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Judith Bingham. A Fiftieth Birthday interview with Christopher Thomas.
Janet Owen Thomas (1961-2002)

Reviews presented in the last week

These complete 166 reviews for July

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Reviews for Monday June 24th

Alexander BORODIN (1833-1878) Prince Igor - Overture, Prince Igor - Polovtsian Dances - Symphony No. 2 - Symphony No. 3 LSO and LS Chorus/Georg Solti (Prince Igor); LSO/Jean Martinon (2); L'Orchestre de la Suisse Romande/Ernest Ansermet (3) rec 1966 (Igor); 1961 (2); 1955 (3) ADD DECCA ELOQUENCE 467 482-2 [65.38][RB]

A good inexpensive introduction to Borodin's orchestral music. ... see Full Review

Frederick DELIUS (1862-1934) North Country Sketches (1914) In a Summer Garden - Rhapsody (1913) Appalachia (1902) RPO/Sir Thomas Beecham Rec EMI Studio 1, 14 Feb 1949 (Sketches); 27 Oct 1951 (Garden); 29 Oct, 6 Nov, 7, 13 Dec 1952 (Appalachia) mono ADD SONY SMK 89429 [70.47] [RB]

Beecham brings a myriad glistening dimensions to all this music. … see Full Review

Victor HERBERT (1859-1924) Eileen musical (1917) Libretto: Henry Blossom, Suzanne Woods (Eileen), John Pickle (Barry O’Day), Catherine Robinson (Lady Maude), Alan Payne (Shaun Dhu), Boyd Mackus (Sir Reggie), Damian Savarino (Colonel Lester) Ohio Light Opera Chorus, College of Wooster, Ohio Ohio Light Opera Orchestra/Michael Butterman NEWPORT CLASSICS NPD85615/2 [CD1 47.25, CD2 58.25] [RW]

Not the most memorable Herbert but listened to complete this is an enjoyable experience. … see Full Review

William LAWES (1602-1645) Consort Sets in Five and Six Parts - Consort set à 5 in g minor, Consort set à 5 in a minor, Consort set à 5 in c minor, Consort set à 5 in F major, Consort set à 5 in C major, Consort set à 6 in g minor, Consort set à 6 in C major, Consort set à 6 in F major, Consort set à 6 in B flat major, Consort set à 6 in c minor Hespèrion XXI/Jordi Savall - Rec: November 2001, January - February 2002, Chapel of Cardona Castle, Catalonia. ALIA VOX AV 9823 A+B [115.38] [KM]

Savall and his fellow musicians play with a great deal of emotion and technical expertise …The lush, rich sound of viol consorts is a delight to the ear … see Full Review

The Beecham Collection. Operatic and Orchestral Excerpts - Bedrich SMETANA (1824-1884) Bartered Bride – Overture, Polka and Dance of the Comedians - Giuseppe VERDI (1813-1901) Macbeth – Act 2 La Luce Langue, Act 4 Gran Scena del Sonnambulismo - Emil REZNICEK (1860-1945) Donna Diana Overture - Giacomo PUCCINI (1858-1924) Manon Lescaut – Act 2 Intermezzo - Wolfgang Amadeus MOZART (1756-1791) La Clemenza di Tito – Overture - Peter I TCHAIKOVSKY (1840-1893) Eugene Onegin – Act 2 Waltz, Act 3 Polonaise - Richard WAGNER (1813-1883) Tannhauser – Act 3 Introduction, Das Rheingold – entrance of the Gods into Valhalla - Margherita Grandi, soprano - Edith Furmedge and Margaret Field-Hyde sopranos, Gwladys Garside mezzo soprano, Nancy Evans contralto, Parry Jones and George Chitty tenors, Paul Schöffler baritone - RPO - LPO BBC Symphony Orchestra - Recorded 1945-47 SOMM-BEECHAM 9 [73’45][JW]

Much to interest in these immediate post-War recordings. … see Full Review

Reviews for Tuesday June 25th

Ludwig van BEETHOVEN (1770-1827) The String Quartets - Op 18 Nos 1-6, The Fine Arts Quartet - Recorded 1969 EVEREST EVC 9051/52 [2 CDs 143’20] Op 59 Nos 1-3, Op 74, Op 95, The Fine Arts Quartet - Recorded 1969 EVEREST EVC 9053/55 [3 CDs 149’32] Op 127, Op 130, Op 131, Op 132, Op 135, Grosse Fugue Op 133, The Fine Arts Quartet - Recorded 1969 EVEREST EVC 9056/58 [3 CDs 196’53] [JW]

As nourishing and welcome as spring water and of a purity cool and crisp and clear. … see Full Review

Ludwig van BEETHOVEN (1770-1827) Violin Sonata No 9 Kreutzer - Piano Concerto No 3 - Andante Favori Benno Moiseiwitsch, piano - Jascha Heifetz, violin - Philharmonia Orchestra - Malcolm Sargent - Recorded 1949-50 APR 5610 [73’50] [JW]

