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  Friday July 30th


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Hoffnung Music Festivals 1956,58,61
$33.75 £19 World $37£21 post free
This is a must for all Hoffnung enthusiasts.
Purchase here    see review

Hoffnung - A Last Encore
On 2 CDs lasting 1 hour 45min, this contains all the recordings of Hoffnung preserved in the BBC archives. They include the famous and hilariously funny Bricklayer story. $22 £14 post free world-wide Purchase


An ALL-ARNOLD Study Day and Concert at the Royal Festival Hall 24-9-04


NEW and RECENT ARTICLES

JASCHA HORENSTEIN (1898-1973) A CD DISCOGRAPHY by Donald Clarke

CARLOS KLEIBER (1930-2004)

View from the Audience Knight Foundation Administers Tough Love to American Symphony Orchestras to Encourage Building of New Audiences Frank T. Manheim

"Has the time come to set Mozart aside and let a new generation discover him?" Hans-Theo Wohlfahrt on Glyndebourne's new Magic Flute.

View from the Audience WHAT IS CLASSICAL MUSIC? WHO LISTENS TO IT? Vignettes from the American scene Frank T. Manheim

PERCY YOUNG - 1912-2004 Obituary by Philip Scowcroft

Georges Charles GOUNOD (1818-1893) Faust - an opera in five acts - Faust on record; a look back and into the future

HISTORY OF MUSIC Part 2 Music of the Renaissance and Reformation Periods Dr David C F Wright

Ever wondered if record companies take any notice of technical criticisms of their production standards? Read on ...

Are you able to help? Shostakovich's works were premiered and recorded in Estonia by the conductor Roman Matsov. This was to ensure availability of Shostakovich's works for posterity should they be be supressed in the Soviet Union. This priceless collection, in the hands of the son, Mark Matsov, is now endangered. Read more from the Australian 'The Age'

 

MusicWeb recommended recordings 2004

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Johann Sebastian BACH (1685 -1750) Goldberg Variations, BWV 988 (1741) [70.55] András Schiff, piano Recorded Live at Stadtcasino, Basel, Switzerland, 30 October 2001. Notes in English and Français. Photo of the performer and musical examples. ECM NEW SERIES 1825 [70.55] [PSh]

Yet another essential recording of the Goldberg Variations, maybe good enough to topple Glenn Gould from his pedestal ... see Full Review

Havergal BRIAN (1876 - 1972)Symphony No. 1 The Gothic (1919-27) Eva Jenisová (sop.), Dagmar Pecková (alto), Vladimír Dolezal (ten.), Peter Mikuláš (bass)
Slovak Opera Chorus, Slovak Philharmonic Choir, Slovak Folk Ensemble Chorus, Lúcnica Chorus, Bratislava City Choir, Bratislava Children’s Choir, Youth Echo Choir, Pavol Procházka (Chorus Master) Slovak Radio Symphony Orchestra, Slovak Philharmonic Orchestra/Ondrej Lenárd Rec. Concert Hall of Czechoslovak Radio, Bratislava, 29-31 March and 16-22 October 1989.Reissue - first released on Marco Polo 8.223280/1 NAXOS 8.557418/9 [59'11 + 54'56 = 114'07] [PSe]

The only First, in spite of the ‘Titan’. An excellent recording of a fervent performance, which is just as well, because it’s the only one. ... see Full Review

Anton BRUCKNER (1824-1896) Piano Works:- Sonata Movement in G minor (1862) Stille Betrachtung an einem Herbstabend (1863) Steiermärker (c.1850) Lancier-Quadrille (c.1850) Klavierstücke in E flat major (c.1856) Fantasie in G major (1868) Erinnerung (1868) Adagio from Symphony No. 7, arr. Cyrill Hynais (c. 1895) Fumiko Shiraga (piano) Rec 18-20 July 2001, Friedrich-Ebert-Halle, Hamburg BIS-CD-1297 [64.50] [TB]

