ALPHABETICAL LISTING

 

AMERICAN MASTERS 2 - Walter PISTON (1894-1976) Incredible Flutist - suite (1938) - Marc BLITZSTEIN (1905-1964) Symphony - The Airborne (1946) - Edward Burlingame HILL (1872-1960) Prelude for Orchestra (1953) Orson Welles (narrator), Andrea Velis (ten), David Watson (bar), Choral Art Society (Blitzstein) New York PO (Piston, Blitzstein); Columbia SO (Hill) cond. Leonard Bernstein, rec Manhattan Center, NYC, 2 Dec 1963 (Piston), Philharmonic Hall, Lincoln Center, NYC 18 Oct 1966, (Blitzstein), Columbia 30th St Studio, NYC 1 Apr 1953 (Hill) SONY CLASSICAL Bernstein Century series SMK 61849 [78.09] [RB]

In a world where new issues and reissues tumble out in such multiple profusion it is too easy to overlook discs of this quality.A varied collection but extremely attractive and not lacking in personality.

JANET BAKER Ernest CHAUSSON Poème de l’amour et de la mer Op.19 Hector BERLIOZ Les nuits d’été Op.7 Arnold SCHOENBERG Song of the Wood Dove (from Gurrelieder) Janet Baker (mezzo soprano) Svetlanov/LSO; Giulini/LPO; Del Mar/LSO Recorded live at the Royal Festival Hall 1963/75 BBC LEGENDS SERIES BBCL 4077-2 [75.15] [CF]

A welcome further addition from the archival treasure trove being plundered by the Beeb. Buy while stocks last.

The Radiant Voice of Barbara Bonney recorded in various locations from 1988 to 2001. All previously released except ¹² on either Decca, DGG, L’Oiseau Lyre and Philips. DECCA 468 818-2 [75.52] - DDD

I have played this disc a number of times, and such is the variety of repertoire, it can be listened to in one sitting without the least fatigue. This collection is a gem.

British Fantasies American Dreams Charles T GRIFFES 1884-1920 Poem arr George Barrere Walter PISTON 1894-1976 Flute Sonata Hamilton HARTY 1879-1941 In Ireland Ian WILSON b 1964 Spilliaert’s Beach Peter FRIBBINS b 1969 Porphyria’s Lover Robert BEASER b 1954 Minimal Waltz Lukas FOSS b 1922 Three American Pieces: Early Song; Dedication; Composer’s Holiday Cyril SCOTT 1879-1970 Lotus land arr Arthur Ephross Nancy Ruffer flute Helen Crayford piano Recorded Vestry Studios London February 2001 GUILD GMCD 7230 [69.19] [JW]

The recital acts as an arc, beginning with Griffes’ piquant and ravishing fantasy and ending with his older British contemporary Cyril Scott’s Lotus land, ever luscious and disarming. [JW]
This welcome, well-planned, much varied and beautifully played collection is heartily recommended. [HC]

José CARRERAS Around the World Vienna Symphony Orchestra/ John Cameron (2,4,5,8,9,7,16,18), Paul Bateman (1,3,6,15,17), Christian Kolonovits (7,10,11,12,14) WARNER CLASSICS 8573-85798-2 [c.63 mins] [JL]

Over an hour of sentimental romantic slush expertly delivered by one of the world’s great voices aimed at a sub Classic FM market.

JI-YEON CHOI - ORGAN RECITAL J S BACH (1685-1750) Prelude and Fugue in C Major BWV 547, Sonata No 4 in E Minor BWV 528 William ALBRIGHT (1944-1998) 12 Etudes for small organ; Organbook III, Vol 2 Jig for the feet (Totentanz) Nocturne Un poc’ allegro Johannes BRAHMS (1833-1897) Fugue in A flat minor WoO 8 Jean LANGLAIS (1907-1991) Fete Libby LARSEN (b 1950) Aspects of Glory; III Tambourines Dan LOCKLAIR (b1949) Ayre for the Dance Marcel DUPRE (1886-1971) Variations sur un Noel op 20 Ji-yeon Choi organ Recorded at the Chapel of Resurrection, Valparaiso University, Indiana, USA 19-20 August 2000 NAXOS 8.555367 [63.04] [JW]

