> Classical CD Review Archive - Classical - May 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


AMERICAN BRASS QUINTET Antonio BERTALI (1605 - 1669)
Sonata No.2 Sonata No.4 Johann Sebastian BACH (1685 - 1750) The Art of Fugue: Contrapunctus VII Victor EWALD (1860 - 1935) Quintet No.3 in D flat major Op.7 William LOVELOCK (1899 - 1986) Suite for Brass Instruments (1968) Gilbert AMY (born 1936) Relais (1967) American Brass Quintet: Raymond Mase and Chris Gekker (trumpets), David Wakefield (horn), Ronald Borror (tenor trombone), Robert Biddlecome (bass trombone) AAD ? Stereo CRYSTAL RECORDS CD CD214 [46:48] [DB]

A varied recital of music for brass which seems unlikely to appeal as a whole to anyone. It does sound nice though. … see Full Review

JEFFREY KHANER – American Flute Music Eldin BURTON (1913-79) – Sonatina (1947) Aaron COPLAND (1900-1990) – Duo (1971) Walter PISTON (1894-1976) – Sonata (1930) Beryl RUBINSTEIN (1898-1952) – Sonata (1941) Lowell LIEBERMANN (b.1961) – Sonata (1988) Jennifer HIGDON (b.1961) Autumn Reflection (1994) Jeffrey Khaner, flute, Hugh Sung, piano Recorded November 1997 at Curtis Hall, Philadelphia USA AVIE – AV 0004 [64:49]

All those who know their onions where the flute is concerned will acknowledge a major player ably supported and partnered in this splendid recording by Hugh Sung … see Full Review


Karel ANČERL (1908-1973) Great Conductors of the Twentieth Century - volume 1 Dmitri SHOSTAKOVICH (1906-1975) Festive Overture (1954) [5.59] Vitezslav NOVÁK (1870-1949) In the Tatra Mountains (1902-1907) [16.49] Iša KREJZÍ (1904-1968) Serenade for Orchestra (1950) [17.58] Leoš JANÁČEK (1854-1928) Taras Bulba (1928) [22.14] Otmar MÁCHA (b.1922) Variations on a Theme by and on the Death of Jan Rychlík (1966) [12.59] Bedrich SMETANA (1824-1884) Vltava (1888) [11.50] Antonin DVOŘÁK (1841-1904) Symphony No. 8 (1889) [35.32] Slavonic Dance Op. 46 No. 8 [4.08] Bohuslav MARTINŮ (1890-1959) Symphony No. 5 (1947) [26.55] Czech PO Vienna SO Concertgebouw Orchestra Toronto SO (Martinů) EMI CLASSICS CZS 7243 5 75091 2 1 [2CDs: 76.37+78.58] Midprice [RB]

 

An auspicious first salvo in the series. Superb recordings of the mainstream (Dvořák and Smetana) and the slipstream (Krejcí, Mácha, Martinů, Novák). ... see Full Review

Leif Ove Andsnes- A Portrait Edvard GRIEG (1843 - 1907) Piano Concerto in A Minor ( ****) Lyric Pieces: Op. 43, Nos. 1 and 6, Op.65, No. 6 Robert SCHUMANN (1810 - 1856) Fantasie, Op. 17 (III: Langsam getragen) Franz LISZT (1811 - 1886) Mephisto Waltz No. 1. Johannes BRAHMS (1833 - 1897) Intermezzo Op. 117, No. 2. Joseph HAYDN (1732 - 1809) Piano Concerto in D Major, Hob.XVIII:11 Piano Sonata, HobXVI:32 (II and III) Carl NIELSEN (1865 - 1931) Humoreske-Bagateller, Op. 11. Geirr TVEITT (1908 - 1981) Fifty Folk Tunes from Hardanger, Op. 150, Nos. 3, 27 and 37. David Monrad JOHANSEN (1888 - 1943) Pictures from Nordland: Suite No. 1, Op. 5 (II, III, IV) Harald SAEVERUD Tunes and Dances from "Siljustad", Op. 22, No. 5. Leoš JANÁČEK (1854 - 1928) Sonata I.X. 1905 (Z Ulice) Dmitri SHOSTAKOVICH (1906 - 1975) Concerto for Piano, Trumpet and Strings, Op. 35. Leif Ove Andsnes (piano), Bergen Philharmonic Orchestra - Dmitri Kitayenko, (Grieg) Norwegian Chamber Orchestra - Leif Ove Andsnes (Haydn) Håkan Hardenberger (trumpet) City of Birmingham Symphony Orchestra - Paavo Järvi EMI CZS574789-2 [2CDs 74.57 and 76.25] (special price) [JP]

Had Leif Ove Andsnes been born 20-30 years earlier, he would probably be a superstar today. EMI has a winner on its hands. … see Full Review

Ernest ANSERMET Great Conductors of the Twentieth Century STRAVINSKY Chant du Rossignol RIMSKY-KORSAKOV Scheherezade DEBUSSY Prélude à l’après-midi d’un faune BARTÓK Concerto for Orchestra RACHMANINOV The Isle of the Dead
RAVEL
La Valse CHABRIER Fête polonaise Orchestre de la Suisse Romande Orchestre de la Société des Concerts du Conservatoire Conductor: Ernest Ansermet Recorded in Paris and Geneva 1953-1964 EMI 7243 5 75094 2 8 [2CDs: 151’10"] [CF]

Ansermet's success in recoridng is amply exposed with clean-cut sounds, transparent orchestral textures and masterly dynamic control. … See Full Review

Ataúlfo ARGENTA (1913-1958) Great Conductors of the Twentieth Century - volume 3 Franz LISZT (1811-1886) A Faust Symphony [61.31] Maurice RAVEL (1875-1937) Alborada del Gracioso [7.15] Franz SCHUBERT (1797-1828) Symphony No. 9 The Great [50.09] Manuel de FALLA (1876-1946) El amor brujo [24.25] Orchestre de la Société des Concerts du Conservatoire (Liszt; de Falla) Orchestre des Cento Soli (Ravel; Schubert) EMI CLASSICS CZS5 75097 2 [2CDs: 68.58+74.53] Midprice [RB]

