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ALPHABETICAL LISTING

Antonio CALDARA (1670-1736) Musica Sacra Sinfonia: "Morte e sepoltura di Chisto" [5:13] Missa Dolorosa [28:41] Caro mea [4:00] Peccavi [2:52] Ad Dominum [2:14] Exaudi Domine [3:29] Transeunte Domino [3:26] Ego Sum [2:32] Transfige dulcissime [3:23] O Sacrum Convivium [3:49] Danila Aita, soprano Giovanna Aita, soprano Deborah Parodi, soprano Gianlungi Ghiringhelli, alto Filippo Pina Castiglioni, tenor Riccardo Ristori, bass Schola Cantorum S. Stefano Orchestra barocca "Il Cunebti degli Affetti"/Valentino Ermacora Recorded 2000 in Genova, Italy TACTUS TC 670303 [61:31] [KS]

Pass on this one. Wait for the Dutch to do it right! ... see Full Review

Frederic CHOPIN (1810 - 1849) 19 Polish Songs Op. 74 (1830?) Zyczenie (The wish) [1:29] Wiosna (Spring) [2:20] Smutna rzeka (The sad river) [2:58] Hulanka (Merrymaking) [2:21] Gdzielubi... (What she likes) [1:13] Preczz moich oczu... (Out of my sight) [2:50] Posel (The messenger) [2:38] Sliczny chiopiec (Handsome Lad) [2:03] Melodia (Melody) [2:05] Wojak (The warrior) [2:00] Dwojakikoniec (The double end) [1:55] Moja pieszczotka (My darling) [1:50] Nie ma czego trzeba (I want what I have not) [4:18] Pierscien (The ring) [1:13] Narzeczony (The bridegroom) [1: 48] Piosnka Litewska (Lithuanian song) [2:14] Leci liscie z drewa (Leaves are falling - Hymn from the Tomb) [4:33] Czary (Enchantment) [2:58] Dumka (Reverie) [1:11] Elisabeth Söderström, (soprano) Vladimir Ashkenazy, (piano) rec. St. Barnabas, North Finchley, London, May 1984. DDD DECCA ELOQUENCE 476 7469 [44:56] [JPh]

It is good to welcome these lovely works back into circulation. ... see Full Review

Jim COCKEY (b. 1947) Symphony No. 1, ("dedicated to my son, Israel") (1993) [30.34] Boise Philharmonic Orchestra/James Ogle recorded live at Morrison Center, Boise, Idaho, USA, 20 November 1993. Symphony No. 2, "Parmly’s Dream" (2002) [41.07] Jan Kliewer, bar; Anita Rawlinson, sop; Joe Massman, bar; Bob Nell, piano. Joseph Fire Crow, Native American flute, drums, vocals Billings Symphony Chorale/David Barnett. Billings Symphony Orchestra/Uri Barnea recorded live in Alberta Bair Theater, Billings, Montana, USA, 14 September 2002. Notes in English. Photos of artists and composer. English texts. available, including sound samples, from www.jimcockey.com. JIM COCKEY 83707 64242 [71.41] [PSh]

Distinguished, exceptional new symphonies by an American composer. If you love American music, you must hear these. ... see Full Review

James COOK (b. 1963) Organ Symphony Odyssey, (Heaven Taken by Storm) [10:56]; Pneumatologia [6:08]; Proem [3:05]; Ultima (The Four Last Things) [10:15] Suite: Man’s Fourfold State: In Eden [2:46]; In Nature [1:57]; In Grace [1:46]; In Heaven [1:59] Two Voluntaries: A Glimpse of Glory [2:03]; A Glance of Heaven [4:30] Heaven and Hell Epitomised: 2 Sacred Lessons: Calvaries of Love [8:22]; The Everlasting Habitations [8:24]
Myles Hartley, organ rec. Harris Manchester College Chapel, Oxford, 19 November 2004. DDD DIVINE ART 25031 [62:15] [JQ]

A worthy disc and admirers will want to hear it. But I’m a bit disappointed not to have heard more evidence of a truly individual compositional voice. ... see Full Review

Franz DANZI (1752-1821) Bassoon Concerto No. 1 in F major [19:22] Bassoon Concerto No. 2 in F major [17:34] Johann Baptist VANHAL (1739-1813] Concerto for Two Bassoons in F major* [21:57] John Heard (bassoon), Taras Osadchiy (bassoon)* Camerata Kiev/Alexander Ostrowski rec. National Recording Hall, Kiev, 28, 30 June 2004. DDD KLEOS CLASSIC KL5136 [59:21] [GPu]

Good performances of pleasant music, the double concerto by Vanhal being a particularly interesting piece ... see Full Review

Leo DELIBES (1836-1891) Sylvia - ballet in three acts (1876) Opéra National de Paris, Orchestra of Paris National Opera/Paul Connelly rec. Opéra National de Paris, Opéra Bastille, France, March 2005 plus interviews with Director/Choreographer: John Neumeier and Dance Director: Brigitte Lefèvre Code 0 TDK DVWW-BLSVA [136:00] [RW]

By no means perfect but tells the story fairly well with much athleticism and freshness ... at times inspired ... see Full Review

Frederick DELIUS (1862-1934) Piano Concerto in C minor (original version, first recording) (1904) [28:41] John IRELAND (1897-1962) Legend for Piano and Orchestra (1933) [11:38] Piano Concerto in E flat major (1930) [23:52] Piers Lane (piano) Ulster Orchestra/David Lloyd-Jones rec. Ulster Hall, Belfast, 8-9 March 2005 HYPERION CDA67296 [64:24] [IL]

