> Classical CD Review Archive - Classical - April 2002 part 3 C-L: Classical MusicWeb (UK)

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PART 3
C - L

[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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ALPHABETICAL LISTING

 

Enrico CARUSO (1873-1921) The complete recordings, Vol. 8 - Leoncavallo, Lasciati amar; De Crescenzo, Guardann’a luna; O’Hara, Your eyes have told me; Cottrau, Fenesta che lucive; Rossini, Cuius animam (Stabat mater); Faure, Les rameaux; Mascagni, Addio alla madre (Cavalleria Rusticana); Verdi, Oh mostruosa colpa (Otello); Tchaikovsky, Sérénade de Don Juan; Ricciardi, Amor mio; Valente, Manella mia; Faure, Les rameaux; Gartner, Trusting eyes; Ronald, Sérenade espagnole; Tosti, Parted; Verdi, La rivedrà (Un ballo in maschera); Verdi, Ò scherzo od follia (Un ballo in maschera); Alvarez, La Partida; Chapi, El milagro de la Virgen: Flores purisimas - All tracks recorded 1913-1914 in New York. Tracks 1-17 with the Victor Orchestra, tracks 16-17 with the Metropolitan Opera Chorus.
NAXOS 8.110726 [69.18] [RDB]

Those who have found much to admire in the forerunners of this worthwhile project will need no encouragement to acquire the latest addition to the series. … see Full Review

Robert CASADESUS (1899-1972) Violin Sonata No. 1 (1927) [10.39] - Violin Sonata No. 2 (1941) [17.41] - Suite for Two Violins (1944) [15.10] - Hommage à Chausson (1955) [7.50] Fritz Gearhart (violin) - John Owings (piano) - Kathryn Lucktenberg (violin) (suite only) - rec Beall Hall. University of Oregon School of Music, 20-22 March 2000, 14 June 2000. KOCH INTERNATIONAL CLASSICS KIC-CD-7528 [51.26] [RB]

Lovingly performed by all concerned with a warming sense of dancing sunlight on choppy waters. … see Full Review

RECORDING OF THE MONTH Cécile CHAMINADE (1857-1944) Mélodies; Pièces pour violon et piano (2) Pièces pour deux pianos (3) Anne Sofie von Otter (mezzo-soprano) (1), Nils-Erik Sparf (violin) (2), Peter Jablonski (pianoforte) (3), Bengt Forsberg (pianoforte) (all items) Recorded Sep. 2000, Stockholm, Sveriges Radio AB, Berwaldhallen DEUTSCHE GRAMMOPHON 471 331-2 [76’ 09"] [CH]

None of us will be around when they start selecting "21st Century Gramophone Classics", but I have the idea this will be one of them. … See Full Review

Luigi CHERUBINI (1760 - 1842) Six Keyboard Sonatas No. 1 in F; No. 2 in C; No. 3 in B flat; No. 4 in G; No. 5 in D; No. 6 in E flat. Paule van Parys (harpsichord). Recorded in June 1991. PAVANE ADW7233 [70'51] [CC]

The Cherubini discography is without doubt in need of expansion and it would have been a great pleasure to recommend this disc. In reality, however, van Parys is likely to win few over to Cherubini's cause. see Full Review

Frederic CHOPIN (1810-1849) Waltzes - complete - nos 1-19 - Impromptus - complete - nos 1-4 Georges Cziffra: piano - Recorded 1974, 1977, 1978, Salle Wagram, Paris EMI Classics 5 74975 2 [79:08] [JL]

Cziffra, great Liszt player of his day, turns his powerful hands to the Chopin Waltzes and Impromptus. These 1970s recordings unquestionably display a formidable pianist at work. … see Full Review

Frédéric CHOPIN (1810 - 1849) Rondos - C minor (op. 1); F, 'à la Mazur, (op. 5); E flat (op. 16); C (op. 67, solo piano version); Piano Sonata No. 1 in C minor, Op. 4. Joanna Trzeciak (piano).Recorded at Original Sound Studio SI, Polish Radio, November 2nd-4th, 1992. PAVANE ADW7291 [60.44] [CC]

Trzeciak highlights the inherent sense of longing and the spirit of Polish dance to good effect. Much to commend here … see Full Review


CHOPIN Frederic (1810-1849) THE ORIGINAL CHOPIN
Angela Lear (pianoforte)
For sales and information contact: Libra Records, PO Box 1172, Ilford, Essex

Volume Five deserves a place in our library of Chopin discs for reference, the others raise more questions. … see Full Review

Eric COATES (1886-1957) Calling all workers, Springtime – Suite, From Meadow to Mayfair – suite, With a song in my heart – Symphonic Rhapsody, London Again – suite, By the Tamarisk, The Three Bears – a Phantasy, With variously Symphony Orchestra, Light Symphony Orchestra, Court Symphony Orchestra, New Symphony Orchestra, Eric Coates, conductor Recorded between 1930 – 1940 NAXOS HISTORICAL 8.110182 [62.20] [JW]

These recordings date from 1930-40, delightfully evocative and well worth your money. … see Full Review

Gloria COATES (b.1943) String Quartet 1 (1966) String Quartet 5 ( 1988) String Quartet 6 (1999) Kreutzer Quartet Recorded St. John’s Church, Loughton, Essex, September 2000 NAXOS 8.559091 [59.02] [GH]

Gloria Coates, the uncompromising glissando composer, callenging and atonal. All for less than a fiver! … see Full Review

