> Classical CD Reviews January 2002 part 6 Misc: Classical MusicWeb (UK)

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PART 6
Misc

[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

ALLEGRI MISERERE and others Pro Cantione Antiqua/Mark Brown (nos. 1,2,3,5,11,14) Paul Esswood, James Bowman (countertenors), James Griffett (tenor), Bradford tracey (organ) English Consort of Viols (nos. 4,6 –10, 12-13) REGIS RRC 1065 [69:32] [GPJ]

Fine performances of great music recaptured here then; thank-you Regis, but could we have a little more information please! …. See Full Review

SUSAN B. ANTHONY PORTRAIT Ernest CHAUSSON (1855-1899) Le Roi Arthus – Ah, … Trahie! Abandonnée. Gian Carlo MENOTTI (b 1911) The Consul – To this we’ve come. The Old Maid and the Thief – What a curse for a woman is a timid man. Richard WAGNER (18139-83) Lohengrin – Einsam in trüben Tagen. Tannhäuser – Allmächt’ge Jungfrau. Richard STRAUSS (1864-1949) Ariadne auf Naxos – Es gibt ein Reich. Elektra – Ich kann nicht sitzen. Die Frau ohne Schatten – Wehe, mein Mann!. Salome – Ah! Du wolltest mich nicht deinen Mund küssen lassen, Jochanaan.Susan B. Anthony (soprano); Slovak Radio Symphony Orchestra Bratislava/Ivan Anguélov Recorded in the Slovak Radio Concert Hall, Bratislava on May 14th-18th, 2001 [DDD] ARTE NOVA Voices 74321 86894-2 [66.46] Superbudget [CC]

Susan Anthony has graced the stages of many major international opera houses, and there is much on this disc to indicate why. … see Full Review

Compilation: Sir Thomas Beecham conducts Mili BALAKIREV (1837-1910) * Symphony No. 1 in C major Nikolai RIMSKY-KORSAKOV (1844 -1908) Le Coq d’Or – Suite * Alexander BORODIN (1833-1887) Polovtsian Dances London Philharmonic Choir and the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra Conducted by Sir Thomas Beecham [Live recordings from BBC Radio Maida Vale studio * in 1956 and from the Royal Festival Hall † in 1954] MONO BBC LEGENDS BBCL 4084-2 [74:34] [IL]

A rewarding disc for Beecham fans. .. see Full Review

Erna BERGER soprano (1900-) ‘The Singers’ series Arias and duets by Grieg, Mozart, Donizetti, R Strauss, Verdi, etc. Orchestra of Staatsoper Berlin, Various conductors Rec. Berlin, Germany, 1934-44 DECCA 467 917-2 [69.29] [RJF]

Berger brings fresh-voiced singing, fine legato, excellent phrasing, security above the stave and convincing trill. All heard to good effect. … see Full Review

LE BOEUF SUR LE TOIT French works for violin and orchestra
Saint-Saëns (1835-1921), Jules Massenet (1842-1912), Maurice Ravel (1875-1937), Hector Berlioz (1803-1869), Darius Milhaud (1892-1974): Saint-Saëns Introduction et rondo capriccioso Op.28; Havanaise Op.83; Valse-caprice Op.52 No.6; Danse macabre Op.40 Massenet Meditation from Thaïs Ravel Tzigane Berlioz Reverie and caprice Op. 8 Milhaud Le boeuf sur le toit Op. 58b Renaud Capuçon (violin) Die Deutsche Kammerphilharmonie Bremen/Daniel Harding (conductor) Recorded at Gutsscheune Stuhr-Varrel, Bremen, 29-30 November 2000 VIRGIN CLASSICS 7243 5 45482 2 [73.49] [CF]

Renaud Capuçon in his debut album of Beecham lollipops and his virtuosity is not to be denied. ….see Full Review

Sir Clifford Curzon Franz LISZT (1811-1886) Sonetto 104 del Petrarca (from Années de pélerinage, 2e année – Italie), Berceuse, Valse Oubliée no. 1, Sonata in B minor Joseph HAYDN (1732-1809) Andante and Variations in F minor
Franz SCHUBERT (1797-1828)
Impromptus, D.899: nos. 2-4 Sir Clifford Curzon (pianoforte) Recorded at the Edinburgh Festival (Leith Town Hall) 5.9.1961 (Liszt) BBC Studios, London, 30.3.1961 (Haydn); 24 12.1961 (Schubert) BBC LEGENDS BBCL 4078-2 [67.22] [CH]

