> Classical CD Reviews January 2002 part 3 C-L: Classical MusicWeb (UK)

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PART 3
C-L

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ALPHABETICAL LISTING

Charles Wakefield CADMAN (1881-1946) Piano Trio (1914) [24.21] Violin Sonata (1930) [24.57] Piano Quintet (1937) [19.51] The Legend of the Canyon (1920) From the Land of the Sky-Blue Water (1909-13) arr Gaylord Yost Paul Posnak (piano) Peter Zazofsky (violin) Ross Harbrough (cello) Bergonzi String Quartet rec 3-6 Jan 2000, Gusman Hall, University of Miami, Coral Gables, Florida NAXOS AMERICAN CLASSICS 8.559067 [75.41] [RB]

Until the entertaining First Symphony arrives on the scene you can, through this inexpensive disc, access the laid-back and romantic world of Charles Cadman's chamber music. ...see Full Review

FREDDY KEMPF PLAYS CHOPIN Frederic CHOPIN: Four Ballades: G minor, Op.23, F major, Op.38, A flat major, Op.47, F minor, Op.52; Grande Polonaise, Op.22; Polonaise-fantasie, Op.61; Fantasie-impromptu, Op.66
Freddy Kempf recorded in July 2000 at Nybrokajen 11, Stockholm BIS CD 1160 [61.28] [MB]

If ultimately Kempf lacks Horowitz’s poetry, or Wilhelm Kempff’s fluency, these are still formidable performances high on inspiration and big on concentration. ... see Full Review

Lyell CRESSWELL (born 1944) Whira (1996) Atta (1993) Anake (1998) Acquerello (1998) Variations on a Theme by Charles Ives (1987) The Hebrides Ensemble (Daniel Bell, violin; William Conway, cello; Rosemary Eliot, flute; Peter Evans, piano) Recorded : Reid Hall, Edinburgh University, December 2000 NMC D 077 [73:20] [HC]

This is a really superb release: wonderful music, of great communicative power, in carefully and lovingly prepared performances by dedicated players who all have the full measure of the music. … see Full Review

Claude DEBUSSY (1862-1918) Préludes (Complete). Fantaisie pour piano et orchestre. Olivier MESSIAEN (1908-92) Regards de l’Enfant-Jésus – Regard de l’Esprit de joie; Regard du silence. Catalogue d’oiseaux, Livre 1 – Le Merle bleu. Jean-Rodolphe Kars (piano); London Symphony Orchestra/Alexander Gibson. Recorded in St John’s, Smith Square in December 1970-January 1971 (Préludes), Kingsway Hall, London in May 1969 (Fantaisie), Decca Studio No. 3, West Hampstead in April and July 1968 (Messiaen). [ADD] DOUBLE DECCA 468 552-2 [two discs] [140.58] [CC]

For the Préludes Kars plays with a great amount of character and this account will provide an excellent alternative version to Gieseking or Zimmerman. The performance of the Fantaisie, it is to be hoped, will win converts to this seldom-heard piece. This is a first-class bargain which will handsomely supplement any Debussy collection. ...see Full Review

Claude DEBUSSY (1862-1918) String Quartet in G minor, Op. 10. Henri DUTILLEUX (b 1916) Ainsi la nuit. Maurice RAVEL (1875-1937) String Quartet in F. Belcea String Quartet (Corina Belcea, Laura Samuel, violins; Krzysztof Chorzelski, viola; Alisdair Tait, cello). Recorded in Potton Hall, Suffolk, in May 2000.[DDD] EMI Debut CDZ574020-2 [71.16] [CC]

This disc represents the flowering of talent of an ensemble that, if they continue on their present well-chosen path, will achieve great things. … see Full Listing

Claude DEBUSSY (1862-1918) String Quartet in G minor. Maurice RAVEL (1875-1937) String Quartet in F. Darius MILHAUD (1892-1974)
String Quartet No. 12, Op. 252.
Quartetto Italiano (Paolo Borciani, Elisa Pegreffi, violins; Piero Farulli, viola; Franco Rossi, cello). Recorded in the Basilica, Milan, 23 January 1954 (Debussy and Milhaud, recorded in mono) and in 1959 (Ravel, in stereo). EMI Réferences CDH5 74792-2 [ADD] [74.02] [CC]

