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ALPHABETICAL LISTING



John CAGE (1912 – 1992)
One4 (1990) [6:56] Four (1989) [30:00] Twenty-Nine (1991) [29:00] Christina Fong (violins, violas); Karen Krummel (cellos); Michael Crawford (basses); Glenn Freeman (percussion) OGREOGRESS no number given [66:23] [HC]

I am not a particular fan of Cage’s music, but I readily admit that a piece such as Twenty-Nine is quite impressive, and well worth having ... see Full Review

Francesco CAVALLI (1602 - 1676) Didone (excerpts) (1641) Egisto (excerpts) (1643) Ormindo (excerpts) (1644) Giasone (excerpts) (1649) Calisto (excerpts) (1651) Didone/Climene/Ormindo/Medea/Diana – Gloria Banditelli (mezzo-soprano) Clori/Erisbe/Isifile/Calisto – Rosita Frisani (soprano) Nettuno/Hipparco/Oreste/Giove – Roberto Abbondanza (baritone) Jarba/Lidio/Giasone/Linfea/Endimione – Gianluca Belfiori Doro (counter-tenor) Enea/Egisto/Amida/Demo/Mercurio - Mario Cecchetti (tenor) Mediterranea Concento/Sergio Vartolo rec. Chiesa Vecchia di San Zeno, Cavalo, Verona, Italy, 1–4 November 2003 NAXOS 8.557746 [76.34] [RH]

A good introduction to Cavalli’s operas ... infectious enthusiasm ... see Full Review

George Whitefield CHADWICK (1854-1931) Symphony No. 2 in B flat major Op.21 [35:37] Symphonic Sketches (1895-1904) [30:10]: Jubilee [8:13]; Noël [8:13]; Hobgoblin [5:59]; A Vagrom Ballad [7:45] National Radio Symphony Orchestra of Ukraine/Theodore Kuchar Recorded at the Grand Concert Studio of the National Radio Company of Ukraine in Kiev 17th -21st December 2003 NAXOS 8.559213 [65:47][JF]

An excellent introduction to one of the great American symphonies from the nineteenth century. This deserves recognition. ... see Full Review

Ernest CHAUSSON (1855-1899) Poème de l’amour et de la mer op.19 [25:26]* Paul DUKAS (1865-1935) Fanfare pour La péri [02:09], La péri (poème pour orchestre) [17:00] Hector BERLIOZ (1803-1869) Les nuits d’été op.7 [28:35]* Elsa Maurus (mezzo-soprano)* Orchestre Nationale Lille-Région Nord/Pas-de Calais/Jean-Claude Casadesus Recorded 26th-28th February 2003, Auditorium du Nouveau Siècle, Lille, France NAXOS 8.557274 [73:21] [CH]

Straightforward, unfussy, musical performances by artists who are not trying to make points but just concentrate on doing a good job. ... see Full Review

Frédéric CHOPIN (1810-49) Nocturnes. CD 1: Nocturne in C sharp minor, Op posth. [3’53], Nocturne in C minor, Op posth. [2’46], Nocturne in B flat minor, Op. 9, no. 1 [5’59], Nocturne in E flat major, Op. 9, No. 2 [4’34], Nocturne in B major, Op. 9, No. 3 [6’20], Nocturne in F major, Oop. 15, No. 1 [4’47], Nocturne in F sharp major, Op. 15, No. 2 [3’32], Nocturne in G minor, Op. 15, No. 3 [3’34], Nocturne in C sharp minor, Op. 27, No. 1 [5’41], Nocturne in D flat major, Op. 27, No. 2 [6’05], Nocturne in B major, Op. 32, No. 1 [4’48], Nocturne in A flat major, Op. 32, No. 2 [5’21], Nocturne in G minor, Op. 37, No. 1 [6’18], Nocturne in G major, Op. 37, No. 2 [4’57]; CD 2: Nocturne in C minor, Op. 48, No. 1 [7’16], Nocturne in F sharp minor, Op. 48, No. 2 [6’56], Nocturne in F minor, Op. 55, No. 1 [4’38], Nocturne in E flat major, Op. 55, No. 2 [4’57], Nocturne in B major, Op. 62, No. 1 [7’29], Nocturne in E major, Op. 62, No. 2 [6’09], Nocturne in E minor, Op. 72, No. 1 [4’54], Impromptu No. 1 in A flat major, Op. 29 [4’19], Impromptu No. 2 in F sharp major, Op. 36 [6’20], Impromptu No. 3 in G flat major, Op. 51 [5’48], Fantaisie-Impromptu in C sharp minor, Op. 66 [5’22]. Angela Hewitt (piano) Recorded in Reitstadel, Neumarkt in der Oberpfalz, Germany, 16-20 November 2003 DDD HYPERION CDA67371/2 [2 CDs: 132’53"] [JW]