For dedicated Delians, an irresistible chance to hear Delius’s original Piano Concerto ... The Ireland Concerto and Legend can be confidently recommended ... see Full Review

Gaetano DONIZETTI (1797-1848) Marino Faliero, overture (1835) [7:40] Les Martyrs, overture (1840) [9:53] Linda di Chamounix, overture (1842) [7:20] Maria di Rohan, overture (1843) [10:13] Don Pasquale, overture (1843) [6:32] Domenico CIMAROSA (1749-1801) Il Matrimonio Segreto, overture (1792) [6:34]; ‘Udite, tutti udite’ (Geronimo’s aria) [6:28] Il fanatico per gli antichi romani, overture (1777) Saverio MERCADANTE (1795-1870) Sinfonia sopra i motivi dello Stabat mater di Rossini (c.1843) [10:21] Philippe Huttenlocher (bar) Monte-Carlo Opéra Orchestra/Claudio Scimone Chambre de Lausanne Orchestra/Armin Jordan Rec. 1970s. ADD WARNER CLASSICS APEX 2564 62418-2 [73.55] [RW]

A most welcome release of material not previously issued on CD ... see Full Review

Gaetano DONIZETTI (1797-1848) Les Martyrs (1840) Libretto, in French, by Eugène Scribe from Salvatore Cammarano’s Italian libretto for Donizetti’s Poliuto based on the play Polyeucte by Pierre Corneille. First performed at the Paris Opéra, 10 April 1840 Polyeucte, Magistrate of Mtyilene, Ottavio Garaventa (ten); Pauline, his wife, Leyla Gencer (sop); Sévère, The Roman Proconsul, Renato Bruson (bar); Felix, Pauline’s father, Governor of Mytilene, Ferruccio Furlanetto (bass); Callisthenes, High Priest of Jupiter, Francesco Signor (bass); Nérque, leader of the Christians, Oslavio di Credico (bass) Chorus and Orchestra of the Teatro La Fenice Venice/Gianluigi Gelmetti Live performance recorded in mono 24 June 1978. LIVING STAGE. LS 1128 [3 CDs: 70.35 + 59.26 + 58.05] [RF]

This is what Donizetti enthusiasts are likely to be faced with for the foreseeable future. Overall the performance enables a good appreciation of the composer’s considerable achievement and one that should be heard by all lovers of his music.... see Full Review

Marcel DUPRÉ (1886-1971) Poème Héroïque op. 33 (1935) [8'15] Angelus op. 34 No. 2 (1936) [4'29] Vision op. 44 (1947) [17'20] From Seventy-Nine Chorales op. 28 (1931): A mighty fortress is our God [0'46]; All men shall die [1'04]; Jesus my trust [0'38]; My soul doth magnify the Lord [1'00]; In Thee is Joy [0'50]; O how vain, O how fleeting [0'51]; In peace and joy I depart [0'55]; Awake! hear the call of watchmen [0'56]; We all believe in one God [1'54] In Memoriam op. 61 (1965) [28'59]: Prelude [6'00]; Allegretto [3'39]; Meditation [5'25]; Quod Libet [5'27]; Ricercare [3'18]; Postlude [4'35] Ben Van Oosten, organ rec. Princeton University Chapel, June 2005. DDD DABRINGHAUS UND GRIMM MDG 316 1289-2 [68'57][CB]

Van Oosten is, quite simply, the greatest interpreter of the French symphonic school alive today ... but ... see Full Review

RECORDING OF THE MONTH Antonín DVOŘÁK (1841-1904) Slavonic Dances arr. for wind quintet by Guido Schäfer (Allegro scherzando op.46,2 [4:49]; Presto, op.46,8 [4:02]; Allegretto grazioso op.72,2 [5:43]; Allegro vivace (presto) op.72,7 [3:46]) Quartet op.96 in F, arr. for wind quintet by Guido Schäfer [25:41] (Allegro ma non troppo [9:56]; Lento [6:12]; Molto vivace [3:53]; Vivace, ma non troppo [5:25]) Bagatelles op.47, arranged for wind quintet by Volker Grewel (Allegretto scherzando [3:14]; Tempo di minuetto [2:37]; Allegretto scherzando [3:02]; Canon. Andante con moto [3:24]; Poco allegro [4:27]) Ma’a lot Quintet: Stephanie Winker (flute), Christian Wetzel (oboe), Ulf-Gudo Schäfer (clarinet), Volker Grewel (horn), Volker Tessmann (bassoon) rec. 10-12 February 2005, Fürstliche Reitbahn Bad Arolsen. DDD MDG GOLD MDG345 1356-2 [61:19][GPJ]

Exceptionally felicitous ... highly skilled arrangements ... world-class playing from all five members of this stunning group. ... see Full Review

Edward ELGAR (1857 - 1934) Enigma Variations, Op.36 (1899) [32:09] Nursery Suite (1931) [22:53] Chanson de Matin Op.15, No.2 (1901) [3:26] Pomp and Circumstance March No.4, Op.39 (1907) [5:09] Royal Philharmonic Orchestra/Sir Yehudi Menuhin no recording details given; originally issued in part, 1994, Tring International. DDD REGIS RRC 1219 [63.48] [JPh]

Highly recommended, given the performances and the low price but why no In the South? ... see Full Review

