> Classical CD Review Archive - Classical - May 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

John CAGE (1912-92) Complete Piano Music, Volume 3: Music of Changes. Steffen Schleiermacher (piano). Recorded on Fürstliche Reitbahn Arolsen on October 24th-27th, 1997. Dabringhaus und Grimm Scene MDG613 0785-2 [DDD] [54’40] [CC]

Transparency and clarity seem to be the watch words of Schleiermacher’s playing, along with positively quicksilver responses…see Full Review

Gaspar CASSADO (1897-1966) Suite for Cello Toshiro MAYUZUMI (b.1929) Bunkaru for Cello Zoltan KODALY (1882-1967) Suite for Cello op 8 Mineo Hayashi, cello Recorded Studio 1, RTBF-Flagey, Brussels April 1990 PAVANE ADW 7221 [59.29] [JW]

A good, thoughtful programme and it is persuasively, if not always optimally, played. Pavane’s imagination – and that of their soloist – is strongly to be commended. … see Full Review

Marc-Antoine CHARPENTIER Leçons de ténèbres and Raga de la nuit avancée Sulochana Brahaspati voice Veronique Dietschy soprano Alain Zaepffel counter-tenor Ensemble Gradiva Recordings made in the church of St-Jean de Grenelle in September 1991 K617 K617017 [72’27"] [PW]

This CD does juxtapose the music of Marc-Antoine Charpentier with that of Northern Indian classical music. … see Full Review

Erik CHISHOLM (1904-1965) Piano Concerto No. 1 Piobaireachd (rev 1937) [35.59] Star Point (1923-27) Sonatina in G minor (1922) Four Elegies (1929-40) Sonatina No. 4 (1929-40)
With Cloggs On (undated) Murray McLachlan (piano) Kelvin Ensemble/Julian Clayton
DUNELM RECORDS DRD0174 [79.05] [CSS][RB][PS]

Penetrated by a Baxian trumpet the music progresses in a nocturnal atmosphere of remote loveliness, becoming more and more intense [CSS]

The music of the British Isles is a much more varied phenomenon than timidly popular anthologisers would have us believe. Chisholm's is a dissidently nonconformist voice amid the gentle mainstream.[RB]
McLachlan’s virtuosity and his sympathy with Chisholm emerges in all these pieces and, all told, the disc satisfyingly expands our knowledge of the composer [PS]… see Full Review

Frédéric CHOPIN (1810-1849) Piano Concerto No 1 in E minor, Op 11 (1830) [40.29] Piano Concerto No 2 in F minor, Op 21 (1829) [31.51] Krystian Zimerman (piano) Los Angeles Philharmonic Orchestra, cond. Carlo Maria Giulini DDD: recorded 1979 (Op 11) and 1980 (Op 21) DGG ORIGINALS 463 662-2 [72.26] [PL]

Truly inspired performances of masterful music. The only question is whether Zimerman subsequently bettered them. … see Full Review

Frédéric CHOPIN (1810-49) Piano Sonata No. 3 in B minor, Op. 58 Polonaise-Fantaisie in A flat, Op. 61. Nocturne in C minor, Op. 48 No. 1. Scherzo No. 4 in E, Op. 54.
Barcarolle in F sharp, Op. 60.
Ballade No. 4 in F minor, Op. 52. Nelson Goerner (piano). Recorded in Studio No. 1, Abbey Road, London in January 1996.
EMI Debut CDZ5 69701-2 [DDD] [77’16] [CC]

This disc is a special achievement, especially as Goerner was a mere 28 years old at the time of recording: his youth brings with it a freshness of interpretation which sits well with his obvious aim of penetrating to the fervent heart of Chopin…see Full Review


François COUPERIN (1668-1733) Les Goûts-réünis: Les Talens lyriques, Christophe Rousset Rec: May 1994, February 1995, Studio 103, Maison de Radio France, Paris. DECCA 458 271-2 [138.38] [KM]

Ensemble playing in excellent soundbut the overall impression is one of music that is forgettable. … see Full Review

Ruth CRAWFORD SEEGER (1907-1953) Little Waltz - Little Lullaby - Jumping the rope (Playtime) - Caprice - Whirligig - Mr Crow and Miss Wren go for a walk - Sonata - Theme and Variations - Five Canons - Kaleidoscopic Changes on an Original Theme - Five Preludes (1924/5) - Four Preludes (1927/8) - Piano Study in Mixed Accents - We Dance Together - The Adventures of Tom Thumba. Jenny Lin (piano); aTimothy Jones (narrator). Recorded at Nybrokajen, Stockholm, Sweden in August 2001. BIS CD1310 [75’28] [DDD] [CC]

