ALPHABETICAL LISTING

 

 

Innovations: Music by Camilleri, Stravinsky and Bartok Charles CAMILLERI (b. 1931) Concerto for Two Pianos and Percussion (2005) [20.59] Igor STRAVINSKY (1882-1971) The Rite of Spring (1912-13 revised 1947) Reduction for piano duet by the composer. [34.18] Bela BARTOK (1881-1945) Sonata for Two Pianos and Percussion (1937) [26.51] Kathryn Page; Murray McLachlan (piano) Heather Corbett; Stephen Burke (percussion) rec. Whiteley Hall, Manchester, 1 Sept 2005, 28 Jan 2006. DDD Stereo DUNELM RECORDS DRDO258. [2 CDs: 82.11] [DHJ]

A thought provoking and rewarding issue. ... see Full Review

Giacomo CARISSIMI (1605-1674) Motetti e Sacri Concerti Ensemble Il Cantar Novo: Cristina Curti, Francesca Cassarini (soprano), Cristina Calzolari (contralto), Giovanni Cantarini (tenor), Alberto Salarelli (bass), Cecilia Amadori (cello), Elena Dalla Casa (organ)/Pietro Ceccarelli rec. October 2004, Abbazia di Santa Maria Annunziata Nuova di Scolca, S. Fortunato di Rimini, Italy. DDD TACTUS 602801 [62:13] [JV]

An interesting recording of Carissimi's motets and sacred concertos which have been largely neglected, but it can hardly be recommended due to technical deficiencies and a rather unsatisfying interpretation ... see Full Review

(Maria) Luigi (Carlo Zanobi Salvadore) CHERUBINI (1760-1842) Les Abencerages - opera in three acts (1813) [126:43] Noraime: Margherita Rinaldi (soprano) Almanzor: Francisco Ortiz (tenor) Gonzalve de Cordouz: Jean Dupouy (tenor) Alamir: Andrea Snarski (bass) Kaled: Ermanno Lorenzi (tenor) Alemar: Jacques Mars (bass) Abderame: Mario Machi (bass) Octair: Carlo Schreiber (bass) Egilone: Carmen Lavani (soprano) 1st Troubadour: Angelo Degli Innocenti (tenor) 1st Coriphee: Vittorina Magnaghi (soprano) 2nd Coriphee: Maria del Fante (mezzo) Le Herault d’Aermes: Carlo Schreiber (bass) Female solo voices: Carmen Lavani, Maria del Fante, Vittoria Magnaghi Coro RAI di Milano/Mino Bordignon Orchestra Sinfonica RAI di Milano/Peter Maag Rec: live, RAI studios Milan, 15 January 1975 ARTS ARCHIVES 43066-2 [57:05 + 69:38] [IB]

The 1975 radio sound is well transferred; warm but with detail preserved. In short, if it appeals, take the plunge! ... see Full Review

Frederick CHOPIN (1810-1849) Sonata No.3 in B minor, Op.58 (1844) 24 Preludes, Op.28 (1839) Ann Schein (Piano) rec. November 2004, New York MSR CLASSICS MS 1119 [71:21] [JL]

Two major works of Chopin are given highly competent renderings by Ann Schein, but compared with notable Chopin players’ performances available on recordings, her playing lacks personality. ... see Full Review

RECORDING OF THE MONTH George CRUMB (b. 1929) Songs, Drones, and Refrains of Death (1962-68) [29:04]: Refrain One [1:25]; I The Guitar / Death Drone I [4:20]; Refrain Two [0:52]; II Casida of the Dark Doves [4:15]; Refrain Three [1:06]; Death-Drone II [1:49]; III Song of the Rider, 1860 [1:56]; Cadenza Apassionata for two drummers [1:32]; Refrain Four [1:05]; IV Casida of the Boy Wounded by the Water [2:09]; Death Drone III [8:36] Quest (1994) [25:41] Refrain I [1:08]; I Dark Paths [5:07]; II Fugitive Sounds [2:09]; Refrain 2 [0:42]; III Forgotten Sounds [4:22]; IV Fugitive Sounds [1:06]; Refrain 3 [1:04]; V Nocturnal [10:04] Nicholas Isherwood (baritone); Alexander Swete (guitar/amplified guitar); Franzisco Obieta (double bass/amplified double bass); Carmen Erb (percussion); Peter Degenhardt (piano/harpsichord); Hugo Read (soprano saxophone); Silke Aichorn (harp). Ensemble New Art/Fuat Kent rec. Radiostudio Zurich, 12-15 June 2004 NAXOS 8.559290 [54:45] [JWi]