Lisztians need to hear Argenta's Faust. His El Amor Brujo is perhaps the best ever. This set has attraction transcending fogeydom and 1950s nostalgia. ... see Full Review

The Jane Austen Collection Concert Royal. Margarette Ashton (soprano); Peter Harrison (flute); Rachel Gray (violoncello); John Treherne (square piano). Recorded Westfield Farm, Sheriff Hutton, North Yorkshire. Oct 1999 and February 2000 DDD Divine Art Ltd. 2 -4107 [47.46] [PS]

This well recorded disc sheds much light on English middle class musical taste around 1800, but at 48 minutes it is a touch short on playing time. … see Full Review

‘Blue Wrens’ – Contemporary Piano music from Australia Geoffrey ALLAN (b. 1927) Three Piano Pieces Opus 23; Sonata No4, Opus 29 Felix WERDER (b.1922)
Monograph
Dorian LE GALLIENNE (1915-1963) Sonata for Piano Tim DARGAVILLE (b. 1935) Night Song Michael BARTRAM (b.1935) Sonatina (1977); Five Pieces for Piano (1984)
Trevor Barnard (piano) recorded Melbourne 2001 DIVINE ART RECORDS 2-5017 [74.26] [AB]

The disc is an interesting one and indicates the wealth of composing talent in the Antipodes. … see Full Review


BRITISH LIGHT MUSIC DISCOVERIES 4:
John RUTTER: Partita Richard Rodney BENNETT: Suite Française. Malcolm ARNOLD: Padstow Lifeboat March. David FANSHAWE: Fantasy on Dover Castle. William BLEZARD: Battersea Park Suite. Michael HURD: Dance Diversions. Paul LEWIS: A Miniature Symphony Royal Ballet Sinfonia/Gavin Sutherland. ASV CD WHL 2131 [67.00?] Midprice [PS]

Away from British light music’s well trodden repertoire. Performances splendid; recording and presentation are once more excellent.… see Full Review

FRITZ BUSCH - A much loved master Great Conductors of the Twentieth Century BEETHOVEN Overture: Leonore No. 2 Op.72 MOZART Symphony No. 36 in C ‘Linz’ K.425 MENDELSSOHN Symphony No. 4 in A ‘Italian’ Op.90 BRAHMS Tragic Overture Op. 81 WEBER Overture: Der Freischütz HAYDN Sinfonia Concertante in Bb Hob.1.105 BRAHMS Symphony No. 2 in D Op. 73 STRAUSS Don Juan Op. 20 * Danish State Radio Symphony Orchestra/London Philharmonic Orchestra *Conductor: Fritz Busch
EMI 7243 5 75103 2 5 - 2 CDs [157’15"] lower midprice [CF]

This highly satisfying compilation is entirely representative of the art of Fritz Busch. … see Full Review

CANTICUM FRENCH ORGAN MUSIC Organ works by: 1-2. César FRANCK (1822-1890): Choral No. 3 in A minor (Trois chorals), Cantabile (Trois pièces), 3-4. Louis VIERNE (1870-1937): Carillon de Westminster (Pièces de Fantaisie pour grand orgue, 3ème Suite, Op. 54, 6ème pièce), Étoile de Soir (Pièces de Fantaisie pour grand orgue, 3ème Suite, Op. 54, 3ème pièce), 5-6. Jean LANGLAIS (1907-1991): Te Deum (Trois Paraphrases Grégoriennes, 3ème pièce), Ave Maria, ave maris stella, 7-8: Olivier MESSIAEN (1908-1992): Dieu parmi nous (La Nativité du Seigneur, Neuf Méditations pour orgue, 4ème livre), Prière après la Communion (Livre du Saint Sacrement), 9-27. Naji HAKIM (1955-): Canticum, Pange Lingua Naji Hakim, OrganistGrand orgue by: Cavaillé-Coll, 1868, Church of La Sainte-Trinité, Paris, France Recorded: March 1997, Church of La Sainte-Trinité, Paris, France EMI CLASSICS CZS572272 2 3 [74.01] [ChA]

A CD that explores almost a century and a half of the great French tradition of organist-composer. With some very good performances and at such super budget price this CD is well worth purchasing. … see Full Review

A CELTIC SPECTACULAR James Galway (flute and whistle) The Chieftains, John McDermott (tenor) Liz Knowles (fiddle) Kieran O’Hare (uilleann pipes and whistles) Silver Arm Celtic Band, Cincinnati Pops Orchestra, Erich Kunzel (conductor) TELARC CD-80571 [58’57"] [CF]

The occasional glimpse of genuine Irish music only serves to remind one how wonderful that music is, but only in its natural state. … see Full Review

QILIAN CHEN sings CHINESE SONGS Qilian Chen (sop)/Jean-Paul Wittek (piano) rec Studio Caraïbes, Brussels, 1993, DDD PAVANE ADW7299 [43.30] [RB]

Chen and Wittek grasp our attention in a fascinating though stingy collection. ... see Full Review

Great Conductors of the 20th Century: ANDRÉ CLUYTENS Georges BIZET (1838-1875) Symphony in C major Claude DEBUSSY (1862-1918) Images pour orchestre Maurice RAVEL (1875-1937) La Valse Robert SCHUMANN (1810-1956) Manfred Overture Hector BERLIOZ (1803-1869) Symphonie Fantastique Richard WAGNER (1813-1883) Lohengrin: Prelude to Act III Modest MUSSORGSKY (1839-1881) Boris Godunov: Coronation Scene Boris Christoff (bass), John Lanigan (tenor) EMI Classics/IMG Artists 7243 5 75107 2 [2CDs: 76.28+75.54] [TB]

A most worthwhile collection of performances by a conductor whose musical achievement was considerable and will be fondly remembered by all who have encountered it. … see Full Review

