> Classical CD Review Archive - Classical - Nov 2002 part 5 S-Y: Classical MusicWeb (UK)

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PART 5
S to Y
[Detailed listing (last two days)]
[Part 1 New]  [Part 2 A-B] [Part 3 C-L]
[Part 4 M-R]  [Part 5 S-Z]
[Part 6 Misc A-L] 
[Part 7 Misc M-Z]



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ALPHABETICAL LISTING

Carlos SALZEDO (1885-1961) Songs in the Night. Concert Fantasies, arrangements and original works Believe me, if all those Endearing Young Charms, Jolly Piper Concert Fantasy on the Theme of The Sailor’s hornpipe, Londonderry Air Jules MASSENET (1842-1912) Minuet d’amour from Therese Georg Frideric HANDEL (1685-1759) The Harmonious Blacksmith, Air and Variations, Ombra Mi Fui Felix MENDELSSOHN (1809-1847) Spring Song from Songs without words, Traipsin’ thru Arkansaw Concert Fantasy on the theme of the Arkansas Traveller, Annie Laurie, Deep River, Dixie Parade Concert Fantasy on the theme of Dixie My old Kentucky Home, Turkey Strut Concert Fantasy on the theme of Turkey in the straw The Last Rose of Summer Carlos SALZEDO (1885-1961) Song in the Night; La Désirade Agustin LARA (1900-1969) Concert Fantasy on Granada Antonin DVORÁK (1841-1904) Humoresque Op 101 No 7 Franz LISZT (1811-1886) Paraphrase on the Second Hungarian Rhapsody Anton RUBINSTEIN (1829-1894) Melody in F Op 3 Johannes BRAHMS (1833-1898) Waltz Op 35 No 15; Lullaby Op 49 No 4 Alice Giles, harp Recorded May 1999 St Scholastica’s Chapel, Glebe, Australia ARTWORKS AW025 [68.48] [JW]

Full of high spirits and affectionate filigree … a winner … see Full Review


RECORDING OF THE MONTH Domenico SCARLATTI (1685-1757) Sonatas: b minor K.129, G major K.146, C major K.132, E major K.162, A major K.24 Sergei RACHMANINOV (1873-1943)
9 Etudes Tableaux op. 39, Prelude in g sharp minor, op. 32/12 Craig Sheppard (pianoforte) Recorded live, 25.02.1994 (Scarlatti), 02.03.2000 (Rachmaninov), Meany Theatre, University of Washington, Seattle AT 00-00118 [68.13] [CH]

Some wonderful pianism by one of the leading pianists of our times. … see Full Review

Alfred SCHNITTKE (1934 – 1998) Piano Sonata No.1 (1987) - Piano Sonata No.2 (1990) - Piano Sonata No.3 (1992) - Ragna Schirmer (piano) - Recorded: Halle Saale Freylinghausen, August 2000 BERLIN CLASSICS 0017292BC [66:20] [HC]

His most substantial piano works as well as some of his finest pieces. … see Full Review

Arnold SCHOENBERG (1874-1951) Pierrot Lunaire Op.21 (1913) [34.33] Chrichan LARSON (b.1956) Väsen (1989) [9.56] Cordes et Tuyau (1991) [7.23] Anton WEBERN (1883 - 1945) Quartet op.22 (1931) [6.01] Pierre BOULEZ (b.1925) Dérive 1 (1984) [5.51]) Ma Ing-Britt Ibba Andersson, soprano Rec. sveriges Radio Stockholm, November 1999/January 2000 NYTORP NYTORP 0001 [63.57] [AT]

Gorgeous soundworld … of the highest quality. The performance equally compulsive. … see Full Review

Franz SCHUBERT (1797-1828) Piano Sonata in A D.959 (1828)[38.44]
Pilgerweise D789 (1823) [5.39] Der Ungluckliche D713 (1821) [5.56] Auf dem Ström D943 (1828) [7.59] Die Stern D939 (1828) [2.52] Leif Ove Andsnes, piano Ian Bostridge, tenor Timothy Brown, horn Rec. Lyndhurst Hall, Air Studios, London, Aug 2001 EMI CLASSICS 7243 5 57266 2 9 [61.25] [AT]

Andsnes wide-eyed and enraptured by Schubert’s noble language … see Full Review


BARGAIN OF THE MONTH Franz SCHUBERT (1797-1828) Complete Piano Sonatas; Impromptus; Moments Musicaux various artists BRILLIANT CLASSICS 99798
[TH]

It is only fair to give this big undertaking a very warm welcome. … see Full Review

