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Friday September 28th

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BOOK REVIEWS

Henry RUSSELL - A Life on the Ocean Wave – The story of a composer, singer, entertainer by Andrew Lamb 2007 398 pp. £25 ISBN 0 9524149 6 1 Publ. Fullers Wood Press, Croydon CR0 8HZ, U.K. [RW]

An excellent volume in which is pieced together a correct account of the progressive activities of this entrepreneur. ... see Full Review

 


LATEST CD REVIEWS

Friday September 28th

Cristóbal HALFFTER (b. 1930) Odradek (1996) [20:24] Dortmunder Variationen (1986/7) [18:10] Tiento del primer tono y battalla imperial (1986) [10:35] Radio-Sinfonie-Orchester Frankfurt/Cristóbal Halffter rec. Hessischer Rundfunk, Sendesaal, Frankfurt am Main, October 1998. DDD COL LEGNO WWE 20204 [51:46] [HC]

Composer conducted vital readings that secure a formidably committed response, which makes this under-filled release a welcome addition to his discography ... see Full Review

Franz Josef HAYDN (1732-1809) The Complete Piano Sonatas - Vol. 6 Piano sonata in E minor, Hob.XVI: 47 (before 1766) [10:23] Piano sonata in E flat major, Hob.XVI: 45 (before 1766) [18:48] Piano sonata in D major, Hob.XVI: 51 (1795) [5:28] Piano sonata in C major, Hob.XVI: 48 (1789) [12:02] Piano sonata in E minor, Hob.XVI: 34 (1778) [13:27]* Roland Batik (piano) rec. 26-27 May 1997, Studio Burgenland, Eisenstadt, 29 April 1998, Studio Baumgarten, Vienna*.  DDD CAMERATA CM-546 [61:13] [TP]

Haydn playing that caresses the ear … perfect late night listening ... see Full Review

John JOUBERT (b. 1927) Symphony No. 1 Op.20 (1955) [31:17] London Philharmonic Orchestra/Vernon Handley rec. early 1990s? LYRITA SRCD.322 [31:17] [HC]

This splendid and heartily committed performance by one of the staunchest champions of British music aptly crowns Joubert’s birthday celebrations ... see Full Review

RECORDING OF THE MONTH Paul MORAVEC (b. 1957) Tempest Fantasy* (2002): I. Ariel [4:16]; II. Prospero [5:35]; III. Caliban [7:05]; IV. Sweet Airs [4:57]; V. Fantasia [7:31] Mood Swings (1999) [15:52] B.A.S.S. Variations (1999) [11:32] Scherzo (2002) [3:52] Trio Solisti (Maria Bachmann (violin); Alexis Pia Gerlach (cello); Jon Klibonoff (piano)); David Krakauer (clarinet)* rec. January 2002, October 2003. Recital Hall, Performing Arts Center, Purchase College, State University of New York, USA NAXOS AMERICAN CLASSICS 8.559323 [60:40] [DM]

Captivating music with consistent energy and focus … A lovely, natural recording and playing of real stature make this a very special disc ... see Full Review

Franz SCHUBERT (1797-1828) The Schubert Recordings - Vol.1 Sonata in B flat major Op. posth, D.960 (1828) [40:01] Allegretto in C minor, D. 915 (1827) [6:41] Six Moments Musicaux, Op.94, D.780 (1823-1828) [28:50] Joshua Pierce (piano) rec. New York City, 20 July 1996. DDD MSR CLASSICS MS 1204 [75:31] [TP]

A disc worth hearing, and taster of what may prove to be a valuable Schubert series ... see Full Review

John R. WILLIAMSON (b. 1929) Lads of love and sorrow Love: She walks in beauty [3:21]; She is not fair [1:58]; When we two parted [4:00] War: The lads in their hundreds [2:37]; ’Tis five years since [2:30]; Oh, it is the jar of nations [1:31]; On your midnight pallet lying [2:21] Sorrow and regret: Hughley steeple [4:12]; I lay me down and slumber [2:00]; Sinner’s rue [3:40]; Parta Quies [1:22]; He looked at me with eyes … [2:07]; Others, I am not the first [3:01]; Farewell to barn and stack … [2:25]; When the lad for longing sighs [2:02]; I hoed and trenched and … [2:26]; Oh were he and I together [1:42] Lost love: The new mistress [1:53]; Oh, see how thick the gold… [3:06] Religion: Easter hymn [3:18] Pastoral: Revolution [1:49]; In valleys of springs of rivers [4:41]; March [1:56] Conflict: Before the battle [2:31]; I stood with the dead [3:43] Mark Rowlinson (baritone) David Jones (piano) rec. 12 June 2006, venue not stated. DDD Full English texts included DUNELM RECORDS DRD0265 [66:30] [PCW]

Williamson’s love of Housman and eloquent music continue to impress … see Full Review

Ermanno WOLF-FERRARI (1876-1948) Orchestral Music Il segreto di Susanna (1909) Overture [2:44]; Intermezzo [2:55] * I quattro rusteghi (1906) Prelude [1:40]; Intermezzo [3:10] La dama boba (1939) Overture [8:11] Il campiello (1936) Intermezzo [3:09]; Ritornello [2:27] L’amore medico (1913) Overture [8:22]; Intermezzo [5:22] # I gioielli della Madonna (1911) Festa popolare [4:42]; Intermezzo [3:42]; Serenata [3:17] %; Danza napoletana [3:48] Andrew Marriner (clarinet)*; Stephen Orton (cello)#; Christine Messiter (flute)% Academy of St. Martin in the Fields/Sir Neville Marriner; rec. December 1991, No. 1 Studio, Abbey Road, London EMI CLASSICS 54585 [54:09] [GPu]

A pleasant programme of orchestral pieces from Wolf-Ferrari’s operas, which will interest the specialist more than the general listener … see Full Review

Baroque Trumpet Concertos Giuseppe TORELLI (1658-1709) Sinfonia for Trumpet in D major, G.4 (1693) [3:11] Tomaso Giovanni ALBINONI (1671-1751) Oboe Concerto in D minor, Op. 9, No. 2 (1722)* [10:45] George Frideric HANDEL (1685-1759) Suite in D major, HWV 341, ‘The Famous Water Piece’ (1733) [7:45] (I. Overture [1:44]; II. Gigue: Allegro [1:50]; III. Air [1:48]; IV. March (Bourrée) [1:07]; V. March [1:17]) Johann Friedrich FASCH (1688-1758) Concerto a 8 in D major, FWV L:D1 [6:04] George Frideric HANDEL Oboe Concerto No. 3 in G minor, HWV 287 (1703?)* [8:20] Domenico GABRIELLI (1651? 1659?-1690) Trumpet Sonata No. 4 in D major [5:36] Georg Philipp TELEMANN (1681-1767) Oboe Concerto No.21 in F minor, TWV 51:f1* [8:07] Sonata in D major, TWV 44:1 [8:43] * arranged for trumpet by Andreas Eichele/Thomas Reiner Thomas Reiner (trumpet) Southwest German Chamber Orchestra Pforzheim/Sebastian Tewinkel rec. Matthäuskirche, Pforzheim, Germany, 23-24 March 2006; 18-20 May 2006; 26-27 February 2007. DDD. Booklet with notes in English and German. NAXOS 8.570501 [59:15] [BW]

