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ALPHABETICAL LISTING

Juan García DE SALAZAR (1639 - 1710) Complete Vespers of Our Lady Capilla Peñaflorida, Ministriles de Marsias/Dir: Josep Cabré Recorded in December 2000 at Villabuena, Spain DDD NAXOS 8.555907 [69:16]
‘Officium et Missa pro Defunctis’
Capilla Peñaflorida/Dir: Josep Cabré Recorded in January 2004 at the Office of the Symphony Orchestra of Euskadi, Donostia (San Sebastian, Spain] K617 - K617162 [72:52] [JV]

Liturgical music by a forgotten composer of the 17th century - interesting from a historical point of view, but the music is of average quality and not ideally interpreted ... see Full Review

Giovanni Battista SAMMARTINI (1700/01-1775) Sacred Cantata: Il pianto degli Angeli della Pace J-C 119 (1751) [45:20] Symphony in E flat J-C 26 [8:49] Silvia Mapelli (soprano) Angel of the Testament Ainhoa Soraluze (mezzo-soprano) Angel of Alliance Giorgio Tiboni (tenor) Angel of Grace Filippo Ravizza (Harpsichord) Capriccio Italiano Ensemble/Daniele Ferrari Rec. Monza, Milan, March 2002. DDD NAXOS 8.557432 [54:09][PCW]

This music still has a lot to say. Presumably heard by relatively few people in recent times, it is ripe for rediscovery … see Full Review

Erik SATIE (1866 – 1925) The Complete Piano Music. Olof Höjer (piano); Max Lörstad (piano) in Music for Piano Duet Recorded in the Rosenberg Hall, Malmö College of Music 1990 – 1995. SWEDISH SOCIETY DISCOFIL SCD 1070–1075 [6 CDs: 60:32 + 75:48 + 67:21 + 57:29 + 61:11 + 67:03 available separately] [GF]

Höjer’s deep involvement in this project shows both in the music-making and in the generous programme notes ... see Full Review

Domenico SCARLATTI (1685–1757) Sonatas - Volume 6 Sonatas K230 to K269 Pieter-Jan Belder (harpsichord) rec. 26, 28 May 2003, Maria Minor, Utrecht; 6 October 2003, Doopsgezinde Gemeente, Deventer; 2 February 2004, Doopsgezinde Gemeente, Schoonhoven BRILLIANT 92455 [3 CDs: 62.34 + 59.40 + 57.18] [RH]

Belder plays with efficiency and authority but rather lacks the sense of fantasy necessary to bring the best out of the pieces. ... see Full Review

Arnold SCHOENBERG (1874 – 1951) Gurre-Lieder (1900-1911) Stephen O’Mara (Waldemar, tenor); Melanie Diener (Tove, soprano); Jennifer Lane (Wood Dove, mezzo-soprano); David Wilson-Johnson (Peasant, bass); Martyn Hill (Klaus-Narr, tenor); Ernst Haefliger (spreaker); Simon Joly Chorale; Philharmonia Orchestra; Robert Craft Recorded: The Colosseum, Watford, October 2001 NAXOS 8.557518/9 [66:48 + 51:00] [HC]

This performance is warmly recommended, especially at Naxos’ bargain price ... see Full Review

Franz SCHUBERT (1797-1828) Lieder nach Texten von Friedrich Schiller Der Pilgrim, D794 [5.47] Der Alpenjäger D 588 [6.50] Der Flüchtling D 402 [5.57] Ritter Toggenburg D397 [9.51] Die Bürgschaft D 246 [18.55] Die Erwartung D 159 [13.17] Dithyrambe D 801 [3.24] Die Götter Griechenlands D 677 [5.18] Hoffnung D 637 [4.49] Robert Holl, baritone, David Lutz, piano rec. Casino Baumgarten, Vienna, December 2001. ADD PREISER RECORDS 90528 [73.51] [EM]

I have always loved Schubert’s songs but were I (heaven forbid!) unfamiliar with them, this disc would definitely put me off. ... see Full Review

