> Classical CD Review Archive - Classical - April 2002 part 5 S-Y: Classical MusicWeb (UK)

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PART 2
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[Part 4 M-R]  [Part 5 S-Y] [Part 6 Misc]    
         


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ALPHABETICAL LISTING

Victor DE SABATA (1892-1967) La notte di Plàton, Gethsemani, Juventus Aldo Ceccato conducting the London Philharmonic Orchestra HYPERION CDA67209 [62:57] [IL]

For all unashamed romantics -- this recording is absolutely fabulous. Don’t miss it. If only today’s composer’s of film music could find such a lyrical and unrestrained voice. ...see Full Review

Camille SAINT-SAENS (1835-1921) The Complete 5 Piano Concertos Gabriel Tacchino (piano) Orchestra of Radio Luxembourg Louis de Froment (conductor) Symphony No.3 in C minor Op. 78 "Organ" Baltimore Symphony Orchestra Sergiu Comissiona (conductor) Carnival of the Animals Slovak Philharmonic Orchestra Bystrich Rezucha (conductor) BRILLIANT CLASSICS 99524 [3 Discs :77:00 ; 67:53 ; 64:21] [TH]

This set has the distinction of featuring the veteran French pianist and personal friend of Poulenc, Gabriel Tacchino however the competition leaves this set unplaced. … see Full Review

Joly BRAGA SANTOS (1924-1988) Symphony No. 1 (1947) Symphonic Overture No. 3 (1954?) Hungarian State SO/Mátyas Antal rec 7-10 Aug 1989, Italian Institute, Budapest STRAUSS PORTUGALSOM SP4048 [50.32] [RB]

The best version available of the First Symphony. This is a work that anyone who loves his Sibelius, Moeran or Vaughan Williams must hear. ... see Full Review

Erik SATIE (1866-1925) The Music for Piano (complete) Aldo Ciccolini (piano 2 & 4 hands) Rec 1967-1971, EMI France EMI Classics 5 74534 2 [5CDs: 53.13, 54.29,59.37, 60.41, 48.19] [TB]

This is a French issue. Everything is beautifully presented. Just like Ciccolini's performances, in fact. … see Full Review

Harold SCHIFFMAN (born 1928) Symphony (1961)a Concerto for Oboe d’amore and String Orchestra (1988)b Concerto for Piano and Orchestra (1982)b Julie Ann Giacobassi (oboe d’amore); Jane Perry-Camp (piano); Györ Philharmonic Orchestraa; Hungarian Symphony Orchestrab; Mátyás Antal Recorded: Györ Evangelical Church, May 1998 (Symphony); MATAV Music House, Budapest, July 1998 (Oboe d’amore Concerto) and June 1999 (Piano Concerto) NORTH/SOUTH RECORDINGS R 1021 [75:08] [HC]

Fine works well served by performers who play with dash and conviction. Bright recorded sound. If you like American symphonism as embodied by, say, Walter Piston, Paul Creston or Peter Mennin, you will have no difficulty with Schiffman’s music. … see Full Review

Franz SCHREKER (1878-1934) - Prelude to ‘Memnon’ (1933) [22.17] - Romantic Suite (1902) [27.13] NOe. Tonkünstler Orchestra, Vienna/Uwe Mund - Recorded in the ORF-Studio, Vienna, March 1988 DDD NAXOS 8.555107 [49.30] [TH]

Cheap, decently recorded, and well worth investigation from those who care about composers from the margins of music history. … see Full Review

Franz SCHUBERT (1797-1828) Die schöne Müllerin D. 795 Andreas Schmidt (baritone), Rudolf Jansen (pianoforte) Recorded Sender freies Berlin, Kleiner Sendesaal, 5th-8th June 2000 HÄNSSLER CD 98.373 [61’26"] [CH]

It is the simplicity of Schmidt’s utterance which strikes us most. His interpretation has a timeless quality. ...see Full Review