A more than pleasurable experience to listen to this previously unissued performance. … see Full Review

Oliver KNUSSEN (b.1952) Chamber Works - Songs without Voices Op.26 (1991-2) [10.32] Whitman Settings Op. 25 (1991) [11.39] Hums and Songs of Winnie the Pooh Op.6 (1970/1983) [14.43] Variations for solo piano Op.24 (1989) [7.09] Four Late Poems and an Epigram of Rainer Maria Rilke Op.23 (1988) [12.07] Sonya’s Lullaby Op.16 (1977-8) [7.07] Océan de terre Op.10 (1972-3, rev.1976) [12.25] Lisa Saffer (soprano), Lucy Shelton (soprano), Peter Serkin (piano) Chamber Music Society of Lincoln Center/Oliver Knussen - Recorded in the Recital Hall, Performing Arts Center, State University of New York at Purchase, New York, February, April and May, 1992 EMI British Composers 7243 5 75296 2 [75.47] [TH]

An unmissable collection of short, easily digestible but important items by one of the U.K.’s foremost musical voices. … see Full Review

Sergio Fiorentino - The Early Recordings. Volume Four. The Orchestral recordings. Liszt and Chopin - Franz LISZT (1811-1886) Mephisto Waltz No 1 S514, Funf ungarische Volkslieder S245, Ab irato S143, Spozalizio S161/1, Piano Concerto No 2 in A major S125, Weber Polonaise Brillante S367 - Frédéric CHOPIN (1810-1849) Fantasia on Polish Airs Sergio Fiorentino, piano - Guildford Philharmonic Orchestra conducted by Vernon Handley (last three items) - Recorded September 1962 Salle Wagram, Paris items 1, 3 and 4, February 1966 Guildford Civic Hall remainder APR 5584 [78’17] [JW]

Wit, glitter, imagination and verve. Fiorentino was an unflappable and consummate musician. ... See Full Review

LOVE AND RECONQUEST: Music from Renaissance Spain - ANON Rodrigo Martinez, Ay luna, Nina y vina, Que bonito nino, Virgen digna de honor, A los maytines era, Calabaza, no se. Luys de NARVAEZ Pasavase; Cancion de emperador; Juan del ENCINA Levante, Pascuel; Qu, es de ti, desconsolado; Hoy comamos y bebamos; Fata la parte; Miguel de FUENLLANA De Antequera ale sl moro; Madonna mia; Fantazia de redoubles; Diego ORTIZ Recercada primera; Alonso MUDARRA Fantasia de pasos; Israel mira tus montes; Fantasia que contrahaze; Gentil cavallero; Juan de ANCHIETA Con Amores. Adrian WILLAERT A quand a quand. Luis MILAN Fantasia No 8, Durandarte; Josquin de PREZ- Mille Regretz Fires of Love - Recorded at Crichton Collegiate Church Scotland February 2001 DELPHIAN DCD 34003 [70.56] [GH]

A fine, realistic and upfront recording in an excellent church acoustic which I have not come across before. ... see Full Review

Daniel Shafran, cello: Robert SCHUMANN (1810-1856) Cello Concerto - Dmitri KABALEVSKY (1904-1987) Cello Concerto - Joseph HAYDN (1732-1809) Divertimento in D arr Piatigorsky - Manuel de FALLA (1876-1946) Suite Populaire Espagnol arr Marechal - Ritual Fire Dance - Daniel Shafran, cello - Nina Musinyan, piano - State Orchestra of Russia conducted by Kyril Kondrashin (Schumann) State Orchestra of Russia conducted by Dmitri Kabalevsky (Kabalevsky) Recorded 1952 (Kabalevsky) 1957 other items OMEGA CLASSICS OCD 1026 [66’15] [JW]

Raw and alive with excited and expressive musicianship. … see Full Review

Reviews for Wednesday June 25th

Thomas Augustine ARNE Eight Overtures, Harpsichord Concerto No 5, Organ Concertos Nos 4-6 and other selections Various recordings made in 1953, 1960, 1967, 1969, 1973, 1991 DECCA - BRITISH MUSIC COLLECTION 470 372-2 [CD1 72’08"+CD2 76’03"]

Something of a mixed bag. Arne does not withstand close comparison with the work of a superior technician and melodist such as Boyce. … see Full Review

Benjamin BRITTEN (1913-1976) Serenade for Tenor, Horn and Strings
Folksongs William WALTON (1902-1983) Façade Peter Pears, tenor Dennis Brain, horn Benjamin Britten, piano The Boyd Neel String Orchestra conducted by Benjamin Britten Dame Edith Sitwell Peter Pears English Opera Group Ensemble conducted by Anthony Collins Recorded 1944-1961 DECCA 468 801-2 [73’42]