The Liszt enters the select Panthéon of the very greatest recorded performance of this composer and no lover of great pianism should miss it. …see Full Review

SUZANNE DANCO (soprano) The Singers Series 1. Henry PURCELL (1659-1695): When I am laid in earth (Dido and Aeneas) 2. Christoph Willibald GLUCK (1714-87): Divinités du Styx (Alceste) L’Orchestre de la Suisse Romande conducted by Alberto Erede 3. Wolfgang Amadeus MOZART (1756-91): Voi che sapete (Le Nozze di Figaro) Come scoglio (Cosi fan tutte) Orchestra del Teatro alla Scala conducted by Jonel Perlea 4. Giuseppe VERDI (1813-1901): Ah, fors’e lui (La Traviata) 5. Jules MASSENET (1842-1912): Adieu, notre petite table (Manon) 6. Georges BIZET (1838-75): Je dis que rien ne m’épouvante (Carmen) 7. Gustave CHARPENTIER (1860-1856): Depuis le jour (Louise) L’Orchestre de la Suisse Romande conducted by Alberto Erede 8. Richard STRAUSS (1864-1949): Morgen, Op. 27, No. 4 Ständchen, Op. 17, No. 2 Traum durch die Dammerung, Op. 29, No. 1 Zueignung, Op. 10, No.1 Freundliche Vision, Op. 48, No.1 9. Claude DEBUSSY (1862-1918): Ariettes oubliées Guido Agosti (piano) Recording dates and venues: Items 1, 2, 4-7: Victoria Hall, Geneva, April, 1950 Item 3, July, 1947 Item 8, Victoria Hall, Geneva, October, 1952 Item 9, Decca Studios, West Hampstead, London, December, 1950
DECCA 467 909-2 [68.29] [JQ]

Suzanne Danco was a wonderful singer and this CD gives us another chance to admire her range and artistry. …. see Full Review

THURSTON DART PLAYS ENGLISH ORGAN MUSIC 1. William BYRD (1543-1623): A Fancy; A Voluntarie 1. John BULL (1562-1628): Salvator Mundi Deus; Fantasia 1. Orlando GIBBONS (1583-1625): In Nomine; Fantasia 2. Thomas TOMKINS (1572-1656): Fancy 2. John BLOW (1649-1708): Verset in D minor; Prelude in A Re 3. Matthew LOCKE (c1622-1677): For a Double Organ 3. Henry PURCELL (1659-1695): Voluntary on the Old Hundredth Psalm Tune; Verset 3. Maurice GREENE (c1695-1755): Voluntary No 2 3. George Frideric HANDEL (1685-1759): Fugue in F; Entrée; Menuet; Gavotte; Air Lentement; Concerto (Allegro) 4. James NARES (1715-1783): Introduction and Fugue 4. William BOYCE (1710-1779): Voluntary No 7 4. John STANLEY (1713-1786): Voluntary Op. 7, No 9 Thurston Dart (Organ) Recording dates & venues: 1. St. Lawrence, Appleby, 21 June 1957; 2. Holy Trinity Chapel, Staunton Harold, Leicestershire; 20 June 1957; 3. St John, Wolverhampton, 18 October 1957; 4. All Saints, Rotherham, 19 October 1957 Recordings reissued by J Martin Stafford.
Obtainable from 298, Blossomfield Road, Solihull, B91 1TH JMSCD 1
[64.18] [JQ]

The recordings themselves, though over forty years old, still sound well. Mainly of specialist appeal but an excellent tribute to a fine musician. J Martin Stafford is to be congratulated warmly on making these recordings available to a new audience. …see Full Listing

DECCA The Singers Beverly SILLS DECCA 467 906-2 , Joan SUTHERLAND DECCA 467 914-2 , Renata TEBALDI DECCA 467 915-2 , Luciano PAVAROTTI DECCA 467 920-2 , Leontyne PRICE DECCA 4679132 , Teresa BERGANZA DECCA 467 905-2, Nicolai GHIAUROV DECCA 467 902-2 [RMK]

With this start Decca has set a seriously high standard. I look forward keenly to the next releases in the series. … see Full Review

