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PART 6
Misc. A-L

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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ALPHABETICAL LISTING


Abide With Me and other favourite hymns. All people that on earth do dwell*; Dear Lord and Father of Mankind; King of glory, King of peace; Ye watchers and ye holy ones*; Let all mortal flesh keep silent; Immortal, invisible, God only wise; All my hope on God is founded; The Lord’s my shepherd; Tell out, my soul*; Christ is made the sure foundation; Come down, O Love divine; Praise to the Lord, the Almighty, the King of creation; And did those feet in ancient time (Jerusalem)*; Abide with me; Alleluya, sing to Jesus!; Ye holy angels bright*; My song is love unknown; Holy, holy, holy!; Glorious things of thee are spoken; O for a thousand tongues to sing; Praise, my soul, the King of Heaven*; O praise ye the Lord* Marlowe Brass Ensemble*, Roger Judd (assistant organist), The Choir of St George’s Chapel, Windsor Castle/Tim Byram-Wigfield Recorded in the Church of the Sacred Heart, Wimbledon, UK, from 27th to 29th April, 2004 NAXOS 8.557578 [69:06] [GF]

If one can accept some livelier speeds than usual, this disc is a safe recommendation. ... see Full Review

Roberto Alagna sings Luis Mariano: C’est magnifique! Cole PORTER (1891-1964) C’est magnifique!; Francis LOPEZ (1916-1995) Mexico; La Belle de Cadix; Zambra Gitana; L’Amour est un bouquet de violettes; Cole PORTER I love Paris (duet with Jean Reno); Noël ROUX – Armand CONFORS Salade de fruits; Francis LOPEZ Rossignol de mes amours; Colette MANSARD Aïe, pourquoi on s’aime? (duet with Arielle Dombasle); Francis LOPEZ Maria Luisa; Inez JAMES, Larry RUSSEL, Buddy PEPPER adapt. Henri CONTET Vaya con Dios; Francis LOPEZ Quand on est deux amis (duet with Elie Semoun) Roberto Alagna (tenor), Paris Symphonic Orchestra and Musicians/Yvan Cassar Recorded at the Studio Davout, Paris, 20–23 December 2004, 16–18 March 2005, 6-7 April 2005 and 9-10, 22-23 July 2005, except for “I Love Paris” recorded at the Studio du Palais, 22-23 March 2005 and “Aïe, pourquoi on s’aime?” recorded at the Studio Acousti on 17 June 2005. DEUTSCHE GRAMMOPHON 00289 477 5569 [39:46][GF]

All in all a high quality product that can be recommended with the strongest possible enthusiasm – provided you are hooked on Mariano. I liked it enormously! ... see Full Review

RECORDING OF THE MONTH All is Bright Jan Pieterszoon SWEELINCK (1562-1621) Hodie Christus natus est [2:24] Anon c. 1420 There is no rose [3:35] Dietrich BUXTEHUDE (c. 1637-1707) In dulci Jubilo [5:20] 14th Century German harm. Michael PRAETORIUS (1571-1621) Lo, how a Rose e:er blooming [2:20] Peter CORNELIUS (1824-1874) The Three Kings [2:51] William WALTON (1902-1983) What cheer? [1:12]; King Herod and the cock [2:10]; Make we joy now in this fest [4:21] Herbert HOWELLS (1892-1983) A Spotless Rose [3:21] Eric WHITACRE (b. 1970) Lux Aurumque [3:54] William MATHIAS (1934-1992) A babe is born, Op. 55 [3:12]; Sir Christèmas [1:22] Franz GRÜBER (1787-1863) Stille Nacht [3:14] Jennifer HIGDON (b. 1962) O magnum mysterium [7:38] Charles IVES (1874-1954) A Christmas Carol [1:55] Daniel PINKHAM (b. 1923) Sweet Music [4:36] Ned ROREM (b. 1923) While all things were in quiet silence [2:32] Anon. English, arr. Steven Pilkington The Coventry Carol [4:07] Virgil THOMSON (1896-1989) O My Deir Hert [2:27] Welsh trad. Deck The Hall [1:14] Tom VIGNIERI (b. 1961) Hodie Christus natus est [4:32] Christòpheren Nomura (baritone); John Finney (organ) Trinity Handbell Ensemble Handel and Haydn Society Chorus Handel and Haydn Society Orchestra/Grant Llewellyn Recorded 11-13 April 2005 at Methuen Memorial Hall, Methuen, Mass., USA. DDD AVIE AV 2078 [72:07] [JQ]

A seasonal gift for a musical friend. The perfect solution. You may be tempted to keep it instead as a treat for yourself. This excellent CD will be in my player this Christmas Eve! ... see Full Review

American Music from Saint Thomas Dan LOCKLAIR (b.1949) Brief Mass (1994) [16:51] Pater Noster (2000) [4:14] Walter PISTON (1894-1976) Prelude and Allegro for organ and strings (1943) [10:28] Randall THOMPSON (1899-1984) The Place of the Blest cantata for treble voices and chamber orchestra (1959) [20:58] Saint Thomas Choir of Men and Boys Orchestra of Saint Luke's/Gerre Hancock Judith Hancock (organ) rec. May 2002, Saint Thomas Church, New York. DDD KOCH CLASSICS KIC-CD-7567 [42:31] [RB]

