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Detailed listing (last five days)]
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[Recommended recordings]

 

Hugo ALFVÉN (1872-1960) Symphony No. 5 in A minor Op.54 (1942-53) [53:58] ((i) Lento – Allegro non troppo [19:45]; (ii) Andante [8:29]; (iii) Lento – Allegro – Presto molto agitato [7:39]; (iv) Finale: Allegro con brio [18:05]) Andante religioso (1913) [3:49] Norrköping Symphony Orchestra/Niklas Willén rec. De Geer Hall, Norrköping, Sweden, 15-17 June 2004 (Symphony); 23-27 May 2005 (Andante religioso) DDD NAXOS 8.557612 [57:47] [PCW]

This is a version that might just rehabilitate the Fifth Symphony and set it alongside the fourth as the pinnacle of Alfvén’s work rather than some fumblings of old age … see Full Review

Eyvind ALNAES (1872-1932) Piano Concerto in D major Op.27 (1914) [31:33] Christian SINDING (1856-1941) Piano Concerto in D flat major Op.6 (1889, rev. 1901) [33:39] Piers Lane (piano) Bergen Philharmonic Orchestra/Andrew Litton rec. Grieghallen, Bergen, Sweden, 4-6 November 2006. DDD The Romantic Piano Concerto series, Volume 42 HYPERION CDA 67555 [65:12] [TH]

Lovers of this type of repertoire can buy with confidence ... see Full Review

BARGAIN OF THE MONTH Sir Malcolm ARNOLD (1921-2006) Arnold conducts Arnold CD1 Symphony No. 1, Op. 22 (1949) [39:09] Solitaire – Sarabande and Polka (1956) [8:41] Concerto for 2 Pianos (3 hands), Op.104 (1969) [14:21] Tam O'Shanter, Op. 51 (1955 [7:55] English Dances 3 and 5 (1950) [5:35] CD2 Beckus the Dandipratt, Op. 5 - Comedy Overture (1944) [7:23] Symphony No. 2, Op. 40 (1953) [25:21] Overture: Peterloo, Op. 97 (1967) [9:01] Symphony No. 5, Op. 74 (1961) [33:35] Phyllis Sellick, Cyril Smith (pianos, concerto) Bournemouth Symphony Orchestra (Sy 1, Solitaire), City of Birmingham Symphony Orchestra (concerto, Peterloo, Sy 5), Philharmonia Orchestra (Tam, Dances), Royal Philharmonic Orchestra (Beckus, Sy 2) rec. Walthamstow Assembly Hall, 17 October 1955 (Sy 2, Beckus); De Montfort Hall, 13-14 June 1972 (Sy 5, Peterloo), 18-19 June 1970 (concerto); Winter Gardens, Bournemouth, 5-6 April 1979 (1, Solitaire); Kingsway Hall, 19 September 1955 (Tam, 3, 5). ADD. Stereo/Mono (Philharmonia; RPO) EMI CLASSICS BRITISH COMPOSERS 382146-2 [76:11 + 75:48]

This is an indispensable issue [JQ] ... You don’t know Arnold until you have heard these recordings. He continues to surprise and delight [RB] ... see Full Review

Carl Philipp Emanuel BACH (1714-1788) Sinfonia a tre voci in D Major, H585 (1754) [9:45] Twelve variations on ‘La Folia’, Wq118/9, H263 (1776) [7:58] Trio Sonata in C Minor, ‘Sanguineus and Melancholicus’, Wq161/1, H579 (1749) [14:17] Viola da gamba Sonata in D Major, Wq137, H559 (1746) [11:59] Trio Sonata in B Flat Major, Wq158, H584 (1754) [13:19] The Purcell Quartet: Catherine Mackintosh (violin); Elizabeth Wallfisch (violin); Richard Boothby (viola da gamba); Robert Woolley (harpsichord) rec. 29-30 October, 1986, Haberdashers’ Aske’s School, Elstree, Hertfordshire, United Kingdom. DDD HYPERION HELIOS CDH55232 [57:19][MS]

A delightful, expertly played, trip into the melodious world of C.P.E. Bach in all his variety and inventiveness. … see Full Review

Johann Sebastian BACH (1685-1750) Motets Komm, Jesu, komm (BWV 229) [08:48] Jesu, meine Freude (BWV 227) [20:31] Der Geist hilft unser Schwachheit auf (BWV 226) [07:10] Fürchte dich nicht (BWV 228) [07:35] Singet dem Herrn ein neues Lied (BWV 225) [12:41] La Petite Bande/Sigiswald Kuijken rec. December 2003, the Academiezaal, St Truiden, Belgium. DDD CHALLENGE CLASSICS SACC72160 [56:46] [JV]