Franz SCHUBERT (1797-1828) Winterreise (arranged for tenor and string quartet by Jens Josef) Christian Elsner (tenor); Henschel String Quartet - Rec 7-11 May 2001, Studio 2, Bayerische Rundfunk, Munich CPO 999 877-2 [68.45] [TB]

Elsner is a talented singer and his vocal qualities bring insights and satisfaction to this great work. … see Full Review

Robert SCHUMANN (1810-1856) The Four Symphonies - Symphony No. 1 Spring (1841) [30.40] - Symphony No. 2 (1846) [34.38] - Symphony No. 3 Rhenish (1850) [31.51] - Symphony No. 4 (1841 rev 1851) [29.27] Academy of St. Martin-in-the-Fields/Sir Neville Marriner - rec Feb 1998, Henry Wood Hall, London, DDD - licensed from Hänssler Classic - not available separately BRILLIANT CLASSICS 99950 [2CDs: 61.01+64.05] [RB]

Not a first recommendation but a resilient unindulgent and bargain basement introduction in very modern digital sound. ... see Full Review

Dmitri SHOSTAKOVICH (1906 – 1975) Piano Quintet Op.57 (1940) - Alfred SCHNITTKE (1934 – 1998) Piano Quintet (1975) Boris Berman (piano); Vermeer Quartet - Recorded: Glenn Gould Studio, CBC, Toronto, December 2000 NAXOS 8.554830 [56:25] [HC]

Committed and well recorded readings … see Full Review

Dmitri SHOSTAKOVICH (1906-1975) Cello Concerto No. 1 in E flat Op. 107 - Cello Concerto No. 2 in G, Op. 126. - Richard STRAUSS (1864-1949) Romanze in F, AV75. Arto Noras (cello); Norwegian Radio Orchestra/Ari Rasilainen. Recorded at NRK Broadcasting Hall, Oslo in April 1997. [DDD] WARNER APEX 0927 40604-2 [73'53] [CC]

There is no doubting Noras's technique and, given the price of the reissue, no-one will be seriously disappointed, despite some reservations. … see Full Review

Jean SIBELIUS (1865-1957) The World of Sibelius - Finlandia - Symphony No. 3 - Valse triste* - Serenade for violin and orchestra, Opus 69 No. 2 - Karelia Suite - Boris Belkin (violin) - Boston Symphony Orchestra* - Philharmonia Orchestra - Vladimir Ashkenazy - Two Songs: Ver det un dröm? Flickan kom ifrøn sin Älsklings möte - Birgit Nilsson (soprano) - -Vienna State Opera Orchestra; Bertil Bokstedt - Rec March 1980, Kingsway Hall, London (Finlandia), May 1983., Kingsway Hall (Symphony No. 3). April 1965, Sofiensaal, Vienna (songs), March 1992, Symphony Hall Boston (Valse Triste), April 1978, Kingsway Hall (Serenade), February 1985, Walthamstow Assembly Hall (Karelia Suite) DECCA 473 144-2 [73.01] [TB]

Artists distinguished enough to have acquired reputations as Sibelians; these performances indicate why … see Full Review

Jean SIBELIUS (1865-1957) Incidental Music - Belshazzar's Feast Op.51 (1906) - Swanwhite Op.54 (1908) - Scènes Historiques I and II Op.25 and Op.66 (1899, 1911 and 1912) Norwegian Radio Orchestra conducted by Ari Rasilainen - Recorded NRK Broadcasting Hall, Oslo, February 2001 FINLANDIA RECORDS 0927 41935-2 [73.34] [JF]

An interesting disc exploring some of the byways of Sibelius' music. Well presented, played and recorded. It is a must for all those who need to hear everything the composer wrote. … see Full Review

Jean SIBELIUS (1865-1957) Symphony No. 2 (1901) [47.28] - Eduard TUBIN (1905-1982) Symphony No. 5 (1946) [28.37] Cincinnati SO/Paavo Järvi - rec 1-2 Dec 2001, Music Hall, Cincinnati, Ohio, USA TELARC CD-80585 [73.25] [RB]

Not a Sibelius Second I would recommend but the Tubin is quite another proposition ... see Full Review

Howard SKEMPTON (b.1947) PIANOWORKS Well, Well, Cornelius - June '77 - Trace - Air - Saltaire Melody - Senza Licenza - Invention - Passing Fancy - Sweet Chariot - Chorale - First Prelude - Piano Piece 1969 - Rumba - Toccata - Quavers 5 - A Roma - Of Late - Campanella 3 - Campanella - Swedish Caprice - Quavers 3 - Una Barcarola Eccentrica - Images (20 pieces) - The Durham Strike - Postlude John Tilbury, piano - Recorded at Snape Maltings, Suffolk, 4th - 7th July 1994, in the presence of the composer SONY SMK 89617 [71.00] [NH]