Grave and gracious beauty - modern classics - seasonal fare for any season ... see Full Review


BARGAIN OF THE MONTH Dame Janet Baker (contralto) Robert SCHUMANN (1810-1856)
Frauenliebe und Leben op.42 [21:39] Franz SCHUBERT (1797-1828) Heimliches Lieben D.922 [04:33], Minnelied D.429 [02:07], Die Abgeblühte Linde [03:55], Der Musensohn D.764 [01:59] Johannes BRAHMS (1833-1897) Die Mainacht op.43/2 [03:46], Das Mädchen spricht op. 107/3 [01:14], Nachtigall op.97/1 [02:30], Von ewiger Liebe op.43/1 [04:41] Dame Janet Baker (contralto), Martin Isepp (piano) Recorded in 1965 for Saga REGIS RRC 1225 [47:16] [CH]

Glorious lieder singing … snap it up. ... see Full Review

RECORDING OF THE MONTH Cecilia Bartoli (mezzo-soprano): Opera Proibita Alessandro SCARLATTI (1660-1725) Cantata per la Notte del Santissimo Natale: All’arme sì accesi guerrieri - Aria della Pace [02:38], Il Giardino di Rose (Oratorio La Santissima Vergine del Rosario): Mentre io godo in dolce oblio – Aria della Speranza [04:48] George Frideric HANDEL (1685-1759) Il Trionfo del Tempo e del Disinganno: Un pensiero nemico di pace – Aria della Bellezza [03:55] Antonio CALDARA (c.1670-1736) Il Trionfo dell’Innocenza: Vanne pentita e piangere – Aria di Santa Eugenia [08:46], La Casitità al Cimento (Il Trionfo della Castità): Sparga il senso lascivo veleno – Aria di Flavia [02:58] A. SCARLATTI Sedicia, Re di Gerusalemme: Caldo sangue – Aria di Ismaele [05:26] HANDEL Il Trionfo del Tempo e del Disinganno: Come nembo che fugge col vento – Aria del Piacere [05:10] A. SCARLATTI Il Giardino di Rose (Oratorio La Santissima Vergine del Rosario): Ecco negl’orti tuoi … che dolce simpatia – Recitativo ed aria della Carità [02:14], San Filippo Neri: Qui resta … L’alta Roma - Recitativo ed aria della Carità [04:12] HANDEL Il Trionfo del Tempo e del Disinganno: Lascia la spina, cogli la rosa – Aria del Piacere [05:53] A. SCARLATTI Sedicia, Re di Gerusalemme: Ahi! Qual cordoglio … Doppio affetto – Recitativo ed aria di Ismaele [02:31] CALDARA Oratorio per Santa Francesca Romana – Si piangete pupille dolente – Aria di Santa Francesca [07:35], Il Martirio di Santa Caterina: Ahi quanto cieca … come foco alla sua sfera – Recitativo ed aria dell’Imperatrice Faustina [03:04] HANDEL Oratorio per la Resurrezione di Nostro Signor Gesù Cristo: Disserratevi, o porte d’Averno – Aria dell’Angelo [04:41], Notte funesta … Ferma l’ali – Recitativo ed aria di Santa Maria Maddalena [07:30]
Cecilia Bartoli (mezzo-soprano) Les Musiciens du Louvre – Grenoble/Mark Minkowski
rec. 27-29 Aug 2004, 11, 16-22 Feb 2005, Salle Wagram and Eglise du Liban, Paris DECCA 475 6924 [72:05] [CH]

Bartoli has done it again. In an age well-endowed with mezzo-sopranos she still stands out as a phenomenon. ... see Full Review

Michael Bonaventure Contemporary Organ Works Avril ANDERSON (b. 1953) Repetitive Strain [7'28] Peter NELSON (b. 1951) On the Beach [12'04] Judith WEIR (b. 1954) Ettrick Banks [4'53] Wild Mossy Mountains [5'16] Ian McQUEEN (b. 1954) 2000 Nails [19'57] Eddie McGUIRE (b. 1948) Prelude IV [5'17] Michael BONAVENTURE (b. 1962) Animus VI [11'00] Lyell CRESSWELL (b. 1944) The Urim and the Thummin [13'02] Michael Bonaventure, organ Rec: McEwan Hall, Edinburgh University, 9-10 September 2003. DDD DELPHIAN DCD 34013 [79'02][CB]

Congratulations to Delphian on an innovative, daring and challenging release. ... see Full Review