One of the most satisfying recordings of Bach's motets, in particular in regard to the relationship of text and music ... see Full Review

Johann Sebastian BACH (1685-1750) Violin Sonatas and Partitas, Volume 1 Sonata No. 1 in G minor, BWV1001! (1720) [15:40] Partita No. 1 in B minor, BWV1002 (1720) [30:14] Sonata No. 2 in A minor, BWV1003 (1720) [22:57] Jacqueline Ross (violin) rec. 2007, St Michael’s Church, Highgate, London GAUDEAMUS CDGAU358 [69:14] [TB]

Sensitivity to Bach’s music is evident in every bar. Her case is seldom stated vehemently, preferring instead subtle nuances of phrasing and dynamic. ... see Full Review

Samuel BARBER (1910-1981) Choral Music A Stopwatch and an Ordnance Map, Op. 15 (1940) [5.25] Under the Willow Tree from opera Vanessa, Op. 32, Act II (1956-57) [3.23] Two Pieces, Op. 42: (Twelfth Night, Op. 42/1 (1968) [4:32]; To be sung on the water, Op. 42/2 (1968-69) [2:48]) The Monk and his Cat from Hermit Songs, Op. 29, No. 8 (1953 arranged for chorus 1967) [2:13] Agnus Dei, Op. 11 (1967 vocal arrangement of Adagio for Strings, Op. 11 1936) [5:55] Reincarnations, a trio of Celtic part-songs, Op. 16 (1940): (Mary Hynes, Op. 16/1 [2:44]; Anthony O’Daly, Op. 16/2 [3:49]; The Coolin, Op. 16/3 [3:13]) Two Pieces, Op. 8: (The Virgin Martyrs, Op. 8/1 (1935) [3:39]; Let Down the Bars, O Death, Op. 8/2 (1936) [1:53]) Two songs from the set of 4 Songs, Op. 13: (Heaven-haven, Op. 13/1 (1936, arr. for chorus 1961) [1:43]; Sure on this shining night, Op. 13/3 (1936, arr. for chorus 1941) [2:03]) Chorale for Ascension Day - Easter Chorale (1964) [3:02] Two choruses from opera Antony and Cleopatra, Op. 40, Act III (1966): (On the death of Antony [3:11]; On the death of Cleopatra [2:51]) God’s Grandeur (1938) [7:44] Deborah Kayser (soprano) Grantley McDonald (tenor) Len Vorster (piano) Choir of Ormond College, University of Melbourne/Douglas Lawrence rec. August 2000, Ormond College Chapel, University of Melbourne, Australia. DDD NAXOS 8.559053 [60:09][JQ]

This CD is something of a mixed bag both in terms of the music and the performances ... see Full Review

BARGAIN OF THE MONTH Arnold BAX (1883-1953) Trio for Violin, Cello and Piano in B flat (1946); Sonata for Clarinet and Piano in D (1934); Folk-Tale for Cello and Piano (1918); Clarinet Sonata in E major (1901); Romance for Clarinet and Piano (1901); Trio in One Movement for Piano, Violin and Clarinet (1906) Robert Plane (clarinet); Gould Piano Trio (Lucy Gould (violin); Alice Neary (cello); Benjamin Frith (piano)) rec. Potton Hall, Suffolk, UK, 21-23 December 2004 NAXOS 8.557698 [76:44] [EM]

A good and well-played combination of brilliant and beautiful works … can’t be beaten ... see Full Review

BARGAIN OF THE MONTH Ludwig van BEETHOVEN (1770-1827) The Collector’s Edition Includes symphonies, concertos, chamber music, piano sonatas, sacred music, Fidelio, and lieder Various artists recorded 1957-1996 Full listing here and at end of this review EMI CLASSICS 3877392 50 CDs [c.55 hours] [PCW]

Don’t roll over Beethoven ... see Full Review

Ludwig van BEETHOVEN (1770-1827) Great Conductors • Bruno Walter Symphony No. 6 in F Major, Op. 68, Pastoral [38:59] Leonore Overture No. 3, Op. 72a [13:07] Fidelio Overture, Op. 72 [6:16]   Coriolan Overture, Op. 62 [7:26] The Creatures of Prometheus Overture, Op.43 [4:46] Vienna Philharmonic Orchestra (Pastoral, Leonore No. 3); London Symphony Orchestra (Fidelio); BBC Symphony Orchestra (Coriolan); British Symphony Orchestra (Prometheus)/Bruno Walter rec. 5 December 1936 Musikvereinsaal (Pastoral); 21 May 1936 Musikvereinsaal (Leonore No. 3); 12 September 1938, Abbey Road (Fidelio); 21 May 1938, Abbey Road (Coriolan); 16 May 1930, Central Hall Westminster (Prometheus). ADD NAXOS HISTORICAL 8.111032 [70:35] [WH]