Concerto Symphonique - Virtuoso Works for Violin and Piano - volume 1 Wolfgang Amadeus MOZART (1756-1791) Rondo in A, K386 (1780s?) [8.21] Ludwig van BEETHOVEN (1770-1827) Rondo in B flat WoO 6 (1793) [9.32] Frédéric CHOPIN (1810-1849) Variations on La ci darem la mano from Mozart's Don Giovanni (1829) [16.51] Zygmunt STOJOWSKI (1869-1946) Rapsodie Symphonique Op. 23 (1904) [14.26] Camille SAINT-SAËNS (1835-1921) Rapsodie d'Auvergne in C Op. 73 (1884) [9.48] Henry LITOLFF (1818-1891) Scherzo (II) from Concerto Symphonique No. 4 in D minor Op. 102 (1852) [6.58] Ian Munro (piano) Tasmanian SO/David Porcelijn rec 16-20 March 1998, Ballroom, Government House, Hobart, Tasmania, Australia ABC CLASSICS 465 424-2 [66.29] [RB]

Brilliantly joyous playing from Ian Munro. An unsung virtuoso of the piano ... see Full Review

Contrasts. American music for Flute and Harp David NOON (b 1946) Sonata da Camera for flute and harp op 89 Joseph CASTALDO (b 1927) Contrasts for solo harp Katherine HOOVER (b 1937) Kolopeli for solo flute Bernard ROGERS (1893-1968) Study for solo piccolo Charles Rochester YOUNG (b 1965) Song of the Lark for flute and harp John HEISS (b 1938) Four Lyric pieces for solo flute Vincent PERSICHETTI (1915-1987) Serenade No 10 for flute and harp Geoffrey Dana HICKS (b 1954) A Dream for alto flute and harp Leone Buyse, flute Ann Hobson Pilot, harp Recorded Seiji Ozawa Hall, Tanglewood, Boston July 18/19 1994 BOSTON RECORDS BR1011 [63.21] [JW]

A beautifully played and eloquently recorded recital. … see Full Review

Dance Music from Old Vienna Joseph LANNER (1801 - 1843) Johann STRAUSS I (1804 - 1849) Josef STRAUSS (1827 - 1870) Johann STRAUSS II (1825 - 1899) Tanzquartett Wien Reinhold Rung and Catia Rung (violins), Martin Fuchs (viola) and Gabriela Tzvetanova (double-bass) Recorded in Moyzes Hall, Bratislava in March 2001 DDD Stereo NAXOS LIGHT CLASSICS 8.555689 [66:02] [DB]

Fifteen "coffee house" dances, beautifully performed by the Tanzquartett Wien. All that is missing is the clink of coffee cups and the swish of long dresses as the dancers swirl around. … see Full Review

SIMON DINNIGANDEBUT Luys de NARVÁEZ (fl 1530-1550) 1. 22 Diferencias de "CondeClaros" 2. Canción del Emperador 3. Diferencias sobre "Guárdame las Vacas" Johann Sebastian BACH (1685-1750) Violin Sonata No.1, BWV 1001 4. Adagio 5. Fugue 6. Siciliana 7. Presto Agustin Barrios MANGORÉ (1885-1944) 8. Una Limosna por el Amor de Dios 9. Julia Florida 10. Vals, Op.8, No.4 Antonio LAURO (1917-1986) Suite Venezolano 11. Registro 12. Danza Negra 13. Canción 14. Vals Nikita KOSHKIN (b. 1956) 15. Usher Waltz, Op.29 Simon Dinnigan (guitar) P3 MUSIC P3M002 [55:53] [AD]

An excellent buy. Dinnigan is one of the finest young British guitarists. … see Full Review

ECOLE DE NOTRES DAME DE PARIS (1163-1245) Monody and Polyphony – Organum, Motets and Conductus Ensemble Gilles Binchois directed by Dominique Vellard Recorded Saint-Martin’s Collegiate Church, Champeux, France, August 1986 HARMONIC RECORDS HCD 8611 [53.03] [GH]

The disc as a whole is well planned and beautifully presented although I always find myself preferring more recent recordings of individual works. Sadly I find it difficult to recommend this disc, the repertoire is available elsewhere and in more arresting and exciting performances. … see Full Review

ENGLISH BASSOON CONCERTOS Eric FOGG (1903-1939) Bassoon Concerto (1930) Bassoon Concertino (1998) John ADDISON (1920-1998) Peter HOPE (b.1930)
Bassoon Concertino (2000) Arthur BUTTERWORTH (b.1923) Summer Music (1985) Graham Salvage (bassoon) Royal Ballet Sinfonia/Gavin Sutherland (Butterworth conducted by composer) Rec 26/27 Feb 2001, Whitfield Street Studios, London ASV CD WHL 2132 [75.21] [PS]

This highly recommendable issue is excellent advocacy for the bassoon repertoire and this country’s substantial contribution thereto. … see Full Review


THE ENGLISH TENOR REPERTOIRE Volume 5: "The Parlour Song" DIBDIN: Tom Bowling; BRAHAM: The Death of Nelson; BALFE: Come into the Garden Maud; CLARIBEL: You and I; SULLIVAN: The Lost Chord; CLAY: I’ll Sing Thee Songs of Araby; BARNBY: The Beggar Maid; ADAMS: The Holy City; H F LESLIE: Annabelle Lee; Henry LAMB: The Volunteer Organist; DOLORES: The Brook; L LEHMANN: Ah! Moon of My Delight; Florence AYLWARD: Song of the Bow; A WOODFORDE-FINDEN: Kashmiri Song; Charles WILLEBY: Crossing the Bar; Maud V WHITE: Absent Yet Present; SANDERSON: Until; May BRAHE: Bless This House; Alma ANDROZZO: If I Can Help Somebody Gordon Pullin (tenor) Roger Fisher (piano)

These songs still have the power to move us. Performances show admirable musicianship and sensitivity … see Full Review

LES ESCHOLIERS DE PARIS Motets, Chansons, and Estampies from 13th Century France Ensemble Gilles Binchois Directed by Dominique Vellard Recorded at the church of Saint-Germain, Gancey-le-Chateau, Cote-d’or October 1992 HARMONIC RECORDS HCD 9245 [63.33] [GH]

The singing here is almost entirely wonderful with a strong sense of stylistic ensemble. … see Full Review

