|
 RECORDINGS
OF THE MONTH
Béla BARTÓK (1881-1945)
Piano Concertos 1-3 -
Geza Anda (piano)
Berlin RSO/Ferenc Fricsay
rec. 1959/60
ALTO ALC1246 [77:17] [JWh] A fantastic recording. Lives up to the label “Legendary Performance”.
Ludwig van BEETHOVEN (1770-1827) The Complete String Quartets -
Tokyo String Qt rec. 2005-2008
HARMONIA MUNDI HMU807641.48 SACD [8 discs: 8:24:00] [SG]
What better way to bow out after a 44 year career; it doesn’t get much better than this.
Luciano
BERIO (1925-2003) Quattro version originali della Ritirata
Notturna di madrid di L. Boccherini, Calmo, Sinfonia
- Virpi Räisänen (mezzo) Finnish Radio SO/Hannu Lintu rec. 2014 ONDINE
ODE1227-5 SACD [53:56] [DC] Breathtaking.
Johannes
BRAHMS (1833-1897) String Sextets
1 & 2 - Quatuor Sine Nomine; Nicolas Pache
(viola) François Guye (cello) rec. 2014 CLAVES
CD50-1410 [77:26] [SG]
Music making of the highest level, by a chamber
group at the top of their game.
Aaron
COPLAND (1900-1990) Violin
Sonata Ernest BLOCH (1880-1959) Abodah
Eric ZEISL Violin Sonata -
Zina Schiff (violin) Cameron Grant (piano) rec.
2012 MSR CLASSICS MS1493 [60:23]
[SSi] A disc of great
beauty and emotion.
Sir
Edward ELGAR (1857-1934) Sea
Pictures, The Dream of Gerontius
- Sarah Connolly (mezzo) Stuart Skelton (tenor)
David Soar (bass) BBC SO & Ch/Sir Andrew
Davis rec. 2014 CHANDOS CHSA5140(2)
SACD [58:33 + 66:14] [ST]
Deserves to take it s place alongside the best
in the catalogue.
Joseph HAYDN (1732-1809) Die Schöpfung
-
Camilla Tilling (soprano) Mark Padmore (tenor) Hanno Müller-Brachmann (bass-baritone) Bavarian RSO
& Ch/Bernard Haitink rec. 2013 BR KLASSIK 900125 [37:46 + 63:32]
[JS] By some way the most satisfying recorded Creation that I have heard.
Sergei
PROKOFIEV (1891-1953) Suite from
Romeo and Juliet - Chicago SO/Riccardo
Muti rec. 2013 CSO RESOUND CSOR9011402 [48:50]
A superb selection
from Romeo and Juliet stunningly performed
and captured in magnificent sound
[JQ]
Grippingly action-packed, achingly passionate and the stunningly played.
[MC]
Sergei RACHMANINOV (1873-1943)
Symphonic Dances,
Suites 1 & 2 -
Natalia Lavrova and Vassily Primakov (piano duo)
rec. 2013
LP CLASSICS 1019 [79.16] [IL] Practically irresistible.
Dmitri
SHOSTAKOVICH (1906-1975)
Symphony 13 - Alexander Vinogradov (bass) Huddersfield
Ch Soc/Royal Liverpool PO/Vasily Petrenko rec.
2013 NAXOS 8.573218 [59:39]
An impressive
conclusion to Vasily Petrenko’s Shostakovich
symphony cycle [JQ] A very fine performance
and recording of one of Shostakovich's best
works. It can be purchased without hesitation
[DBi].
Richard
STRAUSS (1864-1949) String Quartet
Giacomo PUCCINI (1858-1924)
Crisantemi, Minuets Giuseppe VERDI
(1813-1901) String Quartet - Enső Qt
rec. 2012 NAXOS 8.573108 [66:29]
[NB] All the music
here is easy on the ear and instantly appealing
... uniformly excellent performances ... playing
of this calibre is incredibly hard to achieve.
Antonio
VIVALDI (1678-1741)
Recorder Concertos - Maurice Steger (recorder)
Il Barocchisti/Diego Fasolis rec. 2014 HARMONIA
MUNDI HMC902190 [68:39] [DC] Hard
to beat - a joyous programme.
De Profundis Ildebrando PIZZETTI Messa di
Requiem & other works by Allegri, MacMillan, Malipiero & Puccini -
Vasari Singers/Jeremy Backhouse
rec. 2014
NAXOS 8.573196 [70:01] [JQ] Pizzetti’s lovely Requiem tops a thoughtfully conceived and interesting programme, flawlessly executed.
Patricia
Petibon (soprano) La
Belle Excentrique - Susan Manoff (piano)
rec. 2013 DEUTSCHE GRAMMOPHON 479 2465
[64.52] [IL] A truly
dazzling collection.
|
Johann Friedrich AGRICOLA (1720-1774) Die Hirten bei der Krippe
(Christmas Cantatas) -
Kölner Akademie/Michael Alexander Willens rec. 2014
CPO 777 921-2 [81:07] [JV]
If you are interested in music for Christmastide which is different from what you are used to, don't hesitate.
Kurt ATTERBERG (1887-1974) String Quartets Ture RANGSTRÖM (1884-1947) String Quartet-
Stenhammar Qt rec. 2009
CPO 777270-2[61:56]
A fine recording of this attractive and overly neglected music [SSi] Atterberg shows the potential of the quartet format while the Rangström raves with expressionist wildness. An important and valuable addition to the catalogue of Scandinavian String Quartet music [NB].
Arno BABADJANIAN
(1921-1983) Piano Trio Peteris VASKS
(b.1946) Episodi e Canto Perpetuo - Potch Trio rec.
1997 DELOS DE3420 [53:05] [BR] Two very good piano
trios, off the beaten path in the world of neo-romanticism.
Carl Philipp Emmanuel BACH (1714-1788)
Die Auferstehung und Himmelfahrt Jesu,
Gott hat den Herrn auferwecket -
Rheinische Kantorei; Das Kleine Konzert/Hermann Max
rec. 1984/6
BRILLIANT CLASSICS 94818 [48:03 + 51:07] [JQ] Excellent performances of choral works by C.P.E. Bach restored to the catalogue.
Johann Sebastian BACH (1685-1750)
Christmas Oratorio -
Monteverdi Ch,
English Baroque Soloists/Sir John Eliot Gardiner
rec. 1999 EUROARTS 2045094 Blu-ray [198:00]
[KM] Gardiner is one of the finest interpreters of Bach’s vocal music, but don’t pay extra for the Blu-Ray.
Johann Sebastian BACH (1685-1750)
Christmas Oratorio -
Monteverdi Ch, English Baroque Soloists/Sir John Eliot Gardiner
rec. 1999
EUROARTS DVD 2045098 [2 DVDs: 142:00 +
bonus 56:00] [JQ] A splendid and very satisfying account of Bach’s great Christmas present to music-lovers.
Johann Sebastian BACH (1685-1750)
Weihnachtsoratorium (highlights) -
St. Thomas Boys Ch,
Leipzig Gewandhaus O/Georg Christoph Biller
rec. 2009 RONDEAU ROP4042 [65:48] [GPJ] A thoroughly enjoyable CD, and a useful ‘taster’ for the complete recording, with superb singing from the choir.
Johann Sebastian BACH (1685-1750) Six Suites for Cello Solo -
Alfia Nakipbekova (cello)
rec. 2007/8 CAMEO CLASSICS CC9050CD-2 [72:38 + 69:45] [JWh] A very good version of the Bach Cello Suites.
Johann Sebastian BACH (1685-1750) Keyboard Concertos -
Yorck Kronenberg (piano, harpsichord) Zürich CO rec. 2014
GENUIN GEN14323 [72:02 + 39:44] [SG]
These free-spirited accounts set the bar high, and will sit proudly on my CD shelves.