Joseph Calleja: The Golden Voice Giuseppe VERDI (1813 – 1901) I Lombardi: La mia letizia infondere vorrei; Gaetano DONIZETTI (1797 – 1848) La favorita: Favorita del re! … Spirto gentil; L’elisir d’amore: Una furtiva lagrima; Vincenzo BELLINI (1801 – 1835) La sonnambula: Elvino! E me tu lasci ... Son geloso del zefiro errante; Charles GOUNOD (1818 – 1893) Roméo et Juliette: L’amour, l’amour ... Ah! Lève-toi, soleil!; Jules MASSENET (1842 – 1912) Manon: Instant charmant ... en fermant les yeux; Jacques OFFENBACH (1819 – 1880) La Belle Hélène: Au mont Ida (Le Jugement de Pâris); Jules MASSENET Werther: Pourquoi me réveiller; Georges BIZET (1838 – 1875) Les Pêcheurs de perles: Je crois entendre encore; Adolphe ADAM (1803 – 1856) Si j’étais roi: Elle est princesse!; Gaetano DONIZETTI Il Duca d’Alba: Inosservato penetrava in questo sacro recesso ... Angelo casto e bel; Don Sebastiano: Deserto in terra; Vincenzo BELLINI I puritani: Son già lontani; Giuseppe PIETRI (1886 – 1946) Maristella: Io conosco un giardino Joseph Calleja (tenor) Anna Netrebko (soprano) (La sonnambula), Tatiana Lisnic (soprano) (Manon) Academy of St Martin in the Fields/Carlo Rizzi rec. All Hallows’ Church, Gospel Oak, London, 16–21 May 2005 DECCA 475 6931 [59:23] [GF]

So much beautiful singing, careful phrasing, musicality to set beside a certain blandness of characterisation. So much to admire. Decca have come up with another Golden Egg! ... see Full Review

Pablo Casals Antonín DVOŘÁK (1841-1904) Cello Concerto in B minor, op. 104 (1894/5) [34:21] (1) Max BRUCH (1838-1920) Kol Nidrei, op. 47 (1881) [11:36] (2) Sir Edward ELGAR (1857-1934) Cello Concerto in E minor, op. 85 (1919) [27:05] (3) Pablo Casals (cello), Czech Philharmonic Orchestra/George Szell (1), London Symphony Orchestra/Sir Landon Ronald (2), BBC Symphony Orchestra/Sir Adrian Boult (3) rec. Prague, 28th April 1937 (1), London, 27th November 1936 (2), London, 14th October 1945 (3) LIVING ERA CLASSICS AJC 8557 [74:26][CH]

Historically-minded listeners will certainly want to hear the legendary cellist playing two of the greatest concertos for the instrument. ... see Full Review

Chanticleer: Sound in Spirit Jan GILBERT (b. 1946) Incantation from NightChants [5’35”]Nectarie VLAHUL (1804-1899) Axion Estin [5’45”] Joseph JENNINGS (b. 1954) Sound in Spirit [1’03”] Carlos Rafael RIVERA (b. 1970) Motet for 12 Singers [5’44”] Plainsong, arr. Jennings Beata [8’28”] Tomás Luis de VICTORIA (1548-1611) O Sacrum Convivium [4’31”] Alfonso X de Castille (1221-1284) arr. Jennings Como Pod’ A Groriosa (Cantiga 391) [9’17”] Joseph JENNINGS Night Spirit Song [2’41”] Jan GILBERT NightChant from NightChants [4’13”] Jackson HILL (b. 1941) In Winter’s Keeping [8’45”] Giacinto SCELSI (1905-1988) Gloria in Excelsis Deo from Tre canti sacri for eight mixed voices  [4’42”] Sarah HOPKINS (b. 1958) Past Life Melodies [9’33”] Patricia Van NESS (b. 1951) Cor Meum Est Templum Sacrum [3’59”] Jan GILBERT Grace to You from NightChants [5’43”] Chanticleer/Joseph Jennings rec. 29 March – 2 April 2005, Skywalker Sound, Nicasio, California. DDD WARNER CLASSICS 2564 61941-2 [79’58”][JQ]

Chanticleer’s many admirers need not hesitate. Other collectors may wish to sample the musical contents of this high-quality production before investing. ... see Full Review

Christmas Organ Music Alexandre GUILMANT (1837-1911) Paraphrase Sur un Choeur de Judas Macchabée de Handel op 90 [4'36] Offertoire sur des Noels op 39, 6 [7'28] Offertoire sur deux Noels op 19 [8'48] Pierbattista Farinelli da FALCONARA (1844-1915) Pastorale [3'57] Armando PIERUCCI (b 1935) Variations on 'Puer natus est' [8'41] Marco Enrico BOSSI (1861-1925) Pastorale op 118, 3 [4'57] Johannes BRAHMS (1833-1897) Es ist ein Ros' entsprungen op 122, 8 [4'07] Max REGER (1873-1916) Weinachten op 145,3 [10'07] Léon BOËLLMANN (1862-1897) Offertoire sur des Noels [6'41] André FLEURY (1903-1995) Variations sur un Noel bouguignon [9'12] Henri MULET (1878-1967) Carillon-Sortie [6'49] Elisabeth Roloff, organ rec. October 30th, 31st, 2004, St Catherina, (Church of the Nativity), Bethlehem. DDD DABRINGHAUS UND GRIMM MDG 320 1345-2 [76'06] [CB]

Interesting for the novelty value then, but don't expect it to liven up your Christmas. ... see Full Review