Tota Pulchra Es. Flemish Sacred Songs Jef Van HOOF (1886-1959) Marialiedeken, Tota Pulchra es Maria Emiel WAMBACH (1854-1924) Priere Peter BENOIT (1834-1901) Tota Pulchra es, O gloriosa Virginum Lodewijk De VOCHT (1887-1977) Beloken Pasen (Paques fleuries) Ave Regina Coelorum, Jesu allerliefste kind, Memorare Alphonse MAILLY (1833-1918) Paques Fleuries Flor PEETERS (1903-1985) O Maria die daar staat, Abdijvrede Lodewijk MORTELMANS (1868-1952) Als de ziele luistert, O mocht ik Edgar TINEL (1854-1912) Improvisata Gaston FEREMANS (1907-1964) Maria Scone Vrouwe Emiel HULLEBROECK (1878-1965) Lieve Vrouw der lage landen Remi GHESQUIERE (1866-1962) O Maria die daar staat Cristel De Meulder, soprano Jan Van Mol, organ With Sarah Van Mol, soprano Noelle Schepens, mezzo-soprano Recorded September and October 1999 unspecified location PAVANE ADW 7431 [60.14] [JW]

The tone is one of equability and repose, tinted with lyrical simplicity and affective writing. … see Full Review

Beniamino GIGLI (1890-1957) The complete HMV recordings (1938-1940) ROMOPHONE 82023-2 [77’ 26"]

Gigli’s third period from 1938-40 - seductive and sensitive and a thoroughly satisfying disc…see Full Review

Nikolai Semionovich GOLOVANOV (1891-1953) Great Conductors of the Twentieth Century - volume 8 Alexander GLAZUNOV (1865-1936) Symphony No. 6 [35.27] Felix MENDELSSOHN (1865-1936) A Midsummer Night's Dream: Overture and Scherzo [16.57] Piotr Ilyich TCHAIKOVSKY (1840-1893) 1812 Overture [14.48] Franz LISZT (1811-1866) Orpheus [11.16]; Héroïde Funèbre [21.05]; Mazeppa [15.27]; Festklänge [17.58]; Prometheus [13.57] Moscow Radio Symphony Orchestra/Golovanov EMI CLASSICS CZS 7243 5 75112 2 3 [2CDs: 79.00+68.57] lower midprice [RB]

Golovanov - a conductor in whose music we hear a man blessed by the Furies and hunted by Angels. ... Get this for some extra-ordinary musicmaking ... see Full Review

Greatest Violin Encores Zino Francescatti, Jascha Heifetz, Nathan Milstein, Ruggiero Ricci, Efrem Zimbalist, Fritz Kreisler, Isaac Stern, Mischa Elman. With various accompanists. Recorded 1926-46 PEARL GEM 0127 [75.21] Midprice [JW]

Excellent transfers – Kreisler aside – and with notes by Tully Potter this is a formidably exciting disc. … see Full Review

William Kapell (piano) Ludwig van BEETHOVEN (1770 - 1827) Piano Concerto No. 2 in B Flat, Op. 19 ( ****) Franz SCHUBERT (1797 - 1828) Moment musical in F minor, D.780, No.3 Waltzes, D.145, Nos. 2 in B, and 6 in B minor Waltzes, D.365, Nos. 26 in E, 32 in F, and 34 in F German Dances, D. 783, Nos. 6 in B flat, 7 in B flat Ländler, D.734, No. 1 in G and 2 inD Impromptu, D.935, No. 2 in A flat. Claude DEBUSSY (1862 - 1918) Children's Corner Dmitri SHOSTAKOVICH (1906 - 1975) Three Preludes, Op. 34 Frederick CHOPIN (1810 - 1849) Piano Sonata No. 2, Op.35 Aram KHACHATURIAN (1903 - 1978) Piano Concerto Sergei RACHMANINOV (1873 - 1943) Rhapsody on a Theme of Paganini, Op. 43 William Kapell (piano), NBC Symphony Orchestra, Vladimir Golschmann (Beethoven, rec. 1946), Boston Symphony Orchestra, Serge Koussevitsky (Khatchaturian, rec. 1946), and Chicago Symphony Orchestra, Fritz Reiner (Rachmaninov, rec. 1951). [ADD] RCA RED SEAL ARTISTES RÉPERTOIRES 74321 8459952 [2CDs: 146'56"] [JP]

Sadly this reissue suffers an extreme dulling of the sound … see Full Review

GREAT CONDUCTORS OF THE TWENTIETH CENTURY 9: ERICH KLEIBER - Franz SCHUBERT (1797-1828) Symphony no. 5 in B flat, D.485 (1) - Ludwig van BEETHOVEN (1770-1827) Symphony no. 6 in F, op. 68 – "Pastoral" (2) - Wolfgang Amadeus MOZART (1756-1791) Symphony no. 40 in G minor, K.550 (3) - Richard STRAUSS (1864-1949) Till Eulenspiegels lustige Streiche, op. 28 (4) - Antonín DVOŘÁK (1841-1904) "Carnival" – Concert Overture, op. 92 (5) - Josef STRAUSS (1827-1870) Sphärenklänge, op. 235 (6) - Johann STRAUSS (1825-1899) Der Zigeunerbaron: Overture (7) Du und Du, op. 367 (8) Czech Philharmonic Orchestra (2), London Philharmonic Orchestra (3, 5, 6, 7), Sinfonieorchester des Norddeutschen Rundfunks (1, 4), Vienna Philharmonic Orchestra (8)/Erich Kleiber - Locations: Musikhalle, Hamburg, live (1, 4), Kingsway Hall, London (3, 5, 6, 7), Konzerthaus, Vienna (8), Smetana Hall, Prague, live (2) Dates: 3.2.1929 (8), 20.2.1948 (6, 7), 21.2.1948 (5), 25.4.1949 (3), 29.1.1953 (1, 4), 20.5.1955 (2) EMI CLASSICS CZS 5 75115 2 [2 CDs: 68’ 10", 67’ 47"] [CH]

The Beethoven 6th from Prague is an important discovery. Overall the choice of items is a little less discerning than is usual in this series. … see Full Review

