ALPHABETICAL LISTING

Meditation: Classical melodies for a peaceful mind Various soloists and orchestras. No recording dates or locations given. BRILLIANT CLASSICS 92225 [77:47+60:28] [MC]

Meditation: Classical melodies for a peaceful mind delivers just what it says on the box. … see Full Review

 Mezzo-Soprano - Great Arias for the Mezzo Soprano Voice … and to be Experienced as a Protagonist CD No 1 Georges BIZET (1838-1870) Carmen, ‘L’amour est un oiseau rebelle’. (Habanera) Carmen, ‘Près des ramparts de Séville’ Wolfgang Amadeus MOZART (1756-1791) Le nozze di Figaro, ‘Non so più cosa son’ Gioacchino ROSSINI (1792-1868) Il barbiere di Siviglia, ‘Una voce poco fa’Camille SAINT-SAËNS (1835-1921) Samson et Dalila, ‘Mon coeur s'ouvre à ta voix’ Giuseppe VERDI (1813-1901) Don Carlo, ‘O don fatale’ Un ballo in Maschera, ‘Re dell’abisso’ Jeanette Nicolai, (mezzo); Sonia Zaramella, (mezzo); Sarah M’Punga, (mezzo) Orchestra and Chorus ‘Compagnia D’Opera Italiana’/Antonella Gotto Recorded June-August 1997. No venue indicated CANTOLOPERA 95037 [71.07] CD No 2 Giuseppe VERDI (1813-1901) Il Trovatore, ‘stride la vampa’ Pietro MASCAGNI (1863-1945) Cavalleria rusticana, ‘Voi lo sapete, o mamma’ Francesco CILEA (1866-1950) Adriana Lecouvreur, ‘Acerba voluttà’ Ambroise THOMAS (1811-1896) Mignon, ‘Connais-tu le pays’ Wolfgang Amadeus MOZART (1756-1791) Le nozze di Figaro, ‘Voi che sapete’ Gioacchino ROSSINI (1792-1868)
Tancredi, ‘Di tanti palpiti’ Gaetano DONIZETTI (1797-1868) La Favorita, ‘O mio Fernando….Scritto in cielo’ Sonia Zaramella, (mezzo); Sarah M’Punga, (mezzo) Orchestra and Chorus ‘Compagnia D’Opera Italiana’/Antonella Gotto Recorded June-October 1997. No venue indicated CANTOLOPERA 95046 [58.28] [RF]

Three singers with distinctly different vocal characteristics take on the roles as exemplars. … see Full Review

Arturo Benedetti Michelangeli Ludwig van BEETHOVEN (1770-1827) Piano Sonatas – No. 12 in A flat, Op. 26 (1801); No. 11 in B flat, Op. 22 (1800). Franz Peter SCHUBERT (1797-1828) Piano Sonata in A minor, D537 (1817). Johannes BRAHMS (1833-1897)Ballades, Op. 10 (1854). Arturo Benedetti Michelangeli (piano). Rec. live at the RTSI Auditorium, Lugano, Switzerland on April 7^th, 1981. EUROARTS/TDK DV-MPSR [102’00] [CC]

For those of us not privileged to enjoy him live, this DVD opens a window just the slightest amount on a pianist-enigma whose mystique remains ever fascinating. ... see Full Review

Nocturnes (complete) - The Art of the Nocturne in the Nineteenth Century
Fryderyk CHOPIN (1810-1849) John FIELD (1782-1837) Camille PLEYEL (1788-1855)Frederic KALKBRENNER (1785-1849) Clara SCHUMANN (1819-1896)
Louis LEFÉBURE-WÉLY (1817-1870) Edmond WEBER Charles-Valentin ALKAN (1813-1888) Mikhail GLINKA (1804-1857) Maria SZYMANOWSKÁ (1789-1831) Ignacy Feliks DOBRZYNSKI (1807-1867) Bart van Oort (piano) Erard 1837 Agnieszka Chabowska (piano) * Recorded January and June 2003, Maria Minor, Utrecht BRILLIANT CLASSICS 92202 [4 CDs: 58.21 + 49.39 + 66.30 + 66.58] [JW]

More conspectus than first choice set. I recommend you sample van Oort’s way with Chopin and Field to see if you appreciate it The final disc is enjoyable all the way. Such are the perils of a boxed set. ... see Full Review