William SCHUMAN (1910-1992) Symphony No. 4 (1941) • [25:18] (I. [8:46]; II. [8:39]; III. [7:47]) Prayer in Time of War (1943) • [15:00] Judith (Choreographic Poem for Orchestra) (1949) [19:09] (I Adagio [4:40]; II. Moderato [3:26]; III. Tranquillo [2:04]; IV. Presto [5:54]; V. Andante - Coda [3:04]) Louisville Orchestra/Robert S. Whitney, Jorge Mester, Recorded: 1959, 1968, 1972, Louisville, Kentucky Executive producer: Matthew Walters Original supervising producer: Howard Scott Annotation: James M. Keller, Robert McMahan, William Schuman Partial funding by Aaron Copland Fund for Music and National Endowment for the Arts. FIRST EDITION FECD-0011 [59:27] [RB]

This CD offers vigorous and imaginatively vivid recordings of three representative and substantial scores by Schuman. Two of them are available only in this form. A very satisfying collection offering a classic Schuman anthology ... see Full Review

Joseph SCHWANTNER (b. 1943) Sparrows (1979)a [16:31] Soaring (1986)b [1:38] Distant Runes and Incantations (1984, arr. 1987)c [14:54] Two Poems of Aguedo Pizarro (1980)d [11:43] Music of Amber (1981)e [20:16] Britta Stallmeister (soprano)ad; Florian Hölscher (piano)c Holst-Sinfonietta/Klaus Simon (director and pianobd) Recorded: Theodor-Egel-Saal and Mozartsaal, Freiburg, May and July 2003 NAXOS 8.559206 [65:02][HC]

Much to enjoy in this highly commendable release. ... see Full Review

Dmitri SHOSTAKOVICH (1906-1975) Piano Quintet in G minor, Op. 57 (1940) Galina USTVOLSKAYA (b.1919) Octet (1950) Composition No. 3 (1975) Symphony No. 5 Amen (1990) Kathryn Stott (piano) Sergei Leiferkus (reciter) London Musici String Quartet London Musici/Mark Stephenson Recorded at St. George’s Church, Brandon Hill, Bristol, 3-4 December 1990 (Shostakovich) and All Saints’ Church, Petersham, Surrey, 29-31 October 1993 (rest) BMG-RCA CATALYST 8287665454 2 [67:17] [TH]

Demands your attention for Ustvolskaya ... music that is never comfortable listening but will linger in your memory long after the disc has stopped spinning. ... see Full Review

Cyril SCOTT (1879-1970) Complete Piano Music Volume 1: Suites and Miniatures CD1 Suite In Olden Style op. 71 No. 11 Deuxième Suite op. 75 Pastoral Suite Indian Suite Handelian Rhapsody op. 17 CD2 Valse Caprice; Requiescat; Soiree Japonaise; Vistas; Cherry Ripe; Autumn Idyll; Notturno; Three Old Country Dances; Two Alpine Sketches; Sphinx; Vesperale; Three Pastorals; Three Dances; Twilight Tide; A Pageant; Miniatures; Three Little Waltzes. Leslie De’Ath (piano) rec. January 2004, Wilfrid Laurier, University of Ontario. DDD Viva Voci VVC CD 101/2 [2 CDs: 136:54] [CSS]

This well-chosen selection is played beautifully and complemented by a personal memoir by the composer’s son Desmond Scott. I shall look forward to subsequent recordings ... see Full Review

Jean SIBELIUS (1865 - 1957) Violin Concerto in D minor, Op. 47 (1905) [31.47] Serenade in G minor, Op. 69b (1913) [7.30] Christian SINDING (1856 - 1941) Violin Concerto No. 1 in A, Op. 45 (1898) [21.29]Romance in D, Op. 100 (1910) [10.22] (First recording) Henning Kraggerud, violin Bournemouth Symphony Orchestra/Bjarte Engeset Recorded at Lighthouse, Centre for the Arts, Dorset, UK, 26 June 2003 5.0 surround DVD-Audio and dts sound, DVD-Audio 5.0 AC-3 surround. Notes in English and Deutsch. DVD-Audio also playable on DVD-Video Players. Not playable on CD players. Also available on Naxos CD 8.110056 and hybrid SACD 6.110056. NAXOS 5.110056 [71.08] [PSh]

Fine performances, great sound, a new work, and a familiar work reconceived. ... see Full Review

