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ALPHABETICAL LISTING

Gustav Mahler (1860 - 1911) Symphony #1 "Titan" (1896) [48.57] Utah Symphony Orchestra/Maurice Abravanel Recorded in the Mormon Tabernacle, Salt Lake City, UT, USA, 1 June 1974. Notes in English: track list, technical staff credits. On disk extras: technical documentary; tribute to Maurice Abravanel, composer biography; "remembering the Utah Symphony Orchestra;" speaker set-up utility. DVD-Audio 2.0; 5.1. DVD 2.0 and 5.1 AC-3 Dolby Surround ADD DVD-Audio playable on all DVD players. SILVERLINE CLASSICS 288238-9 [48.57] [PSh]

Dignified, detailed, but still passionate Mahler, exquisite recorded sound ... see Full Review

RECORDING OF THE MONTH Gustav MAHLER (1860-1911) Des Knaben Wunderhorn Thomas Hampson, baritone, Wolfram Reiger, piano Rodney Greenberg, director Théâtre Musical de Paris, Châtelet, 25 October 2002 DVD-9 Region: All RM ASSOCIATE/THÉÂTRE MUSICAL DE PARIS – CHÂTELET/MEZZO "Voices of Our Time" TDK DVD DVVTTHEUR [91.00"] [AO]

"Song is a metaphor for the giving of the soul", says Hampson, and the Wunderhorn poems helped Mahler express ideas dear to him. Altogether, an unmissable, enriching experience. ... see Full Review

Gustav MAHLER (1869-1911), arr. Rainer RIEHN Kindertotenlieder [26:03] Richard WAGNER (1813-1883) arr. Jan MAEGAARD Fünf Gedichte von Mathilde Wesendonk [19:44] Marianne Rørholm, mezzo-soprano Randers Chamber Orchestra/David RiddellRecorded at Værke, Randers on 9 April and 4 June, 2000 DDD CLASSICO CLASSCD 430 [45:47]

For listeners who seek emotional depth and reflected reality in their music, this album can be touching and beautiful all at once. ... see Full Review

Johann Christoff MANN (1726 - 1782) Sonatas per il CembaloGeorg Christoff WAGENSEIL (1715 - 1777) Divertimentos da Cembalo Roderick E. Simpson, harpsichord (sampling MIDI synthesizer) and editor. Recorded in Boise, Idaho, USA, November 1996 Notes in English INITIUM CD-A001/2 2-CD [62.40 + 70.11] [PSh]

Excellent keyboard music from a previously unrecorded 18th century composer ... see Full Review

Frank MARTIN (1890-1974) Petite Symphonie Concertante for harp, harpsichord, piano and double string orchestra (1944-5) [21:21] Maria Triptychon for soprano, violin and orchestra (1968) [21:39] Passacaille - version for large orchestra from Passacaille for organ [13:31] Eva Hunziker (harp) Germaine Vaucher-Clerc (harpsichord) Doris Rossiaud (piano) Orchestre de la Suisse Romande/composer Irmgard Seefried (sop) Wolfgang Schneiderhan (violin) Orchestre de la Suisse Romande/composer Berlin Philharmonic Orchestra/composer rec. ADD mono - 3 Sept 1970, Geneva (symphonie; Maria); 30 May 1963 (Passacaille) JECKLIN-DISCO JD 645-2 [56:51] [RB]

The whole product breathes authenticity and authority in putting across Martin's sincerity and devotion to his Truth. Absolutely essential for all Martin devotees. ... see Full Review

Bohuslav MARTINŮ (1890-1959) Symphony No. 3 H.299 (1944) [29.07] Symphony No. 4 H.305 (1945) [33.40] Czech PO/Jiří Bĕlohlávek rec. 8-11 Sept 2003, Dvořák Hall, Rudolfinum, Prague. DDD SUPRAPHON SU 3631-2 031 [63.00] [RB}

All in all this is an auspicious launch for the first fresh new Martinů cycle of the new century. ... see Full Review

Bohuslav MARTINŮ (1890-1959) Le Raid Merveilleux - Ballet Mécanique H.159 (1927) [16:48] La Revue de Cuisine - Ballet pour six instruments H.161 (1927) [17:59] On tourne! - Ballet in one act H.163 (1927) [29:57] Czech Philharmonic Orchestra/Christopher Hogwood rec. Dvořák Hall, Rudolfinum, Prague, 15-17 August 2003, 7 Feb 2004. DDD SUPRAPHON SU3749-2 031 [64:59] [RB]

Indispensable to Martinů lovers - especially those fond of the earlier works. This is rare material done idiomatically and with an authentic zest. ... see Full Review

