PART 3
C-L

Click for alphabetical listings by composer:
[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]
[last 5 days] [Recommended recordings]

Alfredo CASELLA (1883-1947) Concerto for Orchestra, A notte alta, Symphonic Fragments from La donna serpente Martin Roscoe (piano) BBC Philharmonic/Gianandrea Noseda rec. 2011 CHANDOS CHAN10712 [73:26] [DMcC]

Engaging and wonderful music with the orchestra playing its collective heart out. Stunning realism and impact. 

Mario CASTELNUOVO-TEDESCO (1895-1968) Piano Concertos 1 & 2, Four Dances from Love’s Labour’s Lost Alessandro Marangoni (piano) Malmö SO/Andrew Mogrelia rec. 2011 NAXOS 8.572823 [76:36] [BR]

Dull, unnecessary concertos played with debatable conviction.

Ignacio CERVANTES (1847-1905) Danzas Cubanas Álvaro Cendoya (piano) rec. 2010 NAXOS 8.572456 [66:24] [OL]

As cheering as a good tropical cocktail.

Emmanuel CHABRIER (1841-1894) Orchestral, Vocal and Piano Works rec. 1936-59 MAGDALEN METCD 8015 [76:58] [JS]

Fascinating … will have you going back to other recordings of these works to compare and contrast their approaches to the music of this most fascinating and surprising composer.

Ernest CHAUSSON (1855-1899) Concert Claude DEBUSSY (1862-1918) String quartet, Cello sonata Artur Balsam (piano) Louis Kaufman (violin) Raya Garbousova (cello) Pascal Qt rec. c.1948/early 1950s FORGOTTEN RECORDS FR 533 [76:58] [JW]

This intense trio of performances works well together.

Fryderyk CHOPIN (1810-1849) Préludes Vanessa Perez (piano) TELARC TEL3338802 [66:13] [JW]

Very far from a recommendation.

Joaquín CLERCH (b.1965) Concierto de Otoño, Concierto de Cáceres Annette Maiburg (flute) Joaquín Clerch (guitar) O de Cámara de la Habana/Thomas Gabrisch rec. 2011 MUSIKPRODUKTION DABRINGHAUS UND GRIMM MDG90317426 [52:23][GPu]

Lucid, intelligent, expressive concertos well worth investigating. 

Ernesto CORDERO (b.1946) Concierto Festivo, Ínsula, Concertino Tropical Pepe Romero (guitar); Guillermo Figueroa (violin) I Solisti di Zagreb rec. 2009/10 NAXOS LATIN AMERICAN CLASSICS 8.572707 [51:33] [Byz]

That the CD is disappointingly short is just about the only cause for complaint. 

François COUPERIN (1668-1733) Concerts 1, 5-14 Thomas Indermühle (oboes) Henk de Wit (bassoon) Ursula Dütschler (harpsichord) rec. 1991/95 CAMERATA CM-15045/6 [68:48 + 67:12] [DC]

A stylish and elegant surfeit. 

Johann Baptist CRAMER (1771-1858) Studio per il pianoforte, Books 1-4 Ferruccio BUSONI (1866-1924) Eight Études after Cramer Gianluca Luisi (piano); Alessandro Deljavan (piano); Giampaolo Stuani (piano) rec. 2011 GRAND PIANO GP613-14 [72:56 + 66:43] [JF]

Will appeal strongly to all piano music enthusiasts. 

Richard DANIELPOUR (b. 1956) First light, The awakened heart, Symphony 3 Faith Easham (soprano) Seattle SO & Chorale/Gerard Schwarz* rec. 1991 NAXOS AMERICAN CLASSICS 8.559712 [66.04] [PCG]

Full commitment and plenty of passion. 

Claude DEBUSSY (1862-1918) Orchestral music Royal Scottish Ntl O/Stéphane Denève rec. 2011/12 CHANDOS CHSA5102 [77:04 + 68:22] [DM]

Outwardly brilliant, inwardly dull. Perplexing.

Claude DEBUSSY (1862-1918) Chamber Music With Winds Eric Aubier (trumpet) Vincent Lucas (flute Marie-Pierre Langlamet (harp) rec. 2010/12 INDÉSENS INDE040 [78.13] [PCG]

These performances are at every point comprehensively outclassed by rivals elsewhere. 