Generally reliable performances, well recorded, though many will prefer the original oboe versions of three of these pieces … see Full Review

Portraits in Brass Alexander ARUTUNIAN (b. 1920) Trumpet Concerto in A flat major (1950) [18:38] Ferdinand DAVID (1810-1873) Concertino for Trombone in E flat major Op. 4 (1837) [15:12] Huug STEKETEE (b.1959) Portraits [15:27] Edward GREGSON (b.1945) Concerto for French Horn and Brass Band (1971) [17:08] Huug STEKETEE (b. 1959) For Four and Jean-Baptiste – Quartet Piece [2:41] Peter Masseurs (trumpet); Timothy Dowling (trombone); Huug Steketee (cornet); Jasper de Waal (French horn) Hepworth (Lanson Homes) Brass Band/Mark Bentham rec. Morley Town Hall, 27-28 January 2007; Royal Conservatoire, The Hague, 25 February 2007 (Jean-Baptiste). DDD PROJECT AUDIO C12327 [69:08] [CT]

Exceptional value and fabulous playing from Dutch trumpet virtuoso Huug Steketee and friends in four major concertos for brass ... see Full Review

Tout passe: Chants d’Acadie Quand j’ai parti du Canada [4:24] Ernie Arsenault’s Favourite, the Draggers Reel [2:27] La Novelle Chanson de Terre-Neuve [6:13] Ton Bale, The Bluebird, Annie Annie [4:14] La Pauvre Lisette [3:21] À Saint-Malo, Laridé de Pontivy, Rond de Loudéac [3:33] Les Pèlerins [2:32] Tout passe [6:30] La Fille tuée par sa mère, or Le Baron [5:36] Comment veux-tu que je t’embrasse [1:44] Valse de ’Cadien [2:04] Suite “Le Mariage”: (The Basquett of Oysters [1:43]; L’Alouette et le Poisson [2:32]; Pigeon on the Gate [1:31]; Le jour du mariage [4:33]; Laridé [1:25]) Tout d’travers, tout à l’envers [2:52] The Bedding of the Bride, La Disputeuse, Keep It Up! [3:06] Suzie LeBlanc (soprano, harpsichord, shruti box, spoons); David Greenberg (violin, voice); Chris Norman (flutes, small pipes, percussion, voice); Betsy MacMillan (viola da gamba, voice); Sylvain Bergeron (acoustic guitar, baroque guitar, shruti box); David McGuinness (harpsichord, harmonium, melodica, voice); Shawn Mativetsky (percussion, tabla) rec. 17-19 October 2006, Église Saint-Augustin de Mirabel, Quebec Texts and translations included ATMA CLASSIQUE ACD2 2522 [60:29] [GPu]

Suzie LeBlanc heard, with enjoyable results, outside her normal early music repertoire in ‘traditional’ music of some power and with an infectious sense of joy … see Full Review

 

Thursday September 27th

Sir Edward BAIRSTOW (1874-1946) Jesu, the very thought of thee (1925) [2:37] Blessed city, heavenly Salem* [8:11] Evening Service in D (1906)* [8:20]: Magnificat [4:53] Nunc dimittis [3:22] Lord, thou hast been our refuge (1916)* [7:59] If the Lord had not helped me (1910?)* [6:20] Let all mortal flesh keep silence (1906) [3:15] Evening Service in G (1940)* [5:54]: Magnificat [3:38] Nunc dimittis [2:11] Five Poems of the Spirit (1944)** [14:02] Save us, O Lord (1900)* [5:12] Paul Provost (organ)*, Roderick Williams (baritone)** Britten Sinfonia** Choir of St. John’s College, Cambridge/David Hill rec. 13-14 January 2007, St. John’s College Chapel, Cambridge. DDD English texts included HYPERION CDA67497 [62:47] [JQ]

If this is to be the last disc by David Hill and the St. John’s choir then the partnership has ended on a high note and Bairstow has been well served ... see Full Review

Judith BINGHAM (b. 1952) Salt in the Blood (1995) [20:40] The Darkness Is No Darkness-Segue-S.S. Wesley (1810-76) Thou Wilt Keep Him (1993) [8:05] First Light (2001) [10:22] The Snows Descend (1997) [6:45] The Secret Garden (2004) [21:58] Fine Arts Brass BBC Symphony Chorus/Stephen Jackson, Thomas Trotter (organ) rec. BBC Maida Vale Studios, London, 7-8 May 2005 (Salt in the Blood; The Darkness Is No Darkness; First Light; The Snows Descend); live, BBC Proms, 21 August 2004 (The Secret Garden). DDD English texts included NAXOS 8.570346 [67:50] [JQ]

This is a real ear-opener of a disc, featuring some tremendously inventive and imaginative music ... see Full Review

RECORDING OF THE MONTH Luigi CHERUBINI (1760-1842) Coronation Mass (1825) [50:47] Marche réligieuse (1825) [5:11] Philharmonia Chorus Philharmonia Orchestra/Riccardo Muti rec. 1985. DDD. Texts and Translations included. EMI CLASSICS 49302 [56:00] [GPu]

A glorious performance of a choral masterpiece … see Full Review

John HARBISON (b. 1938) Piano Trio No. 2 'Short Stories' (2003): I. Tale [5:58]; II. Ballad [3:32]; III. Rumors and Reports [4:20]; IV. Enigma [3:51] Gatsby Etudes (1999): No. 1 Parlors [1:57]; No. 2 Parties [2:47]; No. 3 The Green Light [3:46] The Violist's Notebook (2002), Book I [7:47]; Book II [7:44] Ten MicroWaltzes (2004) [8:20] Cucaraccia and Fugue* (2003): I. Cucaraccia [1:18]; II. Fugue [3:03] Cello Suite (1993): I. Preludio [2:09]; II. Fuga – Burletta [2:41]; III. Sarabanda [2:21]; IV. Giga [1:35] Piano Trio No. 1 (1968) [7:24] Amelia Piano Trio (Anthea Kreston (violin and viola); Jason Duckles (cello); Rieko Aizawa (piano)); * Steven Tenenbom; Ida Kavafian; John Harbison (violas) rec. 5-10 May 2006, Connecticut College, New London, Connecticut, USA NAXOS AMERICAN CLASSICS 8.559243 [70:30] [DM]

For the casual explorer it offers a good, inexpensive entrée to Harbison’s musical world ... see Full Review