A Chopin player of decided viewpoints. Tonally she is special ... subtlety of touch and warm lyricism ... see Full Review

Frederic CHOPIN (1810 - 1849) Arrangements for violin and piano Nocturne, Op 27/2 [6:17] arr. Pablo de Sarasate (1844-1908) Waltz, Op 64/2 [3:10] arr. Bronislaw Huberman (1882-1947) Mazurka, Op 68/4 [2:26] arr. Zino Francescatti (1902-1991) Nocturne, Op 55/2 [6:03] arr. Joan Marten (1883-1971) Waltz, Op 64/3 [3:18] arr. Pablo de Sarasate Nocturne, Op 9/2 [4:09] arr. Pablo de Sarasate Waltz, Op 34/3 [2:18] arr. Pablo de Sarasate Lithuanian Song, Op 74/16 [3:31] arr. Leopold Auer (1845-1930) Waltz, Op 70/1 [2:19] arr. Bronislaw Huberman Mazurka, Op 7/3 [2:14] arr. Bronislaw Huberman Nocturne ohne Op [4:24] arr. Nathan Milstein (1903-1992) Waltz, Op 34/2 [5:12] arr. Pablo de Sarasate Mazurka,Op 33/2 [1:53] arr. Fritz Kreisler (1875-1962) Nocturne, Op 37/2 [6:31] arr. Bronislaw Huberman Berceuse, Op 57 [5:25] arr. Charles Cerné (1897-1943) Joanna Madroszkiewicz (violin) and Paul Gulda (piano) recorded 17-19 July 2004 at Fürstliche Reitbahn Bad Arolsen MDG 603 1296-2 [60:38]

Violinists will be (should be) fascinated! Devotees of the composers will be (should be) wary! ... see Full Review

Domenico CIMAROSA (1749 -1801) Il Matrimonio Segreto, Dramma giocoso in two acts First performed at the Vienna, Burgtheater, 7 February 1792 Il Signor Geronimo, a rich merchant, Alfonso Antoniozzi (bass); Elisetta, his daughter, Janet Williams (sop); Carolina, also his daughter, Susan Patterson (sop); Fidalma, widowed sister of Signor Geronimo, Gloria Banditelli (mezzo); Il Conte Robinson, Petteri Salomaa (bass); Paolino, a clerk to Signor Geronimo, William Matteuzzi (ten); Fortepiano. Hans Ludwig Hirsch Orchestra of Eastern Netherlands/ Gabriele Bellini Recorded Musiekcentrum Enschede, Holland. 26 August - 8 September 1991 ARTS 447117-2 [3CDs: 59.27 + 70.12 + 62.04] [RJF]

This well sung, conducted and recorded performance, at bargain price .... one of the few 18th century comic operas that has maintained its place in the repertoire ... see Full Review

John CORIGLIANO (b. 1938) Symphony No. 2 (2000) [38’28]. Suite from the Film, ‘The Red Violina (1997) [25’00]. aEleonora Turovsky (violin) I Musici de Montréal/Yuli Turovsky. Rec. L’Eglise de la Nativité de la Sainte Vierge, La Prairie, Québec 15-17 Sept 2003. DDD CHANDOS SACD CHSA5035 [62’28][CC]

This new Chandos version of the Second Symphony now takes pride of place on the Corigliano part of the shelf. ... see Full Review

Brett DEAN (b. 1961) Beggars and Angels (1999) [26:10] Amphitheatre (2000) [10:34] Ariel’s Music (1995)a [24:39] Paul Dean (clarinet)a Melbourne Symphony Orchestra/Markus Stenz Rec. Robert Blackwood Hall, Monash University, Melbourne, November 2001 ABC CLASSICS 476 160-6 [61:23][HC]

A most desirable release - a composer who obviously has things to say and who knows how to say them in the best possible way. ... see Full Review