HARMONIES NOUVELLES POUR L’EUROPE Works by Gehrard SPORKEN (born 1960), Peter CABUS (1923 – 2000), Jacques LEDUC (born 1932), Daniel CAPELLETTI (born 1958), Victor LEGLEY (1915 – 1994), Jean-Marie SIMONIS (born 1931), Jan VAN DER ROOST (born 1956), Paul-Baudouin MICHEL (born 1930), Wilfried WESTERLINCK (born 1945), Jean BAILY (born 1937), Frits CELIS (born 1921), Eric FELDBUSCH (born 1922) and Piet SWERTS (born 1960) Arte del Suono Quartet (Lola Bobesco, Suzanne Janssens, violins; Jean-Elie Homatas, viola; Jan Matthe, cello); Rafaël Macaluso (trumpet); Armand Rahier (oboe) Recorded: Chapelle de Berchem-Ste-Agathe, Brussels, June 1994
PAVANE ADW 7321 [58:10] [HC]

A fairly full and enjoyable introduction to these composers’ output. It will, I hope, whet your appetite for more of these composers’ music. If so, then it was a successful and worthwhile venture. … see Full Review

 

Fritz Kreisler. The Complete Concerto Recordings. Volume 5 - Ludwig van BEETHOVEN (1770-1827) Violin Concerto - Felix MENDELSSOHN (1809-1847) Violin Concerto in E minor Fritz Kreisler, violin - London Philharmonic Orchestra conducted by John Barbirolli (Beethoven – June 1936) and Landon Ronald (Mendelssohn – April 1935) NAXOS HISTORICAL 8.110959 [69’48] [JW]

Classic performances. In Beethoven a huge amount to admire and enjoy. Mendelssohn sweetness and bowing still remarkable. A most recommendable recording. … see Full Review

Homage to Fritz Kreisler Fritz KREISLER (1875-1962) Alfredo Campoli, violin
Eric Gritton, piano Norihko Wada, piano ELOQUENCE DECCA 466 666-2 [77.15] [JW]

There are other Kreisler discs more kinetic, more brimful of personality, more quicksilver, more tonally resplendent but few are more honestly and incomparably eloquent. … see Full Review

LATE FLOWERING OF THE PIANO SONATA Alexander SCRIABIN Piano Sonata No. 5 Jean SIBELIUS Sonatinas 1-3 |Op. 67 Maurice RAVEL Sonatine Arnold BAX Piano Sonata No. 1 Joseph Long (Piano) No number supplied Obtainable from: Joseph Long, 25 Nethermains Road, Muchalls, Aberdeen AB39 3RN Price: Ł12 [CSS]

One thing is certain, we shall hear much more of this young pianist. … see Full Review

NICOLAI MALKO:GREAT CONDUCTORS OF THE 20th CENTURY Mikhail GLINKA (1804-1857) Ruslan and Ludmilla: Overture (1) Alexander BORODIN (1833-1887)
Symphony no. 2 in B minor (2) Nikolai RIMSKY-KORSAKOV (1844-1908) The Snow Maiden: Cortège, Dance of the Tumblers (3) Piotr Ilych TCHAIKOVSKY (1840-1893) The Nutcracker: March, Dance of the Sugar Plum Fairy, Russian Dance, Chinese Dance, Dance of the Reed Pipes (4) Sergei PROKOFIEV (1891-1953) Symphony no. 7, op. 131 (5) Joseph HAYDN (1732-1809) Symphony no. 92 in G, Hob. 1/92 – "Oxford" (6) Franz von SUPPÉ (1819-1895) Dichter und Bauer: Overture (7) Antonín DVOŘÁK (1841-1904) Symphony no. 9 in E minor, op. 95 – "From the New World" (8) Carl NIELSEN (1865-1931) Maskarade: Overture (9) EMI CLASSICS CZS 5 75121 2 [2CDs: 79’01"+78’30"] [CH]

Malko’s selfless dedication to his art and to the composers he conducted represent an ideal and a shining light which deserve to be remembered. … see Full Review


"MUNGREL STUFF" Scottish Italian Music by Francesco BARSANTI and others. BARSANTI: Corn Riggs Are Bonny; Gilderoy; The Highland Laddie; Clout the Caldron; Johnnie Faa; Lord Aboyne’s Welcome. GEMINIANI: She Raise and Loot Me In; Bessy Bell and Mary Gray; Leader Haughs and Yarrow; The Lass of Peaty’s Mill. William McGIBBON: Sonata in Imitation of Corelli. James OSWALD: Tweed Side; Pinky House; Hamilton House. VERACINI: Violin Sonata in A, Opus 2/9; Lorenzo BOCCHI: A Scots Cantata. Domenico CORRI: Duncan Gray. Alexander REINAGLE: Steer Her Up and Had Her Gawn. Concert Caledonia Rec 2001 LINN RECORDS CKD 140 [65.00?]

Enjoyable and illuminating. Performances lively and stylish. Beguiling singing. … see Full Review

Operette Series Ralph BENATZKY (1884-1957) Im Weissen Rössl (The White Horse Inn) 1930 Karl MILLÖCKER (1842-1899) Der Bettelstudent (The Beggar Student) 1882, rec. 1968 EDEL 0732CCC [71.08] Emmerich KÁLMÁN (1882-1953) Die Csardasfürstin (The Gipsy Princess) 1915 Gräfin Mariza (Countess Maritza) 1924 EDEL 0742 CCC [76.37] Eduard KÜNNEKE (1885-1953) Der Vetter aus Dingsda (The Cousin from I'm not sure where?) 1921 Oscar STRAUS (1870-1954) Ein Waltzertraum (A Waltz Dream) 1907 EDEL 0342CCC [78.19] Franz LEHÁR (1870-1948) Die Lustige Witwe (The Merry Widow) 1929 Der Graf von Luxemburg (The Count of Luxembourg) 1909 EDEL 0722CCC [70.44] Jacques OFFENBACH (1819-1880) Orpheus in der Unterwelt (Orpheus in the Underworld) 1858, rec.1969 EDEL 0342CCC [50.51] Johann STRAUß II (1825-1899) Eine Nacht in Venedig (One Night in Venice) 1883, rec.1970 Der Zigeunerbaron (The Gipsy Baron) 1885, rec.1968 EDEL 0772CCC [79.12] Dresdner Philharmonic/Hanell and Rögner and Neuhaus; Landesbuhnen Sachsen/Widlak; Leipzig/Herbig and Rögner; Wiener Volksoper/Bauer-Theussl and Gruber Rec. Germany between 1966 – c.1975 [RW]