A mesmerising and beautiful effect, with a glistening resonance of sound. Not entirely straightforward to grasp but grows on the listener with repetition. Quite fascinating. ... see Full Review

Nick DAVIS Candescence Forever More [4:32] Flight to Freedom [4:03] La Mamselle [4:12] In My Heart [4:27] Yearning [4:20] A Lover’s Lament [3:58] Return of the Brave [4:03] Sojourn [4:54] Lullaby for Madeline [3:19] The Fallen [5:46] Sampled instruments from the East West Quantum Leap Symphonic Orchestra (gold edition) and East West PM1 Bösendorfer 290 Piano Library; Dan Carney (violin) rec. July 2005-February 2006. ND 009 [44:06] [GPu]

An enjoyable disc of popular neo-classical music, crafted from sampling software and well worth hearing … see Full Review

Adam DE LA HALLE (13^th century) Le jeu de Robin et de Marion (circa 1280) [74.26] (English translation by Rosemary Pitts and Anthony Pitts) Adam il Bochus/Pilgrim/Narrator - John Crook (voices) Aubert li Chevaliers/Sir Albert - Alexander Hicker (tenor) Baudons/Baldwin - Richard Eteson (tenor, coconuts) Gautiers li Testus/Walter the Mule - Francis Brett (bass) Huars/Howard - Joanna Forbes (soprano) Marion - Kathryn Oswald (alto) Peronelle - Rebecca Hickey (soprano) Robin - Alexander L’Estrange (counter-tenor, tambourine) Rogaus/Roger - Antony Pitts (Bagpipe Drone, Billingsgate Trumpet, Cowhorns, Portative Organ, Tambourine) Tonus Peregrinus: Mary Remnant (Bells, Drum, Fiddle, Gittern/Citole, Harp, Pipe and Tabor, Rebec, Shawm, Symphony, Whitecastle Pipe)/Antony Pitts and Joanna Forbes rec. 22-23 September, 3 October 2003, Sedgwick Park, West Sussex; 28 September 2004, Finchcocks, Goudhurst, Kent NAXOS 8.557337 [74.26] [RH]

Very much a mixed bag, but certainly a worthwhile attempt. ... see Full Review

Gaetano DONIZETTI (1797-1848) Songs: Amore e morte [2:28]; Ah, rammenta, o bella Irene [4:34]; Una lagrima [3:52]; La mère et l’enfant [5:14]; Amor marinro [2:03]; È morta [5:26]; Su l:onda tremola [2:58]; L:amor funesto [4:56]; Giuro d:amore [2:44]; Il sospiro [3:14]; La ninna-nanna [7:34]; Le crépuscule [2:57]; La lontananza [2:00]; L’amor mio [2:37]; La sultana [5:54]; Il pescatore [8:33] Dennis O'Neill (tenor); Ingrid Surgenor (piano). rec. St Silas Church, St Silas Place, London, 24-26 February 1997. NAXOS 8.557780 [67:04][CC]

This is a simply gorgeous selection of songs. Donizetti's craftsmanship is never, ever in doubt; neither is the devotion of the O'Neill/Surgenor partnership. ... see Full Review

RECORDING OF THE MONTH Paul DUKAS (1865-1935) Piano Sonata in E flat minor (1900) [45:13] Abel DECAUX (1869-1943) Clairs de lune (1900-1907) [19:40]. Marc-André Hamelin (piano). rec. Henry Wood Hall, London, 26-27 August 2004 (Dukas), 15 December 2005 (Decaux). DDD HYPERION CDA67513 [64:59] [CC]

This has to be one of my ‘Records of the Year 2006’. Simply stunning. ... see Full Review

RECORDING OF THE MONTH Cello Classics Old and New Antonín DVOŘÁK (1841-1904) Cello Concerto in B minor, Op. 104 (1894-95) [37.44] Augusta Read THOMAS (b. 1964) Ritual Incantation for cello and chamber orchestra, (1999) [13.25] David Finckel (cello) Taipei Symphony Orchestra/Felix Chiu-Sen Chen rec. October 2003, ChungShan Hall, Taipei, Taiwan. DDD ARTISTLED [51.10] [MC]

