ALPHABETICAL LISTING

 

Hugo ALFVÉN (1872-1960) Symphony No. 4, Op. 39, From the Outer Skerries (1919) [48:08] Festival Overture, Op. 52 (1944) [10:04] Arnis Halla, soprano; Johann Valdimarsson, tenor Iceland Symphony Orchestra/ Niklas Willén Rec. University Cinema Auditorium, Reykjavik, 10-13 June, 2003 NAXOS 8.557284 [58:12] [WT]

Should win many new friends for Alfvén’s music. ... see Full Review

BARGAIN OF THE MONTH Johann Sebastian BACH (1685-1750) Das Wohltemperierte Klavier, Book 1 BWV 846-869 [122:26] Sviatoslav Richter (piano) Recorded July 21^st-31^st 1970 at the Schloss Klesheim, Salzburg, Austria BMG RCA RED SEAL 82876 62315 2 [67:51 + 54:35] [CH]

I am quite sure that Richter’s overall achievement will stand as a classic. ... see Full Review

Johann Sebastian BACH (1685-1750) Goldberg Variations BWV 988 (1741) Jenö Jandó, piano Recorded Phoenix Studio, Budapest, Hungary, February 2003 NAXOS 8.557268 [77:29] [DS]

The performance is serviceable and soundstage acceptable but the fierce competition puts this interpretation into the unnecessary and unwanted grouping ... see Full Review

Johann Sebastian BACH (1685 - 1750) Suites for solo cello, BWV 1007 - 1012 (1720) [148.52] Maria Kliegel, violoncello Stradivarius 1693, "ex-Gendron" Recorded in Phoenix Studio, Budapest, Hungary, May 2003 Notes in English and Deutsch. Photo of artist double jewel-case NAXOS 8.557280-81 [71.56] [76.56].[PSh]

As fine a performance and recording as these works have ever received. Eventually you’ll want to hear Casals but you’ll come back here and can’t start at a better place. ... see Full Review

RECORDING OF THE MONTH Johann Sebastian BACH (1685-1750) Cantatas Ich will den Kreuzstab gerne tragen BWV 56 [18’08"] Der Friede sei mit dir BWV 158 [10’18"] Ich habe genug BWV 82 [21’21"] Thomas Quasthoff (bass-baritone) Albrecht Mayer (oboe) Members of the RIAS-Kammerchor Berliner Barock Solisten/Rainer Küssmaul (violin) rec. Berlin-Dahlem, Jesus-Christus-Kirche, Jan 2004. DSD. SACD DEUTSCHE GRAMMOPHON 00289 474 5052 GSA [50’05"] [JQ]

Every collector of Bach cantata recordings needs to have this disc in his or her collection. I recommend it with the greatest possible enthusiasm. ... see Full Review

Johann Sebastian BACH (1685-1750) Cantatas from Leipzig 1724 - Volume 26 Cantata BWV 180, "Schmücke dich, O liebe Seele" (Adorn thyself, beloved soul) [21:18] Cantata BWV 122, "Das neugeborne Kindelein" (The new-born little child) [13:19] Cantata BWV 96, "Herr Christ, der einge Gottessohn" (Lord Christ, the only Son of God) [17:14] Yukari Nonoshita, soprano Timothy Kenworthy-Brown, counter-tenor Makoto Sakurada, tenor Peter Kooij, bass Bach Collegium Japan, Chorus and Orchestra/Masaaki Suzuki (direction and harpsichord) Recorded: Kobe Shoin Women's University Chapel, Japan, 7-10 June 2003 DDD BIS CD-1401 [52:57] [MC]

A further wonderful release in this Bach cantata series. Highly recommended... see Full Review

Johann Sebastian BACH (1685-1750) Cantatas from Leipzig 1724 Cantata BWV 78, "Jesu, der du meine Seele" Cantata BWV 99, "Was Gott tut, das ist wohlgetan" Cantata BWV 114, "Ach, lieben Christen, seid getrost" Yukari Nonoshita, soprano Daniel Taylor, counter-tenor Makoto Sakurada, tenor Peter Kooij, bass Bach Collegium Japan/Masaaki Suzuki Recorded Kobe Shoin Women's University Chapel, Japan, February 2003 BIS CD-1361 [62:57] [DS]