Franz SCHUBERT (1797 – 1828) Piano Sonata in A minor, D.845 Piano Sonata in E flat major, D.568 Jeno Jando (piano) Recorded at the Phoenix Studios, Budapest, February, 1998 NAXOS 8.553099 [61:29] [TH]

An issue that will not displace any Schubertian's favourites, and does not plumb the depths as much as it might, though there are no serious reasons for the average collector not to investigate. … see Full Review

Robert SCHUMANN (1810-1856) Marchenerzahlungen Op 132 Max BRUCH (1838-1920) 8 Pieces for Clarinet, Viola and Piano Op 83 Michel Lethiec, clarinet Vladimir Mendelssohn, viola Roberte Mamou, piano Recorded Conservatoire de Tourcoing March 1995 PAVANE ADW 7334 [53.38] [JW]

Truly musical performances from all three players never over assertive or feyly withdrawn but instead distinctively alive to all the moods of these engaging pieces. ...see Full Review

BARGAIN OF THE MONTH Dmitri SHOSTAKOVICH (1906-75) Piano Concerto No. 1 (1933) * Piano Concerto No. 2 (1957) ** Cello Concerto No. 1 (1959) *** * Andrê Previn (piano), William Vacchiano (trumpet), NYPO/Bernstein ** Leonard Bernstein (piano and conductor)/NYPO *** Yo-Yo Ma (cello)/Philadelphia/Ormandy Piano Concertos: rec 1960s ADD; Cello Concerto: 1980s DDD SONY SMK 89752 [69.07] [RB]

Classic Shostakovich; irresistible in the case of the populist Second Concerto. … see Full Review

Jean SIBELIUS (1865-1957) Symphony No. 1 (1898) - Symphony No. 4 (1911) - Symphony No. 5 (1917) - Symphony No. 6 (1918) - Karelia Suite (1896) Berlin PO/Herbert von Karajan - rec 1 (1981), 4 (1978), 5 (1977), 6 (1986), Karelia (1981) EMI CLASSICS Double Fforte 7243 5 74858 2 [CD1 77.54; CD2 76.35] [RB]

Karajan was no mean Sibelian and his Fifth Symphony was always worth a concentrated listen. … see Full Review

Jean SIBELIUS (1865-1957) Violin Concerto - Alban BERG (1885-1935) Violin Concerto Oleg Kagan (violin) Sibelius: Finnish Radio SO/Tauno Hannikainen, rec Helsinki, 8 Dec 1965 - Berg: Vienna SO/Hans Vonk, rec Bregenzer Festspiele, 11 Aug 1985 LIVE CLASSICS LCL 143 [58.43] [RB]

This disc is satisfying for the Sibelius - a historically significant document - and outstanding for the Berg. … see Full Review

Jean SIBELIUS (1865-1957) Symphony No. 1 (1899) [35.54] - Symphony No. 4 (1910) [32.31] Vienna PO/Lorin Maazel - rec Sofiensaal, Vienna, Sept 1963, Mar-Apr 1968 ADD ELOQUENCE (DECCA) 461 325-2 [69.00] [RB]

A deeply cherishable disc in which two classic Sibelius symphony recordings of the sixties are made cheaply available. … see Full Review

Jean SIBELIUS (1865-1957) Symphony No. 2 (1902) [43.04] - Symphony No. 3 (1907) [26.31] Vienna PO/Lorin Maazel - rec Sofiensaal, Vienna, Apr 1964, Mar-Apr 1968 ADD ELOQUENCE (DECCA) 461 321-2 [69.42] [RB]

A deeply cherishable disc in which two classic Sibelius symphony recordings of the sixties are made cheaply available. … see Full Review

Jean SIBELIUS (1865-1957) Symphony No. 5 (1915, 1919) [27.13] - Symphony No. 6 (1923) [24.11] - Symphony No. 7 (1924) [21.18] Vienna PO/Lorin Maazel - rec Sofiensaal, Vienna, Mar 1966 (5, 7), Mar-Apr 1968 (6) ADD ELOQUENCE (DECCA) 461 323-2 [73.17] [RB]