SARAH CHANG: Fire And Ice Popular works for violin and orchestra Sarasate Carmen Fantasy Massenet Méditation Ravel Tzigane Dvorak Romance in F minor Beethoven Romance in F major Bach Air from Suite No.3 Sarasate Zigeunerweisen Berlin Philharmonic Orchestra Placido Domingo (conductor) Recorded at the Philharmonie, Berlin, June 2001 EMI CLASSICS CDC5572202 [60.04] [CF]

Fire and Ice? I’m afraid it’s more a mixture of Hot Air and Slush. ... see Full Review

FORBIDDEN COLOURS: FOUR AUSTRALIAN CONTEMPORARY ORCHESTRAL WORKS Roger SMALLEY (b.1943) Diptych (Homage to Brian Blanchflower 1992) Melbourne S.O. dir. Gunther Schuller Recorded live at Merlyn Theatre 23/05/92 Riccardo FORMOSA (b.1954) Dedica (1982) Melbourne S.O. conducted by Patrick Thomas with oboist Jeffrey Crellin Studio Recording at Moorobbin Town Hall 11/03/83 Gerard BROPHY (b.1953) Forbidden Colours (1988) Queensland Symphony Orchestra conducted by Myer Fredman Recorded live at the ABC Studios Brisbane 14/06/90 Bozidar KOS ( b.1949) Violin Concerto (1986) Queensland S.O. conducted by John Hopkins with Dene Olding, Violin Recorded live ABC Studios Brisbane 27/06/90 VOX AUSTRALIS VAST 015-2 [64.38] [GH]

This disc comprises works by composers who have now either established themselves in Australia or in the case of Gerard Brophy were born there. The composers ‘have strong musical connections with Europe’. Compelling for the Kos and Smalley. ...see Full Review

FORGOTTEN VICTORIAN THEATRE MUSIC: SULLIVAN & BALFE BALFE: Overture "Le Puits d'Amour"; Song, "Come into the Garden Maud". SULLIVAN: Songs from "The Tempest", "The Sapphire Necklace", "The Contrabandista", "Thespis", "The Sorcerer", "Ruddigore", "The Yeomen of the Guard", "Ivanhoe", "Haddon Hall", "Utopia Limited", "The Grand Duke", "The Beauty Stone", "The Rose of Persia", "The Emerald Isle". RUDALL CARTE: Flute Selection from "The Pirates of Penzance". Soloists, Alderley Singers & Festival Orchestra conducted by Peter England Recorded 18th November 2000, Alderley Edge, Cheshire WRW201-2 [57.09?] [CW]

An issue certainly of considerable interest to Sullivan aficionados. …. See Full Listing

HALLÉ ENCORE! Aaron COPLAND (1900-1990) Fanfare for the Common Man Aram KHACHATURIAN (1903-1978) Spartacus: Adagio Charles GOUNOD (1818-1893) Mors et Vita: Judex Hamish MacCUNN (1868-1916) Land of the Mountain and Flood, op. 3 Giacomo PUCCINI (1858-1916) Manon Lescaut: Intermezzo Pietro MASCAGNI (1863-1945) Cavalleria Rusticana: Intermezzo Erik SATIE (1866-1925) orch. Claude Debussy Gymnopédies: 1, 3 Jules MASSENET (1842-1912) Thaïs: Meditation Remo GIAZOTTO (1910-1998) Adagio in g minor on two thematic hints and a figured bass by Albinoni Johann PACHELBEL (1653-1706) ed. Seiffert Canon Trad. Welsh arr. George WELDON (1906-1963) Suo gan Samuel BARBER (1910-1981) Adagio for Strings, op. 11 Hallé Orchestra/Maurice Handford Recorded in the Free Trade Hall, Manchester, June 1979, May 1980 EMI CLASSICS FOR PLEASURE 574 9452 [76.16] [CH]

Some heart-warming musicianship provides not only general enjoyment but also the chance to rediscover a semi-forgotten conductor. ...see Full Review

John IRELAND (1879-1962) Edmund RUBBRA (1901-1986) Roger QUILTER (1877-1953 British Music Collection DECCA 470 195-2 [61.28] midprice [CH]

The programme is attractive in its heterogeneous way and offers some precious items. ...see Full Review

Gundula JANOWITZ, soprano (1937- ) ‘The Singers’ series Arias by Weber & Wagner, lieder by Schubert, Vier Letzte Lieder (Four Last Songs) R. Strauss Irwin Gage (piano) Orchestra of Deutsches Opera, Berlin/Ferdinand Leitner Berlin Philharmonic/Karajan Rec. Berlin, Germany, 1967-77 DECCA 467 910-2 [73.02] Midprice [RJF]