Aaron COPLAND (1900-1990) Celluloid Copland - From Sorcery to Science (1939) [9.55] The City - suite (1939) [21.57] The Cummington Story - suite arr Sheffer (1941) [9.55] The North Star - suite (1943) [17.22] Eos Orchestra / Jonathan Sheffer - rec 15-20 March 2000, Performing Arts Center, Purchase College, DDD TELARC CD-80583 [59.24] [RB]

A special project carried off with stylish engagement by Sheffer and his collaborators in the Eos and at Telarc. … see Full Review

BARGAIN OF THE MONTH Aaron COPLAND (1900-1990) A Copland Celebration - in Three 2CD Volumes ... from Sony Classical Vol. 1: Famous Orchestral and Chamber Works SONY CLASSICAL SM2K 89323 [CD1: 75.56; CD2: 67.13] Vol. 2: Chamber Works and Rarities SONY CLASSICAL SM2K 89326 [CD1: 61.41; CD2: 75.00] Vol. 3: Vocal Works and Opera SONY CLASSICAL SM2K 89329 [CD1: 75.23; CD2: 65.58] [RB]

Three generous helpings of non-mainstream Copland in historic recordings - most sounding very well indeed. They are outstandingly presented. Forced to choose one there can be no doubt; it has to be volume 3 for its slightly abridged The Tender Land - a special listening experience. ...see Full Review

Chiara Margarita COZZOLANI (1602 - c. 1677) Vespro della Beata Vergine, Second Vespers for the Feast of the Annunciation of the Blessed Virgin Magnificat - Warren Stewart, conductor Rec: April 1995, April 1998, March-May 1999, August 2000, June 2001, various locations. MUSICA OMNIA MO0103 3CDs[142.13 + 17.28] [KM]

Rush out and listen to this - you will be surprised, enchanted, and most probably delighted. … see Full Review

JEAN CRAS (1879-1932) ORCHESTRAL MUSIC CD1 Journal de Bord (1927) 23 mins Âmes d'enfants (1918) 18.00 CD2 Légende for cello and orchestra (1929) 14.17 Piano Concerto (1931) 29.00 Henri Demarquette (cello) Alain Jacquon (piano) Orchestre Philharmonique du Luxembourg/Jean-François Antonioli rec Luxembourg, July/Sept 1996 2CD set TIMPANI 2C2037 CD1 [41.51] CD2 [43.46]
PIANO MUSIC Danze (1917) (Track 1-4) Paysages (1917) (5-6) Poèmes Intimes (1902-1911) (7-11) Alain Jacquon (piano) rec Théâtre de Poissy 16-17 Oct 1995 TIMPANI 1C1033 [68.12] [RB]

All three discs are recommended especially for those with an interest in French music of the twentieth century and for those sympathetic to Celtic impressionism and romance. ...see Full Review

César Cui (1835-1918) 25 Preludes for Piano Op. 64. Jeffrey Biegel, piano Recorded Arum Hall, Valparaiso, Indiana, USA, 16th -18th September 1992 (Re-issue of Marco Polo 8.223496 1993) NAXOS 8.555557 [67.00]

Twenty-five attractive piano preludes from the Russian composer César Cui. Deserve to be heard; deserve to be readmitted to the repertoire of all romantic pianists. … see Full Review

Claude DEBUSSY (1862-1918) Ibéria from "Images" for orchestra (1905-1908) - Joaquín TURINA (1882-1949) Danzas Fantàsticas Op.22 (1920) - Sinfonia Sevillana 0p.23 (1920) - La Procesión del Rocio Op.9 (1913) Cincinnati Symphony Orchestra/Jesús López-Cobos - Recorded in Music Hall, Cincinnati, Ohio, March 2001 DDD TELARC CD-80574 [64:24] [CT]

The Turina work fare best in enjoyable performances by an orchestra and conductor who clearly have much to say. … see Full Review

Claude DEBUSSY (1862 – 1918) Chamber Works String Quartet, Op. 10 (1893) Syrinx for solo flute (1915) Cello Sonata (1915) Sonata for flute, viola and harp (1915) Violin Sonata (1916-17) Sigiswald Kuijken; Veronica Kuijken; Sara Kuijken; Wieland Kuijken;
Barthold Kuijken; Piet Kuijken; Sophie Hallynck. Recorded at the Cultural Centre at Lommel, Belgium, September, 1999 ARCANA A 303 [71:32] [TH]

The best possible overview of Debussy’s work in the chamber field and wonderfully idiomatic performances from the talented Kuijken dynasty … see Full Review

Leo DELIBES (1836-1891) Lakmé (Opera in 3 Acts) (1883) Lakmé, Mady Mesplé (Sop). Gerald, Charles Burles (ten). Nilakantha, Roger Soyer (b.bar). Chorus and Orchestra of the Théâtre National de I'Opéra Comique. Cond. Alain Lombard. Recorded: Salle Wagram, Paris 1971. "Great Recordings of the Century" Series. EMI CLASSICS 567742 - 2CDs [149.44] Mid Price. [RJF]

Mesplé: a good trill, diction, and clear tone. Burles phrases well and holds a good line.A warm yet clear and well-balanced recording. … see Full Review

Frederick DELIUS (1862-1934) Violin Concerto Edward ELGAR (1857- 1934)
Violin Concerto Albert Sammons (violin) Liverpool PO/Malcolm Sargent New Queen's Hall Orchestra/Henry Wood rec Philharmonic Hall, Liverpool, 4 July 1944 (Delius); Queen's Hall, London, 18 Mar, 10 April 1929 ADD Producer and Audio Restoration Engineer - Mark Obert-Thorn NAXOS HISTORICAL 8.110951 [67.13] [JQ] [RB]