A deeply cherishable Sixth with strong but flawed recordings of the Fifth and Seventh. Regally recorded. … see Full Review

Jean SIBELIUS (1865-1957) Symphony No. 1 [35.48] - Symphony No. 4 [31.59]
Lemminkainen's Return [5.27] Berceuse from The Tempest [2.37] Philadelphia Orchestra cond: Eugene Ormandy (1; Return); Leopold Stokowski (4; Berceuse) - rec 25 Oct 1941 (Sym 1); 20 Oct 1940 (Return); 15 Jan 1936 (Berceuse); 23 Apr 1932 (Sym 4) ADD mono - transfer by Mark Obert-Thorn BIDDULPH WHL062 [76.58] [RB]

Humility from Stokowski in No.4 and invincible unanimity of attack from Ormandy's supreme orchestra. ... see Full Review

Jean SIBELIUS (1865-1957) Violin Concerto (1905) - Symphony No. 5 (1917) - Ida Haendel (violin) Bournemouth SO/Paavo Berglund - rec 1976, 1974, EMI UNESCO CLASSICS - DISKY DCL 707242 [65.00] [RB]

Two lustrous and illustrious Sibelius documents at super bargain price - devastatingly compelling in the case of the concerto. ... see Full Review

Jean SIBELIUS (1865-1957) Symphony No. 2 (1902) [41.11] Symphony No. 5 (1917) [30.03] Boston SO/Serge Koussevitsky - rec Symphony Hall, Boston, 24 Jan 1935 (2); 29 Dec 1936 (5). ADD NAXOS HISTORICAL 8.110170 [71.14] [RB]

Nice transfers of classic Boston Sibelius - stronger in the Fifth than the Second. … see Full Review

Jean SIBELIUS (1865-1957) Symphony No. 2 (1902) [43.17] The Tempest: Caliban's Song; Canon; Humoresque; Oak Tree [6.44] Karelia Suite: Intermezzo; Alla Marcia [6.52] Tapiola [17.49] Royal PO (Tapiola; Sym 2); BBCSO (Karelia); Thomas Beecham - rec 21, 23, 24 Dec 1946, 8, 9 Feb 1947 (Sym 2); 4 Oct 1934 (Tempest); 13 Dec 1945 (Karelia); 25 Nov 1946 (Tapiola) ADD - Mono - transfer by Mark Obert-Thorn BIDDULPH WHL055 [75.14] [RB]

Fine performances from the 1930s and this Tapiola belongs in the Olympic heights. … see Full Review

Jean SIBELIUS (1865-1957) Symphony no. 4 in A minor - Symphony no. 6 in D minor. CBSO/Rattle - Rec 1980s? (DDD) EMI CLASSICS CDM 7 64121 2 [58 mins?][DW]

I am fussy about performances and these do not quite make the grade though the string playing in the Sixth is ravishing … see Full Review

Jean SIBELIUS (1865-1957) Violin Concerto (1904) Carl NIELSEN (1865-1931) Violin Concerto (1911) Cho-Liang Lin (violin) Philharmonia (Sibelius); Swedish RSO (Nielsen)
conducted by Esa-Pekka Salonen rec 1988? SONY CLASSICAL THETA SMK89748 [69.16] [RB]

A sound library choice with really great sound and performances that exude individuality without eccentricity. … see Full Review

Jean SIBELIUS (1865-1957) The Seven Symphonies and a selection of the tone poems DISC 1 [40.03] Symphony No. 1 (rec Jan 1976) [39.31] DISC 2 [73.14] Symphony No. 2 (rec Sept 1974) [45.34] Symphony No. 3 (rec Nov 1970) [27.27] DISC 3 [69.02] Symphony No. 4 (rec May 1977) [36.14] Symphony No. 5 (rec Dec 1971) [32.38] DISC 4 [53.24] Symphony No. 6 (rec Jan/Feb 1974) [29.35] Symphony No. 7 (rec Jan/Feb 1974) [23.49] DISC 5 Finlandia (rec Dec 1971) [8.16] Valse Triste [5.32] Night Ride and Sunrise (rec May/June 1977) [16.08] The Swan of Tuonela [9.02] * En Saga (rec Nov 1970) [19.54] Berlin SO/Kurt Sanderling Berlin Radio SO/Paavo Berglund (rec 1983) all Sanderling recordings made in the Christuskirche, Berlin recorded 1970-77 ADD stereo recordings digitally remastered. BRILLIANT CLASSICS 6328 [5CDs: 40.03+73.14+69.02+53.24+59.02] [RB]