Lex van DELDEN (1919-1988) Quartetto Op.58 (1957) [14:14] Sestetto per Archi Op.97 (1971) [16:42] Duo per Flauto ed Arpa Op.27 (1950) [11:46] Introduzione e Danza Op.26 (1950) [9:35] Nonetto per Amsterdam Op.101 (1975) [18:15] Viotta Ensemble Recorded: Doopsgezinde Singelkerk, Amsterdam, June 2004 MDG 603 1317-2 [71:10][HC]

This very fine release pays a well-deserved tribute to a most distinguished composer whose music is still too rarely heard, let alone, recorded. Recommended. ... see Full Review

Gaetano DONIZETTI (1797 - 1848) Lucia di Lammermoor - highlights (1835) [71.49] Lucia - Edita Gruberova (soprano) Edgardo – Neil Shicoff (tenor) Enrico – Alexandru Agache (baritone) Arturo – Bernard Lombardo (tenor) Raimondo – Alastair Miles (bass) Alisa – Diana Montague (mezzo-soprano) Normanno – Francesco Piccoli (tenor) Ambrosian Singers London Symphony Orchestra/Richard Bonynge Recorded 1991, St. Augustine’s Church, London WARNER Apex 2564 61506-2 [71.49] [RH]

Gruberova’s purity of tone and outstanding technical accomplishment. ... see Full Review

Aita DONOSTIA (1886-1956) Preludios Vascos (Segunda Serie) (1918) [12.41] Les Trois Miracles de Sainte Cécile (1920) [17.33] Urruti Jaia (1916) [4.59] Los Ferrones de Mirandaola (1930) [4.00] Acuarelas Vascas (1932) [9.16] La Vie Profonde de Saint François D’Assise (Fourth Tableau) (1926) [7.46] Rapsodia Baskongada (1906) [12.54] Coral Andra Maria Choir Euskadiko Orkestra Sinfonikao (Basque National Orchestra)/Cristian Mandeal
rec. Basque National Orchestra Concert Hall, San Sebastian, March-April 2003 CLAVES CD 50-2305 [68.06] [JW]

Delightfully light, aerial and full of grace though he doesn’t stint the sense of serious, contemplative twilit religiosity ... see Full Review

Guillaume DUFAY (attr.) (?1397-1474) Mass for Saint Anthony Abbot [50.50]: Introit [5.25]; Kyrie [2.53]; Gloria [8.34]; Gradual [4.16]; Alleluia [5.27]; Credo [9.09]; Offertory [3.05]; Sanctus [6.06]; Agnus Dei [3.22]; Communion [2.02] Gilles BINCHOIS (c.1400-1460) Domitor Hectoris [4.07]; Kyrie ‘in simplici die’ [2.16]; Sanctus [4.42]; Agnus Dei [3.21]; Nove cantum melodie [5.00] The Binchois Consort: Mark Chambers, William Towers (altos), Edwin Simpson, Nick Todd, Matthew Vine, Christopher Watson (tenors), Andrew Kirkman (conductor) rec. All Saints Church, Tooting, London, 13-15 January 2004 DDD HYPERION CDA67474 [70.54] [EM]

This is music that one can lose oneself in. Often searingly beautiful, often surprisingly inventive, and always brilliantly performed ... good for both ear and soul. ... see Full Review

Antonín DVOŘÁK (1841-1904) Symphony No. 9 From the New World Op. 95 (1893) [39.17] Carnival Overture Op. 92 (1891) [8.53] Bedřich SMETANA (1824-1884) The Bartered Bride – Overture (1866) [6.32] Jaromír WEINBERGER (1896-1967) Schwanda the Bagpiper – Polka and Fugue (1927) [9.18] Chicago Symphony Orchestra/Fritz Reiner Recorded at Orchestra Hall, 1955-57 RCA RED SEAL LIVING STEREO SUPER AUDIO CD 82876 66376 2 [64.09] [AR]

I would highly recommend this New World ... superlatively played and conducted ... an incisively cut and flawless diamond. ... see Full Review

Antonín DVOŘÁK (1841-1904) Symphony No.9 in E minor Op.95 From the New World (1893) [40.16] Jean SIBELIUS (1865-1957) Violin Concerto (1905) [33.04] Danilo Belardinelli (violin) Orchestra stabile dell’Accademia di Santa Cecilia/Joseph Keilberth Live recordings in Rome at the Teatro Argentina, April 27th 1952 ARCHIPEL ARPCD 0302 [73.25][JW]

The performance, while in no way remarkable, does have a vigorous boldness to it ... see Full Review