Joseph MARX (1882-1964) Natur-Trilogie (1922-5):- 1. Ein Symphonische Nachtmusik (1922) 2. Idylle - Concertino über die pastorale Quart (1925) 3. Eine Frühlingsmusik (1925) Bochum SO/Steven Sloane rec. Maximilianpark, Hamm, Germany, 11-15 June 2002. DDD Complete Orchestral Music: Volume 1. ASV CD DCA 1137 [64.19] [DS]

Over 60 minutes of benign and non-coherent doodling is a bit much for one sitting ... see Full Review

Felix MENDELSSOHN-BARTHOLDY (1809-1847) Symphonies for strings - on period instruments CD 1 Symphony No. 7 in d minor [21:37] Symphony No. 8 in D (version with winds) [30:08] Symphony No. 12 in g minor [22:27] CD 2 Symphony No. 9 in c minor [28:46] Symphony No. 11 in F [40:35] The Hanover Band/Roy Goodman Recorded in 1992 and 1993. DDD RCA BMG 74321 987132 [74:13 + 69:22] [JV]

This reissue of five of Mendelssohn’s string symphonies gives a pretty good impression of the qualities of these works … see Full Review

Nikolai MIASKOVSKY (1881-1950) Cello Sonata No. 1 in D major Op. 12 (1911) [18:52] Cello Sonata No. 2 in A minor Op. 81 (1938) [20:49] Cello Concerto in C minor Op. 66 (1944) [29:38] Alexander Rudin (cello) Victor Ginsburg (piano) Musica Viva Orchestra/Andrei Golovin rec. 1981, 1984, 2003. CELLO CLASSICS CC1012 [69:30] [RB]

Utmost poetic tenderness ... treads that fine and slippery line between sentiment and sentimentality ... see Full Review

 

Robin MILFORD (1903-1959) Fishing by Moonlight and other songs Julian Sperry, flute; Julian Milford, piano; Clare Finnimore, viola; Carys Lane, soprano Guildhall Strings/Robert Salter Rec. Big School, Christ’s Hospital, Horsham, West Sussex, 26-28 May 2003. DDD HYPERION CDA67444 [69:48] [RB]

A gentle and modest addition to the catalogue of English music ... see Full Review

Ludwig MINKUS (1826-1917) (arr. John Lanchberry, after Marius Petipa) La Bayadère - (Ballet in three acts) Nikiya…Altynia Asylmuratova Solor…Irek Mukhamedov Gamzatti…Darcy Bussell The Bronze Idol…Tetsuya Kumakawa The High Brahman…Anthony Dowell The Rajah…David Drew Artists of the Royal Ballet Orchestra of the Royal Opera House/John Lanchberry Recorded at The Royal Opera House, Covent Garden, in 1991 TDK DVD DV-BLLB [123 mins] [IL]

An exotic and colourful production with some superb dancing by the leads but with some uneven support and rather uninspired sets and costumes. ... see Full Review

LIONEL MONCKTON (1861-1923) La Cingalee (1904), The Arcadians (1909), Quaker Girl (1910) Pirjo Levandi (sop), Jeanne Servchenco (sop), Mariliina von Uexküll (sop), Julie Lill (cont), Oliver Kuusik (ten), Annika Tonuri (mezzo sop), Mart Sander (bar) Chorus and Bel Etage orchestra/Mart Sander Recorded at the State Philharmonic Society's Concert Hall, Tallinn, Estonia; Spring 2002 and Autumn 2003 DIVINE ART 2-4110 [69:08] [RW]

This recording is a worthwhile collector's item. No recordings are to be found in the catalogue of two of the works represented.... see Full Review

Georg Matthias MONN (1717 - 1750) Concertos in keyboard (Harpsichord) and Sonatas for Organ Georg Christoph WAGENSEIL (1715 - 1777) Concerto for Harpsichord and String Orchestra in C (c.1762) [15.16] Johann Christoph MANN (1726 - 1782) Menuetto and Trio for Fortepiano, #1, in Bb. [7.36] Roderick E. Simpson, editor and synthesist, with "I Suoni Assaggiati" Recorded 1998 in Boise, Idaho, USA. Notes in English. INITIUM CD-A004 [68.58] [PSh]

Roderick Simpson reveals to us some of Prussian State Library’s glorious musical treasures ... see Full Review

Claudio MONTEVERDI (1567 – 1643) Orfeo La Musica – Natalie Dessay (soprano)Orfeo – Ian Bostridge (tenor) European Voices; Las Sacqueboutiers
Le Concert d’Astrée/Emmanuelle Haim (harpsichord, organ, regal and direction)
Recorded 15-22 January 2003, Paroisse Notre Dame du Liban, Paris VIRGIN VERITAS 7243 5 45642 2 2 [45:05 + 51:08] [RH]