A valuable bargain addition to anyone's library and very strong in the case of symphonies 1, 3, 4, 5 and one of the best versions ever of Nightride and Sunrise. ...see Full Review

Christian SINDING (1856-1941) Symphony no. 1 in D minor, op. 21
Symphony no. 2 in D, op. 83
Radio-Philharmonie Hannover des NDR/Thomas Dausgaard
Recorded in the Grosser Sendesaal des Landesfunkhauses Hannover des NDR, 24th-28th Feb. 1997, 13th-17th Sep. 1999 CPO 999 502-2 [70’42"] [CH]

Well-made music, but is there anything here that "only" Sinding could have written? … see Full Review

Bedřich SMETANA (1824-1884) Má Vlast (My Country) A cycle of symphonic poems
Vyšehrad (1874) [15.40] Vltava (The Moldau) (1874) [11.35] Šárka (1875) [9.43] Z českých luhů a hájů (From Bohemia’s Woods and Fields) (1875) [13.09] Tábor (1878) [12.59] Blaník (1879) [14.15] Czech Philharmonic Orchestra, cond. Rafael Kubelík DDD: recorded live at the opening concert of the Prague Spring Festival at the Smetana Hall of the Council House, Prague on 12 May 1990 SUPRAPHON 11 1208-2 031 [77.45] [PL]

Literally incomparable. Buy it, whether or not you have a Má Vlast already on your shelves! … see Full Review

Bedrich SMETANA (1824-1884) Piano Trio in G minor Antonin DVORAK (1841-1904) Piano Trio in E minor, Opus 90 'Dumky' Smetana Trio Rec 6-9 January 2000, Demovina Studio, Prague SUPRAPHON SU 3500-2 131 [58.23] [TB]

The composers would surely have approved of the eloquent performances of the Smetana Trio. … see Full Review

Sir Arthur SOMERVELL (1863-1937) Song Cycles: Maud [35.36] A Shropshire Lad [23.27] David Wilson-Johnson (baritone); David Owen Norris (piano) Recorded March 1985 HYPERION HELIOS CDH55089 [59.14] Budget price [JQ]

This reissue is greatly to be welcomed and should be heard by all lovers of English song. Strongly recommended. … see Full Review

Sir John STAINER (1840-1901) The Crucifixion, Come, thou long-expected Jesus, I saw the Lord, Love Divine all loves excelling * Richard Lewis, tenor Owen Brannigan, bass Brian Runnett, organ The Choir of St John’s College Cambridge The Choir of King’s College Cambridge * George Guest Stephen Cleobury * Recorded St John’s College Chapel, Cambridge December 1961 (The Crucifixion); August 1963 (Come Thou long-expected Jesus); King’s College Chapel 1958 (I saw the Lord); March 1985 (Love Divine all loves excelling) DECCA 470 379-2 [74.21] [JW]

The Crucifixion still has the power to move. … see Full Review

Richard STRAUSS (1864-1949) Horn Concerto no. 1 in Eb, op.11 - Horn Concerto no. 2 in Eb, (1942) - Paul HINDEMITH (1895-1963) Horn Concerto (1949) - Concert Music for Brass and Strings, op.50 - Dennis Brain, horn Philharmonia Orchestra/Sawallisch in the Strauss Philharmonia Orchestra/Hindemith in the Hindemith - Strauss recorded Abbey Rd Studios, London, September 1956. Hindemith recorded Kingsway Hall London, November 1956 EMI CLASSICS ‘GREAT RECORDINGS OF THE CENTURY’ 7243 5 67782 [65:07] [GPJ]