A lovely disc of an under-rated British composer's music, superbly played and recorded … See Full Review


Bruno SKULTE (1905-1976) Daugava (1958-60) [48.18] (tracks 1-8) Ganiņš Biju (A Herder's Life) (1965) [19.11] (track 9) Balāde par kareivi, Kas Neatgriezās (Ballad to the Soldier who did not return) (1935) [11.03] (track 10) Lelde Vikmane (narrator) (Daugava) Dita Kalniņa (sop) (Daugava) Antra Bigača (mz) (Daugava) Viesturs Jansons (ten) (Daugava) Samsons Izjumovs (bar) (Daugava) Ints Teterovskis (bar) (Ganiņš) Dagnija Tuča (recorder) (Ganiņš) Silvija Padega Grendze (kokles) (Ganiņš) Edgars Zālīte (kokles) (Ganiņš) Laura Padega Zamura (kokles) (Ganiņš) New York Latvian Concert Choir (Daugava; Ganiņš) Chamber Choir - Balsis (Daugava; Ganins) Choir Class of the Riga 4th Music School (Daugava; Ganiņš) Latvian National SO (Daugava and Balāde) Andrejs Jansons (conductor) rec Rigas skaņu ierakstu studija 23-24 July 2001 DDD NEW YORK LATVIAN CONCERT CHOIR NYLCC 004 [76.31] [RB]

A substantial sampling from the unaffectedly innocent music of Bruno Skulte. I am left wanting more. I also have hopes that CDs of music by that sublime symphonist Adolfs Skulte will appear sooner rather than later ... see Full Review

Bedrich SMETANA (1824-1884) Ma Vlast Czech Philharmonic Orchestra/Libor Pesek - Rec 12 May 1995, Rudolfinum Hall, Prague REGIS RRC 1099 [74.29] [TB]

At the bargain price no-one is likely to complain, but it is possible to acquire more vivid performances … see Full Review

Bedrich SMETANA (1824-1884) Libuše Gabriela Benackov-Capov  (soprano) Libušse, Vaclav Zitek (baritone) Premysl, Antonín Svorc (bass) Chrudos, Leo Marian Vodicka (tenor) Stahlav, Karel Prusa (bass) Lutobor, Rene Tucek (baritone) Radovan, Eva Depoltova (soprano) Krasava, Vera Soukupova  (contralto) Radmila, Chorus of harvesters, elders, chieftains and noblemen; maidens at Libuše's court; Premysl's retinue; the people Chorus and Orchestra of the National Theatre, Prague, Zdenek Kosler Rec 18 November 1983, National Theatre, Prague SUPRAPHON 11 1276-2 633 [3CDs: 166.17] [TB]

Reaches the heart of the matter. Smetana emerges as the great opera composer he undoubtedly was. … see Full Review


Wilhelm STENHAMMAR (1871-1927) The Orchestral Music
Symphony No. 1 in F major (1902-3) [52.56] Symphony No. 2 in G minor (1901-1902) [42.37] Piano Concerto No. 1 in B flat minor (original version) (1893) [45.50] Piano Concerto No. 2 in D minor (1904-1907) [28.43] Serenade (including Reverenza movement) (1907) [43.30] Lodolezzi Sings suite (1919) [17.50] Midwinter (1907) [12.25] Florez och Blanzeflor - ballad for baritone and orchestra (1891) [8.19] Two Sentimental Romances for violin and orchestra (1910) [12.42] Excelsior! concert overture (1897) [12.10] Snöfrid (1897) [21.29] Peter Mattei (bar) (Florez) Ulf Wallin (violin) (Romances) Love Derwinger (piano) (No. 1) Cristina Ortiz (piano) (No. 2) Ulrika Åhlén (sop), Gunvor Nilsson (mz), Gösta Zackrisson (ten), Per Enoksson (violin) Gothenburg Concert Hall Choir/Ove Gotting (Snöfrid) Gothenburg SO/Neeme Järvi Malmö SO/Paavo Järvi () rec Gothenburg Concert Hall, live 24 Sept 1982 (Sym 1), live, 16 Sept 1983 (Sym 2), studio: 19-20 May 1989 (Piano Concerto 2), 1 Sept 1983 (Excelsior!), 26 August 1985 (Serenade); 11/17 June 1992, Malmö Concert Hall (Florez, Romances, Piano Concerto 1), DDD/AAD BIS-CD-714/716 [4CDs: 76.52+78.12+75.34+77.48] [RB]

The accustomed romantic idiom inflamed with Swedish folk voices - a sensational bargain ... see Full Review