Johann
Sebastian BACH (1685-1750)
Köthener Trauermusik - Ens Pygmalion/Raphaël
Pichon rec. 2014 HARMONIA MUNDI HMC902211
[73.53] [MC] This captivating
recording is beautifully performed and excellently
recorded.
Johann Sebastian BACH (1685-1750) Violin Concertos,
Chaconne -
Academy of St Martin in the Fields/Joshua Bell (violin)
rec. 2014 SONY 88843 087792 [50:01]
[RWe] If this unusual programme appeals, you will find exhilarating and affecting playing here.
Johann
Sebastian BACH (1685-1750)
Violin Concertos - Viktoria Mullova
(baroque violin) Accademia Bizantina/Ottavio
Dantone rec. 2012 ONYX
4114 [60.31]
Violin Concertos - Concerto Köln/Giuliano Carmignola
(baroque violin) rec.
2013 ARCHIV PRODUKTION 479 2695
[73.44] [MC] Mullova's
playing is warm, fluid and highly expressive
but the Carmignola is in a class of its own.
Judith
BAILEY (b. 1941) Havas, Concerto for orchestra
George LLOYD (1913-1998) Le Pont du
Gard, HMS Trinidad March - Bath Phil/Jason
Thornton rec. 2014 EM RECORDS EMRCD026
[64:09] [JW] Good news
for Bailey and Lloyd admirers ... characterful
music.
Béla BARTÓK (1881-1945)
Kossuth,
Two Portraits,
Suite No. 1 -
Michael Ludwig (violin)n)
Buffalo PO/JoAnn Falletta
rec. 2013
NAXOS 8.573307 [69:42]
[LW] A selection of early Bartók generally well played and recorded.
Sir
Arnold BAX (1883-1953) Orchestral
Pieces, Phantasy,
Overture, Elegy, & Rondo - Philip Dukes
(viola) BBC Phil/Sir Andrew Davis rec. 2014
CHANDOS CHAN10829 [72:23]
[IL] A very welcome
addition to the Bax discography.
Sally BEAMISH (b.1956)
The Seafarer
Claude DEBUSSY (1862-1918) La Mer (arr. piano trio)- Sir Willard White (voice), Trio Apaches rec. 2013/14 ORCHID CLASSICS ORC100043 [52:49]
[RWe]
An intriguing disc in which we come into close communion with a powerful ancient text – and discover Debussy’s ‘second piano trio’.
Ludwig
van BEETHOVEN (1770-1827) Piano Concertos
1-5, Choral Fantasia - Yefim Bronfman (piano)
Tonhalle O Zurich/David Zinman rec. 2004/5 BRILLIANT CLASSICS
94856 [3 CDs: 207:47]
[BR] A life-enriching
set of great artistry and great performances,
for half the cost of a Burger and Lobster chain
hamburger.
Ludwig van
BEETHOVEN (1770-1827) Piano Concerto 5,
Piano Sonata 32 - Nelson Freire (piano) Leipzig Gewandhaus O/Riccardo
Chailly rec. 2014 DECCA 478 6771 [61:58] [MC] Rubs
shoulders with the best.
Ludwig van BEETHOVEN (1770-1827) Piano Sonatas 6, 12 & 14 Johannes BRAHMS (1833-1897) Piano Quartet 1 - Wilhelm Backhaus (piano) Amadeus Qtrec. 1953 MELO CLASSIC MC1007 [79:24]
[JW] These performances are without doubt worthy of preservation.
Ludwig
van BEETHOVEN (1770-1827) Piano
Sonatas 14 & 29 - Alessio Bax (piano)
rec. 2014 SIGNUM CLASSICS SIGCD397
[62:20] [LW] Impressive
Beethoven playing.
Vincenzo
BELLINI (1801-1835)
I Capuleti e I Montecchi - Joyce DiDonato (mezzo) Eric
Owens (bass) Nicole Cabell (soprano) San Francisco Opera O & Ch/Riccardo
Frizza rec. 2012 EUROARTS
Blu-ray 2059664 [135:00 + 16:00 (bonus)]
[RJF] One day I hope
DiDonato’s interpretation of Romeo will
be seen and heard in a sensitive, sensible and
realistic production.
Richard BLACKFORD
(b. 1954) The Great Animal Orchestra Symphony
Camille SAINT-SAENS (1835-1921) Carnival of the Animals
(reorchestration) -
BBC Ntl O Wales/Martyn Brabbins NIMBUS ALLIANCE NI6274
[75:26] [JW] Worth hearing for the Saint-Saëns.
Ernest
BLOCH (1880-1959) Suite for Viola, Baal Shem, Suite
Hébraďque - Hong-Mei Xiao (viola) Budapest SO
MÁV/Mariusz Smolij rec. 2010/11 NAXOS
8.570829 [61:02] [JWh]
An excellent Bloch CD but the sound is a slight
let-down.
Jack BODY (b.1944) Poems of Love and War
- New Zealand SO/Kenneth Young rec. 2011
NAXOS 8.573198 [75:43] [DD]
A disappointing disc from a well regarded New Zealand composer. Not a CD I’ll be returning to.
York BOWEN (1884-1961) String Quartets 2 & 3; Phantasy Quintet -
Archaeus Qt, Timothy Lines (bass clarinet) rec. 2001
NAXOS 8.571366[70:22] [SG]
This is a must for chamber music lovers, and should help further York Bowen's cause.
Johannes BRAHMS (1833-1897)
Viola Sonatas 1 & 2 Franz SCHUBERT (1797-1828)Arpeggione Sonata -
Yuri Bashmet (viola) Mikhail Muntian (piano) rec. 1977/1984
MELODIYA MELCD1002187 [62:40] [JW]
Strong readings ... thoroughly persuasive and excellent alternatives to RCA's studio Brahms.
Johannes
BRAHMS (1833-1897) Piano Concertos
1 & 2, Ballades - Tzimon Barto (piano)
Deutsches SO Berlin/Christoph Eschenbach rec.
2012-2014 CAPRICCIO C5210 [68:01
+ 71:49] [MC] Fresh
and expressive playing that marvellously suits
Brahms’ lyricism.
Johannes BRAHMS (1833-1897) Violin Concerto, Double Concerto -Gioconda de Vito (violin) Amedeo Baldovino (cello) Philharmonia O/Rudolf Schwarzrec. 1952/3AMARE CLASSICS AME1001 [75:04] [JW] Rewarding if occasionally quixotic listening.
Walter
BRAUNFELS (1882-1954)
Verkündigung - Robert Holl (bass) Hanna
Schwarz (mezzo) Bavarian Radio Ch, Munich Radio O/Ulf Schirmer
rec. 2011 BR KLASSIK 900311
[66:39 + 67:00] [WK] One
could hardly go wrong with these new discs in
becoming acquainted with this major twentieth
century opera.
Anton
BRUCKNER (1824-1896) Symphony 5
- Royal Concertgebouw O/Nikolaus Harnoncourt
rec. 2013 RCO LIVE RCO14106 Blu-ray
[74:18] [LW] Recommended
for viewing Harnoncourt’s way with Bruckner.
Anton BRUCKNER
(1824-1896) Symphony 9 - London SO/Bernard Haitink rec. 2013
LSO LIVE LSO0746 [67:10] [DM] A magnificent performance;
up there with the best.
Raffaele CALACE (1863-1934)
Complete works for Mandolin and Guitar -
Duo Zigiotti-Merlantete
rec. 2003
TACTUS TC860301 [62:09] [JWh] Probably for mandolin aficionados.
Frédéric CHOPIN (1810-1849) Préludes, Mazurkas and Nocturnes -
Ingrid Fliter (piano) rec. 2014
LINN CKD475 SACD [73:00] [RWe]
Fliter stakes her claim to be considered among the great Chopin players.
Claude DEBUSSY (1862-1918) Images;Prélude ŕ l’aprčs-midi d’un faune; La Mer -
Singapore SO/Lan Shui rec. 2004-2013
BIS BIS1837 SACD[76:48] [GPJ]
Thrilling performances, blessed with a recording of outstanding clarity. Conducting and orchestral playing of the highest class.
