Hoffnung At Large New double CD lasting 2 hours of Gerard Hoffnung from the BBC. Full details here £14 postage included world-wide	Hoffnung Music Festivals 1956,58,61 2CDs:£17 postage included World-Wide [mono/stereo] This is a must for all Hoffnung enthusiasts. Purchase here    see review	Available for the FIRST TIME - a DVD of 7 animated Hoffnung cartoons as shown on the BBC in the 1960s in FULL COLOUR plus animated Gilbert and Sullivan Ruddigore. £14.99 Details NOTE: Region 0 but PAL only	Hoffnung - A Last Encore On 2 CDs lasting 1 hour 45min, this contains all the recordings of Hoffnung preserved in the BBC archives. They include the famous and hilariously funny Bricklayer story from the Oxford Union. [mono] £14 postage included world-wide Purchase

See a new Hoffnung Cartoon every day

 

Click for MUSICWEB RECORDINGS OF THE YEAR

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RECORDINGS OF THE MONTH

RECORDING OF THE MONTH Malcolm ARNOLD (1921-2006) The Malcolm Arnold Edition - Decca Universal Volume 1 – The Eleven Symphonies DECCA UNIVERSAL 4765337 [5CDs: 77:16 + 68:32 + 57:44 + 64:38 + 71:54] [RB]

An incontestably matchless sweep. Indispensable to anyone with an interest in the 20^th century symphony. Handley is an inspired and majestic guide to works awesome in their command of emotion from delight to terror. ... see Full Review

RECORDING OF THE MONTH Malcolm ARNOLD (1921-2006) The Malcolm Arnold Edition - Decca Universal Volume 2 – Seventeen Concertos DECCA UNIVERSAL 4765343 [4 CDs: 79:33 + 69:03 + 55:35 + 69:05] [RB]

Scintillatingly superb and poetically poignant performances. Crucial Arnold, handsome packaging and the price is right. Get it while you can – discoveries and rediscoveries aplenty. ... see Full Review

RECORDING OF THE MONTH BEETHOVEN: A JOURNEY Ludwig van BEETHOVEN (1770-1827) CD1 [77:03] Piano Sonata in F minor, Op.2 No. 1 (1795) [22:59] Piano Sonata in A major, Op.2 No. 2 (1795) [27:27] Piano Sonata in C major, Op.2 No. 3 (1795) [26:32] CD2 [77:24] Piano Sonata in E flat major, Op. 7 (1796-7) [27:20] Piano Sonata in C minor, op. 10 No. 1 (1796-8) [17:48] Piano Sonata in F major, Op, 10 No. 2 (1796-8) [16:37] Piano Sonata in G minor, Op. 49 No. 1 (1795-98) [7:27] Piano Sonata in G major, Op. 49 No. 2 (1795-96) [8:03] CD3 [72:20] Piano Sonata in D major, Op. 10 No. 3 (1796-98) [22:15] Piano Sonata in C minor Op. 13, “Grande Sonate Pathétique” (1798-99) [19:13] Piano Sonata in E major, Op. 14 No. 1 (1798-99) [13:42] Piano Sonata in G major, Op. 14 No. 2 (1798-99) [17:03] CD4 76:30] Piano Sonata in B flat major, Op. 22 (1799-1800) [25:01] Piano Sonata in A flat major, Op. 26 (1800-01) [19:38] Piano Sonata in E flat major, Op. 27 No.1 Sonata quasi una Fantasia (1800-01) [16:18] Piano Sonata in C sharp minor, Op. 27 No. 2 Sonata quasi una Fantasia, “Moonlight: (1801) [15:27] CD5 [75:11] Piano Sonata in D major, Op. 28, “Pastorale” (1801) [27:23] Piano Sonata in G major, Op. 31 No. 1 (1801-02) [23:58] Piano Sonata in D minor, Op. 31 No. 2 “The Tempest” (1801-02) [23:47] CD6 [69:19] Piano Sonata in E flat major, Op. 31 No. 3 (1801-02) [24:40] Piano Sonata in C major, Op. 53 “Waldstein” (1803-04) [25:13] Piano Sonata in F major, Op. 54 (1804) [11:21] Andante favori in F, WoO 57 (1803) [8:01] CD7 [74:38] Piano Sonata in F minor, Op. 57, “Appassionata” (1804-05) [24:06] Piano Sonata in F sharp minor, Op. 78 (1809) [10:02] Piano Sonata in G major, Op. 79 (1809) [9:07] Piano Sonata in E flat major, Op. 81a, “Das Lebwohl” (“Les Adieux”) (1809-10) [17:55] Piano Sonata in E minor, Op. 90 (1814) [13:21] CD8 [62:50] Piano Sonata in A major, Op. 101 (1816) [20:53] Piano Sonata in B flat major, Op. 106. “Für das Hammerklavier” (1817-18) [42:04] CD9 [64:13] Piano Sonata in E major, Op. 109 (1820) [19:06] Piano Sonata in A flat major, Op. 110 (1821) [19:09] Piano Sonata in C minor, Op. 111 (1821-22) [25:56] Craig Sheppard (piano) Rec. live concerts, Meany Theater, Seattle, Washington, USA. January 2003- May 2004 DDD ROMÉO RECORDS 7233/41 [9 CDs: 77:03 + 77:24 + 72:20 + 76:30 + 75:11 + 69:19 + 74:38 + 62:50 + 64:13][JQ]