A fine recording which will appeal to Bostridge admirers; those looking for an attempt to recreate Monteverdi’s original sound-world may be disappointed. ... see Full Review

Wolfgang Amadeus MOZART (1756-1791) Concertos for Wind: Clarinet Concerto in A, K622 (1791) [29’19). Sinfonia concertante in E flat, K297b (1778) [30’05]. Oboe Concerto in C, K314/285d (1778) [20’11]. Bassoon Concerto in B flat, K191/186e (1774) [18’00]. Horn Concerto No. 4 in E flat, K495 (1787) [14’57]. Anthony Pike (clarinet); John Anderson (oboe); Richard Berry (K495), John Thurgood (K297b) (horns); Julie Price (bassoon); English Chamber Orchestra/Ralf Gothóni. Rec. Gateway Studios, Kingston upon Thames in February 2002 (K622), St Paul’s Church, London, N1 in May 2000. AVIE AV0035 [59’39 + 53’27] TWO for the price of ONE post-free

Retailing at budget price, this is well worth snapping up. Authenticists might not agree with everything, but surely even they would get sucked in to the spirit of it all. ... see Full Review

Wolfgang Amadeus MOZART (1756-1791) Le Nozze Di Figaro. Opera buffa in four acts - Highlights Figaro, Renata Girolami (bass); Susanna, Judith Halász (sop); Count Almaviva, Bo Skovhus (bar); Countess Almaviva, Marina Mescheriakova (sop); Cherubino, Michelle Breedt (m. sop); Marcellina, Gabriele Sima, (sop); Basilio, Michael Roider (ten); Dr. Bartolo, Janusz Monarcha (bass); Barbarina, Orsolya Sáfár (sop); Hungarian National Chorus, Nicolaus Esterházy Sinfonia/Michael Halász Rec. Phoenix Studio, Budapest, 26th October to 4th November 2002 Super Audio CD with5.1 Surround Sound and DSD 2 channel stereo NAXOS 6.110014 [68.15]

Highlights from a version with plenty of movement in the act 4 finale and the added pleasure of delicious melody throughout. ... see Full Review

Wolfgang Amadeus MOZART (1756-1791) Le Nozze di Figaro - opera buffa in four acts. appendix of two alternative arias Figaro, Renata Girolami (bass); Susanna, Judith Halász (sop); Count Almaviva, Bo Skovhus (bar); Countess Almaviva, Marina Mescheriakova (sop); Cherubino, Michelle Breedt (m. sop); Marcellina, Gabriele Sima, (sop); Basilio, Michael Roider (ten); Dr. Bartolo, Janusz Monarcha (bass); Barbarina, Orsolya Sáfár (sop); Hungarian National Chorus Nicolaus Esterházy Sinfonia/Michael Halász Rec. Phoenix Studio, Budapest, from 26th October to 4th November 2002 NAXOS 8.6600102-04 (3CDs: 71.54 + 61.58 + 52.48] [RJF]

In this performance I miss the lightness of touch and turn of the wrist that should illuminate the humorous core of the work ... see Full Review

MOZART IN TURKEY (Die Entführung aus dem Serail) Belmonte (Tenor) Paul Groves Konstanze (Soprano) Yelda Kodalli Blonde (Soprano) Désirée Rancatore Pedrillo (Tenor) Lynton Atkinson Osmin (Bass) Peter Rose Pasha Selim (Speaker) Oliver Tobias Scottish Chamber Orchestra and Choir/Sir Charles Mackerras Opera directed and filmed by Elijah Moshinsky Film produced and directed by Mick Csáky The opera highlights can be played as a special feature, lasting 64 minutes. DVD Opus Arte OA0891D [88'04"] [JPo]

As a production this disc gives a very reasonable synopsis of the whole; it would be nice to think that a DVD of the whole opera was in preparation. ... see Full Review

Wolfgang Amadeus MOZART (1756 - 1791) Mozart Edition Volume 24 – Concert Arias and Songs see review for details BRILLIANT CLASSICS 99731 [8 CDs: 49.30 + 64.39 + 47.11 + 55.10 + 60.20 + 47.39 + 54.49 + 47.53] [RH]

I cannot recommend this set too highly; at super-budget price it is an ideal way to explore the highways and byways of Mozart’s genius. ... see Full Review

Wolfgang Amadeus MOZART (1756-1791) Abendempfindung an Laura, K.523, Kantate: Die ihr des unermesslichen Weltalls Schöpfer ehrt, K.619 Franz Joseph HAYDN (1732-1809) Ein kleines Haus, Hob.XXVIa/45, Lob der Faulheit, Hob.XXVIa/22, Das Leben ist ein Traum, Hob.XXVIa/21, Geistliches Lied, Hob.XXVIa/17 Ludwig van BEETHOVEN (1770-1827) Sechs Lieder von Gellert, op.48, Maigesang, op.52/4, Gesang aus der Ferne, WoO 137, Zärtliche Liebe (Ich liebe dich), WoO 123, Wonne der Wehmut, op.83/1, An die Hoffnung, op.94 Robert Holl (bass-baritone), David Lutz (piano) Recorded 27-30 October 1997, Evangelisch Lutherse Kerk, Haarlem NL CHALLENGE CC 72054 [67:30] [CH]