One of the greatest instrumentalists of the 20th century in some of its juiciest music – it’s a disc you can’t really afford to miss. … see Full Review

Richard STRAUSS (1864-1949) Also Sprach Zarathustra, op 30 (1896) Salome – Dance of the Seven Veils (1905) Der Rosenkavalier – Orchestral excerpts (1911) Feuersnot – Love Scene (1901) London Philharmonic Orchestra/Norman Del Mar (Recorded at Walthamstow Assembly Hall, 1978 & 1979) CLASSICS FOR PLEASURE 5 73442 2 [74.26] [TD]

Excellent bargain priced Strauss conducted by someone who knew this music better than many. … see Full Review

Richard STRAUSS (1864-1949) Ein Heldenleben Op.40, Tod und Verklärung Op.24* Concertgebouw Orchestra of Amsterdam/Willem Mengelberg (Recorded in the Concertgebouw, Amsterdam, 21 April 1941 and 14 April 1942*) Restoration producer Mark Obert-Thorn NAXOS HISTORICAL 8.110161 [65.54] [TD]

A great partnership from a past era delivers two stunning performances in remarkable sound. … see Full Review

George Templeton STRONG (1856-1948) Die Nacht - four little tone poems (1913) [26.10] Le Roi Arthur - symphonic poem (1916) [40.56] Moscow SO/Adriano rec April 1999, Mosfilm Studios, Moscow world premiere recordings NAXOS 8.559048 [67.15] [RB]

Pleasingly discursive late-romantic canvases which sit easily with the pictorial works of Raff, and Huber. … see Full Review

Josef SUK (1874-1935) Piano Music Six Piano Pieces: Song of Love, Humoreske, Recollections, Idylls, Dumka, Capriccietto De Maman (O matince) Quand maman était encore une petite fille, Jadis au printemps, Comme maman chantait, la nuit, à son enfant malade; Du coeur de maman, Souvenirs Moods Legend, Capriccio, Romanze, Bagatelle, Spring Idyll Risto Lauriala (piano) recorded in the Small Auditorium, Tampere Hall, Tampere, Finland; 18-19 December 1996 NAXOS 8.553762 [72:34] [GL][JW]

Whilst many of these pieces share a certain similarity, each track has an identity of its own. A recommended album for admirers of piano music.[GL]
Suk’s piano music has been neglected of late and this is an excellent opportunity to get to know it better.[JW] … see Full Review

Peter I TCHAIKOVSKY (1840-1893) Violin Concerto * Sérénade Mélancolique # Henryk WIENIAWSKI (1835-1880) Violin Concerto No 2 + Mischa Elman, violin with
London Symphony Orchestra conducted by John Barbirolli December 1929 * Victor Symphony Orchestra conducted by Nathaniel Shilkret August 1930 # Robin Hood Dell Orchestra of Philadelphia conducted by Alexander Hilsberg June 1950 + NAXOS HISTORICAL 8.110912 [66.58] [JW]

Elman’s succulent portamenti, ravishing tone, lava-like in its molten flow, which no-one could ever match. One of the most remarkable sounds in recorded music. … see Full Review

Pyotr Ilyich TCHAIKOVSKY (1840-1893) The Masterworks CD1 Symphony No. 4 [43.40] Marche Slave [9.43] CD2 Symphony No. 5 [47.00] Capriccio Italien [16.40] CD3 Symphony No. 6 [45.40] Overture - The Storm [14.17] CD4 Piano Concerto No. 1 [34.43] Violin Concerto [35.13] CDs 1-3 London SO/Gennadi Rozhdestvensky CD4 - Slovak PO Peter Toperczer (piano); cond Ladislav Slovak Vladimir Spivakov (violin): cond Zdenek Kosler rec dates not given. LSO recordings DDD probably late 1980s. Slovak PO ADD probably 1970s BRILLIANT CLASSICS 99410 [4CDs: 53.18; 63.42; 59.59; 69.36] [RB]