Claude DEBUSSY (1862-1918)
Suite Bergamasque, Pour le piano
Frédéric CHOPIN (1810-1849)
Ballade,
Fantasie,
Scherzo -
Sarah Beth Briggs (piano)
rec. 2014
SEMAPHORE SMLMP49 [74:38] [SG] Demonstrates sheer artistry and talent - a pianist who brings impressive detail, intelligence, freshness and spontaneity to these scores.
Antonin
DVOŘÁK (1841-1904) Cello Concerto
Robert SCHUMANN (1810-1856)
Cello Concerto - Mstislav Rostropovich (cello)
Royal PO/Sir Adrian Boult, Leningrad PO/Gennadi
Rozhdestvensky rec. 1961/2 ALTO ALC1261
[64:00] [JS] This is
a disc which has many attractions.
Antonin DVORAK
(1841-1904) Symphony
8 Carl Maria von WEBER (1786-1826) Overture to Oberon
Dmitri SHOSTAKOVICH (1906-1975) Violin
Concerto 1 - Hilary Hahn (violin) Berlin PO/Mariss
Jansons rec. 2000 EUROARTS DVD 2050448
[99:00] [JWh]
Will bring enormous delight ... a pleasure to
see the great Mariss Jansons in action.
Petr
EBEN (1929-2007) Sacred
Choral Works - Sächsisches Vocalens/Matthias
Jung rec. 2008/9 CPO 777627-2
[59:50] [JW] Splendidly
interpreted and recorded ... highly attractive
to Eben admirers.
Giacomo FACCO
(1676-1753) Pensieri Adriarmonici Vol. 2 - Manuel Zogbi (violin) Mexican Baroque O/Miguel
Lawrence TOCCATA CLASSICS TOCC0259 [56:00] [GPu] Accomplished
and vivacious Italian concertos performed with a distinctive Mexican flavour.
Louise
FARRENC (1804-1875) Piano quintets
- Quintetto Bottesini rec. 2013 BRILLIANT
CLASSICS 94815 [60:01] [SA]
These two works reveal a wonderfully tuneful
composer.
César FRANCK (1822-1890)
Violin Sonata Edvard GRIEG (1843-1907)
Violin Sonata 3
Antonín DVOŘÁK (1841-1904
Four Romantic Pieces - Renaud Capuçon (violin), Khatia Buniatishvili (piano)
rec. 2014
ERATO 2564 625018 [66.20]
[MC] Two musicians in total sympathy ... a sense of sheer enjoyment.
John FRANDSEN
(b. 1956) Requiem - Teitur (vocal) Sine Bundgaard
(soprano) Andrea Pellegrini (alto) Peter Lodahl (tenor) Halvor F. Meilen
(bass) Danish Ntl SO & Ch/Henrik Vagn Christensen rec. 3013 DACAPO
SACD 6.220649-50 [62:27 + 34:03] [DC] Impressive, but hard
to love.
Louis GLASS (1864-1936)
Symphony 3, Summer Life -
Staatsorchester Rheinische Philharmonie/Daniel Raiskin
rec. 2009 CPO 777 525-2 [65:12]
[DJB] Really delightful music; the start of a much anticipated series.
Edvard GRIEG (1843-1907)
Holberg Variations -
Christian Ihle Hadland (piano)
1B1 CO/Erlend Skomsvoll (piano)
rec. 2014
SIMAX CLASSICS PSC1332 [60:36] [BR] Grieg meets Berio meets jazz in a modern experiment in variations and remixes.
Edvard GRIEG (1843-1907) String Quartet Leoš JANÁČEK (1854-1928) String Quartet 2
Hugo WOLF (1860-1903) Italian Serenade - Amphion String Qt rec. 2014 NIMBUS ALLIANCE NI 6289 [67.03] [MC] Impeccable intonation, unity and glorious musicality.
George
Frederick HANDEL (1685-1759)
Handel’s Recorder
The Musick for the Royal Fireworks, Sonatas 2, 4, 7 &
11 - Ruth Wilkinson (recorder) Miriam Morris
(viola da gamba) John O’Donnell (harpsichord)
rec. 2010 DIVINE ART DDA25124
[48:57] [JF] Stunningly
played and beautifully presented.
George Frideric HANDEL (1685 – 1759) Between Heaven and Earth / Arias and Duets -
Sandrine Piau (soprano)Accademia bizantina/Stefano Montanari (violin); Concerto Italiano/Rinaldo Alessandrini
NAĎVE NC40037 [77:00 + 72:00] [GF]
A very attractive buy for all Handel aficionados.
Joseph HAYDN (1732-1809)String Quartet 'Emperor' Johannes BRAHMS (1833-1897) String Quartet 1 Robert SCHUMANN (1810-1856) String Quartet 3 - Schneiderhan Qt rec. 1944 MELOCLASSIC MC4001 [74:31] [JW] Amongst the earliest of their surviving performances ... will appeal strongly to the quartet's many admirers.
Jacques HÉTU (1938-2010) Complete Chamber Music for Strings - New Orford String Qt Timothy Hutchins (flute); Steven Dann (viola); Colin Carr (cello) rec. 2012 NAXOS 8.573395 [74:25]
[HC] A splendid disc devoted to one of Canada's most endearing composers.
Leoš
JANÁČEK (1854-1928) Violin
Sonata Josef SUK (1874-1935)
Four Pieces Antonín
DVOŘÁK (1841-1904) Romantic Pieces - Jennifer Pike (violin)
Tom Poster (piano) rec. 2013 CHANDOS
CHAN10827 [69:32]
An enterprising selection of Czech works for
violin and piano [LW] A warm halo around the
sound accords well with these sensitive interpretations [JW].
Leoš
JANACEK (1854-1928) Sinfonietta, Capriccio,
The Cunning
Little Vixen suite - Jean-Efflam Bavouzet (piano)
Bergen PO/Edward Gardner rec. 2014 CHANDOS
CHSA5142 SACD [64:05] [DC] More
Hollywood than Moravian woods, but still superb.
Zoltán KODÁLY (1882-1967)
Sonata for cello and piano, Duo for violin and cello, Sonata for solo
cello -
János Starker (cello) Arnold Eidus (violin) Otto Herz (piano)
rec. 1950 FORGOTTEN RECORDS FR453 [72:41] [JW] Excellent - a fine restoration.
1914
Charles KOECHLIN (1867-1950)
Violin Sonata Louis VIERNE (1870-1937)
Préludes, Piano Quintet
- Tamara Atschba (piano) Louise Chisson (violin)
Matthias Adenosine (violin) Alexander Znamensky
(viola) Christophe Pantillon (cello) rec. 2014
GRAMOLA 99040 [88:27] [MC]
Both the Koechlin Sonata
and Vierne’s Quintet are worth getting
to know especially in these excellent performances.
Anders KOPPEL (b. 1947)
Marimba concertos 1-4 -
Marianna Bednarska (marimba)
Aalborg SO/Henrik Vagn Christensen
rec. 2012/13
DACAPO 6.220595 SACD [78:51] [JW] Marimba fans, apply within.
Douglas LILBURN (1915-2001)
String quartet, Violin sonata, Duos, Canzonettas, String trio -
Martin Risley (violin) Chamber Players of The New Zealand
School of Music
rec. 2011
ATOLL ACD142 [73:05] [SA] Playing matched to an obvious commitment to the music.
Franz LISZT (1811-1886) Piano Concertos 1 & 2 Claude DEBUSSY (1862-1918) Préludes Maurice RAVEL (1875-1937) Jeux d’eau, Ondine - Julian von Károlyi (piano) Grosses Berliner Rundfunkorchester/Johannes Schüler, Heinzkarl
Weigel rec. 1943-44 MELOCLASSIC MC1012 [62:30] [JW] A frequently magnetic romantic stylist.
