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ALPHABETICAL LISTING

Camille SAINT-SAËNS (1835-1921) Complete Organ Works and Motets Vol. 1 Veni creator, Hymne pour quatre voix d'hommes (1858) [7'12] Thème, variations et Choral sur le Dies irae [6'22] Prélude et fugue en re mineur op. 109 [9'18] Ave, Maria (1914) [4'16] Laudate (1916) [2'33] Troisième Fantaisie op. 157 (1919) [14'28] Franz LISZT (1811-1886) Salve Regina [4'24] Franz LISZT transc. SAINT-SAËNS
La prédication aux oiseaux (1863) [13'12] Vincent Genvrin, organ Choeur Sacrum/Andris Veismanis Rec Riga Cathedral, Latvia, La Madeleine, Paris (La predication...) 1997 DDD EDITIONS HORTUS 011 [62'42] [CB]

The idea of coupling the organ works of Saint-Saëns with the Motets is a good one ... see Full Review

Camille SAINT-SAËNS (1835-1921) Complete Organ Works and Motets Vol. 2 - Samson et Dalila à L'Eglise Premiere Rhapsodie sur des cantiques bretons op 7 [6'19] Ave, Maria [2'23] Deuxième Rhapsodie sur des cantiques bretons [6'13] Elevation ou Communion op 13 [6'20] Ave Verum [2'25] Offertoire-Sarabande [3'02] Inviolata [4'43] O salutaris [2'05] Interlude fugue [3'17] Tantum Ergo [3'48] Praeludium en ut mineur [3'20] Sub Tuum [3'22] Troisième Rhapsodie sur des cantiques bretons [8'27] Deus Abraham [3'39] Vincent Genvrin, organ, Sylvie May (soprano), Francoise Masset (soprano), Catherine Ravenne (alto) Rec: l'eglise du Gesu, Toulouse 2003? EDITIONS HORTUS 014 [59'30] [CB]

While the music is not the best Saint-Saëns ever wrote, this is a worthwhile release due to the quality of performances and especially the quality of the organ. ... see Full Review


Camille SAINT-SAËNS (1835-1921) Complete Organ Works and Motets Vol. 3 - 'Un Mariage, un Enterrement, et un Salut au Saint-Sacrement'
Ave, verum [5'27] Benediction nuptiale op. 9 [5'34] Deus Abraham [3'32] Marche Religieuse op. 107 [4’32] Improvisation VI op. 150, Pro Defunctis [8'05] Pie Jesu [2'40] Improvisation VII [4'10] Quam dilecta [3'41] Trois preludes et fugues op 99: mi majeur [4'16] [5'40]; si majeur [4'55] [2'16]; mi bemol majeur [3'15] [4'41] Vincent Genvrin, organ, Sabine Garonne (mezzo-soprano), Francois-Nicolas Geslot (tenor), Daniel Daure (french horn), Dominique Clement (harp), Choir, 'Les Elements'/ Joel Suhubiette Rec: Notre Dame de Taure, Toulouse, 6-9 May 1999 and La Madeleine, Paris DDD EDITIONS HORTUS 015 [63'04] [CB]

Genvrin, as usual, is quite up to the task; his energy is spot-on. He plays with virtuosity and authority. ... see Full Review


Camille SAINT-SAËNS (1835-1921) Complete Organ Works and Motets Vol. 4 - 'Le patriarche de la Belle Epoque'
Deuxième Fantaisie [13'56] transc. par Alex. Guilmant Le Cygne [2'51] Prélude au Déluge op 45 [9'06] Prélude et Fugue en ut majeur op 109/3 [2'53] [6'21] Improvisation 1 op 150 [11'31] Cyprès op 156/1 [8'39] Improvisation II 'Feria Pentecostes' op 150 [5'07] Prélude et Fugue en sol majeur op 109/2 [2'38] [3'29] Premiere Fantaisie [5'15] Vincent Genvrin, organ Rec: Santa-Maria la Real d'Azkoitia, (Spain), Riga Cathedral, (op 109/2), and La Madeleine, Paris (Premiere Fantaisie) 3rd, 4th October 1998 DDD EDITIONS HORTUS 016 [71'46] [CB]

Overall, despite the inconsistent nature of the music, this series is highly recommendable for the quality of the performances and instruments. ... see Full Review

Camille SAINT-SAËNS (1835-1921) Prelude and Fugue in E flat major Op.99 No.3 (1894) [6:21] Elevation ou communion in E flat major (1865) [6:47] Benediction nuptiale Op.9 (1868) [7:37] Fantaisie in E flat major (1857) [5:22] Fantaisie in D flat major Op.101 (1895) [13:01] Improvisation in E flat major Op.150 No.1 (1917) [9:42] Improvisation in C major Op.150 No.7 (1917) [3:37] Joachim Dorfmuller, Klais-Organ (1980) Altenberg Cathedral Recorded 1985 DDD 5.0 Surround sound CAPRICCIO SACD 71046  [52:37][DB]

Saint-Saëns enthusiasts should not hesitate to add this attractive disc to their collections ... see Full Review

Jan SANDSTRÖM (b. 1954) Es ist ein Ros entsprungen [4:30] Fredrik HÖGBERG (b. 1971) Music for Strings [12:33] Anders HULTQVIST (b. 1955) The queen went into the parlour eating bread and honey [11:51] Jan FERM (b. 1963) Norbotten Rhapsody [19:15] Bo NILSSON (b. 1937) Wiesenblümchen [9:00] Arctic air [4:14] J.P. Nyströms (folk chamber ensemble) Göran Eriksson, volin and bass; Markus Falck, violin and organ; Svante Lindqvist, violin; Mats Olausson, violin and percussion. Norbotten Chamber Orchestra/Petter Sundqvist Recorded December 17-19, 2001 and January 11-14, 2002 in Aula Aurora at Luleå Tekniska Universitet. (Composition dates are not listed) SWEDISH SOCIETY DISCOFIL SCD 1130 [60:01] [KS]

Overall this is an excellent testament to the musical efforts of the good folk up in Norbotten. Long may they live! ... see Full Review

Ahmed Adnan SAYGUN (1907-1991) Symphony No. 4 Op. 53 (1976) [24.18] Violin Concerto Op. 44 (1967) [33.13] Suite Op. 14 (1934) [11.23] Mirjam Tschopp (violin) Staatsphilharmonie Rheinland-Pfalz/Ari Rasilainen rec. 2-6 June 2003, Ludwigshafen, Philharmonie, Germany CPO 777 043-2 [68:56] [RB]

Saygun's symphony and concerto will be enjoyed by those who like their Berg, Hartmann and Alwyn. All are superbly performed ... see Full Review