Taiwanese pianist Jenny Lin provides a useful survey of Crawford Seeger’s output for piano and she plays with utter conviction. Very strongly recommended…see Full Review

Louis-Claude DAQUIN (1694-1772) Nouveau Livre de Noëls pour l’orgue Christian Mouyen, Organist Historic organ by: Dom Bedos, Abbatiale Sainte–Croix de Bordeuax, France Recorded: November 1997, Abbatiale Sainte-Croix, Bordeaux, France K.617 FRANCE K617078 [72’32] [ChA]

A very good recording that presents convincingly Daquin’s improvisatory-style Noëls … … see Full Review


Claude DEBUSSY (1862-1918)
Pelleas et Melisande Sung in French Poem by Maurice Maeterlinck Mélisande Anne Sofie von Otter (soprano) Pelléas Wolfgang Holzmair (baritone) Chorus of Radio France Orchestre Nationale de France Bernard Haitink (conductor)Recorded live in concert at the Theatre de Champs Elysee on March 14th & 16th 2001 NAÏVE V 4923 [3 CDs 161’ 14"] [CF]

Iridescent, radiant and searingly poetic, this is a magical recording of a magical score…see Full Review

Frederick DELIUS (1862-1934) Sea Drift, Appalachia, A Song Before Sunrise, La Calinda from the opera Koanga John Shirley-Quirk (bar) London Symphony Chorus Royal Philharmonic Orchestra/Richard Hickox Academy of St Martin in the Fields/Neville Marriner Rec 1977, 1981, ADD DDD ELOQUENCE DECCA 467 601-2 [76.30] [RB]

A good low-budget Delius disc: two substantial works contrasted with two brief poems. Marriner is very effective. Hickox glories in the grandeur of the two major scores. … see Full Review

Antonín DVOŘÁK (1841-1904) The Water Goblin, op. 107 (1) The Noon Witch, op. 108 (2) The Golden Spinning Wheel, op. 109 (3) The Wild Dove, op. 110 (4). Czech Philharmonic Orchestra/Václav Talich Recorded at the Domovina Studio, Prague, 14th July 1949 (1), The Dvořák Hall of Rudolfinum, Prague, 4th April 1951 (2), 20th March 1951 (3), 2nd and 3rd April 1951 (4) SUPRAPHON 11 1900-2 001 [75’49"] [CH]

We are fortunate that two of the great "historical" Czech conductors, Talich and Chalabala, have left such fine recordings of these works. … see Full Review

Antonin DVOŘÁK (1841-1904) Violin Concerto Max BRUCH (1838-1920) Scottish Fantasy Salvatore Accardo, violin Concertgebouw Orchestra conducted by Colin Davis (Dvořák) Gewandhausorchester Leipzig conducted by Kurt Masur Recorded 1978 (Dvorak) 1980 (Bruch) ELOQUENCE PHILIPS 468 308-2 [62.28] [JW]

A fine disc, the Dvořák is attractive but the Bruch is memorable. … see Full Review

Edward ELGAR Violin Sonata Arnold BAX Violin Sonata No. 2 in D Minor Tasmin Little (violin) Martin Roscoe (piano) GLOBAL MUSIC NETWORK CD GMNC 0113 [64.00?] £13.00 from - email address info@gmn.com [PS]

Tasmin Little’s unfailingly lyrical impulse is excellent advocacy for the composers with Martin. Roscoe partnering splendidly. The recording is full and warm. … see Full Review

Richard EMSLEY (born 1951) Helter-Skelter (1981) Flow Form (1987)a For piano 3 (1997)a ...from swerve of shore to bend of bay... (1985) finnissys fifty (1996)a for guitar 1 (1998)b for piano 2 (1997)a The Juniper Tree (1981)c Ian Pace (piano)a; Alan Thomas (guitar)b; Claire Lesser (soprano)c; Topologies (Nancy Ruffer, flutes; Christopher Redgate, oboes; Julian Warburton, percussion; Guy Cowley, clarinets; Bridget Casey, viola; Betsy Taylor, cello; Mikel Toms, conductor)Recorded: Christ’s Hospital, Horsham, May 2000 (piano works), August 2000 (for guitar 1), October 2000 (Helter-Skelter), October 2000 (...from swerve of shore...) and Vestry Hall, London, December 2000 (The Juniper Tree) METIER MSV CD 92044 [75:29] [HC]