It’s been a fascinating and very rewarding experience to make this Journey with Craig Sheppard as my highly reliable and stimulating guide. I urge those who take Beethoven’s piano music seriously to take this Journey for themselves. ... see Full Review

RECORDING OF THE MONTH Luciano BERIO (1925-2003) The Complete Sequenzas, Alternate Sequenzas CD1 Sequenza I for flute, (1958) [7:56] Paula Robison, rec. 1996 Sequenza II for harp (1963) [10:15] Susan Jolles, rec. 1995Sequenza III for woman’s voice (1965) [8:46] Isabelle Ganz, rec. 1996Sequenza IV for piano (1966) [12:05] Aki Takahashi, rec. 1999Sequenza V for trombone (1966) [5:02] Stuart Dempster, rec. 1995Sequenza VI for viola (1967) [13:16] Garth Knox, rec. 1995Sequenza VII for oboe (1969/2000) [7:36] Jacqueline Leclair, rec. 2004 CD2 Sequenza VIII for violin (1976) [13:56] Irvine Arditti, rec. 1995Sequenza IXa for clarinet (1980) [16:04] Carol Robinson, rec. 2000Sequenza IXb for alto saxophone (1981) [17:50] Kelland Thomas, rec. 1967Sequenza X for trumpet and piano resonance (1984) [15:16] William Foreman, rec. 2001)Sequenza XI for guitar (1987/8) [18:42] Seth Josel., rec. 2003 CD3 Sequenza XII for bassoon (1995) [17:07] Noriko Shimada, rec. 2001Sequenza XIII for accordion “Chanson” 1995) [10:10] Stefan Hussong, rec. 2000*Sequenza XIVa for cello (2002) [11:38] Rohan de Saram, rec. 2004*Sequenza VIb for cello (1981) [15:34] Rohan de Saram, rec. 2001*Sequenza VIIb for soprano saxophone (1995) [7:29] Ulrich Krieger, rec. 2004Sequenza IXc for bass clarinet (1980) [13:37] Alain Billard, rec. 2005 CD4 Sequenza XIVb for contrabass (2004) [12:56] Stefano Scodanibbio, rec. 2005*Rounds for harpsichord (1964/5) [2:08] Jane Chapman, rec. 2005Gesti for recorder (1966) [5:20] Lucia Mense, rec. 1995Fa-Si for organ (1975) [9:47] Gary Verkade, rec. 2005Les mots sont allés…for cello (1978) [4:03] Rohan de Saram, rec. 2004Lied for clarinet (1983) [5:04] Comma for clarinet (1987) [1:34] Carol Robinson, rec. 2005*Psy for contrabass (1989) [1:57] Michael Cameron, rec. date unknown Chanson pour Pierre Boulez for cello (2000) [2:46] Rohan de Saram, rec. 2006*Gute Nacht for trumpet (1986) [1:04] Brian McWhorter, rec. 2005 *first recording All Sequenzas are preceded by verses of Edoardo Sanguinetti performed by Enzo Salomane MODE 161/3 [4 CDs: 66:43 + 78:11 + 76:36 + 47:02] [AOz]