Edward ELGAR (1857-1934) Symphony No.1 in A flat major Op.55 (1908) [56.34] Cockaigne Overture (In London Town) Op.40 (1901) [16.34] Thüringen Philharmonie Suhl/Stephen Somary Recorded in Suhl, February 1996 CLAVES CD 50-9813 [73.12] [JW]

I’m afraid this is a non-starter in the Symphony stakes. ... see Full Review

Edward ELGAR (1857-1934) CD 1: In the South (Alassio), Op. 50 Symphony No. 1, Op. 55 CD 2: Symphony No. 2, Op. 63 Serenade for strings, Op. 20 Salut d’amour, Op.12 CD 3: Froissart, Op. 19 Cockaigne (In London Town), Op. 40 Variations on an Original Theme, Op. 36 "Enigma"CD 4: Violin Concerto, Op.61
Cello Concerto, Op. 85 Janos Starker (cello), Pinchas Zukerman (violin) London Philharmonic Orchestra/Leonard Slatkin (CDs 1-3) St. Louis Symphony Orchestra/Leonard Slatkin (CD 4) Recorded 1989, 1991, 1993, 1997, 2004 BMG Music DDD BMG-RCA Red Seal Complete Collections 4 CDs 82876 603892 2 [73:36 + 71:08 + 63:50 + 76:40] [EM]

Top ranking versions of the two symphonies ... excellent value for money. Recommended despite a flaccid Enigma. ... see Full Review

Sir Edward ELGAR (1857-1934) Cockaigne (In London Town), Concert Overture, Op. 40 (1900) [15.54] Variations on an Original Theme (Enigma Variations), Op. 36 (1899) [30.33] Serenade in E minor for Strings, Op. 20 (1890) [11.47] Salut d’amour, Op. 12 (1888) [3.16] Baltimore Symphony Orchestra/David Zinman Rec. Joseph Meyerhoff Symphony Hall, Baltimore, Maryland, 5-6 June 1989. DDD TELARC CD-80192 [61.55] [EM]

A good disc, but by no means outstanding. ... see Full Review

Edward ELGAR (1857-1934) Marches Coronation March Op.65 (1911) [10:37] Funeral March (from Grania and Diarmid Op.42) (1901) [10:21] Pomp and Circumstance Marches Op.39 (1901-1930): No. 1 [6:13]; No. 2 [5:08]; No. 3 [5:48]; No. 4 [5:14]; No. 5 [6:16]; March from Caractacus Op.35 (1898) [7:06] March of the Mogul Emperors, Op.66 No. 4 (1912) [3:50] Empire March (1924) [4:17] Symphonic prelude Polonia Op.76 (1915) [14:25] New Zealand Symphony Orchestra/James Judd Rec. Michael Fowler Centre, Wellington, New Zealand in February 2003. DDD NAXOS 8.557273 [79:16][PCW]

More circumstance than pomp ... a desirable bargain-price collection which should certainly find a niche in the market ... see Full Review

Sir Edward ELGAR (1857-1934) Enigma Variations (1898) A documentary: A Hidden Portrait and a complete performance of the work by BBC Symphony Orchestra/Sir Andrew Davis Documentary filmed in the Malvern Hills Concert recorded in Worcester Cathedral 30th June 2004 BBC OPUS ARTE DVD OA 0917 D [85:00][IL]

Enjoy Davis’s Enigma Variations.  Approach the dumbed-down, politically-correct documentary with caution – distasteful and crass imagery abounds. ... see Full Review

Gabriel FAURÉ (1845-1924) The Complete Songs, Volume 2 The Hyperion French Song Edition: see review for details Jean-Paul Fouchécourt (tenor); Geraldine McGreevy (soprano) & Stella Doufexis (soprano); Stephen Varcoe (baritone); Geraldine McGreevy (soprano); John Mark Ainsley (tenor); Christopher Maltman( baritone); Dame Felicity Lott (soprano); Jennifer Smith (soprano); Graham Johnson (piano) Recorded on various dates in 2002, 2003 and 2004. Location not specified. DDD HYPERION CDA67334 [68’03"] [JQ]

This disc has given me enormous pleasure and will continue to do so, I know. I recommend it urgently. ... see Full Review