Finckel performs one of the finest accounts of the Dvořák Cello Concerto ever recorded. I urge you to hear it. ... see Full Review

Bechara EL-KHOURY (b.1957) Danse pour orchestre, Danse des Aigles, Op. 9 (1980) [2:26] Image symphonique, Les Dieux de la terre, Op.26 (1982) [9:50] Suite symphonique, La nuit et le fou, Op.29 (1982) [13:10] Requiem pour orchestre, Op.18 (1980) [20:15] Poème symphonique, No.1, Le Liban en flammes, Op.14 (1980) [20:31] Poème pour orchestre, Le Regard du Christ, Op.2 (1979) [10:27] Orchestre Colonne/Pierre Dervaux rec. L’Église Notre-Dame du Liban, Paris, September-October 1983 NAXOS 8.557691 [76:35] [GPu]

Some weaknesses, but this contains much striking and distinctive music by a composer who deserves to be better known in Britain … see Full Review

Hans-Ola ERICSSON (b.1958) The Four Beasts´ Amen. Mass for organ and electronics based on texts by Olov Hartman (1999-2000) [47:08] Melody to the Memory of a Lost Friend XIII, for organ and electronics (1985) [9:57] Canzon del Principe. An intabulation on an intabulation for organ and electronics (Don Carlo Gesualdo) (2002) [4:59] from Höga Visan (Song of Songs), a church opera Flügeltüren, for organ, percussion and electronics (2002, rev. 2004) Vocalise, for high soprano and organ (2004) Anders Hannus (sound direction/electronics); Susanne Rydén (soprano); Tommy Björk (percussion); Hans-Ola Ericsson (organ) rec. August 2004 Őrgryte New Church, Sweden (Four Beasts’ Amen), January 2005 Luleå Cathedral, Sweden (Melody & Vocalise Flügeltüren), August 2004 Norrfjärden Church, Sweden (Flügeltüren) BIS SACD-1486 [79'49]  [DC]

Wow! … Aaaaah! ... see Full Review

Gabriel FAURÉ (1845-1924) Requiem, Op 48 (1891) [33.59] (arr. M. Wager) Maurice DURUFLÉ (1902-1986) Requiem, Op 9 (1947) [39.01] Swedish Radio choir/Fredrik Malmberg Miah Persson (sop); Malena Ernman, (mezzo); Olle Persson, (bar); Mattias Wager, (organ) rec. DSD, Hedvig Eleonoro Church, Stockholm, Sweden, April 2004. Hybrid SACD. CD tracks, 2.0 stereo. SACD tracks 2.0 stereo and 5.0 surround. Notes in English, Deutsch, Français. Latin texts with English translations. Photos of artists. BIS SACD-1206 [73.54] [PSh]

Beautiful, intimate versions of these works with outstanding contributions by baritone soloist Olle Persson. ... see Full Review

Gerald FINZI (1901-1956) Intimations of Immortality op. 29 (1949-50) [38:58] For Saint Cecilia op. 30 (1947) [16:37] James Gilchrist (tenor) Bournemouth Symphony Chorus/Greg Beardsell Bournemouth Symphony Orchestra/David Hill rec. The Concert Hall, The Lighthouse, Poole, 4-5 June 2005. DDD NAXOS 8.557863 [55:35] [JW]

I’d rate this Intimations well enough but there are rather too many little problems that tend to drag it down a touch and as for St Cecilia it receives a stirring, chest swelling interpretation, with crisp brass and alert percussion to the fore. ... see Full Review

RECORDING OF THE MONTH Nicolas FLAGELLO (1928-1994) Piano Concerto No. 1 (1950) [28:48] Dante's Farewell (1962) (orch. Anthony Sbordini) [13:43] Concerto Sinfonico for saxophone quartet and orchestra (1985) [22:53] Tatjana Rankovich (piano) Susan Gonzalez (soprano) National Radio Symphony Orchestra of Ukraine/John McLaughlin Williams New Hudson Saxophone Quartet Rutgers Symphony Orchestra/Kynan Johns rec. Large Concert Studio, National Radio Company of Ukraine (Kiev), 22-26 June 2005; Mason Gross Performing Arts Center, Rutgers University, New Jersey, USA, 6 November 2004. DDD NAXOS 8.559296 [65:28] [RB]