Boris LYATOSHYNSKY (1895-1968)
Symphonies 1-5,
Grazhyna -
Ukrainian State SO/Theodore Kuchar
rec. 1993/4
NAXOS 8.555578-80 [3 CDs: 188:41] [DJB] Grab Volume 2 with all speed, consider the third but only get the first if you really feel the need to complete the set.
Gustav MAHLER (1860-1911)
Symphony 1
Alma Maria MAHLER (1879-1964)
Sieben Lieder -
Barbora Polašková (mezzo)
Prague SO/Zdenĕk Mácal
rec. 2010/11
ARCODIVA UP0134-2131 [76:36] [SV] A pleasure to hear Mácal still on form.
Gian
Francesco MALIPIERO (1882–1973)
Fantasia di ogni giorno, Passacaglie,
Concerti - Roma SO/Francesco
La Vecchia rec. 2013 NAXOS 8.573291
[66:13] [HC] A very
fine release of Malipiero's music with
the added bonus of a substantial work.
David MATTHEWS (b. 1943) Complete String Quartets Vol. 3 -
Kreutzer Qt
rec. 2014 TOCCATA CLASSICS TOCC0060 [64:09]
[DBi] A very worthwhile addition to the extensive David Matthews discography. This excellent disc of his first three quartets is well performed and recorded.
Felix
MENDELSSOHN (1809-1847) Symphonies
1 & 3, Ruy Blas - City of Birmingham SO/Edward Gardner rec. 2013/14 CHANDOS
SACD CHSA5139 [74:50] [JS] A very worthwhile addition to the
catalogue, especially for the performance of the Symphony No. 1.
Felix MENDELSSOHN (1809-1847)
Symphony 3, The Hebrides
Overture
Robert SCHUMANN (1810-1856)
Piano Concerto - Maria Joăo Pires (piano) London SO/Sir John Eliot
Gardiner rec. 2014
LSO LIVE LSO0765 SACD [79:17] [GM] Well worth hearing overall but the Schumann is not an A-list recording.
Giacomo MEYERBEER (1791-1864)
Meyerbeer on Record - Volume 2, 1899-1925
MARSTON 53012-2 [3 CDs: 229:13] [JW] Everything is pretty near immaculately done ... yet another vocal cornerstone for the collector.
Étienne MOULINIÉ (1599-1676)
Meslanges pour la Chapelle de Gaston d’Orléans
-
Ensemble Correspondances/Sébastian Daucé
rec. 2014 HARMONIA MUNDI HMC902194 [66.10]
[GH] Cultured, sensitive and beautifully moulded performances ... a notable and delightful disc ... well worth investigating.
Wolfgang Amadeus MOZART (1756-1791) Symphony 39, Piano Concerto 20, Divertimento 15 -Clara Haskil (piano) Philharmonia O/Herbert von Karajan rec. 1956 BELVEDERE 10152 [56:06 + 25:02] [SG] An auspicious launch of a new label. I look forward to many more treasures emanating from this source.
Wolfgang
Amadeus MOZART (1756-1791) Piano
concertos 12 & 23 Ignaz HOLZBAUER
(1711-1783) Symphony - Matea
Leko (piano) Kurpfalz CO/Johannes Schlaefli
rec. 2014 ARS PRODUKTION SACD ARS38167
[63:01] [JW] There
is a spacious SACD sound to enjoy in this disc
and it will be interesting to see in which reportorial
direction Leko will move next.
Carl NIELSEN
(1865-1931) Symphonies 1 & 4 - New York Philharmonic/Alan
Gilbert rec. 2014 DACAPO SACD 6.220624 [69:20]
[JQ] The second instalment of Alan Gilbert’s Nielsen cycle and
a good deal to admire.
Giovanni Pierluigi da PALESTRINA (c.1525-1594) Missa Hodie Christus natus est, O magnum mysterium, Christe redemptor omnium, Magnificat primi toni - Westminster Cathedral Ch/Martin Bakerrec. 2003 HYPERION HELIOS CDH55367 [78:20] [ST] A sense of swing and ebullience matched with moments of serious contemplation. Hyperion have done a very good job of capturing the live-ness of this acoustic.
Andrzej
PANUFNIK (1914-1991) String quartets
1-3 Witold LUTOSŁAWSKI (1913-1994)
String quartet - Tippett Qt rec. 2013 NAXOS
8.573164 [79:39] [SA] The
intense concentration necessary to make the
music work is evident at every turn.
Stephen
PAULUS (1949-2014) Veil of
Tears, Concerto for
String Quartet, Grand Concerto
for Organ - Nathan J. Laube (organ)
Nashville SO/Giancarlo Guerrero rec. 2012/2013
NAXOS 8.559740 [57:21] [GPJ]
Terrific performances
of music by an excitingly gifted American composer
who deserves to become well-known further afield.
Francis
POULENC (1899-1963)
Les Animaux modčles,
Les Biches, Aubade - Jean-Pierre
Armengaud (piano) rec. 2013 NAXOS 8.573170
[77.14] [IL] A most
entrancing album played with verve and sensitivity
to Poulenc’s individual idiom.
Sergei
PROKOFIEV (1891-1953)
Peter and the Wolf -
Philharmonia O/Mark Stephenson ARTHAUS MUSIK DVD 102200/Blu-ray 108113
[110:00] This is a
treat for young and old alike [JWh] A wonderful animation
presented with fascinating bonus materials.
For children and adults and also students of
animation [DBi].
Sergei PROKOFIEV (1891-1953)
Symphonies 1 & 2,
Dreams -
Săo Paulo SO/Marin Alsop
rec. 2013/14
NAXOS 8.573353 [56:55]
A fine version of the Second Symphony [JWh] Fine performances of Prokofiev in stunning sound [LW].
Henry PURCELL (1659–1695)
Dido and Aeneas - Emily Van Evera (soprano)
Ben Parry (baritone)
Taverner Ch & Players/Andrew Parrott rec. 1994 AVIE AV2309 [61:56]
[GF] Hard to beat.
Sergei RACHMANINOV (1873-1943) Music for Two Pianos -
Martha Argerich & friends rec. 2003-2010
WARNER CLASSICS 2564 623594 [78.40 + 40.04] [MC]
A real treat, full of strong characterful playing and vivid colours.
Jean-Philippe RAMEAU (1683-1764) Les Indes galantes
– Valérie Gabail, Stéphanie Révidat (soprano) Reinoud van Mechelen
(haut-contre ten)
Le Choeur du Marais, La Simphonie du Marais/Hugo Reyne rec. 2013 MUSIQUE Ŕ LA CHABOTTERIE 605013 [3 CDs:
191:57] [RMo] Laudable, valuable, thorough, scholarly and complete. I only wish that the singing did not compromise its quality.
Franz REIZENSTEIN (1911-1968) Complete Works for Piano -
Martin Jones (piano)
rec. 2013 LYRITA SRCD.2342 [3 CDs:
234:49]
[NB] Very fine technically and musically ... a set of which Lyrita's founder, Richard Itter would be proud.
Nikolai
RIMSKY-KORSAKOV (1844-1908)
Scheherazade Sergei BORTKIEWICZ
(1877-1952) Melodies Aram KHACHATURIAN (1903-1978)
Piano
Trio - Zürich Ens rec. 2013 PALADINO
MUSIC PMR0036 [71:21] [MC] If
the programme appeals there is certainly no
need to hesitate.
Nikolai
RIMSKY-KORSAKOV (1844-1908) Scheherazade,
Antar - Caroline
Clemmow, Anthony Goldstone (piano duo) rec. 2013
DIVINE ART DDA25118 [77:15]
[JWh] A fabulous disc
in every way.
Gioachino
ROSSINI (1792-1868) Overtures, Andante e tema con variazione
- O dell’Accademia Nazionale di Santa Cecilia/Sir Antonio Pappano
rec. 2008/14 WARNER CLASSICS 2564 624344 [69:53] [ST]
Good and stylish playing but I left feeling a little undernourished.