Paul FISHER (b. 1943) Bradford (2004) [10:41] Three Fancies for Pedal and Left Hand: Your Feet’s too big [2:10], Misty [3:10], A Yorkshire Christmas [3:24] The Shadow of the Sun [7:13] For Helen [5:42] Wild Spirits [22:02] Noel Nouvelet [6:57] The Colours of Spirit [11:18] Kevin Bowyer (organ) Claudia Lashmore (flute) (The Shadow of the Sun, For Helen) Rec. Blackburn Cathedral, Blackburn, England, 2-3 November 2004 LAMMAS RECORDS LAMM 182D [72:23] [BJ]

A unique album of beautiful music. I highly recommend it for the true enthusiast of the sounds of organ music. ... see Full Review

Philip GLASS (b. 1937) Symphony No. 2 (1994) [43’14"] Symphony No. 3 (1995) [23’54"] Bournemouth Symphony Orchestra/Marin Alsop. Rec. 20-21 July 2003, The Concert Hall, Lighthouse, Poole, Dorset. DDD NAXOS 8.559202 [67.07] [JPh]

I recommend this to fans of Philip Glass – others, steer well clear. ... see Full Review

Max REGER (1873-1916) Organ Sonata in D minor, Op. 60 (1901) [23:40] Organ Pieces, Op. 65, Nos. 7-12 (1902) [34:33] Chorale Fantasia on Wachet auf, ruft uns die Stimme, Op. 52, No. 2 (1900) [19:59] Stefan Frank (organ) Rec. Fulda Cathderal, Fulda, Germany, October 2002 NAXOS 8.557186 [78:12] [BJ]

If only the entire album could have the musicality and energy of the last few tracks, it would be quite wonderful. ... see Full Review

Christoph Willibald GLUCK (1714–1787) Orphée et Euridice (1774 Paris Version) Jean-Paul Fouchécourt (tenor) – Orphée; Caterine Dubose (soprano) – Euridice; Suzie Le Blanc (soprano) – Amour Opera Lafayette Orchestra and Chorus/Ryan Brown rec. Clarice Smith Center for the Performing Arts, University of Maryland, USA, 11-15 Jan 2002 NAXOS 8.660185-86 [41:03 + 44:40] [GF]

Parsimonious tracking apart, this is a stylish must-buy ... see Full Review

Christoph Willibald GLUCK (1714-1787) Orphée et Euridice (1774 Paris version) [85:43] Jean-Paul Gouchécourt (Orphée, tenor), Catherine Dubosc (Euridice, soprano), Suzie Le Blanc (Amour, soprano), Opera Lafayette Orchestra and Chorus/Ryan Brown rec. 11-15 Jan 2002, Clarice Smith Center for the Performing Arts, University of Maryland, USA NAXOS 8.660185-86 [41:03 + 44:60][CH]

It’s salutary to be made to think again about a well-known work but for me the baby’s gone out with the bathwater. ... see Full Review

Christoph GRAUPNER (1683-1760) Orchestral Works Vol. 2 Overture in F (GWV 451) [32:33] Trio for 2 violins and bc in c minor (GWV 203) [06:59] Sinfonia in F (GWVC 571) [15:23] Nova Stravaganza/Siegbert Rampe Recorded in January 2003 at the Fürstliche Reitbahn in Bad Arolsen, Germany. DDD MDG 341 1252-2 [55:08] [JV]

Excellent performances of remarkable music by a composer who deserves to be treated as an equal of Telemann ... see Full Review

Jesús GURIDI (1886-1961) Sinfonía pirenaica (1945)a [49:14] Espatadantza (1920)b [3:28] Bilbao Choral Societyb Bilbao Symphony Orchestra/Juan José Menaa, Theo Alcántarab Recorded: Euskalduna Concert Hall, Bilbao, February 2003 (Sinfonía) and Teatro Arriaga, Bilbao, June 1997 (Espatadantza) NAXOS 8.557631 [52:42][HC]

Superbly crafted music not lacking in grandeur, though no earthshaking masterpiece. Well worth hearing. I enjoyed this release enormously. ... see Full Review

George Frideric HANDEL (1685-1759) The Six Organ Concertos Op. 4 Concerto in F, op. 4,4 (HWV 292)** [14:24] Concerto in B flat, op. 4,2 (HWV 290) [10:04] Concerto in G minor, op. 4,3 (HWV 291)* [10:34] Concerto in B flat, op. 4,6 (HWV 294) [12:19] Concerto in F, op. 4,5 (HWV 293) [08:10] Concerto in G minor, op. 4,1 (HWV 289)** [16:22] Matthew Halls, organ Sonnerie: Monica Huggett, Emilia Benjamin, Sarah Moffat*, Claire Duff*, violin; Molly Marsh**, Hannah McLaughlin**, oboe; Katherine McGillivray, viola; Joseph Crouch, cello; Peter McCarthy, 3-string contrabasso; Matthew Wadsworth, archlute Recorded July 2003 at Saint Silas Church, Kentish Town, London, UK DDD AVIE AV2055 [72:25][JV]