William Grant STILL (1895-1978) Afro-American Symphony (1930) - Amy BEACH (1867-1944) "Gaelic" Symphony (1896) Royal Philharmonic Orchestra/Karl Krueger - Recorded London 1965 (Still) 1968 (Beach) BRIDGE 9086 [65.42] [JW]

Rich in chromaticism and mountain top horn calls … see Full Review

Richard STOKER Complete Guitar Music Pastoral Op.42c (1966) Dance Movements Op.66 (1984) Diversions on a Theme of Theodorakis Op.46 (1973) Pieces for Polita Op.57 (1979) Sonatina for Guitar Op.42 (1974) Improvisation Op.42b (1972) Zodiac Variations Op.22 (1965 - piano version 1978 arranged by Martin Vishnick) Sonata for Two Guitars Op.55 (1977) Concerto for Two Guitars & Tape Op.56 (1978) Martin Vishnick, solo guitar; English Guitar Duo, David Collins and Martin Nockalls Recorded at JJ Studios, Clapham, South London (Tracks 1 and 6 to 38); Ridge Road Studio, Stroud Green, London N8 (Tracks 2-5) (Recording date circa 1997) and Live Recording 21st July 1978 at the Wigmore Hall London (Track 39-44) [Thanks to the composer for additional information]
ASC CLASSICAL SERIES ASC CS CD15 [71.40] [JF]

The entire opus of guitar works by Stoker. Listen to this a work at a time and it will impress. … see Full Review

Richard STRAUSS (1864-1949) Salome, op.54 – Dance of the Seven Veils’ (1910) Tod und Verklärung (Death and Transfiguration) op.24 ((1989) Ein Heldenleben (A Hero’s Life) op.40 (1898) Staatskapelle Dresden/Rudolf Kempe, Peter Mirring, violin
Recorded 13th-24th June 1970 (Dance of the Seven Veils and Tod und Verklärung), and 26th-30th March 1972 (Ein Heldenleben), Lukaskirche, Dresden EMI CLASSICS Great Recordings of the Century 5 67891 2 [75:15] [GPJ]

A heady experience for Strauss lovers … see Full Review

Richard STRAUSS (1864-1949) Der Rosenkavalier (abridged) (1911) Die Feldmarschallin – Lotte Lehmann (soprano); Octavian – Maria Olszewska (Mezzo-soprano); Der Baron Ochs auf Lerchenau – Richard Mayr (bass); Sophie – Elisabeth Schumann (soprano); Herr von Faninal – Victor Madin (baritone); Marianne Leitmetzerin – Anne Machalsky (soprano); Valzacchi – Hermann Gallos (tenor); Annina – Bella Paalen (contralto); Ein Polizeikommissar – Karl Ettl (tenor); Ein Wirt – William Wenigk (tenor); Vienna Philharmonic Orchestra Robert Heger - Recorded Mittlerer Konzerthaussaal September 1933 - Includes various excerpts from Die Rosenkavalier recorded between 1920 and 1931 sung by Richard Tauber, Lotte Lehmann, Barbara Kemp, Conchita Supervia, Richard Mayr and Anni Andrassy, Alexander Kipnis and Else Ruziczka, Barbara Kemp, Delia Rheinhardt and Marion Claire. NAXOS HISTORICAL 8.110191-92 [2 CDs 142.04] [JW]

A very pleasant pendant to a much-loved, irreplaceable Rosenkavalier. … see Full Review

Josef SUK (1874-1935) Ripening - a symphonic poem (1917) A Fairy Tale - suite (1900) Czech PO/Václav Talich rec Dvorák Hall, Rudolfinum, Prague, 28 Apr 1956 (Ripening), 2 May 1949 (Fairy Tale) mono SUPRAPHON 11 1904-2 001 [70.58]

Essential listening for all admirers of the eloquent, superbly crafted music of Josef Suk … see Full Review

Josef SUK (1874-1935) Nalady op 10, Piano pieces op 12, Fantasy-Polonaise op 5 , Humoresque in C Major, Village Serenade Pavel Stepan, piano SUPRAPHON SU 0032-2 111 [65’33] [JW]

These early pieces, especially when so knowingly and freshly interpreted, make an infectious impression. … see Full Review


Josef SUK (1874-1935) String Quartet No. 1, Opus 11 String Quartet No. 2, Opus 31 Quartet Movement in B flat Tempo di Menuetto Meditation on the St Wenceslas Chorale Suk Quartet Recorded June 1978 (Quartet Movement), Domovina Studio, March 1979 (Quartet No. 1), January 1984 (Quartet No. 2, Tempo di Menuetto, Meditation), Dvořák Hall, Rudolfinum, Prague SUPRAPHON 11 1531-2 111 [52.17] [TB]

The composer would have been pleased with what his namesake quartet achieves. … see Full Review