John RUTTER (b.1947)
The John Rutter Songbook rec. 1994-2014 CLASSIC FM CFMD36 [76:22 + 73:42]
[GPJ] Christmas carols, folk-songs, craftily arranged Beatles tunes – they’re all here. Rutter Heaven for his many, many fans and admirers throughout the musical world. Enjoy.
Franz SCHUBERT (1797-1828) Impromptus, Piano Sonata 21 -
Nami Ejiri (piano)
rec. 2014 GENUIN CLASSICS GEN14327 [78:58]
[RWe] A satisfying late Schubert programme ... excellent sound and playing.
Robert
SCHUMANN (1810-1856) Abegg-Variationen,
Fantasiestücke, Variations - Andreas Staier (piano) rec.
2013 HARMONIA MUNDI HMC902171
[59:52] [SSi] Schumann
that I find it difficult to warm to.
Heinrich SCHÜTZ (1585-1672)
Weihnachts-Historie,
Kleiner geistliche Konzerte -
Concerto Vocale/René Jacobs
rec. 1989
HARMONIA MUNDI MUSIQUE D’ABORD HMA1951310 [50:52] [ST] Now that Harmonia Mundi have re-released Jacobs’ 1989 recording at super budget price this festive season is a good time to get to know Schütz’s Weihnachts-Historie.
Alexander
SCRIABIN (1872-1915) Mazurkas
- Samuil Feinberg (piano) rec. 1950s
MELODIYA MELCD1002192 [62.52]
[SG] Sensitively sculpted
performances of works that deserve greater advocacy.
Dmitri SHOSTAKOVICH (1906-1975)
Piano Trio 2
Anton ARENSKY (1861-1906)
Piano Trio 1 Sergei RACHMANINOV (1873-1943)
Trio élégiaque 1 -
Arnon Erez (piano), Hagai Shaham (violin), Raphael Wallfisch (cello)
rec. 2014
NIMBUS NI5917 [75.00]
[MC] Committed playing but there are drawbacks.
Roberto SIERRA (b.1953) Fandangos; Carnaval; Sinfonía 4 -
Nashville Symphony/Giancarlo Guerrero rec. 2012
NAXOS AMERICAN CLASSICS 8.559738 [55.35] [DD]
Sierra is a composer whose reputation is deservedly on the rise. A very successful disc.
Louis SPOHR (1784-1859)Violin Concerto 8 Heinrich Wilhelm ERNST (1814-1865) Concerto Allegro-Pathétique Nathan MILSTEIN (1904-1992) Paganiniana - Laura Bortolotto, Christian Joseph Saccon (violin) L’Orchestra Cittŕ di Ferrara/Maffeo Scarpis rec. 2013 AUDIOPHILE SOUND AUD135 [50:19] [JW] Interesting repertoire. You may want to track down this well-programmed disc.
Robert
STILL (1910-1971) String Quartets - Villiers Qt rec. 2013/14 NAXOS 8.571353 [76:24]
[NB] I was fully expecting
to be excited by this disc which is probably
why my feelings of disappointment are all the
more keenly felt.
Josef STRAUSS (1827-1870) Josef Strauss meets Offenbach: Quadrilles rec. 1994-2004
NAXOS 8.578288 [58:42] [JS] Gently amusing and entertaining.
Richard STRAUSS (1864-1949) Arabella
Renée Fleming, Thomas Hampson, Hanna-Elisabeth Müller, Daniel Behle, Dresden Staatskapelle/Christian Thielemann rec. 2014
C MAJOR 717304 Blu-ray [178.00] [PCG]
The cast breathe life into the characters and make even the allegedly routine pages come springing to attention.
Richard
STRAUSS (1864-1949)
Salzburger Liederabende
1956-2010 ORFEO
C894142I [79:31 + 76:32] [RMo] A
valuable collection, both artistically and historically.
Richard STRAUSS (1864-1949) Metamorphosen; Oboe Concerto-
Stefan Schilli (oboe) Bavarian RSO/Mariss Jansons/Eugen Jochum rec. 1959/2006
OEHMS CLASSICS OC1802 [49:18] [SG]
Worth investigating for the Concerto, but those wishing to savour the delights of the Metamorphosen need to look elsewhere.
Richard
STRAUSS (1864-1949) Ein
Heldenleben Edgard VARČSE
(1883-1965) Amériques - Lu Wei
(violin) Deutsches SO Berlin/Ingo Metzmacher
rec. 2007 CHALLENGE CLASSICS CC72644 [71:08]
[NB] A challenging
but rewarding coupling well performed and superbly
engineered.
Igor STRAVINSKY (1882-1971)
L'histoire du soldat -
Nederlands Dans Theater
rec. 1988
ARTHAUS MUSIK Blu-ray 108134 [51.00] [DBi] Musically and choreographically this is a good performance but the issue is ungenerous and technically borderline.
Karol SZYMANOWSKI (1882-1937) Symphonies 1 & 3,Love Songs of Hafiz - Ben Johnson (tenor) BBC SO & Ch/Edward Gardnerrec. 2013/14 CHANDOS CHSA5143 SACD [66:28] [DC] Succumb to the bewitchment.
Hilary
TANN (b.1947) Here,
The Cliffs - Debra Richtmeyer (alto saxophone)
František Novotný (violin) Slovak RSO/Kirk Trevor rec. 2005-09 NORTH/SOUTH
RECORDINGS NSR1056 [69:42] [GPJ]
An impressive and delightful collection of works
by this composer, whose music is at the same
time uncompromising yet wholly approachable.
Giuseppe
TARTINI (1692-1770) The Violin Concertos Vol. 17 - L'Arte dell'Arco/Giovanni
Guglielmo (violin) rec. 2009/10 DYNAMIC CDS 678/1-2 [65:44 +
60:33] [JV] These interpretations are generally very enjoyable and bring
out the finer qualities of Tartini's concertos.
Boris
TCHAIKOVSKY (1925-1996) Piano Quintet,
The War Suite - Olga Solovieva (piano) Maxim
Anisimov (clarinet) Vanbrugh Qt
rec. 2012/13 NAXOS 8.573207
[66:47] [SA] A thoroughly
enjoyable introduction to the music of this
great Russian composer.
Pyotr
Ilyich TCHAIKOVSKY (1840-1893) Serenade for Strings Béla
BARTÓK (1881-1945) Divertimento -
London SO String Ens/Roman Simovic rec. 2013 LSO LIVE SACD LSO0752
[55:50] [ST] An unusual and highly successful coupling in superb recorded
sound.
Pyotr Ilyich
TCHAIKOVSKY (1840-1893) Cherevichki - Georgi Nelepp
(tenor) Elisabeta Antonova (mezzo) Aleksey Petrovich Ivanov (baritone)
Maxim Mikhailov (bass) Bolshoi Theatre Ch & O/Alexander Melik-Pashayev
rec. 1948 MELODIYA MELCD1002129 [74:46 + 72:42] [RMo]
The music is really varied and cheerful and the singers are first
class.
Pyotr
Il’yich TCHAIKOVSKY (1840-1893)
Swan Lake, The Sleeping Beauty, The Nutcracker and
the Mouse King - Holland
Symfonia, Kirov Theatre O, O Teatro alla Scala rec. 1989-2011
ARTHAUS MUSIK Blu-ray 107544 [3 discs:
397:00] [RMay] Santa’s
sack will be bulging with copies of this very
recommendable box set as he goes about his seasonal
deliveries.
Pyotr Il'yich TCHAIKOVSKY (1840-1893) The Nutcracker
-
Liudmila Konovalova, Vladimir Shishov, Wiener Staatsoper/Paul Connelly
C MAJOR Blu-ray 718304 [102:00] [RMay]
A concept that has polarised critical opinion for decades.