The most complete collection of Sequenzas and related pieces, with outstanding first performances – essential listening for any serious Berio fan ... see Full Review

RECORDING OF THE MONTH Elliott CARTER (b. 1908) A Labyrinth of Time Directed by Frank Scheffer Region Code: All zones NTSC Picture Format: 4:3 Dolby Digital 2.0 IDEALE AUDIENCE INTERNATIONAL DVD9DS17 [90:00][CT]

Elliott Carter’s unique status in today’s musical world is beautifully realised in film by Frank Scheffer … a masterful piece of film making ... see Full Review

RECORDING OF THE MONTH Paul DUKAS (1865-1935) Piano Sonata in E flat minor (1899-1900) [43:49] Variations, Interlude et Finale (sur un thème de Rameau) (1902) [17:33] La plainte, au loin, du faune (1920) [4:25] Prélude élégiaque (1909) [4:06] Manuel de FALLA (1876-1946) Pour le Tombeau de Paul Dukas  (1935) [3:17] Joyce Hatto (piano) rec. Concert Artist Studios, December 2004 (Sonata); January 2005 (Variations); January 2006 (remainder) CONCERT ARTIST/FIDELIO RECORDINGS CACD 92742 [74:22][JW]

If you invested in Hamelin you owe it to yourself, and also to Dukas, to seek out Hatto. ... see Full Review

RECORDING OF THE MONTH Erich Wolfgang KORNGOLD (1897-1957) Violin Concerto in D major, Op.35 (1945) [25:02] Samuel BARBER (1910-1981) Violin Concerto, Op.14 (1939–40) [23:32] William WALTON (1902-1983) Violin Concerto (1938-39, rev. 1943) [30:02] James Ehnes (violin) Vancouver Symphony Orchestra/Bramwell Tovey rec. 22-23 February, 2006 (Korngold), 6-7 June, 2006 (Barber; Walton), Orpheum Theater, Vancouver, Canada. DDD ONYX 4016 [78:53][KS/MC]

Kevin Sutton: Clearly at the head of his class … Ehnes at his very finest … a taut sense of inner rhythm and a rhapsodic way with a good melody.

Michael Cookson: This generous Onyx recording from James Ehnes of three late-Romantic violin concertos is superbly played and recorded, and deserves the highest possible praise. ... see Full Review

RECORDING OF THE MONTH Etienne MÉHUL (1763-1817) The Complete Symphonies of Méhul CD1 Overture: La Chasse du Jeune Henri (1797) [10.35] Symphony No. 1 in G minor (1808-9) [25:57] Symphony No. 2 in D major (1808-9) [27:33] CD2 Overture: Le Trésor Supposé (1802) [4.28] Symphony No. 3 in C major (1809) [23:40] Symphony No. 4 in E major (1810) [25:44] The Gulbenkian Orchestra/Michel Swierczewski rec. Lisbon, Portugal, 19-23 December 1988. DDD NIMBUS NI 5184/5 [64:05 + 53:52] [RB]

Méhul has the capacity to delight still and these recordings are a sublime avenue through which to approach this composer’s orchestral music. ... see Full Review

RECORDING OF THE MONTH Wolfgang Amadeus MOZART (1756-1791) The Piano Sonatas (plus fantasies, rondos) Leon McCawley (piano) rec. Dec 2005, May 2006, Potton Hall, Suffolk AVIE AV2105 [5CDs: 63.59 + 78:10 + 71:01 + 61:22 + 70:32] [DD]

An immense privilege … strongly recommended …. one of the most enjoyable experiences … bound to end up in my Records of the Year ... see Full Review