Norwegian Classical Favourites Edvard GRIEG (1843-1907) Peer Gynt Suite Op. 46 Morning mood In the Hall of the Mountain King Norwegian Dance No. 2 Op. 35 Two Elegiac Melodies Op. 34; No. 2 Last spring Christian SINDING (1856-1941) Six Pieces for Piano Op. 32; Rustle of Spring Agathe BACKER-GRØNDAHL (1847-1907) Fantasy pieces Op. 45; Summer Song Johan SVENDSEN (1840-1911) The Wedding at Dovre, Norwegian Artist’s Carnival Op. 14 Festive Polonaise Op. 12 Johannes HAMSSEN (1874–1967) Valdres-Marsch Johan HALVORSEN (1864-1935) Entry of the Boyars Ole OLSEN (1850-1927) Funeral March Op. 41 Rikard NORDRAAK (1842-1866) Maria Stuart (arr. Halvorsen) Purpose, Valse Caprice Sigurd ISLANDSMOEN (1881-1964) Forest Clearing Op. 15 Arne EGGEN (1881-1955) Liti Kersti Suite, Bjørgulv the Fiddler Iceland Symphony Orchestra/Bjarte Engeset Recorded in the Concert Hall of the ISO, Reykjavik, June 2002 NAXOS 8.557017 [68.04][JP]

A welcome light orchestral disc concentrating on mainly turn-of-the-century, tonal and tuneful pieces – a very successful mix, and it deserves to do well. … see Full Review

Maartje Offers (1892-1944) Christoph Willibald von GLUCK (1714-1787) Orfeo ed Euridice – Che faro senza Euridice Gaetano DONIZETTI (1797-1848) La Favorita – O mio Fernando Giuseppe VERDI (1813-1901) Il Trovatore – Stride la vampa Il Trovatore – Condotta ell’ea in ceppi Don Carlo – O don fatale Aida – Fu la sorte dell’armi a tuoi funesta Richard WAGNER (1813-1883) Rienzi – Gerecher Gott! Götterdämmerung – Seit er von dir geschieden Ambroise THOMAS (1811-1896) Mignon – Connais-tu le pays? Camille SAINT-SAËNS (1835-1921) Samson et Dalila – Printemps qui commence Samson et Dalila – Amour! Samson et Dalila – Mon Coeur s’ouvre à ta voix Georg Frideric HANDEL (1685-1759) Xerxes – Ombra mai fù Giuseppe GIORDANI (c1753-1798) Caro mio ben Wolfgang Amadeus MOZART (1756-1791) Ave verum Georges BIZET (1838-1875) Agnus Dei Adriaen VALERIUS (c.1575-1625) Wilt heden nu treden Maartje Offers (contralto) with
Unidentified Orchestras conducted by A D Van Buuren, Carlo Sabajno, John Barbirolli, George Byng and Malcolm Sargent, LSO/Albert Coates, String Quartet and Herbert Dawson (organ)
Recorded 1923-29 PREISER 89549 [78.31] [JW]

Offers still has the power to move and to impress … well transferred … a worthy salute to her memory. … see Full Review

Elisabeth Ohms (1888-1974) and Gertrude Kappel (1884-1971) Ludwig van BEETHOVEN (1770-1827) Fidelio – Abscheulicher Carl Maria von WEBER (1786-1826) Oberon – Ozean, du Ungeheuer Richard WAGNER (1813-1883) Der fliegende Holländer – Traft ihr das Schiff Der fliegende Holländer – Versank ich jetzt with Theodor Scheidl # Tristan und Isolde – Mild und leise # Wesendonck Lieder Schmerzen # Träume # Richard STRAUSS (1864-1949) Der Rosenkavalier – Kann mich auch an ein Mädel erinnern Der Rosenkavalier – Oh, sei er gut, Quinquin Der Rosenkavalier – Hab’ mir’s gelobt with Adele Kern and Elfriede Marherr # Richard WAGNER (1813-1883) Die Walküre – Ho jo to ho! * Götterdämmerung – Starke Scheite schichtet mir dort * Guiseppe VERDI (1813-1901) La Forza del Destino – Pace, pace, mio Dio * Charles François GOUNOD (1818-1893) Faust – Engelchor! * Elizabeth Ohms (soprano) except * Gertrude Kappel (soprano) Orchestra of the Staatsoper, Berlin/Manfred Gurlitt Orchestra of the Staatsoper, Berlin/Julius Prüwer # Recorded 1924-29
PREISER 89521 [78.32] [JW]

The original 78s have survived in good shape, and sound well balanced and filtered. A pleasure to listen to, as are Ohms and Kappel ... see Full Review