Edward ELGAR (1857-1934) Great is the Lord (Psalm 48), Op. 67 (1910) [9.38] Ave Verum Corpus, Op. 2, No. 1 (revised 1902) [2.31] Organ Sonata in G Op. 21 (first movement only) (1895) [8.39] O Salutaris Hostia (1880s) [2.49] Ave Maria, Op. 2, No. 2 (revised 1902) [2.12] Give unto the Lord (Psalm 29), Op. 74 (1914) [8.05] O Salutaris Hostia (1880s) [3.21] Doubt not thy Father’s care (from Lux Christi) (1895) [2.55] Te Deum and Benedictus Op. 34 (1897) [18.10] Choir of St. Paul’s Church, Rock Creek Parish, Washington DC. Neil Watson (organ accompanist) Graham Elliott (director and solo organ) rec. 2, 4-5 March 2005, St. Paul’s, Rock Creek Parish LAMMAS RECORDS LAMM 187D [58.24][RH]

If you love Elgar’s sacred music then think about acquiring this disc as a companion to compare and contrast with the admirable disc from St. John’s College. ... see Full Review

Sir Edward ELGAR (1857-1934) Coronation March, Op. 65 (1911) [10.37] Grania and Diarmid, Op. 42: Funeral March (1901) [10.21] Pomp and Circumstance Marches Op. 39: No. 1 (1901) [6.13]; No. 2 (1901) [5.08]; No. 3 (1904) [5.48]; No. 4 (1907) [5.14]; No. 5 (1930) [6.16] Caractacus, Op. 35: March (1898) [7.06] March of the Mogul Emperors, Op. 66 No. 4 (1912) [3.50] Empire March (1924) [4.17] Polonia, symphonic prelude, Op. 76 (1915) [14.25] New Zealand Symphony Orchestra/James Judd rec. Michael Fowler Centre, Wellington, New Zealand, February 2003 NAXOS 8.557273 [79.16] [SV]

The real interest lies in the non-Pomp and Circumstance pieces ... see Full Review

Eric EWAZEN (b.1954) Concerto for Horn and String Orchestra (2002) [21:44] James A. BECKEL (b.1948) The Glass Bead Game: Concerto for Horn and Orchestra (1997) [21:33] Simon A. SARGON (b.1938) Questings: Concerto for Horn and Chamber Orchestra (1985-1991) [16:51] Gregory Hustis (horn) Dallas Philharmonia/Paul Clifford Phillips Recorded: Dallas, no date given. CRYSTAL RECORDS CD773 [60:25][GPu]

Interesting repertoire which rewards repeated hearings and is well played and recorded ... see Full Review

Joseph EYBLER (1765-1846) Symphony No. 1 in C (1780s) [22:36] Symphony No. 2 in D (1780s) [27:07] Overture [7:04] L’Orchestre de Chambre de Genève/Michael Hofstetter rec. Salle de Musique, La-Chaux-de-Fonds, December 2004. DDD Hybrid SACD with Surround Sound CPO 777 104-2 [57:49] [PCW]

Highly recommendable listening, more worthy of one’s attention than the early symphonies by Mozart currently being sprinkled around to celebrate his anniversary ... see Full Review

Dimitri FAMPAS (1921-1996) Greek dance no.3 "Sousta" [4:18}; Greek dance "Viacha" [3:35]; Greek dance no.1 "Karaguna" [3:23]; Concert Study no 8 [3:15]; Greek Suite - The country of centaurs [2:36], Tsamikos Dance [4:07], Ravines [3:51], Syrtaki Dance [4:04]; Three short romantic Preludes: in D major [0:44], in E major [0:33], in A minor [0:56]; Concert study no. 23 [3:22]; Poem [3:23]; Fantastic Dance [2:55]; Fairy tale [2:07]; Segovia’s Portrait [3:13]; Suite in an Old Style- Prelude, Bourré, Allemande, Aria melancholic, Loure 1 and 2 [11:39] Eva Fampas, guitar. rec. Room S Recording Studios. No date given AULIA AA 69001 [58:39] [ZT]

This brings to mind an observation once made of Alfred Cortot: not always technically perfect but always musically excellent. ... see Full Review

Gabriel FAURÉ (1845-1924) Dans un parfum de roses (Amid the scent of roses) Le Papillon et la fleur; Rêve d'amour; Dans les ruines d'une abbaye; L'aurore; la rançon; Aubade; Ici-bas !; Aurore; Le pays des rêves; Les roses d'Ispahan; Nocturne; La rose; Soir; Le parfum impérissable; Arpège; Mélisande's song; Le plus doux chemin; Vocalise-étude; La chanson d'Ève. Jennifer Smith (soprano); Geraldine McGreevy (soprano); Felicity Lott (soprano); Jean-Paul Fouchécourt (tenor); Stephen Varcoe (baritone); Graham Johnson (piano) recorded on various dates in 2002, 2003, 2004 DDD HYPERION CDA67336 [66:59][AO]

A very well chosen collection which brings insight into the inner world of Fauré's songs. ... see Full Review


Josef Bohuslav FOERSTER (1859-1951)
Eva opera in three acts (1899) [114:50] Eva: Iveta Jirikova (soprano) Manek: Kostyantyn Andreyev (tenor) Mesjanovka (his mother): Denisa Hamarova (mezzo) Samko: Igor Tarasov (baritone) Zuzka: Elizabeth Batton (mezzo) Rubac: Roland Davitt (baritone) Wexford Festival Opera Chorus/Lubomir Matl
Cracow Philharmonic Orchestra/Jaroslav Kyzlink rec. live, Theatre Royal, Wexford, Ireland, 24, 27, 30 October 2004. DDD MARCO POLO 8.225308-09 [74:49 + 39:01] [IB]