The singers are competent and have strong empathy with the music they sing. Their diction is very acceptable but often poor miking hampers some of the recordings. … see Full Review

Passion Johannes TINCTORIS (1435-1511) Lamentationes Jeremiae Guillaume DUFAY (c1400-1474) Victimae paschali, Vexilla Regis Josquin DES PREZ (c1460-1521) Victimae paschali Heinrich ISAAC (c1450-1517) Easter Mass Proper Loyset COMPERE (c1450-1518) Crux triumphans Jacob OBRECHT (1457/8-1505) Salve crux Orlando Consort Recorded Orford Church, Suffolk 18-19 May 1995 METRONOME MET CD 1015 [62.16] [JW]

Another in Metronome’s impressive series of discs, beautifully sung – expressively and technically – and outstandingly recorded. … see Full Review

Peacock Pie Gordon JACOB (1895 – 1984) Concertino for Piano and Strings (1954) Cecil Armstrong GIBBS (1889 – 1960) Concertino Op.103 (1942) Peacock Pie (1933) Cyril ROOTHAM (1875 – 1938) Miniature Suite (1921) Robin MILFORD (1903 – 1959) Concertino in E major (1955) Madeleine DRING (1923 – 1977) Festival Scherzo (1951) Martin Roscoe (piano); Guildhall Strings; Robert Salter (director) Recorded: Henry Wood Hall, London, July 2001 HYPERION CDA 67316 [60:14] [HC]

A delightful release which is a joy from first to last. Superbly crafted music - too little-heard nowadays. … see Full Review

Jane Pickeringe's Lute Book [A Toy]; A Toye; A Toye; Almaine by francis cuttinge; A Toye; A Toye (Up Tails All); Draw near me and lowe me; A Pavin by Rosseters; a galyerd by Rossesters; my lord willoughbies welcome home by Mr byrde; Mall symes; [coranto]; An [Allemande]; Galliarde; [a country dance]; Besse-bell; Horne-pipe; Sarabande; de Sarabande; a pavin by Mr Johnson; A crananto (Coranto); [A Toy]; A Toye; A Toye (The Friar and the Nun); (A Toy); A pauin by Mr Daniell Bachler; A Galyard by Mr Daniell Bachler; A Fantasia; the Madlay; Sweet Robyne Jacob Heringman (lute) rec 6-8 Feb 2001, National Centre for Early Music, St Margaret's Church, York, England AVIE AV0002 [74.36] [RB]

This music is plangent and touching - often emotional in a way that still speaks to contemporary listeners. ... see Full Review

Leyla Pinar, harpsichord J S BACH (1685-1750) Chromatic Fantasia and Fugue BWV 903 Tatyos EFFENDI (1858-1913) Saz Semaisi Jean-Philippe RAMEAU (1683-1764) L’Enharmonique C P E BACH (1714-1788) Sonata in D Minor Joseph HAYDN (1732-1809) Sonata in B Minor Hob XV1/32 Frederick DELIUS (1862-1934) Dance for Harpsichord Jean FRANCAIX (1912-1997) L’Insectarium 1.La Scolopendre 2.La Coccinelle Ekrem Zeki UN (1910-1987) Folk Dance Cenan AKIN (b 1932) Kuhelyan Gottfried von EINEM (b 1918) Capriccio Op 36 No 1 Cengiz TANC (b 1933) Two small pieces Ilhan USMANBAS (b 1921) Three pieces in Twelve Tone Dominique LAWALREE (b 1954) Harpsinotes Leyla Pinar, harpsichord No recording location or dates provided PAVANE ADW 7225 [67.37] [JW]

An enterprising recital, rather stronger on the twentieth than the eighteenth century, which explores some fascinating paths for modern harpsichord music. … see Full Review

Les Plus Beaux Noëls aux Orgues de Moselle - Improvisation John BULL (1562-1608) Ein Kindeken is ons geborn Dietrich BUXTEHUDE (1637-1707) Wie Schon leuchtet der Morgenstern J S BACH (1685-1750) Christmas Chorales BWV 602-611 Louis Claude DAQUIN (1694-1772) Carol Suisse Noel en tierce en taille Claude BALBASTRE (1727-1799) Noel Bourguignon Joseph est bon marie Organs played by Michel Chapuis (Improvisation, Balbastre), Etienne Baillot (Bull), Martin Gester (Buxtehude), Norbert Petry (Bach), Laurent Beyhurst (first Daquin), Jean Paul Serra (second Daquin) K617008 [47.58] [JW]

The disc’s raison d’être is to present organ music from the Moselle in Christmas repertoire – mainly Baroque – and it does so with considerable élan. … see Full Review

RUSSIAN OPERA ARIAS - Volume 1 Vladimir Grishko (tenor) Overtures, dances and arias (sung in Russian) from: Queen of Spades Tchaikovsky - May Night Rimsky-Korsakov - Eugene Onegin Tchaikovsky - Sorochintsy Fair Mussoursgky - Dream on the Volga Arensky - Raphael Arensky - National Symphony Orchestra of Ukraine/Theodore Kuchar (conductor) - Ukraine State Radio Symphony Orchestra/Vladimir Sirenko (conductor) NAXOS 8. 554843 [66’ 48"] [CF]

A lot of familiar music here and rather doom-and-gloom but worth the buy…see Full review

Dirk Schafer (1873-1931) Fréderic CHOPIN (1810-1849) Waltz in G flat Op 70 No 1 Nocturne in F Op 15 No 1 Polonaise in D minor Op 71 No 1 Mazurka in A minor Op 17 No 4 Ecossaises in D, G flat and D flat Op 72 Nos 1-3 Berceuse in D flat Op 57 Nocturne in A flat Op 55 No 1 Waltz in A flat Op 42 Impromptu in A flat Op 29 Marche Funèbre from Sonata No 2 in B flat minor Op 35 Etude in A minor Op 25 No 11 Etudes in G flat and C minor OP 25 Nos 9 and 12 Fantasie Impromptu in C sharp minor Op 66 François COUPERIN (1668-1733) Soeur Monique Georg Friedrich HANDEL (1685-1759) Fantasia in C Wolfgang Amadeus MOZART (1756-1791) Duport Variations Ludwig Van BEETHOVEN (1770-1827) Andante Favori (fragment) Adolf HENSELT (1814-1889) Berceuse in G flat Johannes BRAHMS (1833-1897) Waltz in E Op 39 No 2 Dirk Schafer, piano Recorded 1920s PEARL OPAL CD 9861 [79.19] [JW]