Franz SCHUBERT (1797-1828) Symphony No. 1 in D major, D 82 [25.35] Symphony No. 3 in D major, D 200 [24.32] Symphony No. 8 in B minor, D 759 “Unfinished” [28.17] Bamberg Symphony Orchestra/Jonathan Nott Rec. Joseph-Keilberth-Saal, Bamberg; Symphonies 1, 3: March 2003, Symphony 8: December 2003. Co-production with Bavarian Radio, Munich. DDD. TUDOR 7141 [79.25][ED]

Having heard this a few of times, I rather fancy silence ... see Full Review

Franz SCHUBERT (1797-1828) Symphony no. 9 in C major, D.944 The Great C major [53:57]Johannes BRAHMS (1833-1897) Academic Festival Overture, op. 80 [09:49], Alto Rhapsody, Op. 53 [11:46]* Dame Janet Baker (mezzo)*, John Alldis Choir* London Philharmonic Orchestra/Sir Adrian Boult Recorded 4th, 13th and 14th March 1972 (Overture), 28th-30th May 1972 (Symphony), 15th December 1970 (Rhapsody) in Kingsway Hall, London (Overture and Symphony), No. 1 Studio, Abbey Road, London (Rhapsody) EMI CLASSICS 7243 562791 2 4 [76:02] [CH]

An essential interpretation of the Schubert, with the classic Baker Brahms Rhapsody thrown in. ... see Full Review

Franz SCHUBERT (1797-1828) Symphony no. 9 in C major, D.944 The Great C major [54:20] (2) Luigi CHERUBINI (1760-1842) Anacréon: Overture [09:30] (1) Peter CORNELIUS (1824-1874) The Barber of Baghdad: Overture [07:53] (3) Royal Philharmonic Orchestra (1), BBC Symphony Orchestra (2, 3)/Sir Adrian Boult Recorded 8th March 1963 in the Royal Festival Hall, London (1), 11th August 1969 in the Royal Albert Hall, London (2), 26th September 1954 in the BBC Studios (3) BBC LEGENDS BBCL 4072-2 [72:05] [CH]

The Schubert yields slightly to the EMI studio version, but the couplings are new to the Boult discography. ... see Full Review

Franz SCHUBERT (1797-1828) The Trout, The Greatest Love and the Greatest Sorrow Daniel Barenboim, Jacqueline du Pré, Itzhak Perlman, Pinchas Zuckerman, Zubin Mehta, Andreas Schmidt, Vladimir Ashkenazy, Michael Sanderling, Antje Weithaus. Bavarian Radio Symphony Orchestra and Chorus/Wolfgang Sawallisch Executive Producers: Hans Petri and Christopher Nupen originally recorded 1969 and 1983 DVD - all regions OPUS ARTE/ALLEGRO CN0903D [181:00][AO]

Two important films that show how film can enhance understanding of music ... see Full Review

Franz SCHUBERT (1797-1828) Deutsche Messe, D. 872 [40:28] Wolfgang Amadeus MOZART (1756-1791) Ave verum corpus, K. 619 [3:01] César FRANCK (1822-1890) Panis angelicus [4:05] Max REGER (1873-1916) Mariä Wiegenlied from Schlicte Weisen, Op.76, No. 2 [2:34] Charles GOUNOD (1818-1893)/J. S. BACH (1685-1750) Ave Maria [2:35] Wolfgang Amadeus MOZART (1756-1791) Laudate Dominum, K. 339 [5:19] Hansi Buchwinder (soprano) Eric Ingwersen (organ) Tölzer Knabenchor/Gerhard Schmidt-Gaden Original Studio Recording from 1974 remastered 24 bit/96 kHz ARTS ARCHIVES 43011-2 [58:02] [JR]

Some truly exceptional moments do not compensate for the more prominent sections of mediocrity. ... see Full Review

Clara SCHUMANN (1819-1896) Piano Concerto in A minor, Op.7 (1834) (1. Allegro maestoso [7:08]; 2. Romanze: Andante non troppo con grazia [4:52]; 3. Finale: Allegro non troppo – Allegro molto [11:30]) Francesco Nicolosi (piano) Alma Mater Sinfonietta/Stefania Rinaldi Piano Trio in G minor, Op.17 (1846) (1. Allegro moderato [11:02]; 2. Scherzo: Tempo di Menuetto [5:23]; 3. Andante [6:33]; 4. Allegretto [7:26]) Francesco Nicolosi (piano); Rodolfo Bonucci (violin); Andrea Noferini (cello). rec. Concerto: 25-26 May, 2004, St Marcellino Church, Naples, Italy; Trio 28 September 2004, Studio 52, Naples, Italy. Produced under the auspices of the Fondazione Pasquale Valerio Per la Storia Delle Donne. NAXOS 8.557552 [53:54][SA]


The disc is another feather in Naxos’s cap. If you don’t know Clara Schumann’s abilities then this disc is an excellent introduction at a tiny price. ... see Full Review

Robert SCHUMANN (1810-1856) Lieder Edition I Liederkreis, Op. 24 (1840) (Morgen steh' ich auf und frage [01:19]; Es treibt mich hin, es treibt mich her [01:16]; Ich wandelte unter den Baumen [03:54]; Lieb' Liebchen, leg's Handchen auf Herze mein [00:48]; Schone Wiege meiner Leiden [04:15]; Warte, warte, wilder Schiffmann [02:00]; Berg' und Burgen schaun herunter [03:56]; Anfangs wollt' ich fast verzagen [00:51]; Mit Myrten und Rosen [03:54]) Romanzen und Balladen Op. 53: III. Der arme Peter (1840) [05:08] Belsazar, Op. 57 (1840) [04:20] Dichterliebe, Op. 48 (1840) (Im wunderschonen Monat Mai [01:53]; Aus meinen Tranen spriessen [00:55]; Die Rose, die Lilie, die Taube, die Sonne [00:38]; Wenn ich in deine Augen seh' [02:05]; Ich will meine Seele tauchen [00:57]; Im Rhein, im heiligen Strome [02:29]; Ich grolle nicht [01:34]; Und wussten's die Blumen, die kleinen [01:19]; Das ist ein Floten und Geigen [01:30]; Hor' ich das Liedchen klingen [02:22]; Ein Jungling liebt ein Madchen [01:15]; Am leuchtenden Sommermorgen [02:51]; Ich hab' im Traum geweinet [02:29]; Allnachtlich im Traume [01:14]; Aus alten Marchen winkt es [02:29]; Die alten bösen Lieder [04:54]) Thomas Bauer, baritone; Uta Hielscher, piano Recorded 4-6 Oct 2004 at Reitstadtl, Neumark/Oberpfalz, Germany NAXOS 8.557075 [62:35][GPJ]