Pyotr Il'yich TCHAIKOVSKY (1840-1893) & Yvan TALBOT
A nutcracker -
Choreography by Bouba Landrille Tchouda,
Compagnie Malka ARTHAUS MUSIK Blu-ray 108121 [70:00]
[RMay] No doubt a substantial proportion of children will love this. As for their parents, I suspect, they will be more than slightly bemused.
Pyotr Il'yich TCHAIKOVSKY (1840-1893) Swan Lake - Vladimir Shishov, Olga Esina, Wiener Staatsballett, Wiener Staatsoper O/Alexander Ingram rec. 2014 C MAJOR 717608 DVD [132:00]
[RMay]
Even in a crowded marketplace this deserves a warm welcome.
Pyotr
Il'yich TCHAIKOVSKY (1840-1893)
Lac - Bernice Coppieters,
Anja Behrend, Saint Louis SO/Leonard
Slatkin rec. 2013 OPUS ARTE DVD OA1148D
[93:00] [RMay] One
of the most attractively presented realisations
of Swan Lake that I've seen
for some time.
Virgil THOMSON (1896-1989)The Mother of Us All - Noragh Devlin, Manhattan School of Music Opera Theater Ch & O/Steven Osgood rec. 2013 ALBANY TROY1486/7 [50:14 + 61:17] [JS] Well worth investigating if you enjoy Thomson's style or are simply intrigued by this unique work.
Ralph
VAUGHAN WILLIAMS (1872-1958) Violin
Concerto, The Lark Ascending Sir
Edward ELGAR (1857-1934) Introduction
and Allegro, Serenade for Strings -
Tamsin Waley-Cohen (violin) O of the Swan/David
Curtis rec. 2014 SIGNUM CLASSICS SIGCD399
[59:28] [RMo] Simply
nowhere near the quality of the best.
Giuseppe VERDI (1813-1901) Falstaff
Ambrogio Maestri, Fiorenza Cedolins, Massimo Cavalletti, Eleonora Buretto, VPO/Zubin Mehta rec. 2013
EUROARTS DVD 2072718 [125.00] [RF]
This Salzburg ‘dream’ staging soon becomes a nightmare with Verdi the sufferer.
Giuseppe
VERDI (1813-1901) Rigoletto
- Luciano Pavarotti (tenor) Louis Quilico (baritone)
Christiane Eda-Pierre (soprano) Ara Berberian
(bass) O & Ch Metropolitan Opera, New York/James
Levine rec. 1981 DECCA DVD 0743884
[125:00] [RJF] For Pavarotti fans only.
This traditional production is better served
by another cast four years earlier.
Giuseppe VERDI (1813-1901) Messa da Requiem -
Krassimira Stoyanova, Marina Prudenskaya, Saimir Pirgu, Orlin Anastassov, Bayerischen Rundfunks/Mariss Jansons rec. 2013
BR KLASSIK 900126 [46.52 + 39.31] [MC]
Ranks up there alongside the finest.
Antonio
VIVALDI (1678-1741)
Pietŕ Sacred works
- Ens Artaserse/Philippe Jaroussky (director,
counter-tenor) rec. 2014 ERATO 2564
625750 [CD: 78.30 + DVD: 20.00] [MC]
Admirable.
Richard WAGNER
(1813-1883) Lohengrin - Michael König,
Camilla Nylund,
Frankfurter Opern- & Museums O/Bertrand de Billy rec. 2013
OEHMS CLASSICS OC946 [3 CDs: 215:21]
[ST] This is the first of Oehms' Frankfurt Opera recordings that
I have come across and I enjoyed this one so much that I shall certainly
look out for more in the future.
Richard
WAGNER (1813-1883) Parsifal
- Simon O’Neill (tenor) Angela Denoke
(soprano) René Pape (bass) Gerald Finley (baritone)
Ch & O Royal Opera House/Sir Antonio Pappano
rec. 2013 OPUS ARTE OABD7159D Blu-ray
[270.00 (opera) + 12.00 (interviews)] [PCG]
This is a decided cut
above.
Richard WAGNER
(1813-1883) Transcriptions by August Stradal Vol.
2 - Juan Guillermo Vizcarra (piano) TOCCATA CLASSICS TOCC0192
[75:30] [NB] Vizcarra is thrillingly virtuosic but it is in the reflective
and lyrical passages that his interpretative skill shines through.
Richard WAGNER (1813-1883)
Die Meistersinger von Nürnberg -
Michael Volle (bass-baritone)
Roberto Saccŕ (tenor)
Anna Gabler (soprano)
Vienna PO/Daniele Gatti
rec. 2013
EUROARTS DVD 2072688 [270:00]
[ST] Interesting, but not a success.
Mieczysław WEINBERG (1919-1996)Chamber Symphonies 3 & 4 - Helsingborg SO/Thord Svedlund rec. 2014 CHANDOS CHSA5146 SACD [65:55] [DJB] The valuable Chandos/Weinberg project continues, but these works perhaps need a little more bite and less refinement than they receive here.
4 Girls 4 Harps at Christmas rec. 2013
DISCOVERY MUSIC AND VISION DMV107 [58.37] [CF] Four talented artists, technically superb playing delivered with a wide range of attractive colours. Play it while decking the halls or the Christmas tree.
Absinthe Gaspar
Hoyos (flute) David Violi (piano) FLEUR
DE SON FDS58022 [65:40] [BR]
I found this CD impossible to criticise, so
let’s debate the best wine pairings for
it, instead.
Acqua Alta
Serikon/Erik Westberg
rec. 2013 FOOTPRINT RECORDS FRCD073 [79:30] [DC] Gorgeous production with added and unexpected magic.
Anthology of Piano Music by Russian and Soviet Composers
Volume 2 MELODIYA MELCD1002256 [68:47] [JW]
An inventive piece of programming that will appeal to adventurous pianophiles.
Claudio Arrau (piano)
Rarities
rec. 1929-1951 WARNER 2564 639427 [3 CDs: 6202:51]
[JW] A useful distillation of essentially early to mid-period Arrau.
British String Concertos
rec. 1970s-90s
LYRITA SRCD2346 [4 CDs: 303:04]
[MC] What I find remarkable about everything here is the elevated level of playing and the satisfying recording quality.
Katarzyna Budnik-Gałązka (viola)
Works by Khachaturian, Paganini, Penderecki & Rhode - Krzysztof Meisinger (guitar) rec. 2011/2012
DUX 0932 [78:12] [SA]
Budnik-Gałązka brings a supremely rounded velvet tone to everything she plays.
Joseph Calleja (tenor)
Amore - BBC Concert O/Steven
Mercurio rec. 2013 DECCA 4785340 [70.41]
[RJF] Overblown orchestrations
and populism do this normally elegant tenor
little justice.
Carols from King’s Ch King’s College, Cambridge/Stephen Cleobury
rec. 2013 KING’S COLLEGE DVD KGS0008 [74:06] [BW] One or more of King’s CD or DVD recordings should be high on your Christmas list.
Carols
from the Old and New Worlds - Vol. 3
Chamber Ch
Ireland/Paul Hillier rec. 2012-14 HARMONIA
MUNDI HMU807610 SACD [60:05]
[BW] Familiar music,
mostly in unfamiliar arrangements, and unfamiliar
works form an attractive offering.
Carols
from the Old and New Worlds - Vol. 3
Chamber Ch
Ireland/Paul Hillier rec. 2012-14 HARMONIA
MUNDI HMU807610 SACD [60:05]
[JQ] An excellent Christmas anthology, expertly performed and thoughtfully assembled.
Christmas a Cappella I &
II -
Musica Sacra/Indra Hughes
rec. 2001/7
ATOLL ACD501/207 [65:36 & 61:43] If the repertoire appeals, well worth considering for your Christmas listening.
Christmas Music
Christ Church Cathedral Ch, Oxford/Stephen Darlington NIMBUS NI7096 [75:42]
[JF] Singing impressive; choice of programme inspiring.