Arthur SULLIVAN (1842-1900) Daydreams: Chamber and Piano music String Quartet 1859 Daydreams No.1 (piano) 1867 Daydreams No.2 (piano) An Idyll (cello and piano) 1865 Allegro Risoluto 1866 Daydreams No.3 (piano) Daydreams No.4 (piano) Slowly, Slowly (cello and piano) Daydreams No.5 (piano) Daydreams No.6 (piano) Berceuse (piano fantasia) Romance for String Quartet Thoughts No.1 (piano) 1862 Thoughts No.2 (piano) 1862 Twilight (piano) 1868 Duo Concertante Op. 2 (cello and piano) Yeomans String Quartet: Robert Yeomans and Anne Bunemann (violins), Louise Lansdown (viola), Gabriel Waite (cello) Jamie Walton (cello), Murray McLachlan (piano) Rec. Recital Room, Chethams School of Music, Manchester, England 2001 DDD Mid price SOMM SOMMCD233 [71.38] [RW]

Apart from the rarity of the items, the success of this disc lies in the skills of the musicians and quality of their instruments. … see Full Review


Thomas TALLIS (c.1510-1585) The Complete Works - Volume 1 (1530-40)
Ave Dei patris filia [15’33"] Ave rosa sine spinis [11’14"] Ora pro nobis (c.1535) [3’57"] Euge celi porta [2’28"] Missa Salve Intemerata [22’45"] Salve intemerata [15’54"] Chapelle du Roi/Alistair Dixon Recorded in St. Augustine’s Church, Kilburn, London on 23-25 October 1996 SIGNUM SIG001 [71’52"] [JP]

Great attention paid to performance detail including pitch, pronunciation and liturgical context … see Full Review

Peter Ilyich TCHAIKOVSKY (1840 – 1893) Swan Lake Ballet - complete, (1877); The Sleeping Beauty Ballet – complete, (1890); The Nutcracker Ballet – complete, (1892) Philharmonia Orchestra, conducted by John Lanchbery with the Ambrosian Singers (Nutcracker). recorded March – May and July 1982 in Abbey Road Studios, London. CLASSICS FOR PLEASURE CFP 575 7592 [6CDs: 366.26] [JP]

Vividness and élan in an inexpensive set … see Full Review

Peter TCHAIKOVSKY (1840 – 1893) Nutcracker Ballet – complete - Op. 71 (1892) Choreography Lev Ivanov and Peter Wright, with Lesley Collier, Anthony Dowell, Michael Coleman, Julie Rose and Guy Niblett The Royal Ballet Corps and Orchestra, conducted by Gennadi Rozhdestvensky. recorded in the Royal Opera House, Covent Garden, London, January, 1985 - Video directed by John Vernon in association with Peter Wright WARNER MUSIC VISION, NVC 0630-19394-2 [99 minutes] [JP]

A classic performance … see Full Review

Lasse THORESEN (born 1949) Illuminations (1986)a Symphonic Concerto (1984)b Liv Opdal Eggestad, Aage Kvalbein (cello)a; Stig Nilsson (violin)b; Oslo Philharmonic Orchestra; Marcello Viotti Recorded: Oslo Concert Hall, March 1998 AURORA ACD 5008 [78:46] [HC]

Expressionistic, but very communicative and in an eloquent idiom - music that vastly repays repeated hearings … see Full Review

Ernst TOCH (1887-1964) Tanz-Suite Op 30 (1923) - Cello Concerto (1924) Susanne Müller-Hornbach, cello - Mutare Ensemble - Gerhard Müller-Hornbach - Recorded November 1999 CPO 999 688-2 [56.32] [JW]

If you can cope with the occasionally convoluted astringencies demanding but bracing listening … see Full Review

Percy TURNBULL (1902-1976) Songs and Part-Songs: Chloris in the Snow - In Fountain Court - A Boy’s Song - My Bed is a Boat - To Julia - When Daffodils begin to peer - Ejaculation to God - To God - Piping down the Valleys Wild - Cavalier - If Doughty Deeds - The Rainy Day - The Moon - The Moon (second setting) - The Reminder - The Reminder (second setting) - Guess, Guess - My Mopsa is Little - To Blossoms - The Shower - Cargoes - Where go the boats? - Take me to the North Countrie - You spotted snakes - There was as simple maiden - To Blossoms (second setting) - Nancy Argenta, soprano; Roderick Williams, baritone - Robin Bowman, piano; Alistair Young, piano (in "Where go the boats?") The Joyful Company of Singers, directed by Peter Broadbent - Solo songs recorded July and September 2000 at St. Philip’s Church, London, UK - Part-songs recorded in March 2000 at Southlands College, London, UK SOMM CELESTE SERIES SOMM 020 [51.08] [WH]