Duo Erato - Musings Pierre PETIT (1922-2000) 1. Toccata pour Deux Guitares [6:13] César FRANCK (1822-1890) Prelude, Fugue and Variations Op.18; 2. Prelude (Andantino) [3:42]; 3. Lento [0:47]; Fugue (Allegretto ma non troppo) [2:10]; Variation (Andantino) [4:14] Johann PADOWETZ (1800-1873) 6. Concert variations on The Carnival of Venice Op. 62 [6:25] Isaac ALBÉNIZ (1860-1909) 7. Evocation from Iberia [5:50]; 8. El Puerto from Iberia [4:23] Fernando SOR (1776-1839) L’Encouragement Op.34; 9.Cantabile [4:08]; 10.Theme [0:52]; 11.Variation I [0:42]; 12 Variation II [1:57]; 13 Variation III [1:28]; 14 Valse [3:18] Ernesto CORDERO (b.1946) Sonatina Tropical; 15.Mi Guajirita [2:22]; 16.Cancion Azul [2:25]; 17 Salsa en Pinoñes [7:08]. Bernardo PASQUINI (1637-1710) Sonata in d minor; 18. Allegro [1:20]; 19Adagio [3:06]; 20. Vivace [1:08] Martha Masters and Risa Carlson, guitars rec. at Loyola Marymount University. GSP RECORDINGS GSP 1029 CD [64:39] [ZT]

Programme-wise this is an enjoyable recording but the duo guitar playing does not compare with the best available. ... see Full Review

The Elegant Viola Ralph VAUGHAN WILLIAMS (1872-1958) Suite for viola and orchestra [26:11] Johann Sebastian BACH (transc. Kodály) Fantasia Cromatica for unaccompanied viola [7:44] Wilhelm Friedeman BACH Sonata in C minor for viola and harpsichord [14:21] Michael COLGRASS Variations for four drums and viola [18:08] Yizhak Schotten (viola) Slovak Radio Orchestra/Kirk Trevor Carole Terry (harpsichord) Frank Epstein (percussion) rec. no details given CRYSTAL RECORDS CD837 [66:42] [RB]

This is a varied viola anthology that works extremely well. ... see Full Review

Elfenreigen Robert Nicolas Charles BOCHSA (1789-1856) Nocturne Concertant in G minor op.71/3 [10:26] Marcel TOURNIER (1879-1951) Deux Préludes Romantiques op.17 [03:37] Willy HESS (1906-1997) Elfenreigen op.79 [04:14] Johann Baptist KRUMPHOLTZ (1747-1790) Sonata in F op.8/5 [13:35] Gabriel PIERNÉ (1863-1937) Impromptu-Caprice in A flat op.9 for solo harp [05:25] Louis SPOHR (1784-1859) Sonata in C minor WoO 23 [16:03] Carl Philipp Emanuel BACH (1714-1788) Hamburg Sonata in G Wq.133 [09:47] Bruno HILSE (19th/20th century) Suite op.6 [15:11] Henner Eppel (flute), Christian Topp (harp) Recorded at the House of Audio Studios, D-76689 Karlsdorf, Germany, October 2003 GUILD GMCD 7294 [79:23][CH]

This looked like being a specialist disc, but Hilse, Pierné and perhaps Hess, Tournier and Spohr (in that order) should make it worthwhile to a wider public. ... see Full Review

Music for Organ: Volume 5 - Ronald Frost at St. Ann's Church, Manchester John E. Ellis (b. 1943) Variations on 'Veni Emanuel' (2002) [11:13] Norman Cocker (1889-1953) Interlude (1922) [2:13] Paean (1922) [2:24] Ronald Frost (b. 1933) Passacaglia for the birthday of St Ann's (1979) [7:04] Ernest Tomlinson (b. 1924) Three Lyrical Pieces (1958) [15:08] Douglas Steele (1910-1999) On Gibbon's 'Angel's Song' - Chorale Prelude (1947) [3:50] Norman Cocker (1889-1953) Angelus (1922) [1:45] Trio (1922) [2:30] Cradle Song (1927) [7:45] David Ellis (b. 1933) Vetrate di Ricercata (2002) [14:47] Ronald Frost on the Organ of St Ann's Church, Manchester Recorded November 2002 and January, February, July 2003 DUNELM RECORDS DRD0244 [67:39] [JF]

This is an excellent CD by an extremely talented and competent organist on a fine instrument. The Cradle Song by Norman Cocker is a real find! ... see Full Review

Beniamino Gigli - The Gigli Edition: Volume 11 Milan, Berlin and Rome recordings 1941-43 - see review for details - NAXOS 8.110272 [76:51] [GF]