Claude DEBUSSY (1862-1918) String quartet, Cello sonata see CHAUSSON

RECORDING OF THE MONTH Frederick DELIUS (1862-1934) Songs of Sunset, Songs, North Country Sketches, A Late Lark Henriette Bonde-Hansen, Johan Reuter, Aarhus Cathedral Ch, Aarhus SO & Ch/Bo Holten rec. 2011 DANACORD DACOCD721 [74:27] [IL]

So many riches flowing from Holten’s commitment to Delius.

Frederick DELIUS (1862-1934) The Delius Collection Anthony Rolfe Johnson, Thomas Allen: Felicity Lott, Sarah Walker, Julian Lloyd Webber, Ralph Holmes, Eric Parkin, Philip Fowke, Ambrosian Singers (soloists: Maryetta Midgley, Vernon Midgley)/John McCarthy Royal Philharmonic Orchestra/Norman Del Mar, Eric Fenby, Vernon Handley Full contents list at end of review HERITAGE HTGCD 700 [7 CDs: 65.05 + 71.03 + 72.53 + 64.48 + 73.15 + 66.40 + 66.43] [RB]

Very good value indeed. Classic Delius largely in fruity digital sound.

Frederick DELIUS (1862-1934) A Mass of Life, Prelude and Idyll Janice Watson (soprano); Catherine Wyn-Rogers (mezzo); Andrew Kennedy (tenor); Alan Opie (baritone) The Bach Ch, Bournemouth SO/David Hill rec. 2011 NAXOS 8.572861-62 [47:31 + 70:48] [RB]

Naxos extend their Delius catalogue with a very strong entry.

David DIAMOND (1915-2005) Elegy in memory of Maurice Ravel see BERNSTEIN

Ernst von DOHNÁNYI (1877-1960) Sextet Edward McGUIRE (b.1948) Trio Thomas WILSON (1927-2001) Complementi Daniel’s Beard rec. 2011 MERIDIAN CDE 84607 [59:00] [JW]

If the programming appeals, then be assured that the recording and performances are excellent.

Gaetano DONIZETTI (1797-1848) Linda di Chamounix Edita Gruberova (soprano); Deon van der Walt (tenor) Ch & O Zurich Opera House/Adam Fischer rec. 1996 ARTHAUS MUSIK DVD 107 337 [2 DVDs: 164:00] [RF]

Despite some limitations of pleasure due to the restrictions of the 4:3 format, this is a well sung performance of a rarely staged opera.

Antonín DVOŘÁK (1841-1904) Symphony 9; Carnival Overture Bedřich SMETANA (1824-1884) The Bartered Bride overture Franz LISZT (1811-1886) Hungarian Rhapsody London PO, Hallé O/Hamilton Harty rec. 1929-33 PRISTINE AUDIO PASC331 [65:36] [JW]

This well selected programme has been finely transferred. 

RECORDING OF THE MONTH Sir Edward ELGAR The Apostles, Op. 49 [114:29] Rebecca Evans (soprano) – Alice Coote (mezzo) Hallé Choir; Hallé Youth Choir; Hallé Orchestra/Sir Mark Elder rec. 2012 English text included HALLÉ CD HLD 7534 [65:08 + 49:21] [JQ]

The clear first choice. This superb Apostles is a mandatory purchase for all Elgar enthusiasts.

Edward ELGAR (1857-1934) Variations on an original theme (Enigma), Op.36 [30.56] Cockaigne (In London Town), Op.40 [15.07] Froissart, Op.19 [14.23] English Symphony Orchestra/William Boughton rec. 1989 NIMBUS NI5206 [60.26] [PCG]

William Boughton’s reading bubbles with life.

Edward ELGAR (1857-1934) Pomp and Circumstance Marches Nos. 1-5, Op.39 [27.46] The Wand of Youth Suite No. 2, Op.1b [15.57] Three Bavarian Dances, Op.27 [11.42] English Symphony Orchestra/William Boughton rec. 1988 NIMBUS NI 7088 [55.45][PCG]

Taken as a whole not of Boughton‘s best Elgar discs.