A wide-ranging programme then and generally good performances. Others may well disagree but I found the organ sound distinctly off-putting. ... see Full Review

The Coronation of George II - CD1 CHILD O Lord, grant the king a long life HANDEL A Grand instrumental Procession PURCELL I was glad when they said unto me HANDEL Let thy hand by strengthened TALLIS O God, the Father of Heaven FARMER Come Holy Ghost HANDEL Zadok the Priest CD2 BLOW Behold, O God our Defender HANDEL The King shall rejoice GIBBONS Te Deum BLOW God spake sometime in visions HANDEL My heart is inditing HANDEL March The King’s Consort/ The Choir of the King’s Consort/Robert King HYPERION CDA67286 [100:47] [JL]

A wonderful recording of superlative music in performances that surely cannot be bettered, packaged in a setting close to that in which it should be performed.

DELIUS Song of Summer. A film by Ken Russell. Written by Ken Russell and Eric Fenby and based on the book Delius as I knew him by Eric Fenby. Produced and directed by Ken Russell. Starring Max Adrian as Frederick Delius, Maureen Pryor as Jelka Delius, and Christopher Gable as Eric Fenby. Black and white. 72 minutes. British Film Institute.
DVD version: BFIVD518 £19.99 (with director's biography and commentary). Video version: VHS BFIV101 £12.99.

No-one interested in Delius should be without a copy of Song of Summer. It has not dated at all and it repays repeated viewing and remains a fine tribute to Eric Fenby's sacrifice and self-less devotion.

Marina Domashenko - Francesco CILEA (1866-1950) Adriana Lecouvreur: Acerba voluttà - Camille SAINT-SAENS (1835-1921) Samson et Dalila: Mon coeur s’ouvre à to voix, Amour! Viens aider ma faiblesse, Printemps qui commence - Modest MUSSORGSKY (1839-1881) Khovanschina: Marfa’s fortune-telling scene - Nicolai RIMSKY-KORSAKOV (1844-1908) The Tsar’s Bride: Lyubasha’s Arioso, The Snow Maiden: Lel’s Third Song - Sergei PROKOFIEV (1891-1953) Alexander Nevsky: Field of the Dead - Amilcare PONCHIELLI (1834-1886) La Gioconda: Stella del marinar! - Giuseppe VERDI (1813-1901) Il Trovatore: Stride la vampa - Georges BIZET (1838-1875) Carmen: L’amour est un oiseau rebelle (Habanera), Près des ramparts de Seville (Seguidilla), Carreau! Pique! (Card Scene) - Gioachino ROSSINI (1792-1868) L’Italiana in Algeri: Cruda sorte! Amor tiranno! - Johann STRAUSS II (1825-1899) Die Fledermaus: Ich lade gern mir Gäste ein!
Marina Domashenko (mezzo-soprano), Philharmonia of Russia/Constantine Orbelian. Recorded 31 March, 4, 8, 9, 11, 12 April 2001, Great Hall, Moscow Conservatoire DELOS DE 3285 [57.45] [CH]

Domashenko has all the requisites to become a major presence in our theatres over the next couple of decades.

ENGLISH STRING MINIATURES Vol. 3
Carlo MARTELLI (b.1935) Persiflage Gerald FINZI (1901-1956) Prelude (1925); Romance (1923) Gustav HOLST (1874-1934) Brook Green Suite (1933)
William BLEZARD (b. 1921) Duetto (1951) Michael HURD (b.1928) Sinfonia Concertante (1972?) Haydn WOOD (1882-1959) An 18th Century Scherzo (1948) Bruce MONTGOMERY (1921-1978) Concertino for String Orchestra (1950) Robert Gibbs (violin) (Hurd) Royal Ballet Sinfonia/David Lloyd-Jones rec 19-20 Mar 2000, St Paul's, New Southgate, London NAXOS 8.555069 [60.30] [TB]{RB]

This interesting compilation CD will give much enjoyment. For me the highlight of the programme is the Sinfonia Concertante by Michael Hurd. There are three movements, and a beautifully lyrical movement at the centre. [TB}

I rather wish Naxos had gone the whole hog and given us more Martelli, Blezard, Montgomery and Hurd. These are the works which make this a thoroughly recommendable anthology. Roll on volumes 4 and 5. [RB]