To Gigli admirers this is a self-recommending issue ... see Full Review

The Golden Age of Light Music - Highdays and Holidays Peter YORKE (1902-1966) The Playful Pelican Peter Yorke or Louis Voss and his orchestra [2:51] Highdays and Holidays Louis Voss and his Orchestra [2:54] Heini KRONBERGER and Mary MARRIOTT Buddha’s Festival of Love The West End Celebrity Orchestra [3:08] Albert KETÈLBEY (1875-1959) Wedgwood Blue Louis Voss Grand Orchestra [2:59] In a Chinese Temple Garden Louis Voss Grand Orchestra [3:07] Gerhard WINKLER (1906-1977) Neapolitan Serenade Regent Classic Orchestra [2:40] Siegfried TRANSLAUTEUR
Wedding March in Midget Land
London Concert Orchestra [2:58] Erich BÖRSCHEL (1907-1988) Sparrows’ Concert – Intermezzo Louis Voss Grand Orchestra [3:18] Barry TATTENHALL April Day London Concert Orchestra [2:44] Frederick George CHAROSSIN (d.1976) Busy Business International Radio Orchestra [2:48] Wilfred BURNS
The Ballet Dancer
Bosworth’s String Orchestra [3:12] Philip GREEN (1910-1982) Tequila – Paso Doble Louis Voss Grand Orchestra [1.29] George CROW Wild Goose Chase Louis Voss Grand Orchestra [3:11] Charles WILLIAMS (1893-1978) Cutty Sark National Light Orchestra [3:00] Serenade to a Mannequin Bosworth’s String Orchestra [2:18] Salute to Speedway West End Celebrity Orchestra [3:00] Henry CROUDSON (1898-1971) Jack and Jill – miniature overture Louis Voss and his Orchestra [2:59] Claud VANE Palace of Variety
National Light Orchestra [2:38] Big Dipper Louis Voss and his Orchestra [2:34] John BATH
Sportsman’s Luck
West End Celebrity Orchestra [2:52] David HART Sabre Jet West End Celebrity Orchestra [2:51] Haydn WOOD (1882-1959) Sketch of a Dandy Louis Voss and his Orchestra [2:57] Art STRAUSS and Robert DALE Flight of the Toy Balloon National Light Orchestra [2:52] Kenneth ESSEX Travel Centre West End Celebrity Orchestra [2:44] Roy HARTLEY Sleepy Grasshopper Regent Classic Orchestra [2:53] Gerald CROSSMAN (b.1920) Typical Teenager Louis Voss and his Orchestra [2:46] Louis MORDISH (1908-1996) Harlequin’s Flirtation London Bijou Players [2:56] Recorded between 1937 & 1953 GUILD GLCD 5115 [76.40] [JF]

I wholeheartedly recommend this packed CD ... captures something of that lost age of innocence which probably never really existed except in our dreams. One of the very best in its field. ... see Full Review

Guildhall Horn Soloists Richard BISSILL (b.1960) Corpendium 1 for 6 horns (2004-05?) [3.16] Timothy Thorpe principal; Ensemble directed by Hugh Seenan Lone Horn Call and Charge (1994)  [3.21] Richard Bissell (horn) Time and Space for 2 horns and piano (2001) [8.42] David Pyatt and Hugh Seenan (horns) Richard Bissell (piano) Three Portraits for 8 horns (1990) [13.23] Guildhall School Horn Ensemble directed by Richard Bissell Robert SCHUMANN (1810-1856) Adagio and Allegro for horn and piano (1849) [8.33] Jeffrey Bryant (horn) Robin Bowman (piano) Camille SAINT-SAËNS (1835-1921) Romance in E for horn and piano – from Cello Suite Op.16, movement IV [6.42] Jeffrey Bryant (horn) Caroline Palmer (piano) Gioacchino ROSSINI (1792-1868) Le Rendezvous de Chasse 91828) [4.51] Ursula Monberg (solo natural horn) Guildhall School Horn Ensemble directed by Andrew Clark Luigi CHERUBINI (1760-1842) Sonata No.2 for horn and piano (1804) [6.55] Andrew Clark (natural horn) Caroline Palmer (piano) Johann Sebastian BACH (1685-1750) Bourée 1 & 2 from Cello Suite No.3 [3.11] Jonathan Lipton (horn) Paul DUKAS (1865-1935) Villanelle for horn and piano (1906) [6.06] Hugh Seenan (horn) Robin Bowman (piano) Eugene BOZZA (1905-1991) En Forêt for horn and piano (1941) [6.32] Richard Bissell (horn) Caroline Palmer (piano) The Guildhall Horn Soloists and accompaniments, as noted above Recorded at the Guildhall School of Music and Drama Hall, 2004-05 CALA CACD1036 [71.28][JW]

The Guildhall’s Horn school is clearly in rude health and this soloist and ensemble disc serves renewed notice of its standing. ... see Full Review

Hail Mary John TAVENER (b. 1944) Hymn to the Mother of God (1985) [2'31]. Magnificat (1986) – Collegium Regale [7'12]. Hieronymous PRAETORIUS (1560-1629) Magnificat: Tone V à 8* [8'04]. TRADITIONAL, arr. Edgar PETTMANN (1866-1943) The Angel Gabriel [2'38]. Andrew CARTER (b. 1939) Mary's Magnificat (1986) [3'22]. Camille SAINT-SAËNS (1835-1921) Ave Maria (1860) [3'05]. Edvard GRIEG (1843-1907) Ave Maris Stella, CW156/2 (1899) [3'39]. Giovanni Batista PERGOLESI (1710-1736) Stabat Mater (1736) - Stabat Mater dolorosa [3'14]. Jean LANGLAIS (1907-1991) Triptique grégorienne (1978) – Rosa mystica [4'30]. Wayne MARSHALL (b. 1961) Magnificat in C [3'35]. Anton BRUCKNER (1824-1896) Ave Maria* [3'17]. Maurice DURUFLÉ (1902-1986) Tota pulchra es, Maria, Op. 10 No. 2 (1960) [2'22]. ANONYMOUS There is no rose of such virtue* [4'04]. Flor PEETERS (1903-1986) Toccata, Fugue et Hymne sur Ave Maris Stella, Op. 28 (1931) [8'19]. Plainchant: Virgo prudentissima* [1'00 + 1'01]; Hodie Maria Virgo [0'33 + 0'33]. Lincoln Cathedral Choir/Aric Prentice *Charles Harrison (organ). rec. Lincoln Cathedral, 31 Jan, 1, 3 Feb 2005. DDD GUILD GMCD7291 [64'22] [JQ]