Emsley’s demanding but thought-provoking music. No light easy stuff, but well worth the effort. … see Full Review

Ahmed ESSYAD (b1939) Le Collier des Ruses, Chamber Opera Sid Ahmed Agoumi, le notable Driss Roukhe, le poete Sonia Mekkiou, Houcine Djiti, Mohammed El Ouarandi, Jean Lorrain, Cecile Bonnet and Fabienne Gonzalez, sopranos Veronique Reibold, mezzo Instrumental Ensemble Philippe Nahon Recorded Strasbourg, September 1994 K617051 [2CDs: 89.13] [JW]

The internal fissure between Schoenbergian inheritance and text is fatally compromising to the fabric of the work. … see Full Review

RECORDING OF THE MONTH Edward ELGAR (1857-1934) The Dream of Gerontius Heddle Nash, tenor, Gladys Ripley, contralto Dennis Noble, baritone Norman Walker, bass Huddersfield Choral Society Liverpool Philharmonic Orchestra/Malcolm Sargent Sea Pictures Gladys Ripley, contralto Philharmonia Orchestra/George Weldon Recorded April 1945 (Gerontius) 1946 (Sea Pictures) PEARL GEMS 0128 [2 CDs 113.20]

The greatest recording of Gerontius ever made - a performance of such musico-dramatic strength, such beauty and understanding that it is hard to conceive that it will ever be surpassed. … see Full Review


Robert FARNON - LIGHT MUSIC GEMS
R FARNON: Opening and Ending; Jumping Bean; Westminster Waltz; Portrait of a Flirt; A Star is Born’ Manhattan Playboy; How Beautiful is Night; Derby Day; Melody Fair; Moomin; On the Seashore; Jockey on the Carousel; Journal Into Melody; Proscenium; Mid-Ocean; Malaga; Little Miss Molly. Clive RICHARDSON: Jamboree. Tony LOWRY: Seascape. Colin SMITH: Looking Around. Geoffrey HENMAN: Champagne Various orchestras conducted by Robert Farnon EVERGREEN C81 (MCE81) £8.95 (MC£7.50) from Evergreen, P O Box 52, Cheltenham, Glos GL52 1YQ (56 mins approx.)

Vintage recordings, over 50 years old in many cases but the transfers are good and this is an enjoyable addition to Evergreen’s light music catalogue. … see Full Review

Joel FEIGIN (born 1951) Five Ecstatic Poems by Kabir (1989)a Veränderungen (1995) Four Poems by Linda Pastan (1987)a Four Fantasy Pieces (1987) Four Poems of Wallace Stevens (1985, rev. 1996)a Nexus (1993) First Tragedy (1982)a Echoes from the Holocaust (1993) Eight Japanese Poems (1983, rev. 1993)a Transience (1994, rev. 1995) Christine Schadeberg (soprano)a; Musicians’ Accord; Fred Cohen (conductor) Recorded: St. Peter’s Episcopal Church, Chelsea, New York City, September 1995 and March 1996; The Mansion at Fairleigh Dickinson University, Madison, NJ, March 1996 (Eight Japanese Poems) NORTH/SOUTH RECORDINGS R 1011 [2CDs: 69:36 + 57:06] [HC]

Feigin’s sincere, communicative and deeply felt works well served with excellent performances by dedicated artists who clearly love Feigin’s endearing music. … see Full Review


Zdenĕk FIBICH (1850-1900)
Šárka - opera in three acts (1897) libretto: Anežka Schulzová Brno Janacek Opera Chorus/Josef Pančik Brno State PO/Jan Štych rec Station Studio, Brno, 29 June - 7 July 1978 AAD SUPRAPHON SU 0036-2 612 [2CDs: 130:56] [RB]

If you have a taste for hyper-romantic 19th century nationalist opera you must have this on your shelves. Music of wild, ungovernable savagery with roots in Mendelssohn and Raff but sturdier and transcending any echoes… see Full Review

RECORDING OF THE MONTH Jean FRANÇAIX (1912 – 1997) Symphony in G major (1953) Sérénade (1934) Ouverture anacréontique (1978) Pavane pour un Génie vivant (1987) Scuola di Ballo (1933)
The Ulster Orchestra/Thierry Fischer Recorded: Ulster Hall, Belfast, September 2001 HYPERION CDA 67323 [70:23] [HC]

Recordings of Françaix’s superbly crafted music are always a joy, and the present release is no exception. Fine performances on all counts … see Full Review

