Joly
Braga SANTOS (a) Concerto for Strings
in D (1951); (b) Sinfonietta for Strings (1963); (c) Variations Concertantes
for Strings and Harp (1967); (d) Concerto for Violin, Cello, Strings
and Harp (1967) 
(d)
Bradley Creswick (violin), Alexander Somov (cello); (c,d) Sue Blair
(harp) Northern Sinfonia, Álvaro Cassuto (conductor) Recorded Jubilee
Theatre, St Nicholas' Hospital, Gosforth, 26th-28th April 2001
Marco Polo 8.225186 (67:51) [CW]
Cassuto
at the helm of an English Sinfonia at the top of their form adds to
the appeal of a fine issue which does much to fill out our picture of
this most worthwhile and surprising initiate into the ranks of indisputably
great 20th century composers....see Full
Review
Antonio
SARTORIO (1620-1681)
L’Orfeo,
opera 
Voices and instruments of the Clemencic Consort/René Clemencic
Rec. Teatro Goldoni, Venice, Italy, October 1997
WARNER: MUSIC ANTIQUA 8573 84103-2 [CD1 62.21; CD2 44.16; CD3
51.02] [RJF]
Those
with specialist interest in Baroque opera will want this mid-price issue.
Others may well be more circumspect.
...see Full Review
Rodion
SHCHEDRIN (b. 1932) Carmen
Suite Concerto for Orchestra No. 1 Naughty Limericks Concerto
for Orchestra No. 2 The Chimes
Russian National Orchestra/Mikhail Pletnev Rec February-March 1998,
Moscow State Conservatory
DEUTSCHE GRAMMOPHON DG 471 1362 [61.48]
With
richly colourful sound, these compelling works will give much pleasure
to those who enjoy the wider range of possibilities modern music offers.
For those of more timid tastes, the experience will be vibrant and direct.
...see Full Review
Franz
SCHREKER (1878-1934)
Overtures
and Incidental music Ekkehard Overture (1902) Fantastic
Overture (1903) Der Schatzgräber: Act 3 Interlude (c.1915)
Die Gezeichneten: Prelude (1914) Das Spielwerk: Prelude
(1932) Slovak Philharmonic
Orchestra/Edgar Seipenbusch Rec. Slovak Philharmonic Concert Hall, Prague,
Czech Republic 1986-7 NAXOS
8.555246 [51.05] [RW]
All
deal with principally dark topics and the material is not uplifting.
However the performances are strong from the large Slovak orchestra
and is sensitively handled under Seipenbusch's baton. … see Full
Listing.
Franz
SCHUBERT (1797-1828).
Symphonies
No. 5 D485 and No. 8 "Unfinished" D759 Overtures in the Italian
Style D590 and D591 Royal
Concertgebouw Orchestra Nikolaus Harnoncourt Recorded Concertgebouw
November 1992 APEX 0927
40840-2 [69.29] [JW]
From
Harnoncourt’s conspicuously successful traversal of the complete symphonies
come these serious minded but never ponderous readings. … see
Full Listing
Franz SCHUBERT
(1797-1828) String
Quintet in C major
Brandis Quartet, Jörg Baumann (cello) Rec 1987, Teldec
APEX 09274 08332 [54.56]
The
Brandis ensemble must be commended for their eloquence and skill, though
as with other issues in this admirably budget-priced series, the booklet
is poorly designed and unnecessarily difficult to read. … see Full
Listing
Franz
SCHUBERT
(1797-1828) Die Winterreise, D911.