Christmas Music
Christ Church Cathedral Ch, Oxford/Stephen Darlington NIMBUS NI7096
[75:42] [BW] None of the usual Christmas fare but a very attractive compilation.
Christmas
in Naples Gaetano
VENEZIANO (1656 - 1719) Notturni,
Pastorale Alessandro SCARLATTI (1660-1725)
Sinfonias -
Jenny Hogström (soprano) Filippo Mineccia (alto)
Kevin Skelton (tenor) Marc Pantus (bass) Ens
Odyssee/Andrea Friggi rec. 2014 PAN
CLASSICS PC10307 [71:06] [JV] Veneziano's
works are well worth hearing.
On Christmas Night
Includes Benjamin BRITTEN (1913-1976)
A Ceremony of Carols
- Charles Matthews (organ), Sally Price (harp)
Armonico Consort/Christopher Monks
rec. 2011
SIGNUM SICGD386 [69.53]
[PCG] If you want this particular programme it is hard to imagine it being better performed.
Christmas with the Shepherds The Marian Consort/Rory McCleery
DELPHIAN DCD34145 [62:55] [JQ]
A gentle, reflective and very satisfying musical celebration of Christmas with the Marian Consort.
Dormi Jesu A Caius Christmas
- Ch Gonville & Caius College, Cambridge/Geoffrey Webber
rec. 2011 DELPHIAN DCD34152 [63:28] [JQ] A lovely musical Christmas hamper.
Dormi Jesu A Caius Christmas
-
Ch Gonville and Caius College, Cambridge/Geoffrey Webber
rec. 2011
DELPHIAN DCD34152 [63.28] [GH] A super ensemble moulded to deliver a specific and warm sound.
Escape
to Paradise
The Hollywood Album
- Daniel Hope (violin) Sting, Royal Stockholm
PO/Alexander Shelley rec. 2013 DEUTSCHE
GRAMMOPHON 479 2954 [77:04] [NB] A
depressing marketing exercise that I am sure
will do very well.
Favourite Carols from King's Ch King's College
Cambridge/Stephen Cleobury rec. 2014
KING'S COLLEGE KGS0007 [78:11] [JQ]
A generous selection of mostly traditional seasonal fare satisfyingly performed.
Favourite Carols from King'sCh King's College, Cambridge/Stephen Cleoburyrec. 2014
KING'S COLLEGE KGS0007 [78:11] [ST] What’s not to like? Worthy of a place on any Christmas shelf.
Favourite Carols from King's
Ch King's College, Cambridge/Stephen Cleobury
rec. 2014 KING'S COLLEGE KGS0007 [78:11]
Carols from King’s Ch King’s College, Cambridge/Stephen Cleobury
rec. 2013 KING’S COLLEGE DVD KGS0008 [74:06] [MG] I prefer the DVD because it puts the carols in the context of a demonstrable act of worship.
Annie Fischer (piano)
Works by Bartok, Beethoven, Handel, Mozart & Schubert rec. 1957/9
MELOCLASSIC MC1016 [79:20] [JW] Far more than mere adjuncts to Fischer’s commercial legacy.
Diana Gabrielyan (piano)
Works by Babajanyan, Mansurian, Shostakovich & Stravinsky -
rec. 2013 ODRADEK RECORDS ODRCD311 [72:39] [GMo] A well-planned and very enjoyable programme and an excellent set of performances.
Eva Garajová (mezzo) Nox et Solitudo -
Marian Lapšanský (piano)
rec. 2014 ARCODIVA UP0151-2 302 [66:25 + 50:23]
[ST] One disc of unusual repertoire and one of slightly less unfamiliar fare all well presented.
A Night with Friedrich Gulda Wolfgang Amadeus MOZART Piano Sonatas Barbara DENNERLEIN Drive Sam; Take Off; Give It Up Techno Music -
Friedrich Gulda; Paradise Trio; DJ Vertigo; Paradise Girls rec. 1995
ARTHAUS MUSIK DVD 101674[85:00] [JWh]
Strictly for Gulda fans.
In Dulci Jubilo Christmas Organ Music
-
Norbert Düchtel (organ)
rec. 2010 TYXART TXA13027 [60:40]
[BW] Something different and soothing for Christmas.
Joy and Gladness in Abundance Ute Engelke (soprano) Elisabeth Schwanda (recorder) Ulfert Schmidt (organ)
rec. 2014 RONDEAU ROP6095 [65:49]
[JV] This disc is a rather disappointing affair.
Herbert von Karajan Orchestral Spectaculars from Handel to Bartók
1949-1960 WARNER CLASSICS 2564
633621 [13 CDs: 16 hours] [JW]
This is a good way to collect 16 hours of Karajan
on disc, impressively re-mastered, and in a
variety of repertoire.
Rafael Kubelík
Robert
SCHUMANN (1810-1856) Cello Concerto,
Piano Concerto, Symphony 3 Joseph HAYDN
(1732-1809) Symphonies 100 & 102 Felix MENDELSSOHN
(1809-1847) Symphony 5 Antonín
DVOŘÁK (1841-1904) Piano
Concerto - János Starker (cello) Claudio Arrau,
Rudolf Firkušný (piano) Cologne Radio SO rec. 1960-63 ORFEO C726143D
[3 CDs: 222:14] [JW] A
very warm welcome for Orfeo’s latest release
to celebrate Kubelík’s art.
Marie-Nicole
Lemieux (contralto)
Ne me refuse pas/Streams
of Pleasure - O Ntl de France/Fabien
Gabel, Il complesso barocco/Alan Curtis rec.
2010/11 NAĎVE NC40039 [78:00
+ 75:00] [GF] Handelians
should grab the opportunity to explore these
riches.
Lux de caelo Music for Christmas
- Ch Clare College Cambridge, Dmitri Ens/Graham Ross HARMONIA MUNDI HMU907615
[68:05] An intriguing and enticing Christmas
programme that dares to be different [JQ] A very fine successor to earlier
Advent and Passiontide recordings from this choir [BW].
Lux de caelo Music for Christmas
- Ch Clare College, Cambridge; The Dmitri Ensemble/Graham Ross
rec. 2013 HARMONIA MUNDI HMU907615 [68:05]
[ST] Plenty here to celebrate.
The
Nations NZ Barok ATOLL
ACD813 [74:17] [DBi] An unusual mixture of major and minor baroque
works played with care by a authentic-performance group new to the catalogue.
No Exceptions, No Exemptions
Great War Songs -
Robin Tritschler (tenor) Malcolm Martineau (piano)
rec. 2014
SIGNUM CLASSICS SIGCD401 [44:59 + 40:45] [ST]
An important release ... of interest far beyond the historical.
Nordic Winter and Christmas Songs
Gitta-Maria Sjöberg (soprano)
Dorthe Zielke (trumpet) Tobias Durholm (violin) Lindy Rosborg (organ)
DANACORD DACOCD755 [64:54] [JF] This is an attractive release that features a largely unknown repertoire, at least to listeners outside Scandinavia.
Ailyn Perez (soprano) & Stephen Costello (tenor) Love Duets - BBC SO/Patrick Summers rec. 2013
WARNER CLASSICS 2564 633485 [65.44] [RF]
A very warm welcome to this husband and wife duo’s first recording. This wide selection of items shows off their individual and combined vocal skills to perfection.
Prayer
Ernest BLOCH (1880–1959)
From Jewish Life,
Baal Shem, Schelomo
Dmitri SHOSTAKOVICH (1906-1975)
From Jewish Folk Poetry
Sol Gabetta (cello)
Amsterdam Sinfonietta/Candida Thompson,
Lyon Ntl O/Leonard Slatkin
rec. 2012/1414
SONY CLASSICAL 88883 762172 [59:30]
[RMo] The vocal quality of Gabetta's playing is striking.
The
Promise of Ages
A Christmas Collection
- Taverner Consort & Ch/Andrew Parrott,
New London Chamber Ch & Henrietta Barnett
School Ch rec. 1998 AVIE AV2291
[62:17] [JF] Extremely
difficult to take as a whole but individually
it has a number of excellent pieces which deserve
exploration.