Self-recommending of course. … see Full Review

Hans GÁL (1890-1987) Music for and with mandolin:- Capriccio for plucked orchestra (1949); Sinfonietta No. 2 in E minor Op. 86 (1966); Suite for three mandolins Op. 59b (c.1955); Lyric Suite on Robert Browning's dramatic poem "Pippa Passes" (1934). Sandra Stahlheber (mezzo-soprano), Heidrun Burkart, Alexander Becker, Jörg Becker, Sonja Wiedemer (mandolin), Brigitte Sauer (flute), Barbara Mauch-Heinke (violin), Ulrich Ziegler (viola), Gregor Herrmann (cello) Badisches Zupforchester/Volker Gerland. Rec 1996-2000 (UK distribution: Kingdom Records Ltd., Elstree Business Centre, Elstree Way, Borehamwood, Herts. WD6 1RX) ANTES BM-CD 31.9177 [65.00?] [JS]

The performances are of particular strength and intensity and simultaneously draw on a very special raffinement. see Full Review

Theodore GOUVY (1819-1898) Requiem Op.70 Cantate le printemps Op.73 Sheri Greenwald (soprano) Elsa Maurus (mezzo-soprano) Gerard Garino (tenor) Manfred Hemm (bass) Schola Cantorum Wien Choeur de l’Hommes de Hombourg-Haut La Philharmonie de Lorraine/Jacques Houtmann Recorded Salle de Metz, 6-9 June 1994 K617 617046 [77’ 44"] [CF]

Gouvy: charming, tuneful, harmonically safe, the orchestration masterful as well as colourful. A Frenchman influenced by the German School. … see Full Review

Carl ORFF (1895 - 1982) Carmina Burana (1937) Lucia Popp (soprano) John van Kesteren (tenor) Hermann Prey (baritone) Bavarian Radio Chorus Tolz Children’s Choir Munich Radio Orchestra conducted by Kurt Eichhorn Film Directed by Jean Pierre Ponnelle Also includes picture documentation and an interview with the composer (audio only, but illustrated by photographs). Regional Code 0 Picture Format 4:3 Sound formats AC3 5.1 PCM Stereo 24 bit / 96 kHz Production 1975 from a 1973 Analogue Stereo Recording issued by RCA. Subtitles in Latin (!), English, German, French and Italian BMG DVD 74321 85285 9 [playing time 1.18] [DB]

Gripping: musical performance excellent in every respect; the film is entertaining and the availability of subtitles allows one to grasp what exactly what is being sung … see Full Review

Sir Charles Hubert Hastings PARRY (1848-1918) I was glad (orch. Gordon Jacob), Judith: Long since in Egypt’s plenteous land, Blest pair of Sirens, Jerusalem (orch. Elgar). Choir of Winchester Cathedral, Waynflete Singers, Bournemouth Symphony Orchestra/David Hill Recorded in Winchester Cathedral, June 1990 Songs of Farewell: 1. My soul, there is a country Canterbury Cathedral Choir/Allan Wicks Recorded in Canterbury Cathedral, October 1983 English Lyrics: Bright Star, When comes my Gwen, O mistress mine, Blow, blow, thou winter wind, A Welsh lullaby, When lovers meet again, On a time the amorous Silvy, When we two parted, Love is a bable, Weep you no more, When icicles hang by the wall, Looking backward, Take, o take those lips away, There be none of beauty’s daughters, And yet I lover her till I die, From a city window, Thine eyes still shine for me, Marian, No longer mourn for me, There Robert Tear (tenor), Philip Ledger (piano) Recorded in the Church of George the Martyr, London, February 1977 DECCA 470 378-2 [78’05"]

Tear clarion-voiced, diction clear – at all times a musically superior musician. … see Full Review

Gioacchino ROSSINI (1792-1868) La Boutique Fantasque arr Ottorino RESPIGHI (1879-1936) Igor STRAVINSKY (1882-1971) Petrushka (1911)
London Symphony Orchestra (Rossini-Respighi) Suisse Romande Orchestra (Stravinsky) Ernest Ansermet Recorded Victoria Hall, Geneva November 1949 (Stravinsky), Kingsway Hall July 1950 (Rossini-Respighi) SOMM CD 027 [70’16]

A perfect opportunity to listen to these milestones of recorded sound and admire once more performances of intoxicating drama, wit and depth. … see Full Review

Florent SCHMITT (1870-1958) La Tragédie de Salomé (1907) [26.18] Psalm 47 for soprano, chorus and orchestra (1904) [26.06] Janiana - symphony for string orchestra (1941) Suite en Rocaille for harp, violin, viola, flute, cello (1934) Lied et Scherzo (1910) Jacques Prat (violin), Sharon Sweet (sop), Guy Commentale (violin), Jean-Louis Gil (organ), Orchestre Philharmonique et Choeurs de Radio France/Marek Janowski (Salomé; Psalm) Orchestra Jean-Francois Paillard/Jean-Francois Paillard (Janiana) Marie-Claire Jamet Quintet (Suite) Pierre Del Vescovo (horn), Jean Hubeau (Lied et Scherzo) ERATO ULTIMA 8573 85636 2 [CD1 52.39; CD2 41.52] [RB]