An attractive score, well performed, and one of great interest to anyone curious about Czech opera. But try and beg a libretto from somewhere! ... see Full Review

John FOX (b.1924) Voyage of a Lifetime Voyage of a Lifetime [3.36] Jovial Knights Overture [3.05] Joy of Love – Suite [22.11] Safe Grazing [2.21] Earth and Space – Suite [17.10] Society Waltz [3.17] Melodic Panorama [2,20] George GERSHWIN (1898-1937) Love Walked In [4.21]* TRADITIONAL Scarborough Fair (arranged Fox) [4.07] Billy Boy (arranged Fox) [2.25] She Moved the Fair (arranged Fox) [3.53] Danny Boy (arranged Fox) [4.05] Noel COWARD (1899-1973) London Pride (arranged Fox) [5.11] Royal Ballet Sinfonia/Gavin Sutherland Budapest Philharmonic Orchestra/John Fox Leipzig Radio Symphony Orchestra/John Fox John Fox Orchestra (and Singers) /John Fox Recorded 1989-95 CAMPION CAMEO 2050 [78.27] [JW]

Lyrical and superbly crafted music in the great line of British composers in the genre. ... see Full Review

César FRANCK (1822-1890) Symphony in D minor (1886-8) [36.34] Le chasseur maudit* (1883) [14.02] Boston Symphony Orchestra/Charles Munch Symphonic Variations for piano and orchestra+ (1885) [15.06] Leonard Pennario (piano) Boston Pops Orchestra/Arthur Fiedler rec. Symphony Hall, Boston, March 1957, *February 1962, +May 1963 BMG/RCA RED SEAL CLASSIC LIBRARY 82876-65833-2 [65.54] [SV]

At midprice, recommended for the symphony ... see Full Review

César FRANCK (1822-1890) Piano Quintet in F minor* (1878-79) [35.47] Violin Sonata in A major (1886) [28.51] The Schubert Ensemble: Simon Blendis, violin*; Jan Peter Schmolk, violin; Douglas Paterson, viola; Jane Salmon, cello; William Howard, piano* rec. Champs Hill, Pulborough, Sussex, England, 3-5 Oct, 7-8 Nov*, 2003. DDD ASV GOLD GLD 4019 [65.19] [MC]

A fine recording that will appeal to many especially for the excellent performance of the Piano Quintet. ... see Full Review

Georg GERSON (1790-1825) Overture in D major (1812-14) [8:28] Symphony in E flat major (1817) [32:52] Friedrich Ludwig Aemilius KUNZEN (1761-1817) Symphony in G minor (1795) [21:02] Concerto Copenhagen/Lars Ulrik Mortensen rec. Garnisons Kirke, Copenhagen, 17-21 May 2004. DDD CPO 777 085-2 [62:24][RB]

If you are in the market for some delightful and freshly imagined orchestral music in the Mozartian vein then look no further. ... see Full Review

Umberto GIORDANO (1867-1948) Andrea Chénier - Historical dramatic opera in four acts (1896) Libretto by Luigi Illica. First performed La Scala, Milan, 28 March 1896
Andrea Chenier, poet, Placido Domingo (ten); Carlo Gérard, former servant in the Coigny household and also in love with Maddalena, Piero Cappuccilli (bar); Maddalena, in love with Chenier, Gabriella Benacková (sop); La Contessa di Coigny, Czeslawa Slania (mezzo); Madelon, Fedora Barbieri (mezzo); Un Incredible, Heinz Zednik (ten); Fléville, Paul Wolfram (bar) Orchestra and Chorus of the Vienna State Opera/Nello Santi DEUTSCHE GRAMMOPHON DVD VIDEO 000440 073 4070 GH [139:00] [RF]

This performance is outstanding in respect of the principals and indeed several of the minor parts ... see Full Review

Alexander GLAZUNOV (1865-1936) The Complete Solo Piano Music, Volume 1: Suite on the name SASCHA, Op. 2 (1883) [16'01]; Three Miniatures, Op. 42 (1893) [9'02]; Valse de salon, Op. 43 (1893) [6'56]; Grande valse de concert, Op. 41 (1891) [8'03]; Waltzes on the theme SABELA, Op. 23 (1890-1893) [3'17]; Petite valse (1892) [2'53]; Piano Sonata No. 1 in B flat minor, Op. 74 (1900) [23'42]; Stephen Coombs (piano). rec. Rosslyn Hill Unitarian Chapel, Hampstead, London, 16-17 October 1994. DDD HYPERION HELIOS CDH55221 [71'01][CC]

A tremendous disc. The fertility of Glazunov's imagination never fails to astound me, and by the end of the disc Stephen Coombs' take on this composer had completely won me around, too. ... see Full Review

Morton GOULD (1913-1996) Jekyll and Hyde Variations (1957) [21:20] Fall River Legend (1948) [52:28] James F. Neal (narrator) Nashville Symphony Orchestra/Kenneth Schermerhorn Recorded at Ingram Hall, Nashville, Tennessee, USA, 5-6 December 2004. DDD NAXOS 8.559242 [73:48][PG]

A very good album of works that are not “old chestnuts”. Well worth your listening time. ... see Full Review