ENGLISH MUSIC FOR VIOLA Benjamin BRITTEN (1913-1976)
Elegy for solo viola Ralph VAUGHAN WILLIAMS (1872-1958) Romance Rebecca CLARKE (1886-1979) Lullaby no. 1, Morpheus, Sonata Percy GRAINGER (1882-1961) The Sussex Mummers’ Christmas Carol, Arrival Platform Humlet (for solo viola) Arnold BAX (1883-1953) Legend Frank BRIDGE (1879-1941) Pensiero, Allegro appassionato Paul Coletti (viola), Leslie Howard (pianoforte) Recorded 21-23.9.1993, location not given HYPERION HELIOS CDH55085 [66.51] [CH]

Thanks to Lionel Tertis’s inspiration, Great Britain probably produced a larger 20^th Century viola repertoire than any other country. Rebecca Clarke was a composer to be reckoned with. … for full review

‘I Will Breathe a Mountain’ Samuel BARBER (1910-81): The Daisies, Op. 2 No.1; A Nun takes the Veil, Op. 13 No.1; Bessie Bobtail, Op.2 No.3; The Secrets of the Old, Op. 13 No. 2; Sure on this Shining Night, Op. 13, No.3; I hear an Army, Op 10, No3; Dover beach, Op. 3* William BOLCOM (b.1938) Song Cycle: ‘I Will Breathe a Mountain’ Leonard BERNSTEIN (1918-90): My House (from Peter Pan); So Pretty; Greeting; Take Care of This House (from 1600 Pennsylvania Avenue); Rabbit at Top Speed; Sonnet: What Lips my Lips have Kissed; Nachspiel; Dream with Me. Marilyn Horne (mezzo soprano); Martin Katz (piano); *The Tokyo String Quartet Recorded: 13 & 16 December 1993 at Grace Rainey Rogers Auditorium, Metropolitan Museum of Art, New York (Barber & Bolcom); 20 February 1994 at Manhattan Center, New York (Dover Beach); 15 November 1996 at Clinton Recording Studios, New York (Bernstein) RCA Red Seal 09026 68771-2 [68.04] [JQ]

A most stimulating disc, containing some first class performances. Warmly recommended. ...see Full Review

O MIO BABBINO CARO Famous Soprano Arias from Italian Opera
PUCCINI Gianni Schicchi – o mio babbino caro Miriam Gauci / BTR Philharmonic Orchestra/ Alexander Rahbari
BELLINI I Puritani – Qui la voce sua soave Luba Orgonasova / Czecho-Slovak Radio Symphony Orchestra / Will Humburg
PUCCINI La Bohème – Sì, mi chiamano Mimi Luba Orgonasova / Czecho-Slovak Radio Symphony Orchestra / Will Humburg
PUCCINI La Bohème – quando m’en vo’ Luba Orgonasova / Czecho-Slovak Radio Symphony Orchestra / Will Humburg
CATALANI La Wally – Ebben? N’andrò lontana Miriam Gauci / BTR Philharmonic Orchestra/ Alexander Rahbari
PUCCINI Madama Butterfly – Un bel dì, vendremo Miriam Gauci / Czecho-Slovak Radio Symphony Orchestra / Alexander Rahbari
VERDI Rigoletto – Caro nome Alida Ferrarini / Czecho-Slovak RadioSymphony Orchestra / Alexander Rahbari
GIORDANO Andrea Chénier - La Mamma morta Lila Larinová / Slovak RSO / Johannes Wildner
PUCCINI Tosca – Vissi d’arte, vissi d’amore Nelly Miricioiu / Czecho–Slovak Radio Symphony Orchestra / Alexander Rahbari
VERDI La Traviata – Ah fors’ è lui Monika Kraus / Czecho – Slovak Radio Symphony Orchestra / Alexander Rahbari
VERDI La Traviata – sempre libera Monika Kraus / Czecho – Slovak Radio Symphony Orchestra / Alexander Rahbari
PUCCINI La Rondine – Ch’il bel sogno di Doretta Luba Orgonasova / Czecho-Slovak Radio Symphony Orchestra / Will Humburg
ROSSINI Il barbiere di Siviglia – Una voce poco fa Ewa Podles / Hungarian State Opera Orchestra – Pier Morandi
PUCCINI Manon Lescaut – In quelle trine morbide Miriam Gauci La Bohème / BTR Philharmonic Orchestra/ Alexander Rahbari
PUCCINI Turandot – Signore, ascolta Luba Orgonasova / Czecho-Slovak Radio Symphony Orchestra / Will Humburg
VERDI Il Trovatore – D’amor sull’ali rosee vanne Daniela Longhi / Hungarian State Opera/ Will Humburg
VERDI La forza del destino –Pace, pace / Miriam Gauci / Czecho-Slovak Radio Symphony Orchestra / Alexander Rahbari
MASCAGNI Cavalleria rusticana – Vol lo sapete, o mamma Stefka Evstatieva / Czecho-Slovak Radio Symphony Orchestra / Alexander Rahbari (rec 1990-1999)
NAXOS 8.555796 [75:18] [JL]