Schmitt the luxuriant and the lithe. Not the dernier cri in sound but enjoyable and very high interpretative values. 2-4-1 price. … see Full Review

Dmitri SHOSTAKOVICH (1906-1975) complete symphonies WDR Radio Chorus (2, 3), Choral Academy Moscow (13), Sergei Aleksashkin (bass) (13), Alla Simoni (soprano) (14), Vladimir Vaneev (bass) (14), WDR Symphony Orchestra, Cologne conducted by Rudolf Barshai DDD Stereo Recorded in the Philharmonie, Cologne (recording dates for each symphony above) BRILLIANT CLASSICS 6275-1/11

A sturdy, truthful set, then, which in some ways combines the Russian and Western approaches to this composer. And which has a great no. 5. see Full Review

Charles Villiers STANFORD (1852-1924) The Bluebird, Beata Quorum Via, Songs of the Sea, Te Deum Laudamus in B Flat, Magnificat in B Flat, Nunc Dimittis in B Flat, Magnificat in G, Nunc Dimittis in G, Psalm 96 – O Sing unto the Lord a New Song
Psalm 150 – O Praise God in His Holiness, Agnus Dei, The Fairy Lough, A Soft Day Recorded 1952-2000 DECCA British Music Collection 470 384-2 [52’07]

Freshness, nobility and conviction with a wide tonal range from the choir. … see Full Review

William WALTON (1902-1983) Façade Suites 1 and 2 Viola Concerto Variations on a Theme of Hindemith Paul Neubauer, viola Bournemouth Symphony Orchestra Andrew Litton Recorded The Guildhall, Southampton March 1996 DECCA British Music Collection 470 200-2 [71’30]

Unlike all the other items I have seen in the British Music Collection this is an all-new release. It was worth the wait. ...see Full Review

Land of the Midnight Sun Scandinavian Songs for Soprano and Orchestra Jean SIBELIUS (1865-1957) Var det en drom,Flickan kom ifran sin alsklings mote,Svarta rosor,Säv, Säv, Susa, Demanten på marssnön, Höstkvåll, Våren flyktar hastigt Edvard GRIEG (1843-1907) En svane, Fra monte pincio, Våren, Ture RANGSTRÖM (1884-1947) Melodi, Bön till natten, Sköldmön, En gammal dansrytm Arne EGGEN (1881-1955) Ære det evige forDr i livet Eyvind ALNÆS (1872-1932) De hundrede fioliner, Vårlængsler, Nu briste alle de kløfter, Februarmorgen ved Golfen Harald LIE (1902-1942) Nykelen, Skinnvengbrev, Birgit Nilsson (sop) Vienna Opera Orchestra/Bertil Bokstedt (Sibelius, Grieg, Rangström) Kirsten Flagstad (sop) London SO/Øivin Fjeldstad (Eggen, Alnæs, Lie) rec 1959 (Nilsson), 1965 (Flagstad) stereo ADD ELOQUENCE DECCA 466 675-2 [68.16] [RB]

Flagstad and Nilsson in songs from their homeland or close-by. These incline towards seriousness, drama and the great themes rather than slender charms. ... see Full Review

Peter Sadlo and Friends: "Drum Together" Dean WILMINGTON (b.1969) Heat John CAGE (1912-1992) Third Construction Matthias SCHMITT (b.1958) Ghanaia Iannis XENAKIS (1922-2001) Psappha Minoru MIKI (b.1930) Marimba Spiritual Nandor WEISZ (b.1978) Improvisation Latino Peter Sadlo and Friends Claudio Estay, Philipp Jungk, Biao Li, Famadi Sako, Dean Wilmington, Nandor Weisz Recorded at Teldec Classics International, Studio Berlin, December 2000 DDD TELDEC 8573-85877-2 [69:09] [CT]

Virtuosity and variety in abundance. A superb demonstration of the sheer diversity of repertoire for percussion ensemble. … see Full Review

 

  Reviews for Thursday June 27th

Leos JANÁCEK (1854-1928) The Cunning Little Vixen - Eva Jenis (soprano) The Vixen, Thomas Allen (baritone) Forester, Hana Márov  (mezzo) Forester's wife; Owl, Josef Hajna (tenor) Schoolmaster; Mosquito, Richard Novák (bass) Parson; Badger, Ivan Kusnjer (baritone) Harasta, Jean-Philippe Marliare (bass) Innkeeper; Dog, Sarah Connolly (mezzo) Innkeeper's wife; Cock; Jay, Florence Bonnefous (soprano) Hen, François Martinaud (soprano) Woodpecker - Châtelet Choir; Hautes-de-Seine Maîtrise Orchestre de Paris/Sir Charles Mackerras - Stage director: Nicholas Hytner - Video director: Brian Large - Recorded June 1995, Châtelet Theatre, Paris ARTHAUS MUSIK 100 240 [98.00] [TB]