They are magnificent accounts of two very different works and the appearance of this Naxos release is a cause for rejoicing. [JQ]

An inexpensive way to add to your collection two well-loved archive recordings of the Elgar and Delius. The Elgar, in particular, still has the power to startle, stir and delight [RB]. ... see full review

Frederick DELIUS (1862-1934) Sea Drift John Shirley-Quirk (baritone) London Symphony Chorus Royal Philharmonic Orchestra/Richard Hickox Rec April 1980, Kingsway Hall, London Paris: The Song of a Great City, In a Summer Garden, A Song of Summer, Summer Night on the River, The Walk to the Paradise Garden London Symphony Orchestra/Anthony Collins Rec February & October 1953, Kingsway Hall, London Cello Sonata Julian Lloyd Webber (cello); Bengt Forsberg (piano) Rec September 1996, Abbey Road Studios, London A Song of the High Hills Rebecca Evans (soprano); Peter Hoare (tenor) Orchestra and Chorus of Welsh National Opera/Sir Charles Mackerras Rec April 1993, Brangwyn Hall, Swansea Intermezzo and Serenade: Hassan, A Song before Sunrise, Intermezzo; Fennimore and Gerda, Air and Dance, La Calinda (Koanga) Academy of St Martin in the Fields/Sir Neville Marriner Rec January 1977, St John's, Smith Square, London DECCA 470 375 2 [2CDs: 151.56] [TB]

A strange collection, since it contains some fine performances, but there remains an uneasy mixture of historical and modern recordings. … see Full Review

Frederick DELIUS (1862-1934) Piano Music Dance for Harpsichord (arr for piano) Three Preludes, Five Piano Pieces, Zum Carnival , Pensées Mélodieuses (No. 2), Badinage (Danse Lente), Presto Leggiero, Two Piano Pieces Margot la Rouge - Prelude; Duet - arr Ravel, On Hearing the First Cuckoo in Spring, In a Summer Garden, Florida Suite - selections - Plantation Dance (At Sunset); Nocturne Charles Abramovic (piano) Davyd Booth (violin) (Five Piano Pieces No. 4 only) rec Jan 2000, Longwood Gardesns Music Room, Kennett Square, PA, USA DIRECT-TO-TAPE DTR2001 [62.10] [RB]

General interest may be limited but for those who opt to purchase there will be few disappointments. We are well served by Mr Abramovic. ... see Full Review

Frederick DELIUS The Paradise Garden - A Delius Organ Album A Song Before Sunrise; Two Aquarelles; Homage to Delius (arr Dom Gregory Murray [9.25, 4.54] Serenade - Hassan; Prelude - Irmelin (arr Eric Fenby) [2.11; 5.37] Winter Night - Sleigh Ride; Intermezzo - Fennimore and Gerda; Walk to the Paradise Garden - A Village Romeo and Juliet (arr Robert Hebble) [6.18] On Hearing the First Cuckoo in Spring (arr Ernest White) [7.17] La Calinda (arr Michael Stairs) [4.51] Percy WHITLOCK Carol from Four Extemporisations [4.35] Michael Stairs (organ) Longwood Gardens Organ rec 27 Oct 1997 (Song, Intermezzo, Serenade), 12 Jan 1987, Longwood Gardens Music Room, Kennett Square, PA, USA, DDD DIRECT-TO-TAPE DTR9801 [70.40] [RB]

Not as successful an enterprise as the DTR piano disc. Does the cloying tone of the organ (not just this organ, by the way) suit Delius? I think not. ... see Full Review

John DOWLAND (1562 - 1626) Flowe my Tears - Songs from the First Booke of Songs 1597 - And the Second Booke of Songs 1600 [59.36] THE FIRST BOOKE OF SONGS 1597: Awake sweet love thou art returnd - Goe crystall teares - If my complaints could passions move - Come again: sweet love doth now invite - Can she excuse my wronges with virtues cloak? - Deare, if you change, Ile never chuse again - All ye whom love or fortune hath betraid - Sleep wayward thoughts. THE SECOND BOOKE OF SONGS 1600: Flow my teares fall from your springs - If fluds of teares could cleanse my follies past - Fine knacks for Ladies, cheape, choise, brave and new - I saw my Lady weepe - First part - Tymes eldest sonne, old age the heire of ease: Second part - Then sit thee downe, & say thy Nunc dimittis: Third part - When others singe Venite exultemus - Come ye heavie states of night
Shall I sue, shall I seeke for grace - Sorrow, sorrow, stay, lend true repentant teares. Paul Agnew, tenor - Christopher Wilson, lute - Rec: March 1995, St Andrews Church,Toddington, Gloucestershire, England.
METRONOME MET CD 1010 [59.36] [KM]

Agnew and Wilson give one of the most engaging performances of these songs. … see Full Review

Marcel Dupré (1886-1971) Works for Organ: volume 1 Three Preludes & Fugues (op 7): no 1 in B major; no 2 in F minor; no 3 in G minor, Fifteen Versets for Vespers of Common Feasts of the Blessed Virgin Mary (op 18) Cortège et Litanie (op 19) Variations on a Noël (op 20) Jean-Pierre Lecaudey (organ) Recorded in the Collegiate Church of St Martin (St Rémy-de-Provence, France), 7-9 November 1996 PAVANE RECORDS ADW 7382 [67:05] [AAS]

Excellently recorded, thoroughly recommended. I hope that the second volume of this important collection comes my way! ... see Full Review