Joseph JONGEN (1873-1953) Symphonie Concertante, Op. 81 (1926) [36:25] Camille SAINT-SAËNS (1835-1921) Symphony No. 3 'Organ', Op. 78 (1886) [36:29] Olivier Latry (organ) Orchestre  Philharmonique de Liège/Pascal Rophé rec. 10-14 July 2006, Salle Philharmonique, Liège, Belgium CYPRES CYP7610 [72:54] [DM]

The Saint-Saëns has all the adrenaline you could ask for ... see Full Review

Jean LANGLAIS (1907-1991) Esquisses Romanes et Gothiques for two organs Trois Esquisses Gothiques (1975) [18:29] (Maestoso [5:36]; Virgo dei genitrix [3:37]; Séquence pour la fête de la dédicace [9:15]) Canzona (from Folkloric Suite) [3:34] Pasticcio (from Organ Book) [2:34] Prélude (from Suite Médiévale) [2:37] Tiento (from Suite Médiévale) [3:36] Dialogue sur les mixtures (from Suite Brève) [3:33] Plainte (from Suite Brève) [5:11] Incantation pour un Jour Saint (from Pâques) [4:52] Trois Esquisses Romanes [26:53] (Moderato [8:11]; Allegro vivo [10:57]; Allegro [7:43]) Jacques Kauffmann (grand orgue; petit orgue (Esquisses)) Frédéric Ledroit (grand orgue (Esquisses)) rec. 13, 15 April 2004, Catédrale Angoulême. DDD Notes and organ specifications included SKARBO DSK4053 [71:21] [WK]

Overall a gripping traversal of an unjustly neglected part of the composer’s output ... see Full Review

Charles Hubert Hastings PARRY (1848-1918) Symphony No. 5 in B minor (1914) [23:07] Blest Pair of Sirens (1887) [10:55] Symphonic Variations (1897) [13:18] Elegy for Brahms (1897) [10:23] London Philharmonic Choir/Frederic Jackson London Philharmonic Orchestra/Adrian Boult rec. No. 1 Studio, Abbey Road, London, 4, 9, 19 October, 20 December 1978; 21-23 December 1966 (Blest). ADD EMI CLASSICS 65107 [58:09] [RB]

Boult conducting Parry ... something special. Drew grand things from Boult even into old age. A golden anthology ... see Full Review

Uljas PULKKIS (b. 1975) Enchanted Garden (2000) [19:38] Concerto for Flute and Orchestra (2001) [20:32] Symphonic Dalí (2002) [36:46] Jaakko Kuusisto (violin) (Garden); Sharon Bezaly (flute) (concerto) Stavanger Symphony Orchestra/Susanna Mälkki rec. Stavanger Concert Hall, Norway, June, August 2005 BIS SACD1339 [78:26] [HC]

A remarkable instrumental flair and a sure feel for telling broad orchestral strokes but is a personal voice at work in these imposing works? ... see Full Review

RECORDING OF THE MONTH Maurice RAVEL (1875-1937) Rhapsodie Espagnole (1907) [15:41] Isaac Manuel Francesco ALBENIZ (1860-1909) Iberia (Evocacion; El corpus en Sevilla; Triana; El Puerto; El Albaicin) (orch. Enrique Fernandez Arbos) (1907) [30:51] Manuel de FALLA (1876-1946) El sombrero de tres picos (1919) [32:32] Dresdner Philharmonie/Jörg-Peter Weigle rec. April 1989, Lukaskirche, Dresden. ADD BERLIN CLASSICS REFERENCE 0013902 [69:03] [RB]

Superb Iberian music-making and a tonic for jaded palates ... see Full Review

Best of British Sir Malcolm ARNOLD (1921-2006) 1. Four Scottish Dances Op. 59 – Nos 1-2 (1957) [2:08 + 2:09] Sir Arnold BAX (1883-1953) 2. Summer Music (1917-1920) [9:03] Frank BRIDGE (1879-1941) 3. Two Poems – Allegro con brio (1915) [4:09] Benjamin BRITTEN (1913-1976) 4. Four Sea Interludes from “Peter Grimes” – No. 2 Sunday Morning (1945) [3:59] Frederick DELIUS (1862-1934) 5. On hearing the first cuckoo in spring (1912) [5:53] Sir Edward ELGAR (1857-1934) 6. Enigma Variations Op. 36 – Variations IX and XIV (1899) [3:29 + 4:38]; 7. “Give unto the Lord” Op. 74 (1914) [7:52]; 8. Cello Concerto in E Minor - Adagio Op. 85 (1919) [5:08]; 9. Serenade for strings – Allegro piacevole Op. 20 (1892) [3:17] Gerald FINZI (1901-1956) 10. Clarinet Concerto Op. 31 – Allegro vigoroso (1949) Sir Hamilton HARTY (1879-1941) 11. Piano Concerto in B minor – Tranquillo e calmo (1922) [8:57] Gustav HOLST (1874-1934) 12. The Planets – No. 4 Jupiter (1916) [8:00] John IRELAND (1879-1962) 13. Four Preludes – No. 3 “The Holy Boy” (1913) [3:18] Sir Hubert PARRY (1848-1918) 14. “I was glad” (1902) [4:49] Edmund RUBBRA (1901-1986) 15. Violin Concerto – III Allegro Giocoso (1959) [5:12] John RUTTER (b.1945) 16. Requiem – “The Lord is my shepherd” (1985) [5:03] Sir John STAINER (1840-1901) 17. The Crucifixion – “God so loved the world” (1887) [3:34] Sir Charles Villiers STANFORD (1852-1924) 18. Communion Service in C - Gloria Op. 115 (1909) [3:19] 19. “The Blue Bird” [3:49] John TAVENER (b. 1945) 20. The Lamb (1982) [3:52]Ralph VAUGHAN WILLIAMS (1872-1958) 21. Sea Songs - March (1923) [3:51] 22. The Lark Ascending (1914) [15:03] Sir William WALTON (1902-1983) 23. Crown Imperial (1937) [6:45] 24. Spitfire Prelude and Fugue (1942) [7:48] see review for performance details. Recording dates and places not given NAXOS 8.570573-74 [68:43 + 75:46] [JS]

The most I can raise is two cheers for the performers and composers and one very large boo for the way in which their music has been put together ... see Full Review

 

Wednesday September 26th

Richard ARNELL (b. 1917) Piano Concerto op. 44 (1946) [32:31] Symphony No. 2 Rufus op. 33 (1955-57) [33:28] David Owen Norris (piano) Royal Scottish National Orchestra/Martin Yates rec. Henry Wood Hall, Glasgow, 19-20 September 2006. DDD DUTTON EPOCH CDLX 7184 [66:29] RECORDING OF MONTH  Richard ARNELL (b. 1917) Symphony No. 4 op. 52 (1948) [26:36] Symphony No. 5 op. 77 (1955-57) [36:48] Royal Scottish National Orchestra/Martin Yates rec. Henry Wood Hall, Glasgow, 19-20 May 2007. DDD DUTTON EPOCH CDLX 7194 [63:49] [RB]