A good unaffected and inexpensive library choice or newcomer's introduction to the popular symphonies and piano concerto. Spivakov superb in the violin concerto. Your price is justified by the Spivakov alone but there is much else to enjoy. ...see Full Review

Jehan TITELOUZE (1563-1633) Hymns (Ave Maris Stella; Pange Lingua; Veni Creator; Conditor Alme siderum; A solis ortis; Exsultet Coelum) Magnificat on the sixth tone played on the historic organ of Thomas Dallam Jean-Charles Ablitzer with verses and polyphony performed by Gerard Lesne, Josep Benet, Josep Cabre and Malcolm Bothwell Recorded at the Church of Saint-Miliau, Guimiliau, Finisterre, November 1990 HARMONIC RECORDS HCD 9037 [58.58] [GH]

Each leading voice part in the texture needs clarity and focus. It is a credit to the creative imagination of Harmonic and its artists this, and more, is achieved. … see Full Review

Richard TOENSING (born 1940) Responsoria (1991/3) The Choir of St. Luke in the Fields; Troy L. Rinker, Jr. (double bass); Christopher Oldfather (piano); Thomas Kolor (percussion); David Shuller Recorded: St. Luke in the Fields, New York, Summer 1998 NORTH/SOUTH RECORDINGS R 1022 [36:11 + 50:42 + 40:50] [HC}

A long piece, but don’t be put off by it for this is a truly magnificent piece that definitely deserves to be better known. Recalls Pärt, Rubbra and Vaughan Williams. … see Full Review

Thomas TOMKINS (1572 - 1656) 1. Barafostus' dream 2. Pavan of three parts 3. GaIliard of three parts 4. Miserere 5. A sad pavan for these, distracted times 6. Worcester brawls (Worster Braules) 7. What if a day 8. Fancy for two to play 9. Fancy 10. Pavan 11. The Lady Folliott's galliard 12. Fancy 13. Toy made at Poole Court 14. Pavan Earl Strafford 15. Galliard Earl Strafford 16. Fortune my Foe 17. Ground 18. In Nomine 19. Ground Carole Cerasi (harpsichord) Rec: December 2000, East Woodhay. METRONOME MET CD 1049 [73.33] [KM]

A fine overview of Tomkin’s varied keyboard music. Cerasi is an excellent performer, and, with the exception of some of the faster pieces where she gets carried away by the tempo, her interpretations are first-rate. … see Full Review

Eduard TUBIN (1905-82) Complete Music for Violin, Viola and Piano Arvo Leibur (violin) Vardo Rumessen (piano) Petra Vahle (viola) rec 11-20 July 1991, Danderyd Grammar School Gymnasium, Sweden DDD BIS-CD-541/542 [CD1 77.52; CD2 70.32] [RB]

As strongly recommended as the Rumessen triple volume cycle of the Tubin piano music - also from BIS. Not to be missed! ... see Full Review

Ralph VAUGHAN WILLIAMS Symphony No. 4 [32.57] George BUTTERWORTH A Shropshire Lad [9.55] George ANTHEIL Symphony No. 4 1942 [31.45] NBCSO/Leopold Stokowski - rec from original NBC broadcasts 14 March 1943 (RVW4); 13 Feb 1944 (Butterworth and Antheil). ADD MONO CALA CACD0528 [74.37] [RB]

This works well as an adjunct to the Sony recording of Stokowski in RVW 6 and Mitropoulos in RVW 4. For Stokowski, RVW, Antheil and Butterworth specialists. The Fourth Symphony of Vaughan Williams is given a quite special performance. … see Full Review

Ralph VAUGHAN WILLIAMS (1872-1958) Symphony No. 2 A London Symphony (1913 rev 1920) Symphony No. 8 (1956) Hallé/Sir John Barbirolli rec Free Trade Hall, Manchester, 19 June 1956 (No. 2); 28-29 Dec 1957 (No. 8) stereo ADD DUTTON LABORATORIES - The Barbirolli Society CDSJB 1021 [73.33] [RB]

Performances to remind you that RVW is a composer whose music need not be passion-neutral. ... see Full Review