Operatic Duets for Baritone and Bass: Hampson and Ramey Domenico CIMAROSA (1749-1801) Il Matrimonio Segreto, ‘Se fiato in corpo avete’ Gaetano DONIZETTI (1797-1868) Don Pasquale, ‘Cheti, cheti immantinente’ Marino Faliero, ‘Israele, che vuoi?’ Vincenzo BELLINI (1801-1835) I puritani, ‘Il rival salvar ti dei’…..’Suoni la tromba’ Giuseppe VERDI (1813-1901) Attila, ‘Uldino, a me dinanzi’…’Tardo per gli anni’ Don Carlos, ‘Restez!’ Simon Boccanegra, ‘Suona ogni labbro il mio nome’ Un Giorno di Regno, ‘Tutte l’armi’ Thomas Hampson, (bar) and Samuel Ramey, (bass) Munchner Rundfunkorchester/Miguel Gómez-Martinez Recorded Studio 1, Bayerischer Rundfunk. July 1997 WARNER ELATUS 2564 60815-2 [73.11] [RF]

Those who missed this enjoyable and well sung disc first time round should not do so again at its reduced price. Highly recommended. … see Full Review

Pierce and Jonas play Rare Works for Two Pianos and Orchestra Pierre Max DUBOIS (1930-1995) Concerto Italien pour deux pianos et orchestre (1962) (I. Brilliante 5:44; II. Andante 6:38; III. Rondo 5:56) [18.20] Roy HARRIS (1898-1979) Concerto for Two Pianos and Orchestra (1946) (I. Introduction/Toccata 6:36; II. Theme and Variations 10:00; III. Moderately Fast 7:44) [24.20] Arthur BENJAMIN (1893-1960) North American Square Dance Suite for two pianos and orchestra (1. Introduction and "Miller's Reel" 1:19; 2. "The Old Plunk" 0:51; 3. "The Bundle of Straw" 1:22; 4. "He Piped So Sweet" 2:41; 5. "Fill the Bowl" 1:42; 6. "Pigeon on the Pier" 0:49 7. "Calder Fair" 1:49; 8. "Salamanca" 1:39) (1950) [12.12] Joshua Pierce and Dorothy Jonas (duo pianists) Slovak Radio Symphony Orchestra of Bratislava/Kirk Trevor rec. 25-26 May 2000 (Harris); 29-30 May 2000 (Benjamin); 30-31 May 2000 (Dubois) World Premiere Recordings KLEOS CLASSICS KL-5129 [55:01] [RB]

A most attractive disc in which the mood chart moves at the lightest from the Benjamin to the Dubois and onwards to the tragic-epic tread of the symphonic Harris. ... see Full Review

Hans Reinmar (1895-1961) Wolfgang Amadeus MOZART (1756-1791) Don Giovanni – Treibt der Champagner Don Giovanni – Feinsliebchen, komm ans Fenster Giuseppe VERDI (1813-1901) Un ballo in maschera – Ja, nur du hast dies Herz Simon Boccanegra – Adel, Plebejer, Genaus Volk Don Carlos – Schon she ich den Tag erscheinen Otello – Ich glaube an einen Gott Otello – Es war zur Nachzeit with Marcel Wittrisch Jacques OFFENBACH (1819-1880) The Tales of Hoffmann – leuchte, heller Spiegel Giacomo MEYERBEER (1791-1864) L’Africaine – Dir, Königin, bin ich ergeben L’Africaine – Wie hat mein Herz geschlagen Georges BIZET (1838-1875) Carmen – Euren Toast Richard WAGNER (1813-1883) Tannhäuser – Als du in kühmen Sange Tannhäuser – Blick’ ich umher Tannhäuser – O du mein holder Abendstern Heinrich August MARSCHNER (1795-1861) Hans Heiling – An jenem Tag Engelbert HUMPERDINCK (1854-1921) Königskinder – Verdorben-gestorben Victor NESSLER (1890-1939) Der Trompeter von Säckingen – Behüt’ dich Gott Franz ABT (1819-1893) Wenn man beim Wein sitzt Soldatenart Hans Reinmar (baritone) with Orchester der Staatsoper/Hermann Weigert Orchester der Staatsoper/Frieder Weissmann Berlin Philharmonic/Selmar Meyrowitz Berlin Philharmonic/Wilhelm Franz Reuss Berlin Philharmonic/Hans Schmidt-Isserstedt Orchester der Städtischen Oper, Berlin/Leo Borchert Recorded 1927-35 PREISER 89112 [75.23] [JW]

Reinmar: an engrossing issue, transfers are careful, pitching is good, copies are clean – first class in fact … this issue brings his artistry to deserved light once again. … see Full Review