A worthy, rather than satisfying Schumann CD ... see Full Review

Joseph SCHWANTNER (b. 1943) A Sudden Rainbow (1986) [13:01] Angelfire (2001)a [17:32] Beyond Autumn (1999)b [17:31] September Canticle (2002)c [17:12] Anne Akiko Meyers (violin)a; Gregory Hustis (horn)b; James Diaz (organ)c Dallas Symphony Orchestra/Andrew Litton Recorded: Eugene McDermott Concert Hall, Morton H Meyerson Symphony Center, Dallas, June 2004 HYPERION CDA 67493 [65:46] [HC]

These performances by the musicians for whom these pieces were written cannot be bettered. Superb, immaculate and committed playing by all concerned, making the best of this strongly communicative music. ... see Full Review

Dmitri SHOSTAKOVICH (1906-1975) Symphony No. 13 in B flat minor, Op. 113, Babi Yar (1962). Sergei Aleksashkin (bass) Bavarian Radio Symphony Orchestra/Mariss Jansons. Rec. January 2005. No venue given. DDD Text and translation included. EMI CLASSICS 5 57902 2 [60'14] [CC]

Mariss Jansons has frequently struck me as a rather over-rated conductor ... I am prepared to rescind my evaluation on the strength of this issue, however. ... see Full Review

Dmitri SHOSTAKOVICH (1906-1975) Complete String Quartets, Volume 6 String Quartets: No. 1 in C, Op. 49 (1938) [14'54]; No. 12 in D flat, Op. 133 (1968) [29'02]; Piano Quintet in G minor, Op. 57 (1940) [32'52] Sorrel Quartet (Gina McCormack, Catherine Yates, violins; Sarah-Jane Bradley, viola; Helen Thatcher, cello) with Martin Roscoe (piano). Rec. Snape Maltings Concert Hall on May 6th-8th, 2003 (Quartet No. 1); January 10th-12th, 2005. DDD CHANDOS CHAN10329 [76'56][CC]

The Sorrel play with exceptional technical security coupled with a real feeling for the music ... see Full Review

Dmitri SHOSTAKOVICH (1906-1975) Piano Quintet in G minor, Op. 57a (1940) [30'55]. String Quartets – No. 1 in C, Op. 49 (1938) [13'00]; No. 4 in D, Op. 83 (1949) [22'07]. Ewa Kupiec (piano)a; Petersen String Quartet (Conrad Muck, Daniel Bell, violins; Friedemann Weigle, viola; Henry-David Varema, cello). Rec. Studio 2, Bavarian Radio, Munich on October 20th-23rd, 2003. DDD CAPRICCIO 67 082 [66'19][CC]

A mixed disc that only intermittently cuts the Shostakovichian mustard ... see Full Review

Sir John STAINER (1840-1901) The Crucifixion (1887) A Meditation on the Sacred Passion of the Holy Redeemer, for tenor and bass solo, SATB choir, and organ, with hymns for congregational participation (Text selected and written by Reverend J. Sparrow-Simpson, and revised by Michael Pilkington) James Gilchrist (tenor) Simon Bailey (bass) Stephen Farr (organ) Choir of Clare College, Cambridge/Timothy Brown rec. Guildford Cathedral, Guildford, Surrey, England, 21-22 June 2004. DDD NAXOS 8.557624 [66:47] [JW]

Gives considered meticulousness to The Crucifixion and deserves respect. ... see Full Review

Richard STRAUSS (1864-1949) Salome (1905) – Final Scenea; Dance of the Seven Veils. Five Orchestral Songsa: Cäcilie, Op. 27 No. 1 (1894) [1'58]; Wiegenlied, Op. 41 No. 1 (1899) [4'18]; Ich liebe dich, Op. 37 No. 2 (1896-8) [2'13]; Morgen!, Op. 27 No. 2 (1894) [3'45]; Zueignung, Op. 10 No. 1 (1885, orch. 1940) [1'35]. Arrigo BOITO (1842-1918) Mefistofele (1868) – Prologo in cielob [25'22]. aMontserrat Caballé (soprano); bNicolai Ghiaurov (bass); bKonzertvereinigung Wiener Staatsopernchor; bGumpoldskirchner Spatzen; aOrchestre National de France, bWiener Philharmoniker/Leonard Bernstein. Rec. aMaison de la Radio, Paris, in May 1977, bGrosser Musikvereinsaal, Vienna in April 1977. ADD DEUTSCHE GRAMMOPHON ELOQUENCE 476 2467 [66'32] [CC]

The inclusion of texts would have been good, but on a purely musical level this remains amongst the cream of the Eloquence catalogue. ... see Full Review

Richard STRAUSS (1864-1949) Romance in F AV75 [10:30] Cello Sonata in F Op.6 (1883) [27:18] Max REGER (1873-1916) Cello Sonata No 2 in G minor Op.28 (1898) [25:17] Petite Romance in D Op.79 No.2 [2:09] Emmanuelle Bertrand (cello) Pascal Amoyal (piano) rec. Teldex Studio, Berlin in February 2004 HARMONIA MUNDI  HMC 901836 [65:27][PCW]

A desirable release that I can recommend highly ... see Full Review

Arthur SULLIVAN (1842-1900) Rose of Persia (1899) a comic opera, words by Basil Hood Overture di ballo HMS Pinafore overture The Pirates of Penzance overture The Mikado overture The Yeomen of the Guard overture Macbeth overture Richard Morrison (baritone) - Sultan; Richard Suart (baritone) - Hassan; Ivan Sharpe (tenor) - Yussuf; Jonathan Veira (bass) - Abdallah; Ian Caddy (baritone) - Grand Vizier; Sally Harrison (soprano) - Rose-In-Bloom; Claire Henry (soprano) - Heart’s Desire; Marilyn Hill Smith (mezzo) - Scent-of-Lilies; Marcia Bellamy (mezzo) - Dancing Sunbeam Southwark Voices Hanover Band/Tom Higgins Recorded at The Old Market, Hove, East Sussex, England, 27 January–2 February 1999. DDD CPO 777 074-2 [67:34 + 77:32] [RW]

There is a strong cast who give excellent performances with good diction. ... see Full Review

Richard WAGNER (1813-1883) Tannhäuser: Overture [13:47] (1) Robert SCHUMANN (1810-1856) Symphony no. 3 in E flat, op. 97 Rhenish [31:43] (2), Manfred: Overture [11:18] (3) Franz LISZT (1811-1886) Mephisto Waltz no. 1 [10:17] (4) Royal Philharmonic Orchestra (1, 3), "International Symphony Orchestra" (2, 4)/René Leibowitz Recorded in London in 1960 (2, 4), 9th January 1962 (4), 28th December 1962 (1) CHESKY RECORDS CD096 [67:48] [CH]