Hardly central to the repertory but offers fascinating insights into the lesser known byways and the artistic development of this remarkable composer ... 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) 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

 

Pyotr Ilyich TCHAIKOVSKY (1840-1893): Symphony No. 6 in B minor (Pathétique), Op. 74 (1893) [43’12"] Francesca da Rimini, Fantasy for Orchestra, Op. 32 (1876)* [24’48"] Gothenburg Symphony Orchestra/Neeme Järvi Rec. Gothenburg Concert Hall on 23 & 24 Jan 2004 and *1 Sept 2003 BIS – SACD – 1348 [69’02"] [JQ]

In a fiercely competitive field I fear I can’t give this a strong endorsement. ... see Full Review

Richard WAGNER (1813-1883) Siegfried [abridged]: Act 1 - Scene 1: Preludea; Zwangvolle Plage!b; Hioho! Hioho! Hau’ ein! Hau’ ein!c; Als zullendes Kind zog ich dich aufc; Soll ich der Kunde glaubenc; Scene 2: Heil dir, weiser Schmiedd; Dein Haupt pfänd ichd; Scene 3e: Fühltest du nie im finstren Wald; Nothung! Nothung! Neidliches Schwert; Hoho! Hoho! Hahei! … Schmiede, mein Hammer. Act 2 - Scene 1f: In Wald und Nacht; Deine Hand helitest du vom Hort?; Scene 2: Dass der mein Vater nicht istg; Du holdes Vöglein!g; Haha! Da hätte mein Liedh; Scene 3: Wohin schleichst du eilig und schlauh; Da lieg’ auch du, dunkler Wurm!i; Hei! Siegfried erschlug nun den schlimmen Zwergi. Act 3 – Scene 1j: Prelude; Wache, Wala; Stark ruft das Lied; Dir Unweisen ruf ich ins Ohr; Scene 2k: Kenntest du mich, kühner Spross; Zich hin!; Scene 3: Selige Öde auf sonniger Höh’!l; Das ist kein Mann!l; Heil dir Sonne!m; O Siegfried! Siegfried!n; Ewig was ichn; Dich lieb ichn; Ob jetzt ich dein?n. ceghiklnLauritz Melchior, bcdhHeinrich Tessmer, eAlbert Reiss (tenors); iNora Grubn, mnFlorence Easton (sopranos); jMaria Olszewska (contralto); fhEduard Habich (baritone); dfFriedrich Schorr, kRudolf Bockelmann (bass-baritone); a-i, k,lLondon Symphony Orchestra/a-d, fhlRobert Heger, egikAlbert Coates, jVienna State Opera Orchestra/Karl Alwin; mnOrchestra of the Royal Opera House, Covent Garden/Robert Heger
Performance background and plot synopsis included. From HMV a-dDB1713 and 1578/81, eD 1690/1, fDB1582, gD1692, hiD1693, jDB1533/4, kDB1694, lD1836/7; Rec. a-d,fLondon, a-dMay, fMay 21st, 1931, lMay 12th, 1930, mnMay 29th, 1932, egQueen’s Hall, London on May 16th-g17th, 1929, iMay 17th and ik22nd, 1929, hMay 21st, 1931, jVienna in 1929.
NAXOS HISTORICAL 8.110091/92 [151’30: 79’04 + 72’26]. [CC]

Products such as this are increasingly valuable. The ‘Golden Age’ of singing should be remembered. If you have ever shied away from Siegfried’s magnificent edifice, now would be a good time to investigate ... see Full Review