Magnificent solo singing and breathtaking choral contributions ... see Full Review

Osvaldas BALAKAUSKAS (b. 1937) Requiem in memoriam Stasys Lozoraitis (1995) Judita Leitaité (mezzo); Vilnius Municipal Choir “Jauna Muzika”; Christopher Chamber Orchestra of Vilnius/Donatas Katkus Recorded: Lithuanian Radio, February 2003 NAXOS 8.557604 [52:56][HC]

A substantial work that obviously means much to the present performers who all sing and play with dedication and conviction. Do not hesitate to give this most welcome release a try. ... see Full Review

Béla BARTÓK (1881-1945) String Quartets String Quartet No. 1 Op.7 (1908) String Quartet No. 2 Op.17 (1915-17) String Quartet No. 3 (1927) String Quartet No. 4 (1928) String Quartet No. 5 (1934) String Quartet No. 6 (1939) Rubin Quartet Recorded 9-17 June 2003, Sendesaal Deutschland Radio, Cologne BRILLIANT CLASSICS 6901 [77.07 + 74.27][JW]

At bargain price these are formidably fluent readings. ... see Full Review

Ludwig van BEETHOVEN (1770-1827) Complete Overtures CD1: The Creatures of Prometheus, Op. 43 (1801) [4.48] Egmont, Op. 84 (1810) [7.25] Coriolan, Op. 82 (1807) [7.21] Leonore No. 1, Op. 138 (1805) [8.56] The Ruins of Athens, Op. 113 (1812) [4.19] Leonore No. 2, Op. 72 (1805) [12.14] CD2: Namensfeier, Op. 115 (1815) [6.34] Leonore No. 3, Op. 72 (1805) [12.24] Fidelio, Op. 72 (1814) [6.08] King Stephen, Op. 117 (1812) [6.29] The Consecration of the House, Op. 124 (1822) [10.13] Tonhalle Orchestra Zurich/David Zinman Rec 9-12 February 2004 Tonhalle Zurich ARTE NOVA 82876 57831 2 [45.38 + 42.11] [TB]

A most rewarding issue and collectors should not hesitate. Stimulating performances at a competitive price. ... see Full Review

Ludwig van BEETHOVEN (1770-1827) Complete Symphonies Symphony No. 1 Op.21 in C Major Symphony No. 2 Op.36 in D Major Symphony No. 3 Op.55 in E Flat Major Eroica Symphony No. 4 Op.60 in B Flat Major Symphony No. 5 Op 67 in C Minor Symphony No. 6 Op.68 in F Major Pastoral Symphony No. 7 Op. 92 in A Major Symphony No. 8 Op.93 in F Major Symphony No. 9 Op.125 in D Minor Choral # Leonore Overture No.1 Op.138 Leonore Overture No.2 Op.72b Leonore Overture No.3 Op.72a Egmont Overture Op.84 Coriolan Overture Op.62 King Stephen Overture Op.117 Fidelio Overture Op.72 Creatures of Prometheus Op.43* Wolfgang Amadeus MOZART (1756-1791) Symphony No. 41 in C major K551 Jupiter Adele Addison (soprano) Jane Hobson (mezzo soprano) Richard Lewis (tenor) Donald Bell (baritone) Cleveland Orchestra Chorus# Cleveland Orchestra/George Szell Cleveland Orchestra/Louis Lane* Recorded 1957-67 SONY ORIGINAL JACKET COLLECTION SX10K 92480 [10 CDs: 57.09 + 47.21 + 45.24 + 58.01 + 41.24 + 33.47 + 26.37 + 66.12 + 54.00 + 62.50][JW]

A veritable feast for the perceptive cycle lover ... lissom, linear, superbly articulate and wonderfully balanced representations of Szell’s art ... see Full Review