Don’t miss this "Rhenish". ... see Full Review

Robert SCHUMANN (1810 – 1856) Lieder Vol. 2 Songs from Twelve Poems from Rückert’s "Liebesfrühling", Op. 37 [21:18]: Der Himmel hat eine Träne Geweint♂ - O ihr Herren♀ - Ich hab’ in mich gesogen♂ - Liebste, was kann denn uns scheiden?♂♀ - Schön ist das Fest des Lenzes♂♀ - Flügel! Flügel! um zu fliegen♂ - Rose, Meer und Sonne♂ - O Sonn’, o Meer, o Rose♂ - So wahr die Sonne scheinet♂♀ Songs from Goethe’s "Wilhelm Meister", Op. 98a [25:33]: Ballade des Harfners♂ - Nur wer die Sehnsucht kennt♀ - Wer nie sein Brot mit Tränen ass♂ - Heiss’ mich nicht reden♀ - Wer sich der Einsamkeit ergibt♂ - Singet nicht in Trauertönen♀ - An die Türen will ich schleichen♂ - So lasst mich scheinen, bis ich werde♀ Solo Songs from Rückert’s "Minnespiel", Op. 101 [17:07]: Meine Töne still und heiter♂ - Liebster, deine Worte stehlen♀ - Ich bin dein Baum, o Gärtner♂♀ - Mein schöner Stern!♀ - O Freund, mein Schirm, mein Schutz♀ Thomas E. Bauer (baritone)♂, Susanne Bernhard (soprano)♀, Uta Hielscher (piano) rec. 10-12 Sept 2003, Kammermusikstudio, SWR-Stuttgart, Germany NAXOS 8.557074 [63:58] [GF]

Excellent readings by young and fresh sounding singers of some lesser known songs by one of the greatest German Lieder composers. ... see Full Review

Alexander SCRIABIN (1872-1915) The Composer as Pianist The Welte Mignon Piano Rolls Alexander Scriabin, rec. Moscow, 1910 Prélude, Op. 11 no. 1 [0:53] Prélude, Op. 11 no. 2 [1:47] Poème, Op. 32 no. 1 [3:29] Etude, Op. 8 no. 12 [2:04] Désir, Op. 57 no. 1 [1:32] Prélude, Op. 22 no. 1 [1:16] Mazurka, Op. 40 no. 2 [0:49] Prélude, Op. 11 no. 13 [1:48] Prélude, Op. 11 no. 14 [0:47] Josef Lhevinne, rec. Freiburg, 1906 Nocturne for the Left Hand, Op. 9 no. 2 [4:38] Constantine Igumnoff, rec. Moscow, 1910 Sonate Fantasie, Op. 19 no. 2, 1st Movement [6:35] Alexander Goldenweiser, rec. Moscow, 1910 Mazurka, Op. 40 no. 2 [1:02] Austin Conradi, rec. New York, 1921-22 Prélude, Op. 11 no. 5 [1:50] Prélude, Op. 11 no. 3 [1:17] Prélude, Op. 11 no. 4 [2:04] Prélude, Op. 11 no. 6 [0:51] Album Leaf, Op. 45 no. 1 [1:47] Etude, Op. 2 no. 1 [3:26] Leff Pouishnoff, rec. New York, 1926 Désir, Op. 57 no. 1 [1:30] Kresse Dansee, Op. 57 no. 2 [1:01] Enigme, Op. 52 no. 2 [1:17] Poème, Op. 32 no. 1 [3:33] Magdeleine Brard, rec. New York, 1925 Nocturne for the Left Hand, Op. 9 no. 2 [5:16] PIERIAN 0018 [50:33][DS]

Simply listen to these utterly compelling performances. I have the feeling that I have knocked on the doors of Heaven ... see Full Review

Ruth CRAWFORD SEEGER (1901-1953) Vocal, Chamber and Instrumental Works Suite for Five Wind Instruments and Piano (1927 rev. 1929) [03:57; 02:52; 02:56] Jayn Rosenfeld, flute; Marsha Heller, oboe; John Craig Barker, clarinet; Cynde Iverson, bassoon; Daniel Grabois, horn; Cheryl Seltzer piano; Joel Sachs conductor Violin Sonata (1925-26) [05:09; 03:14; 05:58] Mia Wu, violin; Cheryl Seltzer piano Two Ricercari (1932) Sacco Vanzetti; Chinaman Laundryman [05:05; 03:11] Nan Hughes, mezzo-soprano; Joel Sachs piano. Prelude No. 1 (1924) Andante [01:14] Prelude No. 9 (1928) Tranquillo [02:54] Study in Mixed Accents (1930) [01:31] Cheryl Seltzer piano Diaphonic Suite No. 1 for Flute (1930) [00:48; 02:20; 01:06; 00:51] Jayn Rosenfeld, flute Diaphonic Suite No. 2 for Bassoon and Cello (1930) [01:25; 01:50; 01:03] Susan Heineman, bassoon; Maria Kitsopoulos, cello
Three Songs (1930-32) [03:16; 01:54; 03:54] Nan Hughes, mezzo-soprano; Marsha Heller, oboe; Erik Charlston, percussion; Cheryl Seltzer piano; Continuum; Joel Sachs conductor rec. Jan 1991, Oct 1992, American Academy and Institute of Arts and Letters, NYC NAXOS 8.559197 [56:30] [RB]

Not for the faint of heart but fascinating music. ... see Full Review

Dmitri SHOSTAKOVICH (1906-1975) Concerto for Cello and Orchestra No.2 in G major, Op.126 (1966) [35:18] Symphony No.12 in D minor, Op.112 (1960-61) The Year 1917 (in Memory of Lenin) [43:36] Jonathan Ayling (cello) London Shostakovich Orchestra/Christopher Cox. rec. "live" St. Cyprian’s Church, Glentworth Street, London, NW1, 13 Nov 2004 DUNELM RECORDS DRD0234 [78:54] [PS]

A "live" performance with all the problems that raises but these considerations are more than compensated for by the sense of occasion conveyed by this very recommendable release. ... see Full Review

Dimitri SHOSTAKOVICH (1906-1975) Suite No. 1 for Variety Orchestra (1938) [24.46] Overture on Russian and Kirghiz Themes, Op. 115 (1963) [9.19] Jazz Suite No. 1 (1934) [7.45] Novorossisk Chimes (1960) [2.32] Festive Overture, Op. 96 (1954) [5.46] National Symphony Orchestra of Ukraine/Theodor Kuchar rec. 8 June 2004, Grand Studio, Ukraine Radio, Kiev BRILLIANT CLASSICS SUPER AUDIO CD 7096 [50.45] [TB]

A recently recorded compilation combining two of the composer’s most colourful orchestral works with music written for jazz band and theatre orchestra. The results are as entertaining as we might expect. ... see Full Review