Emil SJÖGREN (1853-1918) The Complete Organ Works CD1 Fantasie op 15 (arr A.W. Gottschalg) [5'10] Preludium och Fuga g-moll op 4 [11'28] Kanon a-moll [2'12] Preludium D-dur [1'16] Fuga a-moll [6'35] Preludium C-dur [1'41] Preludium a-moll [2'40] Tva sma forspel till Andre Pirro: Svaga stammor g-moll [1'48], Starka stammor C-dur [1'24] Preludium och fuga a-moll op 49 [9'05] Johannes Elmblad in Memoriam [8'24] Preludium och fuga C-dur op posth (1) [8'08] Preludium och fuga C-dur op posth (2) [8'10] CD2 Legender op 46, hafte 1; Andante con devozione C-dur [2'14], Moderato con gravita a-moll [2'16], Andantino con anima G-dur [2'04], Andante con elevazione e-moll [2'52], Andante con delicatezza D-dur [1'38], Largo con dolcezza h-moll [1'52], Andante con sentimento A-dur [2'07], Lento con spirito fiss-moll [1'59], Moderato con elevazione E-dur [2'07], Andante con devozione ciss-moll [1'58], Andante misterioso H-dur [1'58], Andante con solennita giss-moll [2'57] Legender op 46, hafte 2; Moderato con spirito F-dur [1'39], Maestoso d-moll [2'03], Moderato amabile B-dur [1'46], Andante sostenuto e parlando g-moll [1'46], Larghetto ma non troppo Ess-dur [1'56], Moderato con gravita c-moll [2'02], Andante pastorale Ass-dur [2'16], Andante sostenuto con sordino f-moll [2'04], Andante spianato Dess-dur [2'34], Andante con gravita b-moll [2'12], Andante con semplicita Gess-dur [1'57], Lento espressivo, con sordino ess-moll [2'05] Ralph Gustafsson, organ Rec. St Maria Magdalena Church, Stockholm, September-October 1997. DDD SWEDISH SOCIETY DISCOFIL SCD 1083-84 [68'09 + 50'35][CB]

A well produced and interesting reference piece then, but in the main not great music. Preludium och Fuga in a minor is easily Sjögren’s his finest organ work. ... see Full Review

Louis SPOHR (1784-1859) Violin Concerto No. 8 in A minor, Op. 47 "In Form einer Gesangsszene" ("In the form of a vocal scene") (1816) [21.24] Concertone No. 1 in G major for Violin and Harp, WoO 13* (1806) [22.47] Sonata in G major for Cello and Harp, Op. 115 (1809) [24.06] Pierre Amoyal (violin) Marielle Nordmann (harp)* Lausanne Chamber Orchestra/Armin Jordan Klaus Storck (cello) Helga Storck (harp) rec. Grande Salle de Crissier, Switzerland, 13-14 Oct 1979 (Concerto, Concertante); Bennebroeck, The Netherlands, 4 Feb 1967 (Sonata) WARNER APEX 2564 60428 2 [68.19] [SV]

Music typical of its time in its harmonic idiom, melodic appeal and bold drama ... see Full Review

Charles Villiers STANFORD (1852–1924) String Quartet No. 1 in G major Op. 44 (1891) [29'01] (1 Allegro assai [8'49]; 2 Poco allegro e grazioso — Presto — Tempo I — Presto — Tempo I [4'34]; 3 Largo con molto espressione [10'06] 4 Allegro molto [5'24]) String Quartet No. 2 in A minor Op. 45 (1891) [27'03] (1 Molto moderato — Più moto — Tempo I — Più moto — Tempo I [9'36]; 2 Prestissimo [2'29] 3 Andante espressivo [7'28] 4 Allegro molto [7'19]) Fantasy for Horn Quintet in A minor (1922) (ed. Dibble) [11'47] Stephen Stirling French horn RTÉ Vanbrugh Quartet rec. Henry Wood Hall, London, 22-24 Sept 2003. DDD HYPERION CDA67434 [68'09] [RB]

Intensely lyrical and aureate amid the voices of Mendelssohn, Smetana and Dvořák. We must fervently hope that this is the first of a series ... see Full Review