Ralph VAUGHAN WILLIAMS (1872-1958) Symphony No. 6 (1948) [32.46] London Symphony Orchestra/Adrian Boult rec 23-24 Feb 1949 under auspices of British Council Scott of the Antarctic (1948) [8.28] Philharmonia Orchestra/Ernest Irving rec 1949 Coastal Command: Prelude; Sunderland Goes in Close (1942) [4.52] BBC Northern Orchestra/Muir Mathieson rec 7 July 1943, BBC 49th Parallel - Epilogue (1941) [4.23] London Symphony Orchestra/Muir Mathieson rec Sept 1943, London The Story of a Flemish Farm - Dawn Scene (1943) [5.16] BBC Northern Orchestra/Muir Mathieson rec 28 Oct 1944, BBC The Loves of Joanna Godden (1945) [8.40] Philharmonia Orchestra/Ernest Irving rec 1947 PEARL GEM 0107 [65.13] [RB]

This is an extremely valuable disc for Vaughan Williams collectors. Never have so many rare vintage film tracks been gathered together. … see Full Review

Heitor VILLA-LOBOS Symphonies nos. 6 "Sobre a linha das montanhas do Brasil" & 8. Suite for strings. SWR RSO / Carl St. Clair. Rec 2000? CPO 999 517-2 [65.00?]
Symphonies nos. 4, "Victoria" & 12. SWR RSO / Carl St. Clair. Rec 1999? CPO 999 525-2 [63.00?] [GR]

St. Clair has the measure of the style and the music. Performances top-notch though No. 6 seems less convincing as if in parallel to the work’s less compelling inspiration. Sound quality: rich, full and with depth. … see Full Review

Antonio VIVALDI (1678-1741) THE CONCERTO COLLECTION - 8CDs various Artists BRILLIANT CLASSICS STEMRA 99415 [8 CDs: 67'06", 68'31", 50'43", 54'32", 53'36", 71'13", 73'43", 51'39"] [CH]

Recommended to all those who want 8 CDs of Vivaldi concertos. And a particular recommendation to the agricultural community. … see Full Review

Antonio VIVALDI (1678-1741) Gloria In D Major RV589 - Dixit Dominus In D Major RV 594; Magnificat In G Minor RV 610 - Sarah Fox and Deborah Norman (sopranos), Michael Chance (counter-tenor); James Gilchrist (tenor); Jonathan Lemalu (bass) - Choir of King’s College Cambridge with The Academy of Ancient Music conducted by Stephen Cleobury Recorded in the Chapel of King’s College Cambridge March/July 2001 EMI CLASSICS 5 57265 2 [68.15] [GH]

Much here to captivate and interest. Performances will not disappoint, and EMI have captured the difficult college acoustic without detriment to the music … see Full Review

Antonio VIVALDI (1678-1741) Stabat Mater - Nisi Dominus, Stabat Mater dolorosa David Daniels countertenor, Europa Galante, Fabio Biondi violin, viola d’amore & direction, Lorenzo Colitto violin, Ernesto Braucher viola, Maurizio Naddeo cello, Sergio Ciomei organ, Francisco Jose Montero violone, Ugo Nastrucci theorbo, Rec: August 2001, American Academy of Arts and Letters, New York. VIRGIN VERITAS 5 45474 2 [55.25] [KM]

One of those rare discs that carries you along from beginning to end as if on a subtle wave. The music flows so perfectly … see Full Review

William WALTON (1902-1983) Symphony No. 2 (1959-60) - Variations on a Theme of Hindemith (1962-3) - Partita (1957) - Violin Concerto (1938-9) - Belshazzar's Feast (1930-1) - Capriccio Burlesco - Johannesburg Festival Overture - Zino Francescatti (violin) - Walter Cassel (bar) - Rutgers University Choir - Philadelphia Orchestra/Eugene Ormandy - Cleveland Orchestra/Georg Szell (Symphony, Variations, Partita) New York PO/André Kostelanetz (overture and capriccio) - Rec late 1950s-early 1970s SONY SB2K89934 [CD1: 72.21; CD2: 70.41] [RB]

There is no competition for this contrasting collection of prime and late mature Walton; the latter in authoritative versions; the former brimming with character. ... see Full Review.