Edward ELGAR (1857-1934) Miniatures Nursery Suite (1931) [20.49] Mazurka, Op.10/1 [3.16] Gavotte, Op.10/3 [3.42] Salut d’amour, Op.12 [3.49] Chanson de nuit, Op.15/1 [4.13] Chanson de matin, Op.15/2 [3.16] Dream children, Op.43 [7.59] Sérénade lyrique (1899) [4.31] Carissima (1914) [4.06] May-Song (1901, orch 1928) [3.51] Rosemary (that’s for remembrance) (1882, orch 1915) [3.58] English Symphony Orchestra/William Boughton rec. 1995 NIMBUS NI 7029 [63.35] [PCG]

A very worthwhile survey of the lighter Elgar. The performances are up there with the best.

Edward ELGAR (1857-1934) Portrait of Elgar English Symphony Orchestra/William Boughton (CDs 1, 2, 4); English String Orchestra/William Boughton (CD 3) rec. 1983, 1988, 1989 , 1995 NIMBUS NI 1769 [4 CDs: 60.26 + 63.35 + 46.23 + 55.45] [PCG]

No symphonies or concertos but otherwise a pretty comprehensive overview of his orchestral works outside that sphere.

Edward ELGAR (1857-1934) Orchestral Favourites - Volume IV Variations on an original theme Enigma, Op.36 [30.50]¹ Cockaigne (In London Town), Op.40 [14.59] ¹ Pomp and Circumstance March No. 1 in D major, Op.39 [6.10] ² Introduction and Allegro for strings, Op.47 [13.15] ³ Elegy for strings, Op.58 [4.28] ³ Sospiri, Op.70 [5.04] ³ English Symphony Orchestra/William Boughton rec..1983,1988,1989 NIMBUS NI 7015 [74.36] [PCG]

A compilation that gathers together some of the most successful performances from William Boughton’s Nimbus CDs.

Gabriel FAURÉ (1845-1924) Requiem, Pavane, Elégie, Super flumina Babylonis, Cantique de Jean Racine, Chen Reiss, Matthias Goerne, Paris Ch & O/Paavo Järvi rec. 2011 EUROARTS 2058874 [72:00 + 15:00 bonus] [RJF]

A concert of Fauré’s elegiac music, full of melody and choral peaks. It can be enjoyed to the full in this visual performance.

Gabriel FAURE (1845-1924) Requiem see Accentus

César FRANCK (1822-1890) Le Chausseur maudit see STRAUSS

Gerald FINZI (1901-1956) Dies Natalis see BRITTEN

Percy Eastman FLETCHER (1879-1932) Music for Organ - Vol. 7 Ronald Frost, Philip Asher(organ) The St. Ann Singers rec. 2006 DUNELM RECORDS DRD0260 [75:50] [JF]

Bravely exploring uncharted territory … the revival of one of the lesser-known composers from the first half of the twentieth century. 

James FRISKIN (1886-1967) Quintet in C minor, Phantasie for String Quartet, Elegy for viola and piano, Phantasy (for piano quintet) The Rasumovsky Quartet Catherine Dubois (piano) rec. 2009 NIMBUS ALLIANCE NI6182 [76:45] [JF]

A worthy and often inspired voice.

Hans GÁL (1890-1987) Symphony no.3 in A major/minor, op.62 (1951-2) [34:39] Robert SCHUMANN (1810-1856) Symphony no.3 in E flat, op.97 (1850) [31:37] Orchestra of the Swan/Kenneth Woods rec. 2010. DDD AVIE AV2230 [66:16] [Byz]

Gál's symphonic music is superbly lyrical and energetic.

Hans GÁL (1890-1987) Symphony no.4 (Sinfonia concertante) op.105 (1974) [36:37] Robert SCHUMANN (1810-1856) Symphony no.2 in C op.61 (1846) [36:11] Orchestra of the Swan/Kenneth Woods rec. 2011, AVIE AV2231 [73:09] [Byz]

Wistful-pastoral, broadly optimistic - a supremely lyrical work.

Hans GÁL (1890-1987) Piano trio see GOLDMARK

RECORDING OF THE MONTH Carlo GESUALDO (1566-1613) Madrigals - Book 4 Delitiæ Musicæ/Marco Longhini rec. 2009 NAXOS 8.572137 [68:57] [DMcC]

Wonderfully cogent and affecting. 