Johann STRAUSS (1825-1899) A Tribute to Johann Strauss - Echoes from Vienna: Songs with orchestra and orchestral pieces Wiener blut, Wo die zitronen bluhn, Draussen Insievering, Die Fledermaus ouverture, Spiel 'Ich Die Unschuld, Vom Lande, Frutti Di Mare, Pesther Czardas, Fruhlingstimmen, Pizzicato Polka, Wienerwald Lerchen, Schwipslied, Imkrapfenwaldl, Einmal Nur Im Leben Sumi Jo (sop) Symphonieorchester der Wiener Volksoper/Rudolf Bibl Rec. Vienna, 1999. WARNER ERATO 3984-25500-2 [68.05] [RB]

This lovely sequence is neither echo nor shadow but a direct and authentic voice of the light Viennese tradition. Sumi Jo is ideal ... see Full Review

Richard STRAUSS (1864-1949) Music for Wind Instruments Vol. 2 Suite in B flat major op.4 [22:23] (1884?) Serenade in E flat major op.7 [8:06] (1884) Sonatina "From the Workshop of an Invalid" in F major [33:15] (1944) Ensemble Villa Musica rec. 11-12 Dec 2000 (Sonatina), 8-9 Apr 2002 (Suite and Serenade), Fürstliche Reitbahn Ban Arolsen. MDG GOLD MDG 304 1173-2 [64:09] [GPJ]

This is a superbly engineered recording, for wind instruments are amongst the hardest to record satisfactorily, and this CD is a distinguished addition to the Strauss discography. ... see Full Review


Igor STRAVINSKY (1882-1971) Petrushka [35:46] The Rite of Spring [31:16]. Boston Symphony Orchestra/Pierre Monteux rec. Symphony Hall, Boston, 28 Jan 1951 (Rite), 25, 26, 28 Jan 1959 (Petrushka) BMG RCA RED SEAL 82876 62314 2 [66:24] [CH]

Classic accounts from the conductor who gave the premières of both works, sounding remarkably well in these remasterings. ... see Full Review

George Philip TELEMANN (1681-1767) Perpetuum mobile - cantatas and chamber music Quartet in G minor TWV 43; Quartet in A minor TWV 43; Ouverture in D major TWV 55; Cantata - Hier ist mein Herz, geliebter Jesu (for Epiphany) TWV 1795; Weiche, Lust und Frohlichkeit (for Passiontide) TWV 1:1536; Ach, herr, strafe mich nicht in deinem Zom (Psalm 6) TWV 55:D12 Dorothee Mields, soprano, Benoit Haller, tenor Baltasar-Neumann-Ensemble/Hans Toll (recorder and director) rec. Villa Berg, SWR Stuttgart, March 2004. DDD CARUS 83.165 [73.38] [GH]

A very enjoyable if slightly esoteric disc of energising and fulfilling music ... performances match the composer’s inspiration and sometimes even exceed it. Recommended ... see Full Review

Serge Koussevitzky conducts Tchaikovsky Pyotr Ilyich TCHAIKOVSKY (1840-1893) Symphony No. 4 in F Minor, Op. 36 Recorded March 11, 1949, Symphony Hall, Boston Symphony No. 5 in E Minor, Op. 64 Recorded November 6, 1943, Symphony Hall, Boston Symphony No. 6 in B Minor, Op. 74 "Pathetique" Recorded February 9, 1946. Symphony Hall, Boston Boston Symphony Orchestra/Serge Koussevitzky Live performances MUSIC AND ARTS CD1138 [68:26 + 63:47][JW]

Sonic limitations but a powerful and distinctive adjunct to the commercial Koussevitzky discography. Compelling evidence of his electricity in live performance. ... see Full Review

Piotr Ilyich TCHAIKOVSKY (1840-1893) Piano Concerto No.1 in B flat minor Op.23 Concert Suite from The Nutcracker arranged Mikhail PLETNEV (b.1957) Rem Urasin (piano) Sydney Symphony Orchestra/János Fürst Recorded live at the Sydney Opera House in the Finals of the Sydney International Piano Competition of Australia, July 2004 (Concerto) and at York Theatre, July 2004 (Nutcracker) ABC CLASSICS 476 271-6 [51.16] [JW]

This is one clearly for Urasin’s admirers. One can see why his won the Mozart prize if his slow movement is any indication – lyrical and humorously done ... see Full Review