Antonin DVORAK (1841-1904) Piano Concerto * Violin Concerto + Cello Concerto # Romance for Violin and Orchestra + Mazurek for Violin and Orchestra + Silent Woods Rondo for Cello and Orchestra Rudolf Firkusny, piano * Ruggiero Ricci, violin + Zara Nelsova, cello #
Saint Louis Symphony Orchestra/Walter Susskind - No recording locations or dates provided BRILLIANT CLASSICS 99763 [2 CDs 129.50] [JW]

Nelsova - well prepared no self-indulgence, no easy gestures, no heart-on-sleeve emoting - admirable. Firkusny extracting a rich vein of meaning from a score so frequently derided. Ricci oversentimentalized in phrasing and tone and intense vibrato rather too violently oscillatory for a work of this kind. … see Full Review

Antonin DVORAK (1841 – 1904) Music for Violin and Piano, Vol.2 Ballade in D minor, Op.15, No.1, Slavonic Dance in G minor, Op.46, No.2 (arr. Kreisler), Slavonic Dance in E minor, Op.72, No.10 (arr. Kreisler), Slavonic Dance in G major, Op. 72, No.16 (arr. Kreisler), Silent Woods, Op. 68, No.5, Mazurek in E minor, Op. 49, Nocturne in B major, Op.40, Humoresque, Op.101, No.7, Songs my mother taught me, Op.55, No.4 (arr. Kreisler), Capriccio (Rondo di Concerto), B 81, Reverie, Op. 85, No. 6 (arr. Paul Klengel) Qian Zhou (violin), Edmund Battersby (piano) Recorded at Potton Hall, Suffolk, May, 1999. NAXOS 8.554730 [ 54:58 ] [TH]

It’s easy to be superior and dismissive of discs whose contents do not plumb the depths, but a lot of this material is delightful and, at its best, memorable, and I guarantee will nag away in your memory. … see Full Review

Edward ELGAR (1857-1934) Violin Concerto () [55.20] - Johann Sebastian BACH (1685-1750) Partita No. 2 in D minor [18.19] Ida Haendel (violin) London PO/Sir Adrian Boult - Elgar: rec 24 Apr, 10 May 1977, 10, 15 Jan 1978, Abbey Road Studios, London - ADD
Bach: Sept 1995, Abbey Road Studio No. 1, London - ADD TESTAMENT SBT 1146 [73.02] [RB]

Recommendable principally to those wanting to document late Boult/Elgar and for Haendel completists. … see Full Review

Sir Edward ELGAR (1857-1934) Complete works for organ: Sonata No. 1 in G major, Op. 28 (1892) Vesper Voluntaries, Op. 14 (1890) Cantique in C major, Op. 3 No. 1 (1879/1912) Loughborough Memorial Chime (1923) Sonata No. 2 in B-flat major, Op. 87a (1933) arr. Ivor Atkins John Butt at the organ of King’s College Chapel, Cambridge
(recorded July 1-4, 2000) HARMONIA MUNDI HMU 907281 [66:55] [IL]

Butt plays these noble melodic works with flair. For the most part, Elgarians will be delighted. … see Full Review

Sir Edward ELGAR (1857-1934) In the South (Alassio), Concert Overture Op.50 (1903) [20.38) Introduction and Allegro for strings Op.47 (1905) [13.01] Sospiri, for strings, harp and organ Op.70 (1914) [5.35] Variations on an Original Theme,Op.36,’Enigma’ (1899) [30.34]
Vienna Philharmonic Orchestra John Eliot Gardiner Recorded in the Grosser Saal, Musikverein, Vienna, October, 1998, DDD DG 463 265-2 [69.48] [TH]

Anyone coming new to this music in this combination is unlikely to disappointed. Elgarians are probably not going to find old allegiances altered … see Full Review

César FRANCK (1822-1890) Prélude, Aria et Final, Prélude, Fugue et Variation (transcribed by Ignaz Friedman), Sonata in A for violin and piano (transcribed by Alfred Cortot) Yukie Nagai (pianoforte) Recorded 26/29 January 2000, Studio Ernest Ansermet, Geneva, Switzerland BIS CD-1056 [62’55"] [CH]

Franck’s "other" piano work plus two remarkably convincing transcriptions; their success is due in no small measure to the natural musicianship of the pianist. … see Full Review

Carlo Giorgio GAROFALO (1886-1952) Violin Concerto; Romantic Symphony Sergei Stadler (violin) New Moscow Symphony Orchestra/Joel Spiegelman Recorded 1999 in the Great Hall of Moscow Conservatory of Music MARCO POLO 8.225183 [70:01] [RDB]

The playing is sensitive and thrilling – excellently disciplined performances by an orchestra only recently (1999) created … see Full Review

George GERSHWIN (1898-1937) Tactus play Gershwin - Nice work if you can get it, A foggy day, Love is here to stay, I’ll build Astaire way to heaven, Love walked in, By Strauss, Swanee, The man I love, Somebody loves me, They can’t take that away from me Tactus String Quartet, No recording date or location PAVANE ADW 7273 [33.11] [JW]

Playing is calmly enjoyable though I can imagine less polished, more vibrato-laden and less polite performances paying bigger dividends. … see Full Review

Suzanne GIRAUD (born 1958) To One in Paradise (1999)a, Envoûtements [I] (1996)b, Envoûtements II (1997)c, Envoûtements III (1997)d, Envoûtements IV (1997)e Sylvie Sullé (mezzo-soprano)a; Orchestre Philharmonique de Radio France; Laurent Cuniota; Irvine Arditti (violin)b; Clara Novakova (flute)c; Jean Geoffroy (marimba)c; Ensemble Accroche-Note (Françoise Kubler, soprano; Arnaud Angster, clarinets; Emmanuel Séjourné, percussion)d; Arditti Quartete Recorded : Radio France, salle Olivier Messiaen, September 1999a; Studio 18, February 2000b; Studio 106, February 2000e; Studio 103, May 2000d; Studio 103, September 2000c
MFA 216037 [61:09] [HC]