You will know by now whether this is for you. It merits a wholehearted endorsement. ... see Full Review

Wolfgang FORTNER (1907-1987) Concerto for violin and large chamber orchestra  (1947) [22.24] Ludwig van BEETHOVEN (1770-1827) Violin Concerto in D minor Op.61  (1806) [43.20] Gerhard Taschner (violin) Berlin Philharmonic Orchestra/ Wilhelm Furtwängler (Fortner); Georg Solti (Beethoven) rec. Titania-Palast, Berlin 1949 (Fortner), Gemeindesaal, Berlin 1952 (Beethoven) MUSIKPRODUKTION DABRINGHAUS UND GRIMM MDG 642 1113-2 [66.01] [JW]

Taschner devotees will not hesitate and Furtwängler admirers may not have caught the Fortner in its previous appearances … a valuable disc. ... see Full Review

Benjamin FRANKEL (1906-1973) Curse of the Werewolf (1959) [34:22] So Long at the Fair (1950) [6:21] The Net - Love Theme (1953) [3:05] The Prisoner (1955) [30:35] Royal Liverpool Philharmonic Orchestra/Carl Davis rec. Philharmonic Hall, Liverpool, 26^-27 July 2005. DDD NAXOS FILM MUSIC CLASSICS 8.557850 [74:40][JF]

A great CD. Enjoy the movie images if this is your ‘bag’ – or listen to it as ‘absolute music’ if you do not want to associate this wonderful music with hairy hands, sharp incisors and thumbscrews. ... see Full Review

Luis de FREITAS BRANCO (1890-1955) Violin Concerto (1916) [31.52] Joly Braga SANTOS (1924-1988) Crossroads (Ballet) (1968) [16.22] Divertimento No.1 (1960) [20.41] Alexandre da Costa (violin) Orquestra Sinfónica de Extremadura/Jesús Amigo rec. Palacio de Congresos y Exposociones de Merida, October 2004 VMS 158 [69.28] [JW]

A courageous and enjoyable release. ... see Full Review

Mauro GIULIANI (1781-1828) Opere per Voce e Chitarra Sei Cavatine, op. 39 (soprano-chitarra): Par di giubilo [1:16]; Confuso smarrito [1:41];Alle mie tante lagrime [3:21]; Ah! non dir che non t’adoro [2:12]; Ch’io senta amor per femmine [2:36]; Già presso al termine [3:11] Valzer, op.57 (chitarra): No 1, La Minore [2:52]; No.7, La maggiore [2:01]; No. 4, Sol maggiore [2:10]. Sei Lieder op. 89 (soprano-chitarra): Abschied [2:44]; Lied Aus Der Ferne [3:58]; Abschied [4:56]; Lied [2:21] Ständchen [2:34]; An Das Schicksal [2:59] Valzer, op. 57 (chitarra) No. 6, Mi maggiore [3:47]; No 5, Do maggiore [2:14]; No 10, Do maggiore [2:29]; No 12, Do maggiore [2:16]. Arietta, op.95 (soprano-chitarra): Ombre amene [2:20]; Fra tutte le pene [2:01]; Quando sarà quel di [1:31]; Le dimore amor non ama [2:43]; Ad altro laccio [1:58]; Di due bell anime [2:45]. Cristina Curti (soprano); Aldo Vianello (guitar) rec. no information provided. TACTUS TC 780702 [64:56] [ZT]

Great historical interest but comparatively low in sheer musical pleasure. … see Full Review