An excellent value compilation of good performances that allows listeners to hear some fine soprano singing from artists who may be unfamiliar to them. ...see Full Review

FEEL THE SPIRIT: Songs and Spirituals
John RUTTER Feel the Spirit, seven spirituals
George SHEARING Songs and sonnets from Shakespeare
John RUTTER The heavenly aeroplane
John RUTTER (arr) Lord of the Dance
John RUTTER Birthday madrigals
Hoagy CARMICHAEL arr John RUTTER Skylark
Margaret Marshall (mezzo) Wayne Marshall (piano)The Cambridge Singers, BBC Concert Orchestra John Rutter.Cambridge, 2000? (DDD) COLLEGIUM RECORDS COLCD 128 [74.55] [DW]

An interesting disc and an important one to show that the singing of spirituals and Gospel music can be far more enjoyable when sung properly than in some ramshackle gospel choir clapping, clicking their figures and being repetitive.

THE FLOWERING OF GENIUS Francisco GUERRERO (1528-1599) 1. Ave Virgo sanctissima 4.39 Thomas TALLIS (1505-1585) 2. Suscipe quaeso 9.43 Tomas Luis de VICTORIA (1548-1611) 3. O vos omnes 5.00
4. Vere languores 4.47 5. O Domine Iesu Christe 3.34 Thomas TALLIS
6. Angus Dei from mass "Puer natus" 8.49 Tomas Luis de VICTORIA (1548-1611) 7. Super flumina Babylonis 4.56 8. Vadam et circuibo 8.48 9. Laudate Dominum omnes gentes 3.05 John SHEPPARD (1500-1558) 10. Verbum caro 6.50 Philippe de MONTE (1521-1558) 11. Super flumina Babylonis William BYRD (1543-1623) 12. Quomodo cantabimus 6.07 The Sixteen, Harry Christophers Rec: September 1989, 1996, September 1997, January 1998. CORO COR 16001 [73.53]

This fine recording is refreshing and delightful, and will please any lover of Renaissance vocal music. ... see Full Review

Lesley GARRETT Travelling Light Featuring Sir George Martin, Michel Legrand, The Clare Singers, Denyce Graves, Michael Ball, Bryn Terfel and Evelyn Glennie Orchestra conducted by Philip Ellis Recorded at Air Studios and Whitfield Street Studios, London, 2000-2001 EMI CDC 5 57251 2 [62:11] [SF]

This is one of those albums that seems to improve on every hearing. If you’re still not sure then give a copy to your mum or auntie or brother. But I suspect you will end up regretting not buying one for yourself.