Mackerras conducts with love and understanding. The pacing is ideal, and the music's lyrical intensity is experienced at every stage. … see Full Review

Wolfgang Amadeus MOZART (1756-1791) Les Noces De Figaro - Figaro, Nicolas Cavalier, (bass). Suzanne, Anne-Sophie Schmidt, (sop). Le Comte Almaviva, Philippe Le Chevalier, (bar). La Comtesse Almaviva, Sophie Fournier, (sop). Chérubin, Dominique Ploteau, (tenor). Bartholo, Christien Tréguier, (bass-bar). Chorus, 'Ensemble Mille E Tre', Orchestra De Chambre De L'Opéra D'État/Jerome Pillement. Recorded live: Théâtre Impérial de Compiègne, October 1997 - Le Conseil General de I'Oise, la Ville de Compiègne. EDITIONS TFM (without number) [3CDs: 176.55] [RJF]

Well-studied, vocally satisfying, performances. A pleasant memento; delightful to listen to and enjoy … see Full Review

Pyotr Ilyich TCHAIKOVSKY (1840-1893) Piano Recital - Nocturne, opus 10, nr. 1; Waltz Scherzo in a minor, Opus 7; Humoresque in G, opus 10 nr 2, Capriccioso is B-flat, opus 19, nr. 5, Chanson triste, opus 40, nr 2; Waltz in A-flat, opus 40, nr.8; Romance in f minor, Opus 5, Romance in F, opus 51, nr 5; Un poco di Chopin, opus 72 nr. 15; L’espiègle, opus 72 nr. 12; Réverie du soir, opus 19 nr 1; Menuetto-scherzoso, opus 51 nr. 1, Valse de salon, opus 51 nr. 1; Méditation, Opus 72, nr. 5. From "The Seasons," Nr. 5, May. White Nights; Number 6, June, Barcarolle; Number 11, November, Troika; Number 1, January, By the fireplace. Sviatoslav Richter, piano - Recorded in Studio 3 of the Bavarian Radio, 1983. Engineered by Wolfgang Karreth DDD - Licensed from Olympia REGIS RRC 1093 [79'58][KS]

Rare indeed to get such a broad sampling of Tchaikovsky’s shorter solo piano works, and to have them played by a great Russian pianist like Richter is a bonus. … see Full Review

Giuseppe VERDI (1813–1901) An Introduction to Rigoletto Written by Thomson Smillie - Narrated by David Timson NAXOS 8.5580-48 [79.05][JN]

I’ve got my doubts about the efficiency of this project … see Full Review

Samuel RAMEY (bass)  A Date With The Devil - arias from the operas - BERLIOZ La Damnation de Faust - MEYERBEER Robert le Diable - BOITO Mefistofele - OFFENBACH Les contes d’Hoffmann - GOUNOD Faust - STRAVINSKY The Rake’s Progress - Münchner Rundfunk Orchester/Julius Rudel - Recorded München October 2000 NAXOS 8.555355 [55.04] [JN]

That noble timbre, maybe never over-rich but nevertheless distinct and personal, has lost its sheen and much of its colour. … see Full Review

Arturo Toscanini. Broadcast legacy - Ralph VAUGHAN WILLIAMS (1872-1958)
Fantasia on a Theme by Thomas Tallis - Johannes BRAHMS (1833-1897) Symphony No 3 - Giuseppe MARTUCCI (1856-1909) Notturno, Novelletta - Peter I TCHAIKOVSKY (1840-1893) Romeo and Juliet – Overture fantasie - J S BACH (1685-1750) Orchestral Suite No 3 – Air - Joseph HAYDN (1732-1809) Symphony No 101 The Clock NBC Symphony Orchestra/Arturo Toscanini - Recorded 15 October 1938 (Vaughan Williams, Brahms, Martucci, Tchaikovsky) and 4 April 1942 War Bond Concert (Bach, Haydn) GUILD 2211/12 [112’50] [JW]

A distinct lack of piety pervades the performance and that’s no bad thing once in a while. … see Full Review

Reviews for Friday June 28th

RECORD OF THE MONTH Ludwig van BEETHOVEN (1770-1827) Kreutzer Sonata Bela BARTÓK (1881-1945) Rhapsody No 1 for Violin and Piano, Violin Sonata No 2 Claude DEBUSSY (1862-1918) Violin Sonata Joseph Szigeti, violin Bela Bartók, piano Recorded Library of Congress, Washington April 13th 1940 VANGUARD OVC 8008 [69’40] [JW]

One of the most decisively important sonata recitals on record. Vanguard’s exemplary production is a matter for rejoicing. … see Full Review

CAREY BLYTON The Early Songs. Three A M; Two Pensive Songs; Toi et Moi; Moresques; Symphony in Yellow; The Poetry of Dress; What Then is Love? The Sea Dog’s Song; Prayers From the Ark; The Flea; The Rose and the Nightingale (arr. from Rimsky-Korsakov); Indigo Blues. Stephen Roberts (baritone) Ian Partridge (tenor) Sheherazade Beryl Korman (soprano) David Campbell (clarinet) Jennifer Partridge (piano) Rec 2000? UPBEAT CLASSICS URCD 160 [65.00?] [PS]