Edvard GRIEG (1843-1907) Piano Concerto in A Op. 16 (1868) [30.07]Robert SCHUMANN (1810-1856) Piano Concerto in a Op. 54 (1841-45) [31.55] Henry LITOLFF (1818-1891) Concerto Symphonique No. 4 in D minor Op.102 (1852) – Scherzo [7.21] Joyce Hatto (piano) National Philharmonic-Symphony Orchestra/René Köhler rec. Concert Artist Studios, Cambridge, March 1997 (Schumann and Litolff) and February 1999 (Grieg) CONCERT ARTIST/FIDELIO RECORDINGS CACD 9089-2 [69.51] [JW]

When prosaic pianistic chops were handed out Joyce Hatto was not around. ... see Full Review

George Frideric HANDEL (1685 – 1759) Concerti Grossi Op. 3 (1734) Concerti Grossi Op. 6 (1739) Haydn and Handel Society/Christopher Hogwood Recorded March 1988 (Op. 3), March/May 1991 (Op. 6.), Methuen Memorial Hall, Boston, Massachusetts. DDD AVIE AV2065 [3 CDs: 72.34 + 76.12 + 69.14] [RH]

I enjoyed these performances immensely ... they provide a nice contrast to my existing favourites. It is enterprising of Avie to rescue them from Decca’s vaults. ... see Full Review

George Frideric HANDEL (1685-1759) Agrippina opera in three acts (1709) [154:00] Claudio: Gunter von Kannen (bass) Agrippina: Barbara Daniels (soprano) Nerone: David Kuebler (tenor) Poppea: Janice Hall (soprano) Ottone: Claudio Nicolai (baritone) Pallante: Ulrich Hielscher (baritone) Narciso: Eberhard Katz (tenor) Lesbo: Carlos Feller (baritone) Chorus of the Oper der Stadt Koln London Baroque/Arnold Ostman Directed and adapted by Michael Hampe Stage Design by Mauro Pagano Directed for TV by Thomas Olofsson A stage production of the Oper der Stadt Koln rec. live, Rokotheater Schwetzingen, Germany, 1-4 May 1985. EUROARTS 2054538 [154:00][KS]

I enjoyed viewing Agrippina rather than just listening to it. Just bear in mind this isn’t quite as Handel originally envisaged. ... see Full Review

Joseph HAYDN (1732-1809) Symphonies: No.1 in D [13:46], No.2 in C [09:35], No.3 in G [16:43], No.4 in D [13:46], No.5 in A [17:47] Sinfonia Finlandia/Pattrick Gallois rec. 26-28 May 2004, Suolahti Hall, Finland NAXOS 8.557571 [71:38] [CH]

If you only have late Haydn symphonies in your collection and have the idea that anything below about no.50 is not worth your consideration, spend a few pounds on this and you’ll get quite a surprise. ... see Full Review

Franz Joseph HAYDN (1732-1809) Symphony No. 80 in D. Minor* (1783/4) [23:12] Symphony No. 87 in A* (1785) [24:35] Symphony No. 89 in F* (1787) [21:07] Symphony No. 83 in G minor** (1785) [22:49] Symphony No. 84 in E flat** (1786) [22:46] Symphony No. 88 in G** (?1787) [20:19] London Mozart Players/Jane Glover rec.* St. Peter’s Church, Morden, 18-19 July 1988; ** St. Peter’s Church, Morden, January 1989 SANCTUARY RSB 203 [69:42 + 67:01] [GPu]

Enjoyable performances of marvellous music, if not the very best recordings to be had … see Full Review

Franz Joseph HAYDN (1732-1809) Trios Haydn Trio Eisenstadt: Harald Kosik (piano), Verena Stourzh (violin), Hannes Gradwohl (cello) Recorded Haydnsaal, Schloss Esterházy, Eisenstadt: (a) November 1998; (b) April 2002; (c) April 2003; (d) April 2004 CAPRICCIO 49 489 [72:21 + 73:24 + 79:04 + 79:41] [GPu]

Treasure trove! Intelligent, affectionate and subtle performances of marvellous music – and at a bargain price ... see Full Review

Johann Nepomuk HUMMEL (1778-1837) Piano Quartet in G major, Op. posth. (published 1839) (01. I. Andante cantabile [05:32]; 02. II. Allegro con spirito [11:45]) Micaela Comberti, violin; Jane Rogers, viola; Pal Banda, cello; Susan Alexander-Max, fortepiano Piano Trio in G major, Op. 35 (1811) (03. I. Allegro con brio [07:39]; 04. II. Tempo di Menuetto [03:38]; 05. III. Rondo: Vivace e scherzando [03:55]} Micaela Comberti, violin; Pal Banda, cello; Susan Alexander-Max, fortepiano Cello Sonata in A major, Op. 104 (1826) (06. I. Allegro amabile e grazioso [11:13]; 07. II. Romanza: Un poco Adagio e con espressione [05:48]; 08. III. Rondo: Allegro vivace un poco [06:24]) Pal Banda, cello; Susan Alexander-Max, fortepiano Piano Trio in F major, Op. 22 (1807) (09. I. Allegro moderato [05:26]; 10. II. Andante con Variazioni [04:14]; 11. III. Rondo: Alla Turca: Vivace [03:45]) Simon Standage, violin; Pal Banda, cello; Susan Alexander-Max, fortepiano rec. Weston Parish Church, Weston, Hertfordshire, June 2002 and March 2003 NAXOS 8.557694 [69.22] [JW]