The Quartetto Italiano’s Debussy is entirely successful … The players enter into Ravel’s rarefied sound-world as if to the manner born (the second movement is riveting) … To hear Milhaud’s Twelfth Quartet played, as here, with such advocacy is cheering indeed. …see Full Listing

Frederick DELIUS (1862-1934) Violin Concerto Tasmin Little (violin) Welsh National Opera Orchestra conducted by Sir Charles Mackerras (recorded in 1991) Piano Concerto Jean-Rodolphe Kars (piano) London Symphony Orchestra conducted by Alexander Gibson (recorded in 1969) Two Pieces for Cello and Piano: Caprice and Elegy Julian Lloyd-Webber (cello) and Bengt Forsberg (piano) (recorded in 1996) On Hearing the First Cuckoo in Spring Welsh National Orchestra conducted by Sir Charles Mackerras (recorded in 1990) Brigg Fair (An English Rhapsody) London Symphony Orchestra conducted by Anthony Collins
(Mono – recorded in 1953)
DECCA British Music Collection 2CDs 470 190-2 [77:25] Budget [GL]

This Delius compilation, with a Violin Concerto to cherish and play over and over again, makes a fine addition to any British music collection. Unhesitatingly recommended! … see Full Review

Frederick DELIUS Sir Thomas Beecham conducts Delius North Country Sketches, (recorded February 14th 1949); In a Summer Garden, (recorded October 27th 1951); Appalachia, (recorded October 29th, November 6th, 7th and 13th and December 18th 1952) Royal Philharmonic Orchestra. cond Sir Thomas Beecham SONY SMK89429 [67.34] [SL]

Beecham brings his own magic and a special quality to these works that make these performances unquestionably ‘right’. At about £8.45 the price is right too ! Don’t hesitate. …see Full Listing

Gaetano DONIZETTI (1797-1848) Lucia di Lammermoor Lina Pagliughi, soprano Orchestra and Chorus of the Italian Broadcasting Authority Conductor: Ugo Tansini Recorded in Rome from 17 to 24 May, 1939 Appendix: Additional arias sung by Lina Pagliughi: NAXOS HISTORICAL 8.110150-51 [2 CDs 134.24] [FC]

In addition to introducing many to the extraordinary talent of Lina Pagliughi, this Lucia is an imposing and vivid performance, distinguished by the highest musical standards. … see Full Review

Andrew DOWNES The Lord is My Shepherd. The Runnymede Millenium Evensong Service and other sacred choral music by Andrew Downes. Members of the Royal Holloway Chapel Choir, directed by Lionel Pike with organist Brian Moles. Classicprint CPVPO14CD

Lovers of church music should investigate this disc. They may well see far more in it than I have. … see Full Listing

Edward ELGAR (1857-1934) Overture: Cockaigne, Opus 40 Introduction and Allegro, Opus 47 Enigma Variations, Opus 36 BBC Symphony Orchestra/Sir Andrew Davis Rec 1991 Teldec APEX 09274 13712 [68.15] Superbudget

Three of Elgar's greatest orchestral works at the attractive Apex price. The orchestra clearly knows the music well and the conductor is among the leaders in this field. … see Full Review

Louise FARRENC (1804-79) Piano Quintets – No. 1 in A minor, Op. 30; No. 2 in E, Op. 31. Schubert Ensemble of London (William Howard, piano; Simon Blendis, violin; Douglas Paterson, viola; Jane Salmon, cello; Peter Buckike, double bass). Recorded in Potton Hall, Suffolk on February 8th-10th, 2001.
ASV CDDCA1122 [59’26] [DDD] [CC]

Perhaps the time is ripe for a reappraisal of the talents of Farrenc. The Piano Quintets on this disc are beautiful, enchanting music. … see Full Review