Janowitz possessed a high lyric soprano, a creamy centre and shining silver high notes and is compactly represented here. ….see Full Review

KALEIDOSCOPE Fritz BEHR (1837-98) Polka de W. R. (arr. Rachmaninov). Edna BENTZ WOODS Valse Phantastique. Emile-Robert BLANCHET (1877-1943) Turquie – Au jardin du vieux sérail (Andrianople), Op. 18 No. 3. Felix BLUMENFELD (1863-1931) Etude pour la main gauche seul, Op. 36. Alfredo CASELLA (1883-1947) Deux Contrastes. Alexander GLAZUNOV (1865-1936) The Seasons – Petit Adagio (arr. Hamelin). Leopold GODOWSKY (1870-1938) Triakontameron – No. 13, Alt Wien. Marc-André HAMELIN (b. 1961) Etudes – No. 3 (d’après Paganini); No. 6, Essercizio per pianoforte (Omaggio a Domenico Scarlatti). Josef HOFMANN (1876-1957) Mignonettes – Nocturne (‘Complaint’). Charakterskizzen, Op. 40 – No. 4, Kaleidoskop. Nikolai KAPUSTIN (b. 1937) Toccatina, Op. 36. Jules MASSENET (1842-1912) Valse folle. Arthur LOURIÉ (1892-1966) Gigue. Alexander MICHALOWSKI (1851-1938) Etude d’après l’Impromptu en la bémol majeur de Fr. Chopin, Op. 29. Moritz MOSZKOWSKI (1854-1925) Etude in A flat minor, Op. 72 No. 13. Jacques OFFENBACH (1819-80)/Jakob GIMPEL (1906-89) Concert paraphrase of ‘The Song of the Soldiers of the Sea’. Francis POULENC (1899-1963) Intermezzo in A flat. John VALLIER (1920-91) Toccatina. Marc-André Hamelin (piano).Recorded in Henry Wood Hall, London on February 2nd-4th, 2001. [DDD] HYPERION CDA67275 [67.21] [CC]

Many, many delights are in store within this encore hunter’s treasure-trove. Careful programming and expert piano playing ensures that a straight play-through is a pleasure. ….see Full Listing

Koussevitzky Gramophone Premieres Aaron COPLAND (1900-1990) El salón México (1936) [11.01] Sergei PROKOFIEV (1891-1953) Lieutenant Kijé Suite (1934) [21.35] Jean SIBELIUS (1865-1957) Pohjola’s Daughter (1906) [12.13] Richard STRAUSS (1864-1949)
Also sprach Zarathustra (1894) [31.11] Boston SO/Serge Koussevitzky. Rec Symphony Hall, Boston, 1 Dec 1938 (Copland); 22 Dec 1937 (Prokofiev); 6 May 1936 (Sibelius); 22 Jan 1935 (Strauss). mono ADD DUTTON LABORATORIES CDAX8015 [75.22]

Dutton have done recuperative and restorational miracles to get the music to beam as freshly as it does so if you are at all curious about the Boston SO in its greatest glory days there is no excuse for passing by this disc. ...see Full Review


FROM THE LAND OF BACH
Organ Works by:- J. S. BACH (1685-1750), Concerto in G Major after Johann Ernst BWV 592, - S. SCHEIDT (1587-1654), Passamezzo SSWV 1071, - J. C. Kittel (1732-1809), Grob en Preludien: 1. Prelude in E-Flat Major 2. Prelude in E-Flat Minor, - J.S.Bach Prelude and Fugue in E Major BWV 566, - R. SCHUMANN (1810-1856), Six Fugues on B-A-C-H, Op.60 1. No.4, Mässig doch nicht zu langsam 2. No.5, Lebhaft, - J. S. BACH, Two Chorale Preludes 1. Valet will ich dir geben, BWV 736, 2. Herzlich tut mich verlagen BWV 727, F. B. MENDELSSOHN (1809-1847), Sonata no.3 in A Major. Robert Clark, Organist Organ Hall, Arizona State University Organ by: Paul Fritts and Co., 1992. Recorded: January 2000, Arizona State University, Temple, Arizona. CALCANTE RECORDINGS CAL CD034 [60.08] [CrA]