Spirited and lyrical, though not invariably convincing, this is another feather in the Naxos Hummel cap. ... see Full Review

Akira IFUKUBE (b. 1914) Sinfonia Tapkaara (1954, rev. 1979) [25:57] Ritmica Ostinata for piano and orchestra* (1961, rev. 1972) [21:33] Symphonic Fantasia No.1 (1983) [13:15] Ekaterina Saranceva (piano)* Russian Philharmonic Orchestra/Dmitry Yablonsky Rec. 3-12 May 2005, Studio 5 of the Russian State TV & Radio Company KULTURA, Moscow. NAXOS 8.557587 [60:45] [DC]

Will bring a smile every time, but the more I listen the more I find my ear teased by an unstoppably fertile creative mind ... see Full Review

Charles IVES (1874-1954) A Song – For Anything - Songs by Charles Ives Feldeinsamkeit (1897) The Things Our Fathers Loved (1917) Memories: (A) Very Pleasant; (B) Rather Sad (1897) The Housatonic at Stockbridge (1921) Swimmers (1921) The Cage (1906) The Greatest Man (1921) General William Booth Enters into Heaven (1914) Remembrance (1921) Berceuse (1903) West London (1921) Tom Sails Away (1917) When the Stars are in the Quiet Skies (1891) Weil’ auf mir (1902) Ich grolle nicht (1898) Du alte Mutter (1900) Where the Eagle (1900) Walking (1902) Yellow Leaves (1923) The Side Show (1921) Élégie (1901) The New River (1921) Like a Sick Eagle (1920) Ann Street (1921) Slugging a Vampire (1902) Thoreau (1915) Serenity (1919) Tolerance (c.1906) Charlie Rutlage (after 1920) ‘1, 2, 3’ (1921) A Song – For Anything (1892) Gerald Finley (baritone) Julius Drake (piano) rec. 10-12 November 2004, All Saints Church, East Finchley, London. DDD HYPERION CDA67516 [70:30] [SM]

I enthusiastically recommend it to all who are interested in Charles Ives or art song in general. ... see Full Review

Gabriel JACKSON (b. 1962) Edinburgh Mass (2001) [13:35] O Sacrum Convivium (1990) [6:35] Creator of the Stars of Night (2000) [4:16] Ane Sang of the Birth of Christ (2002) [4:13] A Prayer of King Henry VI (2002) [2:54] Preces (2003) [1:11] Psalm 112: Laudate Pueri (2004) [9:49] Magnificat (Truro Service) (2001) [4:16] Nunc Dimittis (Truro Service) (2001) [2:16] Responses (2003) [5:32] Salve Regina (2000) [5:41] Dismissal (2003) [0:28] St Asaph Toccata (2003) [8:34] Michael Bonaventure (organ, Psalm 112, Toccata) Susan Hamilton (soprano, Psalm 112) Simon Nieminski (organ, Creator, Ane Sang) The Choir of St Mary’s Episcopal Cathedral, Edinburgh/Matthew Owens Rec. St Mary’s Episcopal Cathedral, Edinburgh, 23-24 Feb, 21 Dec 2004, 4 Jan 2005. DDD DELPHIAN DCD34027 [70:22] [DC]

Those who love sounds which can trace their ancestry back through Howells, Purcell, Elizabethan and even Medieval work will be refreshed and fortified by the music on this disc. ... see Full Review

Elizabeth-Claude JACQUET DE LA GUERRE (c.1665-1729) Suites Nos: 1 in D minor (1687) [24:26]; 2 in G minor (1687) [19:09]; 3 in A minor (1687) [21:36]; 4 in F major (1687) [18:55]; No. 5 in D minor (1707) [43:29]; No. 6 in G major (1707) [15:14] Elizabeth Farr, harpsichord. Recorded Orum Hall, Valparaiso, USA, 3-6 August 2004. DDD NAXOS 8.557654-55 [65:11 + 77:39][GPu]

Convincingly idiomatic and thoroughly enjoyable performances which should appeal to all who love the French harpsichord tradition ... see Full Review

RECORDING OF THE MONTH André JOLIVET (1905-1974) Piano Music: Volume 1 Cosmogonie (1938) [10:19]; Sarabande sur le nom d’Erik Satie (1925) [3:57]; Mana (1934) [13:03]; Etude sur les modes antiques (1944) [3:43]; Deux mouvements (1930) [15:50]; Romance barbare (1920) [3:39]; From Bom Bo (1935) [1:16]; Tango (1927) [3:10]; Algeria – Tango (1934) [2:19]; El viejo camello (1935) [1:37]; Danses pour Zizou (1934) [1:01]; Madia (1935) [0:54]; Sidi Ya Ya (1934) [6:54] Pascal Gallet (piano) rec. Salle Jeanne d’Albret, St-Germain en Laye, June 2003 MAGUELONE MAG 111.136 [68:58] André JOLIVET (1905-1974) Piano Music: Volume 2 Danses rituelles (1939) [28:21]; Trois temps (1930) [7:40]; Deuxième sonate (1957) [18:36]; Berceuse dans un hamac (1951) [2:18]; Danse caraïbe (1963) [0:20]; Danse roumaine (1949) [1:31]; Chansons naïves (1951) [15:23] Pascal Gallet (piano) rec. Salle Jeanne d’Albret, St-Germain en Laye, September 2004 MAGUELONE MAG 111.137 [70:16][HC]