An interesting programme sung by a fine voice and a sensitive interpreter ... see Full review

Wolfgang Amadeus MOZART (1756-1791) Requiem K626 (1791) 200th Anniversary Performance Commemorating Mozart’s Death (version by J. Eybler, F. J. Freystädtler and F. X. Süssmayr in a new edition by H. C. Robbins Landon). Arleen Auger (soprano); Cecilia Bartoli (mezzo); Vinson Cole (tenor); René Pape (bass); Konzertvereinigung Wiener Staatsopernchor; Wiener Philharmoniker/Sir Georg Solti.
Includes service readings and film, ‘The Story of the Requiem’ [7’00]. Directors: Humphrey Burton (music); Michael Weinmann (Liturgy). Audio Producer: Christopher Raeburn. Aspect Ratio 4:3. Region Code NTSC 123456. Text and translation included. Rec. St Stephen’s Cathedral, Vienna, on December 6th, 1991. DECCA 071 139-9 [93’00; Requiem 57’00] [CC]

The setting is indeed grand. St Stephen’s Cathedral in Vienna was the ideal place to celebrate the 200th anniversary of Mozart’s death. And how fascinating to watch Sir Georg, here an old man. Thoroughly recommended. ... see Full Review

Georg MUFFAT (1653-1704) Complete Clavier Works Partita in d minor [03:51] Partita in d minor [14:14] L’Amerande, Prelude in F [01:02] Partita in F [11:55] Partita in F [10:24] Gigue in G [01:15] Partita in C* [17:13] Siegbert Rampe, harpsichord (Bernhard von Tucher, 2002, after anonymous instrument, Bavaria/Austria, c.1650), clavichord (*) (Jörg Gobeli, 2000, after anonymous South-German instrument, c.1670) Recorded in August 2003 at the Oranienburg of Schloss Nordkirchen, Germany MDG 341 1213-2 [60:34] [JV]

The first recording of the keyboard partitas by Muffat – a very important release, both for historical and musical reasons ... see Full Review

Thea MUSGRAVE (born 1928) Concerto for Clarinet & Orchestra (1968) The Seasons (1988) Autumn Sonata* (Concerto for Bass Clarinet and Orchestra) (1993) Victoria Soames (clarinet and *bass clarinet) BBC Scottish Symphony Orchestra/Thea Musgrave Rec. Glasgow City Hall, April 1996 DDD Clarinet Classics CC0035 [73:14] [PVW]

The Bass Clarinet Concerto is the most striking of the pieces recorded here but all are well worth exploring … a highly successful disc … see Full Review

Modest MUSSORGSKY (1839-1881) Boris Godunov. Opera with Prologue and 4 Acts in the version revised and orchestrated by Nikolai RIMSKY-KORSAKOV
Boris, Pimen, and Varlaam, Boris Christoff (bass); Marina and Fyodor, Eugenia Zareska (mez); Grigory, Nicolai Gedda (ten); Rangoni and Schelkelov, Kim Borg (bass); Simpleton, Wassili Pasternack (ten); Shuysky, Andrej Bielecki (ten); Xenia, Ludmilla Lebedeva (sop) French National Radio Orchestra, Russian Chorus of Paris/Issay Dobrowen Recorded 7th –21st July 1952 in the Théâtre des Champs-Élysées, Paris Appendix. Studio recordings of Fyodor Chaliapin as Boris Godunov. Recorded Queens Small Hall, London, May 1926 and Kingsway Hall, London, June 1931 NAXOS HISTORICAL 8.110242-44 [3CDs: 64.35 + 68.12 + 71.39] [RJF]

I have no hesitation in recommending this restoration of a seminal performance. ... see Full Review