Such a feast –Treble solos sung by Jonathan Rendell Gottfried Heinrich STÖLZEL (?) (1690-1749) Bist du bei mir (BWV 580) [02:37] George Frideric HANDEL (1685-1759) Messiah (HWV 56): I know that my redeemer liveth [05:44] Henry PURCELL (1659-1695) An Evening Hymn (Now that the sun hath veil’d his light) (Z 193) [03:56] Gabriel FAURÉ (1845-1924) Requiem op. 48: Pie Jesu [03:22] Charles Hubert Hastings PARRY (1848-1918) Long since in Egypt’s plenteous land [05:03] Paul EDWARDS (b 1956) No small wonder [02:41] Benjamin BRITTEN (1913-1976) A New Year Carol [02:30] Geoffrey BURGON (b 1941) Nunc dimittis [02:45] Max REGER (1873-1916) Zwei geistliche Lieder: Ich sehe dich in tausend Bildern [03:02] Meine Seele ist still zu Gott [03:10] Matthew OWENS (b 1971) O sacrum convivium [03:17] Frank MARTIN (1890-1974)/arr Ian TRACEY The Lord’s Prayer [02:57] Ralph VAUGHAN WILLIAMS (1872-1958) The Call César FRANCK (1822-1890) Panis Angelicus [04:36] trad/arr POWELL Amazing Grace [02:53] Maurice DURUFLÉ (1902-1986) Requiem op. 9: Pie Jesu [03:56] Shaker tune/arr Matthew OWENS Lord of the dance Jonathan Rendell, treble; Kathryn Greeley, violin; William Conway, cello; Matthew Owens, organ Recorded in January 2002 in St Mary’s Episcopal Cathedral, Edinburgh, UK DDD LAMMAS RECORDS LAMM 138D [57:57] [JV]

A nice recording of a fine singer in which worn paths are mostly avoided ... see Full Review

Ruggiero Ricci. Decca Recordings 1950-1960. Original Masters. Niccolo PAGANINI (1782-1840) 24 Caprices Op.1 Concerto for Violin and Orchestra No. 1 in D major Op.6London Symphony Orchestra/Anthony Collins Concerto for Violin and Orchestra No. 2 in B minor Op.7 La CampanellaLondon Symphony Orchestra/Anthony Collins Maurice RAVEL (1875-1937) Tzigane L’Orchestre de la Suisse Romande/Ernest Ansermet Richard STRAUSS (1864-1949) Sonata for Violin and Piano in E flat Op.18 Carlo Bussotti (piano) Carl Maria von WEBER (1786-1826) Sonatas; Six Sonates Progressives: Nos. 1-6 J99-104 Carlo Bussotti (piano) Pablo de SARASATE (1844-1908) Concert Fantasy on Carmen Op.25 Zigeunerweisen Op.20 London Symphony Orchestra/ Piero Gamba Camille SAINT-SAËNS (1835-1921) Havanaise in E Op.83 Introduction and Rondo capriccioso in A minor Op.28 London Symphony Orchestra/Piero Gamba Edouard LALO (1823-1892) Symphonie Espagnole in D minor Op.21 Orchestre de la Suisse Romande/Ernest Ansermet Paul HINDEMITH (1895-1963) Sonatas for solo Violin: Op.31 No.1 and No.2 Sergei PROKOFIEV (1891-1953) Solo Violin Sonata in D Op.115 Aram KHACHATURIAN (1903-1978)Concerto for Violin and Orchestra in D minor London Philharmonic Orchestra/Anatole Fistoulari Ruggiero Ricci (violin) Accompaniments as above Recordings made between 1950 and 1960 DECCA ORIGINAL MASTERS LIMITED EDITION 475 105-2 [5 CDs 74.06 + 66.28 + 65.43 + 72.19 + 69.47] [JW]

This splendid set … reminds us constantly of the questing musicianship and provocative tonal resources of a musical and discographic pathfinder. … see Full Review

The Romantic Flute János Bálint (flute: pearl handmade 14K gold) Tünde Kurucz (piano) Katalin Kramarics (flute) on Doppler (track 4) Recording: 2001, Licensed from Hungaroton, Hungary No recording dates or locations given. DDD BRILLIANT CLASSICS 92190 [2CDs 60:07+63:40] [MC]

Lots of pleasure to be gained from this compelling collection of flute works and the performances are very fine indeed. ... see Full Review

The Romantic Guitar: Liebestraum, Granada, Ave Maria, Sevilla, Habanera, etc. Alirio Diaz (guitar) No recording dates or locations given. BRILLIANT CLASSICS 6478 [2CDs: 62:09+70:04] [MC]

At super-budget price this release from Brilliant Classics is a steal and there are manifold rewards in store. ... see Full Review

Mstislav ROSTROPOVICH Dmitri SHOSTAKOVICH (1906-1975) Cello Concerto No. 1 in E flat, Op. 107^a (1959) [27’30]. Sergei PROKOFIEV (1891-1953)
Sinfonia concertante in E minor for Cello and Orchestra, Op. 125^b (1952) [36’18]. BONUS: Modest MUSSORGSKY (1839-1881) Songs and Dances of Death^c (1875-77) [20’42]. Mstislav Rostropovich (^abcello/^cpiano); ^cGalina Vishnevskaya (soprano); ^aLondon Symphony Orchestra/Charles Groves; ^bOrchestre National de l’Opéra de Monte-Carlo/Okko Kamu. Rec. ^aLondon on December 16^th, 1961; ^bCannes, France, on January 12^th, 1970; ^cORTF, Paris, on January 20^th, 1970. PAL. 4:3. mono EMI CLASSICS CLASSIC ARCHIVE DVA 4901209 [84’21] [CC]