An absolute must for all the Jolivet admirers but many other will derive much pleasure from the shorter, more accessible pieces before facing the demanding, but ultimately rewarding challenges of the bigger works. ... see Full Review

Jouni KAIPAINEN (b. 1956) Horn Concerto, Op. 61 (2000-2001) [27:53] (Allegro maestoso - Cadenza [10:06]; 2. Larghetto [11:01]; 3. Vivace [6:47]) Cello Concerto No. 1, Op. 65 (2002) [36:44] (Andante febbrile; possibilmente rubato - Allegro con brio [17:38]; Largo - Cadenza attacca [13:20]; Allegretto [5:47]) Esa Tapani (horn) Marko Ylönen, (cello) Finnish Radio Symphony Orchestra/Hannu Lintu rec. House of Culture, Helsinki, 3-4 Jan 2005 (Horn); 5, 7 Jan 2005 (Cello). DDD ONDINE ODE 1062-2 [64:48] [RB]

Two grippingly unruly and imaginative concertos stunningly recorded and annotated ... see Full Review

Sigfrid KARG-ELERT (1877-1933) Symphonic Chorale “Ach bleib mit deiner Gnade” op 87 No 1 (1911) [7’11] Völlige Hingabe op 66 No 1 (1906) [3’35] Sphärenmusik op 66 No 2 [5’48] Ich steh an deiner Krippe hier op 66 no 3 [3’50] Sanctus op 48B No 1 (1908) [3’43] Pastorale op 48B No 2 [8’40] Abendstern op 98 No 1 (c1914) [4’39] Nun Danket alle Gott op 65 no 59 (1909) [4’03] Vom Himmel hoch op 65 no 10 [2’53] Vom Himmel hoch op 78 no 20 (1912) [3’55] Symphonic Chorale “Nun ruhen alle Wälder op 87 No 3 (1911) [15’48] Rupert Gough, organ Rachel Gough, violin Natalie Clifton-Griffith, soprano rec. Downside Abbey, 4, 6 April 2005. DDD LAMMAS LAMM 186D [64’55][CB]

This recording of Karg-Elert’s so-called Symphonic Canzonas is a triumph for all concerned. ... see Full Review

Jozef KOFFLER (1896-1943/4) Piano Works: Volume One Musique Quasi una Sonata, Op. 8 [8:39] Sonatina Op. 12 Mojej zonie [8:04] Forty Polish Folksongs [34:57] Elzbieta Sternlicht (piano) rec. 4-7 January 2005, Ballhaus Naunynstrasse, Berlin. DDD ACTE PRÉALABLE APO 122 [52:08] [DB]

An unknown proponent of 12 tone music in able and well-recorded performances. ... see Full Review

Jozef KOFFLER (1896-1943/4) Piano Works: Volume Two Musique de Ballet, Op. 7 [9:41] Quinze Variations d’après une suite de douze sons Op. 9 [9:08] Four Pieces for Children [3:36] Variations sur une valse de Johann Strauss, Op. 23 [15:34] Chanson slave [2:09] Elzbieta Sternlicht (Piano) rec. 4-7 January 2005 at Ballhaus Naunynstrasse, Berlin ACTE PREALABLE APO 123 [40:30] [DB]

A well-recorded performances of music by an under-appreciated composer. ... see Full Review

Leopold KOZELUCH (1747-1818) Piano Concerto in D major [30.43] Wolfgang Amadeus MOZART (1756-1791) Piano Concerto No.21 in C major K467 (1785) [28.45] Felicja Blumental (piano) The Mozarteum Orchestra of Salzburg/Leopold Hager, recorded 1970 (Kozeluch) Prague New Chamber Orchestra/Alberto Zedda, recorded 1968 (Mozart) BRANA BR0027 [59.27][JW]

It’s for the Kozeluch that this is most interesting though really this is another disc very much for Blumental’s admirers. ... see Full Review

Max KUHN (1896-1994) Instrumental Music and Songs Introduktion und Allegro für Oboe und Klavier [8:28] Shiffern und Kapitänen von Albert Ehrismann 6 Lieder für Alto (oder Bariton) und Klavier [13:58] Gedicht aus der Chinesischen Flöte von Hans Bethge [4:33] Nachdichtungen der Lieder des Hafis, Hans Bethge [2:20] Gedicht von R. G. Binding [2:16] Text von A. Ehrismann [2:25] Suite für Oboe Solo [8:25] 3 Préludes für Klavier [5:53] Drei Klavierstücke [7:42] John Anderson (oboe) Jeanette Ager (mezzo) Sophia Rahman (piano) rec. 12-13 June 2004, St Paul’s Boys’ School, Hammersmith, London. DDD GUILD GMCD 7284 [57:42][ABi]

Overall a valuable introduction to Kuhn and his music ... see Full Review

Elodie LAUTEN (b. 1950) Variations on the Orange Cycle (1991) [39:04] Crossroads, aka Variations in Search of a Theme (2004) [12:42] Sonate Ordinaire (1986) [23:28] Elodie Lauten, piano Recorded 1991, 2004, 1987, New York. 4TAY 4031 [75:14][KS]

Would find a favorably disposed audience amongst the coffee house set if generously seasoned with some poetry readings and good coffee. I wish that I could find more to praise in this disc ... see Full Review