Reflections
Works by Boulez, Sciarrini, Widmann & Ysaye
-
Carolin Widmann (violin) rec. 2004/6
PROFIL PH14036 [75:06] [RWe]
A generous programme of early and late 20th century pieces for solo violin, very varied in the demands they make on the player, and all brilliantly performed.
A
Royal Trio Works by Handel,
Ariosti & Bononcini - Lawrence Zazzo (counter-tenor)
La Nuova Musica/David Bates rec. 2014 HARMONIA
MUNDI HMU807590 SACD
[78:05] [GPu] An outstanding
recital, in which Handel shares the limelight
with two associates and the music of all three
benefits from the intelligent virtuosity of
Lawrence Zazzo and the impressive support of
La Nuova Musica.
Russia Works by Schnittke, Rachmaninoff,
Gubaidulina, Taneyev, Glinka & Tchaikovsky
- SWR Vokalensemble Stuttgart/Marcus Creed
rec. 2013 HÄNSSLER CLASSIC CD 93.317
[62:09] [MC] A fresh
and wide-ranging programme in performances that
are compelling and immediate.
Russian
Piano Music Works by Tchaikovsky,
Rachmaninoff, Prokofiev & Shostakovich -
Nina Kavtaradze (piano) rec. 2014 DANACORD
DACOCD753 [78:10] [JF] Kavtaradze
carries the torch of the ‘great Moscow
piano style’ which includes Richter, Gilels
and Lupu.
Felix Salmond (cello) Ludwig van BEETHOVEN (1770-1828)Cello Sonata 3Edvard GRIEG (1843-1907) Cello Sonata Max BRUCH (1838-1920) Kol Nidrei - Simeon Rumschisky (piano) rec. 1926-29PRISTINE AUDIO PACM095 [79:25] [JW] An outstanding release.
Sing Thee Nowell
New York Polyphony rec. 2014 BIS BIS2099 SACD [71:17] [JQ] An immaculately performed Christmas programme from New York Polyphony.
Sing, Ye Birds, a Joyous Song
Works by Taverner, Bennett, Gibbons & Tallis) -
Yale Schola Cantorum/Simon Carrington rec. 2010
DELOS DE3458 [65:57] [BW]
A varied programme but the component parts sit well together.
Stille Nacht RIAS Kammerchor/Uwe Gronostay rec. 1972-86 AUDITE 97.711 [74:34] [ST] Pleasant but lacking in impact for all the quality of the choral singing.
Stravinsky in Hollywood
A film by Marco Capalbo C MAJOR 716308 DVD[53:00] [JWh]
Strangely unsatisfying.
Henryk Szeryng (violin)
Sonatas by Beethoven, Debussy, Mozart & Schumann -
Wolfgang Rudolf, Heinz Schröter, Günther Ludwig (piano)
rec. 1955-59
MELOCLASSIC MC2002 [78:02] [JW] Most sensitively recorded and presented.
Transeamus English Carols and Motets - Hilliard
Ensemble rec. 2012 ECM NEW SERIES
4811106/2408 [67:42]
[JQ] The Hilliard
Ensemble’s final disc sees them finish
their recording career in fine style.
Venetian Christmas
Works by Hasse, Perotti, Torelli & Vivaldi -
Ruby Hughes (soprano) Ewa Golinska (violin), Komalé Akakpo (psaltery)
Arte dei Suonatori/Martin Gester
rec. 2013 BIS BIS2089 SACD [74:40] [JV] The connection to Christmas seems rather loose but this remains a most interesting and musically rewarding production.
Visions
Fugitives Sergei
PROKOFIEV (1891-1953) Visions
fugitives Paul HINDEMITH (1895-1963)
Fünf Stücke Anton
WEBERN (1883-1945) Fünf Sätze Béla
BARTÓK (1881-1945) Divertimento - Camerata
Nordica/Terje Třnnesen rec. 2006-2012 BIS
BIS-2126 SACD [68:35] [DC] Strings
with impact and emotional force – an attractive
programme.
Vom Himmel hoch, da komm ich her Christmas Organ Music
-
Michael Hartmann (organ) rec. 2012 OEHMS OC865 [71:35]
[ST] Why not give this a go for a less normal take on the Christmas CD?
Wagner vs Verdi
ARTHAUS DVD 102192 [159:06] [JZ]
A solid contribution to the appreciation of the operas of Verdi and Wagner and of the enduring values that exist in those works.
Mary
Wigman - The Soul Of
Dance A film by Norbert Bůse &
Christof Debler ARTHAUS MUSIK DVD 102204
[52:00 + 40:00 (bonus material)] [RMay] This
DVD tells Wigman's story well and makes
a good case for seeing her as one of the real
founders of modern dance.
A
Winchester Remembrance William
Kendal (tenor) George Castle Jonathan Hope (organ)
Fine Arts Brass/Winchester Cathedral Ch/Andrew
Lumsden rec. 2013/14 REGENT REGCD437
[70:17] [JQ] A very
well-conceived Remembrance programme, performed
splendidly by Winchester Cathedral Choir
Other reviews
Anatevka (Fiddler on the Roof)
Gerhard Ernst, Dagmar Schellenberger,
Bele Kumberger,
Mörbisch Festival Ch & O/David Levi
rec. 2014 OEHMS OC437 [70:40]
[JW] Played less like a musical and more like an operetta.
The Boswell Sisters
Shout, Sister, Shout! Their 52 Finest 1931-36
RETROSPECTIVE RTS4242 [78:21 + 77:23]
[JW] A fine introduction to the Sisters.
Steve Conway His 25 finest, 1945-51 RETROSPECTIVE RTR4250 [79:26]
[JW] This well-selected and representative album reveals what a lovely voice he had.
The Golden Age of Light Music
A Light Music Smörgĺsbord rec. 1936-62 GUILD LIGHT MUSIC GLCD5221 [79:37]
[JW] Scandi-Light is the focus of this disc.
The Golden Age of Light Music Contrasts
Vol. 2 rec. 1928-62 GUILD GLCD5223 [78:40]
[JW] More delights here from Guild.
Bill Haley and His Comets
Rock
Around the Clock 1951-1956 RETROSPECTIVE RTR 4251 [76:00]
[BMC] If you like early rock & roll, this CD is a good choice.
Jerry Murad and his Harmonicats
Their 32 finest 1947-60 RETROSPECTIVE RTR4256
[79:30]
[JW] The band at its vaudeville best.
The Wexford Carols
Caitríona O’Leary, Tom Jones, Rosanne Cash rec. 2014
HERESY RECORDS 016[60:07] [SA]
A pleasant change from endless reissues of traditional carols.
Songs of the Great War
Keep The Home Fires Burning rec. 1914-18
RETROSPECTIVE RTR4236 [78:13]
[JW] Thoughtfully compiled and attractively produced.
Pete Seeger and The Weavers
Wasn’t That A Time? Their 28
Finest rec. 1949-1953 RETROSPECTIVE RECORDS RTR4241 [77:00]
[JW] Offers strong reasons for their inspirational place in American folk history.
That’s What I Love About Christmas
Stephen Mougin, Jana Mougin, Annie Sellick (vocals)
RLM CD1005 [34:41]
[BMC] A nice addition to a home holiday music collection.
Articles and Notices
Sir George Dyson: An Overview of Recordings by John
Quinn
Hyperion: The last few SACDs by
Brian Wilson
Download News 2014/15 by Brian Wilson,
Jonathan Rohr & Geoffrey Molyneux
Oliver Bannister, Hallé Orchestra
flautist An
obituary by Stuart Scott
A new review index: York Bowen
The Musicweb International
2014 Recordings Of The Year
Getting to Know … The Symphonies of Sergei Taneyev by William Kreindler
Forgotten Artists: Vladimir Delman by
Christopher Howell