Music inspired by the Blessed Virgin ... a well-chosen and nicely varied programme ... sound quality is good ... see Full Review

RECORDING OF THE MONTH THOMAS HAMPSON - Arias
Wolfgang Amadeus MOZART
(1736 – 1791)
Rivolgete a lui lo sguardo (Cosi fan Tutte); Un bacio di mano, K541; Ich möchte wohl der Kaiser sein!K539 Ludwig van BEETHOVEN (1770 – 1827) Prüfung des Küssens, WoO 89; Mit Mädeln sich vertragen, WoO 90 Joseph HAYDN (1732 – 1809) Dice benissimo, Hob XXIVb:5; Un cor si tenero, Hob XXIVb:11 Wolfgang Amadeus MOZART (1736 – 1791) Vedro mentr’io sospiro (Le Nozze di Figaro) Franz SCHUBERT (1797 – 1828) Sei mir gegrüsst; Der Jäger ruhte hingegossen (Alfonso und Estrella) Wolfgang Amadeus MOZART (1736 – 1791) Mentre ti lascio, K513; Io ti lascio, K Anh.245 Thomas Hampson (baritone) Concentus Musikus Wien/Nikolaus Harnoncourt Recorded Musikverein, Vienna, 23-27 May 2003 WARNER CLASSICS 2564 62257-2 [61.22] [RH]

A well put together programme, beautifully performed and making a good case for a group of often neglected arias. ... see Full Review

Jascha Heifetz Live – Volume 6 Ronald Colman introduces Jascha Heifetz [0.48] Heinz PROVOST Intermezzo [2.55] * Leopold GODOWSKY (1870-1938) Valse [2.30] Arthur BENJAMIN (1893-1960) Jamaican Rumba [1.36] William KROLL (1901-1980) Banjo and Fiddle [2.32] * Robert Russell BENNETT (1894-1981) Hexapoda "5 Studies in Jitteroptera" - Jim Jives (1941) [1.01] Franz SCHUBERT (1797-1828) Ave Maria [5.04] * Impromptu No.3 D899 arranged Heifetz [3.58] Ludwig van BEETHOVEN (1770-1827) Violin Concerto in D major - Cadenza and Rondo finale [8.50] Max BRUCH (1838-1920) Concerto No.1 in G minor – slow movement and finale [7.15 + 6.04] Claude DEBUSSY (1862-1918) Chansons de Bilitis - La Chevelure (1898) arranged Heifetz [2.32] * La fille aux cheveux de lin [2.23] Ariettes oubliées - Il pleure dans mon Coeur arranged Arthur Hartmann (1889-1903) [3.07] * Edwin GRASSE (1884-1954) Wellenspiel [Waves at play] arranged Heifetz [[1.43] Robert SCHUMANN (1810-1856) The Prophet Bird [2.15] Antonin DVOŘÁK (1841-1904) Humoresque [3.27] Pablo de SARASATE (1844-1908) Zigeunerweisen [8.04] Jascha Heifetz (violin) The Bell Telephone Hour Orchestra/Donald Voorhees Emanuel Bay (piano)* Recorded 1942-52 CEMBAL D’AMOUR CD122 [66.10] [JW]

Valuable for specialists. ... see Full Review

L’Heure Exquise Georges ENESCO (1881-1955) Sept Chansons de Clément Marot op.15 [13:26] Reynaldo HAHN (1875-1947) D’une prison [2:26]; L’heure exquise [1:58]; Fêtes galantes [1:43]; Offrande [2:27]; A Chloris [2:48]; Five Little Songs to poems by Robert Louis Stevenson [8:48]; Puisque j’ai mis ma lèvre [4:34]; Trois jours de vendange [3:21]; Quand la nuit n’est pas étoilée [2:55] Ernest CHAUSSON (1855-1899) L’albatros [3:23]; Le Chevalier Malheur op.34/2 [3:57]; Apaisement op.13/1 [1:58]; La chanson bien douce op.34/1 [2:47] Claude DEBUSSY (1862-1918) Fêtes galantes II [8:34] Marie-Nicole Lemieux (contralto) Daniel Blumenthal (piano) Recorded May 2005 in the Studio Tibor Varga, Sion, Switzerland NAIVE V 5022 [65:05] [CH]

Those interested in the programme, or who wish to follow the career of a singer who is likely to be with us for a long while yet, should not hesitate. ... see Full Review

Music from the Holocaust Karel BERMAN (1919-1995) 1938-1945 Reminiscences, Suite for Piano (1944, additional movements 1957) [22.24] Pavel HAAS (1899-1944) Suite for Piano Op.13 (1935) [13.58] Gideon KLEIN (1919-1945) Sonata for Piano (1943) [10.30] Viktor ULLMANN (1898-1944) Piano Sonata No.7 (1944) [22.10] Paul Orgel (piano) Recorded at the University of Vermont Recital Hall, January 2005 PHOENIX PHCD161 [69.04] [JW]

Sympathetic performances, not the most incisive it’s true, but sensitive ... good starting point - but one that needs to be augmented. ... see Full Review