Two eloquent and exciting major works with tragic grandeur in their sights. Finely documented, full-throatedly performed and recorded ... [CDLX7184] Two fine symphonies embracing the extremes of emotion; one devastatingly likeable and radiantly strong. ... [CDLX7194] ... see Full Review

RECORDING OF THE MONTH Sir Granville BANTOCK (1868–1946) Omar Khayyám - The Ruba’iyat according to Edward Fitzgerald set to Music for Three Solo Voices, Chorus, and Orchestra in Three Parts (1906-1909) Catherine Wyn-Rogers (mezzo) (The Beloved) Toby Spence (tenor) (The Poet) Roderick Williams (baritone) (The Philosopher) Olivia Robinson (soprano) (First Pot) Siân Menna (mezzo) (Second Pot) Edward Price (bass) (Sixth Pot) BBC Symphony Chorus/Stephen Jackson BBC Symphony Orchestra/Vernon Handley rec. Watford Colosseum (Town Hall), 1-2 October 2005, 17-18 February 2007 Three CDs for the price of two This is a hybrid SACD and was played and reviewed in standard CD format. Full notes in English, German and French. Sung words in English only. CHANDOS CHSA 5051(3) [3 CDs: 58:14 + 73:08 + 40:09] [RB]

A magnificent project ... one of the living musical treasures of the early twentieth century. ... see Full Review

Nikolaus BRASS (b.1949) erinnern und vergessen – String Quartet No.3 (2004) [28:07] String Quartet No.2 (1999-2000/2002) [35:33] ohne titel – Music for String Quartet (1996) [6:45] Auritus Quartet rec. 8-9 June 2005, 27-28 May 2006, Bavaria Music Studios, Munich COL LEGNO WWE 20238 [70:46] [DC]

Rare music which occupies your subconscious ... see Full Review

Charles CAMILLERI (b. 1951) Piano Concerto No. 1 Mediterranean (1948 rev. 1978) [27:13] Piano Concerto No. 2 Maqam (1967-68) [19:33] Piano Concerto No. 3 Leningrad (1987) [20:05] André de Groote (piano) Bournemouth SO/Michael Laus Winter Gardens, Bournemouth, UK, 1993. DDD TALENT DOM 2910 56 [67:20] [RB]

Three stimulating piano concertos the last two of which are as dissonant as the first is melodic-tonal. ... see Full Review

David LEISNER (b. 1953) Acrobats (2002) [12:48] El Coco (1999) [3:27] Nostalgia (1985) [5:55] Dances in the Madhouse (1982) [12:13] Trittico (1985, rev.2002) [12:38] 1 Extremes (1987) [12:30] 2 Cavatina Duo: Eugenia Moliner (flute); Denis Azabagic (guitar); 1 Katinka Kleijn (cello); 2 Joshua Rubin (clarinet) rec. 23-25 May, 31 August, 18 November 2006, WFMT Chicago ÇEDILLE CDR 90000 096 [60:08] [GPu]

Pleasant, intelligent chamber music which makes engaging listening, without being especially innovative or challenging … see Full Review

John McCABE (b. 1939) Ballet Suite No. 1 - Arthur Pendragon (2000) [27:36] Piano Concerto No. 1 (1967) [25:25] Pilgrim, for Double String Orchestra (1999) [19:06] John McCabe (piano) BBC Scottish Symphony Orchestra/Christopher Austin rec. City Halls, Glasgow, 12-14 June 2006. DDD DUTTON EPOCH CDLX 7179 [72:34] [RB]

John McCabe is a powerhouse on the British music scene and this disc is further evidence of the life force that courses through the veins and arteries of this strongly projected music... see Full Review

Canta in Prato: Songs, Dances and Arias Antonio VIVALDI (1678-1741) Canta in Prato, RV636 [4:19] King HENRY VIII (1491-1547) Pastime with Good Company [3:37] ANON (Folk Song?, 16th Century) Greensleeves [2:36] William CORNYSHE (1468-1523) Blow thy Horn, Hunter [2:25] Michael PRÆTORIUS (1571-1621) Bransle de la Torche (instrumental) [3:07] Anthony HOLBORNE (d.1602) Image of Melancholy (instrumental) [4 :57] Michael PRÆTORIUS Volta (instrumental) [1:22] Johann Michael BACH (1648-94) Es ist ein großer Gewinn [4:23] Claudio MONTEVERDI (1567-1643) Clori amorosa (pub. 1607) [2:29]; Dolci miei sospiri (1607) [3:49]; Rosetta, che Rosetta (1607) [1:58] Alessandro SCARLATTI (1660-1725) Lontan dalla sua Clori: Recitativo [0:39]; Aria [3:14]; Recitativo [1:39]; Aria [3:57] Antonio VIVALDI In furore iustissimæ iræ, RV626: Aria [5:05]; Recitativo [0:36]; Aria [3:33]; Alleluia [2:00] Capella Stravagante (Kathrin Freyburg (soprano); Katrin Hagitte (flute, chamber organ); Julia Prigge (violin); Margit Reinicke (violin); Stefano Macor (viola); Laurie Randolph (viola da gamba, guitar and percussion); Reinhard Eger (cello); Christian Hagitte (harpsichord)) rec. Community Hall of Hochmeister Church, Berlin, February-March 2006. DDD. Booklet with notes in English and German. Original texts with English and German translations. HÄNSSLER PROFIL PH07068 [55:34] [BW]

An impressive début. I look forward to hearing this group again, either in more dramatic material or with the soloist’s tendency to over-produce her voice toned down a little … see Full Review

Choral Evensong from Tewkesbury Abbey Herbert HOWELLS (1892-1983) Master Tallis’s Testament* [7:00] Thomas TALLIS (c.1505-1585) Sancte Deus [6:43] Heathcote STATHAM (1889-1973) Preces [1:34] Walter ALCOCK (1861-1947) Chant: Psalm 91 [5:52] Michael PETERSON (1924-2006) Chant: Psalm 131 [2:11]; First Lesson (Isaiah 6 1-8) [1:52] Gabriel JACKSON (b. 1962) Magnificat (Tewkesbury Service) [8:57]; Second Reading (1 Corinthians 13) [2:45]; Nunc Dimittis (Tewkesbury Service) [4:50]; Creed [0:57] Heathcote STATHAM Responses and Collects [6:27] Ralph VAUGHAN WILLIAMS (1872-1958) Valiant-for-Truth [5:39]; Prayers and Blessing [2:38] Hymn: The day thou gavest (St. Clement, Descant: John Scott (b. 1956) [3:28] Herbert HOWELLS Te Deum (Collegium Regale) [9:31] Louis VIÈRNE (1870-1937) Toccata in B minor* [4:10] The Abbey School Choir, Tewkesbury/Benjamin Nicholas *Carleton Etherington (organ) rec. Tewkesbury Abbey, Gloucestershire, England, 26 June, 5 July 2006. DDD DELPHIAN DCD34713 [74:37] [JQ]