William WALTON (1902-1983) Symphony No. 1 (1935) [43.17] - Violin Concerto (1939) [27.20] - Cello Concerto (1957) [29.23] - Viola Concerto (1929) [25.46] - Sinfonia Concertante - original version (1927) [18.35] - London SO/Previn, rec 1966 (Symphony)- Heifetz/Philharmonia/composer, rec 1950 mono (Violin Concerto) Gregor Piatigorsky/Boston SO/Munch, rec 1957 (Cello Concerto) Yuri Bashmet/London SO/Previn, rec 1994 (Viola Concerto) Kathryn Stott/Royal PO/Vernon Handley, rec 1989 (Sinfonia Concertante) RCA-BMG 74321 92575 [CD1: 70.40; CD2: 73.50] [RB]

Golden age Walton interpretations made irresistible at bargain price. ... see Full Review

WILLIAM WALTONAt the Haunted End of the Day London Weekend Television’s South Bank Show 1981 documentary Directed by Tony Palmer Featuring Sir William Walton and Lady Susana Walton DECCA DVD 074 150-9 [99 mins] [IL]

A wonderful musical experience that is whole-heartedly recommended and especially welcome in this centenary year. … see Full Review

Sir William WALTON (1902-1983) Sacred Music Christopher Whitton (organ)
Choir of St John's College, Cambridge Christopher Robinson Rec 10-12 July 2001, St John's College Chapel, Cambridge NAXOS 8.555793 [66.09] [TB]

Another real bargain from Naxos. This attractive CD brings some excellent but little known pieces to public attention. … see Full Review

Hayden WAYNEThe Nuzerov Quartets No. 3, No.4, No.5 The Wallinger String Quartet Recorded December 1999, Brno, Czech Republic NEW MILLENNIUM 61600 [71.34] [SHJ]

A remarkable set of modern classical quartets with interesting rock and roll inflections is let down by lack of musical development and imagination. … see Full Review

Carl Maria von WEBER (1786-1826) Clarinet Concerto No. 1 - Clarinet Concerto No. 2 - Concertino for clarinet and orchestra - Frédéric Rapin (clarinet) Philharmonie de Timisoara/Jean-François Antonioli - Rec April 1993 1993 (No. 1), March & August 1994 (No. 2 & Concertino), Musica Numeris, Brussels TIMPANI 1C1031 [52.59] [TB]

The performances are pleasing, so too the recorded sound. Rapin splendid though his version of No. 2 misses fire. … see Full Review

Kurt WEILL (1900-1950) String Quartet No. 1 (1919) [25.03] String Quartet No. 2 Op. 8 (1922-23) [20.14] Paul HINDEMITH (1895-1963) Minimax - Repertorium für Militärmusik (1923) [22.22] Leipziger Streichquartett Rec 28-30 Mar 2001 at Markkleeburg (Weill); 8/1995 Fürstliche Reitbahn Bad Arolsen. Co-production with Deutschland Radio MDG GOLD 307 1071-2 [68.08] [RB]

A pleasurable and surprising listening experience. … see Full Review

Mike WESTBROOK (1936 -) PlatterBack (1998) Story and Lyrics by Kate Westbrook Westbrook & Company (Kate Westbrook, John Winfield - vocalists; Karen Street - accordion and vocalist; Stanley Adler - Vc and vocalist; Mike Westbrook - Pf, tuba and vocalist)
recorded at Livingstone Studios, Dec. 1998. VOICEPRINT GROUP: JAZZPRINT JPVP117CD [74'11] [PS]

Jazz-based musical theatre, or a jazz-based song-cycle? Platterback is both (probably), and it’s also quirky and original. Projected with panache by Westbrook and Company, the highlights are Kate Westbrook’s astonishing vocal acting and (especially) Karen Street’s gorgeous accordion playing. … 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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