The singing on this disc brings great pleasure … see Full Review

Geirr TVEITT (1908-1981) Variations on a Folksong from Hardanger for two pianos and orchestra (1949) (30.54) - Piano Concerto No. 4 "Aurora Borealis", Op. 130 (1947) (29.57) - Håvard Gimse (piano); Gunilla Süssmann (piano) Royal Scottish National Orchestra/Bjarte Engeset - Rec 7th – 12th January 2001 in Henry Wood Hall, Glasgow NAXOS 8.555761 [60.51] [TM]

The primitive, modal nature of the music makes it communicative at an almost visceral level … see Full Review

Ralph VAUGHAN WILLIAMS (1872 – 1958) Pastoral Symphony - Symphony No. 3, (1921) - Norfolk Rhapsody No. 1 in E minor (1906) - Norfolk Rhapsody No. 2 in D minor (1907) - The Running Set (1933) - Rebecca Evans (soprano) (Symphony No. 3) London Symphony Orchestra/Richard Hickox. recorded 16 – 18th January 2002 in All Saints’ Church, Tooting, London CHANDOS CHAN 10001 [66.26] [JP]

Recommended strongly, but with some reservations in relation to the symphony … see Full Review

RECORDING OF THE MONTH Ralph VAUGHAN WILLIAMS (1872-1958) The Film Music - Vol. 1 Scott of the Antarctic *(1948); The People’s Land (1942) ; Coastal Command (1943) Merryn Gamba (soprano) * Sheffield Philharmonic Chorus * BBC Philharmonic Orchestra/Rumon Gamba Recorded in New Broadcasting House, Manchester; 12 and 21 March 2002 CHANDOS CHAN 10007 [78:30] [IL]

An excellent introduction to RVW’s evocative film music … see Full Review

Ralph VAUGHAN WILLIAMS (1872-1958) English Folk Song Suite (Wind Band Version) (1923)° - The Lark Ascending (1914) ¹ - Fantasia on a Theme by Thomas Tallis (1910) ¹ - Six Studies in English Folk Song (1926) ² - Three Vocalises for Soprano and Clarinet (1958) ²³ - Partita for Double String Orchestra (1946-8)* - Iona Brown, violin¹ - Emma Johnson, clarinet²³ - Judith Howarth, soprano³ - London Wind Orchestra°/Denis Wick - Academy of St. Martin in the Fields¹/Sir Neville Marriner London Festival Orchestra/Ross Pople - Recorded in Abbey Road Studios¹, Henry Wood Hall²³, 31st May - 2nd June 1993 and All Hallows Church*, Gospel Oak, London, July 1991. ASV PLATINUM PLT8520 [74.36] [NH]

Good but not great interpretations of some of VW's most popular and lesser known masterpieces………See Full Review

Antonio VIVALDI (1678-1741) Farnace (1727) - Francesco CORSELLI (1705-1778) Farnace (1739) - Furio Zanasi, baritone - Farnace; Adriana Fernández, soprano - Berenice; Sara Mingardo, contralto - Tamiri; Gloria Banditelli, contralto - Selinda; Sonia Prina, contralto - Pompeo; Cinzia Forte, soprano - Gilade; Fulvio Bettini, baritone - Aquilio Le Concert des Nations/Jordi Savall - Rec: October 2001, Teatro de la Zarzuela de Madrid ALIA VOX AV9822 [2:55:17] [KM]

Rare attractive music to which justice is done. … see Full Review

Antonio VIVALDI (1678-1741) The Four Seasons; 12 Concerti for Violin and Strings Op 8 Nos 1-4 RV 269, 315, 293, 297 (pub 1725) - Concerto for Cello in B Minor RV 424 - Concerto for Two Oboes and Strings in D Minor RV 535 - Concerto for Strings in G Major RV 151 - Concerto for Two Trumpets, Strings and Basso Continuo in C major RV 537 - Crispian Steele-Perkins and John Thiessen, natural trumpets Tafelmusik/Jeanne Lamon, violin - No recording details SONY SMK89987 [69.17]

A spirited and sensitive disc … see Full Review

Antonio VIVALDI (1678 - 1741) Concertos for mandolins and for other instrumental combinations (1700s) - Concerto RV 532 for two mandolins - Concerto RV 558 for 2 violins, 2 recorders, 2 mandolins, 2 chalumeaux, 2 theorbos, & cello - Concerto RV 576 for violin, 2 recorders, 3 oboes and bassoon - Concerto RV 564 for 2 violins, 2 cellos and strings - Concerto RV 319 for solo violin, 2 oboes, bassoon and strings - Concerto RV 425 for mandolin - Concerto RV 555 for 3 violins, oboe, 2 recorders, 2 violi all’inglese, chalumeau, 2 cellos, 2 harpsichords and 2 violins in tromba marina - Europa Galante Fabio Biondi (violin and direction) - Recorded in San Giovanni Evangelista, Parma, Italy 9-12 October 2001 VIRGIN VERITAS 7243 5 45527 2 4 [67.29] [CF]