Clark’s rhythms are sprightly and most of the finger-work is tidy. The listener will have a very pleasant journey through the music of two centuries. ...see Full Review


Mario Del MONACO, tenor (1915- )‘The Singers’ series Arias by Giordano, Puccini, Halévy, Bellini, Verdi, Wagner and other sung pieces by Bizet, Franck, Gastaldon, Bernstein and Brodsky Rec. Italy, Austria, and France, 1953-69 DECCA 467 919-2 [72.38] [RJF]

Some of these track would have been left in the vaults … he is heard at his best in the heroic roles such as Chénier and Otello. …see. Full review

MOVIE BRASS Kenneth J. ALFORD Bridge on the River Kwai: Colonel Bogey John BARRY / Monty NORMAN James Bond: Medley Elmer BERNSTEIN The Great Escape: March Eric COATES The Dam Busters: March Bill CONTI Rocky: Gonna Fly Now Harry GREGSON-WILLIAMS / John POWELL Chicken Run: Main Theme James HORNER Braveheart: For the Love of a Princess Miklos ROZSA Ben-Hur: March of the Charioteers Alan SILVESTRI Forrest Gump: Feather Theme John WILLIAMS Indiana Jones and the Temple of Doom, Jurassic Park: Main Theme, Star Wars: Main Theme, Superman: Theme Hans ZIMMER Gladiator: Barbarian Horde Grimethorpe Colliery U.K. Coal Band/Garry Cutt Recorded June 2001, Dewbury Town Hall RCA VICTOR 74321 88393 2 [60.31] [CH]

If you enjoyed "Brassed Off", don’t miss this one. … see Full Listing

MUCH LOVED MUSIC Full listing on the review Hallé Orchestra and Hallé Choir with Pamela Coburn (soprano) conducted by Owain Arwel Hughes Recorded Royal Northern College of Music Manchester July 1984 and Studio 7 Broadcasting House Manchester July 1985 CLASSICS FOR PLEASURE 7243 5 74884 2 6 [76.13] [GH]

This low-priced, generously filled but well recorded and good quality CD, might be just what you need, or at any time for that matter. It never grates and you might well wash up to it or eat or… well … whatever. ...see Full Review

MUSIC FOR ORGAN: Volume 2. Matthew CAMIDGE: Concerto No.2 in G minor. J.S.BACH: Prelude and Fugue in A minor, BWV536 and Chorale Preludes on ‘Liebster Jesu’, BWV730 & 731. GUILMANT: Sonata No.3. Ian MILNES: Elegy; Meditation on a Nunc Dimittis in the Dorian Mode. Ronald FROST: Variations on St. Peter. Douglas STEELE: Intrada; Chorale Prelude on Cocker’s "Ryburn"; On the Triad. LISZT: Fantasia on BACH. RONALD FROST (organ, St. Ann’s, Manchester). Rec 2001 DUNELM RECORDS DRD0170 [63.00?]

Ronald Frost, one of our finest organists, plays this music (and Bach, Guilmant and Liszt) thoughtfully and with great accomplishment. Excellent recording and good presentation. Recommended. … see Full Review

MUSICA BAROCCA Il Giardino Armonico Rec: January - February 2001, Chiesa di San Giorgio, Morbio Inferore, Switzerland. TELDEC 8573-85557-2 [70.23] [KM]

Kudos to Il Giardino Armonico for converting new listeners. But I wouldn’t hold my breath. .. see Full Review

BIRGIT NILSSON Birgit Nilsson (soprano); aÅke Levén (organ); bcOrchestra of the Royal Opera House, Covent Garden/bEdward Downes, cArgeo Quadri; dBayreuth Festival Orchestra/Karl Böhm. Recorded in aAugust, bMay 1963, cAugust 1962, live performances from the Bayreuth Festival in dJuly 1966, eAugust 1967. [ADD] DECCA The Singers 467 912-2 [70.15] [CC]

If ever there was a voice that matched up to the Everests of the repertoire, it was Birgit Nilsson’s. Much to be recommended for the heavier excerpts. … see Full Listing

ONCE AS I REMEMBER The story of Christmas in readings and music based on the Springhead Christmas Play Monteverdi Choir John Eliot Gardiner Recorded Church of St Peter and St Paul, Salle, Norfolk May 1998 PHILIPS 462050-2 [73.13] [JW]

Production values are high, the booklet a pleasure to read, the market – I suspect – small but the undertaking very well worthwhile. … see Full Review