César FRANCK Symphony in D minor, Psyché (four orchestral extracts) Orchestre Philharmonique de Strasbourg conducted by Jan Latham-Koenig Recorded 3-4 July 2001, Salle Erasme du Palais de la Musique et des Congrès de Strasbourg AVIE AV 0003 [66’52"] [CA]

Although one can admire some fine playing and the conductor’s considered view, that crucial degree of fire is missing … see Full Review

Hans GÁL (1890-1987) The Complete Piano Duos Goldstone and Clemmow - Piano Duo Rec 2000? OLYMPIA OCD 709 [67.00?] [CSS]

A thoroughly enjoyable disc and must undoubtedly prompt a demand for more Gál. … see Full Review

George (1898- 1937) and Ira GERSHWIN Porgy and Bess Opera in three acts Libretto by DuBose Heyward. Lyrics by DuBose Heyward and Ira Gershwin The large cast is headed by:- Porgy…Willard White Bess…Cynthia Haymon Glyndebourne Chorus London Philharmonic Orchestra/Simon Rattle Recorded at Shepperton Studios in 1992. EMI DVD 4 92496 9 [184 mins] [IL]

For Gershwin enthusiasts a real treat, perfectly cast, beautifully sung and very well staged. … see Full Review

George GERSHWIN (1898-1937) Gershwin in Hollywood (arranged by Robert Russell Bennett) (no date given) An American in Paris (1928) Cuban Overture (1932) Symphonic Picture from Porgy and Bess (arranged by Robert Russell Bennett) (1943) New Zealand Symphony Orchestra/James Judd recorded at the Michael Fowler Centre, Wellington, New Zealand, July 2001 DDD Stereo NAXOS 8.559107 [65.12] [DB]

Whether or not you have several other recordings of these works this disc will entertain and like me you will never again doubt the credentials of this fine antipodean orchestra. … see Full Review

Luis GIANNEO (1897 – 1968) Piano Sonata No. 2 (1943)a Suite (1933)b
Piano Sonata No. 3 (1957)c Sonatina (1938)b Six Bagatelles (1957/9)c Improvisation (1948)b
Dora De Marinis (piano)a; Alejandro Cremaschi (piano)b; Fernando Viani (piano)c Recorded: Schloss Gottesauer, Velte Saal, Karlsruhe, August 2000 MARCO POLO 8.225205 [64:11] [HC]

Many of these pieces use Argentinian folk rhythms rather than quote or rhapsodise on folk-tunes, much in the same way as in Bartók’s so-called imaginary folklore. … see Full Review

Orlando GIBBONS (1583-1625) Royal Fantasies Music for Viols, Volume 1 1.In Nomine a5 No. 1 2.In Nomine a5 No. 2 3.In Nomine a5 No. 3 Fantasies of three parts (London, 1621) 4.Fantazia a3 No. 1 5.Fantazia a3 No. 2 6.Fantazia a3 No. 3 7.Fantazia a3 No. 4 8.Fantazia a3 No. 5 9.Fantazia a3 No. 6 10.Fantazia a3 No. 7 11.Fantazia a3 No. 8 12.Fantazia a3 No. 9 Music with the Great Dooble Base 13.Fantazia a4 No. 1 14.Fantazia a4 No. 2 15.In Nomine a4 Music with the Great Dooble Base 16.Fantazia a3 No. 1 17.Fantazia a3 No. 2 18.Galliard 19.Pavan De Le Roye Music with the Great Dooble Base 20.Fantazia a3 No. 3 21.Fantazia a3 No. 4 Concordia Mark Levy (treble viol) Joanna Levine (treble and great bass viol) Emilia Benjamin (tenor viol) Daniel Yeadon (tenor and bass viol) Alison McGillivray (bass viol) Gary Cooper (harpsichord) Rec: September 1998, Toddington Church, Gloucestershire. METRONOME 1033 [65.16] [KM]

A wonderful musical dialogue that delights the ears and the heart. … see Full Review

Orlando GIBBONS (1583-1625) Go from my Window Music for Viols, Volume 2 1.Fantasia a6 No. 5 2.Fantasia a6 No. 6 3.Go from my Window 4.What is our life? (w/ voice) 5.Fantasia a2 No. 5 6.Fantasia a2 No. 6 7.Pavan a6 8.Galliard a6 9.Fantasia a6 No. 3 10.Fantasia a6 No. 4 11.Fantasia a2 No. 1 12.Fantasia a2 No. 2 13.Ah, dear heart (w/ voice) 14.The silver swan (w/ voice) 15.Fantasia a6 No. 1 16.Fantasia a6 No. 2 17.Fantasia a2 No. 3 18.Fantasia a2 No. 4 Concordia Mark Levy (treble viol) Reiko Ichise (treble viol) Joanna Levine (tenor viol) Emilia Benjamin (tenor viol) Daniel Yeadon (bass viol) Alison McGillivray (bass viol) Gary Cooper (organ)
Rachel Elliott (soprano) Rec: February and April 2000, St. Andrew’s Church, Toddington, Gloucestershire. METRONOME 1039 [59.14] [KM]