Joaquín TURINA (1882-1949) Danzas fantásticas Op.22 (1919) [15:30] Tres danzas andaluzas Op.8 (1912) [11:49] Danzas gitanas Op.55 (1932) [13:03] Danzas gitanas Op.84 (1934) [13:56] Dos danzas sobre temas populares españoles Op.41 (1926) [4:52] Bailete: Suite de danzas del siglo XIX Op. 79 (1933) [11:13] Jordi Masó (piano) Rec. Jafre, Spain, April 2003. DDD NAXOS 8.557150 [70:27][PCW]

Know and love the Iberia Suite and Goyescas, and hankering for more? This could be the answer …[PCW] see Full Review
Turina – perhaps a first rate tenth rate composer - which is still pretty good when you think of who would be below him! ...[SA] see Full Review

Ralph VAUGHAN WILLIAMS (1872-1958) Symphony No. 4 in F minor (1935) Norfolk Rhapsody No. 1 in E minor (1906) Flos Campi – Suite for viola, chorus and orchestra* (1925) Paul Silverthorne* (viola) Bournemouth Symphony Chorus* and Orchestra/Paul Daniel Rec. The Lighthouse, Poole, March 2003. DDD NAXOS 8.557276 [62:34] [CT]

A stunning new recording of Vaughan Williams’ towering wartime masterpiece. ... see Full Review

Ralph VAUGHAN WILLIAMS (1872-1958) Fantasia on a Theme by Thomas Tallis (1910 rev.1913, 1919) [15:13]; Norfolk Rhapsody no.1 (1906 rev.1914) [11:42]; In the Fen Country (1904 rev.1905, 1907, 1935) [15:35]; Fantasia on Greensleeves (arr. Ralph Greaves [1934] from the opera Sir John in Love [1928]) [04:36]; Concerto Grosso (1950) [13:41] New Zealand Symphony Orchestra/James Judd Recorded at the Michael Fowler Centre, Wellington, New Zealand, 28-30 June 2001 SACD, heard on CD equipment. NAXOS 6.110053 [60:48] [CH]

Very good performances which have to take second place before the great ones directed by such as Boult. ... see Full Review

Ralph VAUGHAN WILLIAMS (1872-1958) Fantasia on a Theme of Thomas Tallis [15.13] Norfolk Rhapsody No. 1 [11.42] In the Fen country [15.35] Fantasia on Greensleeves [4.36] Concerto Grosso: Intrada [1.57], Burlesca Ostinata [2.36], Sarabande [3.34], Scherzo [1.51], March and Reprise [3.42] New Zealand Symphony Orchestra/James Judd rec Michael Fowler Centre, Wellington, New Zealand, 28-30 June 2001. DSD SACD NAXOS 6.110053 [60.48][EM]

No perspicacious insights but this disc is a safe choice and delivers sound versions of these classic works. ... see Full Review

Ralph VAUGHAN WILLIAMS (1872-1958) A Shropshire Lad - three cycles to poems by A. E. Housman On Wenlock Edge (1): On Wenlock Edge; From far, from eve and morning; Is my team ploughing?; Oh when I was in love with you; Bredon Hill; Clun. Ivor GURNEY (1890-1936)The Western Playland (2): Reveille; Loveliest of Trees; Golden Friends; Twice a week; The aspens; Is my team ploughing?; The far country; March. Ludlow and Teme (1): When smoke stood up from Ludlow; Far in a western playland; ’Tis time I think, by Wenlock Town; Ludlow Fair; On the idle hill of summer; When I was one and twenty; The Lent Lily. Adrian Thompson (tenor), (1); Stephen Varcoe (baritone) (2); The Delmé Quartet (1)and (2); Iain Burnside (piano) (1) and (2) rec. 23-24, 26 October 1989, London. DDD HYPERION HELIOS H55187 [69'08"] [AO]

Gurney is a distinctive composer whose work is under-represented on recording. This is one of the few available with his great song cycles The Western Playland and Ludlow and Teme. ... see Full Review

Pēteris VASKS (b. 1946) Cantabile for String Orchestra (1979) [8:19] Cor Anglais Concerto (1989) [20:01] ((i) Elegy I [5:47]; (ii) Folk Music [6:40]; (iii) Elegy II [4:28]; (iv) Postlude [3:06]) Message (1982) [14:57] Musica dolorosa (1983) [12:38]
Lauda (1986) [20:27] Normunds Schnee (cor anglais) Nora Novik and Raffi Kahrajanyan, pianos (Message) Ligita Zemberga, cello (Musica) Riga Philharmonic Orchestra/Krišs Rusmanis Rec. Riga, Latvia in May 1994 BMG-RCA RED SEAL CATALYST 82876 64286-2 [76:43] [PCW]