RECORDING OF THE MONTH Alexander GLAZUNOV (1865-1936) String Quintet Anton ARENSKY (1861-1906) String Quartet 2 Alexander BORODIN (1833-1887) String Sextet Nash Ensemble rec. 2011 ONYX CLASSICS 4067 [65:37] [BR]

The Glazunov and Arensky works are underappreciated gems. Great playing, great program, mandatory purchase. 

Alexander GLAZUNOV (1865-1936) Raymonda Olesia Novikova, Friedemann Vogel, Mick Zeni, La Scala/Michail Jurowski rec. 2011 ARTHAUS MUSIK 108051 [154:00] [RMay]

Lavish, sumptuous and triumphantly successful.

Christoph Willibald GLUCK (1714-1787) Il trionfo di Clelia Hélène Le Corre (soprano) Mary-Ellen Nesi (mezzo) Vassilis Kavayas (tenor) Armonia Atenea/Giuseppe Sigismondi de Risio rec. 2011 MUSIKPRODUKTION DABRINGHAUS UND GRIMM MDG6091733-2 [3 CDs: 204:29] [TB]

Inspired by a voyage of discovery. 

Pietro GNOCCHI (1689 - 1775) Musica Sacra per le chiese di Brescia Zara Dimitrova (soprano) Anna Bessi (contralto) Gianluca Ferrarini (tenor) Gianluca Buratto (bass) Coro Claudio Monteverdi, Ensemble Pian e Forte/Bruno Gini rec. 2009 LA BOTTEGA DISCANTICA LBD234 [65:37] [JV]

Not much more than a curiosity. 

Heiner GOEBBELS (b.1952) Stifters Dinge rec. 2007 ECM NEW SERIES 2216 [62:08] [DC]

Dinge die bümp gehen in der Nacht - fascinating. 

Carl GOLDMARK (1830-1915) Piano trio Hans GÁL (1890-1987) Piano trio Alexander ZEMLINSKY (1871-1942) Piano trio Thomas Albertus Irnberger (violin) Attilia Kiyoko Cernitori (cello) Evgueni Sinaiski (piano) rec. 2011 GRAMOLA 98933 [70:01] [SA]

Wonderfully passionate and beautifully melodic. 

Henryk GÓRECKI (1933-2010) Refrain Bolesław SZABELSKI (1896-1979) Concertino Eugeniusz KNAPIK (b. 1951) Islands Silesian PSO/Mirosłav Jacek Błaszczyk rec. 2011 DUX 0865 [51:09] [WH]

A disc in celebration of the Music Academy of Katowice.

Henryk GÓRECKI (1933-2010) Little Requiem for a Certain Polka, Concerto-Cantata, Harpsichord Concerto, Three Dances Anna Górecka (piano); Carol Wincenc (flute) Warsaw Philharmonic Orchestra/Antoni Wit rec. 2011 NAXOS CLASSICS 8.572872 [69:33] [WH]

An excellent introduction to Górecki or for those who want to explore further than the Symphony of Sorrowful Songs.

Filippo GRAGNANI (1767-1820) Sonatas for violin and guitar Franco Mezzena (violin) Massimo Scattolin (guitar) rec. 1990 NEWTON CLASSICS 8802113 [45:45] [Byz]

Deserves to be heard by a new generation: entertaining, virtuosic, bubbling with foot-tapping energy and attractive melody.

Knut HÅKANSON (1887 - 1929) En gång i bredd med mig Gabriel Souvanen (baritone) Solveig Wikman (piano) rec. 2011 ALTFIOL I VÄST AIVCD006 [74:50] [GF]

Knut Håkanson’s music is worth a renaissance. 

RECORDING OF THE MONTH Naji HAKIM (b. 1955) Bach'orama, Jonquilles, Mit seinem Geist, Theotokos, Salve Regina, Gershwinesca Naji Hakim (organ) rec. 2011 SIGNUM CLASSICS SIGCD 284 [69:02] [DM]

A walk on the wild side; an absolute must for adventure lovers. 