This fine disc is the perfect complement to Concordia’s first part of their survey of Gibbon’s viol music. … see Full Review

Umberto GIORDANO (1867-1948) Andrea Chénier Renata Tebaldi (Maddalena), José Soler (Andrea Chénier), Ugo Savarese (Gérard), Ines Marietti (Bersi), Irma Colasanti (Contessa, Madelon), Giuliano Ferrein (Tinville, Roucher), Armando Benzi (Un incredibile) Coro Cetra, Orchestra Sinfonica di Torino della RAI/Arturo Basile Recorded 25th May-2nd June 1953, Turin WARNER FONIT 8573 87486-2 [2 CDs: 54’33"+55’39"] Superbudget [CH]

A fine, sometimes great, performance by Tebaldi, splendidly conducted by Basile. The rest of the cast is less impressive. … see Full Review

Edward GREGSON (born 1945) Contrasts: A Concerto for Orchestra (1983)
Alun HODDINOTT
(born 1929)Concerto for Orchestra Op.127 (1986) John McCABE (born 1939) Concerto for Orchestra (1982) Royal Liverpool Philharmonic Orchestra; Douglas Bostock Recorded: Philharmonic Hall, Liverpool, May 2001 CLASSICO CLASSCD 384 [78:08] [HC]

These three substantial, superbly written works here receiving wonderful, dedicated performances, DO communicate, and each of them represents its composer at his very best. Not to be missed. … see Full Review

Edvard GRIEG (1843-1907) Part-Songs for Male Voices:- Jaedervise (Western Wind) Min dejligste Tanke (My sweetest thought) Aftenstemning (Evening Mood) Björneskytten (The Bear Hunt) I Himmelen (In Heaven) Impromptu Album for Male Chorus, op.30 (12 tracks) Den sildige Rose (The Lonely Rose) Inga Litamor Til Ole bull (To Ole Bull) Valgsang (Voting Song) Die Singphoniker Recorded Studio 1, Bayerischer Rundfunk, January – June 2001 CLASSIC PRODUCTION OSNABRÜCK (CPO) 999 835-2 [59:03] [GPJ]

Great to see that Grieg is beginning to receive full recognition now for his genius. Thank-you to CPO for an imaginative and highly entertaining issue, with music-making of the highest quality. … see Full Review

Georges GURDJIEFF (1877-1949) Thomas de HARTMANN (1885-1956)
Piano Music Volumes 8 and 10 of the Auvidis Naive series in Ten Volumes Alain Kremski (piano) Vol 8
First Dervish Prayer; Exercices Nos 3, 4, 6; Musique pour les mouvements Nos 8, 11, 13, 19, 29; 13 Octobre 1926, Slow Second Obligatory, Ancient Greek Dance; I am, Father Son AUVIDIS NAIVE V4880 [68.00] Vol 10 Musiques des Sayyids et des derviches No 11; 18; Chants et Rhythmes asiatiques Nos 11, 35, 40; Tibetan Melody; Greek Round; Greek Song; Greek Melody; Ancient Greek Melody; Armenian Song; Kurdish-Greek Melody; Atamakh, Kurdish Song; Sacred Dances. AUVIDIS NAIVE V4882 [72.03] [RB]

The music will be a draw to listeners who have discovered the music of Alan Hovhaness but who hanker after a still greater and graver simplicity. … see Full Review

Georg Friedrich HANDEL (1685-1759) Judas Maccabaeus - Heather Harper, soprano - Helen Watts, contralto - Alexander Young, tenor - John Shirley-Quirk, bass - Amor Artis Chorale, John McCarthy - Harold Lester, harpsichord and organ - English Chamber Orchestra Johannes Somary - Recorded 1971. REGIS RRC 2007 [2 CDs 143.54] [KM]

From its overall vision to the fine soloists this thirty year old recording still has much to offer...see Full Review