Suzanne Giraud’s music was new to me but I know that I will be looking forward to hearing any new work of hers. … see Full Review

Giovanni Francesco GIULIANI (b c1760-after 1818) Quatuor en Re majeur, Quatuor en Sol majeur, Quatuor en La majeur Giovanni/Johann HOFFMANN (fl 1799) Quatuor en Fa majeur, Quatuor en Re majeur Quatuor PlectrArchi Recorded c1990 PAVANE ADW 7224 [66.14] [JW]

Obscurity hovers threateningly over this disc. Whilst Giovanni Francesco Giuliani is certainly not unknown Giovanni Hoffmann is mired in the mists of time. see Full Review

Mauro GIULIANI (1781 – 1829) Duets for Flute and Guitar Grand Potpourri, Op.53 Serenade, Op.127 Grand Duo Concertante, Op.85 Grand Serenade, Op.82 Nora Shulman (flute) Norbert Kraft (guitar) Recorded in St. John Chrystostom Church, Newmarket, Canada, August, 1999 NAXOS 8.554560 [68:00] [TH]

All in all, a good disc to dip into if you need a bit of cheering up. … see Full Review

Philip GLASS (b.1937) Aguas da Amazonia UAKTI (Marco Antônio Guimarães: artistic direction and arrangements; strings/Paulo Sérgio dos Santos: percussion/ Décio de Souza Ramos Filho: percussion/Artur Andrés Ribeiro: woodwinds)
Recorded and mixed 1993-94, Brazil and New York (except "Metamorphosis", recorded and mixed 1999) POINT MUSIC 464 064-2 [54:43]

The result is pleasant enough but some will be tested by the tedium of a disc that, for about 90% of its duration, chugs along at the same relentless pulse. Uakti deserved better. … see Full Review

 

Karel GOEYVAERTS (1923 – 1993) Bélise en son jardin (1972)a Improperia (1959)a Mon doux pilote s’endort aussi (1975)b Erst das Gesicht, dann die Hände, und zuletzt erst das Haar (1975)c Avontuur (1985)d Zomerspelen (1961)e Pour que les fruits mûrissent cet été (1976)f Vilnius Municipal Choir "Jauna Muzika"a; Flemish Radio Choirb; Champ d’Actionc; Prometheus Ensemble & Champ d’Actiond; BRT Symphonic Orchestrae; Florilegium Musicum de Parisf; Jan Michiels (piano)d; Koen Kesselsac; Johan Duijckb; Peter Rundeld; Gianpiero Tavernae Recorded : Vilnius Recording Studio, September 1999a; Jesuits’Chapel, Heverlee, October 1998b; deSingel, Antwerp, December 1998c; Luna Theatre, Brussels, October 1996d; Studio 4, BRT, Brussels, October 1975e; VRT Studios, January 1976f MEGADISC MDC 7829/30 [36:02 + 60:15] [HC]

By far the best introduction to Karel Goeyvaerts’ music - always gripping, thought-provoking and very varied. … see Full Review

Jerry GOLDSMITH Christus Apollo - text by Ray Bradbury (plus Music for Orchestra) - Anthony Hopkins (narrator); Eirian James (mezzo-soprano) - London Voices London Symphony Orchestra conducted by Jerry Goldsmith TELARC CD-80560 [51:21] [GSD]

This disc presents Jerry Goldsmith conducting three of his rare forays into concert music on a no-expenses spared release … see Full Review

Georges GURDJIEFF (1877 - 1949) and Thomas DE HARTMANN (1885 - 1956) Piano Music, Volume 7 "Derviches Trembleurs", Volume 9 "Les Cercles" - Alain Kremski (pf.) Recorded at Opus Systeme (Vanves, France) September 1998 AUVIDIS NAIVE V 4881 (vol. 7), V 4890 (vol. 9) [71'11, 71'16] [PS]

If you have a taste for disarmingly simple oriental exoticism, these are enchanting pieces, enchantingly played and will serve you splendidly as either wallpaper or magic carpet. … see Full Review

George Frideric HANDEL (1685-1759) Deborah, HWV51 (1733: Oratorio in Three Acts) Soloists Barockorchester Frankfurt cond. Joachim Carlos Martini DDD: recorded live in the Kloster Eberbach, Germany, 23 May 1999 NAXOS 8.554785-87 [PL]

Tread carefully, and be warned: if you give this modestly-priced issue a miss, you’ll be depriving yourself of some truly wonderful music, expertly executed. … see Full Review

Georg Friedrich HAENDEL (1685-1759) Israel in Egypt Organ Concerto in F, HWV 295 Nicola Jenkin, soprano,Sally Dunkley, soprano, Caroline Trevor, alto, Neil MacKenzie, tenor, Robert Evans, bass, Simon Birchall, bass, Paul Nicholson, organ, Choir and Orchestra of The Sixteen, Harry Christophers Rec: St Judes on the Hill, 1993. REGIS RRC 2012 2CDs [141.39]

The excellent Sixteen choir gives a brilliant performance, and this is an enjoyable recording. … see Full Review

