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ALPHABETICAL LISTING

Camille SAINT-SAËNS (1835-1921) Symphony No 3 in C, Op 78, “Organ” (1886) [34.46] Michael Murray, Cavaillé-Coll organ Philadelphia Orchestra/Eugene Ormandy Recorded at St. Francis de Sales Church, Philadelphia, PA, USA, February 6, 1980 Louis COUPERIN (1626-1661) Chaconne in G [2.40] Marcel DUPRÉ (1886-1971) Carillon, Op 27 No 4 (1931) [5.42] Musette, Op 51 (1951) [2.17] Eugène GIGOUT (1844-1925) Scherzo [4.16] César FRANCK (1822-1890) Pièce Héroïque, M.37 (1878) [8.41] Charles-Marie WIDOR (1844-1937) Organ Symphony No 5, Op 42/1: Toccata (1880) [5.42] Johann Sebastian BACH (1685-1750) Cantata BWV 29: Sinfonia (1931) [3.47] transcribed by Marcel Dupré Louis VIERNE (1870-1937) Organ Symphony No 1 in D, Op 14: Finale (1898) [5.38] Jacques-Nicolas LEMMENS (1823-1881) Fanfare (1862) [1.49] Michael Murray, Aeolian-Skinner organ by G. Donald Harrison. Recorded at Symphony Hall, Boston, MA, USA, September 27, 1981 Notes in English. Previously released as CD-80051 and CD-80104. SACD stereo 2.0 TELARC SACD 60634 [75.51] [PSh]

Of a great but neglected work of music, an exceptionally brilliant recording. You may prefer it to all others ... see Full Review

Heinrich SCHEIDEMANN (c1595-1663) Magnificat IV Toni: Primus Versus [1'51], Secundus Versus [3'45], Tertius Versus [3'46], Quartus Versus [1'49] Angelus ad pastores ait (after Lassus) [6'15] Kyrie domincale: Primus versus [0'58], Secundus versus [1'43], Tertius versus [1'11] Fuga in D minor [1'40] Confitemini Domino primo (after Lassus): Prima pars [5'12], Seconda pars [5'36] Preambulum in G major [6'33] Vater Unser in Himmelreich II [7'44] Omnia quae fecisti (after Lassus) [8'52] Magnificat VIII toni (second version) [10'35] Julia Brown, organ Rec. Central Lutheran Church, Eugene, Oregon, USA, 18-19 March 2002. DDD NAXOS 8.557054 [68'42] [CB]

Given the Naxos price policy there is no excuse not to collect these Scheidemann recordings, wonderful music, in this instance compellingly played. ... see Full Review

Johann Heinrich SCHMELZER (1623 - 1680) Sonata Natalitia à 3 Cori [2.56] Sacro Profanus Concentus Musicus (1662): Sonata I à 8 [3.54]; Sonata II à 8, due cori [5.16]; onata IV à 6 [4.23] Sonata a 4 ‘La Crolietta’ [6.20] Sonata à 3 [4.37] Sonata à 5 [7.00] Sonata à 3 [5.46] Sonata à 3 Violini [7.06] Concentus Musicus Wien/Nikolaus Harnoncourt Recorded before 1970 (at the Casino Zögernitz, 1969?). ADD Notes (1 page) English, Français, Deutsch.
previously released 1970 as Teldec LC 04281 WARNER APEX 2564 60366-2 [48.14] Johann Josef FUX (1660 - 1741) Concentus musico-instrumentalis (1701): Serenada à 8 Rondeau à 7 [4.17] Sonata à Quattro Concentus Musicus Wien/Nikolaus Harnoncourt
Recorded at the Casino Zögernitz, 1969 ADD Notes (1 page) in English, Français, and Deutsch.
previously released 1970 on Teldec. WARNER APEX 2564 60449-2 [48.12] [PSh]

If you like the Respighi "Ancient Airs and Dances" Suites and want more, these disks are what you’re looking for ... see Full Review

Franz Peter SCHUBERT (1797-1828) CD1 String Quintet in C major, for two violins, viola and two cellos, Op. 163, D.956 (1828) CD2 String Quartet No. 14 in D minor ‘Death and the Maiden’ D.810 (1824) String Quartet No. 12 in C minor, D.703 ‘Quartettsatz’ (1820) CD3 String Quartet No. 13 in A minor ‘Rosamunde’, Op.29/1, D.804 (1824) String Quartet No. 8 in B flat, D.112 (1814) CD4 String Quartet No. 15 in G major, Op.161, D.887 (1826) The Lindsays: Peter Cropper (violin); Ronald Birks (violin); Robin Ireland (viola) all tracks bar CD1; Roger Bigley (viola) on CD1 only; Bernard Gregor-Smith (cello); Douglas Cummings (cello) on CD1 only Recorded: CDs 1-3 Castleton Parish Church, Sheffield, 12-15 December 1988; CD4 Bishopsgate Hall, London SANCTUARY CLASSICS RESONANCE RSB 403 [4 CDs: 57:45 + 53:24 + 75:20 + 49:24; 3:46:00]. [MC]

This set is a wonderful and highly appropriate testament to the art of the Lindsays. ... see Full Review

Robert SCHUMANN (1810 – 1856): Kreisleriana, op 16; Humoreske, op 20. Sérgio Gallo (piano) Recorded at the Music Academy of the West, Santa Barbara, California in May, 2003. EROICA JDT3187 [55:48] [GF]