Georg Friedrich HANDEL (1685-1759) Theodora HWV 68 Kölner Kammerchor - Collegium Cartusianum, Peter Neumann Rec: Live recording, February 6, 2000, Stadthalle, Wuppertal, Germany. MDG 332 1019-2 [2 CDs 165.56] [KM]

Truly satisfying; some of Handel’s finest music and one of its best recordings…see Full Review

Joseph HAYDN (1732-1809) String Quartets, Opus 9 Quatuor Festetics
Rec 6-9 August 1998, Bibliotghèque des Techniques, Budapest ARCANA A411 [2CDs: 66.02+70.03] [TB]

Festetics perform the music with consummate skill and dedication. The music emerges with vitality and freshness. … see Full Review

Mikko HEINIÖ (born 1948) The Knight and the Dragon (1999/2000) Curt Appelgren (bass-baritone), Prince Erik; Helena Juntunen (soprano), Marina; Charlotte Hellekant (mezzo-soprano), Göran Sköld; Rúni Brattaberg (bass), Sören Drake; Aki Alamikkotervo (tenor), Jester; Sari Nordqvist (contralto), Black Lady; Mia Huhta (soprano), White Lady; Turku Opera Chorus; Turku Philharmonic Orchestra/Ulf Söderblom Recorded: Turku Concert Hall, November 2000 BIS CD-1246 [76:51] [HC]

Another example of the richness and variety of Finnish latter-day operatic vitality; A work favourably comparing with Sallinen’s operas. … see Full Review

Adolph Friedrich HESSE (1808-1863) Fantasie op 35, Concert Fantasie op 36, Fantasie op 87 Gaetano PIAZZA (1750-?) Sonata for two organs Giovanni Bernardo LUCCHINETTI (C18) Concerto for two organs Josef BLANCO (C18) Concerto Wolfgang Amadeus MOZART (1756-1791) Fantasie KV594 Ludwig Van BEETHOVEN (1770-1827) Adagio WoO 33/1 Georg Friedrich HANDEL (1685-1759) Hallelujah from the Messiah Karel Golebiowski and Zygmunt Strzep organs Recorded St Bernard Church, Hamburg May 1988 PAVANE ADW 7419 [60.06] [JW]

Thoroughly enjoyable recital. Recording fine, the notes encouragingly honest but most praise must go the performers … see Full Review

Vagn HOLMBOE (1909-1996) Piano works Suono da Bardo - symphonic suite (1949) Sonatina Briosa (1941) Suite (1931) Small Piano Pieces (1930-32) Rumaesk Suite (1937) Anker Blyme (piano) rec 2-3 Sept 1998, Birkerod DANACORD DACOCD 502 [62.27] [RB]

A little regarded corner of Holmboe's catalogue. Well worth encountering - not least for Suono da Bardo. ... see Full Review

Gustav HOLST (1874 – 1934) The Planets, op. 32 Edward ELGAR (1857- 1934) Variations on an Original Theme, (‘Enigma’) op. 36 LSO/Boult (Elgar), LPO/Boult, Geoffrey Mitchell Choir (Holst) Recorded August 1970, Kingsway Hall, London (Elgar), May to July 1978, Kingsway Hall and Abbey Rd. Studio 1, London (Holst) EMI CLASSICS 7243 5 67748 2 7 [78:39] [GPJ]

Boult's 1978 Planets - a landmark recording; surely one of the finest EMI had made up, to this point, and it still sounds fantastic. … see Full Review

Charles IVES (1874-1954) Symphony No.1 Symphony No.2 Variations on ‘America’ (orch. William Schumann) Los Angeles Philharmonic Orchestra Zubin Mehta
Recorded Los Angeles: May 1972-1975 DECCA ELOQUENCE 466 806-2 [74:23] [JL]

These Zubin Mehta interpretations of the first two Ives Symphonies are nearly thirty years old now but sound very good and remain among the best performances available on disc. A good buy…see Full Review

Leos JANÁČEK (1854-1928) Taras Bulba (1918) Zoltán KODÁLY (1882-1967)
Concerto for Orchestra (1939) Béla BARTÓK (1881-1945) Concerto for Orchestra (1943) Cleveland Orchestra/Christoph von Dohnányi (Janáček) Philharmonia Hungarica/Antal Dorati (Kodály) Israel PO/Zubin Mehta rec Sept-Dec 1973, Marl, Germany (Kodály), March 1975 Kingsway Hall (Bartók), Oct 1989, Masonic Auditorium, Cleveland, Ohio (Janáček) ADD/DDD ELOQUENCE DECCA 467 602-2 [77.57] [RB]