Albert Rudolph FÄSY (1837-1891) Götz von Berlichingen Prelude, Der Triumph der Liebe Prelude, Sempach Tone poem, Columbus Symphonic Suite Moscow Symphony Orchestra/Adriano Rec 2001 - location? MARCO POLO 8.225134 [57.37] [RW]

Fäsy uses straightforward musical akin to that of Wagner and Liszt, almost without development; naïve in his avant-garde simplicity and appeal. ...see Full Review

Gabriel FAURÉ (1845-1924) CD1:- Pelléas et Mélisande: Prelude; The Spinning Girl; Sicilienne; Mélisande’s Song *; The Death of Mélisande * Frederica von Stade (mezzo-soprano) Masques et Bergamasques: Overture; Pastorale; Madrigal; ‘The Sweetest Road’†; Minuet; Clair de lune; Gavotte; Pavane. Shylock: Song†; Entr'acte; Madrigal†; Epithalame; Nocturne; Finale † Nicolai Gedda (tenor) CD2:- Ballade for piano and orchestra - soloist Jean-Philippe Collard (piano) Élégie for cello and orchestra – soloist: Paul Tortelier (cello) Berceuse for violin and orchestra – soloist:Yan-Pascal Tortelier (violin) Fantaisie for piano and orchestra – soloist: Jean-Phillipe Collard (piano) Les Djinns for choir and orchestra - Ensemble Vocal Alix Bourbon Caligula for women’s voices and orchestra – Ensemble Vocal Alix Bourbon Pénélope Prelude Orchestre du Capitole de Toulouse conducted by Michel Plasson Recorded in Halle-aux-Grains Toulouse. CD1: June 1980 and CD2 June 1979 EMI 2 CD CZS 5 74840 2 [137:42] [IL]

This enterprising programme mixes Fauré’s more celebrated works (in more complete versions than normally recorded) with much less familiar material. Michel Plasson, his soloists, and the Toulouse players perform these lovely, wistful works with devotion and sensitivity. Unhesitatingly recommended. … see Full Listing

César FRANCK (1822-1890) Symphony in D minor. Les Eolides. New York Philharmonic Orchestra/Kurt Masur. Recorded at the Avery Fisher Hall in February 1992 (Symphony live). [DDD] WARNER APEX 0927 41372-2 [48.24] [CC]

Masur’s Franck Symphony is a performance of ‘almosts’. But it never quite makes the grade. Even at the low price, it is difficult to recommend this disc, which certainly does not represent a true reflection of Masur’s New York years. ...see Full Review

Baldassare GALUPPI (1706-85) Il Mondo alla Roversa, (The World turned Topsy-Turvey) - a burlesque drama in music (1750) Marinella Pennicchi (sop) (Tulia), Rosa Dominguez (mezzo) (Aurora), Mya Fracassini (mezzo) (Cintia), Lia Serafini (sop) (Rinaldino), Furio Zaasi (bar) (Graziosini), Fulvio Bettini (bar) (Giacinto), Davide Livermore (ten) (Ferromonte). Swiss Radio choir I Barocchisti/Diego Fasolis Rec. Stelio Molo Auditorium, Lugano, Switzerland, Nov 1998 CHANDOS Early Music CHAN 0676(2) [CD1 73.07; CD2 77.48] [RJF]

Orchestra, soloists and chorus play a vital part under the direction of Diego Fasolis. The recording is up to Chandos’s renowned high standards with a well-balanced sound in an airy natural acoustic. ...see Full Review

Percy GRAINGER (1882-1961) The best of Percy Grainger Country Gardens* ,Colheen Dhas, Mock Morris, Molly on the shore, Willow willow, Irish tune from County Derry, Handel in the Strand*, Scotch Strathspey and Reel*, The Power of Love, Lord Peter’s stable boy, Shepherd’s hey, Beautiful fresh flower – orch Peter Sculthorpe, Gum-sucker’s march, Blithe Bells, Cradle song*, The man I love - Gershwin arr Grainger*, Love walked in – Gershwin arr Grainger*, Spoon River, The nightingale and the two sisters, Country gardens Leslie Howard (piano)* Sydney Symphony Orchestra Melbourne Symphony Orchestra Adelaide Symphony Orchestra John Hopkins conductor Geoffrey Simon conductor ABC CLASSICS 465818-2 [70.27] [JW]