The Golden Age of Light Music – In Town Tonight: The 1930s - Volume 2 John Belton, alias Tony Lowry & Douglas Brownsmith Down The Mall Philip Green & his Orchestra [2:40] Noel Coward (1899-1973) Bitter Sweet Waltz: I’ll See You Again Paramount Theatre Orchestra conducted by Anton with Al Bollington organ [3:22] Josef Rixner (1902-1973) Pony Barnabas Von Géczy and his Orchestra [3:14] Happy' - Selection intro: I Want To Be Happy, Happy Days Are Here Again, Happy Feet, Back To Those Happy Days, Many Happy Returns Of The Day, Spread A Little Happiness, I Want To Be Happy Coventry Hippodrome Orchestra conducted by Charles Shadwell, piano soloist: Jack Wilson [6:18] Sebastian de Yradier (1809-1865) La Paloma Regal Virtuosi conducted by Emanuel Starkey with Sidney Torch Organ [2:57] Ludwig Siede arr. Crook Chinese Street Serenade Alfredo Campoli and his Marimba Tango Orchestra [3:06] Victor Herbert (1859-1924) Badinage Harry Horlick and his Orchestra [3:20] H. Elliott Smith Squirrel Dance Marek Weber & his Orchestra [2:58] Erich Börschel (1907-1988) Kismet International Radio Orchestra [2:51] 'Ice Rink Selection' intro: Skaters Waltz, Wine Women and Song, Casino Tanz, Artist's Life, Count Of Luxembourg, Valse Septembre, Nights Of Gladness, Amoretten Tanz, Gold And Silver Waltz, Wiener Blut, Espana Debroy Somers Band [6:07] Eric Coates (1886-1957) In Town Tonight "Knightsbridge" from "London Suite" BBC Dance Orchestra directed by Henry Hall [2:54] Hermann Schulenburg arr. Etlinger Chinese Legend Richard Crean and his Orchestra [3:20] Harry Engleman Fingerprints Harry Engleman’s Quintet [2:58] 'A Bouquet Of Flowers' intro: Won't You Buy My Pretty Flowers, Valse Des Fleurs, Roses Of The South, Hearts & Flowers, Wedding Of The Rose, Dear Little Shamrock, Won't You Buy My Pretty Flowers, Pas Des Fleurs, Narcissus, Last Rose Of Summer, Valse Des Fleurs. Gaumont State Orchestra conducted by Alfred Van Dam [6.42] Wilhelm Gabriel Donna Juanita - Paso Doble Robert Renard and his Orchestra [2:56] Herbert Küster Shadowsplay Herbert Custer’s Piano Orchestra [2:49] Sidney Baynes
Ecstasy Waltz Edith Lorand and her Viennese Orchestra [3:15] Mikhail Mikhailovich Ippolitov-Ivanov (1859-1935), arranged by Herman Finck (1872-1939) Procession of the Sardar from 'Caucasian Sketches' Commodore Grand Orchestra Conducted by Joseph Muscant [3:12]  "Mr. Whittington" - Selection John W. Green, Jack Waller, Joseph Tunbridge intro: Oceans of Time, Whoops for the Derby Day, Weep No More My Baby, Who Do You Think You Are, the Sun is Round the Corner, What A Pleasant Surprise, Finale. New Mayfair Orchestra Conducted by Ray Noble [7:41] Bonus Track: Rare Experimental Stereo from 1934 Excerpt from "Mr. Whittington" intro: The Sun is Round the Corner, What a Pleasant Surprise, Finale. New Mayfair Orchestra conducted by Ray Noble (Binaural EMI TT 1557-1 Recorded 11 January 1934) [2:55] All recordings made between 1931 and 1939. GUILD LIGHT MUSIC GLCD 5116 [76:39] [JF]

A fine addition to Guild’s series of Light Music recordings. Almost the entire CD has the In Town Tonight mood. Ideal music to remind you of a walk down Regents Street or a trip to the shows. ... see Full Review

Goran Krivokapić: Guitar Recital Franz WERTHMÜLLER (1769 – 1841) Sonata in A major, Op. 17 (transcribed by Franz Pfeifer) [13:41]; Johann Sebastian BACH (1685 – 1750) Sonata No. 3 in C major, BWV 1005 (originally for violin solo)(transcribed by Goran Krivokapić) [18:36]; Domenico SCARLATTI (1685 – 1757) Sonata K. 162: Andante [7:16]; Sonata K. 208: Andante et cantabile [4:11]; Sonata K. 209: Allegro [5:06](transcribed by Carlo Marchione); Dušan BOGDANOVIĆ (b. 1955) Sonata No. 2 for Guitar (1985) [12:21] Goran Krivokapić (guitar) rec. St John Chrysostom Church, Newmarket, Ontario, Canada, 28 April – 1 May 2005 NAXOS 8.557809 [61:11] [GF]

My expectations were high when I pressed the "play"- button; I was not disappointed. ... see Full Review