OSTINATO Hespèrion XXI, Jordi Savall Rec: December 2000, June 2001, Chiesa di San Giorgio, Morbio Inferore, Switzerland. ALIA VOX AV 9820 [72.55] [KM]

Listeners may enjoy some of the works, maybe even all of them, but this is not a disc to listen to in its entirety. … see Full Review

Hermann PREY, baritone (1929- ) ‘The Singers’ series Arias by Rossini & Mozart. Lieder by Schubert, Schumann, Brahms and R. Strauss Piano accompaniment by Karl Engel. Various orchestras conducted by Abbado, Solti, Böhm Rec. Britain, Austria and Germany, 1962-71 DECCA 467 901-2 [64.04] Midprice [RJF]

Short playing time but Prey's soft expressive singing is outstanding as is his heartrendingly lovely mezza voce. ….see Full Review

William PRIMROSE and Albert SPALDING Henri CASADESUS attrib HANDEL Concerto in B Minor Wolfgang Amadeus MOZART (1756-1791) Sinfonia Concertante Johannes BRAHMS (1833-1897) Sonata No 2 in E Flat Major William Primrose (viola) Albert Spalding (violin) (Mozart only) Chamber Orchestra conducted by Walter Goehr (Casadesus only) New Friends of Music Orchestra conducted by Fritz Stiedry (Mozart only) Gerald Moore (piano) (Brahms only) Recorded between 1937 and 1941 PEARL GEMM CD 9045 [63.43]

This is a good conspectus of the pre-Heifetz Primrose. .. see Full Review

A Queen's Competition A documentary film by Michel Stockhem and Benoît Vlietinck.DVD. Running time: 99 minutes [FC]

This is an invariably interesting and informative documentary of the history of the Queen Elizabeth of Belgium Competition....see Full Review

RENDEZVOUS AND DREAMS Vazgen MURADIAN (b.1921) Concerto for Oboe and String Quartet (1962) Martin Scot KOSINS (b.1947) Rendezvous and Dreams for oboe and piano (1980) John BIGGS (b.1932) Dance Suite for oboe, violin, viola and cello (2000?) Gregory la TRAILLE (b.1951) Oboe Quintet (1999?) Peter Christ (oboe) Lisa Bergman (piano) Crystal Chamber Soloists rec Crystal Records Auditorium, Camas, WA - 11 Sept 1999 (La Traille); 7 Apr 2000 (Biggs); 14 May 2000 (Kosins); 29 Oct 2000 (Muradian) CRYSTAL RECORDS CD723 [63.23] [RB]

A lovely collection for the oboe-inclined. Deeply attractive for the Muradian and especially the La Traille. Peter Christ and his collaborators are the soul of enthusiastic discretion and sensitive response. ...see Full Review

Sviatoslav Richter Wolfgang Amadeus MOZART (1756-1791) Sonata in G, K. 283 Piotr Ilych TCHAIKOVSKY (1840-1893) The Seasons, op. 37a: 5. May: Starlight Night, 6. June: Barcarolle, 11. November: In a Troika, 1. January: By the Hearth Sergei RACHMANINOV (1873-1843) Etudes-Tableaux, op. 39: 3. F sharp minor, 4. B minor Alexander SCRIABIN (1872-1915) Sonata no. 9, op. 68 – "Black Mass" Sergei PROKOFIEV (1891-1953) Sonata no. 4 in C minor, op. 29 Sviatoslav Richter (piano) Recorded in Aldeburgh Parish Church, 19.6.1966 BBC LEGENDS BBCL 4082-2 [67.19] [CH]

Richter was a very great pianist, and a very great enigma too. Here he is sometimes didactic, but hear him anyway, for he always makes you think about the music he plays. …see. Full Listing

Camille SAINT-SAËNS (1835-1921) The Carnival of the Animals*
Maurice RAVEL (1875-1937)
Suite: Ma Mère l'Oye Georges BIZET (1838-1875) Jeux d'enfants *Peter Katin, Philip Fowke (pianos) Scottish National Orchestra/Sir Alexander Gibson Paul DUKAS (1865-1935) L'apprenti sorcier Maurice RAVEL (1875-1937) Boléro Hallé Orchestra/James Loughran Rec September 1973, September 1974, City Hall Glasgow (Saint-Saëns, Ravel Ma Mère l'Oye and Bizet): July 1978 Royal Northern College of Music, Manchester CLASSICS FOR PLEASURE 7243 5 74947 [75.05] [TB]