Richly nuanced and never routine performances. An infectious and captivating disc of Grainger favourites. …. Full Listing

BARBARA HENDRICKS It’s wonderful: Tribute to George GERSHWIN (1898-1937) Geoffrey Keezer (piano) Ira Coleman (double-bass) Ed Thigpen (drums) Guildhall Strings Paul Bateman (conductor) Recorded at Abbey Road, Studio 1, London, May 2000 EMI CLASSICS 7243 5 570492 4 [72.48]

Opera singers really do have to take care singing in this style, because it is fair to say that ‘it ain’t necessarily so’ that they can. ...see Full Review

Christoph Willibald GLUCK (1714-1787) Italian Arias Cecilia Bartoli (mezzo soprano), Akademie für Alte Musik Berlin, Bernhard Forck (leader) Recorded in the Studios of the Deutsches Filmorchester Babelsberg, Berlin, 8 & 11-16.1.2001 DECCA 467 248-2 [67.34] [CH]

I think no one will remain indifferent to this disc. It is an absolutely involving experience by one of the phenomena of our times. …. See Full Review

Nicolas GOMBERT (c1495 – c1560) Magnificats 1 - 4 The Tallis Scholars, directed by Peter Phillips. recorded during 2000 in the Church of Saint Peter and Saint Paul, Salle, Norfolk. GIMELL CDGIM 037 [54.25] DDD [JP]

Well done Peter Phillips and his choir. A wonderful issue, and well worth buying. ... see Full Review

Carlos GOMES (1836-1896) Salvator Rosa - opera Libretto by Antonio Ghislanzoni Soloists Dorset Opera Chorus Dorset Opera Orchestra Patrick Shelley (conductor)Recorded on 11th and 12th August 2000 REGIS Forum FRC 9201 [2CDs: 142.07] [CF]

Considering it’s the only disc available, one can but thank Dorset Opera for their enterprise, first in staging it and now in producing the CD. Some of the singing is very good, particularly Lisa Livingston’s dramatically vivid Isabella. …see Full Review

Enrique GRANADOS (1867-1916) Piano Music - Volume 5 Douglas Riva (piano) Recorded Potton Hall, Dunwich, Suffolk June 2000 NAXOS 8.555325 [62.28] [JW]

Shavings from the bench. Recorded sound somewhat airless. A qualified welcome. … see Full Review

Asger Hamerik (1843-1923) Requiem Op. 34 (1887) Quintetto Op. 6 (1862) Concert Romance for 'cello and piano Op. 27 (1879) Symphonie Spirtuelle for string orchestra Op. 38 (1897) Minna Nyhus – mezzo-soprano The Danish National Symphony Choir The Danish National Radio Symphony Orchestra Ole Schmidt – conductor Troels Svane Hermansen – ‘cello Morten Mogensen – piano Astrid Christensen –viola Søren Elbaek –violin Date or location of recording not supplied: Published 1991. KONTRAPUNKT 32074/75 [CD1: 47:07; CD2 63:20]

Another example of rare discoveries from the great treasure store of nineteenth century music. This composer does not deserve the neglect he suffers. Listen to the Requiem. It is as good as any by more famous names. His symphony is faultless. ...see Full Review

Georg Frideric HANDEL (1685-1759) Giulio Cesare Cesare - Jennifer Larmore Concerto Köln/René Jacobs director HARMONIA MUNDI HMC 901385.87 (4 CDs priced as three) [243.25] [JW]

A first choice for Giulio Cesare and high praise is deserved by the soloists, orchestra, by Jacobs himself and by Harmonia Mundi. ...see Full Review