Christian Gerhaher (baritone); Gerold Huber (piano). Recorded in Studio
2 of Bavarian Radio, Munich on January 13th-17th and 19th, 2001. [DDD]
ARTE NOVA Lieder 74321
80777-2 [77.59] Superbudget [CC]
Despite
many positive points, Gerhaher and Huber in the final analysis fail
top move the listener in the way that some of this score’s greatest
exponents can. …see Full Listing
Franz SCHUBERT (1797-1828)
Schwanengesang,
D. 957 (1828) Johannes BRAHMS (1833-1897)
Vier ernste Gesänge, op.121 (1896)
Thomas Quasthoff (baritone), Justus Zeyen (pianoforte) Recorded in the
Bavaria Musikstudios, Munich, 12.2000
DG 471 030-2 [65.49] [CH]
There
is no shortage of famous versions of Schwanengesang and you’d be better
off with any of them. ...see Full
Review
Robert
SCHUMANN Fantasie,
Op.17; Davidsbundlertanze. Op.6
Herbert du Plessis (piano)
Recorded June 1995, Boulogne-Billancourt
PAVANE ADW 7348 [69.09] [CA]
Du
Plessis, on his own terms, makes a decent impression, but this is an
uncompetitive release given the competition. … see
Full Review
Jean
SIBELIUS (1865-1957)
Symphony
no. 1 in E minor, op. 39 (1899) Symphony no. 5 in E flat,
op. 82 (1917) London Symphony
Orchestra/Sir Colin Davis
BMG RCA RED SEAL 7432168017 2 [70.34] [CH]
It’s
all very fine; but read on if you dare! … see Full
Listing
Jean
SIBELIUS (1865-1957)
Complete music for violin and orchestra
Violin Concerto Miriam
Fried (violin) Helsinki Philharmonic Orchestra/Okko Kamu Serenades
Nos. 1 & 2 Jaakko Kuusisto (violin) Kuopio Symphony Orchestra/Atso
Almila Six Humoresques Leonidas Kavakos (violin) Tapiola Sinfonietta/Juliani
Lamminmöki Suite in D minor for violin & orchestra Jari
Valo (violin) Ostrobothnian Chamber Orchestra/Juha Kangas Rec 1988 (Violin
Concerto); 1998 (others) Finlandia
APEX 09274 06062 [79.17] Superbudget [TB]
Fried
is not afraid to wring the utmost emotion from the music, as when she
pulls back the tempo in the more expressive moments of the first movement.
Characterful and compelling. …. See
Full Review
Jean
SIBELIUS (1865-1957)
Songs
Volume 2: Hymn to Thais. Five Christmas Songs op.1. Eight Josephson
Songs op.57. Sangen om korsspindeln (King Christian II) op.27 no.4.
Four Songs op.72 nos.3-6. Six Songs op.86. Sma flickorna. Recorded
January 1994 in Stockholm. (DDD)
Monica Groop (mezzo) Love Derwinger (piano)
BIS-CD-657 [65.35] [DW]
A
marvellous CD. Agreed not all the songs are gems but the singer is!
Definitely one of my desert island discs. ...see Full
Review
Jean
SIBELIUS
(1865-1957) Orchestral Songs
Mari-Anne Häggander (soprano)Jorma Hynninen (baritone)
Gothenburg Symphony Orchestra/Jorma PanulaRec 1985?
BIS-CD-270 [55.00?] [DW]
Jorma
Hynninen, is undeniably first class in these songs and Marie Anne Haggander's
top register is gloriously clear and, in a good sense, piercing and
clear like a Nordic winter. …see Full
Listing
Richard Stoker
(1938- ) Piano Music
Eric Parkin (piano) Rec. 1998
PRIORY PRCD 659 [79.00] [JF]
Good
introduction to one of the more approachable contemporary composers.
Taught by Lennox Berkeley and Nadia Boulanger, this sound education
shows in this fine music - interesting, satisfying and enjoyable. Well
played by Eric Parkin too. .. see Full Listing
Richard
STRAUSS
(1864-1949) Friedenstag 
Soloists Staatsopernchor Dresden Staatskapelle Dresden Giuseppe Sinopoli
Rec September 1999, Lukaskirche Dresden
DG 463 494-2 [76.03] [TB]
A
useful addition to the catalogue rather than a compelling and definitive
addition to it. ...see Full Review
Richard STRAUSS (1864-1949)
Ein
Heldenleben, Tod und Verklarung