RECORDING OF THE MONTH Masao OHKI (1901-1971) Japanese Rhapsody (1938) [12:57] Symphony No. 5 Hiroshima (1953) [39:08] New Japan Philharmonic Orchestra/Takuo Yuasa rec. Sumida Triphony Hall, Tokyo, 1-2 May 2005 NAXOS 8.557839[52:05] [AOz]

The Hiroshima Symphony is a startling, bracing and deeply felt meditation on the effects of war – a lesson that still needs to be repeated, again and again ... see Full Review

RECORDING OF THE MONTH Pavel PABST (1854-1897) Piano Concerto in E flat major Op 82 (1885) [32:58] Sergei RACHMANINOV (1873-1943) Rhapsody on a Theme of Paganini (1934) [23:54] Pyotr TCHAIKOVSKY (1840-1893) Fantasy Overture: Hamlet Op. 67 (1888) [18:45] Panagiotis Trochopoulos (piano) Belarusian State Academic Symphony Orchestra/Marius Stravinsky rec. 19 April 2005 (Pabst) and 7-8 February 2005 (Rachmaninov and Tchaikovsky) CAMEO CLASSICS C-C9021CD [76:21] [DB]

Recommended particularly for the Pabst — an unearthed gem. … see Full Review

RECORDING OF THE MONTH Antonio SACCHINI (1730–1786) Œdipe à Colone (1787) – An Opera in Three Acts based on the second of the three Theban plays of Sophocles François Loup (baritone) – Œdipe; Nathalie Paulin (soprano) – Antigone; Robert Getchell (tenor) – Polynice; Tony Boutté (tenor) – Thésée; Kirsten Blaise (soprano) – Eriphile; Kara Morgan (soprano) – Une Athénienne; Jonathan Kimple (bass) – Grand Prêtre; Jason Kaminski (bass) – Un Hérault; Philip Cave (tenor) – Un Coryphée; Opera Lafayette Orchestra and Chorus/Ryan Brown rec. Vlarice Smith Performing Arts Center, University of Maryland, USA, 13-15 May 2005 NAXOS 8.660196-97 [67:54 + 44:53][GF]

Played with vitality and with singing full of character this is one of the more thrilling finds within the operatic genre for quite some time. ... see Full Review

RECORDING OF THE MONTH Dimitri SHOSTAKOVICH (1906-1975) The Golden Age (Zolotoy vek) Op. 22 (1928) (complete) Royal Scottish National Orchestra/José Serebrier rec. Henry Wood Hall, Glasgow, 23-26 May 2006. NAXOS 8.570217-18 [76:41 + 67:01][AOz]

This is a breathtaking recording in many ways. It’s also complete and uncut and the notes are good. Don’t hesitate – this is one that needs to be listened to, even in this crowded year of Shostakovich revelations. ... see Full Review

RECORDING OF THE MONTH Karol SZYMANOWSKI (1882–1937) The Complete Solo Piano Music Sinae Lee (piano) rec. Royal Scottish Academy of Music and Drama, Glasgow, Sept 2002 - Feb 2005. Full track details at end of review THE DIVINE ART 21400 [4 CDs: 71:46 + 65:25 + 67:12 + 69:13] [RC]

Listeners responsive to late-Romantic music who buy this superb set will share my enthusiasm for it. ... see Full Review

RECORDING OF THE MONTH Anja Harteros – Bella Voce Wolfgang Amadeus MOZART (1756-1791) Oh smania! O Furie! ... D'Oreste e d'Ajace [6.25] from Idomeneo K. 366; Porgi, amor [3.25] from Le nozze di Figaro K. 492; Temerari ... Come scoglio [5.43]; Ei parte - senti! Ah no! ... Per pieta, ben mio perdona all'error [8.57] from Così fan tutte K 588; Ah, lo previdi! - Ah, t'invola agl'occhi miei - Deh, non varcar K.272 [13.16]; Vado, ma dove? O Dei! K. 583 [4.09]; Misera! dove son? L'aure del Tebro - Ah! non son io che parlo, K.369 [6.49] Franz Joseph HAYDN (1732-1809) Scena di Berenice Hob.XXIVa;10 [12.20]
Cantata composra per la Signora Banti in Antigono di Pietro Metastasio Anja Harteros (soprano) Vienna Symphony Orchestra/Pinchas Steinberg rec. 7–11 December 2005, Baumgartner-Casino, Vienna. DDD. BMG-RCA RED SEAL 82876771432 [62.01] [ED]