HOMMAGE A WERNER HAAS
CD1, Live Concert from Berne, November 4th, 1969: Ludwig van BEETHOVEN (1770-1827) Piano Sonata No. 30 in E, Op.l09. Frédéric CHOPIN (1810-49) Nocturne in F sharp, Op. 15 No. 2. Etudes, Op. 25 – No. 6 in G sharp minor; No. 9 in G flat; No. 1 in A flat. Scherzo in B flat minor, Op. 31. Maurice RAVEL (1875-1937) Sonatine. Claude DEBUSSY Estampes. Franz LISZT (1811-86) Etude de Concert No. 2, 'Gnomenreigen'.
CD2: Johann Sebastian BACH (1685-1750) Italian Concerto. Ludwig van BEETHOVEN Piano Sonata in G, Op. 14 No. 2. Robert SCHUMANN (1810-56) Fantasiestücke, Op. 12.
CD3: Ludwig van BEETHOVEN Piano Sonatas – C, Op. 2 No. 3; F, Op. 10 No. 2; D minor, Op. 31 No. 2; E flat, Op.31 No. 3.
CD4: Robert SCHUMANN Kinderszenen, Op. 15. Carnaval, Op. 9. Symphonic Studies, Op. 7.
CD5: CHOPIN Scherzos – B flat minor, Op. 31; C sharp minor, Op. 39 B minor, Op. 20. Three Nocturnes, Op. 9. Ballade in A flat, Op. 47.
CD6: Sergei PROKOFIEV (1891-1953) Piano Sonatas – No. 2 in D minor, Op. 14; No. 4 in C minor, Op. 29. Alexander SCRIABIN (1872-1915) Six Preludes, Op. 7. Etude in B flat minor, Op. 8. Etude in C sharp minor, Op. 42. Dimitri KABALEVSKY (1904-87) Piano Sonata No. 3, Op. 46. Igor STRAVINSKY (1882-1971) Piano Sonata (1924).
Werner Haas (piano). DABRINGHAUS UND GRIMM Archive MDG642 1086-2 [ADD] [six discs] [389'49] Recorded 1963-74. [CC]

Werner Haas' career was tragically cut short by a motor accident on October 11th, 1976 when his car collided with a truck near Nancy, France. It robbed us of a pianist whose stature has never, at least in the UK, been fully appreciated. The record-buying public is indeed lucky to have companies like Dabringhaus and Grimm to mine the archives in this fashion.

SUMI JO: The Christmas Album 1. Trad: I wonder as I wander 2. Johann Sebastian BACH (1685-1750): ‘Ich steh’ an deiner Krippen hier’ (from Christmas Oratorio BWV 248 3. Alessandro SCARLATTI (1660-1725): Cantata pastorale per la nascita di Nostro Signore 4. Johann CRUGER (1598-1662): Frohlich soll mein Herze springen 5. Adolphe Charles ADAM (1803-1856): O Holy Night 6. Christoph BERNHARD (1628-1682): Furchtet euch nicht! 7. Wolfgang Amadeus MOZART (1756-91): Andante Grazioso from Symphony No 19 in E flat, K72 8. Franz Xaver GRUBER (1787-1863): Stille Nacht (2 versions) 9. Michael PRAETORIUS (1571-1621): Es ist ein Ros entsprungen 10. Antonio VIVALDI (1678-1741): Violin Concerto in E major, ‘Il riposo’ RV270 11. Samuel SCHEIDT (1587-1654): O Jesulein suss 12. Wolfgang Amadeus MOZART: Exsultate, jubilate, K165 Sumi Jo (soprano) Cappella Coloniensis des WDR conducted by Michael SchneiderRecorded in Studio Stofbergerstrasse, Cologne, 4 – 9 October, 2000 ERATO 8573-85819-2 [74.42] [JQ]

The programme is much more enterprising than many of the Christmas collections in the catalogue. Well worth investigating.