This well recorded disc is happily recommendable … see Full Review

Joseph-Ermend BONNAL (1880-1944) Paysages Euskariens (1931) Noël Landais (1918) Paysage Landais (1904) Petite Rhapsodie (1898) Reflets Solaires (1905)
Symphonie pour Grand Orgue d'Après 'Media Vita' - Répons du temps de la Septuagésime (1932) Jean-Pierre Lecaudey (organ) Grandes Orgues Adema de la Kathedrale Basiliek St Bavo a Haarlem. rec: DDD PAVANE ADW 7357 [54.09] [RB]

Bonnal is one of the undiscovered and, by the French, still unpromoted treasures of their romantic-impressionistic fleuve. ... see Full Review

Johannes BRAHMS (1833-1897) Clarinet Quintet in B minor, Op. 115 Wolfgang Amadeus MOZART (1756-1791) Clarinet Quintet in A major, K. 581 Philippe Cuper (clarinet) Talich Quartet Recorded live, 26 June, 1996 at the Théâtre Impérial de Compiègne CALLIOPE CAL 6249 [67.56] [TH]

For those who like their chamber music served up with a sunny, relaxed disposition. … see Full Review

Frederick DELIUS (1862-1934) Requiem (1916) Idyll - Once I Passed Through a Populous City (1902) A Song Before Sunrise (1918) Songs of Farewell (1928) Heather Harper (sop) John Shirley-Quirk (bar) Royal Choral Society RPO/Meredith Davies (Requiem; Idyll) RPO/Malcolm Sargent (Sunrise; Farewell) rec Requiem; Idyll: Kingsway Hall, London, 19-21 Feb 1968; No. 1 Studio, Abbey Rd, Sunrise 2 Mar 1965; Farewell 22-23 Apr 1964, ADD recordings made and reissued under auspices of the Delius Trust EMI CLASSICS CDZ 7243 5 75293 2 7 [78.15] [RB]

A generous and thoroughly welcome coupling shedding light into some of the shadier corners of the Delian legacy. ...see Full Review

Paul HINDEMITH (1895-1963) Violin Concerto (1939) Symphonic Metamorphosis on themes by Weber (1943) Symphony Mathis der Maler (1934) David Oistrakh (violin)/LSO/composer (Concerto) LSO/Claudio Abbado (Weber) Orchestre de la Suisse Romande/Paul Kletzki (Maler) rec Oct 1962 (Concerto); Feb 1968 (Weber); Nov 1969 (Maler) ADD ELOQUENCE DECCA 466 271-2 [76.49] [RB]

Competent, rewarding and in the case of the concerto lyrically magisterial ... see Full Review

Horace KEATS (1895-1945) songs Wendy Dixon (sop) * John Pringle (bar) + Martina Marsden (violin) ** David Miller (piano) rec 11-15 Dec 2000, ABC's Eugene Goossens Hall, Ultimo, Sydney, Australia, DDD ABC CLASSICS 472 225-2 [78.27] [RB]

Some treasurable songs. A lovely rather old-fashioned collection. ... see Full Review

Gustav MAHLER (1860-1911) Symphony No. 3 in D Minor (1895-6) Anna Larsson (Contralto) London Symphony Chorus, City of Birmingham Youth Chorus Berlin Philharmonic Orchestra/Claudio Abbado Recorded "live" at the Royal Festival Hall, London on 11 October 1999 DEUTSCHE GRAMMOPHON 471 502-2 [2 CDs: 97.40] [TD]

Highly recommended as an all-round choice for Mahler’s most expansive work. … see Full Review

Maurice OHANA (1914 – 1992) Cello Concerto No.2 In Dark and Blue (1990)
T’Harân-Ngô (1974) Piano Concerto (1981) Sonia Wieder-Atherton (cello); Jean-Claude Pennetier (piano); Orchestre Philharmonique du Luxembourg; Arturo Tamayo Recorded: Conservatoire, Luxembourg, Jan and May 1997 TIMPANI 1C1039 [65:20]
Tombeau de Claude Debussy (1962)a Silenciaire (1969) Chiffres de clavecin (1968)b Sylvie Sullé (soprano)a; Christian Ivaldi (piano)a; Laure Morabito (zither)a; Elisabeth Chojnacka (harpsichord)b; Orchestre Philharmonique du Luxembourg; Arturo Tamayo Recorded: Conservatoire, Luxembourg, May 1998 TIMPANI 1C1044 [61:31]
Livre des Prodiges (1979) Anneau du Tamarit (1976)a Synaxis (1966)b Anssi Karttunen (cello)a; Pascal Devoyon, Christian Ivaldi (pianos)b; Orchestre Philharmonique du Luxembourg; Arturo Tamayo Recorded: Conservatoire, Luxembourg, January and February 2000 TIMPANI 1C1056 [66:10] [HC]