Handel's organ concertos opus 4 in a very imaginative and enthralling interpretation ... see Full Review

RECORDING OF THE MONTH Michael HAYDN (1737–1806) Requiem pro defuncto Archiepiscopo Sigismundo (Requiem for Archbishop Siegmund) (1771) [40.12] Missa in honorem Sanctae Ursulae (1793) [43.38] Carolyn Sampson (soprano) Hilary Summers (alto) James Gilchrist (tenor) Peter Harvey (bass) Choir of the King’s Consort The King’s Consort/Robert King Recorded at St. Jude on the Hill, Hampstead Garden Suburb, London, 7-9 May 2004 2 CDs priced as a single CD HYPERION CDA67510 [40.12 + 43.38][RH]

The Mass is given a satisfyingly spirited performance, but these discs are memorable for their fine recording of Michael Haydn’s astonishing Requiem. One of my records of the year ... see Full Review

Joseph Jongen (1873-1953) In Flanders’ Field: Volume 41 Trio for piano, violin and cello in G minor Op. 10 (1897) [29:09] Trio for piano, violin and viola (Prélude Variations et Final) Op. 30 (1907) [30:38] Erard Ensemble:  Caspar Bleumers, violin; Arjan Wildschut, viola; John Addison, cello and Edward Janning, piano. Recorded at Maria Minor Kirk Amsterdam 19th - 21st June 2003 DDD PHAEDRA 92041 [59:47][JF]

An attractive addition to the discography of this unjustly neglected composer ... see Full Review

Leon KIRCHNER (b.1919) Duo for Violin and Piano (1947) [11:09] Elisabeth Perry, violin; Joel Sachs, piano "Flutings" from Lily (1973) [3:13] Jayn Rosenfeld, flute Trio for Violin, Cello and Piano (1954) [14:25] Geoffrey Michaels, violin; Beverly Lauridsen, cello; Joel Sachs, piano Piano Sonata (1948) [14:46] Cheryl Seltzer, piano Triptych (1986/88) [20:53] Maria Kitsopoulos, cello; Mark Steinberg, violin Triptych recorded New York, 1992. All others recorded New York, 1983 NAXOS AMERICAN CLASSICS  8.559195 [64:56][JL]

A reissue of modernist chamber works that may help Leon Kirchner achieve the reputation he deserves ... see Full Review

Graeme KOEHNE (b. 1956) Elevator Music (1997) [8:03] Inflight Entertainment (1999)a [28:40] Unchained Melody (1990) [10:16] Powerhouse (1993) [10:59] Diana Doherty (oboe)a Sydney Symphony/Takuo Yuasa Recorded: Sydney Town Hall, January 2001 NAXOS 8.555847 [57:59] [HC]

Koehne: music that is often tuneful, colourful, expertly scored and directly expressive, without any attempt at plumbing any great depth ... see Full Review

Giorgio KOUKL (b.1953) Musica Vocale Tre Canti Disperati [19.37] Roberta Invernizzi (soprano) Giorgio Koukl (piano) Quattro Pezzi per Pianoforte [6.05] Giorgio Koukl (piano) Niponari [9.46] Keiko Kashima (contralto) Leandro Hgalassi and Valentino Marré (percussion) Giorgio Koukl (piano, harpsichord, celesta, glockenspiel)
Ceremony After A Fire Raid [19.01] Carole Manzoni (soprano) Giorgio Koukl (piano)
Recorded in the Auditorium of RSI Lugano, August 1997 (Tre Canti Disperati), November 1983 (Quattro Pezzi per Pianoforte and Niponari) and September 1987 (Ceremony After A Fire Raid) ALTRI SUONI AS037 [55.29] [JW]