Overall a fine, enlightening performance which it is a privilege to have on the shelves. … see Full Review

Ludwig van BEETHOVEN (1770-1827) Symphony no.3 in E flat op.55 "Eroica" [46:40] Coriolan Overture op.62 [06:57] Symphony no.5 in c minor op.67 [32:02] Leonore Overture no.3 op.72 [13:43] "Philharmonic Promenade Orchestra of London" [really the London Philharmonic Orchestra]/Sir Adrian Boult rec. no info. but Michael Kennedy’s "Adrian Boult" (Hamish Hamilton 1987 p.244) dates the sessions to mid-1957 and confirms the identity of the orchestra. VANGUARD CLASSICS ATM-CD-1191 [54:10 + 45:03] [CH]

Boult’s Beethoven can hold up its head in elevated company. ... see Full Review

Ludwig van BEETHOVEN (1770-1827) Violin Concerto in D major Op 61 (1806) [43:57] Wolfgang Amadeus MOZART (1756-1791) Symphony No.39 in E flat, K543 (1788) [27:42] Erich Röhn (violin) Berlin Philharmonic Orchestra/Wilhelm Furtwängler rec. live 9 January 1944 (Beethoven), 7 February 1944 (Mozart) MELODIYA MELCD 1001105 [71:24] [JW]

Melodiya has embarked on a major programme devoted to wartime Furtwängler broadcasts ... see Full Review

RECORDING OF THE MONTH Ludwig van BEETHOVEN (1770-1827) Complete Works for Solo Piano - Vol. 4 Sonata No.12 in A flat major, Op.26 (1800-01) [18:21] Sonata No.13 in E flat major, Op.27 No.1 ‘Quasi una fantasia’ (1800-01) [14:54] Sonata No.14 in C sharp minor, Op.27 No.2 ‘Moonlight’ (1800-1) [14:31] Sonata No.15 in D major, Op.28 ‘Pastoral’ (1801) [24:42] Ronald Brautigam (McNulty fortepiano after Anton Walther) rec. Österåker Church, Sweden, August 2005 BIS SACD 1473 [77:38][TH]

Another success ... carry on collecting with pleasure ... see Full Review

Ludwig van BEETHOVEN (1770-1827) Mass in C major, Op. 86 (1807)[46:08] Ah! Perfido, Op. 65 (1796) [13:08] Ne’ giorni tuoi felici WoO 93 (1801-02) [6:42] Tremate, empi, tremate Op. 116 (1801-02) [7:56] Janice Watson (soprano); Jean Rigby (mezzo); John Mark Ainsley (tenor); Gwynne Howell (bass) Corydon Singers and Orchestra/Matthew Best rec. Blackheath Concert Halls, London, 23-25 September 1995. DDD HYPERION HELIOS CDH55263 [74:33][JQ]

The performance of the Mass is as good as any modern instrument version I’ve heard and I’m delighted that it’s been restored to the catalogue. ... see Full Review

Ludwig van BEETHOVEN (1770-1827) Concerto for Violin and Orchestra in D major* (1806) [41:14] Ralph VAUGHAN WILLIAMS (1872-1958) Symphony No. 8 in D minor (1953-5) [27:49] Nathan Milstein* (violin) London Philharmonic Orchestra/Sir Adrian Boult rec. Royal Festival Hall, London, 18 October 1972 EMI CLASSICS DVB38845690 [69:05] [IL]

A sweet-toned performance … elegantly refined and warmly romantic ... see Full Review

Vincenzo BELLINI (1801–1835) Norma (1831) Joan Sutherland (soprano) – Norma; John Alexander (tenor) – Pollione; Marilyn Horne (mezzo) – Adalgisa; Richard Cross (bass) – Oroveso; Yvonne Minton (mezzo-soprano) – Clotilde; Joseph Ward (tenor) – Flavio; London Symphony Orchestra and Chorus/Richard Bonynge rec. Walthamstow Assembly Hall, July 1964 DECCA 475 7902 [3 CDs: 62:17 + 30:43 + 69:10][GF]

Not a clear first choice but highly recommended for the legendary duet singing of Sutherland and Horne and the attractive tenor of little recorded John Alexander. ... see Full Review