Concertgebouw Orchestra Willem Mengelberg conductor Recorded Concertgebouw
1941 (Ein Heldenleben) and 1942 (Tod und Verklarung)
NAXOS HISTORICAL 8.110161 [65.54] [JW]
Mengelberg
has been increasingly well served recently on CD but this late Straussian
disc is deserving of wide currency. … see Full
Review
Igor
STRAVINSKY
(1882-1971) Pétrouchka (1919 version)
Le Sacre du Printemps
Royal Philharmonic Orchestra Yuri Temirkanov Recorded 1988 Venue not
given RCA RED SEAL 74321
68020 2 DDD [71:17] Superbudget [CT]
Below
par performances of two Stravinsky masterpieces that are lacking in
character, refinement and energy. ... see Full
Review
Timothy
SULLIVAN A
Magic Casement, Two Pianos, A Soft and Golden Fire
Kathleen Brett (sop); Linda Maguire (mezzo); Stephen Ralls and Bruce
Ubukata (pianos) (Magic Casement). Duo Turgeon (Two Pianos); Kathleen
Brett (sop); Robert Cram (flute); Sanya Eng (harp). rec 22-23 June,
5-6 Aug 2000, Church of St Mary Magdalene, Toronto
CLASS X DISCS [65.19] [RB]
Thoughtful,
beautifully conceived and executed works to gladden the heart. ... see
Full Review
Ralph
VAUGHAN WILLIAMS (1872-1958)
Phantasy
Quintet (1912) [15.06] String Quartet No.1 in G minor (1908 rev.1921)
[29.36] String Quartet No.2 in A minor (1942-3) [21.46]
Maggini Quartet Garfield Jackson, viola Rec. Potton Hall, Suffolk, UK,
June 13-15 2000 NAXOS
8.555300 [66.29] [AT]
Naxos
hits the bullseye again, as truly excellent performances bring these
lesser known works to life. Essential for all Vaughan Williams lovers,
very important for everyone else. …. See Full Review
Ralph
VAUGHAN WILLIAMS
(1872-1958) Mass
in G minor Motets: Lord, Thou hast been our refuge; Prayer to the Father
of Heaven; O vos omnes; O clap your hands; O taste and see, Anthem:
O how amiable, Hymn: Come, down, O Love divine (Down Ampney)
Elora Festival Singers Thomas Fitches (organ) Noel Edison Rec 8-11 February
2000, Church of St Mary Magdalene, Toronto and St Mary's Church, Elora,
Ontario NAXOS 8.554826
[56.41] [TB]
An
appealing collection of interesting repertoire, but the details of the
composer's subtle textures are not always articulated. Even so this
remains a rewarding collection at the price. … see Full
Listing
Giuseppe
VERDI (1813-1901)
Il Trovatore Soloists
Chorus and Orchestra of
La Scala, Milan Lorenzo Molajoli (conductor)Recorded on 28 sides by
Italian Columbia 10-23 September 1930Appendix: Selected recordings
by Bianca Scacciati
NAXOS HISTORICAL 8.110162-63[150.09] Superbudget
A
glorious feast of singing from a golden age …see. Full
Review
Giuseppe
VERDI
(1813-1901) Opera Choruses
Choir and Orchestra of the National Academy of Saint Cecilia / Carlo
Rizzi Recorded: Conservatorio di Musica Santa Cecilia, Rome, September
1992 DDD WARNER CLASSICS
APEX 0927 40836 2 [61.09] [RMK]
At
£4.99 this is a bargain and a half: not to be missed. ... see
Full Review
Heitor
VILLA-LOBOS (1887-1959)
Piano
Music - Volume 2 A Lenda do Caboclo, Ondulando, Valsa da Dor, A Prole
do Bebe No 2, Cirandinhas
Sonia Rubinsky (piano) Recorded Grace Church on the Hill, Toronto April
2000 NAXOS 8.554827
[66.48] [JW]
The
sound is natural and sympathetic and Rubinsky’s playing is deeply impressive.
Highly recommended. … see Full Review
Antonio
VIVALDI
(1678-1741) Orlando
Furioso Marilyn
Horne, Orlando, Susan Patterson, Angelica, Kathleen Kuhlmann, Alcina,
Sandra Walker, Bradamante, Jeffrey Gall, Ruggerio, William Matteuzzi,
Medoro Kevin Langan, Astolfo Orchestra and Chorus of the San Francisco
Opera, Randall Behr Production: Pier Luigi Pizzi Rec: 1989, San Francisco.