In all, then, a document to be snapped up, and not just by fans of the cello. … see Full Review

RECORDING OF THE MONTH Great Conductors of the 20th Century: Hermann Scherchen Ludwig van BEETHOVEN (1770 - 1827) Coriolan Overture, op. 62: (1807) [8.05] Vienna State Opera Orchestra (mono June 1954) Symphony no.8 in F, op. 93 (1812) [23.20] Royal Philharmonic Orchestra (mono 30 Sept 1954) Igor STRAVINSKY (1882 - 1971) L’Oiseau de Feu (1910): Suite (1919) [19.50] Royal Philharmonic Orchestra (mono September 1954) Arnold SCHOENBERG (1874 - 1951) Suite in the Old Style (G Major) for Strings (1935) [17.43] Berlin Radio Symphony Orchestra (stereo 1 September 1959) Carl ORFF (1895 - 1982) after William BYRD (1543 - 1623) Entrata (1940) [8.35] Vienna State Opera Orchestra (stereo 17 November 1960) Emil Nikolaus von REZNIČEK (1860 - 1945) Donna Diana: Overture (1894) [5.38] Vienna State Opera Orchestra (stereo June 1957) Franz Joseph HAYDN (1732 - 1809) Symphony in G, Hob 1:100 "Military" (1794) [23.06] Vienna State Opera Orchestra (stereo July 1958) Johannes BRAHMS (1833 - 1897) Symphony no. 1 in c, op. 68 (1876) [44.14] Vienna State Opera Orchestra (mono October 1952) Vienna Recordings made in the Mozart-Saal, Konzerthaus, Vienna, Austria. (1952-60) British recordings made in the Walthamstow Town Hall, London, UK (1954) German radio recording made in Lankwitz Studio, Berlin, September 1959. Hermann Scherchen conducting
Recordings are monophonic except the Schoenberg, Byrd/Orff, Rezniček and Haydn. AAD EMI CLASSICS IMG ARTISTS 7243 5 75956 2 9 [78.26 + 73.23] [CH]

I don’t think you could doubt that a great conductor and an original, enquiring mind was in charge of every track here. ... see Full Review

Royal Stockholm Philharmonic Orchestra: Great Recordings from the Archives IMG RSPO 1000-2 [1001-1008] [8 CDs: 71.04 + 79.17 + 70.19 + 79.40 + 79.54 + 74.07 + 77.54 + 78.20] [JW]

Some exceptionally valuable performances … some readers may exercise caution but those interested in a wide range of material of real rarity will want to listen. … see Full Review

Andrès Segovia (1893-1987) Mario CASTELNUOVO-TEDESCO (1895-1968) 1-3. Concerto for Guitar and Orchestra [18:57] Heitor VILLA-LOBOS (1887-1959) 4. Two Studies [ 4:43] Federico Moreno TORROBA (1891-1982)5. Madronos [ 2:51] 6. Dos Canciones Catalanas [ 3:12] TORROBA (arr. Segovia) 7. Arada y Danza (from Suite Castellana) [time not given] Isaac ALBENIZ (1860-1909) (arr. Segovia) 8. Sevilla (from Suite Espanola) [ 4:01] 9. Torre Bermeja (from Piezas Caracteristicas) [ 3:44] Enrique GRANADOS (1867-1916) (arr. Segovia) 10. Danza Espanola No.5 in E Minor [ 3:51] 11. Tonadilla (La Maja de Goya) [ 4:14] Manuel PONCE (1882-1948) (arr. Segovia) 12. Sonatina Meridional [ 8:33] 13. Rondo on a theme by F. Sor (from Sonata Classique) [ 3:12] Joaquin TURINA (1882-1949) (arr. Segovia) 14. Fandanguilla [ 3:56] TORROBA (arr. Segovia) 15. Arada & Danza (from Suite Castellana) [ 4:49] Robert de VISEE (c1660-1725) 16. Entrada y Giga [ 3:14] 17. Bourée y Minuet [ 2:40] Andrès Segovia (1893-1987) (guitar) New London Orchestra/Alec Sherman (track one) REGIS RRC 1158 [73:37] [SA]

With works by nine different composers there is no difficulty in choosing a programme that will help show why Segovia is still regarded as the "guitar magician" the disc’s title proclaims him to be. ... see Full Review