Tony NOAKES (b. 1935) SONGS - VOLUME 2 Piano (Helen Burke) (1998) The Cat Heard the Cat-Bird (John Ciardi) (1979) Lullaby 1 (Anne Smith) (1998) Lullaby 2 (Thomas Dekker) (1998) Phenomenal Woman (Maya Angelou) (2002) Old Man (Madeleine Dann) (1988) Parting (Madeleine Dann) (1988) Over the Coffin (Hardy) (2001) The Ruined Maid (Hardy) (2001) Fare Well (De la Mare) (1982) Shepherd Boy (Louie Horne) (1986) Autumn Fun (Louie Horne) (1994-5) April Joy (Louie Horne) (1994) Dance to My Piping (Louie Horne) (1992) Balow (anon. 16th century) (1974) At Grez-sur-Loing (Norman Cusack) (2002) Muse Frustrated (Bridget Hodgkin) (2002) The Nightingale and the Glow-worm (Cowper) (1999) The Bargain (Sidney) (1998) Testament of Youth: A Song Cycle (Vera Brittain, Roland Leighton, William Noel Hodgson) (1986-9) Epitaph (Lady Catherine Dyer) (1983) Phillida Bannister, contralto Richard Black, piano Recorded at Andrew Giller's Studio, Raveningham, Norfolk. Stewart Orr Sound Services SOSS CD 339 [75.31] [NH]

An interesting addition to the genre, Tony Noakes has a real eye/ear for a poet's text and produces settings with both integrity and emotion well to the fore. Recommended. …….see Full Review

JACQUES OFFENBACH (1819-1880) La Périchole. Opéra bouffe in 3 acts. Highlights La Périchole, Régine Crespin (sop); Piquillo, Alain Vanzo (ten); Don Andrès de Ribiera, Jules Bastin (b. bar); guadelena, Rebecca Roberts, (sop); Berginella, Eva Sourova, (sop); Mastrilla, geneviève Baudoz 9mez) Chorus of l’Opera du Rhin. Orchestre Philharmonique de Strasbourg. Cond. Alain Lombard Recorded in the Palais des Fêtes, Strasbourg. February 1976 WARNER APEX 2564 61500-2 [66.57] [RJF]

It is 67 minutes of unalloyed joy. I strongly recommend it. ... see Full Review

Giovanni Battista PERGOLESI (1710-1736) Lo frate 'nnamorata (1732)
Musical comedy in Three Acts.Libretto Gennarantonio Federico Marcaniello (Baritone) Alessandro Corbelli Ascanio ( Soprano) Nuccia Focile Nena (Soprano) Amelia Felle Nina (Contralto) Bernadette Manca di Nissa Luggrezia (Mezzo-Soprano) Luciana D'Intino Carlo (Tenor) Ezio di Cesare Vanella (Soprano) Elizabeth Norberg-Schulz Cardella (Mezzo-Soprano) Nicoletta Curiel Don Pietro (Baritone) Bruno de Simone Orchestra of Teatro alla Scala, Milan Conductor: Riccardo Muti Filmed at a live performance on 28 December 1989 Sung in Italian with English subtitles DVD Opus Arte OA LS3005D (La Scala Collection).Total length 2hr.50 min.19secs [JPo]

This production is welcome as a musically historical document, and gives an insight into the development of opera as an art form.... see Full Review

Seppo POHJOLA (b. 1965) String Quartet No. 3 (2000) [14:14] New York New York (2001) [13:04] Game Over (1996) [19:04] A Night at the Opera (2002) [6:25] Liebelei (2001) [11:41] Minttu Pesu (sop) Zagros Ensemble/Dmitri Slobodeniouk rec. Aug-Sept 2002, Kuusankoski Hall, Helsinki. DDD ALBA ABCD 187 [65:06] [RB]

An extremely promising first disc. ... see Full Review

Lucien POSMAN (b. 1952) O! Zon (1997)a Songs of Experience (1986)b Five Songs of Experience (1989)c Symfonie één (1997)d Rimsky-Korsakov Quarteta; Mikhail Lukonin (baritone)b; Victoria Evtodieva (soprano)c; Dmitry Makhovikov (clarinet)c; Yuri Serov (piano)bc; St. Petersburg State Academic Capella Symphony Orchestrad; Edward Serovd
Recorded: St. Catherine Lutheran Church, October 1999 (O! Zon), November 1999 (Five Songs) and January 1999 (Songs of Experience); and State Academic Capella Concert Hall, December 1999 (Symphony) DE RODE POMP RP/GMA 002 [73.42] [HC]

This release offers a well-planned and enjoyable composer’s portrait. Well worth investigating. ... see Full Review

Francis POULENC(1899 – 1963) La Voix humaine (1958) Julia Migenes (soprano) Orchestre National de France/Georges Prêtre Rec: February 1990 WARNER ELATUS 2564 60680-2 [45:04] [HC]

I had not heard La Voix humaine for a long time, and I was delighted to hear it again in an entirely convincing reading such as this one. ... see Full Review

Sergei PROKOFIEV (1891-1953) Piano Concerto No. 1 in D flat major, op. 10 [15:27] Nikolai Lugansky, piano Royal Scottish National Orchestra/Alexander Lazarev Symphony No. 5 in B flat major, op. 100 [43:31] National Youth Orchestra of Great Britain/Yan Pascal Tortelier Rec. live Royal Albert Hall, London, 8 Sept 2003 (No. 1); 9 Aug 2003 (No. 5) DDD WARNER CLASSICS 2564 61551-2 [59:08] [KS]