Ludwig Van BEETHOVEN (1770-1827) Arturo Toscanini Conducts Beethoven Symphony No. 3 in E-flat, Op.55, "Eroica" (1: Allegro con brio: [13.44]; Marcia funebre; Adagio assai: [16.28];Scherzo; Allegro vivace: [5.22]; Finale; Allegro molto: [10.45]) Leonore 3 Overture [12.50] Coriolan Overture [7.34] NBC Symphony Orchestra/Arturo Toscanini, rec. NBC 3 Dec. 1938 (Eroica); 6 March 1948 (Leonore) 6 Dec. 1953 (Coriolan) Restorations: Graham Newton (2004). "Eroica" previously released on CD-264 (1987); "Coriolan" previously released on CD-3007 (1988); "Leonore III" previously unissued. AAD. UPC Number: 0-17685-11342-0; Mid Price: £9.95 MUSIC & ARTS CD-1134(1) [66:52][AR]

This is a highly recommendable disc and truly puts the word authentic back into limp-wristed ‘authenticity’. ... see Full Review

Ludwig van BEETHOVEN (1770-1827) Symphony No 5 in C minor, Op.67*
[31’45"] Wilhelm FURTWÄNGLER (1886-1954) Adagio Solemne (from Symphonic Concerto)** [11’02"] Richard WAGNER (1813-1883) Parsifal: Prelude to Act 1*** [14’09"]; Good Friday Spell (Act 3)*** [10’41"] **Edwin Fischer (piano) Berlin Philharmonic Orchestra/ Wilhelm Furtwängler rec. Beethovensaal, Berlin on*8 October, 3 November 1937; ** 25 April 1939; ***15 March 1938 ADD NAXOS 8.110879 [68’08"] [JQ]

A good example of why Furtwängler is regarded as a great conductor. Performances that will grace any collection. Strongly recommended ... see Full Review

Ludwig van BEETHOVEN (1770-1827) Symphony No 9 in D minor, Choral Op. 125 (1925) Frances Yeend (soprano); Martha Lipton (contralto); David Lloyd (tenor); Mack Harrell (baritone) Westminster Choir New York Philharmonic Orchestra/Bruno Walter rec. 18 April 1949, 30^th Street Studio, New York (movements 1-3) and 7 March 1953, Carnegie Hall, New York (movement 4). AAD MUSIC AND ARTS CD-1155 [65’40"] [JQ]

It is good to have this performance available on CD as it lets us hear Bruno Walter in a central repertoire masterpiece when he was in his prime. .. see Full Review

Ludwig van BEETHOVEN (1770 – 1827) Symphony No. 9 in D minor Choral, Op. 125 (1825) [70:01] T. Kobayashi, sop. T. Iwamoto, alto. H. Yamamoto, tenor H. Yokata, bass Orchestra and Chorus of the Kansai Philharmonic, Osaka/Carl-Auguste Bünte Rec. Osaka Symphony Hall, 28 Dec 1989 DDD BELLA MUSICA BM 31.2396 [WT]

The performance made me sit up and take notice of this astounding work. ... see Full Review

Ludwig van BEETHOVEN (1770 - 1827) String Quartets Volume 4 String Quartet No. 12 Op. 127 (1824) [37.22] String Quartet No. 13 Op. 130 (1825, new finale 1826) [42.11] Borodin Quartet (2005): Ruben Aharonian, Andre Abramenkov, vv; Igor Naidin, vla; Valentin Berlinsky, vc Recorded in Small Hall, Conservatory, Moscow, Russia, 24 April 2004 Notes in English, Deutsch, Français. CHANDOS CHAN 10292 [79.39] [PSh]

A completely fresh take on two of Beethoven’s most profound works by one of the world’s most distinguished ensembles; and Beethoven comes out a winner. Very highly recommended. ... see Full Review

Ludwig van BEETHOVEN (1770 - 1826) Piano Trio #3 in c, Op 1 #3 (1795) [30.11] Piano Trio #6 in Bb, "Archduke," Op 97 (1811) [40.54] Kempf Trio: Freddy Kempf, piano; Pierre Bensaid, violin; Alexander Chaushian, cello. Steinway D Piano; technician, Kenneth Eneberg. rec. former Academy of Music, Nybrokajen 11, Stockholm, Sweden, April 2003. Notes in English, Deutsch, Français. Recorded in DSD, SACD 2.0 and 5.0. CD tracks 2.0 stereo. Hybrid SACD playable in stereo on cd players BIS SACD-1172 [71.28] [PSh]

Monumentally great performances of Beethoven, sufficient to cause the blind to see, to convert the unbeliever. Buy this disk and look carefully at anything else these people do. ... see Full Review