The Smetana Quartet Ludwig van BEETHOVEN (1770-1827) String Quartet No. 1 in F major Op.18 No.1 Wolfgang Amadeus MOZART (1756-1791) String Quartet No.20 in D major K499 Bedřich SMETANA (1824-1884) String Quartet No.1 in E minor From My Life The Smetana Quartet Recorded BBC Studios, Manchester, January 1963 (Beethoven) and Royal Festival Hall, London, June 1965 (Mozart and Smetana) BBC LEGENDS BBCL 4137-2 [77.40] [JW]

Demonstrating the Smetana’s expected and most admired virtues. Incisive accents, a delicious sway and all strands concisely in place ... see Full Review

Souvenirs: Sublime Music for the Oboe Diana Doherty (oboe) Sinfonia Australis/Mark Summerbell Recorded at Goossens Hall at the Australian Broadcasting Corporation, July 17^th-20^th August 4^th, 2002 and January 27^th-30^th, March 29^th 2003 ABC CLASSICS 980 046-3 [71:44] [GPJ]

We have here another case of that dread disease: Adagioitis. I look forward to hearing Diana Doherty in a more judiciously varied programme! … see Full Review

Elisabeth Schwarzkopf – Arias, Duets, Lieder Elisabeth Schwarzkopf
Philharmonia Orchestra/Otto Ackerman, recorded 1953 REGIS RRC1167 [78.25] [JW]

More of a souvenir than a genuine proposition ... see Full Review

Spectrum for Cello - Sixteen Contemporary Pieces Param VIR (b. 1952) angel blue Hilary TANN (b. 1947) Lullaby Giles SWAYNE (b. 1946) Spooky Song John METCALF (b. 1946) Continuous Study Sally BEAMISH (b. 1956) Still Life Rhian SAMUEL (b. 1944) Tin Soldier Jonathan DOVE (b. 1959) Prayer-wheel Philip FLOOD (b. 1964) Friday to Sunday Alissa FIRSOVA (b. 1986) The Stonebreaker Jonathan COLE (b. 1970) Elegy Gavin BRYARS (b. 1943) With Miriam by the River Steve MARTLAND (b. 1959) Sarabande Richard CAUSTON (b. 1971) Lunar Nicola LeFANU (b. 1947) Prelude Rebecca SAUNDERS (b. 1967) Song Kenneth HESKETH (b. 1968) Cantilena William Bruce (cello) Thalia Myers (piano) The Associated Board of the Royal Schools of Music (ABRSM Publishing) DDD ABRSM PUBLISHING -ISBN: 186096 373 0 [31:01] [CT]

After two fine volumes of piano pieces, the innovative Spectrum project continues with a volume for cello ... see Full Review

George SZELL (1897-1970) - Great Conductors of the 20^th Century CD1 Daniel-François-Esprit AUBER (1782-1871) Fra Diavolo: Overture Cleveland Orchestra Recorded Masonic Auditorium, Cleveland, 2^nd November 1961 Antonín DVOŘÁK (1841-1904) Symphony no.8 in G, op.88 Cleveland Orchestra Recorded at Severance hall, Cleveland, 28/29^th April, 1970 Claude DEBUSSY (1862-1918) La Mer WDR Sinfonieorchester Köln Live studio recording at Klaus von Bismarck Saal, WDR, Cologne, 16^th November 1962 Frederick DELIUS (1862-1934) Irmelin: Prelude Cleveland Orchestra Recorded Masonic Auditorium, Cleveland 28^th October 1956 CD2 Gioacchino ROSSINI (1792-1868) L’Italiana in Algeri: overture Cleveland Orchestra Recorded Masonic Auditorium, Cleveland, 5^th May 1967 Peter TCHAIKOVSKY (1840-1893) Symphony no.5 in E minor, op.64 WDR Sinfonieorchester Köln Live studio recording at Klaus von Bismarck Saal, WDR, Cologne, 24^th June 1966 Richard WAGNER (1813-1883) The Mastersingers of Nuremberg: Prelude to Act I New York Philharmonic Orchestra Recorded at Carnegie Hall, New York, 4^th January 1954 Josef STRAUSS (1827-1870) Waltz Delirien, op.212 Cleveland Orchestra Recorded at Severance Hall, Cleveland, 5^th January 1952 EMI CLASSICS IMG ARTISTS 7243 5 75962 2 0 [72:55+72:36] [GPJ]

Szell was truly an aristocrat among conductors, and nothing on this fine set falls below the superb standards he set for himself and his orchestras. ... see Full Review

TENOR: Great Arias for the Tenor Voice ... and to be Experienced as a Protagonist 5CDs from CANTOLOPERA

The exemplar singers is the weakest so far in this Cantolopera series. I would not recommend it for general listening. Putative protagonists may find the orchestral backing useful for trial and learning. ... see Full Review