Douglas STEELE (1910-1999) Autumn Sequence - The Music of Douglas Steele and his circle CD1 Douglas STEELE Four piano pieces (1986) [8.39] (Slow Air; In the Style of a Sarabande, Envoi; Musical Box) Arnold COOKE Five songs of William Blake for baritone, recorder and piano (1987) [11.08] Douglas STEELE Three short songs (1972) [4.25] (Rats; Lullaby for Children in a Bed; The Fox) Pieces for recorder and piano (2001) [8.57]: Lament by Philip COWLIN; Scherzetto by Martin BUSSEY; Elegy by Stephen HOUGH; Pupazzetto by Emma HANCOCK Douglas STEELE Songs (1938-78) [8.01] (Thrice toss these Oaken Ashes in the Air; Blow, blow thou Winter Wind; Under the Greenwood Tree; The Land of Lost Content) Douglas STEELE Organ pieces (1945-81) [15.35] (On Gibbons' Angel's Song; Arioso; On Norman Cocker's Ryburn; Three Pieces on Hymn-Tunes; On Liebster Immanuel; On a Fragment from Lyra Davidica) CD2 Douglas STEELE Autumn Sequence for speaker, soloists, chorus and instrumental ensemble (1969) [26.16] Carlisle Cathedral Youth Choir/David Gibbs Carlisle Cathedral Choristers/Jeremy Suter Dalston Handbell Ringers Stephen Hough (piano); Richard Baker (speaker); John Turner (recorder and bell); John Powell (baritone); Vanessa Williamson (mezzo); Michael Hancock (tenor, tambourine, piano); Peter Lawson (piano); Susan Bettaney (piano); Jeremy Suter (organ)
Chetham’s Lower School Choir/Peter Hatfield rec. Whiteley Hall, Chetham’s School of Music, 27 December 2002, 29 April 2003; Carlisle Cathedral, 5-6 May 2004 CAMPION CAMEO 2040/41 [57:30 + 26:16] [CF]

All the performers sound as if they are having fun and enjoying themselves, which Douglas, in his ever so modest way, would have loved. ... see Full Review

Max STEINER (1888-1971) The Adventures of Mark Twain (film score) (1944) [70.49] Moscow Symphony Orchestra and Chorus/William Stromberg rec. Mosfilm Studio, Moscow, February 2003 NAXOS 8.557470 [70.49] [SV]

This fresh, vivid new recording of Steiner's score for The Adventures of Mark Twain ... see Full Review

Richard STRAUSS (1864-1949) Don Quixote, Op. 35 (1896) Le Bourgeois Gentilhomme - suite, Op. 64 (1916) Enrico Mainardi (cello) Karl Reita (viola) Berlin State Opera Orchestra/Richard Strauss rec. Berlin, 1933 (Don Quixote) from Decca-Polydor LY6087/91; 1930 from 95392/6. ADD DUTTON CDBP 9746 [72:11] [LF]

The Strauss/Mainardi Don Quixote is one of the greats ... here given its best possible presentation, at budget price. Strongly recommended. ... see Full Review

Richard STRAUSS (1864-1949) Symphonia domestica, Op. 53 (1902/3) [44'39]. Oboe Concerto (1945) [24'49]. Eine Alpensinfonie, Op. 64 (1911-15) [43'18]. Duett-Concertino for Clarinet, Bassoon and Strings (1947) [18'20]. Jonathan Small (oboe); Nicholas Cox (clarinet); Alan Pendlebury (bassoon) Royal Liverpool Philharmonic Orchestra/Gerard Schwarz. Rec. live at Philharmonic Hall, Liverpool on June 3rd-6th, 1002 (Symphonia domestica), March 12th-14th, 2001 (Alpensinfonie), November 12th-14th, 2002 (Duett-Concertino). Oboe Concerto studio recording, Philharmonic Hall, Liverpool on January 24th, 2004. DDD AVIE AV2071 [69'35 + 61'50] [CC]

What an advert for the RLPO this set is! The cultural life of Liverpool is clearly thriving ... see Full Review

Richard STRAUSS (1864-1949) Songs Marie McLaughlin (soprano); Graham Johnson (piano) Recorded 28-20 April 1993. DDD HYPERION HELIOS CDH55202 [63’03"] [JQ]

This is a thoroughly enjoyable recital, which has given me great pleasure. I hope others will enjoy it as much. ... see Full Review

Igor STRAVINSKY (1882 - 1971) Apollo ballet (1928) [25:12] Agon ballet (1957) [20:56] Orpheus ballet (1963) [28:31] London Symphony Orchestra/Robert Craft (Apollo and Orpheus) Orchestra of St. Luke’s/Robert Craft (Agon) rec. 1–4 July 1995 (Apollo); 3–5, 8 Jan 1995 (Orpheus), Abbey Road Studios; SUNY, Purchase, New York, 1992 (Agon). DDD NAXOS 8.557502 [77.45] [JW]

Finely chiselled and fleet performances bringing out the ballets’ rhythmic dynamism without stinting on their emotional candour ... see Full Review

Arthur SULLIVAN (1842-1900) Cox & Box (1866) - a triumviretta - words by F.C. Burnand Box ... James Gilchrist (tenor) Cox ... Neal Davies (baritone) Bouncer ... Donald Maxwell (baritone/bass) Trial by Jury (1875) - a dramatic cantata, words by W.S. Gilbert Plaintiff ... Rebecca Evans (soprano) Defendant ... James Gilchrist (tenor) Counsel ... Matthew Brook (baritone) Usher ... Neal Davies (baritone) Judge ... Donald Maxwell (baritone) Forman ... David Thaxton (baritone) Chamber Choir of Royal Welsh College of Music and Drama BBC National Orchestra of Wales/Richard Hickox rec. Brangwyn Hall, Swansea, Wales, 11-12 December 2004. DDD CHANDOS CHAN 10321 [68:19][RW]

All soloists are strong and in good form: all baritones are excellent with clear diction and good expression. Hickox brings out the nuances and his pacing is lively throughout ... see Full Review

Thomas TALLIS (c.1505-1585) Spem in Alium (1573) [12.19] Salve intemerata motet (<1520) [23.09] Missa Salve intemerata (1537) [27.49] With all our heart [3.11] Discomfort them, O Lord [Absterge Domine] [6.36] I call and cry to thee, O Lord [4.12] Oxford Camerata/Jeremy Summerly rec. in 4.0 48/24 Sound, All Hallows, Gospel Oak, London, UK, 23 January 2005 Notes in English and Deutsch. Latin texts with English translations. Photos of performers. DVD-Audio/dts/AC-3. NAXOS 5.110111 [77.16] [PSh]