Mikhail GLINKA (1804-1857) Ivan Susanin (A Life for the Tsar) (1836) Libretto by Sergei Gorodetsky (sung in Russian) Ivan Susanin - Maxim Mikhailov (bass) Antonida, his daughter - Natalia Spiller (soprano) Vanya - Yelizaveta Antonova (mezzo) Bogdan Sobinin - Georgi Nelepp (tenor) A Russian soldier - Alexander Hosson (bass) A Polish messenger - Ivan Skobtsov (tenor) Sigismund - Fyodor Svetlanov (bass) Chorus and Orchestra of the Bolshoi Theatre/Alexander Melik-Pashayev/Vassily Nebolsin (Epilogue) (conductors) Recorded in Moscow in 1947 and the Epilogue in 1950 Appendix – Extracts and selections from Acts III and IV Act III duet Duet Kak mat’ ubili I N Sokolova and Mark Reizen, recorded in 1950 Act III Romance Nye o tom Antonina Nezhdanova, recorded 1913 Act IV Brattsi! V metyel’ Helge Rosvaenge (in German) recorded 1940 – this tenor aria was omitted from the 1947 recording Act IV Aria Bednyikon’ v polye pal Evgeniya Zbruyeva, recorded in 1913 Aria Chuyut pravdu! Feodor Chaliapin, recorded in 1923 NAXOS 8.111078-80 [3 CDs: 73.21 + 49.41 + 79.49][JW]

Many will relish the opportunity to hear this post-War set and the ancillary material as well. ... see Full Review

Philip GRANGE (b. 1956) Darkness Visible: Cimmerian Nocturne (1978) [16.30]; Lament of the Bow (2000) [17.19]; Variations (1986) [23.17] Gemini/Ian Mitchell rec. Cosmo Rodewald Concert Hall, Manchester University, 4-5 December 2004; 11 June 2005 MÉTIER MSV CD 92083 [57.06] [GH]

Sometimes tough music but this comes with a highly recommended stamp for anyone patient enough to listen to fine performances of good contemporary music. ... see Full Review

Edvard GRIEG (1843-1907) Music for String Orchestra Holberg Suite, op.40 [18:35]: (Präludium: Allegro vivace; Sarabande: Andante; Gavotte: Allegretto – Musette poco piu mosso; Air: Andante religioso; Rigaudon: Allegro con brio – poco meno mosso) Two Elegiac Melodies, op.34 No.1: Våren (Last Spring) [4:21] Two Melodies, op.53 [7:25]: (No.1: Norsk (Norwegian); No.2: Det første Møde (The First Meeting)) Two Lyric Pieces, op.68 [3:07]: (No.2: Bådnlåt (At the Cradle)) Two Elegiac Melodies, op.34 [3:18]: (No.2: Hjertesår (The Wounded Heart)) Two Nordic Melodies, op.63 [10:51]: (No.1: Folketonestil (In Folk Style); No.2a: Kulokk (Cow Call); No.2b: Stabbelåten (Peasant Dance)) Peer Gynt, op.46 No.1b: Åses dod (The Death of Åse) [4:20] Oslo Camerata/Stephan Barratt-Due rec. Lommerdalen Church, Oslo, Norway, 25-28 August 2005 NAXOS 8.557890 [51:58] [GPJ]

A veritable smorgasbord of simply scrumptious music! ... see Full Review

George Frideric HANDEL (1685–1759) Recorder Sonata in C Major; Recorder Sonata in A minor; Recorder Sonata in G minor; Recorder Sonata in B flat major; Recorder Sonata in F major; Recorder Sonata in D minor (1724-26/1730) Harpsichord Suite No. 7 in G minor (1720) Alan Davis (recorder) David Ponsford (harpsichord) rec. St. Andrew’s Church, Toddington, Gloucestershire, 30-31 May 2000 GUILD GMCD7301 [78.51] [RH]

This is a very enjoyable disc ... see Full Review

George Frideric HANDEL (1685-1759) Concerti Grossi, Op. 3 (1734) [58.00] Northern Sinfonia of England/George Malcolm rec. 1978. ADD ASV RESONANCE CD RSN 3065 [58.00] [RH]

Not too many modern instrument performances of these concertos in the repertoire … this one has been re-issued at an attractive price. If in doubt, do try it. ... see Full Review

Joseph HAYDN (1732–1809) Orlando Paladino (1782) Patricia Petibon (soprano) – Angelica, Queen of Cathey; Christian Gerhaher (baritone) – Rodomonte, King of Barbary; Michael Schade (tenor) – Orlando, Paladin of Charlemagne; Werner Güra (tenor) – Medoro, a Saracen warrior, Angelica’s beloved; Johannes Kalpers (tenor) – Licone, a shepherd; Malin Hartelius (soprano) – Eurilla, a shepherdess; Markus Schäfer (tenor) – Pasquale, Orlando’s squire; Elisabeth von Magnus (mezzo) – Alcina, a sorceress; Florian Boesch (bass) – Caronte, ferryman of the underworld Concentus Musicus Wien/Nikolaus Harnoncourt rec. live, 11 – 15 July 2005, Stefaniensaal, Graz, Austria. DDD DEUTSCHE HARMONIA MUNDI 82876 73370 2 [68:21 + 78:17] [GF]