All in all, while not quite reaching the summit in Kreisleriana, Sérgio Gallo shows a good understanding of Schumann’s idiom and the Humoreske I will certainly return to. ... see Full Review

Joseph SCHWANTNER (b.1943) Sparrows (1980) [16:31] Soaring * (1987) [1:38] Distant Runes and Incantations (1987) [14:54] Two Poems of Aguedo Pizarro (1980) [11:43] Music of Amber (1981) [20:16] Britta Stallmeister (soprano), Florian Hölscher (piano) Holst-Sinfonietta/Klaus Simon (Director and piano) * denotes world première recording Recorded at the Theodor-Egel-Saal and Mozartsaal, Freiburg, Germany, from 9-11 May, 21 July 2003 NAXOS AMERICAN CLASSICS 8.559206 [65:02] [GPJ]

Attractive, finely crafted music, not difficult to listen to ... excellent performances ... recording outstandingly good capturing to perfection Schwantner’s distinctive sound-world ... see Full Review

Franz SCHUBERT (1797-1828) The Great String Quartets String Quartet in A minor D804 Rosamunde String Quartet in D minor D810 Death and the Maiden String Quartet in G minor D887 Quartettsatz in C minor D703 Brandis Quartet Recorded 1995 BRILLIANT CLASSICS 92288 [78.35 + 52.45] [JW]

A good recommendation for those wanting a dignified, not cold, but relatively cool set ... see Full Review

Erwin SCHULHOFF (1894-1942) Symphony No. 2 (1932) [19:03] Symphony No. 5 A Romain Rolland (1938-39) [34:54] Suite for chamber orchestra (1921) [17:51] Bavarian Radio Symphony Orchestra/James Conlon rec. Herkulesaal, Residenz, Munich, 2-5 Dec 2003. DDD CAPRICCIO 67 080 [72:46] [RB]

Overview: plenty of variety; one symphony of violence another of collaged classical influence. An entertaining suite to top things off. ... see Full Review

RECORDING OF THE MONTH Robert SCHUMANN (1810-1856) Dichterliebe op.48 [30 :07], 7 Lieder op.90 [18 :13], Die Löwenbraut op.31/1 [08:15], Die arme Peter op.53/3, Belsatzar op.57 [04:28] Christian Gerhaher (baritone), Gerold Huber (piano) Recorded June 15th-16th, July 26th-27th 2004 at the Bavaria Musik Studios, Munich, Germany BMG RCA RED SEAL 82876 58995 2 [65:48] [CH]

A version of "Dichterliebe" to set alongside the classic ones. ... see Full Review


Alexander SCRIABIN (1872-1915) Symphony No. 1 (1901) Ludmilla Legostayeva (mezzo soprano) Anatoly Orfenov (tenor) Choir and Symphony Orchestra of the All Union Radio, recorded 1948 Symphony No. 2 (1902) Symphony Orchestra of the All Union Radio, recorded 1950 Symphony No. 3 Divine Poem (1905) Symphony Orchestra of the All Union Radio, recorded 1946 Piano Concerto (1897) Heinrich Neuhaus (piano) Symphony Orchestra of the All Union Radio, recorded 1946 Poem of Ecstasy (1908) Sergei Popov (trumpet) Symphony Orchestra of the All Union Radio, recorded 1952 Prometheus - Poem of Fire (1910) Alexander Goldenweiser (piano) Symphony Orchestra of the All Union Radio, recorded 1947 Nikolai Golovanov Recorded – dates as above ARCHIPEL ARPCD 0266-3 [3 CDs 73.08 + 69.42 + 68.22] [JW]

The merit of these Golovanov performances is huge reward. ... see Full Review

Peter SCULTHORPE (b. 1929) Earth Cry (1974) [13:55] * Memento Mori (1993) [14:29] Piano Concerto (1983) [21:26] # From Oceania (1970; 2003) [5:32] Kakadu (1988) [15:44] William Barton (didjeridu)* Tamara Anna Cisłowska (piano)# New Zealand Symphony Orchestra/James Judd rec. Wellington Town Hall, 10-12 Sept 2003. DDD NAXOS 8.557382 [71:06] [RB]

A superb and breathtakingly inexpensive disc. Miraculously good value at every level. ... see Full Review

Giovanni SGAMBATI (1841-1914) The Complete Piano Works played by Pietro Spada in four volumes see review for details Volume 1 ARTS RED LINE 47587-2 [78´45] Volume 2 ARTS RED LINE 47588-2 [79´20] Volume 3 ARTS RED LINE 47589-2 [67´45] Volume 4 Pietro Spada (piano) Rec. Rome, Italy, July 1998. DDD ARTS RED LINE 47590-2 [65´25] [RB]

Sheds pleasing light on a neglected corner ... will be sure to ingratiate if you lap up Brahms, Grieg and Schumann. Sgambati had a fine mind and his music is often superbly structured for clarity and romantic sensibility. ... see Full Review

RECORDING OF THE MONTH Harold Shapero (b.1920) Nine-Minute Overture (1940) [9:15] Symphony for Classical Orchestra (1947) [44:04] Los Angeles Philharmonic Orchestra/André Previn Recorded, in performance, at the Dorothy Chandler Pavilion of the Music Center in Los Angeles between 22nd April – 1st May 1988 NEW WORLD RECORDS NW 373-2 [53.19] [JF]

This is a wonderful Symphony. It deserves to have a permanent place in the canon of American music. Well done New World Records! ... see Full Review