Hector BERLIOZ (1803-1860) Symphonie fantastique, Op. 14 (1830) [48:20] Peter Ilyich TCHAIKOVSKY (1840-1893) Nutcracker Suite, Op. 71a (1892) [21:07]* Cleveland Orchestra/Lorin Maazel rec. Severance Hall, Cleveland, May 1982; *Masonic Auditorium, Cleveland, April 1981 TELARC SACD60650 [69:27] [SV]

The Nutcracker Suite bears out the promise unfulfilled in the Berlioz ... see Full Review

Leonard BERNSTEIN (1918-1990) Dybbuk – Ballet (1974)* [45:15] Fancy Free – Ballet (1944)** [28:59] Mel Ulrich (baritone)*; Mark Risinger (bass)*; Abby Burke (vocal)**; Stephen Kummer (piano)**; Samuel D Bacco (drums)** Nashville Symphony/Andrew Mogrelia rec. 14-16 May 2005, Blair Hall, Nashville, USA. DDD NAXOS 8.559280 [74.14][RMO]

If you like your Bernstein and have never heard Dybbuk this is a good investment in your musical education.  Fancy Free has been done before but this recording is just as good as you’ll get anywhere. ... see Full Review

Heinrich Ignaz Franz BIBER (1644-1704) 1 Missa Alleluja à 36, (1698) [26:44] Johann Heinrich SCHMELZER (c.1620-1680) 2 Vesperae sollennes, [19:13] 3 Sonata No.12 à 8 from Sacroprofanus concentus musicus [4:36] Giovanni Pierluigi da PALESTRINA (c.1525-1594) 4 Urbs beata Jerusalem (1589) [4:01] Johann Jacob FROBERGER (1616-1667) 5 Libro secondo di toccate: Fantasia no 2 (1649) [4:50] Anonymous (mediaeval chant) 6 Terribilis est locus iste [2:41] 7 Alleluia In dedicatione ecclesiae [2:14] 8 Stetit angelus iuxta aram templi [2:36] 9 Passer invenit sibi dominum [1:31] 10 Deus in adiutorium intende (14th century) [0:19] 11 Domus mea [0:16] 12 Haec est domus Domini [0:25] 13 Bene fundata est [0:15] 14 Lapides pretiosi [0:27] 15 O quam metuendus [0:38] Gradus ad Parnassum (1, 2, 3, 4) Concerto Palatino Choir (1, 2) Vienna Hofburgkapelle (1, 2) Vienna Hofburgkapelle Choralschola (6, 7, 8, 9, 10,11, 12,13, 14, 15) Wolfgang Glüxam, organ (5) Konrad Junghänel (1, 2, 3, 4) rec. May, 1994, Melk Monastery, Austria. DDD DEUTSCHE HARMONIA MUNDI 05472 77326 2 [73:55] [MS]

Splendid repertoire played almost to perfection in atmospheric, mature and highly professional recordings. ... see Full Review

Celestial Light Hildegard VON BINGEN (1098-1179) O lucidissima [5:43] Notre Dame responsory, (13th century) Novi sideris Lumen respenduit [3:42] Hildegard VON BINGEN O cruor sanguinis [1:39] Notre Dame responsory, (13th century) Deus misertus hominis [5:12] Hildegard VON BINGEN O tu illustrate [6:34] Notre Dame responsory, (13th century) Flos ut rosa floruit [2:27] Hildegard VON BINGEN O viridissima virga [4:13] Robert KYR (b. 1952) From the Circling Wheel (Texts by Hildegard von Bingen) I. Song to the Creator (O verbum Patris) [5:56] II Song of the Virgin to her Son (Oflli dilectissime) [5:17] III Song to the Virgin (O Magna res) [4:53] Hildegard VON BINGEN Nunc gaudeant [2:47] Hildegard VON BINGEN O eterne deus [2:40] Huelgas MSS, (13th century) Ave Maris stella [4:41] Hildegard VON BINGEN O nobilissima viriditas [6:53] Laurie Monahan (mezzo); Cristi Catt (soprano); Sandra Morales-Ramirez (mezzo); Daniela Tosic (alto); Robert Kyr (hurdy-gurdy) rec. Studio A, National Music Foundation, Lenox, Massachusetts, 28-31 May 1997 TELARC CD 80456 [63.17] [EM]

A fascinating, well-compiled and well-performed disc ... see Full Review

RECORDING OF THE MONTH Judith BINGHAM (b. 1952) Salt in the Blood (1995) [20:40] The Darkness Is No Darkness-Segue-S.S. Wesley (1810-76) Thou Wilt Keep Him (1993) [8:05] First Light (2001) [10:22] The Snows Descend (1997) [6:45] The Secret Garden (2004) [21:58] BBC Symphony Chorus/Stephen Jackson Thomas Trotter (organ) Fine Arts Brass rec. BBC Maida Vale Studios, London, 7-8 May 2005 (Salt in the Blood, The Darkness Is No Darkness, First Light and The Snows Descend); live, BBC Proms, 21 August 2004 (The Secret Garden). DDD NAXOS 8.570346 [67:50][CT]