Bottom line: One of the best 18^th century operas in a riveting performance that, with ravishing singing from those involved, is more than worth anyone’s money. ... see Full Review

Joseph HAYDN (1732-1809) String Quartet in C major, Op.54 No.2 (1788) [19:52] Grażyna BACEWICZ (1909-1969) String Quartet No. 4 (1951) [22:40] Antonín Dvořák (1841-1904) String Quartet No.14 in A flat major, Op.105 (1895) [33:23] The Szymanowski Quartet: Marek Dumicz (violin), Gregorz Kotow (violin), Vladimir Mykytyka (viola), Marcin Sieniawski (cello) rec. Angelika-Kauffmann-Saal, Schwarzenberg, Austria, 24-27 March, 2004. SACD AVIE AV2092 [76:00] [GPu]

An impressive and enjoyable recording debut by the Szymanowski Quartet, even if I have my slight reservations about the Haydn which opens the programme ... see Full Review

Joseph HAYDN (1732-1809) Symphonies - Volume 30 Symphony No.14 in A major (c.1761-63) [15.58] Symphony No.15 in D major (c.1760) [19.12] Symphony No.16 in B flat major (c.1760-63) [14.36] Symphony No.17 in F major (c.1760-62) [18.56] Toronto Camerata/Kevin Mallon rec. Grace Church on the Hill, Toronto, July 2004 NAXOS 8.557656 [68.42] [JW]

Deft playing, warmth and ease and lightness of articulation and rhythmic control ... see Full Review

Hans Werner HENZE (b. 1926) I sentimenti di C.P.E. Bach (1982) [12:30] Karl Amadeus HARTMANN (1905-1963) Concerto funèbre (1939) [21:33] Symphonie No.4 (1938, rev. 1947) [33:47] Svetlin Roussev (violin) Philippe Bernold (flute) Xavier de Maistre (harp) Orchestre d’Auvergne/Arie van Beek rec. L’Opéra de Vichy, December 2004 POLYMNIE POL 610 434 [67:49][DC]

I have no hesitation in recommending this recording of some fascinating and historically significant repertoire. ... see Full Review

Hans Werner HENZE (b.1926) Violin Concerto No.1 (1946) [26:57] Violin Concerto No.3 (1997) [33:24] Fünf Nachtstücke (1990) [9:09] Peter Sheppard Skærved (violin) Aaron Shorr (piano - Nachtstücke) Saarbrücken Radio Symphony Orchestra/Christopher Lyndon-Gee rec. 16-17 September 2004 (Concerto No.1), 14-15 September (Concerto No.3), Große Sendesaal, Saarbrücken, Germany. Fünf Nachtstücke rec. 12 December 2004, Potton Hall, Suffolk. NAXOS 8.557738 [69:30][DC]

An attractive proposition … listeners shouldn’t expect the easy ride of a Barber or transparent filigree of a Dutilleux, they can count on some seriously emotional meat ... see Full Review

Hans Werner HENZE (b. 1926) Guitar Music 1 Royal Winter Music (Second Sonata on Shakespearean Characters) (1978/79) [18:53] Drei Fragmente nach Hölderlin¹ (1958) [10:23] Drei Tentos (1958) [5:35] Selbst und Zwiegespräche²³ (1984/85) [12:22] Neue Volkslieder und Hirtengesängeº (1983/96) [12:42] Franz Halász (guitar), Colin Balzer (tenor)¹, Débora Halász (piano)²,  Gottfried Schneider (violin)º, Sophia Reuter (viola)³º, Sebastian Hess (cello)º, Karsten Nagel (bassoon)º rec. Bayerischer Rundfunk, Studio 2, Germany, 24-25 November 2003, 19-20 January 2004 NAXOS 8.557344 [59:54] [GF]

A varied and fascinating birthday homage to Henze. It can be confidently recommended ... see Full Review