This attractive compilation of popular classics from the Scottish National and Hallé orchestras has much to commend it, since the performances are fresh and direct, and the recorded sound has come up well in its reincarnation. ...see Full Review

SAXOPHONE CONCERTOS Jacques IBERT (1890-1962) Concertino da Camera (1935) [12.49] Frank MARTIN (1890-1974) Ballade pour Saxophone et Orchestre (1938) [15.57] Lars-Erik LARSSON (1890-1962) Konsert för Saxofon och Stråkorkester (1934) [27.07] John-Edward Kelly (saxophone) Ostrobohnian Chamber Orchestra/Juha Kangas Rec Snellman-Saal Kokkola, Finland, June 4 & 6 1991 ARTE NOVA 74321-27786-2 [49.48] [AT]

Staples of the saxophone repertoire, enlivened by excellent performances from the soloist. Well worth investigating for sax lovers. … see Full Review

 

Andreas SCHOLL Wayfaring Stranger - Folksongs Andreas Scholl, countertenor Edin Karamazov, lute Jon Pickow, dulcimer, banjo Stacey Shames, harp Orpheus Chamber Orchestra Rec: May 2001, Recital Hall, Performing Arts Center, Purchase College, Purchase, New York. DECCA 468-499 2 [65.11] [KM]

If you are looking for a Christmas present for someone who doesn’t like classical music, and you want to let them discover a truly magnificent voice, get them this. It is the kind of disc that almost anyone will like. .. see Full Review

SIGNIFICATIO - ESTONIAN CHAMBER MUSIC René EESPERE (b.1953) Significatio for violin, cello and guitar (1999) Ester MÄGI (b.1922) A duo for flute and guitar (1967); Two Romances for soprano and guitar (1966/98); Three Miniatures for guitar (1996); Two Songs - The Night and With Eyes Closed (1998) Cadenza and Theme for violin and guitar (1984/99 Peeter VÄHI (b.1955) Dance of the Goddess for guitar (1996) Lepo SUMERA (1950-2000) Odalisques for flute, guitar and cello (1997/9) Jaan RÄÄTS (b.1932) Allegro Op.93 for violin and guitar Kaia Urb, soprano; Janika Lentsius, flute; Urmas Vulp, violin; Henry-David Varema, cello; Heiki Matlik, guitar Recorded October 1999 in the Art Museum- Toompea, Tallinn ESTONIAN RADIO ERCD 030 [61.50] [GH]

These works are for a rare combination of instruments perhaps a folk-inspired timbre. The Sumera and Mägi stood out in this company. ...see Full Review

Giuseppe DI STEFANO in Decca’s ‘The Singers’ Series Giuseppe DI STEFANO Orchestra conducted by Dino Olivieri (Recorded in 1958 – no venue given) with CD-ROM content including photo gallery, texts and links. DECCA 467 908-2 [79:06] [IL]

Bravo for Di Stefano – a wonderful memento of a great Italian tenor who was unafraid to wear his heart on his sleeve. ...see Full Review

STOKOWSKI’S SYMPHONIC BAROQUE George Frideric HANDEL (1685 – 1759) Suite from The Water Music * Dead March from Saul * Dietrich BUXTEHUDE (c1637 – 1707) Sarabande and Courante * Antonio CESTI (1623 – 1669) Tu mancavi a tormentarmi, crudelissima speranza Henry PURCELL (1659 – 1695) Suite * Tomas Luis de VICTORIA (1548 – 1611) Jesus dulcis memoria * William BYRD (1543 – 1623)
Pavane and Gigue
Arcangelo CORELLI (1653 – 1713) Adagio (from Violin Sonata Op. 5 No. 5) * Christoph Willibald GLUCK (1714 – 1787)
Sicilienne (from Armide)
Antonio VIVALDI (1678 – 1741) Concerto Grosso No. 11 in D minor (from Op. 3)
BBC Philharmonic Orchestra – Matthias Bamert.recorded 29/2 and 1/3/2000 in Studio 7, New Broadcasting House, Manchester. CHANDOS CHAN 9930 [76.02] [JP]

A first class continuation and end to the series. If you have been collecting these as they have been released you may go ahead without any concerns – it is well up to the standard of its predecessors and you will enjoy it make no mistake. …see Full Review

