; Lohengrin – Prelude (Act I); Prelude (Act III); Der Fliegende Holländer – Overture; Tristan und Isolde – Prelude and Liebestod Berlin Philharmonic Orchestra/Herbert von Karajan Recorded 22nd September - 1st October and 15th – 19th October 1974 in the Philharmonie, Berlin EMI CLASSICS GREAT RECORDINGS OF THE CENTURY 7243 5 62756 2 1 [77:42] [GPJ]

Every bar in these performances bears testament to Karajan’s burning love for this great music. If you ever feel the urge to buy a Wagner ‘bleeding chunks’ CD, this is undoubtedly THE one. ... see Full Review

Richard WAGNER (1813-1883) Lohengrin - opera in three acts. (plus Melchior arias) Lohengrin, Lauritz Melchior (ten); Elsa, Elisabeth Rethberg (sop); Ortrud, Kerstin Thorburg (mezzo); Friedrich von Telramund, Julius Huehn (bar); King of Germany, Emanuel List (bass); The King’s Herald, Leonard Warren (bar) Orchestra and Chorus of the Metropolitan Opera, New York/Erich Leinsdorf Rec. From Live Broadcast on January 27th 1940 (Lohengrin). Broadcast Recordings 1935-1936 (Melchior) GUILD HISTORICAL IMMORTAL PERFORMANCES SERIES GHCD 2278-2280 [3CDs: 54.30+66.28+70.00] [RJF]

Collectors will need to weigh the merits of Melchior with that of other interpreters on historical and more modern recordings and then decide if investment in this issue will be worthwhile. ... see Full Review

Richard WAGNER (1813-1883) Tristan und Isolde Tristan - Lauritz Melchior (tenor) Isolde - Kirsten Flagstad (soprano) Brangäne - Kerstin Thorborg (contralto) Kurvenal – Julius Huehn (bass) King Marke - Alexander Kipnis (bass) * Melot – George Cehanovsky (baritone) Sailor’s Voice – Anthony Marlowe (tenor) Steersman – Douglas Beattie (bass) Shepherd - Karl Laufkötter (tenor) Chorus and Orchestra of the Metropolitan Opera/Erich Leinsdorf Recorded 23 March 1940, Kipnis * dubbed in from a 1941 performance GUILD GHCD 2266/68 [3 CDs: 79.13 + 71.38 + 66.32 = 217.23] [JW]

The vocal excellence of the cast survives in the acetates with great clarity and immediacy. The Opera House of Our Dreams ... see Full Review

Richard WAGNER (1813 -1883) Der Ring des Nibelungen: Siegfried Siegfried: Jon Fredric West Mime: Heinz Göhrig Der Wanderer: Wolfgang Schöne Alberich: Björn Waag Fafner: Attila Jun Erda: Helene Ranada Brünnhilde: Lisa Gasteen Der Waldvogel: Gabriela Herrera Staatsorchester Stuttgart/Lothar Zagrosek Stage Direction and Dramaturgy: Jossi Wieler, Sergio Morabito Stage and Costume Designer: Anna Viebrock TV and Video Direction: Hans Hulscher Recorded at the Staatsoper Stuttgart, 1st October 2002 and 5th January 2003 EUROARTS TDK 10 5208 9 DV-OPRDNS (2 discs) [221 minutes] [BK]

……. these discs (which are technically excellent) can be recommended to those who are interested in new Wagner productions for their own sakes but would probably not please everyone…see Full Review

William WALTON (1902-1983) Belshazzar's Feast (1931) [34.13] Crown Imperial (1937) [6.45] Orb and Sceptre (1953) [7.20] Christopher Purves (bar) Simon Lindley (organ) Huddersfield Choral Society; Leeds Philharmonic Chorus; Laudibus English Northern Philharmonia/Paul Daniel rec. Town Hall, Leeds, 30 June - 1 July 2001, 7 July, 25 Oct 1996. NAXOS 8.555869 [48.17] [RB]

The Northern British choral and brass traditions standing resplendent. ... see Full Review

William WALTON (1902-1983) Walton Conducts Walton Portsmouth Point Overturea (1924-5) [6’18]. Siestaa(1926) [5’42]. Music for Childrena (1940) [13’18]. Suite – The Questb (1943, arr. Tausky 1961) [13’44]. Sinfonia concertante for Orchestra with Piano Obbligatoc (1926-7, rev. 1943) [19’58]. Scapino, a Comedy Overtureb (1940, rev. 1950) [8’43]. Capriccio Burlescob (1968) [7’25]. aLondon Philharmonic Orchestra, bcLondon Symphony Orchestra/Sir William Walton, with cPeter Katin (piano). No rec. info. ADD LYRITA RECORDED EDITION SRCD224 [75’23] [CC]

It is highly impressive that Lyrita has managed to present so many different sides of Walton within the scope of a single disc. The recording mirrors the excellence of the performances. ... see Full Review

Nigel WESTLAKE (b. 1958) Onomatopoeia Onomatopoeia (1984) ¹ Omphalo Centric Lecture (1984) ² Refractions (1993) ¹ ³ Entomology (1990) ¹ 4 Malachite Glass (1990) ¹ ² ° Tall Tales (1992) ¹ ² * Call of the Wild (1992) ¹ ² Our Mum was a Waterfall (1992) ¹ ª Nigel Westlake, clarinets/saxophones ¹ Michael Askill, percussion ² Australia Ensemble ³ Tall Poppies Ensemble 4 Synergy Percussion ° Attaca* Greg Sheehan, drums ª Recorded at EMI Studio 301, Sydney, Australia (date not given, disc released 1994) TALL POPPIES TP047 [65.10] [NH]

Yet another top class Tall Poppies release, Westlake's music is more immediate than Sculthorpe's but still rewards repeated listening ... 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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