Great value. Bartók, full of soloistic character and eccentricity. Janáček soulful and considered and a good if woolly Kodály - still a rarity. ... see Full Review

Serge KAUFMANN (born 1930) Cantabilea, Le temps déchiréb, Elégie, Un matin à Varsoviec, Et si un jourd, Béatrice Barbary (soprano)cd; Anne Holroyd (mezzo-soprano)b; Philippe Pennanguer (cello)a; Serge Kaufmann (speaker)c; Ensemble vocal Marielle Rousseaud; Orchestre Bernard Calmel; Bernard Calmel Recorded: Studio 49 OSF-Euterpe, Vanves, February 1996 PAVANE ADW 7362 [62:05] [HC]

An attractive survey of Serge Kaufmann’s deeply humane music. Well worth investigating. … see Full Review

Stefania de KENNESY (born 1961) Sunburst (1993)a Beating Down (1995)b Nancy BLOOMER DEUSSEN (born 1938) Two Pieces for Violin and Piano (1990)c Trio for Violin, Cello and Piano (1993)b Beth ANDERSON (born 1949) Trio: Dream in d (1980)b Net Work (1984)a Mary Kathleen Ernst (piano)abc; Teri Lazar (violin)bc; Marcio Botelho (cello)bc Recorded: Harmony Hall, Fort Washington, MD, May 1995 NORTH/SOUTH RECORDINGS R 1015 [62:48] [HC]

I am sorry not to be able to respond more enthusiastically to this release, but I am convinced that many may derive much pleasure from these uncomplicated, well-crafted and – no doubt – deeply felt pieces. … see Full Review

Albert KETÈLBEY (1875-1959) Original historic recordings Vol. 2 - 1917-1939 The Sacred Hour – Rêverie; Bells Across the Meadows;In a Fairy Realm – Suite; Algerian Scene; Fairy Butterfly; King Cupid; In the Mystic Land of Egypt; Wedgwood Blue; Sanctuary of the Heart; In a Persian Market; A Dream of Christmas; In a Monastery Garden. Various orchestras conducted by the Composer, Ray Noble, Charles Prentice and Henry Geehl NAXOS 8.110848 [61:42] [IL]

Another portion of nostalgic period charm for those with a very sweet tooth. Not quite as appetising as Volume 1 but still perfectly attuned to the world of the silents. … see Full Review

Aram KHACHATURYAN (1903-1978) Spartacus Suite (1956) [21.31] Masquerade Suite (1941) [17.09] Gayaneh Suite (1943) [18.41] London SO/Stanley Black rec 1975, 1978 ADD DECCA ELOQUENCE 461 007-2 [68.47] [RB]

Khachaturyan the master purveyor of hokum with the primitivistic tone softened a click or two by Black and the LSO. ...see Full Review

Wojciech KILAR (b.1932) Krzesany (1974) Angelus (1984) Exodus (1981) Victoria (1983) Hasmik Papian-Soprano Cracow Philharmonic Chorus Jaček Mentel, Chorus Master
Polish National Radio Symphony Orchestra (Katowice) Antoni Wit Recorded at the Grzegorz Fitelberg Concert Hall, Katowice, January 1994 Naxos 8.554788 DDD [65:11] [CT]

Anyone with a liking for the later works of Górecki, Kancheli or maybe even Arvo Pärt, will find much to enjoy in Kilar’s music…see Full Review

Zoltán KODÁLY (1882-1967) Háry János suite (1925, 1927) Dances of Galánta (1934) Peacock Variations (1939) LSO/István Kertész rec 1964 (János, Galánta), 1970 (Peacock) ADD ELOQUENCE DECCA 461 012-2 [66.15] [RB]

A winning collection notwithstanding the age of the recordings first made almost forty years ago. Try Kertesz's unabashedly romantic folksiness. ... see Full Review


Hans KRASA (1899-1934) Brundibar ‘Opera-Kit’ (CD and CD-ROM)

Czech: Bambini di Praga, Jerusalem van Leer Chamber Music Players,/Bohumil Kulinsky
German:
Tölzer Knabenchor, Polish Nightingales, Philharmonic Children’s Choir/Raphael Sommer
French:
Choeur d’enfants du Conservatoire Nationale de la Region d’Aubervilles/Francis-Hugues Leclair
Swedish:
Children’s Choir of Malmö Musikteater/Michael Adelson
Italian: Barbara Strowwi Ensemble, Musica Judaica/Francesco Lotoro
Recorded and produced under the auspices of Jeunesses Musicales Internationale – no index number [36:30] [GPJ]