This is a splendid recreation of the timeless service of Evensong ... see Full Review

Love Letters Girolamo FRESCOBALDI (1583-1643) Oscure Selve [2.12] Giovanni Girolamo KAPSPERGER (1575-1661) Toccata V [1.43] Claudio MONTEVERDI (1567-1643) Lettera Amorosa: se i languidi miei sguardi [7.24] Jacopo PERI (1561-1633) Hor che gli augelli [1.31] Bartolome BARBARINO (1568-1617) Audi dulcis amica mea [4.25] Bellerofonte CASTALDI (1580-1649) Amorevole corrente [0.46] Sigismondo D'INDIA (1582- 1629) Lettera Amorosa: Torna, du que, deh torna [7.09] Claudio MONTEVERDI (1567-1643) Fenice son io [1.26]; Ego flos campi [3.38] Alessandro PICCININI (1566-1638) Toccata XIII [2.18] Girolamo FRESCOBALDI (1583-1643) Lettera Amorosa: Vanne, o carta amorosa [2.45] Stefano LANDI (1587-1639) Augellin [2.15] Claudio MONTEVERDI (1567-1643) Nigra Sum [3.17] Giovanni Girolamo KAPSPERGER (1575-1661) Preludio [0.30] Claudio MONTEVERDI (1567-1643) Lettera Amorosa: Se pur destina [9.04] Sigismondo D'INDIA (1582- 1629) Torn ail sereno zefiro, e gli augellini garruli [2.19] Bartolome BARBARINO (1568-1617) Osculetur me [3.55] Giovanni Girolamo KAPSPERGER (1575-1661) Toccata I [0.54] Giacomo CARISSIMI (1605-1674) Lettera Amorosa: Scrivete occhi dolente [7.23] Giovanni Girolamo KAPSPERGER (1575-1661) Augellin [3.02]; Nigra Sum [3.29] Anon/Codex Chigi Hymnus: Ave Maris Stella [4.08] Tarquino MERULA (1595-1665) Quando gli uccelli porteranno zoccoli [4.58] Giovanni Cantarini (tenor) Sven Schwanngerger (chitarrones, chitarra spagnuola, traversa) Thomas Leininger (Organo) Masako Art (Arpa Doppia) Brigitte Gasser (Lirone) Il Vero Modo/Giovanni Cantarini rec. February 2006, Christkatholische kirche, Trimbach, Switzerland. DDD THOROFON CTH 2538 [80.54] [RH]

I enjoyed this recital immensely. Scholarship and imagination, have given us a recital which has re-imagined this repertoire without transgressing the contemporary rules of performance ... see Full Review

Phantasies, Ayres and Chaconys Henry PURCELL (1659-1695) King Arthur: Chaconne, Z628/1 (1691) [3:29]* Matthew LOCKE (1621-1677) Suite No. 4 [8:38] Henry PURCELL Fantazia No. 6, Z737 (1680) [3:50] Fantazia No. 7, Z738 (1680) [4:10] Matthew LOCKE Theatre suite, MB li, p. 55, 191, 113, 116, 90 [6:09]* Henry PURCELL Prelude, ZN773 [1:11] Dioclesian: Two in one upon a ground, Z627/16 (1690) [2:41] Matthew LOCKE Suite No. 3 [10:19] Henry PURCELL Fantazia No. 11, Z742 (1680) [3:32] Fantazia No. 12, Z743 (1680) [3:44] Theatre Suite, Z631/1, 632/20, 570/6, 626/13, 570/7, 570/9 [12:03]* Three parts upon a ground, Z731 [4:52] * The Flautadors Recorder Quartet *David Miller (theorbo and guitar) rec. St Andrew’s Church, Toddington, September 2006. DDD DEUX-ELLES DXL 1123 [64:52] [MG]

Offers a fresh perspective, the exuberance of the theatre pieces is very enjoyable as well. … see Full Review

 

Tuesday September 25th

Johann Sebastian BACH (1685-1750) Das Wohltemperirte Clavier (The Well-tempered Clavier), Book 1 24 Preludes and Fugues BWV 846-869 (collected 1722, some pieces earlier) CD 1 No.1 in C major BWV 846 [2:49+2:21] No.2 in C minor BWV 847 [1:27+1:30] No.3 in C# major BWV 848 [1:14+2:13] No.4 in C# minor BWV 849 [2:43+5:18] No.5 in D major BWV 850 [1:18+1:48] No.6 in D minor BWV 851 [1:32+1:38] No.7 in E flat major BWV 852 [5:46+1:41] No. 8 in E flat minor BWV 853 [3:27+7:20] No.9 in E major BWV 854 [1:34 +1:20] No.10 in E minor BWV 855 [2:35+1:17]  No.11 in F major BWV 856 [1:16+1:24] No.12 in F minor BWV 857 [2:11+5:25] CD 2 No.13 in F# major BWV 858 [1:31+2:06] No.14 in F# minor BWV 859 [1:15+4:02] No.15 in G major BWV 860 [0:54+2:38] No.16 in G minor BWV 861 [2:59+2:23] No.17 in A flat major BWV 862 [1:17+3:25] No.18 in G# minor BWV 863 [1:21+2:26] No.19 in A major BWV 864 [1:20+2:14] No.20 in A minor BWV 865 [1:09+5:06] No.21 in B flat major BWV 866 [1:18+1:44] No.22 in B flat minor BWV 867 [2:53+3:27] No.23 in B major BWV 868 [0:59+2:55] No.24 in B minor BWV 869 [3:03+7:13] Bob van Asperen (harpsichord, Christian Zell, Hamburg, 1728) rec. Museum für Kunst und Gewerbe, Hamburg, February, April 1987. DDD. VIRGIN VERITAS 3 49963 2 [61:22 + 59:51][BW]

At their new super-bargain price van Asperen’s two 2-CD sets of the ‘48’ deserve the strongest recommendation except for those preferring the piano, who should go for the reissue of the Hewitt CDs … see Full Review

Johann Sebastian BACH (1685-1750) Cantata movements for organ four hands Concerto super: Was mein Gott will,das g’scheh allzeit (BWV 111/1) [5:25] Suite: ( adagio - ouverture - (BWV 196/1) [1:55];  allegro (BWV 34/5) [2:23];  adagio assai BWV 12/1 [2:50];  allegro assai - gigue - (BWV 191/1) [2:01]) Aria 'Ich habe genug' (BWV 82/1) [11:03] Concerto Grosso (BWV 187/1) [5:49] Three Chorale trios: (Trio super: Zudem ist Weisheit und Verstand (BWV 92/4) [3:24]; Gefigureerd koraal super: Der leib zwar in der Erden (BWV 161/6) [1:35]; Trio super: Ertöt uns durch dein Güte (BWV 22/5) [2:07]) Concerto Grosso super: Ach wie flüchtig, ach wie nichtig (BWV 26/1) [2:54] Aria 'Die Seele Ruht in Jesu Händen' (BWV 127/3) [8:08] Prelude super: Ach Gott, vom Himmel sieh darein (BWV 2/1) [6:49] Euwe and Sybolt de Jong (organ duet) rec: Grote of Jacobijnerkerk, Leeuwaarden, 2007 WESTRAMEDIA WM150707 [56:59][CB]