The best possible introduction to Ohana’s idiosyncratic sound world … see Full Review
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Francis POULENC (1899-1963) Sonata for Flute and Piano Paul HINDEMITH (1895-1963) Sonata for Flute and Piano Sergey PROKOFIEV (1891-1953) Sonata for Flute and Piano Op 94 Bohuslav MARTINŮ (1890-1959) Sonata for Flute and Piano H306 Jiri Valek, flute Josef Hala, piano Recorded April 1978 Dvorak Hall, Rudolfinum, Prague except Martinů, recorded January and February 1989 SUPRAPHON SU 0096-2111 [68’22] [JW]

The rhythmically alive and exciting finale of the Martinů concludes a disc of enormous pleasures. … see Full Review

Richard STRAUSS (1864-1949) Elektra Astrid Varnay (Elektra) New York Philharmonic, Dmitri Mitropoulos (conductor) Carnegie Hall, New York, 25 December 1949 Carl Maria von WEBER (1786-1826) Und ab die Wolke (Die Freischütz) Ozean, du Ungeheuer (Oberon) Richard WAGNER (1813-83) Senta’s Ballad (Der Fliegende Holländer) Pietro MASCAGNI (1863-1945) Vol lo sapete (Cavalleria Rusticana) Jules MASSENET Il est gon (Herodiade) Giacomo PUCCINI (1858-1924) In quelle trine morbide (Manon Lescaut) Giuseppe VERDI (1813-1901) Ecco l’orride campo (Un Ballo in Maschera) Come in quest’ ora bruna (Simon Boccanegra) Astrid Varnay with unstated conductors and orchestras GUILD GHCD 2213/14 [2’29"47] [PQ]


A lady clearly in command of all her forces and after one and a half hours of strenuous singing the voice is as fresh as when it started. … see Full Review [JN]

Immortal Classics 16 CD Special Edition Picture Classics VIVALDI The Four Seasons,Oboe Concerto in A minor ,  Bassoon Concerto in B flat major ,  Flute Concerto in F major ,  MOZART ,  Eine Kleine Nachtmusik ,  Clarinet Concerto ,  Flute Concerto No. 2 ,  DVORAK ,  Symphony No.9 ,  Slavonic Dances 1-5 ,  GRIEG ,  Piano Concerto ,  Peer Gynt Suites 1 and 2 ,  MENDELSSOHN ,  Violin Concerto ,  Overture - The Hebrides ,  Symphony No. 4 The Italian ,  BEETHOVEN ,  Symphony No. 9 Choral ,  TCHAIKOVSKY ,  Swan Lake and Nutcracker - excerpts ,  BRAHMS ,  Symphony No. 1 ,  Academic Festival Overture ,  Four Pieces for piano ,  HANDEL ,  Messiah highlights ,  STRAUSS ,  Blue Danube ,  Voices of Spring ,  Viennese Bonbons ,  An Artist's Life ,  Morning Papers ,  Where the Lemon Trees Bloom ,  Vienna Blood ,  Parting with St Petersburg ,  BEETHOVEN ,  Piano Concertos 4 and 5 ,  TCHAIKOVSKY ,  1812 Overture ,  Symphony No. 6 Pathétique ,  Marche Slave ,  VERDI ,  Excerpts from Joan of Arc; Macbeth; Trovatore; Rigoletto; Traviata; Sicilian Vespers; Don Carlos; Forza del Destino ,  MOZART ,  Symphony No. 40 ,  Symphony No. 41 ,  Two Marches K335 ,  SCHUBERT ,  Symphony No 5 ,  Symphony No. 8 Unfinished,  Rosamunde - Entr'acte and ballet music ,  rec - no dates or locations given but DDD 20 bit, Georgia, Lithuania, Russian Federation - probably 1990s. ,  PRISM PLATBX 862 16CDs [RB]

You could do worse than choose this economical set as a classical starter. A bran tub but there's gold in the hands of Vladimirov's (Seasons), Klimov's (Bruch), Ratushin (Rococo), Tsatishvili (Brahms and Tchaikovsky) and Gluzdov (Verdi). ... see Full Review