ARTHAUS
DVD 100210 147.00] [KM]
Certainly
worth having, especially since there are so few recordings (especially
videos) of Vivaldi’s operas. ...see
Full Review
William
WALTON (1902-1983)
The
World Of William Walton
Overture: Portsmouth Point London Philharmonic Orchestra/Sir
Adrian Boult
Tango-Pasodoble, Valse, Jodelling Song, Scotch
Rhapsody, Popular Song (from Façade) Peggy
Ashcroft, Jeremy Irons (speakers) London Sinfonietta/Riccardo Chailly
Andante tranquillo (first movement of Violin Concerto)
Tasmin Little (violin) Bournemouth Symphony Orchestra/Andrew Litton
Movements I & IV (from Five Bagatelles) Nicola Hall
(guitar) Set me as a seal upon thine heart Timothy Moule
(treble), William Kendall (Tenor) Choir of Winchester Cathedral/David
Hill Crown Imperial Bournemouth Symphony Orchestra/Andrew
Litton Charge and Battle (from Henry V) Bournemouth Symphony
Orchestra/Andrew Litton Finale (from Symphony no. 2) Royal Philharmonic
Orchestra/Vladimir Ashkenazy The sing aloud . . . . (from
Belshazzar's Feast) London Philharmonic Chorus and Orchestra/Sir
Georg Solti Rec Decca, 1954-1995
DECCA 470 127 2 [70.30] [TB]
There
are some splendid things among this compilation. ...see Full
Review
Christoph
Ernst Friedrich WEYSE (1774-1842) SYMPHONIES
CD 1: Symphonies Nos 1 –3 CD 2: Symphonies 4 & 5 CD 3: Symphonies
6 & 7 Royal Danish
Orchestra/Michael Schønwandt Rec. 1993/4, Copenhagen, Denmark
MARCO POLO/DACAPO CD
1 DACAPO 8.224012 [66.47] CD 2 DACAPO 8.224013 [56.32] CD 3 DACAPO 8.224014
[54.18]
Weyse
is in the Haydn tradition. Splendid playing by the Royal Danish Orchestra
under Schønwandt. I should have welcomed a touch more gusto but
these are rewarding works. ...see Full
Review
Christoph
Ernst Friedrich WEYSE (1774-1842)
The
Late Piano Works: 8
Etudes Op.51 (1831) 4 Etudes Op.60 (1837) Allegro di bravura
in A Minor Op.50 (1831)
Bohumila Jedlickova (piano) Rec. 1993, Copenhagen, Denmark
MARCO POLO/DACAPO DCCD 9307 [CD1 50.23] Full Price [RW]
Jedlickova
meets the challenge of breathing life into Weyse's piano music with
energy and commitment. ...see Full Review
Graham
WHETTAM (b.1927)
Concerto Drammatico; Sinfonia contra
timore
Martin Rummel (vlc); Sinfonia da Camera, Urbana, Illinois/Ian Hobson;
Leipzig Radio Symphony Orchestra/Günter Blumhagen (British Orchestral
Music Vol 2) rec: Concerto; Sept 2000 Univ Illinois;Sinfonia; Oct 75
German Radio REDCLIFFE
RECORDINGS RR 017 [60.00] Midprice
This
release puts Whettam’s music back on a map which it should never have
deserted. ...see Full Review
James
WHITBOURN
(b. 1963) A
Finer Truth, Crown my heart, Glory to thee , Son of God Mass, For
choir, saxophone† and organ Of one that is so fair, Hodie, Come to
the wedding, Song of Hannah, Venite, Blessings on you
This is my commandment, The Mystery of Love, For tenor*, choir and
chamber ensemble A finer truth, Come with me, The wide world sings,
I saw a plant, Go so gently *
Robert Tear (tenor); † John Harle (saxophone); Joby Burgess (percussion)
and John Reid (organ) with the Choir of Clare College Cambridge directed
by Timothy Brown Recorded in Chapel of St John’s College, Cambridge
on 25th and 26th June 2001
ETCETERA KTC 1248 [70:33] [GL]
This
is inspired new sacred music, a joy to listen to and a very welcome
contrast to accustomed devotional pieces. ...see Full
Review
Charles-Marie
WIDOR
(1844-1937) Piano
Trio in B flat major (1875) [31.33] Piano Quintet in D minor
(1890) [29.18] Ilona Prunyi
(piano)
New Budapest Quartet rec Italian Institute, Budapest, 10-13 April 1988
NAXOS 8555416 [60.51]
[RB]
Two
French chamber works from the end of the nineteenth century. If you
are at all curious about Widor out of the organ loft then your curiosity
will be rewarded.
...see Full Review
WOLF
Hugo (1860-1903) Mörike
Lieder Joan Rodgers
(soprano), Stephan Genz (baritone), Roger Vignoles (pianoforte) Recorded
9.1999 and 10.2000 in the Clara-Wieck-Auditorium, Heidelberg-Sandhausen,
Germany HYPERION CDA67311/2
[2 CDs, 74.09 71.59] [CH]
The
whole of romantic Germany is here. All who care about the continuance
of great lieder singing in our own times will hear it with rejoicing.
… 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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