RECORDING OF THE MONTH  George Frideric HANDEL (1685-1759) Xerxes (Serse) Ann Murray, Christopher Robson, Christopher Booth-Jones, Valerie Masterson, Lesley Garrett, English National Opera O & Ch/Sir Charles Mackerras rec. 1988 ARTHAUS MUSIK 100 077 [186:00] [RF]

A classic interpretation of this too rarely heard Baroque masterpiece. 

George Frideric HANDEL (1685-1759) Messiah, Johannes-Passion, La Resurrezione King’s College Ch, Brandenburg Consort/Stephen Cleobury; Chamber Ch & Capella Savaria/Pal Németh; Contrasto Armonico/Marco Vitale rec. 1994/2008 BRILLIANT CLASSICS 94317 [5 CDs: 287.29] [DMcC]

A desirable set then but shame that there are not full texts and translations. 

George Frideric HANDEL (1685-1759) Acis and Galatea Dawn Kotoski, David Gordon, Seattle Symphony & Chorale/Gerard Schwarz rec. 1991 NAXOS 8.572745-46 [43:07 + 58:33] [JS]

Strong on delicacy and general prettiness but weak on real Handelian fire. 

Howard HANSON (1896-1981) Symphony 5, The Cherubic Hymn see Hanson conducts American Music

Paul HARRIS (b.1950s?) A Musical Celebration: Clarinet Chamber Music Victoria Soames Samek (clarinet) Kimberley Easter (clarinet II) Michael Bell (piano) Karen Radcliffe (soprano, narrator) Robert Hardy (narrator) East Winds rec. 2010. DDD CLARINET CLASSICS CC0062 [79:16] [Byz]

Harris has a knack of being able to shake lovely melodies out of his sleeve almost at will.

Patrick HAWES (b. 1958) Lazarus Requiem Elin Manahan Thomas (soprano) Exeter Cathedral & Philharmonic Ch, Royal Scottish Ntl O/Patrick Hawes rec. 2012 SIGNUM CLASSICS SIGCD282 [59:46] [JQ]

An attractive and thoughtful recent Requiem. 

RECORDING OF THE MONTH Joseph HAYDN (1732-1809) Great Haydn Symphonies CD 1 Symphonies Nos. 6, 45, 48 CD 2 Symphonies No. 82, 92, 94 Austro-Hungarian Haydn Orchestra/Adam Fischer rec. 1988, 1989, 1990, 1992 and 1995. DDD. NIMBUS NI7041/2 [75:57 + 76:43] [BW]

A strong contender as an introduction to some wonderful music.

Joseph HAYDN (1732-1809) Les sept dernières paroles du Christ en croix see Accentus

Richard HEUBERGER (1850-1914) Der Opernball Harald Serafin, Helen Mané, Maurice Besançon; Kurt Graunke SO (Munich)/Willy Mattes ARTHAUS 101 628 [100:00] [JLZ]

Captures the attractive spirit of this famous operetta and builds a case for revival so that modern audiences might enjoy its charms. 

Alun HODDINOTT (1929-2008) Landscapes and other songs Nicky Spence (tenor); *Claire Booth (soprano); Jeremy Huw Williams (baritone); Andrew Matthews-Owen (piano); Michael Pollock (piano secondo) rec. 2009, 2010. DDD BRITISH MUSIC SOCIETY BMS437CD [60:07][Byz]

Great sensitivity and powers of communication.

Gustav HOLST (1874-1934) The Planets, Op.32 (1914-17) [49.43] The Perfect Fool, Op.39: Ballet music (1922) [10.03] Philharmonia Orchestra/William Boughton rec. 1988 DDD NIMBUS NI 7076 [60.03] [PCG]

Minor imperfections in balance are not serious enough to prevent a strong endorsement for Boughton’s Planets.

Gustav HOLST (1874-1934) Walt Whitman Overture, Symphony, A Winter Idyll, Japanese Suite, Indra Ulster O/JoAnn Falleta rec. 2011 NAXOS 8.572914 [65:55] [JF]

These relatively rare but extremely worthy pieces will appeal strongly. 

Antony HOPKINS (b.1921) Portrait of a Composer rec 2011 DIVINE ART DDA21217 [67:37 + 57:52] [JF]

A major achievement.