Ivan Yevstafyevich KHANDOSHKIN (1747-1804) Violin Sonata in G minor, Op.3, No.1 (published 1800-08) [19:58] Violin Sonata in E flat major, Op.3, No.2 (published 1800-08) [13:12] Violin Sonata in D major, Op.3, No.3 (published 1800-08) [13:09] Six Old Russian Songs for Violin (c.1783): (No.1: Along the bridge, this bridge [5:16]*; No.2: Is this my fate, this fate? [3:15]+; No.3: Little dove why do you sit so sadly? [5:11]+; No.4: What happened and why? [3:01]+; No.5: Once I gathered golden sheaves [2:59]*; No.6: Once I was a young man [4:15]+) Anastasia Khitruck (violin), Dimitry Yakubovski (viola)*, Kirill Yevtushenko (cello)+ rec. Melodiya Studios, St. Catherine’s Church, St.Petersburg, May 2005 NAXOS 8.570028 [70:17][GPu]

A very worthwhile and enjoyable disc, even if it plumbs no great depths. Khitruk is surely a violinist of whom we shall hear much more ... see Full Review

Gershon KINGSLEY (b. 1922) Voices from the Shadow (1997) (Poetry of the Holocaust) [37:02] Amy Goldstein (soprano); Mary Catherine George (soprano); Matthew Walley (tenor); Larry Picard (baritone); Derek Bermel (clarinet); Jorge Avila (violin); Robin Zeh (violin); Liuh-Wen Ting (viola); Sara Hewitt-Roth (cello); Milton Granger (piano); Gershon Kingsley (conductor) Jazz Psalms (1966) [12:25] Lisa Vroman (soprano); The Kingsley Singers; Harvey Estrin (flute); Patrick Rebillot (piano); John Beal (bass); Gordon Gottleib (percussion); Daniel Gottleib (percussion); Gershon Kingsley (conductor) Shabbat for Today (1968) (excerpts) [12:33] Cantor Howard M. Stahl; Harry Goz (narrator); The Kingsley Singers; Gershon Kingsley (synthesizers and conductor) Shiru Ladonai (1970) (excerpts) [15:25] Cantor Howard M Stahl; Lisa Vroman (soprano); The Kingsley Singers; Gershon Kingsley (synthesizers and conductor) No recording details given NAXOS AMERICAN CLASSICS MILKEN ARCHIVE 8.559435 [77:35] [SA]

An invaluable addition to the burgeoning American Jewish Music archive and a thoroughly absorbing and enjoyable disc. ... see Full Review

Leo KRAFT (b.1922) Clarinet Concerto (1987, rev. 2003) [15.31]^* Symphony in One Movement (1985) [16.57] Jacob Wrestles with the Angel, tone poem for large orchestra (2000) [09.08] Pacific Bridges, for string orchestra and clarinet obbligato (1989) [20.32]^** Roger Salander (clarinet)^* Zbigniew Kaleta, (clarinet)^** Moravian Philharmonic Orchestra/Joel Eric Suben (Jerzy Kosek^**) rec. Olomouc, Czech Republic, Feb. 2003 (Jacob Wrestles; Pacific Bridges); April 2004 (Clarinet Concerto; Symphony). DDD CENTAUR CRC 2756 [62.17] [HC]

Unfamiliar repertoire played with aplomb, conviction and commitment. A very fine release well worth investigating, for Kraft’s stylistically consistent, well-crafted music is simply too good to be ignored. ... see Full Review

Joseph Martin KRAUS (1756-1792) String Quartets: in G major VB187 Op.1 No.6 [21.07]; in C minor VB179 [7.42]; in E majorVB180 [18.01]; in G minor VB 183 Op.1 No.3 [10.22]; in B major VB 181 Op.1 No.2 [12.20] Salagon Quartet rec. SWR Studios, Stuttgart, December 2005. DDD CARUS 83.194 [69.32] [JW]

I doubt Kraus’s String Quartets would lead to riots in the stalls but the performances are pretty good ... see Full Review