Music for Piano Harold Shapero (1920 - ) Sonata No.1 (1944) [8:03] Sonata No.2 (1944) [9:11] Sonata No.3 (1944) [12:20] Irving Fine (1914 -1962) Music for Piano (1947) [14:04] Carl Ruggles (1876-1971) Four Chants for Piano (1935-1954) [10:05] Gian Carlo Menotti (1911- ) Ricercare and Toccata on a theme from ‘The Old Maid and the Thief’ (c.1939) [7:09] Michael Boriskin, piano Recorded 10th -12th July 1991 at the American Academy and Institute of Arts and Letters Auditorium, New York. NEW WORLD RECORDS 80402-2 [60:50] [JF]

An exploration into the byways of American pianism. Six works that exhibit technical competence with enjoyability. Neo-classicism at its best! ... see Full Review

Dmitri SHOSTAKOVICH (1906 - 1975) Hamlet, music for the stage, Op 32 (1931) [48.12] King Lear, Op 58A (1941) [24.58] Louise Winter, mezzo-soprano David Wilson-Johnson, baritone; City of Birmingham Symphony Orchestra/Mark Elder Recorded in Symphony Hall, Birmingham, England, 15 June 1994. Notes in English, including English versions of the Russian songs. SIGNUM CLASSICS SIGCD052 [73.03] [PSh]

Some interesting and entirely new Shostakovich, beautifully recorded. ... see Full Review

Dmitri SHOSTAKOVICH (1906 - 1975) Ballet Suites (edited by Lev Atovmyan): No.1 (1950); No.2 (1951); No.3 (1952); No.4 (1953) Dmitri Yablonsky (cello) Oleg Tokathev (trumpet) Russian Philharmonic Orchestra/Dmitri Yablonsky Recorded in KULTURA Studio 5, Moscow, 1 June 2003 NAXOS 8.557208 [60.07] [JW]

Whether in waltz or gallop Shostakovich proves consistently full of verve and these performances, warmly recorded, are splendid ones. ... see Full Review

Dmitri SHOSTAKOVICH (1906-1975) 24 Preludes, Op. 34 (1932-33) [33:52] Aphorisms, Op. 13 (1927) [13:39] Piano Sonata No. 1, Op. 12 (1926) [14:57] Three Fantastic Dances, Op. 5 (1922) [4:06] Konstantin Scherbakov, piano
Recorded at Potton Hall, Suffolk on 12-13 February, 2001. DDD NAXOS 8.555781 [66:34] [KS]

A fine alternative to the run-of-the-mill piano disc, and a worthy addition to any record shelf. Highly recommended. ... see Full Review

The Leonard Bernstein Collectors Edition: Sibelius - Elgar - Britten CD 1 Jean SIBELIUS (1865-1957) Symphony No. 1 in E minor, Op. 39 [41:18] Wiener Philharmoniker/Leonard Bernstein Edward ELGAR (1857-1934)Variations on an Original Theme, Op. 36 Enigma [37:53] BBC Symphony Orchestra/Leonard Bernstein CD 2 Jean SIBELIUS (1865-1957) Symphony No. 2 in D, Op. 43 [51:30] Wiener Philharmoniker/Leonard Bernstein Benjamin BRITTEN (1913-1976)Four Sea Interludes from "Peter Grimes", Op. 33a [18:11] Boston Symphony Orchestra/Leonard Bernstein CD 3 Jean SIBELIUS (1865-1957)Symphony No. 5 in E flat, Op. 82 [35:34] Symphony No. 7 in C, Op. 105 [24:54] Wiener Philharmoniker/Leonard Bernstein Rec. Live: Watford Town Hall, Apr 1982 (Elgar); Vienna, Musikverein, Grosser Saal, Oct 1986 (2); Oct 1988 (7); Feb 1990 (1); Vienna, Konzerthaus, Grosser Saal, Sept 1987 (5); Lenox, Tanglewood Music Center, Boston, Aug 1990 (Britten). DDD The Leonard Bernstein Collectors Edition DEUTSCHE GRAMMOPHON 474 936-2 [3 CDs: 79:06 + 69:38 + 60:45] [RB]

Provocatively expansive readings which reject routine. In some cases the mix is just too much but others affirm what an extraordinary musician Bernstein was ... see Full Review

Jean SIBELIUS (1865-1957) Piano Music: Volume 5 Six Bagatelles Op.97 Eight Petits Morceaux Op.99 Five Morceaux Romantiques Op.101 Five Characteristic Impressions Op.103 Five Esquisses Op.114 Håvard Gimse (piano) Recorded 25th-26th April 2001 at St. Martin’s Church, East Woodhay, Hampshire. NAXOS 8.555853 [59:11] [JW]

Obviously this is one for the Compleat Sibelian. ... see Full Review

John Philip SOUSA (1854-1932) Marches Eastman Wind Ensemble Rec 2 May 1960; 5 May 1961, Eastman Theatre, Rochester, New York MERCURY LIVING PRESENCE 475 6182 [73.14] [TB]

An ideal introduction to Sousa’s colourful and exciting art ... see Full Review

Charles Villiers STANFORD (1852 - 1924) Requiem, for SATB soloists, chorus and orchestra op. 63 (1896) The Veiled Prophet of Khorassan - excerpts (1879)* Peter Kerr (tenor) Virginia Kerr (soprano)* Nigel Leeson-Williams (bass) Frances Lucey (soprano) Colette McGahon (mezzo-soprano) RTE Philharmonic Choir/Mark Duley RTE National Symphony Orchestra of Ireland/Adrian Leaper (Requiem)/Colman Pearce (Khorassan) Recorded at the National Concert Hall, Dublin, Ireland, Feb, Sept 1994. DDD NAXOS 8.555201-02 [59:34 + 44:55] [MC]