Jacques Thibaud in Concert Edouard LALO (1823-1892) Symphonie espagnole Op.21 (1873) Orchestre Radio-Symphonique/Jean Martinon, recorded in Brussels, February 1953 Camille SAINT-SAËNS (1835-1921) Violin Concerto No.1 in A minor Op.20 (1859) Introduction and Rondo capriccioso Op.28 (1863) Hessischen Radio Orchestra/Alceo Galliera, recorded Frankfurt, 29 April 1953 Ernest CHAUSSON (1855-1899) Poème Op.25 (1896) Orchestre de la Suisse Romande/Ernest Ansermet, recorded Geneva, 17 November 1941 APR 5644 [67.09] [JW]

One now has the luxury to add still further to this great musician’s discography. ... see Full Review

To Music - Isobel Baillie and Kathleen Ferrier – solos and duets from their recordings: 1941-45 Henry PURCELL (1659-1695) Come Ye Sons of Art – Sound the Trumpet, Stript of their green our groves appear, I saw that you were grown so high The Indian Queen – Let us wander not unseen [Chorus; We the spirits of the air] King Arthur – Shepherd, shepherd, leave decoying Georg Frideric HANDEL (1685-1750) arr. Arthur SOMERVELL Ottone, Re di Germania – Come to me, soothing sleep; Spring is coming Thomas ARNE (1710-1778) The Judgment of Paris – O ravishing delight, The Tempest – Where the bee sucks Maurice GREENE (1696-1755) Anthem; O God of Righteousness – I will lay me down in peace, Anthem; Praise the Lord, O my soul – O Praise the Lord Christoph Willibald GLUCK (1714-1787) Orfeo ed Euridice – What is Life? Edward ELGAR (1857-1934) The Dream of Gerontius – My Work is done Franz SCHUBERT (1797-1828) To Music (An die Musik) Edvard GRIEG (1843-1907) With a waterlily Johannes BRAHMS (1833-1897) (49) Deutsche Volkslieder – Sister Dear; Sweetheart [Feinsliebchen, du sollst mir nicht barfuss geh’n] (6) Lieder Op.3 No.1 – Constancy [Liebestreu] TRADITIONAL O can ye sew cushions? O whistle and I’ll come to you,Comin’ through the rye Lady John Douglas SCOTT (1810-1900) Think on me Felix MENDELSSOHN (1809-1847) (6) Duets – Greeting; I would that my love Isobel Baillie (soprano) and Kathleen Ferrier (contralto) Gerald Moore (piano) Recorded 1941-45 APR 5544 [68.37] [JW]

These discs have been something of a lacuna for Ferrier admirers and they will be pleased to make their acquaintance and savour their charm. ... see Full Review

Tribute to Sir Fred André MESSAGER (1853-1929), arr. Lanchbery Les Deux Pigeons (1886) (complete ballet) [62:18] Franz LISZT (1811-1886), arr. Constant LAMBERT Dante Sonata [15:54] Alan RAWSTHORNE (1905-1972) Madame Chrysanthème (1955) [44:17] Francois COUPERIN (1698-1733), arr. Gordon JACOB Harlequin in the Street (complete ballet) [28:52] Jonathan Higgins, piano Judith Harris, mezzo-soprano Royal Ballet Sinfonia/Barry Wordsworth Recorded on 7-9 and 14-15 July 2003 in Sony Music Studios, London. DDD ASV SANCTUARY CD WLS 273 [78:12+71:09] [PG]

An excellent collection of lesser-recorded works, and as such would be a generally solid addition to any CD library. ... see Full Review

The Trio Sonata in 17th Century England Orlando GIBBONS (1583 - 1625) Three Fantasias á 3 (c.1620) [7.48] John COPRARIO (1570? - 1626) Fantasia Suite (1620s) [5.47] William LAWES (1602 - 1645) Sett No. 1 (early 1620s) [9.30] John JENKINS (1592 - 1678) Fancy and Ayre (c.1650) [9.19] Fantasia á 3 (c. 1650) [5.04] Matthew LOCKE (1621 - 1677) Suite in d (1651) [6.13] Christopher SIMPSON (1605 - 1669) Suite in D (c.1650) [9.45] John BLOW (1649 - 1708) Sonata in A ("early") [5.49] Ground in g (pre-1695) [3.48] Henry PURCELL (1659 - 1695) Sonata XX in D, Z.811 (1697) [5.23] London Baroque: Ingrid Siefert, Richard Gwilt, vv; Charles Medlam, bass viol; Terence Charlston, harpsichord, organ BIS BIS-CD-1455 [70.15] [PSh]

Good sound and polished but staid performances of late Renaissance and early Baroque English ensemble music. Put it on softly for people to talk over at your next soirée ... see Full Review