May her next solo discs explore other areas of her repertoire as thrillingly as this one has. But, please, don’t make me wait another seven years! ... see Full Review

RECORDING OF THE MONTH Simon Keenlyside - Tales of Opera Gioacchino ROSSINI (1792–1868) Il barbiere di Siviglia: Largo al factotum della città [4:56]; Guillaume Tell: Sois immobile [2:25]; Jules MASSENET (1842–1912) Hérodiade: Vision fugitive [4:23]; Giuseppe VERDI (1813–1901) Don Carlo: Per me giunto è il di [8:17]; Un ballo in maschera: Eri tu che macchiavi quell’anima [6:00]; La traviata: Di Provenza il mar [4:16]; Ambroise THOMAS (1811–1896) Hamlet: O vin, dissipe la tristesse [3:53]; Vincenzo BELLINI (1801–1835) I puritani: Ah! Per sempre io ti perdei [5:22]; Wolfgang Amadeus MOZART (1756–1791) Die Zauberflöte: Ein Mädchen oder Weibchen [4:07]; Ruggiero LEONCAVALLO (1858–1919) Pagliacci: Si può, si può [5:23]; Francesco CILEA (1866–1950) L’Arlesiana: Come due tizzi accesi [3:36]; Peter TCHAIKOVSKY (1840–1893) Pique Dame: Ja vas ljublju [4:49]; Wolfgang Amadeus MOZART Don Giovanni: Dah vieni alla finestra [2:09]; Zaide: Nur Mut, mein Herz, versuche dein Glück [5:22]; Richard WAGNER (1813–1883) Tannhäuser: Oh, du mein holder Abendstern [5:14] Simon Keenlyside (baritone) Münchner Rundfunkorchester/Ulf Schirmer rec. Bayerischer Rundfunk, Munich 29 May–2 June, 2006 SONY CLASSICAL 82876884822 [70:12] [GF]

A splendid well-filled, well-sung and well recorded recital with some of the finest baritone arias and with two rarities as an extra bonus. Not to be missed! ... see Full Review

RECORDING OF THE MONTH Viktoria Mullova - Recital - Katia Labèque Igor STRAVINSKY (1882-1971) Suite Italienne (transcribed in 1933 for violin and piano by Stravinsky and Samuel Dushkin from ballet Pulcinella, 1919-20) [15:06] Franz SCHUBERT (1797–1828) Fantasy for violin and piano in C major, D934 (1827) [24:26] Maurice RAVEL (1875-1937) Sonata for violin and piano (1923-27) [16:51] Clara SCHUMANN (1819-1896) Romance No. 1 in D flat major (Andante molto) from the Three Romances for violin and piano, Op. 22 (1853) [2:29]   Viktoria Mullova (violin) Katia Labèque (piano) rec. 10-13 April, 2005, IRCAM, Paris, France. DDD ONYX 4015 [59:25][MC]

This is an excellently performed and recorded recital worthy of considerable attention. ... see Full Review

 

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BARGAINS OF THE MONTH

BARGAIN OF THE MONTH Etienne Nicolas MÉHUL (1763-1817) Symphony No. 1 in G minor (1808-9) [26.26] Symphony No. 2 in D major (1808-9) [24.34] Les Musiciens du Louvre/Marc Minkowski rec. Studio 103, Radio France, Feb 1989 WARNER APEX 0927 49535 2 [58.29] [RB]

Excellent Beethovenian symphonies - a real discovery if you are exploring your way through classical period symphonies. ... see Full Review