The Requiem is strongly recommended ... a revelation for many ... superbly presented ... see Full Review

Johann STRAUSS (1825-1899) Die Fledermäus Studio Recording Eisenstein – Matthias Klink Rosalinde – Michela Sburlati Frank – Raphael Sigling Prince Orlofsky – Marisa Altmann-Althausen Alfred – Francesco Maracci Dr. Falke – Andrea Martin Dr. Blind - Peter Sonn Adele – Natalie Karl Ida – Beate Gabriel Frosch – [part omitted] Live Recording Eisenstein – Michael Kupfer Rosalinde – Michela Sburlati Frank – Raphael Sigling Prince Orlofsky – Marisa Altmann-Althausen [Couplet No.7, CD 3 Track 16, special Guest Nadja Michael] Alfred – Francesco Maracci Dr. Falke – Andrea Martin Dr. Blind – Arturo Cauli Adele – Paola Antonucci Ida – Beate Gabriel Frosch – Gerhard Lippert Recorded, both versions, Tiroler Festpiele, Erl, July 2002 ARTE NOVA 74321 98339 2 [4 CDs: 50.57 + 44.30 + 71.55 + 68.07] [JW]

A souvenir of the accomplishments of orchestra, choir, soloists and conductor in the Tirol Festspiele. ... see Full Review

Richard STRAUSS (1864-1949) Also sprach Zarathustra, Op. 30a (1896) [31’53] Ein Heldenleben, Op. 40b (1898) [43’39]. Chicago Symphony Orchestra/Fritz Reiner (bJohn Weicher, violin). Rec. Orchestra Hall, Chicago on March a6th and b8th, 1954. ADD RCA RED SEAL LIVING STEREO SACD 82876 61389 2 [75’40] [CC]

More classic interpretations. Strauss could almost have designed his scores as sonic spectaculars, and the bright light of RCA’s recordings helps paint these works in almost psychedelic fashion. ... see Full Review

Richard STRAUSS (1864-1949) Ariadne auf Naxos (1912) Hildegard Hillebrecht (soprano) Primadonna, Ariadne; Jess Thomas (tenor) Tenor, Bacchus; Erik Fey (speaker) Major-domo; Paul Schöffler (bass-baritone) Music Teacher; Sena Jurinac (mezzo) Composer; Kurt Equiluz (bass) Officer; Jon van Kesteren (tenor) Dancing Master; Walter Raninger (tenor) Peruckenmacher; Herbert Lackner (bass) Footman; Reri Grist (soprano ) Zerbinetta; Gerd Feldhoff (baritone) Harlekin; David Thaw (tenor) Scaramuccio; Georg Stern (bass) Truffaldino; Gerhard Unger (tenor) Brighella; Lotte Schädle (soprano) Naiad; Claudia Hellmann (mezzo) Dryad; Lisa Otto (soprano) Echo Vienna Philharmonic Orchestra/Karl Böhm. Rec. live at the Kleines Festspielhaus, Salzburg, on August 21st, 1965. ADD TDK FESTSPIELDOKUMENTE DV-CLOPAAN [130’00] [CC]

How privileged we are to be able to enjoy the fruits of 1960s Salzburg! .. Highly recommended. One of the best DVDs I have seen. ... see Full Review

Igor STRAVINSKY (1882-1971) Violin Concerto in D (1931) [20'32 ] Sergei PROKOFIEV (1891-1953) Violin Concerto No. 2 in G minor (1935) [25:34 ] Itzhak Perlman (violin) Chicago Symphony Orchestra/Daniel Barenboim Rec. live, Orchestra Hall, Chicago, May 1993 (Prokofiev); Sept 1994 (Stravinsky) WARNER ELATUS 2564 61572-2 [46'20] [PSe]

Not a front-runner, but worth considering if you’re new to the music or hankering after different angles. However, the sheer sound of Perlman’s playing is a pleasure in itself. ... see Full Review

Henrik STRINDBERG (b.1954) Within Trees Utvald/Chosen (1998) Annika Skoglund (soprano)/The Swedish Radio Symphony Orchestra/B Tommy Andersson Two Pianos (1992) Mats Widlund and Ann-Sofi Klingberg (piano) Hopp/Hope – Hope I-IV Concerto for Alto Saxophone and Orchestra (1997) Jörgen Petterson (alto saxophone)/The Norrköping Symphony Orchestra/Lü Jia Cheap Thrills (1993/94) Sonanza/Jan Risberg I träd/Within Trees I and II (1986-88/89) The Swedish Radio Symphony Orchestra/Friedrich Goldmann Recorded Berwald Hall 1999 (Utvald), Radiohuset, Stockholm 2000 (2 Pianos), Louis De Geer Hall, 2001 (Hope), Radiohuset, Stockholm, 2002 (Cheap Thrills), Berwald Hall, 1989 (I träd) PHONO SUECIA PSCD 124 [66.20] [JW]

I admire Strindberg’s single-mindedness but I can’t understand his music and the more I heard the less I understood. ... see Full Review