A pianist of real stature, a musician of insight, an instrumentalist of tremendous gifts. ...see Full Review


Carl SCHURICHT Great Conductors of the Twentieth Century
MENDELSSOHN Overture: Hebrides Op. 26 SCHUBERT Symphony No. 8 in B minor Unfinished MOZART Symphony No. 35 Haffner K385 BEETHOVEN Symphony No. 1 Op. 21 BRUCKNER Symphony No. 8 in C minor Vienna Philharmonic Orchestra/Orchestre de la Société des Concerts du Conservatoire Conductor: Carl Schuricht Recorded in Paris and Vienna 1954-1963 EMI 7243 5 75130 2 9 [2CDs 145’45"] [CF]

Schuricht certainly has a justifiable place in the pantheon of Great Conductors of the Twentieth Century. … see Full Review

"SONGS MY FATHER TAUGHT ME". E PURCELL: Passing By.
TRAD arr. P TATE
: The Lark in the Clear Air. Arr SULLIVAN: My Dearest Heart; The Lost Chord. SANDERSON: until. HAYDN WOOD: Love’s Garden of Roses; It is Only a Tiny Garden; A Brown Bird Singing; Bird of Love Divine. TRAD, arr QUILTER: Drink To Me Only. J M Capel: Love Could I Only Tell Thee. ALISON TRAVERS: A Mood. A PENN: Smiling Through. S ADAMS: The Holy City. JACK ROBSON: The Cheviot Hills. P DRESSER: On the Banks of Wabash. F LAMBERT: She is Far From the Land; God’s Garden. G PEEL: In summer Time in Bredon. DIX: The Trumpeter. NOVELLO: Till the Boys Come Home. RAS BACH: Trees. F O’Connor. The Old House. COATES: Bird Songs at Eventide. A MURRAY: I’ll Walk Beside You. Thomas Allen (baritone) Malcolm Martineau (piano) HYPERION CDA 67290 [70’35"] [PS]

Few, however, sing the British drawing room ballad with such affection or accomplishment as Thomas Allen … see Full Review

Musique espagnole des 17e et 18e siècles pour orgue Antonio MARTIN y COLL (c1660-1735) Extraits de Flores de Musica 1 à 4 (1706-1709) Organ works by: 1. Anonyme: Obra de octavo tono, 2. Anonyme: Passacalles de primer tono, 3. Anonyme: Obra de segundo tono mana izquierda y dos bajos, 4. Anonyme: Obra de clarin, 5. Anonyme: Partido de mano derecha. Obra de tercer tono-Canción, 6. Diego XAVARA: Obra de lleno de tercer tono, 7. CAPOCIO: Gallarda, 8. Anonyme: Tiento de segundo tono por la mediacion, 9. Anonyme: Batalla famosa. François Houtart, Organist Organ by: Patrick Collon 1985, Church of Saint-Lambert, Brussels, Belgium Recorded: August 1989, Church of Saint-Lambert, Brussels, Belgium PAVANE RECORDS ADW 7209 [71’27’] [ChA]

Uninspired performances that do not give a fair account of the Spanish organ music of the 17th and 18th century. … see Full Review

L’ORGUE ROMANTIQUE DE LAGRASSE Leon BOËLLMANN (1862-1897) Suite Gothique op 25 Louis VIERNE (1870-1937) Adagio (op 28 no 4); Berceuse (op 31 no 19) Théodore DUBOIS (1837-1924) Toccata Gabriel PIERNÉ (1863-1937) Trois Pièces op 29: Prélude, Cantilène, Scherzando Eugène GIGOUT (1844-1925) Toccata in B minor Louis LEFÉBURE-WELY (1817-1869) Sortie in B flat major; Elevation; Communion; Sortie in E flat major Jean-Pierre Lecaudey (organ) Recorded at St Michel de Lagrasse, nr Carcassonne, France, October 1998 PAVANE RECORDS ADW 7426 [59:43] [AAS]

Yet another most interesting organ recital by Lecaudey. A splendid disc. Praiseworthy musicianship and virtuosity. … see Full Review

POPULAR GUITAR CLASSICS Albéniz arr. Byzantine: Suite española No.1; Rumores de la Caleta Albéniz: Torre bermeja Torroba: Madroños Tárrega:- Capricho árabe; La Alborada Lauro: Vals venezolana no.3 Villa-Lobos: Chôro no.1 in G; Prelude no.1 in e minor; Prelude no.2 in E; Study no.1 in e minor Rodrigo: En los trigales Borges: Vals venezolano Granados: Andaluza Malats: Serenata española Falla: ‘The Three-cornered Hat’: The Corregidor’s Dance and The Miller’s Dance Julian Byzantine (guitar) Recorded Wigmore Hall, London, May 1981, Habberdashers’ Aske’s Boys School Elstree, April 1990, St.Dunstan’s, Cheam, December 1974 EMI CLASSICS FOR PLEASURE 7243 5 75140 2 6 [73:43] [GPJ]

An undemanding but very pleasing and well executed selection. Borges Vals - a real charmer. Delighted to make its acquaintance. … see Full Review