Joseph Martin KRAUS (1756 – 1792) Complete German Songs: An das Klavier, VB 94♀; Die Henne, VB 77♂; Schweizer Rundgesang, VB 72♀♂; Anselmuccio, VB 86♂; Die Mutter bei der Wiege, VB 92♀; Der Mann im Lehnstuhl, VB 91♂; An – als ihm die – starb, VB 74♀; Das Rosenband, VB 85♂; Der Abschied, VB 95♀; Die Welt nach Rousseau, VB 76♂; Daphne am Bach, VB 83♀; An mein Mädchen, VB 87♂; Ein Lied um Regen, VB 90♀♂; An den Wind I, VB 79♀; An den Wind II, VB 80♂; Das schwarze Lieschen aus Kastilien, VB 88♀; Der nordische Witwer, VB 89♂; Ein Wiegenlied: Seht doch das kalte Nachtgesicht, VB 93♀; Ich bin vergnügt, VB 82♂; Hans und Hanne, VB 78♂♀; An eine Quelle, VB 75♂; Phidile, VB 84♀; Ich bin ein deutscher Jüngling, VB 81♂; Ein Wiegenlied: So schlafe nun, du Kleine, VB 96♀; Rheinweinlied, VB 73♂; Gesundheit, VB 97♀♂ Birgid Steinberger (soprano)♀, Martin Hummel (baritone)♂, Glen Wilson (piano) rec. Reitstadel Neumarkt, Oberpfalz, Germany, 2-4 August, 2004. DDD NAXOS 8.557452 [62:55] [GF]

Honest and inspired readings of these attractive songs. ... see Full Review

Joseph Martin KRAUS (1756-1792) Complete German Songs An das Klavier, VB 94 [2:17] ¹ Die Henne, VB 77 [2:19] ² Schweizer Rundgesang, VB 72 [2:02] ^{1, 2} Anselmuccio, VB 86 [1:08] ²    Die Mutter bei der Wiege, VB 92 [1:44] ¹ Der Mann im Lehnstuhl, VB 91 [1:44] ² An – als ihm die – starb, VB 74 [3:25] ¹ Das Rosenband, VB 85 [1:52] ² Der Abschied, VB 95 [7:14] ¹ Die Welt nach Rousseau, VB 76 [0:58] ² Daphne am Bach, VB 83 [3:30] ¹ An mein Mädchen, VB 87 [1:22] ² Ein Lied um Regen, VB 90 [4:01] ^1,2 An den Wind I, VB 79 [1:34] ¹ An den Wind II, VB 80 [2:05] ² Das schwarze Lieschen as Kastillien, VB 88 [3:53] ¹ Der nordische Witwe, VB 89 [3:29] ²Ein Wiegenlied: Seht doch das kalte Nachtgesicht, VB 93 [3:32] ¹ Ich bin vergnügt, VB 82 [2:12] ² Hans und Hanne, VB 78 [2:06] ^1,2 An eine Quelle, VB 75 [1:41] ² Phidile, VB 84 [2:13] ¹ Ich bin ein deutscher Jüngling, VB 81 [1:45] ² Ein Wiegenlied: So schlafe nun, du Kleine, VB 96 [1:45] ¹ Rheinweinlied, VB 73 [2:39] ² Gesundheit, VB 97 [0:22] ² Birgit Steinberger (soprano)¹, Martin Hummel (baritone)², Glen Wilson (piano) rec. 2-4 August 2004, Reitstadel Neumarkt, Oberpfaltz, Germany NAXOS 8.557452 [62:55] [GPu]

Kraus is a rewarding and interesting figure and this is an enjoyable survey of his work as a composer of lieder ... see Full Review

Jean LANGLAIS (1907-1991) Corpus Christi (op. 208, 1979) Messe d’Escalquens (op. 19, 1935) Emmanuel Le Divellec (organ) female vocal ensemble Ad Limina rec: French Church, Berne, Switzerland, 1-4 April 2005. DDD HORTUS 040 [64:30]

Whatever your opinion of Langlais’s music his strength as a composer of music to colour a liturgical occasion is rendered undeniable by this CD. Very recommendable. ... see Full Review

Guillaume LEKEU (1870-1904) Piano Trio in C minor (1891) [40.47] Arthur de GREEF (1862-1940) Piano Trio in F minor (1935) [21.55] Piano Trio Narziss und Goldmund rec. Academiezaal, Sint Truiden, July 2005 PHAEDRA 92046 [62.42][JW]

A strong contrasting brace of trios; Lekeu: hothouse Franckian fervour and tortured melancholy; de Greef: lyricism and Brahmsian vigour ... 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]