THE QUEEN’S HALL LIGHT ORCHESTRA VOLS. 1 and 2.
Vol. 1. Robert BUSBY: Up with the Lark. Arthur BENJAMIN: Jamaican Rumba. Charles WILLIAMS: The Voice of London; Rhythm on Rails; Hey Diddle Diddle; Trolley Bus; Devil’s Galop. Robert FARNON: Jumping Bean; Portrait of a Flirt; Pictures in the Fire; High Street; Jaj Mahal; Willie the Whistler. Frederic CURZON: Boulevardier. Sidney TORCH: Shooting Star; On a Spring Note; Wagon Lit; Barbecue; Radio Romantic. Clive RICHARDSON: Holiday Spirit; Melody on the Move. Armstrong GIBBS: Dusk. Eric COATES: Eighth Army March. Clifton PARKER: The Glass Slipper. Len STEVENS: Cinema Foyer; Dance of the Blue Marionettes; Hurly-Burly. Peter YORKE: Sapphires and Sables. Haydn WOOD: Prelude from Moods Suite.
Vol. 2. Jack STRACHEY: Top of the Bill. Vivian ELLIS: Alpine Pastures. Joyce COCHRANE: Honey Child. "Colin SMITH" (Lloyd THOMAS): Looking Around. Geoffrey HENMAN: Champagne March. Robert FARNON: Proud Canvas; The Huckle-Buckle. James MOODY: Palm Beach Promenade. Richard ADDINSELL: Drifting. Jack BEAVER: News Theatre. Haydn WOOD: Snapshots of London Suite. Tony LOWRY: Seascape. Sidney TORCH: Meandering; Amore Mio. Peter YORKE: Quiet Countryside. ERIC SIDAY: Luna Park. Robert BUSBY: Orchid Room. Charles WILLIAMS: They Ride By Night; Exhilaration. Clive RICHARDSON: Jamboree; Outward Bound. Philip GREEN: Pan American Panorama. Michael NORTH: Coliseum March. John HOLLIDAY: Punchinello. Mark LUBBOCK: Moon Lullaby. Montague PHILLIPS: Waltz from Dance Revels.
DUTTON VOCALION CDEA 6021 and 6061 [130.00?] [PS]

Some observers regard such miniatures with contempt, but there is obviously skill and musicianship in capturing a mood in three minutes or less and simultaneously thinking up a recognisable, frequently attractive tune. … see Full Review

Reviews for the Weekend

Johannes BRAHMS (1903-1895) Serenade No.1 in D, Op.11 - Serenade No.2 in A, Op.16 - Liebeslieder Waltzes (selection from Opp.52 & 65)* Ingrid Sieghart (soprano) Singverein der Gesellschaft der Musikfreunde Wien* Vienna Symphony Orchestra/Gary Bertini - 28-30 May 1982, Rosenhügel-Studio, Vienna ORFEO C 008 102 A [2 CDs: 88’43"][CA]

Charming pieces brought off with affection … see Full Review

Anton BRUCKNER (1824-1896) Symphony No 8 - Zurich Tonhalle Orchestra Rudolf Kempe - Recorded Tonhalle Zurich Studio November 1971 SOMM CD 016-2 [2 CDs 82’02] [JW]

A performance that was a little too agnostic for this reviewer … see Full Review

Baldassare GALUPPI (1706-1785) Complete Piano Sonatas (Volume 2) Piano Sonatas (not numbered) in C major, G major, F major, C minor, F major, D minor, D major, B-flat major, and A major. Peter Seivewright, piano - Recorded on 11/12 September 1999 at the Matt Thomson Concert Hall, Royal Scottish Academy of Music and Drama, Glasgow, DDD THE DIVINE ART 2.5007 [62:00] [KS]

Should you buy it? If you are a fan of unusual keyboard music, then yes indeed. … see Full Review

Robert SCHUMANN (1810-1856) Fantasiestücke, Opus 12 - Papillons, Opus 2 - Carnaval, Opus 9 George-Emmanuel Lazaridis (piano) - Recorded 25-25 October 2000, St Philip's Church, London, SW16 SOMM SOMMCD 024 [72.11] [TB]

Very fine, with some particularly well judged nuances of dynamic … see Full Review

The Beecham Collection: Frederick DELIUS (1862-1934) A Mass of Life – Prelude to Part Two, No 3 - An Arabesk - Songs of Sunset - Songs; Whither, The Violet, I-Brasil, Klein Venevil, Le ciel est par-dessus le toit, Irmelin Rose, Twilight Fancies, Cradle Song, The Nightingale - Roy Henderson, baritone - Olga Haley, soprano - London Select Choir - Nancy Evans, soprano and Redvers Llewellyn, baritone with the BBC Chorus - Dora Labbette, soprano - Sir Thomas Beecham, piano - LPO - RPO Sir Thomas Beecham - Recorded 1929-46 SOMM-BEECHAM 8 [73’40][JW]

Necessary additions for Delian shelves. … see Full Review

Great Violinists: Szigeti - Felix MENDELSSOHN (1809-1847) Violin Concerto in E minor, op. 64 (1844) - Johannes BRAHMS (1833-1897) Violin Concerto in D, op. 77 (1879) Joseph Szigeti, violin - London Philharmonic Orchestra/Thomas Beecham (Mendelssohn) Hallé Orchestra/Hamilton Harty (Brahms) Recorded September 1933 at Abbey Road Studio No. 1, London, UK (Mendelssohn) and December 1928 at the Free Trade Hall, Manchester, UK (Brahms) NAXOS HISTORICAL 8.110948 [64.12] [WH]

If you can take the sliding Hallé strings and the sound of their principal oboe, these are both performances which are interesting in their own right … see Full Review

This completes the reviews prepared for July