Ludwig van BEETHOVEN (1770-1827) Piano Trio in C minor, Op. 1/3 (1795) [28.01] Variations in E flat major, Op. 44 (1792?) [12.27] Piano Trio in B flat major, Op. 11 (1797) [20.29] The Florestan Trio: Anthony Marwood (violin), Richard Lester (cello), Susan Tomes (piano) rec. Henry Wood Hall, London, 7-9 September 2003. DDD HYPERION CDA 67466 [61.10] [SV]

It's difficult adequately to describe the essential rightness of these performances. ... see Full Review

Ludwig van BEETHOVEN (1770-1827) Complete works for piano and cello Sonatas: No. 2 in G minor, Op. 5 No. 2^a (1796) [24’51]; No. 4 in C, Op. 102 No. 1^a (1815) [16’34]; No. 3 in A, Op. 69^a (1808) [26’46]; No. 5 in D, Op. 102 No. 2^b (1815) [20’31]; No. 1 in F, Op. 5 No. 1^b (1796) [25’19]. Twelve Variations on ‘Ein Mädchen oder Weibchen’ from Die Zauberflöte, Op. 66^a (1796) [7’11]. Twelve Variations on ‘See the conqu’ring hero comes’ from Judas Maccabaeus, WoO45^b (1796) [8’34]. Seven Variations on ‘Bei Männern, welche Liebe fühlen’ from Die Zauberflöte, WoO46^a (1801) [10’12]. Alfred Brendel (piano); Adrian Brendel (aJunuarius Galliano 1741 cello; bAntonio Stradivari ‘Leveque’ cello, 1683-90). Rec. Jugenstiltheater, Vienna, on aJuly 2nd-8th, 2003 and bJuly 1st-5th, 2004. PHILIPS 475 379-2 [78’50 + 68’55][CC]

A superb set, then, and one that perhaps opens a new chapter in Alfred Brendel’s activities? One hopes so. ... see Full Review

Ludwig van BEETHOVEN (1770 – 1827) Violin Sonata No. 7 in C minor, Op. 30 No. 2 [26:07] Violin Sonata No. 9 in A “Kreutzer”, Op. 47 [35:31] Rondo in G, WoO 41 [3:39] Franz SCHUBERT (1797 – 1828) Rondo in B minor for violin and piano Op. 70, D 895 “Rondeau brilliant” [12:58] Yehudi Menuhin (violin), Hephzibah Menuhin (piano) rec. EMI Studio No. 3, London, 28 November 1934 (Kreutzer), 6 May 1936 (Schubert), 29 March 1938 (Beethoven: Rondo) and 30 March 1938 (Beethoven Sonata C minor) Producer and Audio Restoration Producer: Ward Marston NAXOS HISTORICAL 8.110775 [78:14][GF]

Enthusiasm, intensity, risk-taking and that un-definable freshness ... I am certain that this disc will give lots of pleasure for years to come. ... see Full Review

Ludwig van BEETHOVEN (1770-1827) Piano Works, Vol. 8 Piano Sonatas: No. 27 in E minor, Op. 90^a (1814) [12’24]; No. 28 in A, Op. 101 (1816) [19’17]; No. 29 in B flat, Op. 106, ‘Hammerklavier’ (1818) [40’48]. Artur Schnabel (piano). Rec. EMI Abbey Road Studio No. 3 on ^aJanuary 21^st and February 3^rd, 1932, ^bApril 24^th, 1934, ^cNovember 3^rd-4^th, 1935. From HMV ^aDB1654-55, ^bDB2467-69, ^cDB2955-60. ADD NAXOS HISTORICAL 8.110762 [72’49] [CC]

A magnificent achievement. Naxos is doing pianophiles the World over a real service. ... see Full Review

Ludwig van BEETHOVEN (1770-1815) Fidelio (selection arr. For wind ensemble by Wenzel Sedlak, c.1815) [43:38], Sextet in E flat op.71 (1792) [19:30], Rondino in E flat WoO 25 (1793) [06:21] Nachtmusique/Eric Hoeprich Recorded in Kortenhoef (Gereformeered Kerk), Holland, February 2003 GLOSSA GCD 920606 [69:38] [CH]