Mirijam Contzen Johann Sebastian BACH (16.85-1750) Partita No. 3 in E Major BWV 1006: Preludio [3.22], Loure [3.46], Gavotte en Rondeau [2.53], Menuet 1 – Menuet II – Menuet I [3.57], Bourée [1.23]. Gigue [1.46] Tibor VARGA (1921-2003)
Le Serpent [6.41] Béla BARTÓK (1881-1945) Sonata for solo violin Sz 117: Tempo die Ciaccona [9.14], Fuga [4.07], Melodia [6.36], Presto [5] Igor STRAVINSKY (1882-1971) Élegie [5.26] Eugène YSAŸE (1858-1931) Sonate Op. 27 No. 4: Allemande. Lento maestoso [6.16], Sarabande. Quasi lento [3.30], Finale. Presto ma non troppo [3.05] Mirijam Contzen (violin) Recorded Reitstadel Neumarkt, 12-14 January 2004 BMG ARTE NOVA CLASSICS 82876 57741 2 [67.53] [EM]

Not a disc I would personally recommend, but of its kind (publicity-machine compilation disc), it is probably one of the better. ... see Full Review

 

 

 

 

Erik CHISHOLM (1904-1965) Straloch Suite (1933) [15:59] Scottish Airs for Children (1940s) [27:54] Sonata in A An Riobain Dearg (abridged version, 2004) (1939) Murray McLachlan, piano Rec. Whiteley Hall, Chethams School, Manchester, 5-7 April 2004. DDD DUNELM RECORDS DRD0222/LC-12952 [77:24] [DHJ]

The Sonata - a major example of 20th century piano writing ... the effect is almost overwhelming. Self recommending ... see Full Review

Claude DEBUSSY (1862–1918) Mélodies de Jeunesse: Apparition, Romance, Les paillons, Calmes sans le demi-jour, Regret.Ariettes Oubliées: C’est le extase, Il pleure dans mon coeur, L’ombre des arbres, Paysages belges: chevaux de bois, Aquarelles - Green, Aquarelles - SpleenProses lyriques: De rêve, De grève, De fleurs, De soir.Trois poèmes de Mallarmé: Soupir, Placet futile, Éventail Sandrine Piau (soprano), Jos van Immerseel (piano) rec. Liège, July 2002. DDD NAÏVE V4932 [57’25"] [AO]

Piau's careful phrasing and deft articulation of the musical line throw the structure of the songs into focus, allowing us to appreciate their beauty in pure form ... see Full Review

Gaetano DONIZETTI (1797-1848)L’elisir d’amore (excerpts) Adina – Mariella Devia (soprano) Nemorino – Roberto Alagna (tenor) Belcore – Pietro Sapgnoli (bartone) Dulcamara - Bruno Pratico (bass-baritone) Giannetta - Francesca Provvisionato (mezzo-soprano) Tallis Chamber Choir English Chamber Orchestra/Marcello Viotti Rec. All Saints Church, Petersham, 1992 WARNER APEX 2564 61496-2 [71.44] [RH]

An ideal introduction to this delightful opera ... buy it anyway to hear what the young Alagna could do ... 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

AUDIOPHILE RECORDING OF THE MONTH Peter Ilyich Tchaikovsky (1840 - 1893) Swan Lake Ballet Op 20 (1875/7) [104.46] Utah Symphony Orchestra/Maurice Abravanel Recording location and date not given [1967?] On disk extras: photos and documents of artists; memorial tribute speech by Ardean Watts [16.00]; "remembering the Utah Symphony Orchestra 3.00];" Composer biography; Technical documentary [6.00]; Speaker set-up utility. DVD-Audio 2.0 and 5.1. DVD 2.0 and 5.1 AC-3. ADD Playable on all DVD players SILVERLINE CLASSICS DVD-AUDIO 288235-9 [104.46 + 25.00] [PSh]

The greatest Tchaikovsky, brilliantly performed, a pinnacle of recorded surround sound ... see Full Review

Richard WAGNER (1860-1911) Der fliegende Holländer Hildegard Behrens - Senta Matti Salminen - Daland Franz Grundheber - The Dutchman Riamo Sirkiä - Erik Anita Välkki - Mary Jorma Silvastri - Steersman Ilkka Bäckmann - Director Savonlinna Opera Festival Orchestra and Chorus/Leif Segerstam Savonlinna Opera Festival 1989 DVD-9 Region: 2,3,4.5.6 NVC ARTS/YLEISRADIO-TV1. WARNER MUSIC VISION 9031-71486-2RM [139.00"] [AO]