Arthur SULLIVAN (1842-1900) The Contrabandista, 2 act Comic Opera (1869) Words by Frances Burnand The Foresters, Incidental music (1892) Words by Alfred Lord Tennyson Claire Rutter (sop), Frances McCafferty (mezzo), Ashley Catling (ten), Donald Maxwell (bar), Richard Suart (bar), Geoffrey Moses (bass) London Chorus, New London Orchestra/Ronald Corp Rec. Henry Wood Hall, Borough, London, January 2004. DDD HYPERION CDA 67486 [76:16] [RW]

Première professional recordings of two little known works. Sensitive music-making with generally good singing ... see Full Review

RECORDING OF THE MONTH Franz von SUPPÉ (1819 - 1895) Overtures: The Beautiful Galatea (1865) [6'22] Pique Dame (1864) [7'28] Light Cavalry (1866) [6'26] Poet and Peasant (1854) [9'24] Morning, Noon and Night in Vienna (date uncertain) [7'32] Boccaccio (1879) [6'48] Daniel-François AUBER (1782 - 1871) Overtures: The Bronze Horse (1835) [6'49] Fra Diavolo (1830) [7'31] Masaniello (1828) [7'24] Detroit Symphony Orchestra/Paul Paray Rec. Cass Technical High School, Detroit, 29 November 1959 (Suppé), Old Orchestra Hall, Detroit, 4 April 1959 (Auber) SACD reviewed as CD MERCURY LIVING PRESENCE 470 638-2 [65'44] [PSe]

Eminently enjoyable overtures, joyous performances utterly without peer. Stunning! ... see Full Review

Thomas TALLIS (c.1505-1585) The Complete Works - Volume 8 Lamentations of Jeremiah I [7'48"] Lamentations of Jeremiah II [12'20"] Wipe away my sins [5'17"]; (from Absterge Domine) Forgive me, Lord, my sin [5'39"] (from Absterge Domine) Blessed are those that be undefiled [4'16"] Arise, O Lord, and hear [2'23"] (from Salvator Mundi I) With all our hearts [2'29"] (from Salvator Mundi I) I call and cry to thee [3'05"] (from an untitled instrumental Fantasia) O sacred and holy banquet [3'06"] (from an untitled instrumental Fantasia) When Jesus went into Simon the Pharisee's house [2'26"] (From Salvator mundi II) Blessed be thy name [2'21"] (from Mihi autem nimis) O Praise the Lord II [2'33"] (from O salutaris hostis) Sing and glorify heaven's high majesty [9'36"] (from Spem in alium) Chapelle du Roi/Alistair Dixon
Recorded at All Hallows' Church, Gospel Oak, 24-27 September 2002 DDD SIGNUM SIGCD036 [63'22"] [JPo]

The high standard of the previous volumes is more than maintained. ... see Full Review

Thomas Tallis (c.1505 -1585) Tallis: Complete Works - Volume 9 - Instrumental Music and Songs In Nomine I (consort) [2:03] In Nomine II (consort) [3.32] A Solfing Song (consort) [2:10] Salvator Mundi (consort) [1:58] Fantasia (consort) [4:20] Felix Namque II (lute) [12:10] Felix Namque I (virginal) [10:46] When shall my sorrowful sighing slack (harpsichord) [1:40] Like as the doleful dove (harpsichord) [1:40] O ye tender babes (virginals) [1:32] Purge me, O Lord (harpsichord) [1:26] Per haec nos (virginals) [1:48] A Point (virginals) [0:37] Lesson: two partes in one (harpsichord) [5:24] Remember not, O Lord God (harpsichord) [3:19] Per haec nos (organ) [1:19] A Point (organ) [0:38] Lesson: two partes in one (organ) [5:24] Tu nimirum (countertenor, lute) [2:00] When shall my sorrowful sighing slack (countertenor, lute) [4:35] Like as the doleful dove (countertenor, lute) [1:40] O ye tender babes (countertenor lute) [1:36] Ye sacred muses (countertenor, consort) [3:26] A tribute to Tallis by William Byrd Litany (choir) [14:29] –Disc 2 Verset I (organ) [0:54] – Disc 2 Verset II (organ) [0:44] – Disc 2 Felix namque I (organ) [10:33] – Disc 2 (Dating has not been accurately established for works by Thomas Tallis) Charivari Agréable,consort: Lynda Sayce, lute; Laurence Cummings, virginals and harpsichord; Andrew Benson Wilson, organ; Stephen Taylor, counter-tenor; Chapelle du Roi, choir. Recording dates: Tracks 1-6 and 19-23:13th -15thMay 2004 (St. Andrew's Church, Toddington); Tracks 7-15: 2nd August 2004 (Fenton House, Hampstead); Tracks 16-18: 23rd-24th May 1999 (Knole House); Recording Dates for Disc 2 not given. SIGNUM SIGCD042 [2 CDs: 102:00] [JF]

Completes an exciting, splendidly produced and essential study of one of Britain’s greatest composers. The variety of this sacred and secular music never lacks interest. ... see Full Review