Some illuminating thoughts for those who know their Fidelio well. ... see Full Review

Hector BERLIOZ (1803-1869) Roméo et Juliette op.17 (1838) (A) (B) [2 versions: 91:27, 91:31], Les Nuits d’Été op.7 (1838, orchestral version 1856) (C) [30:14], Les Troyens (1856-58): Chasse royale et orage (D) [10:59], La Damnation de Faust op.24 (1845-6) (E) [121:52], Béatrice et Bénédict (1862): Overture (F) (G) [2 versions: 07:18, 07:17], Le Corsaire op.21 (1844-55) (H) [07:58], Benvenuto Cellini op.23 (1834-1837): Overture (I) [10:26], L’enfance du Christ op.25 (1850-54) (J) [93:26], Harold en Italie op.16 (1834) (K) [37:44], Le carnival romain op.9 (1843) (L) [08:01], Grande messe des morts op.5 (1837) (M) [83:33], Symphonie fantastique op.14 (1830) (N) (O) [2 versions: 46:20, 48:54] Victoria de los Angeles (soprano) (C), Suzanne Danco (soprano) (E), Rosalind Elias (mezzo-soprano) (B), Margaret Roggero (mezzo-soprano) (A), Florence Kopleff (contralto) (J), Leslie Chabay (tenor) (A), David Poleri (tenor) (E), Léopold Simoneau (tenor) (M), Cesare Valletti (tenor) (B) (J), Lucien Oliver (baritone) (J), Martial Singher (baritone) (E), Gérald Souzay (baritone) (J), Donald Gramm (bass) (E), McHenry Boatwright (bass) (E), Yi-Kwei Sze (bass) (A), Giorgio Tozzi (bass) (B) (J), William Primrose (viola) (K), Harvard Glee Club (A) (E), New England Conservatory Chorus (B) (J) (M), Radcliffe Choral Society (A) (E) Boston Symphony Orchestra/Charles Munch (all items) Recorded 1949 (F), 22^nd-23^rd February 1953 (A), 21^st-22^nd February 1954 (E), 14^th-15^th November 1954 (N), 12^th-13^th April 1955 (C), 23^rd-24^th December 1956 (J), 1^st December 1958 (G) (H) (L), 6^th April 1959 (D) (I), 26^th-27^th April 1959 (M), 23^rd-24^th April 1961 (B), 9^th April 1962 (O) in the Symphony Hall, Boston BMG RCA RED SEAL 82876-60393-2 [10 CDs: 67:24 + 66:06 + 74:26 +74:04 + 72:50 + 66:52 + 60:26 + 69:50 + 73:14 + 75:06] [CH]

A wonderful way to snap up at one fell swoop all the Berlioz performances recorded by one of the composer’s greatest interpreters during his vital years in Boston. ... see Full Review

Hector BERLIOZ (1803-1869) Symphonie fantastique, Op. 14 [51’40"] Peter TCHAIKOVSKY (1840-1893) Francesca da Rimini, Op. 32* [23’36"] Leningrad Philharmonic Orchestra/Gennadi Rozhdestvensky rec. Royal Albert Hall, London, 9 September 1971; *Usher Hall, Edinburgh, 9 September 1960 ADD BBC LEGENDS 4163-2 [75’58"] [JQ]

Another winner. The coupling works well and both are played with panache and feeling. Virtuoso conductor and orchestra on top form. Hard to beat. Very warmly recommended. ... see Full Review

Vincenzo BELLINI (1801 – 1835) Norma (1831) Maria Callas (soprano) – Norma Mario Filippeschi (tenor) – Pollione Ebe Stignani (mezzo-soprano) - Adalgisa Nicola Rossi-Lemeni (bass) – Oroveso Paolo Caroli (tenor) – Flavio Rina Cavallari (soprano) – Clotilde Chorus and Orchestra of Teatro alla Scala, Milan/Tullio Serafin Recorded from 23^rd April to 3^rd March 1954 in the Cinema Metropol, Milan Reissue Producer and Restoration Engineer: Mark Obert-Thorn Appendix: Highlights from Norma performed by Legendary Singers (1927 – 1936) Ezio Pinza (bass); Francesco Merli (tenor); Rosa Ponselle (soprano); Irene Minghini-Cattaneo (mezzo-soprano);Marion Telva ; Ezio Pinza (bass); Gina Cigna (soprano); Tancredi Pasero (bass) ; Giovanni Breviario (tenor)Recorded from 25th August to 7^th September 1937 at the Teatro Nuovo, Turin Reissue Producer and Restoration Engineer: Ward Marston NAXOS 8.110325-27 [62:34 + 62:06 + 73:42] [GF]