The simplicity of this film reflects the Savonlinna ethos. It is unpretentious, almost to the point of seeming superficially casual. Musically and artistically, however, the standards are very high indeed. ... see Full Review

The Best of British Vol. 1 Ralph VAUGHAN WILLIAMS (1872-1958) Flourish for Wind Band Percy GRAINGER (1882-1961) Lincolnshire Posy Alun HODDINOTT (b.1929) Welsh Airs and Dances Gustav HOLST (1874-1934) (arr. John Boyd) Japanese Suite Edward ELGAR (1857-1934) (arr. M. Retford) Pomp and Circumstance March No. 4 Pomp and Circumstance March No. 1 Percy GRAINGER (1882-1961) (edited by R. Mark Rogers) The Gum Suckers’ March Tokyo Kosei Wind Orchestra/Douglas Bostock Recorded at Sun Azalea, Suitama, October 21 and 22, 2003 DDD KOSEI PUBLISHING COMPANY KOCD-8011 [57:46] [CT]

Fine playing from the Tokyo Kosei Wind Orchestra in the first of a series of discs celebrating British music. ... see Full Review

Seiji Ozawa Hall 10th Anniversary Celebration Ludwig Van BEETHOVEN (1770-1827) String Quartet No. 12 in E-flat, Opus 127 (1st movement) Juilliard String Quartet July 1, 2001 Johannes BRAHMS (1833-1897) Sonata in D minor, Opus 108 (2nd movement) Yo-Yo Ma, cello; Emanuel Ax, piano July 19, 2001 Béla BARTÓK (1881-1945) String Quartet No. 2, Opus 17 (2nd movement) Emerson String Quartet July 25, 1995 Frédéric CHOPIN (1810-1849) Berceuse in D-flat, Opus 57 Dubravka Tomsic, piano July 16, 2003 Claude DEBUSSY (1862-1918) La Danse de Puck Richard Goode, piano August 1, 2002 György LIGETI (1923-) Fém Pierre-Laurent Aimard, piano July 20, 2003 Toru TAKEMITSU (1930-1996) Shuteiga ("In an Autumn Garden"): Enbai ("Melisma") Reigakusha July 23, 1996 Augusta Read THOMAS (1964-) Two movements from Spirit Musings Fellows of the Tanglewood Music Center July 18, 2003 Johannes BRAHMS "Unbewegte laue Luft," Opus 7, No.8 Lorraine Hunt Lieberson, mezzo-soprano; Peter Serkin, piano July 10, 2003 Franz SCHUBERT (1797-1828) "Irrlicht" from Winterreise, D. 911 Matthias Goerne, baritone; Eric Schneider, piano July 10, 2002 Hugo WOLF (1860-1903) "Kennst du das Land" Mitsuko Shirai, mezzo-soprano; Harmut Höll, piano July 18, 1996 Wolfgang Amadeus MOZART (1756-1791) Leporello’s Catalogue Aria from Don Giovanni Thomas Quasthoff, bass-baritone; Freiburg Baroque Orchestra August 11, 1999 Idris LEWIS "Bugail Aberdyfi" ("Shepard of Aberdovey") Byrn Terfel, bass-baritone; Malcolm Martineau, piano August 11, 1998 TRAD. (arr. James Erb and Donald Bartholomew) "Shenandoah" Chanticleer August 5, 1999 Astor PIAZZOLLA (1921-1992) (arr. José Bragato) Escualo
KREMERata Baltica/Gidon Kremer, artistic director and violin soloist August 5, 1998 BOSTON SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA - NO NUMBER [75:57] [C Andres]

A collection of first-rate souvenirs that is ultimately less than the sum of its parts ... see Full Review

 

BOOK REVIEWS

ALMA ROSÉ: VIENNA TO AUSCHWITZ by Richard Newman with Karen Kirtley Amadeus Press ISBN 1-57467-051-4 [CF]