An excellent introduction to an important contemporary composer ... see Full Review

Giuseppe VERDI (1813-1901). Les Vêpres Siciliennes. Grand opera in five acts. Libretto by Scribe and Duveyrier The original version of the opera as performed at the Académie Impériale de Musique, Paris, (The Opera) on 13 June 1855 Guy de Montfort, Governor of Sicily, Neilson Taylor (bar); Duchesse Hélène, sister of Duke Frederic, Jaqueline Brumaire (sop); Henri, a young Sicilian, Jean Bonhomme (ten); Jean Procida, a Sicilian doctor, Ayhan Baran (bass); Béthune, a French officer, Stafford Dean (bass); Vaudemont, A French officer, Neil Howlett (bass-bar); Ninetta, Hélène’s maid, Pamela Bowden (mezzo) BBC Chorus BBC Concert Orchestra/Mario Rossi Ballet music conducted by Ashley Lawrence Recorded on 10 May 1969 at the Camden Theatre London before a specially invited audience for the BBC. First broadcast on 15 February 1970 OPERA RARA ORCV 303 [3 CDs: 67.37 + 61.31 + 67.04] [RJF]

Opera Rara present the world premiere recording of the Paris version of Les Vêpres. Many positive attributes ... elegantly presented ... see Full Review

Giuseppe VERDI (1813–1901): La traviata (highlights) Preludio; Act I: Libiamo, libiamo ne’ lieti calici (Brindisi); È strano! È strano! ... Ah fors’ è lui ... Follie! ... Sempre libera; Act II: Lunge da lei ... De’ miei bollenti spiriti; Oh mio rimorso!; Pura siccome un angelo … Dite alla giovine; Di Provenza il mar … Noi siamo zingarelle; Preludio; Act III: Teneste la promessa ... Addio, del passato bei sogni; Parigi, o cara, noi lascermo; Se una pudica vergine Edita Gruberova, sop (Violetta Valery), Neil Shicoff, ten (Alfredo Germont); Giorgio Zancanaro, bar (Giorgio Germont), Alastair Miles, bass (Dottore Grenvil) et al; The Ambrosian Singers London Symphony Orchestra/Carlo Rizzi rec. Abbey Road Studios, London, February 1992. DDD WARNER APEX 2564 61511-2 [71:51][GF]

If you need a highlights disc from La traviata you can’t do much better than this, especially at the price. Warmly recommended! ... see Full Review

Giuseppe VERDI (1813-1901) Aida (1871). Daniela Dessì (soprano) Aida; Fabio Armiliato (tenor) Radamès; Stefano Palatchi (bass) Il Re; Elisabetta Fiorillo (mezzo) Amneris; Roberto Scandiuzzi (bass) Ramfis; Juan Pons (baritone) Amonasro; Josep Fadó (tenor) Messenger; Ana Nebot (soprano) Priestess; Chorus and Symphony Orchestra of the Gran Teatre del Liceu/Miguel Ángel Gómez Martinez Rec. live at the Gran Teatre del Liceu, Barcelona, on July 21st and 24th, 2003. LPCM Stereo. DTS Surround. 16:9. Subtitles in English, French, German and Spanish. OPUS ARTE OA0894D [2 DVDs: 186’00][CC]

There is much to enjoy here as well as much to stimulate. ... see Full Review

Giuseppe VERDI (1813-1901) Requiem (1874) Leontyne Price (soprano), Janet Baker (mezzo), Veriano Luchetti (tenor), José van Dam (bass) Chicago Symphony Orchestra and Chorus/Sir Georg Solti Recorded June 1 – 2, 1977, Medinah Temple, Chicago RCA CLASSIC LIBRARY 82876 62318 2 [45:04 + 36:40] [GPJ]

Doesn’t displace the best but splendid nonetheless and good to welcome it back into the catalogue. ... see Full Review