You need this Callas version for the best interpretation of the title part on disc. ... see Full Review

Heinrich Ignaz Franz BIBER (1644-1704) Sonata ‘Victori der Christen’ A minor [9’39] Sonata 1 A major [11’15] Sonata II D dorian [8’24] Sonata V E minor [10’48] Sonata VIII A major [9’23] Georg MUFFAT (1653-1704) Sonata Violino Solo D major [12’52] John Holloway (violin) Aloysia Assenbaum (organ) Lars Ulrik Mortensen (harpsichord) Rec: Monastery of Gerold, Austria, July 2002 ECM NEW SERIES 1837 [62’52] [GMS]

An enchanting recording of violin sonatas of Biber and Muffat. I’ve been returning to this disc again and again over the past few weeks. A superb disc ... a must-have. ... see Full Review

Arrigo BOITO (1842-1918) Boito Memorial Concert June 10^th 1948. (Plus appendices) Mefistofele, Prologue and Act 1 Mefistofele, Cesare Siepi (bass); Faust, Giocinto Prandelli (ten); Marguerite, Herva Nelli (sop) Chorus and Orchestra of La Scala, Milan/Arturo Toscanini Nerone, Act 3 and Act 4 scene 1 Asteria, Herva Nelli (sop); Rubria, Giulietta Simionato (mez); Nero, Giocinto Prandelli (ten); Fanuel, Frank Guarrera (bar); Gobrias, Giuseppe Nessi (ten); Perside, Ebe Ticozzi (mez); Simon Mago, Cesare Siepi (bass) Chorus and Orchestra of La Scala, Milan/Arturo Toscanini Appendices Giuseppe VERDI (1813-1901) La Traviata - Prelude to Acts I and III Orchestra of La Scala, Milan/Arturo Toscanini. 7-8 August 1951Ludwig van BEETHOVEN (1770-1827) Symphony No. 1 in C op.21.
Orchestra of La Scala, Milan/Arturo Toscanini. 24 June 1946 GUILD HISTORICAL TOSCANINI EDITION GHCD 2307/8 [67.12 + 71.31] [RJF]

It is commendable of Guild to enable us to share a memorable night, and allow us to witness two great Italian singers who were destined to make a considerable impact over the next ten years ... see Full Review

Johannes BRAHMS (1833 – 1897) Violin Concerto in D, Op. 77 (1879)
Wolfgang Amadeus MOZART (1756 – 1791) Violin Concerto No. 3 in G, K216 (1775) Julian Rachlin (violin) Bavarian Radio Symphony Orchestra/Mariss Jansons. Recorded February 12^th – 14^th 2004, in the Stadthalle, Germering, Germany DDD. WARNER CLASSICS 2564 61561-2 [64’49"] [JPh]

I look forward with great interest to hearing this artist again, hopefully in similarly exalted company. ... see Full Review

Johannes BRAHMS (1833-1897) String Sextet No. 2 in G major, op. 36 (1864-65) String Quartet in C minor Op. 51 No. 1 (c.1868-73) Leipzig String Quartet Hartmut Rohde, viola (Op. 36) Peter Bruns, cello (Op. 36) Recording: Markkleeberg, Jan. 26-27, 2004 (Op. 51/1); Paul-Gerhard-Kirche, Leipzig, May 21-22, 2004 DDD MUSIKPRODUKTION DABRINGHAUS UND GRIMM MDG GOLD MDG 307 1281-2 [68:23] [MC]

These are fine accounts by the Leipzig String Quartet, that will provide much pleasure. ... see Full Review