Her native Vienna has marked her life with a street named after her but this book is a more fitting testimonial. ... see Full Review

The Amadeus: Forty years in pictures and words

What an apt title for this splendid publication ... see Full Review

There was a Time…Ralph Vaughan Williams - A pictorial journey from the collection of Ursula Vaughan Williams Edited by: Stephen Connock, Ursula Vaughan Williams and Robin Wells Albion Music Ltd (a division of the RVW Society) hardback; 152 pages ISBN 0-9528706-4-9 £25

A valuable addition ... but disappoints somewhat considering that it is published by the Ralph Vaughan Williams Society ... see Full Review

 

UNEASY LISTENING - A caricature guide to 20th century composers
by John Minnion
109pp Paperback ISBN 0-9544499 1 6 [RB]

This is wonderfully well done as a book of illustrations. It tells us something of the psychology of the composer in each case and does so wittily and not without taking a few dangerous corners. ... see Full Review


RECORDINGS OF THE MONTH

Alan BUSH (1900-1995) Symphony No. 1 in C Op. 21 (1940) [32:54] Symphony No. 2 Op. 33 Nottingham (1949) [35:20] Royal Northern College of Music Orchestra/Douglas Bostock rec. 7-8 Feb 2004, RNCM, Manchester, DDD CLASSICO CLASSCD 484 [71:28] [RB]

Music of a distinctive mastery with a peculiarly British rigour and a constrained emotionalism. ... see Full Review

Paul Le FLEM (1881-1984) Piano Quintet (1905) [36:40] Violin Sonata (1905) [28:57] Philippe Koch (violin) Alain Jacquon (piano) Quatuor Louvigny rec. Villa Louvigny, Luxembourg, Nov 2003-Jan 2004. DDD TIMPANI 1C1077 [65:37] [RB]

The surging romance of this music will attract anyone open to the youthful melodic rush of Howells, Ravel, Bax and Ropartz. Outstanding. Glorious. ... see Full Review

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

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

 

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

Camille Saint-Saëns (1835 - 1921) Symphony #3 in c, Op 78 "Organ Symphony" (1886) [35.57] Frederick Minger, organ Baltimore Symphony Orchestra/Sergiu Comissiona Recorded National Presbyterian Church, Washington, D.C., USA, 1980. Cesar FRanck (1822 - 1890) Symphony in d, M.48 (1888) [38.58] Houston Symphony Orchestra/Sergiu Comissiona Recorded Jesse Jones Hall, Houston, TX, USA, April 1982. Notes in English, track-list and artists and technicians roster. On screen extras: Speaker set-up utility, background documentary, composer bios. DVD Audio 2.0 and 5.1. DVD 2.0 and 5.1 AC-3 Dolby Digital Surround DVD-Audio playable on all DVD players SILVERLINE CLASSICS 288231-9 [74.55] [PSh]

Brilliantly performances of difficult and spectacular orchestral music, gorgeous recorded sound ... see Full Review

Peter Ilyich Tchaikovsky (1840 - 1893) Romeo and Juliet, Overture-Fantasia in b (1870) [28.38] Concerto for Piano & Orchestra #1 in bb, Op 23 (1875) [34.07] John Ogdon, piano Symphony #5 in e, Op 64 (1888) [45.24] London Symphony Orchestra/Pierre Monteux Recorded live at the Grosser Konzerthaussall, Vienna, Austria, 31 May 1963 Notes in English: track list, artist and technical credits. On disk extras: composer biography, technical documentary ADD DVD-Audio playable on all DVD players. SILVERLINE CLASSICS 288 228-9 [108.09] [PSh]

One of the finest Tchaikovsky disks ever produced, sound and performance, equally a must-have for seasoned collectors as well as those just starting out ... see Full Review