George Frideric HANDEL (1685-1759) Te Deum in D major Dettingen, HWV 283 [38.17] Te Deum in A major, HWV 282 [15.52] Dorothee Mields (sop); Ulrike Andersen (alto); Mark Wilde (ten); Chris Dixon (bass) Alsfelder Vokalensemble; Concerto Polacco Conducted by Wolfgang Helbich Recorded in Maria Magdalenen Kirche, Templin, Germany, 12-16 August 1999 NAXOS 8.554753 [54.08] [JQ]

This is a lively and enjoyable issue which will give much pleasure and which can be recommended safely, particularly at the Naxos price. [JQ]
The solo team emerges with much credit; indeed they are one of its prime strengths. The orchestral playing has rather less to commend it [TB] see Full Listing

Georg Friederich HÄNDEL (1685 - 1759) Gloria * Dixit Dominus Antonio VIVALDI (1678-1741) Gloria The Monteverdi Choir English Baroque Soloists, John Eliot Gardiner * Gillian Keith, Soprano Rec: November 1998 (Vivaldi Gloria and Handel Dixit Dominus); June 2001 (Handel Gloria), All Hallows Church, Gospel Oak, London PHILIPS 462 597-2 [78.21] [KM]

This recording is excellent, and should delight most listeners though the BIS is to be preferred in the Händel Gloria … see Full Listing

Franz Joseph HAYDN (1732-1809) Esterházy Sonatas, Volume 1 (Complete Solo Keyboard Music Volume 6). Keyboard Sonatas – No. 35 in A flat, HobXVI/43; No. 36 in C, HobXVI/21; No. 37 in E, HobXVI/22; No. 38 in F, HobXVI/23. Ronald Brautigam (fortepiano). Recorded in Länna Church, Sweden in August 1999 [DDD] BIS CD1095 [70.28] [CC]

Brautigam is a player whose thoughtful and scholarly approach includes an awareness of the many sides of Haydn’s expressive world. This disc will bring repeated pleasure. … see Full Review

Gustav HOLST (1874-1934) Choral Hymns from the Rig Veda, Savitri, Seven Partsongs, The Evening Watch, Fugal Concerto, St Paul's Suite
Ballet Music: The Perfect Fool, Egdon Heath, The Hymn of Jesus, Moorside Suite DECCA 470 191 2 [2CDs: 149.30] [TB]

This collection must assume a proud position as one of the best issues of English music in the catalogue. …see Full Listing

Gustav HOLST (1874-1934) The Planets Op. 32 Ralph VAUGHAN WILLIAMS (1872-1958) Fantasia on "Greensleeves" Fantasia on a theme by Thomas Tallis New London Children’s Choir Philharmonia Orchestra conducted by Leonard Slatkin Recorded 1996 (The Planets) 1992 (Fantasia on "Greensleeves") 1991 (Tallis Fantasia) Venues not given RCA Red Seal Sound Dimension 74321 68018 2 DDD [70:15] Superbudget

Not quite up there with the finest but a disc that offers undeniably good value for money coupled with decent, solid performances. …. Full review


Herbert HOWELLS (1892-1983)
Te Deum & Jubilate, Office of Holy Communion, Psalm Prelude, Opus 32 No. 2, Preces & Responses, I & II,
Psalm 121, Psalm 122, Magnificat & Nunc Dimittis, Take Him, Earth, for Cherishing, Rhapsody for organ, Opus 17 No. 3,
Gregory Moore (cantor, Simon Williams (tenor), Peter Barley (organ) Choir of King's College, Cambridge/Stephen Cleobury Rec 1989, DECCA 470 194 2 [78.28] Midprice [TB]

If occasionally a more full toned choral contribution might have been more fulfilling, the compensations among these performances outweigh the doubts by some considerable margin. … see Full Review

Arshak IKILIKIAN (b. 1948) The Courageous Nazar - ballet in one act (1981) Piano Concerto (1986) Superpulse for percussion and computer (1999) Success for violin and computer (1998) Crash for clarinet, bass clarinet and computer (1999) Nairy Grigorian (piano) Armenian National Radio SO/Gevork Muradian Thomas Sandberg (percussion) Birgitte Bærentzen Pihl (violin) Fritz Berthelsen (clarinets) rec Yerevan, 1987 (orch); Aarhus, 2 Nov, 16-17 Dec 1999 DACAPO 8.224181 [70.26] [RB]