Johannes BRAHMS (1833 - 1897) Clarinet Trio in A, Op 114 (1892) [26.59] Paul JUON (1872 - 1940) Op 18: Three Miniatures (1901) [9.59] Robert KAHN (1865 - 1951) Clarinet Trio in g, Op 45 (1906) [22.40] Trio Bornalie: Norbert Kaiser, clarinet; Francis Gouton, violoncello; Saoli Saito, Steinway piano. Notes in German, Français, English. Photos of artists and composers. Recorded at the Hochschule für Musik, Stuttgart, Germany, 12 May 2003. EDITION HERA - HERA 02113 [59.38] [PSh]

A gorgeous Brahms Trio and unfamiliar but fully worthy companion music. ... see Full Review

Johannes BRAHMS (1833-1897) Four-hand piano music, vol. 13; String Sextets (arr. piano duet composer) - No. 1 in B flat, Op. 18 (1858-60) [22'26]; No. 2 in G, Op. 36 (1864/5) [38'22] Silke-Thora Matthies, Christian Köhn (piano duet). Rec. Clara Wieck Auditorium, Sandhausen, Germany, on November 2nd-4th, 1999 NAXOS 8.554817 [74'35][CC]

Worth hearing in some respects, then, not least for the intense musicality of the Matthies and Köhn team. ... see Full Review

Joseph Szigeti (violin) Johannes BRAHMS (1833-1897) Violin Sonata No.1 in G Op.78 Joseph Szigeti (violin); Mieczyslaw Horszowski (piano) Piano Quartet No.3 in C minor Op.60 Joseph Szigeti (violin); Milton Katims (viola); Paul Tortelier (cello); Myra Hess (piano) Recorded 1951-52 BIDDULPH 80212-2 [65.27][JW]

Very much for Szigeti completists ... to those for whom the ubiquity of those fabled older recordings might encourage a purchase I would just urge respectful, understanding caution. ... see Full Review

Johannes BRAHMS (1833-1897) Complete Sonatas for Violin and Viola CD 1 Violin Sonata No. 1 in G major Rain, Op. 78 (1878-79) Violin Sonata No. 2 in A major Thun, Op. 100 (1886)Violin Sonata No. 3 in D minor, Op. 108 (1886-88) CD 2 Viola Sonata in F minor, Op. 120 No. 1 (1894) Viola Sonata in E flat Major, Op. 120 No. 2 (1894) Scherzo for violin and piano in C minor, III from F.A.E. Sonata, WoO posth. 2 (1853) Shlomo Mintz (violin; viola) Itamar Golan (piano) rec. 30 Oct 2003-7 Nov 2003, Teldex Studio, Berlin, German Republic. DDD AVIE RECORDS AV2057 [75:45 + 53:35] [MC]

An enjoyable and well recorded release that many will consider worthy of inclusion in their Brahms collection. ... see Full Review

Benjamin BRITTEN (1913-1976) Simple Symphony for Strings, op.4 (1934) [15:56] Temporal Variations (1936) orch. Colin Matthews (1993) [13:50] A Charm of Lullabies, op.41 (1947) arr. Colin Matthews (1993) [13:45] Lachrymae, op.48a (1976) [14:30] Suite on English Folk Tunes, ‘A time there was….’ op.90 (1974) [13:45] Nicholas Daniel (oboe), Catherine Wyn-Rogers (mezzo-soprano), Philip Dukes (viola) Northern Sinfonia/Steuart Bedford Recorded at All Saints Church, Gosforth, Newcastle, UK, 16-17 July 1998. DDD NAXOS 8.557205 [71:46] [GPJ]

And so Naxos has unfolded yet more layers of this astonishing composer; an issue to cherish, and, at over seventy minutes, excellent value too. ... see Full Review

Benjamin BRITTEN (1913-1976) The Canticles Canticle I, Op. 40, My Beloved is Mine (1947) [7:11]; Canticle II, Op. 51, Abraham and Isaac (1952) [16:10]; The Heart of the Matter (rev. Peter Pears, 1983) and Canticle III, Op. 55, Still Falls the Rain (1954) [24:56]; Canticle IV, Op. 86, Journey of the Magi (1971) [10:50]; Canticle V, Op. 89, The Death of Narcissus (1974) [7:39] Philip Langridge (tenor); Jean Rigby (contralto); Gerald Finley (baritone); Derek Lee Ragin (counter-tenor); Dame Judi Dench (narrator); Steuart Bedford (piano); Frank Lloyd (horn); Osian Ellis (harp). Recorded at All Hallows, Gospel Oak, London, 19-20, 23-24 March 1996; narrations recorded at Floating Earth, 16 May 1996, First issued on Collins Classics in 1996 NAXOS 8.557202 [66’47"] [BH]