Ernesto LECUONA (1895 – 1963) Suite Andalucia (1927) (Córdoba; Andalucia; Alhambra; Gitanerias; Guadalquivir; Malagueña); Ante el Escorial; Vals apasionado; Vals romántico; Canción de luna; Siempre en mi corazón; Ernestina LECUONA (b. 1882) No lo dudes; Cierra, cierra los ojos; Ernesto LECUONA María la O; Danzas Afro-Cubanas (La conga de media noche; Danza negra; ¡Y la negra bailaba!; Danza le los ñáñigos; Danza Lucumi; La comparsa Clélia Iruzun (piano) Recorded at the Hurstwood Farm Studios. No recording dates given. LORELT LNT 119 [71:03] [GF]

A disc that I have already played for pleasure several times ... see Full Review

Jean Xavier Lefèvre (1763-1829) Concerto for Clarinet and Orchestra No. 4, in B flat major (c. 1797) [25:52] Concerto for Clarinet and Orchestra No. 3, in E flat major (c. 1797) [19:19] Concerto for Clarinet and Orchestra No. 6, in B flat major (c. 1803) [18:39] Eduard Brunner (clarinet) Münchener Kammerorchester/Reinhard Goebel rec. Bavaria Musikstudio, Munich, 24-26 April 2001. DDD TUDOR 7098 [63:09] [GPu]

These concertos are historically important and, more importantly, sensitively played on this very enjoyable CD ... see Full Review

Franz LEHÁR (1870 – 1948) Highlights (in French) Le Tsarévitch (Der Zarewitsch) (1927) [8:34] Introduction; Chanson de la Volga; Un beau rêve; Giuditta (1934) [13:39] Oh, signora, oh signora; Sur mes lèvres; Oh, ma belle étoile; Frédérique (Friederike) (1928) [10:20] Overture; Chantez, oiseaux; Quatuor des étudiants; Duo de la belle Alsacienne; Ah, pourquoi m’as-tu pris mon coeur?; Le Comte de Luxembourg (Der Graf von Luxemburg) (1909) [25:12] Entrée du comte; Entrée de Suzanne; Duo Suzanne – Fernand; Suzanne; Duo Basil – Juliette; Duo Suzanne – Fernand; Romance de Suzanne et Brissard; Duo Suzanne – Fernand; Finale; La danse de libellules (Libellentanz) (1922) [12:26] Lina Dachary, Anita Ammersfeld (sopranos), Remi Corazza, Alain Vanzo, Henri Legay (tenors), Aimé Doniat, André Dran (baritones) Chorus and Orchestre Lyrique of the ORTF/Adolphe Sibert rec. studios, ORTF, Radio France, Paris, 1966 (La danse des libellules), 1970 and 1980 (Giuditta) and 1971 NAXOS 8.111010 [70:11] [GF]

Lehár excerpts - live recordings and enthusiastic performances, occasionally over-sentimental but generally lively and high-spirited ... see Full Review

Ulrich LEYENDECKER (b. 1946) Symphony No. 3 (1990/91) [29:24] Violin Concerto (1995) [28:19] Roland Greutter (violin) North German Radio Symphony Orchestra/Johannes Kalitze rec. 4 November 1994 (Symphony No. 3) and 2 February 1996 (Violin Concerto), NDR Studio, Hamburg, Germany. DDD NAXOS 8.557427 [57:43][ABi]

Leyendecker is more concerned with the relation between form and orchestration and the importance of overall structure in the music. ... see Full Review

Edvard LIEBER (20th century) Music to PaintingsTwenty-four De Kooning Preludes, based on paintings by Willem de Kooning (1978) [21.22]Small Decoy, based on the painting Small Decoy by Marcelo Bonevardi (1979) [3.24] * Prelude to Jackson Pollock’s "Autumn Rhythm" (1977) [1.00] Homage to Franz Kline, based on the late paintings of Franz Kline (1977) [3.10] Sea Wall, based on the painting Sea Wall by Edvins Strautmanis (1979) [2.20] Bacchus, based on the 1976-79 Bacchus paintings by Elaine de Kooning (1979) [3.07] Tomb of Hasegawa, based on the late paintings by Saburo Hasegawa (1979) [9.53] + Edvard Lieber (piano, * prepared piano, + electronically altered piano) + Unnamed chorus and Shoko Tanaka (speaker) rec. 24 August 1983, Recital Hall, State University of New York, Purchase, NY. ADD. LABOR LAB 7020-2 [44.33] [ED]

Merits investigation by those with a serious and dedicated interest in visual and/or musical thought. ... see Full Review

Hans Christian LUMBYE (1810-1874) Festival at Tivoli Champagne Galop (1845) [2:19] Dronning Louise (1869) [5:36] Købehavns Jernbane Damp Galop (1847) [4:07] Concert Polka for To Violiner (1863) [4:55] Mon Salut à St. Pétersbourg (1848) [3:09] Petersborgerinden [2:30] Drømmebilleder (1846) [9:47] Poloniase med Cornet Solo [4:15] Britta Polka (1864) [2:37] Finale Galop af balletten "Napoli" (1842) [4:35] Columbine Polka Mazurka (1862) [4:29] Salut for August Bournonville [1:56] Amélie Vals (1849) [10:45] Finale Galop af balletten "Livjægerne på Amager" (1871) [3:31] Petersborg Champagne Galop (1850) [2:52] Danish National Symphony Orchestra/Gennady Rozhdestvensky rec. Danish Radio Concert Hall, Copenhagen, February 1993, DDD CHANDOS CHAN 10354 X [68:27] [PCW]

A most worthwhile reissue of charm-laden music which should cheer you up on a cold winter’s day ... 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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