Songs after Poems by Theodor Storm: Hermann REUTTER (1900-1985)Fünf Lieder nach Texten von Storm, Die Stadt, Hyazinthen
Verirrt, O bleibe treu den Toten, Wohl fühle ich, wie das Leben rinnt Johannes BRAHMS (1833-1897)Über die Heide hallet mein Schritt, Heinrich van EYKEN (1861-1908) Nun geht der Mond durch Wolkennacht Felix MOTTL (1856-1911) Schließe mir die Augen beide Gustav JENNER (1865-1920) Noch einmal Paul CARRIÈRE (1887-1929) Schließe mir die Augen beide Alban BERG (1885-1935) Die Nachtigall Gustav STOLZ (1873-1957) Als ich dich kaum geseh’n Hans von BLOME (1834-1921) Die Nelken Gustav EGGERS (1835-1861) So dunkel die Straßen Richard TRUNK (1879-1968) Die Stadt Othmar SCHOECK (1886-1957) April Alban BERG (1885-1935) Schließe mir die Augen beide Richard MANDL (1859-1918) Gode Nacht Max REGER (1873-1916) Nelken Franz SCHREKER (1878-1934) Wohl fühl ich, wie das Leben rinnt Joseph MARX (1882-1964) Schließe mir die Augen beide Gustav JENNER (1865-1920) Die Nachtigall Hans HERMANN (1870-1931) Nelken Hans Christian DÉTLEFSEN (* 1951) Fünf Gedichte von Theodor Storm , Meeresstrand, Die Stadt, Ein grünes Blatt, Schließe mir die Augen beide, Zur Nacht Ulf Bästlein (baritone), Charles Spencer (piano) Recorded Bad Arolsen, August 21-24, 2003. DDD MUSIK DABRINGHAUS UND GRIMM MDG 603 1234-2 [66'33] [AO]

A wonderful landmark recording that demonstrates how poetry is translated into song ... see Full Review

 

 

BARGAIN OF THE MONTH

Béla BARTÓK (1881—1945) Yehudi Menuhin, violin and viola CD1 Violin Concerto No. 1, BB 48a (1907—8) Viola Concerto, BB 128(1945) (ed. Tibor Serly) New Philharmonia Orchestra/Antal Dorati Rhapsody No. 1 for violin and orchestra. BB 94b (1928—9) Rhapsody No. 2 for violin and orchestra, BB 96b (1928, rev. 1935) BBC Symphony Orchestra/Pierre Boulez CD2 Violin Concerto No.2, BE 117 (1937—8) New Philharmonia Orchestra/Antal Dorati Six movements from 44 Duos for two violins, BB 104 (1931): Sorrow; New Year’s Greeting; Harvest Song; Bagpipes; Scherzo; Arabian Song Yehudi Menuhin and Nell Gotkovsky, violins Sonata for solo violin, BR 124 (1944) Recorded: 1965 (Violin Concertos), 1966 (Viola Concerto),Kingsway Hall, London;1965 (Duos), 1968 (Rhapsodies), 1974, 1975 (Sonata), Abbey Road Studios, London EMI CLASSICS 7243 585487 2 [67:28 + 72:46] [JL]

A bargain double-disc package that brings together one of the twentieth century’s greatest composers with one of its leading performing artists in renderings of unmatched authority. ... see Full Review

Frank BRIDGE (1879-1941) Enter Spring (Rhapsody) (1927) [19:20] Summer (Tone Poem) (1914) [9:40] Two Poems for orchestra (1915) [10:56] The Sea - Suite (1911) [21:39] New Zealand SO/James Judd rec. Michael Fowler Centre, Wellington, NZ, 11-15 Nov 2002. DDD NAXOS 8.557167 [62:17] [RB]

A good inexpensive introduction to Frank Bridge - a by no means parochial composer. The music is unsettling and startlingly original in the case of Enter Spring. ... see Full Review