CHRISTA LUDWIG sings Lieder and Operatic Arias Lieder*
Robert SCHUMANN (1810-56): Stille Tranen, Op 35 No 10; Der Nussbaum, Op. 25 No 3; Marzveilchen, Op. 40 No 1; Aus den Hebraischen Gesangen; Der Himmel hat Eine Trane Geweint; Die Stille; Mondnacht. Gustav MAHLER (1860-1911): Rheinlegendchen; Das Iridische Leben; Ich bin der Welt Abhanden Gekommen; Um Mitternacht. Johannes BRAHMS (1833-1897): Dein Blaues Augen; An Eine Aolsharfe; Immer Leiser wird Mein Schlummer; Madchenlied; Der Schmied; Standchen; Vergebliches Standchen Richard STRAUSS (1846-1949): Gefunden, Op. 56, No 1; Begegnung; Du Meines Herzens Kronelein; Nacht; Ruhe, Meine Seele; Morgen! Operatic excerpts** Richard STRAUSS: ‘Was wills due Framer Munch’ – from Elektra (with Walter Berry, bass baritone); ‘Eon Schooners War’ – from Arians auf Naxos (with Ursula Schumacher & Annabelle Bernard, sopranos); ‘Bark, Mein Mann’ – from Die Frau Ohne Schatten (with Walter Berry) Christoph Willibald GLUCK (1714-87): ‘Leb Wohl! Lass dein Herz Treu Bewahren – from Iphegenie in Aulis Gioachino ROSSINI (1792-1868): ‘Frag Ich Mein eklomm’ness Herz’ – from IlBarbiere di Siviglia Richard WAGNER (1813-83): ‘Starke Scheite Schichtet mit Dort – from Gotterdammerung (with Sieglinde Wagner, alto) Christa Ludwig (mezzo soprano) *Charles Spencer (piano)
** Orchester des Deutschen Oper, Berlin, conducted by Heinrich Hollreiser
Recorded in *1993 and **1964 RCA RED SEAL ARTISTES ET RÉPERTOIRES 74321 845 972 [140.42] 2CDs Midprice [JQ]

A useful retrospective of music by some of the composers with which she was particularly associated. The operatic disc does not give such a true perspective on her career as does the lieder collection. The lieder make for very rewarding listening. ...see Full Review

MODERN MASTERS Nikolai LOPATNIKOFF (1903-76) Concertino for Orchestra (1944) Luigi DALLAPICCOLA (1904-75) Tartiniana for violin and orchestra (1952) Harold SHAPERO (b.1920) Symphony for Classical Orchestra (1947) Columbia SO/Leonard Bernstein rec Columbia 30th St Studio, NYC 31 Mar - 1 Apr 1953 SONY CLASSICAL Bernstein Century series SMK 60725 [74.08] Midprice [RB]

Three works from the neo-classical vein of American concert music. Each draws marrow and flood from Bernstein's utterly committed approach. ... see Full Review

Moiseiwitsch
Ludwig van BEETHOVEN (1770-1827) Piano Concerto No. 5 in E flat, Op. 73, ‘Emperor’^a. Sergei RACHMANINOV (1873-1943) Piano Concerto No. 2 in C minor, Op. 18^b. Benno Moiseiwitsch (piano) BBC Symphony Orchestra/Sir Malcolm Sargent. Recorded at the ^aRoyal Festival Hall on March 6th, 1963 Beethoven) and at the ^bRoyal Albert Hall on August 6th, 1956 (Rachmaninov).ADD
BBC LEGENDS/IMG ARTISTS BBCL4074-2 [68.15] [CC]

This is a memorable coupling which acts as a reminder of Moiseiwitsch’s greatness. If only there were pianists like this today.

MUSIC OF TUDOR AND JACOBEAN ENGLAND Various CD 1 [51.17] Various CD 2 [41.31] Beyond the Notes - The Virginalists: An English Phenomenon, Howard Schott, Peter Watchorn, harpsichord Rec: June 15, 1996 Southern Vermont College, Bennington, VT.CD 3 [23.55] MUSICA OMNIA MO 0112 [92.48 + 27.39] [KM]

Those interested in this period will not be disappointed, and those unfamiliar with it will find this a perfect introduction.

THE NORDIC CELLO - Music for Solo Cello Hilding ROSENBERG (1892-1985) Intermezzo (1974) Jean SIBELIUS (1865-1957) Theme and Variations (c. 1887) Arne NORDHEIM (b.1931) Clamavi (1980) Atli Heimir SVEINSSON (b.1938) Dal regno del silenzio (1989) Niels Viggo BENTZON (1919-2000) Variations on The Volga Boatmen Op.354 (1974) Erling Blöndahl Bengtsson (cello) rec 23, 26 March 2001, Sorgenfri Church, Denmark DANACORD DACOCD 554 [57.01] [RB]

Any new recording from Bengtsson is likely to be an event. Danacord must take pride in having Bengtsson on their roster of artists although I must stress that this is a disc where the emphasis is on the music rather than on artist adulation.