Great Harpsichordists: Wanda Landowska Johann Sebastian BACH (1685-1750) Fantasia in C minor BWV919 [1.31] Domenico SCARLATTI (1685-1757) Sonata in D major L418 [5.35] Sonata in D minor L423 [2.09] Jacques Champion de CHAMBONNIÈRES (1602-1672) Sarabande in D minor [2.09] Jean-Phillipe RAMEAU (1683-1764) La Dauphine [3.24] Francois COUPERIN (1668-1733) Les barricades mystérieuses [2.28] L’arlequine [1.43] William CROFT (1678-1727) Ground in C minor (attributed Henry PURCELL) [2.39] ANONYMOUS The Nightingale [2.01] George Frideric HANDEL (1685-1759) Air and Doubles from Suite No.5 in E major The Harmonious Blacksmith [4.22] Wolfgang Amadeus MOZART (1756-1791) Rondo in D major K485 [6.07] Rondo alla Turca from Sonata in A major K331 Turkish March [2.20] Minuet in D major K355 [2.04] Antonio VIVALDI (1678-1741) Concerto No.1 in D major [transcribed Johann Sebastian BACH (1685-1750)] [8.52] Michael OGINSKI (1765-1833)
Polonaise in A minor (transcribed Wanda LANDOWSKA) [5.21] Polonaise in G major (transcribed Wanda LANDOWSKA) [2.22] Jacob le POLONAIS (c 1550) Gagliarda (transcribed Wanda LANDOWSKA) [2.35] Wanda LANDOWSKA (1879-1959) Bourée d’Auvergne [2.56] Diomedes CATO Chorea Polonica (transcribed Wanda LANDOWSKA) [2.16] Jean-Phillipe RAMEAU (1683-1764) Air Grave pour deux polonaise from Les Indes Galantes [3.03] Francois COUPERIN (1668-1733) Air dans le gout polonaise [1.52] Three Polish Dances of the Seventeenth Century No.1 Polonaise Courante [0.54] No.2 Anonymous [1.41] No.3 Anonymous [1.36] Wanda Landowska (harpsichord) Recorded in 1946 and 1951 NAXOS 8.111055 [77.39] [JW]

An array of rhythmically incisive and irresistible pieces all of which reflect her Polish birth ... see Full Review

The Last Rose of Summer Anton RUBINSTEIN (1829-1894) Viola Sonata [27.55] Mihail RADULESCU (b. 1943) Viola Suonata [10.30] * Fritz KREISLER (1875-1962) arr. Alan H. Arnold Recitativo en Scherzo Caprice [5.09] * Alexander SCRIABIN (1872-1915) arr. M. Sokolov; I. Safonov; G. Bezrukov: Desire; Mazurka; Prelude [4.25]* Mikhail KUGEL (b. 1946) Prelude Ysaye [4.10] Evgeny ZEMTSOV (b. 1940) Melodia [3.59] * Wilhelm ERNST (1814-1865) Arr. Mikhail Kugel The Last Rose of Summer [10.19] * G.F. HANDEL Concerto for viola and piano; 1st movement [6.50] **. * world premiere recordings Mikhail Zemtsov (viola) Dana Zemtsov (viola) ** Irina Shishkina (piano) rec. live, Castle Duivenvoorde, Voorschoten, Netherlands, 6 Nov 2004. DDD NATURAL ACOUSTICS STEMRA NA5001CD [73.29] [RB]

Zemtsov clearly has no time for the lithe-toned viola school. He rapturously draws from the instrument its rosin-sticky celloistic qualities. ... see Full Review

Mary Lewis – The Golden Haired Soprano - see review for details MARSTON 52047-2 [77.59 + 77.33] [JW]

This is a superior production and will earn a worthy place on the shelves. ... see Full Review

Love came down at Christmas - Carols from St. Paul’s Cathedral Choir Franz GRÜBER arr. Malcolm Archer Silent Night [3’24"] Felix MENDELSSOHN arr. David Willcocks Hark the herald angels sing [3’26"] Gustav HOLST In the bleak midwinter [4’47"] Michael PRAETORIUS arr. Jan Sandström Es ist ein Ros [4’12"] Peter CORNELIUS arr. Ivor Atkins The three Kings [2’39"] From Piae Cantiones arr. D. Willcocks Of the Father’s heart begotten [4’55"] John GARDNER Tomorrow shall be my dancing day [2’29"] GAUNTLETT arr. A.H.Mann and M. Archer Once in Royal David’s city [3’43"] 16th century French, harm. Charles Wood Ding, dong, merrily on high [2’08"] Patrick HADLEY I sing of a maiden [2’39"] Trad. Arr. Ralph Vaughan Williams and Thomas Armstrong O little town of Bethlehem [3’55"] Old German arr. R.L. Pearsall ed. Reginald Jacques In dulci Jubilo [4’10"] English arr. D. Willcocks God rest you merry gentlemen [3’39"] English arr. D. Willcocks The Sussex carol Malcolm ARCHER Love came down at Christmas [1’54"] German arr. Charles Macpherson The Shepherd’s cradle-song [3’35"] John GOSS arr. Barry Rose See amid the winter’s snow [6’04"] Czech trad. English arr. D. Willcocks Rocking [2’18"] Attrib. John READING arr. D. Willcocks O come, all ye faithful [4’57"] St. Paul’s Cathedral Choir/Malcolm Archer Huw Williams (organ) Recorded in St. Paul’s Cathedral in July 2005. DDD GRIFFIN GCCD 4051 [67’06"] [JQ]

Given the high artistic standards it’s a pity more imagination and enterprise had not gone into programme. It could have been a winner. Recommended with modified rapture. ... 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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