BARGAIN OF THE MONTH Howard HANSON (1896-1981) Concerto for Organ, Harp and Strings (1926) [16:09] Nymphs and Satyr Ballet Suite (1979) [12:51] Fantasy Variations on a Theme of Youth for Piano and Strings (1951) [11:00] Serenade for Flute, Harp, and Strings (1945) [8:28] Summer Seascape No. 2 (1965) [8:28] Pastorale for Oboe, Harp and Strings (1948-49) [7:29] Joseph Jackson (organ); Doris Hall-Galati (clarinet); Holly Blake (bassoon); Gabriela Imreh, (piano); Andrew Bolotowsky (flute); Adriana Linares (viola); Jonathan Blumenfeld (oboe); Jacqueline Pollauf (harp) Philadelphia Virtuosi Chamber Orchestra/Daniel Spalding rec. March 2005, First Presbyterian Church, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA DDD NAXOS 8.559251 [61:28] [PC]

Two words remain: Encore! and More! ... see Full Review

BARGAIN OF THE MONTH Paul HINDEMITH (1895-1963) CD1 Concert Music for Brass and Strings Op. 50 (1930) [16:11] Nobilissima visione – Suite from the Dance Legend (1938) [25:00] Symphonia serena (1946) [33:52] CD2 Clarinet Concerto (1947) [24:13] Horn Concerto (1949) [14:55] Symphony in B flat for Concert Band (1951) [17:04] Louis Cahuzac (clarinet) Dennis Brain (French horn) Philharmonia Orchestra/Paul Hindemith rec. Kingsway Hall, 19-24 November 1956. stereo. ADD EMI CLASSICS 3 77344 2 [75:18 + 56:28] [RB]

Compelling music-making in this handsomely presented EMI Classics set ... see Full Review

BARGAIN OF THE MONTH Bohuslav MARTINŮ (1890-1959) Piano Trio No.2 in D minor, H327 (1950) [15:07] Piano Trio No.3 in C major, H332 (1951) [20:02] Cinq pièces brèves (Piano Trio No.1), H193 (1930) [11:51] Duo No. 2 for violin and cello, H371 (1958) [11:37] Angell Trio rec. 22-24 October 1998, Studio 2, Bavarian Radio, Munich, Germany. DDD SANCTUARY CLASSICS RESONANCE CDRSN3075 [59:39] [MC]

Excellent performances and when combined with the clear and well balanced sound quality the disc makes a welcome reappearance ... see Full Review

BARGAIN OF THE MONTH Arvo PÄRT (b.1935) Triodion (1998) [13:36] Tribute to Caesar (1997) [5:33] Nunc dimittis (2001) [6:16] Ode VII (Memento) from Kanon Pokajanen (1994) [7:37] I Am the True Vine (1996) [7:37] The Woman with the Alabaster Box (1997) [5:26] Dopo la vittoria (1996/1998) [10:39] Bogoróditse Djévo (Mother of God and Virgin) (1990) [1:28] Elora Festival Singers / Noel Edison rec. 19-21 May, 2006, St John Chrysostom Church, Newmarket, Ontario, Canada. DDD NAXOS 8.570239 [57:35] [GPu]

A fascinating sound-picture of the later developments in Pärt’s choral writing, well sung and well recorded … see Full Review

BARGAIN OF THE MONTH Krzysztof PENDERECKI (b.1933) Symphony No.7 Seven Gates of Jerusalem (1996) Olga Pasichnyk, Aga Mikołaj (soprano), Ewa Marciniec (alto), Wiesław Ochman (tenor), Romauld Tesarowicz (bass), Boris Carmeli (narrator). Warsaw National Philharmonic Choir Warsaw National Philharmonic Orchestra/Antoni Wit rec. 18-20 November 2003, Warsaw Philharmonic Hall, Poland NAXOS 8.557766 [60:47][DC]

A disturbingly moving and dramatic apocalypse for your front room. ... see Full Review