Another diverting and toughly lyrical disc from Koukl ... see Full Review

Ignaz LACHNER (1807-1895) Six Trios for Violin, Viola and Piano Trio in B flat major Op.37 [28.05] Trio in G major Op.45 [33.21] Trio in A major Op.58 [26.12] Trio in D minor Op.89 [19.52] Trio in E flat major Op.102 [17.47] Trio in C major Op.103 [19.43] Stefan Muhmenthaler (violin) Anna Barbara Dütschler (viola) Marc Pantillon (piano) rec. Tonstudio van Geest, Sandhausen, Heidelberg, May 1997 and March 1998 CLAVES CD-50 9802/03 [66.01 + 79.28] [JW]

No, no masterpieces, but enjoyable music making and a cool sidelight into German chamber music of the time. ... see Full Review

BARGAIN OF THE MONTH Franz LEHÁR (1870–1948) Die lustige Witwe (The Merry Widow)(1905) Elisabeth Schwarzkopf (soprano) – Hanna Glawari; Erich Kunz (baritone) – Count Danilo Danilowitsch; Nicolaï Gedda (tenor) – Camille de Rosillon; Emmy Loose (soprano) – Valencienne; Anton Niessner (baritone) – Baron Mirko Zeta; Josef Schmidinger (bass) – Raoul de Saint-Brioche; Otakar Kraus (baritone) – Vicomte Cascada Speaking parts: Hella Kurty – Valencienne; André Mattoni – Vicomte Cascada Philharmonia Orchestra and Chorus/Otto Ackermann Recorded 16th – 18th and 21st April 1953 in Kingsway Hall, London. First issued on Columbia 33CX 1051 and 1052 Reissue Producer and Audio Restoration Engineer: Mark Obert-Thorn NAXOS 8.111007 [79:06][GF]

Good sound, excellent playing and glorious singing. I can’t believe anyone will regret buying it. ... see Full Review

Franz LISZT (1811-1886) Earl Wild plays Liszt in Concert - 1973-1983 La Leggierezza (Concert Etude No 2 in F minor) [4.21] Un Sospiro (Concert Etude No.3 in D flat major) [4.41] Funérailles (Harmonies Poétiques et Réligieuses) [12.37] Paysage (Etudes d’exécution Transcendante, Etude No.3) (1852) [4.41] Ricordanza (Etudes d’exécution Transcendante, Etude No.9) (1852) [9.23] Hungarian Rhapsody No.4 in E flat major [4.49] Sonetto 47 del Petrarca (Années de Pèlerinage, Deuxième Année, Italie) (1858) [5.56] Sonetto 123 del Petrarca (Années de Pèlerinage, Deuxième Année, Italie) (1858) [6.02] Valse Oubliée No.1  (Années de Pèlerinage, Deuxième Année, Italie) (1858) [2.41] Mephisto Waltz (Années de Pèlerinage, Deuxième Année, Italie) (1858) [3.54] La Capriccioso No.2 in E flat major (Grandes Etudes de Paganini) [4.42] La Chasse No.5 in E major (Grandes Etudes de Paganini) [2.56] La Campanella No.3 in G sharp minor (Grandes Etudes de Paganini) [4.36] Earl Wild (piano) Recorded in Chicago, 1979 (tracks 1 and 2), Queen Elizabeth Hall, London, 1973 (tracks 3-10) and Tokyo, 1983 (tracks 11-13) IVORY CLASSICS 73002 [72.13][JW]

Strongly recommended to Wildeans: to them goes the bravura, the poetry. Sober sides may want to dip in first. Prepare to be gloriously singed. ... see Full Review

Franz LISZT (1811-1886) The Complete Works Inspired by J.S. Bach – The Transcriptions Fantasia and Fugue in G minor S463 (1863) [11.06] Prelude and Fugue in A minor S462 – BWV 543 (i) (1842-50) [8.15] Prelude and Fugue in C major S462 – BWV 545 (ii) (1842-50) [5.24] Prelude and Fugue in C minor S462 – BWV 546 (iii) (1842-50) [10.17] Prelude and Fugue in C major S462 – BWV 547 (iv) (1842-50) [7.50]Prelude and Fugue in E minor S462 (v) – BWV 548 (1842-50) [12.21] Prelude and Fugue in B minor S462 (vi) – BWV544 (1842-50) [10.09] Joyce Hatto (piano) Recorded Concert Artist Studios, Cambridge, November 2004 and January 2005 CONCERT ARTIST/FIDELIO RECORDINGS CACD 9100-2 [65:50 [JW]

Imbued with timbral colour and a sure sense of where she’s going; fine Liszt-Bach playing, playing that always respects the ultimate Bachian truth of these arrangements ... 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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