This is different, very well done, and  performed on a really first-rate instrument ... see Full Review

RECORDING OF THE MONTH Franz Joseph HAYDN (1732-1809) Symphony No. 88 in G (?1787) [20:05] Symphony No. 89 in F (1787) [21:06] Symphony No. 90 in C (1788) [26:27] Symphony No. 90 in C: finale (alternative version) [6:50] Symphony No. 91 in E flat (1788) [23:00] Symphony No. 92 in G ‘Oxford’ (1789) [24:47] Sinfonia concertante in B flat for violin, cello, oboe and bassoon (1792)* [21:24] Toru Yasunaga (violin); Georg Faust (cello); *Jonathan Kelly (oboe); *Stefan Schweigert (bassoon) Berliner Philharmoniker/Sir Simon Rattle rec. live, 8-10, 14-17 February 2007, Philharmonie, Berlin. DDD EMI CLASSICS 0946 3 94237 2 9 [75:47 + 69:31][JQ]

A set to lift the spirits. ... see Full Review

Joseph HAYDN (1732-1809) The Seven Last Words From the Cross, Hob.III:50-56, Op.51, No.1-7 (1787) Cherubini Quartet (Christoph Poppen, Harald Schoneweg (violins); Harold Schlichtig (viola); Klaus Kämper (cello)) rec. 18-20 July 1988, Haydn-Saal, Schloss Eisenstadt EMI CLASSICS CDC 7 49682 [77:02][GPu]

A slow, monumental, and yet intimate performance of the quartet version of one of Haydn’s masterpieces … see Full Review

Claudio Monteverdi (1567-1643) Cantate Domino (1620) [2:11] Mass for four voices (published 1650) [21:44] (Kyrie [3:59]; Gloria [4:34]; Credo [6:05]; Sanctus [2:32]; Benedictus [1:34]; Agnus Dei [3:00]) Domine, ne in furore (1620) [4:00] Missa In illa tempore for six voices (1610) [28:24] (Kyrie [3:39]; Gloria [5:47]; Credo [10:06]; Sanctus [2:24]; Benedictus [1:33]; Agnus Dei I [2:32]; Agnus Dei II [2:23]) The Sixteen/Harry Christophers Margaret Phillips (organ) rec. All Hallows, Gospel Oak, London, 9-10 May 1986. DDD. Booklet with notes in English, French and German and texts in Latin with English translation. HYPERION HELIOS CDH55145 [56:40][BW]

Strongly recommended to anyone wishing to expand their knowledge of Monteverdi beyond the Vespers – much less dramatic music, but well worth getting to know in such excellent performances … see Full Review

Wolfgang Amadeus MOZART (1756–1791) Coronation Mass, K317 (1779) [24.46] Missa Solemnis, K337 (1780) [21.32] Epistle Sonata no. 16, K329 [3.52] Epistle Sonata no. 17, K336 [3.52] Patrizia Kwella (soprano) Ulla Groenewold (contralto) Christoph Pregardien (tenor) Franz-Josef Selig (bass) Cologne Chamber Choir Collegium Cartusianum/Peter Neumann Recorded 1989, originally issued by EMI VIRGIN CLASSICS 00946 391803 2 5 [53.17][RH]

Neumann’s accounts of the masses are pretty much spot-on ... see Full Review

Camille SAINT-SAËNS (1835-1921) Cello Concerto No. 1 in A minor, Op. 33 (1872) [18:44]* Cello Concerto No. 2 in D minor, Op. 119 (1902) [18:01]+ La muse et le poète, Op. 132 (1909) [15:45]+# Suite for Cello and Orchestra, Op. 16 (1862) [17:04]+ Prière, Op. 158 (1919) [5:55]^ Steven Isserlis (cello) #Joshua Bell (violin) ^Francis Grier (organ) *London Symphony Orchestra/Michael Tilson Thomas +NDR Symphony Orchestra/Christoph Eschenbach rec. *Blackheath Concert Halls, London, September 1992; ^Eton College Chapel, Windsor, February 1993; +Musikhalle, Hamburg, September 1999 BMG-RCA CLASSIC LIBRARY 82876-65845-2 [76:02][SV]

The two concertos fail to meet expectations but at mid-price, this remains recommendable for the tone-poem and the Suite. ... see Full Review

Franz SCHUBERT (1797–1828) Austrian Contemporaries - Volume 3 1. Himmelsfunken D651 [3:01] 2. Der Mondabend D141 [2:46] 3. Bertas Lied in der Nacht D653 [4:07] 4. Cora an die Sonne D263 [2:09] 5. Mein Gruss an den Mai D305 [3:19] 6. Die Blumensprache D519 [2:15] 7. Der Blumen Schmerz D731 [4:58] 8. Das Lied im Grünen D917 [4:40] 9. Frühlingslied D919 [5:19] 10. An die Sonne D270 [2:59] 11. Lambertine D301 [3:11] 12. Blondel zu Marien D626 [3:57] 13. Der Morgenkuss D264 [2:28] 14. Die Unterscheidung D866/1 [5:23] 15. Die Männer sind méchant D866/3 [2:45] 16. Das Echo D868/990C [4:40] 17. Die Liebe D522 [3:38] 18. Ammenlied D122 [1:44] 19. Die Macht der Liebe D308 [1:41] 20 Abendbilder D650 [6:28] Daniela Sindram (mezzo), Ulrich Eisenlohr (piano) rec. Bayerischer Rundfunk, Munich, Germany, 24–27 June 2005 NAXOS 8.557833 [71:29][GF]

This disc belongs among the best of those I have heard in this series ... see Full Review

Kósçak YAMADA (1886-1965) Nagauta Symphony ‘Tsurukame’ (1934)* [17:23] Symphony ‘Inno Meiji’ (1921)** [18:28] Choreographic Symphony ‘Maria Magdalena’ (1918) [15:39] * Touon Tetsuo Miyata; Touon Toshimitsu Moraji; Touon Taro Yamaguchi; Touon Jun Ajimi; Touon Keizo Miyata (Nagauta vocalists); Touon Toru Ajimi; Touon Takehisa Takahashi; Touon Shiro Minoda; Touon Yutaka Miyata; Touon Gojiro Sakamoto (shamisens); Sataro Mochizuki; Satahoshiro Mochizuki; Tatsuyuki Mochizuki; Roei Tosha; Toru Fukahara (hayoshi) ** Yumiko Mizoiri (hichiriki) Tokyo Metropolitan Symphony Orchestra/Takuo Yuasa rec. 17 October 2005, Kodaira Citizens Cultural Hall, Tokyo. Song text included NAXOS JAPANESE CLASSICS 8.557971 [50:30][DM]