BARGAIN OF THE MONTH Giacomo PUCCINI (1858–1924) Madama Butterfly (1904) Leontyne Price (soprano) – Madama Butterfly (Cio-Cio-San); Rosalind Elias (mezzo) – Suzuki, Cio-Cio-San’s servant; Richard Tucker (tenor) – B.F. Pinkerton, Lieutenant in the United States Navy; Anna di Stasio (mezzo) – Kate Pinkerton, his American wife; Philip Maero (baritone) – Sharpless, United States Consul at Nagasaki; Piero de Palma (tenor) – Goro, a marriage broker; Robert Kerns (baritone) – Prince Yamadori, suitor for Cio-Cio-San; Virgilio Carbonari (bass) – The Bonze, Cio-Cio-San’s uncle; Arturo La Porta (baritone) – Imperial Commissioner; Mario Rinaudo (bass) – The Registrar; Leo Pudis (bass) – Yakuside, the uncle; Fernanda Cadoni (mezzo) – Mother of Cio-Cio-San; Gianna Lollini (soprano) – The Aunt; Silvia Bertona (soprano) – The Cousin; RCA Italiana Opera Orchestra and Chorus/Erich Leinsdorf rec. 10–20 July 1962, RCA Italiana Studios, Rome SONY BMG 82876 82622 2 [60:45 + 68:44] [GF]

With Price and Tucker in top form and Leinsdorf’s efficient unsentimental conducting this budget version is a worthy addition to anyone’s collection of Butterflies. ... see Full Review

BARGAIN OF THE MONTH Robert SCHUMANN (1810-1856) CD 1 Overture to Schiller’s Die Braut von Messina (Bride of Messina), Op. 100 (1850-51) [7:36] Symphony No. 1 in B flat major, Op. 38, ‘Spring’ (1841) [33:40] Symphony No. 2 in C major, Op. 62 (1845-46) [36:41] CD 2 Overture to Goethe’s Hermann und Dorothea, Op. 136 (1851) [9:06] Symphony No. 3 in E flat major, Op. 97, ‘Rhenish’ (1850) [35:56] Philharmonia Orchestra/Riccardo Muti Symphony No. 4 in D minor, Op. 120 (1841, revised 1851) [31:43] New Philharmonia Orchestra/Riccardo Muti rec. Kingsway Hall, London, July 1978 (overtures); September, October 1978 (Sym. 1); October 1977 (Sym. 2); October 1977 (Sym. 3) and Abbey Road, London, September 1976 (Sym. 4). ADD EMI CLASSICS GEMINI 09463 7149720 [78:14 + 77:04] [MC]

If I could have only one set of the Schumann symphonies in my collection it would delight me to have these London performances from Riccardo Muti on EMI Classics. ... see Full Review

BARGAIN OF THE MONTH Jean SIBELIUS (1865-1957) Violin Concerto in D minor Op. 47 (1903-5) Serenades Op.69: No. 1 in D major; No. 2 in G minor (1912-13) Six Humoresques Opp. 87, 89 (1917) Suite in D minor Op. 117 (1929) Miriam Fried (violin) (Op. 47) Helsinki Philharmonic Orchestra/Okko Kamu (Op. 47) Jaakko Kuusisto (violin) (Op. 69) Kuopio Symphony Orchestra/Atso Almila (Op. 69) Leonidas Kavakos (violin) (Opp. 87, 89) Tapiola Sinfonietta/Juhani Lamminmäki (Opp. 87, 89) Jari Valo (violin) (Op. 117) Ostrobothnian Chamber Orchestra/Juha Kangas (Op. 117) rec. Olari Church, Finland, Nov 1996, May 1997. DDD WARNER APEX 0927 40606-2 [79:17] [RB]

One of the Apex jewels. Even seasoned Sibelians will want this one … generously timed and spirited coverage. All for super-budget price. ... see Full Review

BARGAIN OF THE MONTH Karol SZYMANOWSKI (1882-1937)
Stabat Mater Op.53* (1926) [23:21] Litany to the Virgin Mary Op.59** (1933) [8:01] Symphony No.3 Op.27 Song of the Night*** (1916) [24:42] Elzbieta Szmytka (soprano)* Florence Quivar (mezzo)**
Jon Garrison (tenor)*** John Connell (bass)* City of Birmingham Symphony Chorus, City of Birmingham Symphony Orchestra/Sir Simon Rattle rec. City Hall Birmingham, 3-4 April 1993, Stabat Mater, Litany; 1-2 October 1993 Symphony EMI CLASSICS 3 61592 2 [56:04] [DC]

I dare you hear this recording of Szymanowski’s Stabat Mater - now at mid price - and leave the shop without it. ... see Full Review