John TAVENER (b.1944) - A Portrait CD1 In Alium – Section A (1968) Eileen Hulse, soprano Ulster Orchestra/Takuo Yuasa To a Child Dancing in the Wind (1983) - ovement 1: He wishes for the Cloths of Heaven Heidi Grant Murphy, soprano, Auréole (Laura Gilbert, flute, Mary Hammann, viola, Stacey Shames, harp) The Lamb (1982); The Tyger (1987) Choir of St. John’s College Cambridge/Christopher Robinson Ikon of Light (1984): Movement 1: FOS 1, DOXA Movement 2: Piu Intensita The Sixteen, Members of the Duke Quartet,/Harry Christophers Mandelion for organ (1981) (extract) Kevin Bowyer, organ Chant for guitar (extract) (1984) Jonathan Richards (guitar) Ikon of St. Cuthbert of Lindisfarne extract) Durham Cathedral Choir, Ian Shaw, organ/James Lancelot The Protecting Veil (1989), Section 1 Maria Kliegel, cello, Ulster Orchestra/Takuo Yuasa Mary of Egypt (1991) – Act III: Bless Duet Patricia Rozario, Mary; Stephen Varcoe, Zossima; Aldeburgh Festival Ensemble/Lionel Friend Akhmatova Songs for soprano and string quartet (1992) (two extracts)
Patricia Rozario, soprano, The Vanbrugh Quartet Diódia for string quartet (1997) (extracts) The Vanbrugh Quartet Song for Athene (1993) Choir of St. John’s College, Cambridge/Christopher Robinson CD2 Zodiacs for piano (1997) Thalia Myers, piano Prayer of the Heart (1999) Björk, voice, Brodsky Quartet Ikon of Eros (2000): Movement 2: Eρωη (Eros) John Fleezanis, violin, Minnesota Orchestra and Minnesota Chorale/Paul Goodwin Mother and Child (2002) (extract) Tenebrae/Nigel Short John Tavener Reflects………A Recorded Interview NAXOS 8.558152-53 [79:31+75:55] [JW]

This biographical essay with supporting aural evidence will doubtless prove of some worth to initiates and indeed detractors alike. ... see Full Review

Peter Ilyich TCHAIKOVSKY (1840 – 1893) Symphony No. 1 in G Minor Winter Daydreams (1866) The Snow Maiden – Suite (1873) Romeo and Juliet (1880) Gothenburg Symphony Orchestra/Neeme Järvi. Recorded in Gothenburg Concert Hall, Sweden 17th – 18th June 2002 (Symphony) 5th – 6th December 2002 (The Snow Maiden) and 22nd August 2003 (Romeo and Juliet). DDD BIS-SACD-1398 [77.10] [JPh]

Well-filled and played compendium of Tchaikovsky’s orchestral repertoire. More please! ... see Full Review

Peter Ilyich TCHAIKOVSKY (1840-1893) Symphony No. 6 in B minor, Op. 74, ‘Pathétique’ (1893). Boston Symphony Orchestra/Pierre Monteux. Rec. Symphony Hall, Boston, 26 January 1955. ADD RCA RED SEAL LIVING STEREO SACD 82876 61397 2 [44’14] [CC]

This is a ‘Pathétique’ finale to sit with the greatest. The recording is of huge dynamic range, as it needs to be with this of all pieces. ... see Full Review

Piotr Il’yich TCHAIKOVSKY (1840-1893) Piano Concerto no.1 in B flat minor, op.23* Sergey PROKOFIEV (1891-1953) Piano Concerto no.3 in C major, op.26* Toccata, op.11 Mily BALAKIREV (1837-1910) Islamey – Oriental Fantasy Joyce Hatto (piano) National Philharmonic-Symphony Orchestra/René Köhler Recorded in the Concert Artist Studios, Cambridge, March 3rd 1997 (Prokofiev), March 5th 1997 (Tchaikovsky, Toccata), March 16th 1999 (Balakirev) CONCERT ARTIST/FIDELIO RECORDINGS CACD9195-2 [67.31] [JW]

These are perceptive and thought-provoking performances. They avoid all hints of routine and casual run-through parochialism. ... see Full Review

BARGAIN OF THE MONTH Piotr Ilyich TCHAIKOVSKY (1840-1893) Piano Concerto No. 1 [34.42] Sergei RACHMANINOV (1873–1943) Piano Concerto No. 2 [34.08] Van Cliburn (piano)
RCA Symphony Orchestra/Kirill Kondrashin (Tchaikovsky) Chicago Symphony Orchestra/Fritz Reiner (Rachmaninov) Rec. 30 May 1958, Carnegie Hall, New York City (Tchaikovsky); Rec. 31 March, 2 April 1962 Orchestra Hall, Chicago (Rachmaninov). ADD RCA BMG LIVING STEREO SACD 82876613922 [60.02] [AR]

A must-have CD for any lover of Russian music and legendary piano playing. Buy it! ... see Full Review

Pyotr Ilyich TCHAIKOVSKY (1840-1893) Violin Concerto in D major op. 35 [34:55] Erich Wolfgang KORNGOLD (1897-1957) Violin Concerto in D major op. 35 [23:43] Anne-Sophie Mutter (violin) Vienna Philharmonic Orchestra/André Previn (Tchaikovsky) London Symphony Orchestra/André Previn (Korngold) rec. Vienna Musikverein, Sept 2003, live (Tchaikovsky); London, Abbey Rd, Oct 2003 (Korngold) SACD reviewed in CD format only DEUTSCHE GRAMMOPHON 00289 474 8742 [58:50] [RB]

Extremely fine, emotionally visceral playing - a very strong contender superbly recorded ... certainly among the very best ever ... see Full Review