Benjamin BRITTEN (1913-76) Peter Grimes, Op.33 (1945) Glenn Winslade – Peter Grimes Janice Watson – Ellen Orford Anthony Michaels-Moore – Captain Balstrode Jill Grove – Auntie Catherine Wyn-Rogers – Mrs Sedley Nathan Gunn – Ned Keene London Symphony Orchestra and Chorus/Sir Colin Davis Recorded live at the Barbican 10-12 January 2004. budget price, www.lso.co.uk LSO LIVE LSO0054 [55’06 + 48’32 + 39’05] [MB]

Quite easily the best-played Grimes on disc ... see Full Review

David DIAMOND (b.1915) Psalm (1936) [8:39] Kaddish (1987) [10:44] Symphony No. 3 (1945) [31:08] Janos Starker (cello) Seattle Symphony Orchestra/Gerard Schwarz. Rec. 11-12 Sept 1990; 6 Jan 1991, Seattle Center Opera House. DDD Originally issued on Delos DE3103 American Classics series NAXOS 8.559155 [59:19] [RB]

A disc not to be missed if you are at all sympathetic to the tonal-melodic strain in twentieth century music. Music written from the heart to the heart ... see Full Review

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

Robert SCHUMANN (1810 – 1856) Symphony No. 1 in B Flat major The Spring, Op. 38 (1831) Symphony No. 2 in C Major, Op. 61 (1848) Symphony No. 3 in E Flat The Rhenish Op.97 (1850) Symphony No. 4 in D Minor, Op.120 (1851) Tonhalle Orchestra, Zurich/David Zinman Recorded 13 – 16 October 2003 in the Tonhalle, Zurich. ARTE NOVA 82876 57743-2 [65.39 + 57.38] [JPh]

If you see Schumann as a radical, a bit of a firebrand pushing back the barriers of symphonic thought, then Zinman is definitely for you. Would compete with alternative sets at any price ... see Full Review

Ralph VAUGHAN WILLIAMS (1872-1958) The Nine Symphonies A Sea Symphony* (1909) [65’43"] Symphony No. 2 "A London Symphony" (1914) [46’20"] A Pastoral Symphony (Symphony No. 3) ** (1921) [38’03"] Symphony No. 4 in F Minor (1935) [33’58"] Symphony No 5 in D (1943) [41’53"] Symphony No. 6 in E Minor (1947) [34’25"] Sinfonia Antartica (Symphony No. 7) *** (1952) [44’01"] Symphony No. 8 in D Minor (1955) [28’34"] Symphony No. 9 in E Minor (1958) [38’39"] Concerto Accademico for Violin and Orchestra in D Minor**** (1925) [15’59"] The Wasps: Overture (1909) [8’59"] Three Portraits from "The England of Elizabeth" (Suite adapted by Muir Matheson) (1955) [17’26"] Concerto for Bass Tuba and Orchestra in F Minor ***** (1954) [12’19"] * Heather Harper (soprano); John Shirley-Quirk (baritone); London Symphony Chorus ** Heather Harper (soprano); William Bennett (flute); Roger Lord (oboe); Anthony Camden (cor anglais); Gervase de Peyer (clarinet); Anthony Halstead (horn); Osian Ellis (harp); John Georgiadis (violin); lexander Taylor (viola); Douglas Cummings (cello) *** Heather Harper (soprano); The Ambrosian Singers; Sir Ralph Richardson (speaker) **** James Oliver Buswell IV (violin)
***** John Fletcher (bass tuba) London Symphony Orchestra/André Previn Recording dates and venues not given. Recording dates from other sources: Sea, 1970; London 1972, Concerto Accademico, 1969; Wasps, 1972; Pastoral, 1972; 4, 1969; 5, 1972; Three Portraits, 1968; Concerto for Tuba, 1972; 6, 1968; 9, 1971; Antartica, 1967; 8, 1968. London. ADD
Previously issued as RCA Gold Seal GD90500/01/03/06/08/10. Originally issued on LP 1968-1972. BMG-RCA RED SEAL 82876-55708-2 [6 CDs: 65’43" + 71’18" + 72’13" + 72’16" + 73’09" + 73’ 02"] [JQ]