Mildly interesting but no revelations. All credit to Naxos, panning for gold … a risky strategy but they can and do find some nuggets in the sand. Regrettably this is not one of them. ... see Full Review

Virtuoso Cello Showpieces Buxton ORR (1924–1997) A Carmen Fantasy (1985) [14:13] Franz DANZI (1763–1826) Variations on a Theme from Mozart’s ‘Don Giovanni’ (ed. Heinrich Klug) [6:54] Mario CASTELNUOVO-TEDESCO (1895–1968) Figaro Variations from Rossini’s ‘The Barber of Seville’ (concert transcription, ed. Gregor Piatigorsky) [6:40] Caspar CASSADÓ (1897–1966) Lamento de Boabdil (1931) [3:58] Antonín DVOŘÁK (1841–1904) Rondo in G minor, B171 (Op. 94) (1891) [8:03] Silent Woods (Klid), B173 (Op. 68 No. 5) (1891) [5:14] Sonatina in G major, B183 (Op. 100) (1893) (arr. Oscar Hartwieg) [20:48] Maria Kliegel (cello) Nina Tichman (piano) rec. Clara Wieck Auditorium, Sandhausen, Germany, 1-3 December 2004 NAXOS 8.557613 [65:51][GF]

Excellent playing and attractive music, not frequently heard in these versions ... see Full Review



Monday September 24th

Ludwig van BEETHOVEN (1770-1827) Symphony No.4 in B flat major, Op.60 [31:33] Symphony No.7 in A major, Op.92 [33:47] Overture to King Stephen, Op.117 [7:31] Cleveland Orchestra/George Szell rec. 1960, 1963, 1967. ADD SONY CLASSICAL SBK 48158 [73:32][TP]

As a coupling of Beethoven 4 and 7, this disc is unbeatable. ... see Full Review

Manolis KALOMIRIS (1883-1962) Triptych for Orchestra (1937-1940) [22.16] Symphony No 3 ‘Palamian’ in D minor for orchestra with dramatic recitation (1955) [30.39] Three Greek Dances (1934) [8.46] The Destruction of Psara (1949?) [1.34] Nikitas Tsakiroglou (orator) Athens State Orchestra/Byron Fidetzis rec. Athens Concert Hall Recording Centre, 20 June-2 July 2005. DDD NAXOS 8.557970 [63.15][GH]

At Naxos price this disc is worth investigating but be prepared for an epic struggle. ... see Full Review

Gustav MAHLER (1860-1911) Symphony No. 3 in D minor (1893-96, rev. 1906) [99:49] Birgit Remmert (contralto) Heinz Saurer (posthorn) Schweizer Kammerchor Zürcher Sängerknaben Tonhalle Orchester Zürich/David Zinman rec. 27 February-1 March 2006, Tonhalle, Zürich, Switzerland BMG-RCA 88697 12918 2 [34:51 + 54:58][DM]

Zinman achieves a certain majesty but where is the necessary heft … the radiance … the joy? ... see Full Review

Knut NYSTEDT (b. 1915) Prayers of Kierkegaard, Op. 157 (1999) [17:42] Salve Regina, Op. 156a (1999) [5:04] The Word Became Flesh, Op. 162 (2001) [7:23] Nytt er livet, Op. 170* (2003) [7:05] Jesu seben Worte, Op. 171 (2003) [11:00] Immortal Bach (J.S. Bach arr. Nystedt) (1987) [3:54]. Beate Kronen (soprano) (trs. 3, 5-10)[ Gea Aartun (soprano) (tr.5) * Bærum Vokalensemble Ensemble 96/ Øystein Fevang rec. February, April, September 2004, Uranienborg Church, Oslo, Norway. Texts and translations provided DEUX ELLES 2L 29SACD [52:52][DM]

A wonderful collection and one that I hope to revisit again and again, with undiminished pleasure ... see Full Review

Alla PAVLOVA (b. 1952) Symphony No.5 (2006) [47:23] (1.Adagio-Vivace [9:57]; 2.Adagio [7:44]; 3 Adagio-Vivace [12:55]; 4.Largo [9:55]; 5. Vivace [6:52]) Elegy for Piano and String Orchestra (1988)* [4:41] Mikhail Shestakov (violin) Andrei Korobeinikov (piano)*, Tchaikovsky Symphony Orchestra of Moscow Radio/Vladimir Ziva rec. Studio 5 of the Russian State TV & Radio Company Kultura, Moscow, 18-21 June 2006. NAXOS 8.570369 [52:04][SA]

I find her music sumptuous and emotionally rewarding…she writes music that describes tragedy well ... see Full Review

François-André Danican PHILIDOR (1726-1795) CD1 Simphonie No.27 in G major (Ouverture: Le maréchal ferrant, 1761) [12:44] Carmen Sæculare (1788): (Ouverture [4:31]; Prologus: Odi profanum vulgus [1:18]; Prima Pars [5:18]; Seconda Pars [18:04]; Tertia Pars [12:47]) CD2 Carmen Sæculare (contd.) Pars Quarta [38:25] Le sorcier: Ouverture in G major (1764) [8:54] Tom Jones: Ouverture in B flat major (1765) [7:58] Veronica Cangemi (soprano), Nora Gubisch (mezzo), Donald Litaker (tenor), Antonio Abete (bass) Coro della Radio Svizzera Orchestra della Svizzera Italiana/Jean-Claude Malgoire (Carmen Sæculare) Prague Chamber Orchestra/Christian Benda (Simphonie, overtures) rec. Studio Domovina, Prague, 19 April 2005 and Auditorio della RSI, Lugano, Switzerland, 21-22 January 1998 (Carmen Sæculare). NAXOS 8.557593-94 [54:42 + 55:16][DC]

If the fascinating sensitivities of the late 1780s attract then this is an artefact which will bring great pleasure. ... see Full Review

BARGAIN OF THE MONTH Sir Charles Villiers STANFORD (1852-1924) Sonata in F major for Clarinet and Piano, op. 129 (1911) [18:44] (1) Fantasy no.1 for Clarinet and String Quartet (1921) [11:39] (2) Fantasy no.2 for Clarinet and String Quartet (1922) [14:37] (2) Three Intermezzi for Clarinet and Piano, op. 13 (1879) [08:06] (3) Piano Trio no.3 in A minor, op. 158 – Per aspera ad astra (1918) [20:59] (4) Robert Plane (clarinet) (1, 2, 4), Gould Piano Trio (Lucy Gould (violin) (2, 4), Alice Neary (cello) (2, 4), Benjamin Frith (1, 3, 4)); Mia Cooper (violin) (2), David Adams (viola) (2) rec. 17-19 December 2006, Potton Hall, Westleton, Suffolk, UK NAXOS 8.570416 [74:05][CH]