Gordon JACOB (1895-1984) Symphony No 1 (1929) [34:18] Symphony No 2 in C (1945) [32:01] London Philharmonic Orchestra/Barry Wordsworth recording data not given DDD LYRITA SRCD.315 [66:25][SV]

Played handsomely and with commitment in sound that is vivid and colourful, with rich, deep brass reproduction.

Leoš JANÁCEK (1854-1928) Jenufa (Její pastorykyna) (1894-1903, rev. 1906) Jenufa – Amanda Roocroft Chorus and Orchestra of the Teatro Real/Ivor Bolton; rec.2009; sung in Czech with English, French, German, and Spanish subtitles OPUS ARTE OA 1055 D [1 DVD: 128:00 (opera) + 6:00 (illustrated synopsis)] [LW]

This Jenufa DVD is worthy of serious consideration.

Leoš JANÁČEK (1854-1928) Mša glagolskaja (Glagolitic Mass), JW III/9 (final version) (1928) [39:33] Sinfonietta, JW VI/18 (1926) [23:32] Soloists Warsaw Philharmonic Choir/Henryk Wojnarowski Warsaw Philharmonic Orchestra/Antoni Wit rec. 2009, 2010 Text and English translation of the Mass included NAXOS 8.572639 [63:05] [LW]

A good Glagolitic Mass and superb Sinfonietta make this disc excellent value.

Leoš JANÁČEK (1854-1928) Taras Bulba, Lachian & Moravian Dances Warsaw PO/Antoni Wit rec. 2010/11 NAXOS 8.572695 [54:39] [DM]

Inexplicably dull; a very disappointing issue. 

Leoš JANÁČEK (1854-1928) Věc Makropulos Angela Denoke, Raymond Very, Johan Reuter, Vienna PO/Esa-Pekka Salonen rec. 2011 UNITEL/C MAJOR 709508 [118:00] [ST]

A DVD to enjoy with the screen turned off.

John JOUBERT (b. 1927) String Quartets 1-3 Brodsky Quartet rec. 2006/11 SOMM SOMMCD 0113 [70:21] [HC]

John Joubert's three string quartets on record at last: beautifully played and nicely produced.

Mauricio KAGEL (1931-2008) Works for flute Das Konzert , Phantasiestück, Pan Michael Faust (flute¹²³; piccolo⁴); Paulo Alvares (piano)²⁴; Ensemble Contrasts³⁴/Robert HP Platz³; Sinfonia Finlandia Jyväskylä/Patrick Gallois¹ rec. 2010 NAXOS 8.572635 [65.44] [GH]

 The recordings are first class and without exception the performances superb and completely committed.

RECORDING OF THE MONTH  William LAWES (1602-1645) The Royall Consorts Les Voix Humaines rec. 2002/6 ATMA CLASSIQUE ACD22373 [63:44 + 65:48] [MS]

Lawes’ most beautiful, varied and profound chamber music played with great style.

Ruggero LEONCAVALLO (1857-1919) Pagliacci see MASCAGNI

Franz LISZT (1811-1886) Opera Paraphrases Ferrucio BUSONI (1866-1924) Carmen Fantasy Jerome Lowenthal (piano) rec. 1981 LP CLASSICS 1003 [70:03] [JW]

Seldom will one hear such legerdemain. 

Franz LISZT (1811-1886) Tasso, Totentanz, La lugubre gondola 1 & 2 Claudius Tanski (piano) Beethoven O Bonn/Stefan Blunier rec. 2010 MUSIKPRODUKTION DABRINGHAUS UND GRIMM 937 1678-6 [63:58] [SV]

A deep, ringing tone and musical insight. 

Franz LISZT (1811-1886) The Complete Songs Vol. 2 Angelika Kirchschlager (mezzo) Julius Drake (piano) rec. 2011 HYPERION CDA67934 [62:47] [JF]  

I imagine that I am not the only person who will find the present CD a huge revelation.

Franz LISZT (1811-1886) Schubert transcriptions see SCHUBERT

Franz LISZT (1811-1886) Hungarian Rhapsody see DVOŘÁK

 

---

Click for alphabetical listings by composer:
[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]
[last 5 days] [Recommended recordings]

---