Piotr Ilyich TCHAIKOVSKY (1840-1893) Russian Ballet Suites for Piano, Music from The Sleeping Beauty (arranged Mikhail PLETNEV (b.1957)) Concert Suite from The Nutcracker (arranged Mikhail PLETNEV (b.1957)) Igor STRAVINSKY (1882-1971) Three Movements from Petrushka (1921): Russian Dance; Petrushka’s Room; The Shrovetide Fair Alexei Volodin (piano) Recorded in the Eugene Goossens Hall, ABC, October 2002 ABC CLASSICS 476 160-1 [64.44] [JW]

The tonal and expressive virtues of this highly talented St Petersburg-born pianist. ... see Full Review

Pyotr Ilyich TCHAIKOVSKY (1840-1893) String Quartet No.1 in D major Op.11 String Quartet No.2 in F major Op.22 String Quartet No.3 in E flat minor Op.30 Souvenir de Florence in D minor Op.70 The Borodin Quartet: Mikhail Kopelman and Andrei Abramen (violins), Dimitri Shebalin (viola), Valentin Berlinsky (cello) with Genrikh Talalyan (viola) and Mstislav Rostropovich (cello) in Op.70 Recorded 1965 (Souvenir) and 1979 AULOS MUSIC AMC2 024 [67.03 + 71.45] [JW]

A perfect balance between the dictates of stringent architectural concerns and emotive generosity ... warm and subtle recording ... see Full Review

BARGAIN OF THE MONTH Ralph VAUGHAN WILLIAMS (1872-1958) Symphony no. 4 in F minor (1934) Norfolk Rhapsody No. 1 (1906) Flos Campi (1925) Paul Silverthorne, viola Bournemouth Symphony Orchestra and Chorus/Paul Daniel. Recorded March 2003 in The Concert Hall, Lighthouse, Poole, UK. NAXOS 8.557276 [62.34] [WH]

A profoundly moving Flos campi and a very fine Fourth Symphony. I can’t recommend this disc too highly.... see Full Review

Giuseppe VERDI (1813-1901) Falstaff - opera in three acts (1893) Libretto by Arrigo Boito Sir John Falstaff…José Van Dam Ford…William Stone Alice Ford…Barbara Madra Mistress Quickly…Livia Budai Mistress Page…Benedetta Pecchioli Fenton…Laurence Dale Nannetta…Elzbieta Szmytka Bardolph…Franco Careccia Pistol…Mario Luperi Doctor Caius…Ugo Benelli Chorus and Orchestra, Théâtre Royal de la Monnaie de Bruxelles/Sylvain Cambreling Recorded at the Théâtre de l’Archevèche Festival d’Aix-en-Provence, 1987 Produced by Lluis Pasqual WARNER DVD 5050467-4469-2-2 [130 mins] [IL]

An enjoyable experience with some very fine singing from an enthusiastic ensemble cast. ... see Full Review


Giuseppe VERDI (1813-1901)
La Traviata - Melodrama in three acts. Text by Francesco Maria Piave First Performed: 6 March 1858, Teatro La Fenice, Venice Violetta Valery, Mirella Freni (sop); Alfredo Germont, Franco Bonisolli (ten); Giorgio Germont, Sesto Bruscantini (bar); Flora Bervoix, Hania Kovicz (mezzo); Annina, Gudrum Schäfer (sop); Gastone, Peter Bindszus (ten); Barone Douphol, Rudolf Jedlicka (bar); Marchese d'Obigny, Heinz Reeh (bass); Doctor Grenvil, Han-Joachim Lukat (bass) Chorus of the Staatsoper Berlin Orchestra of the Staatskapelle Berlin/Lamberto Gardelli Studio recording 1973, Berlin ARTS MUSIC - ARTS ARCHIVES 43031-2. [57.02 + 63.39] [RJF]

Stands comparison with the best. At its modest price fans need not hesitate. Nor should others. Thoroughly enjoyable and highly recommended. ... see Full Review

Tomás Luis DE VICTORIA (1548-1611) Et Iesum - Motets, Antiphons and Mass parts Et Iesum [01:57] Duo Seraphim clamabant* [03:27] O Decus Apostolicum [02:53] Missa Quam pulchri sunt: Domine (vihuela solo) [01:14] Senex puerum portabat [03:00] Magi viderunt stallam [03:17] Domine, non sum dignus [03:20] Domine, non sum dignus (vihuela solo) [04:25] O magnum mysterium [03:11] Missa O magnum mysterium: Sanctus* [01:55] Benedictus* [01:51] Agnus Dei* [01:34] Ne timeas, Maria [03:38] Missa Gaudeamus: Pleni sunt (lute solo) [01:29] Iste Sanctus [02:09] Estote fortes in bello* [02:32] Alma redemptoris mater [05:55] Missa Gaudeamus: Domine Deus (vihuela solo) [01:17] O quam gloriosum [04:09] Doctor bonus, amicus Dei [03:13] Missa Quam pulchri sunt: Crucifixus (vihuela solo) [02:33] Pueri Hebraeorum [02:37] Salve Regina [04:11] Carlos Mena, alto; Francisco Rubio Gallego, cornet (*); Juan Carlos Rivera, lute, vihuela Recorded in October 2003 at Iglesia Parroquial Sant Corneli of Collbató, Barcelona, Spain DDD HARMONIA MUNDI HMI 987042 [66:00] [JV]

A fine recording which sheds light on a wide-spread practice in the renaissance which hasn't been given much attention to ... see Full Review

 