A Stanford CD première and a convenient grouping of the three chamber works with solo clarinet, in excellent performances. ... see Full Review

Best of British Light Music Richard ADDINSELL (1904-1977) 1. Theme from “Goodbye Mr Chips” (1939) [3:19] 2. Warsaw Concerto (1941) [9:06] Sir Richard Rodney BENNETT (b.1936) 3. Theme and Waltz from “Murder on the Orient Express” [5:43] Ronald BINGE (1910-1979) 4. The Watermill [3:46] 5. Elizabethan Serenade (1951) [3:39] Eric COATES (1886-1957) 6. Sound and Vision (ATV March) (1955) [3:32] 7. Covent Garden (from “London Suite”) (1933) [5:13] 8. March “Calling All Workers” [3:26] 9. By the sleepy lagoon (1930) [3:46] 10. Dam Busters’ March [3:56] Samuel COLERIDGE-TAYLOR (1875-1912) 11. Hiawatha Overture [11:24] Anthony COLLINS (1893-1963) 12. Vanity Fair (1952) [3:43] Frederick CURZON (1899-1973) 13. March of the Bowmen (from “Robin Hood Suite”) (1937) [4:51] Trevor DUNCAN (b.1924) 14. High Heels [3:04] Vivian ELLIS (1904-1996) 15. Coronation Scot (1938) [2:55] Robert FARNON (1917-2005) 16. Melody Fair [2:51] 17. Colditz March [3:08] Sir Edward GERMAN (1862-1936) 18. Sophia’s Waltz-Song from “Tom Jones” (1907) [3:07] Ron GOODWIN (1925-2003) 19. Theme from “633 Squadron” [2:57] Percy GRAINGER (1882-1961) 20. Country Gardens [2:05] Anthony HEDGES (b.1931) 21. Overture “Heigham Sound” (1978) [5:39] Albert KETÈLBEY (1875-1959) 22. “In a Persian Market” (1921) [5:34] 23. “In a Monastery Garden” [5:15] Billy MAYERL (1902-1959) 24. Marigold (1927) [3:58] Roger QUILTER (1877-1953) 25. A Children’s Overture [11:09] Ernest TOMLINSON (b.1924) 26. A Little Serenade (1955) [3:23] 27. Shenandoah [3:53] Sidney TORCH (1908-1990) 28. Shortcake Walk (1952) [2:17] 29. All Strings and Fancy Free [3:32] Geoffrey TOYE (1889-1942) 30. Concert Waltz “The Haunted Ballroom” (1935) [6:59] Edward WHITE (1910-1994) 31. Puffin’ Billy” [3:02] Haydn WOOD (1882-1959) 32. Serenade to Youth (1954) [2:45] Bill WORLAND (b.1921) 33. Millennium – A Celebration March (2000) [4:30] Slovak Radio Symphony Orchestra (4,5,7,8,9,10,13,14,16,17,18,20,22,23,24,25,26,27,32); Adrian Leaper (conductor) (7,8,9,10,13,16,17,18,22,23,25,32), Ernest Tomlinson (conductor) (4,5,26,27), Keith Brion (conductor) (20), Gary Carpenter (conductor) (24), Andrew Penny (conductor) (14): Royal Philharmonic Orchestra (6); Paul Murphy (conductor) (6); RTE Concert Orchestra (2,3,11,12,15,30,31,33); Ernest Tomlinson (conductor) (12,15,30,31), Gavin Sutherland (conductor) (33), Proinnsias O’Duinn (conductor) (2,3), Adrian Leaper (conductor) (11); RTE Sinfonietta (21); Anthony Hedges (conductor) (21); BBC Concert Orchestra (1,28,29); Barry Wordsworth (conductor) (28,29), Kenneth Alwyn (1); New Zealand Symphony Orchestra (19), Ron Goodwin (conductor) (19); Philip Fowke (piano) (2,3) rec. no information given NAXOS 8.570575-76 [75:51 + 74:19][JS]

These discs could have been better in terms of their choice of music and the order in which they are placed, but they remain a very attractive purchase. ... see Full Review

Sally-Anne Russell - Enchanting Georges BIZET (1838–1875) 1. Seguidilla: Près de ramparts de Séville from Carmen [2:34] Gioachino ROSSINI (1792–1868) 2. Cruda sorte from L’Italiana in Algeri [4:44] Wolfgang Amadeus MOZART (1756–1791) 3. Voi, che sapete from Le nozze di Figaro [2:56] Charles GOUNOD (1818–1893) 4. Faites-lui mes aveux from Faust [2:47] Christoph Willibald GLUCK (1714–1787) 5. Sposa! Euridice! … Che faro senza Euridice from Orfeo ed Euridice [5:37] George Frideric HANDEL (1685–1759) 6. Verdi prati from Alcina [3:50] Henry PURCELL (1659–1695) 7. Dido’s Lament: Thy hand, Belinda … When I am laid in earth from Dido and Aeneas [4:27] George Frideric HANDEL 8. Iris, Hence Away from Semele [3:36] Gioachino ROSSINI 9. Una voce poco fa from Il barbiere di Siviglia [6:05] Pyotr Il’yich TCHAIKOVSKY (1840–1893) 10. Oui, Dieu le veut … Adieu, foréts from The Maid of Orleans [7:45] Camille SAINT-SAËNS (1835–1921) 11. Mon Coeur s’ouvre à ta voix from Samson et Dalila [6:18] Georges BIZET 12. Habanera: L’amour est un oiseau rebelle from Carmen [4:30] Sally-Anne Russell (mezzo) Adelaide Vocal Project (2, 12) Adelaide Symphony Orchestra/Nicholas Milton rec. 11-13 April 2006, Adelaide Town Hall Texts and English translations included ABC CLASSICS 476 5963 [54:59][GF]

There are ups and downs in this recital but several ups – Faust, Alcina, Semele, The Maid of Orleans – are so good that they will be on my shortlist for these arias ... see Full Review

Carl Schuricht Johannes BRAHMS (1833-1897) Tragic Overture op.81 (1880) [14:15]* Max REGER (1873-1916) Variations and Fugue on a Theme of J.A. Hiller op.100 (1907) [40:17]* Ludwig van BEETHOVEN (1770-1827) Grosse Fuge in B flat major op.133 (1826) [18:56]** London Symphony Orchestra*, New Philharmonia Orchestra**/Carl Schuricht*, Sir Adrian Boult** rec. 31 January 1964, Hornsey Town Hall, London*, 19 August 1968, Royal Albert Hall, London, live** BBC LEGENDS BBCL 4213-2 [73:55][CH]

A valuable addition to the Boult discography unhelpfully coupled with Schuricht on an off-day. ... 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]



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