Challenging computer works from Ikilikian's later 'menagerie' and two more conventional works though still tough enough to intrigue. ... see Full Review

Sigfrid KARG-ELERT (1877-1933) Pastels and Impressions Ach bleib mit deiner Gnade Op 87 No 1 Seven Pastels from the Lake of Constance Op 96 Eight Short Pieces Op 154 Trois Impressions Op 72 Passacaglia and Fugue on B.A.C.H Op 150 Hans Fagius (organ) Recorded on the 1928 Frobenius organ of Aarhus Cathedral, Denmark April 2000 BIS CD 1084 [79.57] [JW]

Nearly eighty minutes of the ever exciting – and often downright perplexing – Sigfrid Karg-Elert. ...see Full Review

Paul LADMIRAULT (1877-1944) Poèmes Symphoniques En Forêt (1932) Valse Triste for piano and orchestra (1901,1933) Brocéliande au Matin (prelude to Act II of the opera Myrrdhin) (1909) La Brière (1926) Colette Diard (piano) Orchestre de Bretagne/Stefan Sanderling rec Rennes, Sept 2000 PIERRE VERANY PV700021 [56.39] [RB]

A valued addition to the catalogue and another step in the documenting of the deep treasury of the Gallic 20th century. ...see Full Review

Léonin (fl.c.1160-1190) Sacred Music from 12th Century Paris For Christmas. Judea et Jherusalem; Descendit de celis; For Easter. Et valde mane; Christus resurgens; Sedit angelus; For Pentecost. Dum complerentur; Advenit ignis; Repleti sunt omnes; Benedicamus Domino Red Byrd – John Potter and Richard Wistreich with Yorvox Recorded at St. Alban’s Church Holborn London April 2001 HYPERION CDA66944 [74.33] [GH]

An outstanding release where scholarship and superb vocal musicianship go hand in hand. I am left in admiration of the entire project. …. See Full Listing.

Franz LISZT (1811-1886) Complete Piano Music, Volume 18: Piano Transcriptions of Beethoven Symphonies: Symphony No. 1 in C major,Symphony No. 3 in E flat major 'Eroica' Konstantin Scherbakov (piano) Rec 19-20 September 2000, St Martin's Church, East Woodhay, Berkshire NAXOS 8.555354 [78.51] [TB] [GH]

This new volume is an undoubted success. This is an experience which will bring the listener many rewards. [TB] Scherbakov makes it all seem so effortless. I cannot fault his work. I’m less keen on the piano sound, and I wonder if St. Martin’s Church is quite the venue for this piano recital. [GH] ...see Full Listing

Albert LORTZING (1801-1851) Don Juan und Faust (1829)
Incidental music Ali Pascha von Janina oder Die Franzosen in Albanien (1823/8) Szenen aus Mozarts Leben (Scenes from Mozart’s life) (1833)
Singspiel in one Act MUSIK DABRINGHAUS & GRIMM MDG 609 1059-2 [CD1 74.08 CD2 58.06] [RW]

The singers and actors are excellent and produce good performances of these Lortzing rarities. ... see Full Review


Witold LUTOSLAWSKI (1913-1994)
Orchestral Works, Volume 7
Three Postludes, Preludes and Fugues for 13 solo strings, Mini Overture, Fanfare for Louisville, Fanfare for CUBE, Prelude for G.S.M.D., Fanfare for the University of Lancaster Polish National Radio Symphony Orchestra/Antoni Wit Rec 6 September 1996 (Postlude No. 1), 16-17 May 2000 (Postludes Nos. 2 &3, plus shorter items), 23rd July 2000 (Preludes & Fugue), Fitelberg Concert Hall, Katowice NAXOS 8.555270 [59.10] [TB]

Lutoslawski is well served here. These performances all contribute to a highly successful combination, in thoroughly acceptable sound , with talented musicians performing under a gifted conductor. …see Full Review

 

 

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


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