Marti TALVELA, bass (1935-1989) ‘The Singers’ series Songs by Schumann, Mussorgsky & Rachmaninov Irwin Gage, Ralf Gothoni (piano) Rec. Berlin, Germany,1969-80 DECCA 467 903-2 [72.22] [RJF]

Talvela has an obvious affinity for the Russian language and its nuances. Both accompanists are first rate. ... see Full Review

BRYN TERFEL: SOME ENCHANTED EVENING The Best of the Musicals Bryn Terfel (Baritone), Chorus of Opera North, English Northern Philharmonia/Paul Daniel Location, date, producer etc. not given DEUTSCHE GRAMMOPHON 471 425-2 [76.52] [CH]

Lovely voice, lovely singing. It’s probably my fault I didn’t enjoy it more. ...see Full Review

THIRTEEN WAYS OF LOOKING AT A BLACKBIRD Music for recorder and string quartet David FORSHAW (b.1938) Thirteen Ways of Looking at a Blackbird (1996) Leonard BERNSTEIN (1918 – 1990) Variations on an Octatonic Scale (1989) Richard ARNELL (b.1917) Quintet "The Gambian" Op.107 (1965) David ELLIS (b.1933) Elegiac Variations Op.66 (2001) Robert SIMPSON (1921 – 1997) Variations and Fugue (1959) Beth WISEMAN (b.1951) Dances on my Grave (2000) Mátyás SEIBER (1905 – 1960) Pastorale (1941) Philip WOOD (b.1972) Concertino for Recorder & String Quartet (2000) John Turner (recorders); The Camerata Ensemble (Richard Howard, Julian Hanson [violins]; Tom Dunn [viola]; Jonathan Price [cello]) Recorded: ASC Studios, Macclesfield, December 2000 and May 2001 OLYMPIA OCD 710 [60:40] [HC][CSS]

One of those enterprising compilations in which John Turner’s unrivalled flair for unearthing rarities or commissioning new works for his instruments pays high dividends. [HC]

This disc, opening in a veritable orgy of bird-song as picturesque as anything in Messiaen, explores many curious paths.[CSS] … see Full Listing

Jennie TOUREL (1900-) mezzo-soprano The Singers series Songs by Gluck, Rossini, Bizet, Rachmaninov, Tchaikovsky, Grechaninov, etc. Accompanied by Paul Ulanovsky & Brooks Smith (piano) Rec. Dates unknown DECCA 467 907-2 [73.03] [JF]

Tourel is vivacious, full toned, rich in the lower register and with a good top. She is not extended unduly until the more demanding Russian repertoire. Here the voice shows more of its dramatic overtones. …see Full Listing

BOOK REVIEWS

J. S. BACH - THE COMPLETE CANTATAS In German-English translation by Richard Stokes Introduction by Martin Neary 381 pages Scarecrow Press, 2000 0-8108-3933-4

An admirable project, and one that is indeed useful for fans of Bach’s cantatas. Having all these translations in one book is very practical .. see Full Review

The Unknown Callas, the Greek years. Nicholas Petsalis-Diomidis. Amadeus Press. ISBN 1-57467-059-X [LKD]

Buy the book which also includes details of Callas’s life after the Greek years. …see Full Review

The Music of John Ireland By Fiona Richards 282 pages; hardback. Ashgate Publishing 2002. ISBN 0-7546-0111-0 [IL]

This is a meritorious and long overdue assessment of the music of John Ireland. It is to be hoped that it will spur more performances and recordings of this important and relatively neglected English composer. … see Full Review

FANNY MENDELSSOHN by Francoise Tillard. Amadeus Press ISBN 0-931340-96-9 [LKD]

One detects that the writer is saying that Fanny Mendelssohn was a better composer than her brother Felix …. The book is handsomely produced with fine pictures. .. see Full Review

Olivier Messiaen – Music and Colour Conversations with Claude Samuel Amadeus Press, 296 pages Hardback ISBN 0-931340-67-5 [IL]

An absolutely fascinating thought-provoking book … Not an easy read in parts – it is quite technical in its musical language. A book that satisfies and one that you can dip into and return to time and again. … see Full Review

LILY PONS. A Centennial Portrait, edited by James A. Drake and Kristin Beall Ludecke. Amadeus Press ISBN 1-57467-047-6 [LKD]

Another handsome publication with some gorgeous photographs which ooze glamour. Did Lily Pons want to be a great opera singer or a glamour puss? ...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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