Roy HARRIS (1898 – 1979) Symphony No.8 "San Francisco Symphony" (1962)a Symphony No.9 (1962) Memories of a Child’s Sunday (1945) Alan Feinberg (piano)a; Albany Symphony Orchestra; David Allan Miller Recorded: Troy Savings Bank Music Hall, April 1998 (Symphony No.8) and November 1998 (Symphony No.9, Memories) ALBANY TROY 350 [66:34] [HC]

Those who wonder what Harris’s symphonies after the Third are will find much food for thought in this welcome release. … see Full Review

Franz Joseph HAYDN (1732 – 1809) String Quartets Op. 71 & 74 The ‘Apponyi’ Quartets - Disc One - String Quartet in B flat major Op.71 no.1 - String Quartet in D major Op.71 no.2 - String Quartet in E flat major Op.71 no.3 - Disc Two - String Quartet in C major Op. 74 no.1 - String Quartet in F major Op. 74 no.2 - String Quartet in G minor Op.74 no.3 - Festetics Quartet DDD: recorded 27-30 December 1994 (disc 1), 27-30 April 1995 (disc 2) In the Bibliothèque des Techniques, Budapest, Hungary ARCANA A 418 [2 discs: 71:56, 79:16] [TH]

Depends on how you like your Haydn. There is no doubting the tonal beauty and quality of playing on offer. Recording quality first rate. … see Full Review

Joseph HAYDN (1732-1809) Symphonies, Vol. 25 Symphony No. 70 in D major Symphony No. 71 in B flat major Symphony No. 73 in D major 'La Chasse' Nicolaus Esterhazy Sinfonia Bela Drahos Rec 24-27 July 2000, Phoenix Studio, Budapest NAXOS 8.555708 [69.29] [TB]

Drahos directs engaging and energetic performances - music of real vigour. … see Full Review

Franz Joseph HAYDN (1732-1809) String Quartets, Op 17 Festetics Quartet: István Kertész (violin), Erika Petöfi (violin), Péter Ligeti (viola), Rezsö Pertorini (cello) DDD: recorded 16-19 December 1993 (Hob.III.27/29/30) and 12-15 March 1994 (Hob.III.25/26/28) in the Bibliothèque des Techniques, Budapest, Hungary ARCANA A412 [150.42] [PL]

Festetics use ‘period’instruments, the production is lavish, and the recording is admirably detailed and spacious. … see Full Review

Joseph HAYDN (1732-1809) Five Sonatas and Capriccio Sonata in D major, Hob.XVI/37 Sonata in C# minor, Hob.XVI/36 Sonata in F major, Hob.XVI/23 Sonata in E minor, Hob.XVI/34 Sonata in D major, Hob.XVI/51 Capriccio in G major, Hob.XVII/1 "Acht Sauschneider müssen seyn" Joanna Leach, Stodart square piano of 1823 ATHENE ATHCD22 [71.09] [KM]

One cannot but enjoy this disc. Joanna Leach gives more beauty to her interpretations than she does virtuosity but isn’t that what this music is all about? … see Full Review

Gustav HOLST (1874 – 1934) The Planets (with Colin Matthews’ Pluto, The Renewer) The Mystic Trumpeter * (ed. Colin Matthews and Imogen Holst) Claire Rutter * (soprano) Ladies of the RSNO Chorus and the Royal Scottish National Orchestra Conducted by David Lloyd-Jones Recorded in Surround Sound in the City Halls Glasgow, 17-18 February 2001 NAXOS 8.555776 [75:18] [IL]

A very creditable performance of The Planets that can rank with some of the best in the long and auspicious list of recordings in the catalogue. The sound engineering is quite remarkable. [IL]
Recommended then, if only to hear The Mystic Trumpeter within easy reaching distance of Matthews’ Pluto.[CC] … see Full Review

Arthur HONEGGER (1892-1955) Christoph Colomb (1940) Radio Play by William Aguet Music by Arthur Honegger English translation by Elaine Knecht and Tom Crann Buffalo Chorus and Orchestra of Opera Sacra/Charles Peltz rec St Joseph's University Church, Buffalo, New York, 30-31 Oct 1992 MODE mode 35 [60.01] [RB]

Atmosphere one can cut with a knife. A radio-play with adroitly responsive and creative music by Honegger ... see Full Review


Luc VAN HOVE (born 1957) Carnaval op het Strand Op.17 (1985) Piano Concerto Op.32 (1995)a Symphony No.1 Op.25 (1989) Triptiek Op.29 (1993)b Stacked Time Op.26 (1990)c Symphony No.2 Op.34 (1997) Levente Kende (piano)a; Henk Swinnen (oboe)b; Tim Vets (electric guitar)c; Flemish Radio Symphony Orchestra; Etienne Siebens Recorded: Philips Building, Leuven, January, February and July 2000 MEGADISC MDC 7823/4 [52:28 + 58:09] [HC]

A quite comprehensive survey of Luc Van Hove’s powerfully gripping music. … see Full Review

Alan HOVHANESS (1910-2000) Violin/Viola and Keyboard Works Oror "Lullaby" Op. 1a (1922/26) Varak Op. 47a (1944) Chahagir Op. 56a (1944) Saris Op. 67 (1946) Shatakh Op. 73b (1947) Yeraz "The Dream" Op. 56b (1948) Khirgiz Suite Op. 73a (1951) Duet for Violin and Harpsichord Op. 122 (1954) Three Visions of Saint Mesrob Op. 198 (1962) Christina Fong (violin) Arved Ashby (piano) Rec November/December 2000 in Columbus, Ohio USA OGRE/OGRESS PRODUCTIONS oo2000d [60:06] [RB]