Good period authentic playing, flair and delight, the soloists all rising to the occasion in grand style. … see Full Review

Richard WAGNER (1813-1883) Parsifal (1878-82) - Amfortas: Dietrich Fischer-Dieskau (bar) - Titurel: Hans Hotter (bass) - Gurnemanz: Gottlob Frick (bar) - Parsifal: René Kollo (ten) - Klingsor: Zoltan Kélémen (bar) - Kundry: Christa Ludwig (sop) - First Knight: Robert Tear (ten) - Second Knight: Herbert Lackner (ten) - Alstimme: Birgit Finnilä (con) - First Esquire: Rotrund Hansmann - Second Esquire: Marga Schiml - Third Esquire: Heinz Zednik - Fourth Esquire: Ewald Aichberger - Klingsor’s flower maidens: Lucia Popp; Alison Hargan; Anne Howells; Kiri Te Kanawa; Gillian Knight; Margarita Lilowa (sop) Vienna Philharmonic Orchestra/Sir Georg Solti - Recorded in the Sofiensaal, Vienna 1972 and DECCA 470 805-2 [4 CDs 260:10] [IL]

This new refurbishment of an acclaimed star-studded version of Wagner’s last opera sounds glorious and, for me, is only eclipsed by the DG recording. … see Full Review

RECORDING OF THE MONTH Richard WAGNER (1813–1883) Tannhäuser-Paris Version (1845) - Opera in three acts - Hermann, Landgraf von Thüringen…Hans Sotin (bass) - Elisabeth…Helga Dernesch (soprano) - Tannhäuser…René Kollo (tenor) - Wolfram von Eschenbach…Victor Braun (baritone) - Walter von der Vogelweide…Werner Hollweg (tenor) - Heinrich der Schreiber…Kurt Equiluz (tenor) - Biterolf…Manfred Jungwirth (bass) - Reinmar von Zweter…Norman Bailey (bass) - Venus…Christa Ludwig (mezzo-soprano) - With members of the Vienna Boys Choir - Vienna State Opera Chorus Chorus / Wilhelm Pitz and Norbert Balatsch Vienna Philharmonic / Sir George Solti - Recorded: October 1970 in the Sofiensaal,Vienna Newly Digitally remastered ADD DECCA 470 810-2 [CD1:68.48 CD2:66.59 CD3:51.52 ] [RM]

‘Wow’. And more ‘Wow’. Absolutely ‘wow’. … see Full Review

Richard WAGNER (1813-1883) - Rienzi: Overture - Tannhäuser: Overture - Tannhäuser: Prelude (Act III) - Lohengrin: Prelude (Act I) * - Lohengrin: Prelude (Act III) - Die Meistersinger von Nürnberg: Prelude - Die Meistersinger von Nürnberg: Dance of the Apprentices and Entry of the Masters - Parsifal: Prelude (Act I) * - Der fliegende Holländer: Overture - Das Rheingold: Entry of the Gods into Valhalla * - Die Walküre: Ride of the Valkyries * - Siegfried-Idyll † - Siegfried: Forest Murmurs * - Götterdämmerung: Siegfried’s Rhine Journey * - Götterdämmerung: Siegfried’s Funeral March - Tristan und Isolde: Prelude and Liebestod Otto Klemperer conducting the Philharmonia Orchestra - Recordings made in the Kingsway Hall, London in 1960, 1962† and 1963* EMI GREAT RECORDINGS OF THE CENTURY CMS 5 67893 2 [2 CDs: 158:15] [IL]

Excellent compelling performances in stunning sound. Those wanting these popular orchestral excerpts from Wagner operas need look no further. Heartily recommended.. … see Full Review

Richard WAGNER (1813-1883) The Flying Dutchman (excerpts) - Naxos "Opera Explained" - Written by Thomson Smillie - Narrated by David Timson - Musical examples taken from Naxos 8.660025-26, The Flying Dutchman with Alfred Muss, Ingrid Haubold, Peter Seiffert, Erich Knodt, Jörg Hering, Marga Schiml, the ORF Symphony Orchestra, Pinchas Steinberg, conductor. Also contains excerpts from other Wagner operas. NAXOS 8.558013 [67.31] [KS]

Buy this disc and the others in the series. You will be glad you did. ... See Full Review