Ninon Vallin (Soprano) Reynaldo HAHN (1874-1947) Si mes vers avaient des ailes, L’heure exquise Ernest CHAUSSON (1855-1899) Le Colibri Charles GOUNOD (1818-1893) Barcarolle, Chanson de Printemps LEROUX Le Nil Gabriel FAURÉ (1845-1924) Dolly André MESSAGER (1853-1929) Fortunio (Le vieille maison grise) Henri DUPARC (1848-1933) Chanson triste Benjamin GODARD (1849-1895) Berceuse de Jocelyn RENARD Le temps des cerises Augusta HOLMÈS (1847-1903) Noël – Trois anges sont Venus Edvard GRIEG (1843-1907) Chanson de Solveig Sergei RACHMANINOV (1873-1943) Chanson géorgienne BEMBERG Chant Hindou DALCROZE La chère maison FOUNTENAILLES Sais-tu YRADIER Ay-Ay-Ay DE BADET Intimité (after Chopin) Franz SCHUBERT (1797-1828) Sérénade Hector BERLIOZ (1803-1869) Villanelle Jerome KERN (1885-1945) La nuit est pour l’amour LONGAS
Près de l’étang Johannes BRAHMS (1833-1897) Violon du soir arr. Calmette (Waltz No 5) DARCK Chanson Ninon Vallin (soprano) Unidentified accompanists Undated [1920-30s] MALIBRAN MR 553 [78.28] [JW]

Vallin: something of a marvel, her breath sustained and technically admirable, a certain insouciant command, style and charm supported by knowing characterisation. ... see Full Review

Ramon VARGAS (tenor) - Between Friends Georges BIZET (1838-1870) Les Pecheurs de perles, ‘Au fond du temple saint’ (Vassily Gerello, bar.) Gioacchino ROSSINI (1792-1868) Maometo II, ‘In questi estremi instanti’ (Barbara Lavarian, sop. Vessilina Kasarova, mezzo) Il barbiere di Siviglia, ‘All’idea di quell metallo’ (Manuel Lanza, bar.) Gaetano DONIZETTI (1797-1868) L’Elisir d’amore, ‘Ardir! Ha forse il cielo mandato…Voglio dire, lo stupendo elisir..Obbligato’ (Leo Nucci, bar.) Giuseppe VERDI (1813-1901) Don Carlo, ‘E lui…Dio che nell’alma infondere’ (Vassily Gerello, bar.) Don Carlo, ‘È dessa!..ma lassù ci vidremo’ (finale scene; Miriam Gauci, sop.) La forza del destino, ‘Solenne in quest’ora’ (Roberto Frontali, bar) Giacomo PUCCINI (1858-1924) La Boheme, ‘In un coupe..O Mimi, tu piu non torni’ (Roberto Frontali, bar) Orchestra Sinfonica di Milano Giuseppe Verdi/Vjekoslav Sutej Rec. April 8^th to 15^th 2003, in the Auditorium di Milano, Milan BMG RCA RED SEAL 82876 54343 2 [56.08] [RJF]

An imaginative programme sung with appealingly plangent tone, elegant phrasing and good characterisation recorded in a natural, clear and airy acoustic. ... see Full Review

Klára Würtz plays Romantic Piano Music CD1 Serge RACHMANINOV (1873-1943) Piano Concerto No. 2 in C minor Op. 18 Robert SCHUMANN (1810-1856) Piano Concerto in A minor Op. 54 CD2 Franz LISZT (1811-1886) Waldesrauschen, Gnomenreigen, Liebestraum No. 3 in A flat major, Mephisto Waltz No. 1, Les jeux d’eaux à la Villa d’Este, (From Années de Pèlerinage III) Franz SCHUBERT (1797-1828) Impromptu in B flat major Op. 142 No. 3 "Rosamunde" Robert SCHUMANN (1810-1856) Arabesque Op. 18 Frederic CHOPIN (1810-1849) Ballade No. 1 in G minor Op. 23 Barcarolle in F sharp major Op. 60 Claude DEBUSSY (1862-1918) L’isle joyeuse Klára Würtz (piano) Rachmaninov: National Symphony Orchestra of the Ukraine/Vladimir Sirenko Recorded at the Chasse Theater, Breda, The Netherlands, 1 February, 2003 Schumann: Nordwestdeutsche Philharmonie/Arie van Beek Recorded at the Philharmonie Hereford, Germany, 16 November, 2001 CD 2 Recorded at the Hervormde Kerk Rhoon, The Netherlands, June 30-July 1, 2003 BRILLIANT CLASSICS 92122 [63:36+69:53] [MC]

Fine performances ... Würtz deserves to be better known. ... 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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