Heitor VILLA-LOBOS (1887-1959) Wind Music Chôro No.2 for flute and clarinet, Duo for oboe and bassoon, Bachiana Brasileiras No.6 for flute and bassoon, Trio for oboe, clarinet and bassoon, Quartet for grande flute, oboe, clarinet and bassoon, Quintet (en forme de Chôro) for flute, oboe, clarinet. Cor anglais and bassoon Andrea Griminelli (flute) Pietro Borgonovo (oboe) Michele Carulli (clarinet) Rino Vernizzi (bassoon) Francesco Pomarico (cor anglais) Recorded Chiesa della Misericordia, Turin, February 1987 ARTS 47200-2 [69.16] [JW]

I won’t single out any of the players because they’re all excellent and they do real justice to Villa-Lobos. A fine disc. ... see Full Review

Antonio VIVALDI (1678 - 1741) Violin Concerti, Op 8, Nos. 1-4, (RV.269, 293, 297, 315) "Le Quattro Stagione" (1725) [46.00 including credits] Lucio Degani (Spring, Winter), Chiarra Parrini (Summer, Autumn), solo violins. I Solisti Veneti/Claudio Scimone Recorded in and around Italian Villas near Venice, 2003. Notes in English, Italiano, Français, Deutsch. Subtitles in English, Deutsch, Français, Castellano. Extras: Claudio Scimone describes the music, in Italian with subtitles [31.00], and I Tempii del sol e delle luna [32.00] Previews of other opera DVD releases on TDK. 16:9 anamorphic PAL. DVD-9 format. region 0 "All regions" Dolby Digital 5.0, dts 5.0, LPCM 2.0 stereo. TDK DV-COFS [112.00] [PSh]

With its interesting extras, this Four Seasons is splendidly produced in some ways, but definitely not for everybody. ... see Full Review

Antonio VIVALDI (1678-1741) Serenata Veneziana - Andromeda Liberata Simone Kermes, as Andromeda (soprano) Katerina Beranova, as Cassiope (soprano) Anna Bonitatibus, as Meliso (mezzo) Mark Tucker, as Daliso (tenor) Max Emanuel Cencic, as Perseo (counter-tenor) La Stagione Armonica/Sergio Balestracci Venice Baroque Orchestra /Andrea Marcon (direction and harpsichord) Recording: Toblach / Dobbiaco, Kulturzentrum Grand Hotel, Gustav-Mahler-Saal, Lienz, Austria. Jan 2004. DDD world premiere recording DG ARCHIV PRODUKTION 00289 477 0982 [51:28 + 46:37] [MC]

The enigma of authorship remains but certainly a fascinating, well performed and recorded release that will appeal to those interested in the Italian late-baroque. ... see Full Review

Antonio VIVALDI (1678-1741) Sacred Choral Music - Volume One Dixit Dominus RV 595 [22:08] Nulla in mundo pax sincera RV 630 [14:00] Jubilate, o amoeni chori RV 639-Gloria RV 588 [32:09] Jane Archibald, soprano Michele de Boer, soprano Anita Kraus, mezzo Nils Brown, tenor Peter Mahon, counter-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] [KS]

Jump on this one. A winner on all fronts. ... see Full Review

Antonio VIVALDI (1678-1741) Dixit Dominus, RV 595 [22.08] Nulla in mundo pax sincera, RV 630 [14.00] Jubilate, o amoeni chori RV 639 [6.02] Gloria, RV 588 [26.07] Jane Archibald, Michele de Boer, soprano; Anita Krause, mezzo; Nils Brown, tenor;Peter Mahon, countertenor; Giles Tomkins, bass Aradia Ensemble and Chorus/Kevin Mallon Recorded Grace Church, Toronto, Ontario, Canada, 20 September 2003 Notes in English. Recorded in 44/24 5.1 channel sound, also in AC-3 and dts. DVD-Audio also playable on DVD-Video Players. Not playable on CD players. NAXOS 5.110064 [68.18][PSh]

Unusual, very good Vivaldi performed and recorded beautifully, not always with perfect authenticity, but unlikely to duplicate other items you may already have. ... see Full Review

Alexander von ZEMLINSKY (1872-1942) Lieder: Steven Kimbrough (baritone) Cord Garben (piano) Recorded in Hamburg, August 1982 ARTS 47613-2 [47.30] [JW]

A real sense of drama and sweep and quasi-operatic power. A fine and accomplished disc. A satisfying programme in its own right. ... 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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