Wonderful, life-enhancing music. I enjoyed this set enormously from start to finish ... one of Previn’s finest achievements in the recording studio. Recommended with great enthusiasm. ... see Full Review

 

English Choral Music Sir Charles Villiers STANFORD (1852-1924): Magnificat in G, op. 81* [4’13"] Nunc Dimittis in G, Op. 81 [4’18"] Justorum Animae from Three Latin Motets [3’24"] Sir Edward ELGAR (1857-1934): Ave verum corpus, Op. 2, No 1 [2’39"] Give unto the Lord (Psalm XXIX), Op. 74 [7’50"] Ralph VAUGHAN WILLIAMS (1872-1958): The Call* [2’05"] Herbert HOWELLS (1892-1983): Magnificat, St. Paul’s [6’33"] Nunc Dimittis, St. Paul’s [4’59"] Paean for organ ** [6’03"] Take him, earth, for cherishing [7’44"] Peter HURFORD (b. 1930): Litany to the Holy Spirit* [2’56"] Gerald FINZI (1901-1956): Welcome Sweet and Sacred Feast, Op. 27, No. 3 [7’31"] Edmund RUBBRA (1901-1986): Tenebrae Motets – Third Nocturne, Op. 72: I Eram quasi agnus innocens [2’50"]; II Una hora non potuistis [2’02"]; III Seniores populi [2’22"] Magnificat in A flat [4’18"] Gerald FINZI: God is gone up, Op. 27, No. 2 [4’24"] Sir William WALTON (1902-1983): Set me as a seal upon thine heart [3’34"] Soloists: Oliver Lepage-Dean (treble) and Edward Lyon (tenor) Coronation Te Deum (arr. Simon Preston & Mark Blatchly) [9’50"] Gloria from Missa Brevis [3’24"] Soloists: Oliver Lepage-Dean (treble) and Geoffrey Silver (tenor) Benjamin BRITTEN (1913-1976): A Hymn to the Virgin [3’06"] Soloists: William Goldring (treble); Christopher de la Hoyde (alto); Simon Wall (tenor); Reuben Thomas (bass) Jubilate Deo [2’38"] Hymn to St. Cecilia, Op. 27 [10’20"] Soloists: Benedict Giles, Ben Harrison (trebles); Richard Moore (alto); Jonathan Bungard (tenor); Reuben Thomas (bass) Lennox BERKELEY (1903-1989): The Lord is my Shepherd, Op.91, No. 1 [4’21"] Soloist: Benjamin Durrant (treble) Crux Fidelis, Op. 43, No. 2 [6’53"] Soloist: Alan Clayton (tenor) Look up, Sweet Babe, Op. 43, No.2 [4’34"] Soloist: James Geidt (treble) Kenneth LEIGHTON (1929-1988): Magnificat and Nunc Dimittis, Collegium Magdalenae Oxoniese {8’16"] An Easter Sequence – Sortie [4’11"] Soloist: Crispian Steele-Perkins (trumpet) Sir John TAVENER (b. 1944) The Lamb [3’47"] The Lord’s Prayer [3’30"] Song for Athene [5’43"] *Oliver Lepage-Dean (treble) **Iain Farrington (organ) The Choir of St. John’s College, Cambridge/Christopher Robinson Recorded in the chapel of St. John’s College, Cambridge on: 13 - 16 March, 1999 (Howells); 13 - 15 July, 1999 (Britten); 24 – 26 March, 2000 (Rubbra); 11 – 13 July, 2000 (Tavener); 17 – 19 March, 2001 (Finzi); 10 – 12 July, 2001 (Walton); 9 – 11 July, 2002 (Leighton); 12-13 July, 2002 (Stanford); 20 – 22 March, 2003 (Berkeley); 8 – 10 July, 2003 (Elgar); * February 2002. DDD NAXOS 8.557557-58 [2 CDs: 149’51"] [JQ]

I recommend this excellent and enjoyable collection with great enthusiasm. ... 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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