OBOE ON THE ROAD Miguel del AGUILA (b 1957) Sommergesang (1988) Robert SIBBING (b 1929) Ballad, Blues & Rag David GOMPPER (b 1954) Anon (1984) Walter PISTON (1894-1976) Suite (1931) Michael ANGELL (b 1964) Noon Song (1985) Arnold ROSNER (b 1945) Oboe Sonata (1972) Mark Weiger (oboe); Robert Conway (piano) rec July 1998, Cornell College, Mt Vernon, Iowa DDD CENTAUR CRC 2451 [58.31] [RB]

A nicely balanced recital made compelling by the Aguila and the Rosner.

Anne Sofie von Otter Giacomo MEYERBEER (1791-1864)
Mélodies: Ludwig van BEETHOVEN (1770-1827) Lieder: Louis SPOHR (1884-1859) Lieder (with violin and piano accompaniment): Anne Sofie von Otter (mezzo soprano) Melvyn Tan (fortepiano) Christina Högmann (soprano), Kristina Hammerström (mezzo soprano), Eric Hoedrich (clarinet), Nils-Erik Sparf (violin) Rec February 1999, Swedish Radio, Stockholm ARCHIV 469 074-2 [70.39] [TB]

This is most satisfying recital by major artists in repertoire which expands our understanding of the composers. Full texts and translations are included.

Opus Ensemble plays Contemporary Portuguese Music
Antonio Victorino D’ALMEIDA (b 1940) Rock ‘n’ Roll Op 108 Alejandro Erlich OLIVA (b 1948) Oito Estampas Portuguesas Clotilde ROSA (b 1930) Contornos Eurico CARRAPATOSA (b 1962) Sete Epigramas a Francisco de Lacerda Laurent FILIPE (b 1962) In Memoriam Sergio AZEVEDO (b 1968) Flow My Tears by John Dowland instrumentation by Azevedo Sergio AZEVEDO (b 1968) Ricordo Opus Ensemble Ana Bela Chaves viola Olga Prats piano Alejandro Erlich Oliva Double Bass Recorded September and October 2000, Estudio Jorsom STRAUSS SP 4350 [57.58] [JW]

The performances are superb, the sound good and the music is always quiveringly alive. ... see Full Review

MAUD POWELL (1867-1920). THE COMPLETE RECORDINGS 1904-1917. VOLUME 2 Maud Powell violin with variously: Arthur Loesser piano, Waldemar Liachowsky piano, George Falkenstein piano, Francis J Lapitino harp, Orchestra conducted by Josef A Pasternack, Recorded between 1904-1917 NAXOS HISTORICAL 8.110962 [76.04] [JW]

Powell's was a turn of the century style of playing with a vibrato of medium speed, a trill that was fast but not of electric velocity, a sturdy technique, tonally often inclined to dryness, but of buoyant musicality and vivid incisiveness.

Prières Sans Paroles
French Music for Trumpet and Organ Marius CONSTANT (b.1925) Alleluias
Henri TOMASI (1901-1971) Semaine Sainte à Cuzco André JOLIVET (1905-1974) Arioso barocco (1968) Henri SAUGUET (1901-1989) Non morietur in æternum Pierre JANSEN (b.1930) Processional Erik SATIE (1866-1925) La Statue retrouvée (1923) Jean-Michel DAMASE (b.1928) Trois Prières sans paroles (1993) Naji HAKIM (b.1955) Sonata for Trumpet and Organ (1994) Håkan Hardenberger (trumpet) Simon Preston (organ) Recorded Aarhus Cathedral, Denmark May 2000 BIS BIS-SACD- 1109 DSD SACD [67:30] [CT]

An interesting, if slightly uneven, collection of French music for trumpet and organ played with great artistry by Hardenberger and Preston.

JONATHAN RICHARDS Latin American Guitar Gems SAIN SCD2298 [56:56] [AD]

All told this is a pleasant collection, played in an unpretentious, but nicely stylish manner.