RECORDING OF THE MONTH William WALTON (1902-1983) Piano Quartet (1918-21, rev. 1973/4) [29.16] Anon in Love for tenor and guitar (1959) [10.49] Valse (from Façade) arr. for solo piano (1923) [4.26] Passacaglia for solo cello (1979/80) [6.14] Sonata for Violin and Piano (1947-49, rev. 1949/50) [24.42] Nash Ensemble – Marianne Thorsen (violin) Lawrence Power (viola) Paul Watkins (cello) Ian Brown (piano) with John Mark Ainsley (tenor) Craig Ogden (guitar) Recorded at Potton Hall, Suffolk on 1-3 February and 20 March 2002 HYPERION CDA 67340 [75.56] [TH]

A superb disc that will have great appeal for the generalist and Walton specialist … see Full Review

Carl Maria von WEBER (1786-1826) Der Freischütz (1821) Ottokar - Christian Gerhaher, Agathe - Petra-Maria Schnitzer, Aennchen - Johanna Stojkovich, Kaspar - Georg Zeppenfeld, Max - Christoph Prégardien, Samiel and Narrator - Markus John - WDR Rundfunkchor Köln Cappella Coloniensis des WDR/Bruno Weil - Recorded at Westdeutscher Rundfunk Köln, June-July 2001 DEUTSCHE HARMONIA MUNDI 05472 77536 2 [2CDs: 62.50; 57.43] [TH]

Freshness of approach, intelligent singing and superbly vital orchestral playing will make you sit up and take notice. … see Full Review

Carl Maria Von WEBER (1786-1826) Symphony No 1 in C, J50 (1807) Allegro con fuoco - Andante - Scherzo, presto - Finale, presto - Clarinet Concerto No 1 in F minor, Op.73 (1811) Allegro - Adagio ma non troppo - Rondo, allegretto - Clarinet Quintet Op.34 (1815) Allegro - Fantasia, Adagio - Menuetto - Rondo Academy of St Martin in the Fields/Neville Marriner (Symphony) - Emma Johnson (clarinet); English Chamber Orchestra/Yan Pascal Tortelier (Clarinet Concerto) - Emma Johnson (clarinet); Gabor Takács-Nagy (violin); Rebecca Hirsch (violin); Tim Boulton (viola); Andrew Shulman (cello) (Clarinet Quintet) - Rec. Abbey Road Studios, 1982 (Symphony); St Peter’s Church, Morden, 1987 (Clarinet Concerto); Henry Wood Hall, 1999 (Clarinet Quintet); England ASV PLATINUM PLT 8521 [75.30]

Music-making that is energetic, bright and easy on the ear … see Full Review

Carl Maria von WEBER (1786-1826) Symphony No. 1 (1812) [24.51] Symphony No. 2 (1813) [18.16] Piano Concerto No. 1 (1810) [20.26] Piano Concerto No. 2 (1812) [23.04] Konzertstück (1821) [17.04] Euryanthe Overture (1823) [8.34] Abu Hassan Overture (1811) [3.32] Preziosa Overture (1820) [8.13] Beherrscher der Geister (Rubezahl) Overture (1804?) [5.39] Oberon Overture (1826) [8.48] Jubel-Ouvertüre (1818) [7.46] Der Freischütz Overture (1821) [10.04] Academy of St Martin-in-the-Fields/Neville Marriner (symphonies) Recorded at the Abbey Road Studios, London, 1982, DDD Peter Rösel (piano) Staatskapelle Dresden/Herbert Blomstedt (piano concertos) Lukaskirche, Dresden, Germany, 1984, DDD Staatskapelle Dresden/Gustav Kuhn (overtures) Lukaskirche, Dresden, Germany, 1985, DDD BRILLIANT CLASSICS 99935 3 CD set. [43.43+60.59+53.22] [MC]

Virtually all of Weber’s major orchestral works are contained on this triple CD set which at budget price is a real snip. … see Full Review

Ian WILSON (b1964) String Quartet No. 1 - Winter's Edge (1992) String Quartet No. 2 - The Capsizing Man and other stories (1994) String Quartet No. 3 - Towards the Far Country (1996) The Vanbrugh Quartet Recorded at University Concert Hall, Limerick, Ireland, 26th - 28th October 1999. BLACK BOX BBM1031 [62.02] [NH]

Devotees of the 20th century string quartet should hear this but for others it may prove to be something of an acquired taste … see Full Review
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[Detailed listing (last two days)]
[Part 1 New]  [Part 2 A-B] [Part 3 C-L]
[Part 4 M-R]  [Part 5 S-Z]
[Part 6 Misc A-L] 
[Part 7 Misc M-Z]

Revolving notes from clipart.com


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