A document of what must have been a very impressive live concert ... not certain that they live up to an international standard. A hedged recommendation ... see Full Review

RECORDING OF THE MONTH Sergei PROKOFIEV (1891-1953) Sonata No. 2 for violin and piano in D, Op. 94a [24:10] Eugène YSAŸE (1858-1931) Sonata No. 3 in d minor "Ballade" for unaccompanied violin, Op. 27, no. 3 [6:59] Ernest CHAUSSON (1855-1899) Poème, op. 25 [14:41] Camille SAINT-SAËNS (1835-1921) Sonata for violin and piano no. 1 in d minor, op. 75 [23:51] Jack Liebeck, violin Katya Apekisheva, piano Rec. Wathen Hall, St. Paul’s School, England, 25 May, 2 July 2003. DDD QUARTZ QTZ 2002 [70:00] [KS]

Brilliant performances. Recommended without a moment’s hesitation. ... see Full Review

Sergei Rachmaninov plays and conducts Volume I Sergei RACHMANINOV (1873-1943) Piano Concerto No.2 Op.18 in C minor* Isle of the Dead Op.29 Rhapsody on a Theme of Paganini* Sergei Rachmaninov (piano and conductor) Philadelphia Orchestra Leopold Stokowski * Recorded 1929 and 1935 VISTA VERA VVCD 00021 [72.08]
Volume II Franz SCHUBERT (1797-1828)
Serenade arr LISZT Johann Sebastian BACH (1685-1750) Sarabande from Partita No.4 BWV 828 Partita No.3 for Violin BWV 1006 – Preludio, Gavotte, Gigue Alessandro SCARLATTI (1660-1725) Pastorale arr TAUSIG Louis DAQUIN (1694-1772) Le Coucou George Frideric HANDEL (1685-1759) Aria and Variations (The Harmonious Blacksmith) Wolfgang Amadeus MOZART (1759-1795) Theme and Variations AND Rondo alla turca from Sonata K311 Christoph Willibald von GLUCK (1714-1787) Melodie from Orfeo ed Euridice arr SGAMBATI, Ludwig van BEETHOVEN (1770-1827) Turkish March arr Anton RUBINSTEIN 32 Variations in C minor WoO80 Violin Sonata Op.30 No.3 in G major* Sergei Rachmaninov (piano) Fritz Kreisler (violin)* Recorded 1919-42 VISTA VERA VVCD 00023 [63.25]
Volume III Franz LISZT (1811-1886)
Hungarian Rhapsody No.2 – cadenza by Rachmaninov Gnomenreigen – Concert Etude No.2 Fritz KREISLER (1875-1962) Liebesfreud Liebeslied Claude DEBUSSY (1862-1918) Golliwog’s Cakewalk from Children’s Corner Moritz MOSZKOWSKI (1854-1925) La Jongleuse Ignacy Jan PADEREWSKI (1860-1941) Minuet Op.14 No.1 Georges BIZET (1838-1875) Minuet from L’Arlesienne Suite No.1 Camille SAINT- SAËNS (1835-1921) The Swan arr SILOTI Edvard GRIEG (1843-1907) Elfin Dance from the Lyric Pieces Op.12 Violin Sonata No.3 Op.45 in C minor* Sergei Rachmaninov (piano) Fritz Kreisler (violin)* Recorded 1919-42 VISTA VERA VVCD 00025 [63.51]
Volume IV Fryderyk CHOPIN (1810-1849)
Ballade No.3 Op 47 in A flat major Scherzo No.3 Op.39 in C sharp minor Nocturne No.9 No.3 in E flat major Mazurka Op 68 No.2 in A minor Nocturne No.15 No.2 in F sharp minor Waltz Op.18 in E flat major Waltz Op.34 No.3 in F major Waltz Op.42 in A flat major Mazurka Op.68 No.2 in A minor Waltz Op. 64 No.1 in D flat major Waltz Op.64 No. 2 in C sharp minor Waltz Op.64 No. 3 in A flat minor Waltz Op.70 No.1 in G flat major Waltz Op. posth. In E minor Waltz Op.69 No.2 in B minor Sonata No.2 in B flat minor Op.35 Sergei Rachmaninov (piano) Recorded 1919-35 VISTA VERA VVCD 00026 [73.19]
Volume V Sergei RACHMANINOV (1873-1943)
Piano Concerto No.3 Op.30 in D minor* Symphony No.3 Op.44 in A minor Sergei Rachmaninov (piano and conductor) Philadelphia Orchestra Eugene Ormandy* Recorded 1939-40 VISTA VERA VVCD 00028 [71.06]
Volume VI Sergei RACHMANINOV (1873-1943)
Piano Concerto No.1 Op.1 in F sharp minor* Piano Concerto No.4 Op.40 in G minor* Vocalise Op.34 No.14 orchestrated RACHMANINOV # TRADITIONAL Powder and Paint arr. RACHMANINOV+ Pyotr Ilyich TCHAIKOVSKY (1840-1893) Troika from The Seasons - November Humoresque Op.10 No.2 in G major Waltz Op.40 No.8 in A flat major Lullaby Op.16 No.1 arr. RACHMANINOV Sergei Rachmaninov (piano) N. Plevitskaya (mezzo-soprano)+ Philadelphia Orchestra/Eugene Ormandy* Philadelphia Orchestra/ Sergei Rachmaninov# Recorded 1923-42 VISTA VERA VVCD 00036 [71.20]
Volume VII Alexander BORODIN (1833-87) Scherzo Modest MUSSORGSKY (1839-1881) Hopak from Sorochintsy Fair arr. RACHMANINOV Nicolai RIMSKY-KORSAKOV (1844-1908) The Flight of the Bumble-bee arr. RACHMANINOV Alexander SCRIABIN (1872-1915) Prelude Op.11 No.8 Sergei RACHMANINOV (1873-1943)
Preludes Op.3 No2, Op.23 No.5, Op.23 No.10, Op.32 No.3, Op.32 No.5, Op.32 No.6, Op.32 No.7, Op.32 No.12 Melodie Op.3 No.3 Polichinelle Op.3 No.4 Serenade Op.3 No.5 Humoresque Op.10 No.5 Oriental Sketch Polka de V.R. Barcarolle Op.10 No.3 Moment Musicaux Op.16 No.2 Daisies Op.38 No.3 Lilacs Op.21 No.5 Etude-tableaux Op.33 No.2, Op.33 No.7, Op.39 No.6 Sergei Rachmaninov (piano) Recorded 1920-40 VISTA VERA VVCD 00037 [69.09]
Volume VIII Franz SCHUBERT (1797-1828)
Sonata for Violin and Piano D574* Impromptu Op.90 No.4 Wohin? Arr. RACHMANINOV Das Wandern arr. LISZT Der Kontrabandiste arr. TAUSIG Felix MENDELSSOHN (1809-1847) Spinning Song (Lieder ohne Worte Op.67) Etude Op.104b Nos 2 and 3 Scherzo from ‘A Midsummer Night’s Dream’ Claude DEBUSSY (1862-1918) Gradus ad Parnassum (from Children’s Corner) Robert SCHUMANN (1810-1856) Carnaval Op.9 Sergei Rachmaninov (piano) Fritz Kreisler (violin)* Recorded 1921-42 VISTA VERA VVCD 00039 [66.12] [JW]