A serious but always emotionally endearing recital wonderfully put across by Fong and Ashby. ...see Full Review

Vic HOYLAND (b.1945) In Transit (1987) Vixen (1996) BBC Symphony Orchestra - Martyn Brabbins Recorded at BBC Studio 1, Maida Vale, London April 2000 DDD NMC NMCD072 [52:44] [CT]

The BBC Symphony Orchestra and Martyn Brabbins are masters of this repertoire and combine to formidable effect in two major works that deserve to be represented on disc. ...see Full Review

Johann Nepomuk HUMMEL (1778-1837) Caprice op 49, Variations sur un theme, Armide de Gluck op 57, Bagatelles op 107 Nos 1, 3 5, Trois amusements op 105, No 2 "A lAutrichienne", Rondo op 11, Polonaise op 55, Joanna Trzeciak, piano Recorded July 1996 Studio S1, Polish Radio, Warsaw PAVANE ADW 7359 [68.04] [JW]

This most attractive disc shows yet again that Hummel's vein of contemplative virtuosity ran deep. see Full Review

Janis IVANOVS (1906-83) Orchestral Music - Vol. 6 (1955-57) Suite from the film music for The Late Frost in Spring* (1955) [18.57] Symphony No. 8 ** (1956) [33.24]
Lacplessis - symphonic poem*** (1957?) [14:12] Latvian National SO conducted by Imants Resnis * Edgars Tons ** Vassily Sinaisky*** All recordings from sound archive of Latvijas Radio Recorded: * 1987; ** 1961 *** 1978 CAMPION CAMEO 2013 [66.37] mid-price series [RB]

The works on this disc date from the late fifties early sixties and are a development away from the core romance and folk-style of the 1930s and 1940s. Ivanovs fans will need no second bidding. ...see Full Review

Janis IVANOVS (1906-83) Orchestral Music - Vol. 7 (1959-63) Piano Concerto (1959) * [19:13] Andante [7.33] ** Symphony No. 10 (1960) *** [30.09] * ** *** Latvian National SO * Igor Zhukov (piano) conducted by Vassili Sinaisky * Tovijs Lifsics ** Edgars Tons *** All recordings from sound archive of Latvijas Radio Recorded: * 1977; ** 1982 *** 1963 CAMPION CAMEO 2013 [63.49] mid-price series [RB]

You must not expect state of the art sound but this is a small price to pay for the experience of hearing such rare and often rewarding music....see Full Review

Charles IVES (1874-1954) An American Journey - From the Steeples and the Mountains; The things our fathers Loved; The Pond (Remembrance); Memories; Charlie Rutlage; The Circus Band; Three Places in New England; In Flanders Fields; They are there; Tom Sails Away; Fugue from Symphony No. 4; Psalm 100; Serenity; General William Booth enters into Heaven; The Unanswered Question. Thomas Hampson (baritone) San Francisco Symphony Orchestra and Chorus conducted by Michael Tilson Thomas - Recorded live at the Davis Symphony Hall, San Francisco, September and October 1999 RCA-BMG 09026 63703-2 [64.49] [GH]

There is no other disc like this. My advice is to snap up this recording and really enjoy yourself. … see Full Review

Gordon JACOB (1895-1984) Chamber Music for Clarinet Concertino (for clarinet and piano) [12.09] Five Pieces for Solo Clarinet [10.05] Three Songs for Soprano and Clarinet [6.03] Clarinet Quintet [29.58] Daniel Geeting (clarinet) Samela Aird Beasom (soprano) David Stenske; Melissa Phelps-Beckstead (violins) Richard Rintoul (viola) Joyce Geeting (cello) rec 5 Mar, 30 Apr, 30 June, Memorial Chapel, University of Redlands, Redlands, California DDD PROdigital PRO-9226 [58.38] [RB]

This is a lovely disc - utterly idiomatic and far too easily and unjustly neglected ... see Full Review

Leoš JANÁCEK (1854-1928) Symphonic Poem Danube Incidental music Schluck und JauMoravian Dances; Suite, Op. 3 Slovak Philharmonic Orchestra/Libor Pešek; Jana Valašková (soprano); Zdenek Husek (viola) Recorded 1985 at the Concert Hall of the Slovak Philharmonic Orchesra First released in 1986 on Marco Polo 8.220162. NAXOS 8.555245 [47.99] [RDB]

Rated highly - excellent performances - inspired rediscovery of three rarities from a Czech composer who can be ranked with Dvorak and Smetana. … see Full Review

Imants KALNINS (b. 1941) Symphony No. 4 (1973) Pattie Cohenour (soprano)
Liepajas SO/Imants Resnis rec Riga, Latvia, 18-19 Nov 1998 LATVIAN RADIO MRCD 103 [49.31] [RB]

Completely irresistible. Nyman, Silvestrov, high-art Broadway, Berio's Folk-Songs and pop culture transformed into something 'rich and strange'. ...see Full Review

Marij KOGOJ (1892-1956) Piano Music - Suite: ‘Piano’; Chopiniana; Bagatelles Bojan Gorišek (piano) - Rec 1998?, DDD SAZAS DD 0292 (54:00) [GR]

Bojan Gorišek’s strongly sympathetic, well-executed performances of a mix of folk-inspired late romanticism and a cautiously explored expressionism. … see Full Review

Erich Wolfgang KORNGOLD (1897-1957) Violin Concerto Much Ado About Nothing - suite - Theme and Variations - Max BRUCH (1838-1920) Violin Concerto No. 1 - Ulf Hoelscher (violin) Radio Orchester, Stuttgart/Willy Mattes (Korngold) Bamberg SO/Bruno Weil (Bruch) - rec 1974 ADD (Korngold); 1983 DDD (Bruch) EMI CLASSICS RED LINE 7243 5 73251 2 7 [72.50] [RB]

I hope I have inflamed your interest enough for you to seek out this lion of a disc the peak of which is in the Korngold concerto ... see Full Review.