A magnificent concert of choral masterpieces for multiple choirs, with individual voices accurately disposed in space. ... see Full Review

Pyotr Ilyich TCHAIKOVSKY (1840-1893) Violin Concerto in D major Op.35 [36.53] Meditation in D minor Op.42 No.1 [9.40] Danse Russe from Swan Lake – Act III Op.20 [4.28] Joshua Bell (violin) Berlin Philharmonic Orchestra/Michael Tilson Thomas Recorded at the Philharmonie between 27-31 January 2005 (Concerto recorded live) SONY CLASSICAL SUPER AUDIO SH 94829 [51.01] [JW]

You’ll find the concerto something of a novel experience but as for me I’m off to listen to Heifetz, Milstein, Oistrakh and Elman. ... see Full Review

Pyotr Il'yich TCHAIKOVSKY (1840-1893) Piano Concerto No. 1 in B-flat minor, Op. 23 (1875) [34.12]* Concert suite from The Nutcracker, arr. Pletnev [16.01] Rem Urasin (piano) *Sydney Symphony/Janos Fürst rec. 6 July 2004, York Theatre, Seymour Centre, The University of Sydney, and *17 July 2004, Sydney Opera House ABC CLASSICS (AUSTRALIA) 476271-6 [51.16] [SV]

A document of the pianist, and a promissory note on better things to come, but hardly a basic library acquisition in a crowded catalogue. ... see Full Review

Peter Ilyich TCHAIKOVSKY (1840 – 1893) Eugene Onegin (1879) Irina Udalova (mezzo) ... Larina; Maria Gavrilova (sop) ... Tatyana; Yelena Novak (alto) ... Olga; Galina Borisova (mezzo) ... Fillipyevna; Vladimir Redkin (baritone) ... Eugene Onegin; Nikolai Baskov (tenor) ... Lensky; Aik Martirosyan (bass) ... Prince Gremin; Alexander Arkhipov (tenor) ... Triquet; Vladimir Krasov (bass) ... A Captain; Alexander Korotky (bass) ... Zaretsky; Vladimir Sokolovsky (baritone) ... Leader of the peasant’s chorus Chorus and Orchestra of the Bolshoi Theatre/Mark Ermler. Recorded live at the Bolshoi Theatre, Moscow on 18th October 2000. DTS 5.1 Stereo, DD 5.1, LPCM Stereo TDK DV-OPEON [2 DVDs: 157:00] [JPh]

I have not enjoyed an opera DVDs so much for a very long time. If traditional productions are for you, then try this one – you will not be disappointed. ... see Full Review

Mikis THEODORAKIS (b.1925) Axion Esti 'Praise Be' (1960) [70:28] Canto General (1971-74, 1980-81) [111:57] Liturgy No. 2 For the Young Killed in Wars (1982) [34:05] Symphony No. 3 (1981) [70:36] Sadduzäer-Passion (1982) [53:17] Gothart Stier (bar); Gunter Emmerlich (bas); Friedrich Wilhelm Junge (speaker); Lakis Kamezis (bouzouki); Erik Kross (sanduri); Beethoven-Chor des VEB Elektromaschinenbau Dresden; FDJ-Chor der EOS Kreuzschule Dresden; Kinder-Kammerchor der Dresdner Philharmonie; Orchester der Hochschule für Musik 'Carl Maria von Weber'; Lehrkräfter der Bezirksmusikschule 'Paul Büttner' Dresden/Mikis Theodorakis (Axion); Alexandra Papadjiakou (alto); Frangiskos Voutsinos (bar); Rundfunkchor Berlin/Lukas Karytinos (Canto); Dresdner Kreuzchor/Martin Flämig (Liturgy); Els Bolkestein (sop), Rundfunkchor Berlin, Orchester der Komischen Oper Berlin/Heinz Rögner (no. 3); Rundfunkchor Berlin; Friedrich Wilhelm Junge (speaker); Joachim Vogt (ten); Jürgen Freier (bar); Hermann Christian Polster (bass); Berlin Symphony Orchestra/Hans-Peter Frank (Passion) rec. live - first performance, Komischen Oper, Berlin, 29 April 1982 (no. 3); other works rec. Berlin, 1980-1985. ADD EDEL - BERLIN CLASSICS - 0002802CCC [6 CDs: 70:28 + 67:15 + 44:42 + 34:05 + 70:36 + 53:17] [RB]

Resolutely populist music with occasional wanderings. Revolutionary ballads, richly harmonised choral writing and Latino rhythmic verve. A pellucid clarity. There is no doubting Theodorakis’s sincerity. ... see Full Review

Ralph VAUGHAN WILLIAMS (1872-1958) A Sea Symphony (Symphony No. 1) (1909) [63.54] Texts by Walt Whitman. Joan Rodgers, soprano; Christopher Maltman, baritone. Bournemouth Symphony Chorus and Orchestra/Paul Daniel Recorded at the Poole Arts Centre, Bournemouth, UK, 10 February 2002. Notes English and Deutsch. English texts, no translations. Hybrid SACD Playable on all CD players NAXOS 6.110016 [63.54][PSh]

A simply overwhelming experience. The Sea Symphony can’t get any better than this. ... see Full Review

Giuseppe VERDI (1813-1901) Falstaff – opera in three acts after Shakespeare’s Henry IV, Henry V, and The Merry Wives of Windsor. (1892) Libretto by Arrigo Boito Falstaff – Leonard Warren (baritone) Ford – Giuseppe Valdengo (baritone) Fenton – Giuseppe di Stefano (tenor) Alice Ford – Regina Resnik (soprano) Anne Ford (Nannetta) – Licia Albanese (soprano) Dame Quickly – Cloe Elmo (contralto) Meg Page – Martha Lipton (mezzo) Bardolph – Alessio de Paolis (tenor) Pistol – Lorenzo Alvary (bass) Dr. Caius – Leslie Chabay (tenor) Chorus and Orchestra of the Metropolitan Opera/Fritz Reiner Recorded broadcast of 26 February 1949. GUILD HISTORICAL GHCD 2309/10 [62:31 + 68:27] [JR]

Some incredible singing and playing ... see Full Review

Giuseppe VERDI (1813-1901) La forza del destino Ernesto Dominici (bass) – Il Marchese di Calatrava; Maria Caniglia (soprano) – Donna Leonora; Carlo Tagliabue (baritone) – Don Carlos di Vargas; Galliano Masini (tenor) – Don Alvaro; Ebe Stignani (mezzo) – Preziosilla; Tancredi Pasero (bass – Padre Guardiano); Saturno Meletti (baritone) – Fra’ Melitone; Liana Avogadro (mezzo) – Curra; Dario Caselli (bass) – Un alcade); Ernesto Dominici (bass) – Un chirurgo; Giuseppe Nessi (tenor) – Maestro Trabuco Orchestra Sinfonica e Coro dell’E.I.A.R. di Torino/Gino Marinuzzi Recorded at the Teatro di Torino 21 May, 23–29 May, 8 June 1941. ADD WARNER FONIT 8573 82652-5 [74:08 + 78:17][GF]