A pianophile without Rachmaninov’s recordings should not really sleep at night. ... see Full Review

Joseph Joachim RAFF (1822-1882) Works for Violin and Piano Vol. 3 Aus der Schweiz Op.57 (1848) Sonata No 3 Op. 128 (1865) Sonatillen Op.99 Nos. 4-7 (1861) Duo Op.63 No.1 Ingolf Turban (violin), Jascha Nemtsov (piano) Rec. Kammermusikstudio im Funkhaus Berg, Stuttgart, July, October 2002. DDD CPO 999 769-2 [61:45] [PCW]

In every way this is a most successful disc... part of a valuable project which deserves a long-term place in the catalogue... see Full Review

Einojuhani RAUTAVAARA (b. 1928) Concerto for Harp and Orchestra (2000) [Pesante, 9.59 +Adagietto, 5.17 +Solenne, 7.54] [23.11] Symphony No. 8, "The Journey" (1999) [Adagio assai, 11.30 +Feroce, 3.04 +Tranquillo, 6.00 +Con Grandeza, 8.35] [29.09] Marielle Nordman (harp) Helsinki Philharmonic Orchestra/Leif Segerstam Rec. Finlandia Hall, January 2001 (Harp Concerto) May 2001 (Symphony No. 8) ONDINE ODE 978-2 [52.30] [LN]

A disc well worth hearing, and having. ... see Full Review

Ottorino RESPIGHI (1879-1936) Metamorphoseon. Modi XII. Tema e variazioni (1930) [26:50] Rossiniana. Suite per Orchestra (1925) [21:49] Burlesca per Orchestra (1906) [6:14] Passacaglia in do minore di Giovanni Sebastiano Bach (1930) [13:42] Wuppertal Symphony Orchestra/George Hanson rec. Stadthalle Wuppertal, 6-7, 18-20, 25-27 September 2000 MD+G MDG 935 1030-6 [69:23] [SV]