Tossy Spivakovsky (1907-1998) Antonio BAZZINI (1818-1897) La Ronde des Lutins Jean-Joseph MOURET arr DANDELOT Sarabande in E minor Joachim RAFF (1822-1882) Cavatina in D Op 85 No 3 Christoph Willibald GLUCK (1714-1787) Dance of the Blessed Spirits – Orfeo ed Euridice Ernest BLOCH (1880-1959) Nigun Fritz KREISLER (1874-1962) Minuet in the style of Porpora, Sicilienne et Rigaudon, Caprice viennois, Tambourin chinois Niccolo PAGANINI (1782-1840) Sonata No 11 in A, Sonata No 12 in C, Caprice No 20 Antonin DVOŘÁK (1841-1904) Slavonic Dance No 10 in E minor Ludwig van BEETHOVEN (1770-1827) Turkish March arr Leopold Auer, Chorus of Dervishes arr Leopold Auer Johannes BRAHMS (1833-1897) Hungarian Dance No 1 arr Joseph Joachim Waltz No 15 arr David Hochstein Henryk WIENIAWSKI (1835-1880) Scherzo-tarantelle Op 6 Pablo SARASATE (1844-1908) Introduction and Tarantelle, Danza Espanola No 6 "Zapateado" Tossy Spivakovsky, violin Piano accompaniment Recorded 1924-1931 PEARL GEM 0158 [70.20] [JW]

A fine conspectus of a remarkable young talent. … see Full Review

John TOMLINSON (Bass) Arias from operas by Mozart, Beethoven, Weber, Wagner, R. Strauss and Lortzing. Sung in English. London Philharmonic Orchestra/Philharmonia Orchestra. Cond. David Parry. Recorded: December 1998, October 1999, September 2001 in Blackheath Halls, London. Mid Price. CHANDOS. CHAN 3076 (78.31) [RF]

Recorded ten years earlier, this programme might have portrayed this great singer in his prime and in repertoire in which he has enjoyed a distinguished international career. I will not, regretfully, return to this disc. … see Full Review

GÜNTER WAND: The Essential Recordings
Anton BRUCKNER (1824-1896): Symphony No 5 in B flat (original version, ed. Haas)* [74.33] Symphony No 4 in E flat major, Romantic (Original version, 1878/1880) *** [68.40] Symphony No 9 in D minor *** [61.59] Wolfgang Amadeus MOZART (1756-1791): Symphony No 39 in E flat, K 543 ** [25.30] Symphony No 40 in G Minor, K550 ** [25.29] Symphony No 41 in C major, K551 Jupiter ** [29.09] Serenade No 7 in D major, K250 Haffner ** [51.30] (with Roland Greutter, violin) Igor STRAVINSKY (1882-1971): Suite Pulcinella ** [21.15] Ludwig Van BEETHOVEN (1770-1827): Symphony No 9 in D minor, Op. 125**# [66.23] Leonore Overture No 3, Op. 72a ** [14.19] Franz SCHUBERT (1797-1828): Symphony No 9 in C major, D 944 Great *** [54.51] Rosamunde, excerpts * [20.17] Symphony No 4 in C minor, D417 Tragic * [28.12] Robert SCHUMANN (1810-1856): Symphony No 3 in E flat major, Op. 97 Rhenische ** [30 59] Symphony No 4 in D minor, Op. 120** [28.24] Johannes BRAHMS (1833-1897): Symphony No 1 in C minor, Op. 68 **** [46.12] Peter Ilych TCHAIKOVSKY (1840-1893): Symphony No 6 in B minor, Op. 74 Pathétique ** [44.05] *Cologne Radio Symphony Orchestra ** North German Radio Symphony Orchestra *** Berlin Philharmonic Orchestra **** Chicago Symphony Orchestra #Edith Wiens (sop); Hildegard Hartwig (alto); Keith Lewis (ten); Roland Hermann (bass) Hamburg State Opera Chorus; Chorus of North German Radio Conducted by Günter Wand BMG RCA RED SEAL 74321 90114 2 [11hrs, 31’15"] [JQ]

BMG are to be congratulated on a fine tribute to a conductor of the first rank. We are unlikely to see again the likes of Günter Wand so savour these fine recordings. … see Full Review

Compilation: when love speaks’ A selection of Shakespeare’s sonnets
read by (among others): Richard Attenborough; Peter Barkworth; Alan Bates; Kenneth Branagh; Richard Briers; Tom Courtney; Joseph Fiennes; Ralph Fiennes; Edward Fox; John Gielgud; Ion Gruffudd; John Hurt; Richard Johnson; Jonathan Pryce; Alan Rickman; Diana Rigg, Timothy Spall; Imogen Stubbs; Sylvia Syms; David Warner; Richard Wilson and Susannah York. With musicians: Barbara Bonney; Des’ree; Bryan Ferry; Keb’ Mo’; Ladysmith Black Mambazo; Annie Lennox; John Potter; and Rufus Wainwright EMI CLASSICS 5 573231 2 [70:07] [IL]

The selection of some of Shakespeare’s best-loved sonnets (and other writings) are read by a glittering array of some of the world’s leading actors. … see Full Review

 

BOOK REVIEWS

A Chronicle of First Broadcast Performances of Musical Works in the United Kingdom, 1923-1996, edited by Alastair Mitchell and Alan Poulton. Ashgate, 2001 xvi, 798 pages ISBN 1 85928 239 3 Ł75.

This is an enormously valuable compilation, though, to be used with care as it is not the last word....see Full Review

INTERPRETING BACH AT THE KEYBOARD Paul Badura-Skoda Translated from the German by Alfred Clayton Oxford University Press, 1990 573 pages ISBN 0-19-816576-5

This is a must for anyone who does play Bach’s music, and will certainly interest other lovers of his music who want to know more about the way it is played. … see Full Review

RO HANCOCK-CHILD MADELEINE DRING, HER MUSIC, HER LIFE ISBN O 9537893 0 6. viii + 88pp softback.

The book is an invaluable pioneer effort. … see Full Review

OH MY HORSES! ELGAR AND THE GREAT WAR. THE MUSIC OF ELGAR, vol 2. Edited by Lewis Foreman. Elgar Editions (20 High St. Rickmansworth, Herts WD3 1ER Ł25. ISBN) ISBN 9537082 3 3 XVI +Ł4.96 pp, 109 b/w illustrations, 20 music examples, CD.

All in all this volume should be essential reading for all those interested, not just in Elgar but in British music as a whole....see Full Review

WILLIAM WALTON The Romantic Loner: A centenary portrait album by Humphrey Burton and Maureen Murray Published by Oxford University Press in January 2002 Ł25, hardback ISBN 0-19-816235-9 [CF]

This book is a worthy tribute to the man, honest in its assessment, graphic in detail and copiously illustrated throughout, in short a perfect introduction to the man and his music. … 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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