A recommendable recording for those who are inclined toward these unusually intense works .... fans of the singer or the pianist/conductor should not hesitate. ... see Full Review

Benjamin BRITTEN in rehearsal and performance Nocturne for Tenor and Chamber Orchestra Op.60 Bonus selection: Peter Pears with Julian Bream (lute) Dowland Fine knacks for Ladies Rosseter What then is love but Mourning Benjamin Britten Interview Peter Pears (tenor) CBC Vancouver Chamber Orchestra/Benjamin Britten Recorded April 29 1962, bonus tracks recorded February 1959, January 1968 CBC HOME VIDEO DVD 4277 [58.55] Bonus tracks [15.41] also available as VAI 4277 [EM]

An utterly fascinating DVD. Amazing to see Britten and Pears at work together, and to watch their interaction, musical understanding and obvious empathy. ... see Full Review

BRUCKNER SYMPHONIES: AN INTRODUCTION AND REVIEW OF SELECTED RECORDINGS by Patrick Waller and John Quinn

Ferrucio BUSONI (1866-1924) Busoni – the Visionary Volume II The Six Sonatinas:- Sonatina No. 1 Sonatina No. 2, `Sonatina seconda' Sonatina No. 3, `ad usum infantis' Sonatina No. 4, `in diem Nativitas Christi MCMXVII' Sonatina No. 5, `Sonatina brevis in signo Joannis Sebastiani Magni' Sonatina super Carmen [Fantasia on Bizet's 'Carmen'] Toccata in C major for Organ BWV 564 transcribed by BUSONI Jeni Slotchiver (piano) Recorded at the American Academy of Arts and Letters, New York City, September 2002 CENTAUR CRC 2681 [68.29] [CSS]

Slotchiver is an ardent disciple of Busoni – her playing is authoritative and the recorded sound excellent. A persuasive performance. One looks to the next disc with considerable interest. ... see Full Review

William Byrd (c.1535/40-1623) O Sacrum Convivium; Propers for Ascension 1. Introit: Viri Galilaei [4:13] 2. Alleluia: Ascendit Deus  [1:13] 3. Alleluia: Dominus in Sina 1:10] 4. Offertory: Ascendit Deus [1:07] 5. Communion: Psallite Domino [1:02] 6. Hymn: Jesu nostra redemptio [4:53] 7. Magnificat: Antiphon O rex gloriae [2:08] Propers for Pentecost 8. Magnificat: Antiphon Non vos relinquam [1:35] 9. Introit: Spiritus Domini [4:28] 10. Alleluia: Emitte spiritum tuum [1:37] 11. Alleluia: Veni Sancte Spiritus [1:09] 12. Sequence: Veni Sancte Spiritus [4:53] 13. Offertory: Confirma hoc Deus [1:39] 14. Communion: Factus est repente [1:52] Propers for Corpus Christi 15. Magnificat: Antiphon O quam suavis est [3:47] 16. Benedictus: Antiphon Ego sum panis vivus [1:46] 17. Introit: Cibavit eos  [3:51] 18. Gradual & Alleluia: Oculi omnium [3.51] 19. Offertory: Sacerdotes Domini [1:13] 20. Communion: Quotiescunque manducabitis [2:26] 21. Magnificat Antiphon: O sacrum convivium [2:38] Devotions to the Blessed Sacrament 22. O salutaris hostia [2:18] 23. Ab ortu solis [4:18] 24. Alleluia: Cognoverunt discipuli [3:18] 25. Ave verum corpus [3:42] 26. Pange lingua gloriosi [7:01] The Cardinalls Musick/Andrew Carwood Recorded: 8^th -9^th September 2002 at the Fitzalan Chapel, Arundel Castle and 20^th February 2004 at St. Michaels Church, Highgate London. SANCTUARY CLASSICS – GAUDEAMUS GAU 332 [74:27][JF]

Another volume in a fine series exploring the works of one of Britain’s greatest composers. Superbly realised and beautifully sung ... 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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