Hanson leads with stylish assurance, and the Wuppertal Symphony, though perhaps not well-known, sounds absolutely first-class in all departments ... see Full Review

Philip RHODES (b. 1940) With a Mountain View - Music with Appalachian Roots Two Appalachian Settings for String Quartet (1) Mountain Songs (A Ballad Cycle) for High Voice and Piano (2) Fiddletunes (No. 1) for Solo Violin and Synthesized Strings (3) Reels and Reveries (Variations for Orchestra) (4) The Veblen String Quartet (1); Phyllis Bryn-Julson (soprano) (2); Anne Mayer (piano) (2); Hector Valdivia (violin) (3); Owensboro Symphony Orchestra/Michael Luxner (4) Recorded June 6, 2002, Carleton Concert Hall, Northfield, Minnesota, USA (1); October 31, 1976, Carleton Concert Hall, Northfield, Minnesota, USA (2); March 20, 2001, Carleton Concert Hall, Northfield, Minnesota, USA (3); October 3, 1992, RiverPark Center, Owensboro, Kentucky, USA (4) CENTAUR CRC2597 [63.40] [RH]

A disc of music by American composers Philip Rhodes exploring his own Appalachian roots. ... see Full Review

Philip RHODES (b. 1940) Visions of Remembrance (1) Museum Pieces for Clarinet and String Quartet (2) Autumn Settings for Soprano and String Quartet (3) Divertimento for Small Orchestra (4) Carole Wilson (soprano) (1) Loraine Manz (mezzo-soprano) (1) Phyllis Bryn-Julson (soprano) (3) James Livingston (clarinet) (2) Carelton Contemporary Ensemble/William Wells (1) The Louisville String Quartet (2) Speculum Musicae String Quartet (3) St. Paul Chamber Orchestra/Dennis Russell Davies (4) Recorded March, 1979, Carleton Concert Hall, Northfield, Minnesota, USA (1); 1974 (2); 1973 (3); 1974 (4) CRI CD758 [62.25] [RH]

A fine showcase for works by Philip Rhodes dating from the 1970s; this disc reissues a group of recordings originally produced on vinyl. ... see Full Review

RECORDING OF THE MONTH Ferdinand RIES (1784 – 1837) Symphony No. 7 in A minor Op. 181 (1835) Symphony No. 8 in E Flat, Wo0 30 (1822) Zurich Chamber Orchestra/Howard Griffiths. Rec. 2-7 May 2002, Neumunsterkirche, Zurich, Switzerland. DDD CPO 999 904-2 [67.16] [JPh]

I recommend this disc without reservation, and look forward to hearing the others in this superbly played, conducted and recorded series. ... see Full Review

Jan van der ROOST (b. 1956) Concierto de homenaje (1996)a Concerto per Tromba (2001)b Rhapsody (1995)c Fabio Zanon (guitar)a; Ole Edvard Antonsen (trumpet)b; Jacob Slagter (horn)c; I Fiamminghi Chamber Orchestraab; Symphonic Band Lemmens-Institutec; Rudolf Werthenab, Jan van der Roostc Recorded: Sint-Martens-Latem, March 2002 and Lemmens Instituut, Leuven, March 1997 PHAEDRA 92039 [59:02] [HC]

If you do not know any of his music, then, this is the best possible introduction to Roost’s music. Well worth investigating. ... see Full Review

BARGAIN OF THE MONTH Gioachino ROSSINI (1792-1868) La Cenerentola - opera buffa in two acts Angiolina (Cenerentola), Jennifer Larmore (mezzo); Don Ramiro, Raúl Giménez (ten); Dandini, Gino Quilico (bar); Don Magnifico, Alessandro Corbelli (buffa-bass); Alidoro, Alastair Miles (bass) Chorus and Orchestra of the Royal Opera House, Covent Garden, London/Carlo Rizzi Recorded in Abbey Road Studios, London, in February 1994 WARNER APEX 2564 61503-2 [74.48] [RJF]

This generously timed and tracked selection of highlights from an exhilarating performance is thoroughly recommended. If it tempts you to purchase the full recording you will enjoy that too. ... see Full Review

Anton RUBINSTEIN (1829-1894) Quintet for piano, flute, clarinet, horn and bassoon, in F major, op. 55 (1855) Nikolay Andreyevich RIMSKY-KORSAKOV (1844-1908) Quintet for piano, flute, clarinet, horn and bassoon, in B flat, op. posth. (1876) Felicja Blumental (piano) Members of the New Philharmonia Wind Ensemble, London Recorded at Chelsea, London, August 1979. AAD BRANA RECORDS BR0019 [60:38] [MC]

A fine re-release from Brana ... well worth exploring and should bring significant rewards to the lover of late-Romantic chamber music. ... see Full Review


 

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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