One of the most thrilling recordings of a Verdi opera ever issued. ... see Full Review

Giuseppe VERDI (1813–1901) Otello (1887) Giovanni Martinelli (tenor) – Otello; Elizabeth Rethberg (soprano) – Desdemona; Lawrence Tibbett (baritone) – Iago; Nicholas Massue (tenor) – Cassio; Thelma Votipka (mezzo) – Emilia; Giovanni Paltrinieri (tenor) – Roderigo; Nicola Moscona (bass) – Lodovico; George Cehanovsky (baritone) – Montano Chorus and Orchestra of the Metropolitan Opera, New York/Ettore Panizza Recorded at the New York Metropolitan Opera, 12th February 1938 Reissue Producer and Restoration Engineer: Ward Marston NAXOS 8.111018-19 [75:00 + 75:00] [GF]

An essential interpretation ... should be in every respectable opera collection, warts and all. ... see Full Review

Giuseppe VERDI (1813-1901) Rigoletto - Melodramma in three acts
Libretto by Francesca Maria Piave based on Victor Hugo’s drama ‘Le Roi s’amuse’.
First performed at the Teatro La Fenice, Venice, on March 11th 1851 Duke of Mantua ... Ferruccio Tagliavini (ten); Rigoletto, his jester ... Giuseppe Taddei (bar); Gilda, Rigoletto’s daughter ... Lina Pagliughi (sop); Sparafucile, a villain available for hire as an assassin ... Giulio Neri (bass); Maddalena, his sister ... Irma Colasanti (mezzo); Giovanna, Gilda’s Duenna ... Tilde Fiorio (mezzo); Count Monterone ... Antonio Zerbini (bass); Marullo, a courtier Alberto Albertini (bar); Matteo Borsa, a courtier ... Tommaso Soley (ten); Count Ceprano ... Mario Zorgniotti (bar); Contess Ceprano ... Ines Marietti (sop) Cetra Chorus. Orchestra Sinfonica di Torino della RAI/Angelo Questa Recorded in mono in Turin 22-24 February 1954 WARNER FONIT 50467-7907-2-8 [52.47 + 59.40] [RJF]

Hearing this again thrilled me as much as it did fifty years ago. ... see Full Review

Antonio VIVALDI (1678-1741) Complete Cello Concertos
CD1 [53.53] 1. RV 405 in D Minor; 2. 401 in C Minor; 3 RV 423in B-Flat; 4.RV 399 in C; 5. Cello and Bassoon RV 409 in E Minor; 6. Movement for Cello, RV 538 in D Minor. CD2 [73.25] 1. RV 403 in D; 2 RV 424in B Minor; 3. RV 422 in A Minor; 4. RV 402 in C Minor; 5. RV 412 in F; 6.RV 414 in G; 7.RV 414 in G; 8 RV 406 in D Minor. CD3 [59:02] 1. RV 411 in F; 2. RV 404 in D; 3.RV 420 in A Minor; 4.RV 407 in D Minor; 5.RV 417 in G Minor; 6. for violin, cello and orchestra; RV 544 in F CD4 [62.43] 1. RV 418 in A Minor; 2 RV 408 in E Flat; 3. RV 416 in G Minor; 4. RV 419 in A Minor; 5. RV 413 in G; 6. for violin, cello and orchestra; RV 547 in B Flat Ofra Harnoy, cello Toronto Chamber Orchestra James McKay, bassoon (CD1, tr. 13-15); Igor Oistrakh, violin (CD3, tr. 16-18; CD4 tr. 16-18); Robert Dodson, cello continuo (CD1 and CD2); Mihai Tetel, cello continuo (CD3 and CD4); Elizabeth Keenan, harpsichord (CD1, CD4 tr.1-15); Valerie Weeks harpsichord/organ (CD2+CD3+CD4 tr. 16-18); Paul Robinson, conductor (CD1-3 and CD4 tr. 16-18); Richard Stamp, conductor (CD4 tr. 1-15) rec. CD1. April 6-7 1987, St. Timothy Church, Toronto; CD2. May 15, 26 1989, St Timothy Church, Toronto; CD3. Feb. 6, 1992, St Timothy Church, Toronto, July 24-26 1992, St George Church, Toronto; CD4. Feb. 4-6, 1994, St Martin in the Fields Church, Toronto; Feb. 6, 1992, St. Timothy Church, Toronto (RV 547) BMG RCA RED SEAL 82876678862 [53:53 + 73:25 + 59:02 + 62:43] [ZT]

Enthusiastically recommended ... marvellously inventive music, beautifully played by a superb cellist. Guaranteed to provide hours of fulfilling musical experience. ... see Full Review

Antonio VIVALDI (1678-1741) Concerti E Cantate Da Camera III Concerto in C RV87 [08:10], Cantata Amor, hai vinto RV683* [13:27], Concerto in F RV98 – "tempesta di mare" [05:41], Cantata Lungi dal vago volto RV680* [14:07], Concerto in G minor RV103 [08:53], Cantata Vengo a voi, luci adorate RV682* [10:14] Laura Polverelli (mezzo-soprano)*, L’Astrée/Giorgio Tabacco Recorded July and August 2000 (concertos), November 2003 (cantatas), in the Istituto di Musica Antica Academia Montis Regalis, Mondovi, Italy NAÏVE OP 30381 [60:26] [CH]

The music really leaps off the page … Vivaldi at his richest. ... see Full Review

Antonio VIVALDI (1678-1741) Concerti trascritti per Organo Concerto in Sol minore RV 328 (Allegro [6.11]; Largo [2.40]; Allegro [4.28]) Concerto in Do Maggiore RV 144 - Ciaccona [5.55] Concerto in La minore RV 356, op. 3 no. 6, L’Estro armonico (Allegro [4.37]; Largo (Solo e cantabile) ; Presto [4.18]) Sonata in Mi minore RV 67 [3.29]; Concerto in Do Maggiore RV 180 –Il Piacere (Allegro [5.19]; Largo e Cantabile [3.54] ; Concerto in Re Maggiore RV 206 - Grave [6.24] Concerto in Sol minore RV 333 (Allegro [7.30]; Andante cantabile [2.38]; Allegro [9.42]) Francesco Tasini (Organ) Organ of Chiesa di Santa Maria di Gesso, Bologna, Italy (Dell’Orto and Lanzini of Dolmelletto, Novara, 2003) Recorded at Santa Maria di Gesso, Bologna, Italy, 8 February 2004 TACTUS TC 672241 [69:52] [CAnt]