RECORDING OF THE MONTH Antonio VIVALDI (1678-1741) Vespers of Sorrow Stabat Mater, RV621 Sonata al Santo Sepolcro, RV130 Nisi Dominus, RV608 Magnificat, RV611 Salve Regina (Plainchant) La Tempesta/Jakub Burzynski (counter-tenor) Rec.: 11, 14 Jan 2004, Evangelical Reformed Church, Warsaw, Poland. DDD BIS BIS-CD-1426 [54:35] [MC]

A superb release, not to be missed! This will be my Record of the Year! ... see Full Review

Antonio VIVALDI (1678 – 1741) Dixit Dominus, RV 595; Nulla in mundo pax sincera, RV 630; Jubilate, o amoeni chori, RV 639; Gloria, RV 588 Jane Archibald (soprano) Michele de Boer (soprano) Anita Krause (mezzo-soprano) Peter Mahon (counter-tenor) Nils Brown (tenor) Giles Tomkins (bass) Aradia Ensemble and Chorus/Kevin Mallon Rec. Grace Church on the Hill, Toronto, Canada, 15-20 September 2003. DDD NAXOS 8.557445 [68.18] [RH]

An enterprising start to a new complete series of Vivaldi’s sacred music; a lively programme based round the lesser known version of the Gloria ... see Full Review

Kurt WEILL (1900-1950) Royal Palace. Opera in one Act Op.17 (1925-26) Dejanira – Janice Watson (soprano) The Husband – Stephen Richardson (bass-baritone) Yesterday’s lover – Ashley Holland (baritone) Yesterday’s Admirer – Richard Coxon (tenor) The Young Fisherman – Timothy Robinson (tenor) The Old Fisherman – Jeremy White (bass) Solo Soprano – Camilla Tilling (soprano) BBC Singers (women’s voices) Der Neue Orpheus. Cantata for Soprano, Violin and Orchestra Op.16 (1925) Kathryn Harries (soprano) Michael Davies (violin) BBC Symphony Orchestra/Andrew Davis Recorded live at the Barbican, London, January 2000 CAPRICCIO 60 106 [54.19] [JW]

The topical opera genre - musical and popular currents that fed the syntax of the opera with such informality; car horns, saxophones, demotic language. use of foxtrot and jazz elements ... see Full Review

Silvius Leopold WEISS (1687-1750) Lute Concerti: Concerto a 5 in C (SC 90) [09:46] Concerto in d minor (SC 58) [15:16] Concerto for lute and flute in F (SC 9) [11:36] Concerto grosso in B flat (SC 57) [11:07] Concerto in F (SC 53) [14:29] Concerto for lute and flute in B flat (SC 6) [12:16] Richard Stone, lute; Gwyn Roberts, transverse flute Tempesta di Mare (on period instruments)/Richard Stone and Gwyn Roberts Recorded in June 2002 at the Church of Santa Maria Maddalena de' Pazzi, Philadelphia, USA DDD CHANDOS CHAN0707 [76:12] [JV]

An attempt to reconstruct compositions for lute and instrumental ensemble - highly speculative and musically not always satisfying ... see Full Review

Peter von WINTER (1754-1825) Concerto for Clarinet and Orchestra, in Eb (1793) [22:30]* Trois Sinfonies à grand orchestre: No 3 in B (1780) [18:47] * Aria "Torni al tuo sen la calma" for Soprano, Clarinet Obbligato and Strings (1788) [8:40] * Trois Sinfonies à grand orchestre: No 2 in F (1780) [14:34] * Dieter Klöcker, clarinet; Isolde Siebert, soprano Southwest German Chamber Orchestra, Pforzheim/Johannes Moesus Recorded at Karlsruhe, SWR-Studio, Sendesaal, 4-5, 9-10 April 2002 Premiere Recordings* ORFEO C 192 041 A [64:58] [GS]

A whirlwind of eclectic Italianate dynamics ... a leading exponent of the Mannheim school. Enthusiastically recommended. ... see Full Review

ZHOU Long (b. 1953) Shi Jing Cantata (1990)a Pipa Ballad (1991) Konghou Fantasia (1995)a A Poetess’s Lament (1989/2000) Green Song (1984, arranged 1991) Li Sao Cantata (1988)b Lan Rao (soprano); Music From China; Members of the Metropolitan Opera Orchestraa; Deutsche Kammerphilharmonieb; Geoffrey Simona, Muhai Tangb Recorded: Avatar Studios, New York, December 2001 (Shi Jing Cantata, Pipa Ballad, Konghou Fantasia, A Poetess’s Lament); Media Recording Studio, Frankfurt, August 1999 (Green Song) and NPS Radio, Amsterdam, June 1994 (Li Sao Cantata) CALA THE EDGE CACD 77009 [57:59] [HC]

A composer I have come to consider one of the most endearing personalities of his generation. These often beautiful pieces are well served by excellent and committed readings, and a very fine recording. ... see Full Review

Bernard ZWEERS (1854-1924) Concert Overture Saskia (1906) [7:32] Symphony No. 2 in E flat major (1882-1883) [32:05] Suite for the incidental music for Vodel's Gijsbrecht van Aemstel (1892) [17:48] Radio Filharmonisch Orkest Holland/Lukas Vis (suite); Jean Fournet (overture) Netherlands Radio Symphony Orchestra/Antoni Wit (symphony) rec. AVRO Klassiek 12 May 1973 AAD (overture); NPS Radio, 19-21 June 2001 DDD (symphony); VPRO Radio, 11 Sept 1980, AAD (1748). DDD STERLING CDS-1061-2 [57.26] [GR]

Music that is well-crafted, ably scored and much more than a local curiosity. ... 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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