A moving and invaluable issue then; but you have to work hard to get at its full significance. … see Full Review

Franz LACHNER (1803-1890) Nonet in F (1875), Octet in B flat, op. 156 (pub. 1850) Consortium Classicum/Dieter Klöcker Recorded 1974 CPO 999 803-2 [65’20"] [CH]

Nice, friendly music in nice, friendly performances. Recommended to nice, friendly listeners. … see Full Review

Edouard LALO (1823-1892) Symphonie espagnole Camille SAINT-SAËNS (1835-1921) Introduction and rondo capriccioso, Havanaise Ernest CHAUSSON (1855-1899) Poème Maurice RAVEL (1875-1937) Tzigane Arthur Grumiaux, violin Orchestre des Concerts Lamoureux Manuel Rosenthal Recorded Paris 1963 and 1966 ELOQUENCE PHILIPS 462 579-2 [77.53] [JW]

Grumiaux's elevated art is well served by this excellent disc. … see Full Review

Morten LAURIDSEN (b.1943 - ) Lux Aeterna (1997) World Premiere Recording Les Chansons des Roses (1993) Ave Maria (1997) World Premiere Recording Mid-Winter Songs Orchestral Version (1990) World Premiere Recording O Magnum Mysterium Los Angeles Master Chorale and Sinfonia Orchestra/Paul Salamunovich Recorded June 9, August 29, 1997, and January 9 & 20 1998, in Sacred Heart Chapel, Loyola Marymount University, Los Angeles. DDD RUBEDO CANIS MUSICA RCM 19705 [76.23] [JP]

This superb disc is a must. Tonal music - a mix between Arvo Pärt and John Rutter. I hope you enjoy it as much as I have. … see Full Review

Peter LIEBERSON (b.1946) Drala (1986) for orchestra - Concerto for Four Groups of Instruments (1972-73) - Accordance (1975-76) for Eight Instruments - Three Songs (1981) for Soprano and Chamber Orchestra - Ziji (1987) for Clarinet, Horn, String Trio and Piano - Raising The Gaze (1988) for Seven Instruments - Fire from "The Five Great Elements" (1994-95) for Large Orchestra - Free and Easy Wanderer (1998) for Chamber Orchestra - The Cleveland Orchestra - ASKO Ensemble - London Sinfonietta - Rosemary Hardy (soprano) Directed by Oliver Knussen - Recorded: Den Haag, Dr. Anton Philipszall, 12/1994 (Accordance, Raising) - Cleveland, Severance Hall, 11/1995 (Drala) and 11/1996 (Fire) - Amsterdam, Waalse Kerk, 1/1997 (Concerto, Songs, Ziji) - London, Henry Wood Hall, 8/1998 (Wanderer) DDD DEUTSCHE GRAMMOPHON 20/21 457 606-2 [67:37][CT]

A fine anthology of Peter Lieberson’s music, spanning the years 1972-1995. Oliver Knussen directs compelling performances, captured in dynamic, natural sound. … see Full Review

Max LIFSCHITZ (born 1948) Of Bondage and Freedom (1991)a Raoul PLESKOW (born 1931) Two Arabesques (1988) Laura GREENBERG (born 1943) La Vida Es Sueño (1988)b This Man Was Your Brother (1979)a Charles DVORAK (born 1953) Amandla Mandela! (1991)c Lynne Vardaman (soprano)a; Rachel Rosales (soprano)b; H. Patrick Swygert (narrator)c; North/South Consonance; Max Lifschitz Recorded: Recital Hall, University of Albany, June 1993 and Great Hall, Long Island University, March 1990 NORTH/SOUTH RECORDINGS R 1004 [71:55] [HC]

A typical North/South Consonance enterprise exploring some little-known by-ways of the American musical scene. … see Full Review

Christian LINDBERG (b.1958) Mandrake in the Corner (1998-2000) Axel JØRGENSEN (1881-1947) Suite for Trombone and Orchestra (1926) Egil HOVLAND (b.1924) Concerto for Trombone and Orchestra Op.76 (1972) Jan SANDSTRÖM (b.1954) Cantos de la Mancha for trombone and orchestra (1994-95) Christian Lindberg – trombone Singapore Symphony Orchestra conducted by Lan Shui Recorded at Victoria Concert Hall, Singapore, March 2000 DDD BIS BIS-CD-1128 [63:34] [CT]

Two particularly fine works by Hovland and Sandström stand out in this display of customary technical brilliance by Christian Lindberg. … 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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