Tasini succeeded in opening the windows of a baroque hall. Strangely enough what he did not succeed in doing was to bring the fresh air in. ... see Full Review

RECORDING OF THE MONTH Richard WAGNER (1813-1883) Tristan und Isolde (1865) Nina Stemme (sop) ... Isolde; Plácido Domingo (ten) ... Tristan; Mihoko Fujimora (mezzo) ... Brangäne; René Pape (bass) ... King Marke; Olaf Bär (bar) ... Kurwenal ; Jared Holt (ten) ... Melot; Ian Bostridge (ten) ... Shepherd; Rolando Villazón (ten) ... Young Sailor; Matthew Rose (bar) ... Steersman Royal Opera House Chorus, Covent Garden Royal Opera House Orchestra, Covent Garden/Antonio Pappano rec. Nov 2004–Jan 2005, No. 1 Studio, Abbey Road Studios, London. DDD Plus bonus DVD EMI CLASSICS 558006-2 [3 CDs: 78:57 + 73:54 + 73:38 = 227:00] [MB]

If, as rumour has it, this will be the last studio recording of a major opera, then EMI have ended the history of studio opera on a very high note indeed. ... see Full Review

Richard WAGNER (1813-1883) Götterdämmerung Siegfried: John Treleaven; Gunther: Falck Struckmann; Alberich: Günter von Kannen; Hagen: Matti Salminen; Brünnhilde: Deborah Polaski; Gutrune/Third Norn: Elisabete Matos; Waltraute/First Norn: Julia Joun; Second Norn: Leandra Overmann; Woglinde: Cristina Obregón; Wellgunde: Maria Rodriguez; Flosshilde: Francisca Beaumont. Symphony Orchestra of the Gran Teatre del Liceu/Bertrand de Billy,
Barcelona 2004. Producer: Harry Kupfer DVD-all regions OPUS ARTE OA 0913 D [3 discs: 284:00] [AO]

A tour de force by Salminen. His interpretation of Hagen illuminates deeper levels of the drama than are usually seen ... see Full Review

Carl Maria von WEBER (1786-1826) Overtures Euryanthe (1823) [8.38] Abu Hassan (1811) [3.32] Preziosa (1821) [8.13] The Ruler of the Spirits (1811) [5.39] Oberon (1826) [8.48] Jubel (1818) [7.46] Der Freischütz (1821) [10.04] Dresden Staatskapelle/Gustav Kühn rec. March 1985, Lukaskirche, Dresden CAPRICCIO SACD 71045 [66.16][TB]

These appealing and well recorded performances can be enthusiastically recommended. ... see Full Review

Felix WEINGARTNER (1863-1942) Der Sturm - Overture (1918) [11:53] Der Sturm - Suite (1918) [12:17] Serenade for String Orchestra (1882) [12:06] Symphony No. 4 in F major op. 61 (1916) [31:03] Sinfonieorchester Basel/Marko Letonja rec. Casino Basel Musiksaal 8 Sept 2003. DDD CPO SACD 777 098-2 [67:49] [RB]

The Serenade is a gem of rediscovery and the Symphony a work of rural grandeur.
... see Full Review

Friedrich WITT (1770-1836) Orchestral Works Symphony No.6 Sinfonie torque (published 1808-09) [24.39] Concerto for flute and orchestra (c.1806) [[22.46] Symphony No.9 (published 1818) [26.14] Susanne Barner (flute) Hamburg Symphony Orchestra/Johannes Moesus Recorded March 2004, recording location unspecified MDG 329 1299-2 [74.07] [JW]

Seldom-heard works brought to life with real panache. ... see Full Review

Ernst Wilhelm WOLF (1735-1792) Symphony in E flat major [16.51] Symphony in F major [23.51] Symphony in C major (1786) [17.20] Symphony in D major [[6.54] Franz Liszt Chamber Orchestra, Weimar/Nicolás Pasquet rec. Concert Hall of the Franz Liszt University of Music, Weimar, April 2003 NAXOS 8.557132 [64.56] [JW]

One for those curious about followers of C.P.E. Bach and admirers of the Mannheim aesthetic. ... see Full Review

Philipp WOLFRUM (1854-1919) Sonate op. 1 (1882) [19:58] Zweite Sonate op. 10 (1883) [22:13] Dritte Sonate op. 14 (1898) [35:49] Martin Sander (organ) Rec. Civic Hall, Heidelberg, 27-29 August 2004. DDD MDG 606 1319-2 [78:00] [BJ]

The connoisseur of German Romantic music cannot afford to be without this wonderful performance of music too rarely heard all performed by a true master. ... see Full Review

Isang YUN (1917 – 1995) Novelette (1980)a [18:26] Trio (1972/5)b [13:20] Duo (1984)c [14:12] Sonata (1991)d [20:59] Kolja Lessing (violin)abd; Walter Grimmer (cello)abc; Holger Groschopp (piano)bd; Maria Graf (harp)ac; Roswitha Staege (flute)a Recorded: Studio 10, DeutschlandRadio, Berlin, November 2000 CAPRICCIO 67116 [67:36] [HC]

All these musicians obviously love the music. Their performances are committed and serve the music well. This cross-section of Yun’s chamber music may be safely recommended. ... see Full Review

Riccardo ZANDONAI (1883-1944) Violin Concerto Romantico (1919) [30:10] Quadri di Segantini (L'Aratura; Idillio; Ritorno al paese natio; Meriggio) RZ 225 (1931) [26:53] Stefano Zanchetta (violin) Orchestra Haydn di Bolzano e Trento/Maurizio Dini Ciacci (concerto); Giuseppe Grazioli (Quadri) rec. Auditorium, Konzerthaus J Haydn, Bolzano, Nov 2003 (concerto); Haus der Kultur, Feb 2000 (Quadri). DDD CPO 777 107-2 [57:06] [RB]

Colourful nationalist music atmospherically presented and standing in the lineage of Dvorak and Respighi. ... see Full Review

Alexander ZEMLINSKY (1871-1942) Piano Music Ländliche Tänze Op.1 (1891) [14.49] Albumblatt (1895) [2.46] Fantasien über Gedichte von Richard Dehmel Op.9 (1898) [10.49] Vier Balladen (1892-93) [13.44] Menuett from Das gläserne Herz (1901 published 1903) [1.10] Skizze (1896) [2.32] Ein Lichtstrahl – original version (1901) [17.35] Silke Avenhaus (piano) Recorded at the Rathausprunksaal, Landshut, July 2003 NAXOS 8.557331 [63.26] [JW]

Avenhaus has been accorded a good acoustic ... sensitive musicianship. ... 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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