BARGAIN OF THE MONTH The Mystery of Christmas Arr. R. ANDERSON The Huron Carol [2:40] Robert EVANS Ring-a the News* [3:09] Trad. Arr. Noel EDISON O Come All Ye Faithful* [4:04] Harold DARKE In the Bleak Midwinter* [5:37] Healey WILLAN The Three Kings [2:59] Trad. Dutch King Jesus hath a Garden [2:29] Franz GRUBER Silent Night [3:10] Trad. English arr. David WILLCOCKS Tomorrow Shall be my Dancing Day [2:07] Arthur HONEGGER Laudate Dominum* [2:22] Francis POULENC Quatre Motets pour le temps de Noël [11:45] Trad. French arr. David WILLCOCKS Ding-Dong Merrily on High* [2:09] Elizabeth POSTON Jesus Christ the Apple Tree [3:46] John RUTTER What Sweeter Music* [5:00] Trad. German The Linden Tree Carol [1:43] Benjamin BRITTEN A Hymn to the Virgin [3:17] Trad. Polish arr. Sir Malcolm Sargent Star in the South [3:20] MENDELSSOHN arr. Noel EDISON Hark the Herald Angels Sing* [3:14] John TAVENER God is with Us – A Christmas Proclamation* [5:03] The Elora Festival Singers/*Michael Bloss (organ)/Noel Edison rec. The Church of St. Mary Magdalene, Toronto. June 1997. DDD NAXOS 8.554179 [66:52][JQ]

This will make an excellent Christmas present for a musical friend. Better still, buy two copies and treat yourself too.  ... see Full Review

BARGAIN OF THE MONTH Leopold Stokowski - Orchestral Transcriptions Johann Sebastian BACH (1685-1750) Passacaglia and Fugue in C minor, BWV 582 Overture (Suite) No. 3 in D major, BWV 1068: II. Air, Air on a G String Was mir behagt, BWV 208, "Hunt Cantata": Aria: Sheep may safely graze Fugue in G minor, BWV 578, Little Fugue Komm süsser Tod, BWV 478 Christ lag in Todesbanden, BWV 4: Jesus Christus Gottes Sohn St. John Passion, BWV 245: Aria: Es ist vollbracht! Clavierubung III: Wir glauben all' an einem Gott, BWV 680 ‘Giant’ Fugue Orgelbuchlein: Nun komm, der Heiden Heiland, BWV 599 ANONYMOUS Two Ancient Liturgical Melodies George Frederic HANDEL (1865-1759) Messiah, HWV 56, Part I: Pastoral Symphony, "Pifa" Henry PURCELL (1659-1695) Dido and Aeneas, Z. 626: When I am laid in earth, "Dido's Lament" All arrangements by L. Stokowski Bournemouth Symphony Orchestra/José Serebrier rec. Concert Hall, Lighthouse, Poole, UK, 29-30 June 2005. DDD NAXOS 8.557883 [67:51] [IL]

Sheer magnificence. Heartily recommended. ... see Full Review

BARGAIN OF THE MONTH The Tallis Scholars - Renaissance Giants CD 1 Thomas TALLIS (c.1505-1585) Spem in alium [9:58] John TAVERNER (c.1490-1545) Western Wind Mass [32.18] Josquin DES PRÉS (c.1440-1521) Missa Pange lingua [29:47] CD 2 Giovanni Pierluigi da PALESTRINA (c.1525-1594) Missa Brevis [21:38] William BYRD (1543-1623) Mass for four voices [22:06] Tomás Luis da VICTORIA (1548-1611) Requiem [35:26] The Tallis Scholars/Peter Phillips (director) rec. Merton College Chapel, Oxford:1985 Tallis, 1986 des Prés, 1986 Palestrina, 1984 Byrd. Salle Church, Norfolk: 1993 Taverner. St.John, Hackney, London: 1987 Victoria GIMELL CDGIM207 [72:03 + 79:10] [DC]

Programming, performance and production are well-nigh faultless. ... see Full Review

 

Detailed listing (last five 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]
[Recommended recordings]