Friedrich KUHLAU (1786 – 1823) Sonatas for Flute and Piano, Op.83 Sonata for Flute and Piano in G major, Op. 83, No.1 Sonata for Flute and Piano in C major, Op. 83, No.2 Sonata for Flute and Piano in G minor, Op. 83, No.3 Uwe Grodd (flute) Matteo Napoli (piano) Recorded in the Michael Fowler Centre, Wellington, New Zealand, August 2000 NAXOS 8.555346 [ 66 :47 ] [TH]

Generally of a very high standard, though a shade more warmth wouldn’t have gone amiss in some of the more lyrical passages … see Full Review

Philip LANE (b. 1950) Orchestral Music London Salute [3.08] Diversions on a Theme of Paganini [13.40] Cotswold Dances [14.53] Divertissement for clarinet, harp and strings* [9.49] Three Christmas Pictures [11.41] A Maritime Overture [7.58] Three Nautical Miniatures for strings [8.33] Prestbury Park [3.16] *Verity Butler, Clarinet Royal Ballet Sinfonia, conducted by Gavin Sunderland Recorded in the Henry Wood Hall, London, 19 – 21 February, 2001 MARCO POLO 8.225185 [72.57] [JQ]

Marco Polo have done Philip Lane proud. A most enjoyable collection of high quality lighter music recorded in good, bright sound and played with brio and expertise[JQ]

An enjoyable survey of Philip Lane’s colourful, tuneful and superbly crafted music, rather ‘light classic’ than ‘light music’, for such is the quality of the works [HC]… see Full Review

Lars-Erik Larsson Twelve Concertinos (1955-56) - Volume 1 - 1-7 Flute and Orchestra Op.45 No 1, Oboe and String Orchestra Op.45 No 2, Clarinet and String Orchestra Op.45 No 3, Bassoon and String Orchestra Op.45 No 4, Horn and String Orchestra Op.45 No 5, Trumpet and String Orchestra Op.45 No 6, Trombone and String Orchestra Op.45 No 7 Göran Marcusson: flute Marten Larsson: oboe Urban Claesson: Clarinet Anders Engström: Bassoon Per Göran: Horn Bengt Danielsson: Trumpet Lars-Göran Carisson: Trombone. Camerata Roman leader Jan Stigmer Recorded at Paskallavik Church 1994 INTIM Music IMCD 030 [74.36] [JF]

This is music that deserves to be well known. Attractive, well written and extremely well played we have a collection of Concertinos by Lars-Erik Larsson that bear all the characteristics of this composers skill, with and inspirations. These are not ‘test pieces’ but works of art. ...see Full Review

LEHÁR conducts LEHÁR The Saarbrücken Concert of 28th June 1939 Overture: Zigeunerliebe Wolgalied† from Derr Zarewitsch Bin verliebt, bin so verliebt* from Schön ist die Welt Hab’ ein blaues Himmelbelt † from Frasquita Ballet music Suite de danse All mein Füllen, all mein Sehnen*† from Friederike Overture: Land des Lächelns Liebe, du Himmel auf Erden* from Paganini Meine Lippen, sie küssen so heiss * from Giuditta O Mädchen, mein Mädchen† from Friederike Lippen schweigen, ’s flüstern Geigen*† from Die lustige Witwe Margret Pfahl* (soprano) and Marcel Wittrisch† (tenor) Orchester des Reichssenders Saarbrücken Conducted by Franz Lehár (1870-1948) CPO 999 781-2 [58:58] [IL]

A tuneful, exhilarating concert and an insightful experience for operetta fans. A must-have album for lovers Lehár’s delightful music. … see Full Review

Magnus LINDBERG (born 1958) Cantigas (1998/9)a Cello Concerto (1997/9, revised 2001)b Parada (2001) Fresco (1997) Christopher O’Neal (oboe)a; Anssi Karttunen (cello)b; Philharmonia; Esa-Pekka Salonen Recorded : Abbey Road, Studio 1, London, November 2001
SONY SK 89810 [79:37] [HC]

These dedicated performances by artists enjoying a long association with Lindberg’s music can not be bettered, and are superbly recorded. … see Full Review

LISZT, DEBUSSY ET LA NATURE Claude DEBUSSY (1862 - 1918) Children’s Corner - The little shepherd; The snow is dancing. Préludes:, Book 1 – Des pas sur la neige; Le vent dans la plaine; Book 2 – Brouillards; Bruyères. Suite bergamasque – Clair de Lune. Images, Book 1 – Reflets dans l’eau. Estampes – Jardins sous la pluie. Franz LISZT (1811 - 1886) Années de pèlerinages, Première Année, Suisse, S160 – Eglogue; Au lac de Wallenstadt; Au bord d’une source; Orage. Nuages gris, S199. Etudes d’exécution transcendantes, S139 – Feux-follets. Etudes de concert, S145 - Waldesrauschen; Gnomenreigen. Olivier de Spiegeleir (piano). Recorded at Conservatoire Royal de Liège in December 1994. PAVANE ADW7332 [66.42] [CC]

Unfortunately there is not enough to merit a recommendation here. Despite evidence of a sensitive musician at work, one continually finds oneself referring to and comparing with the greatest artists ...see Full Review

 

[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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