TANGO FOR FOUR NO.2 Jaakko Kuusisto (violin) Mika Väyrynen (accordion) Kalle Elkomaa (piano, keyboards) Jaan Wessman (bass, matchbox) Recorded in Helsinki in July 2001 FINLANDIA 8573-87781-2 [50.02] [CF]

If this is what is called cross-over music then the signalman should not change the points, but rather let this train of tangos go straight ahead into a tunnel. ...see Full Review

ARTURO TOSCANINI conducts OPERA OVERTURES GLUCK Orpheus ed Euridice - Dance of the Blessed Spirits. VERDI La Traviata Prelude to Act 1 and Prelude to Act 3.ROSSINI Overture The Barber of Seville; Overture The Italian girl in Algiers (rec 1936) and Overture ‘Semiramide (rec 1936) Philharmonic Symphony Orchestra of New York
Recorded in 1929 and 1936 NAXOS 8.110842 [67.55] [GH]

Toscanini knew Verdi and the sensitivity with which he approaches this music is truly wonderful. This is how Verdi heard the music and expected it to be. ...see Full Review

 

Victorian and Edwardian Favourites Edward ELGAR (1857-1934) arr Sir George MARTIN Imperial March Felix MENDELSSOHN (1809-1847) Sonata No 6 in D MORANDI (?) arr W T BEST Bell Rondo Hubert PARRY (1848-1918) Fantasia and Fugue in G Alfred HOLLINS (1865-1942) A Trumpet Minuet T J MORGAN (1885-1950) Fantasia on Twrgwyn Percy WHITLOCK (1903-1946) Folk Tune and Scherzo from Five Short Pieces Edwin LEMARE (1865-1934) Andantino in D Flat Franz von SUPPE (1819-1895) transcribed EDWIN EVANS Overture; Poet and Peasant Huw Tregelles Williams, organ
Recorded Morriston Tabernacle Treforys No recording dates given SAIN SCD 2260 [67.29] [JW]

In this thoroughly engaging disc Huw Tregelles Williams revisits some popular classics and manages to add a couple of surprises.

 

BOOK REVIEWS

Beecham Stories New Expanded edition of the best selling classic -
Anecdotes, sayings and impressions of Sir Thomas Beecham
compiled by Harold Atkins and Archie Newman with a Foreword by Yehudi Menuhin
Robson Books hardback 90 pages £10:95 ISBN 1-86105-393-2

Always guaranteed to raise a smile.

Frank Bridge – radical and conservative By Anthony Payne
Thames Publishing. Paperback. 106 pages $12:50 ISBN 0 905210 25 5 [IL]

This is an erudite appreciation of the music of a too long neglected and overshadowed British composer. ... see Full Review

GOLDBERG MAGAZINE
A quarterly magazine of early music
120 pages.
60 FF, £6.50, $12.50, 1,250 PTA. http://www.goldberg-magazine.com

Lovers of early and baroque music would certainly do well to check out this magazine, to learn more about the music they listen to, and to have an attractively produced magazine to read every three months.

THE PENGUIN GUIDE TO COMPACT DISCS: The Guide To Excellence In Recorded Music 2002 Edition Edited by Ivan March Reviews by: Ivan March; Edward Greenfield; Robert Layton 1566pp ISBN 0-14-051-497£20.00
Published Nov 22nd [RB]

An ideal Christmas present for the dedicated classical CD collector or someone you might like to become a dedicated collector. Beginners in this field could hardly have a better companion.

THE NEW PENGUIN OPERA GUIDE Edited by Amanda Holden Publ. Penguin Music, 2001 ISBN 0 140 29312 4 ISBN US 0 140 51475 9 1142pp £30.00 [RB]

This book now joins the elite ranks of opera books. On the same shelf you will find Kobbé and the Operatic Grove. As a single volume opera encyclopedia it is peerless. At £30.00 this will be money exceptionally well spent.

The Walled-In Garden – The songs of Roger Quilter
By Trevor Hold. 64 pages; Paperback. Thames Publishing 1978 and 1996. £7:50 ISBN 0 905210 99 9 [IL]

A much-needed and balanced assessment of Roger Quilter’s art. ...see Full Review

 

 

William Walton: A Bio-Bibliography by Carolyn J Smith. Bio-Bibliographies in Music Number 18. 247pp. $68.50. ISBN 0-37-25391-9. I988. Greenwood Press, Westport, Connecticut 06881.

Despite its age this is still a very useful addition to the Walton bookshelf.

 

 

[Part 1 New]  [Part 2 A-B] [Part 3 C-L]
[Part 4 M-R]  [Part 5 S-Y] [Part 6 Misc]       

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