A long awaited first complete disc devoted to Judith Bingham’s music concentrating on her memorable and finely crafted choral works. ... see Full Review

William BLAND (b. 1947) Sonata No. 4 in E-flat Major (Four Goodbye Concert Rags) (2000) [28:54] Air de Ballet – Andante moderato (1995) [3:33]
Nouveau Rag (1995) [4:23] Pastorale (1993) [5:41] Sonata No. 14 in B-flat Major (2003, rev. 2005) [33:03] William Bland (piano) rec. 7-9 September 2005, Kauffmann Astoria Studios, Astoria, NY. BRIDGE 9223 [75:55] [KS]

A throwback to times gone by with little new to say. Too much of a pastiche of by-gone styles with too little original material to merit interest. ... see Full Review

Chamber Music with Clarinet Pietro BOTTESINI (1792-1874) Theme and Variations for flute, clarinet and string quartet [13:04] Divertimento for clarinet and string quartet [15:39] Aria from Rossini’s ‘Ciro in Babilonia’ for clarinet and guitar (arr. Luigi Magistrelli) [4:13] Giovanni BOTTESINI (1821-1889) Gran Duo for clarinet, double bass and piano [9:15] (c. 1840) Pietro BOTTESINI (1792-1874) Quartet No. 3 for violin, clarinet, guitar and cello [6:49] Quartet No. 6 for violin, clarinet, guitar and cello [5:39] Theme and Variations for clarinet and piano [10:12] Luigi Magistrelli (clarinet); Elena Cecconi (flute); Massimo Laura (guitar); Piermario Murelli (double-bass); Claudia Bracco (piano); Andriani String Quartet: (Nicola Mansutti (violin); Cristiano Mamprin (violin); Claudio Andriani (viola); Alessandro Andriani (cello)) rec. September 2004, April 2005, S. Stefano Ticino, Italy. DDD TALENT RECORDS DOM 2910 124 [64:51] [MC]

Not indispensable by any means but a well performed and recorded disc of lightweight Italian bel canto instrumental music. A refreshing change. ... see Full Review

Johannes BRAHMS (1833-1897) CD 1 [76:02] Symphony no.1 in C minor op.68 (1855-76) [44:31] Variations on a Theme by Haydn op.56a (1873) [18:39] Tragic Overture op.81 (1880-81) [12:37] CD 2 [78:53] Symphony no.2 in D op.73 (1877) [39:41] Symphony no.3 in F op.90 (1883) [38:38] CD 3 [67:58] Symphony no.4 in E minor op.98 (1884-85) [41:37] Schicksalslied op.54 [16:06]* Academic Festival Overture op.80 (1880) [09:53] Ambrosian Singers*, London Philharmonic Orchestra/Wolfgang Sawallisch rec. 1989-1991, Abbey Road Studio no.1, London BRILLIANT CLASSICS 92878 [3 CDs: 76:02 + 78:53 + 67:58] [CH]

A magnificent 4th Symphony, 2 and 3 are good, but there’s a dud 1st and the Haydn Variations are dreadful ... see Full Review

Johannes BRAHMS (1833-1897) Symphony no.3 in F op.90 [35:48]* Richard WAGNER (1813-1883) Die Meistersinger von Nürnberg: Overture [09:52]** Tannhäuser: Overture [14:34]** Symphony Orchestra of the Southwest German Radio, Baden-Baden*, Bamberg Symphony Orchestra**/Jascha Horenstein rec. 1958*, 1954** VOX 7802 [60:16][CH]

Some terrific things here, but not everything is convincing. ... see Full Review

A “Hatto Original” Johannes BRAHMS (1833-1897) Piano Concerto No. 1 in d minor op.15 [48:46] Piano Concerto No. 2 in B flat major op.83 [50:56] Variations and Fugue on a Theme by Handel op.24 (orch. Edmund RUBBRA (1901-1986) op.47) [28:39] Variations on a Theme by Haydn op.56a [16:41] Vladimir Ashkenazy (piano) Concertgebouw Orchestra, Amsterdam (PC1), Vienna Philharmonic Orchestra (PC2), Cleveland Orchestra (Handel & Haydn)/Bernard Haitink (PCs), Vladimir Ashkenazy (Handel & Haydn) rec. Concertgebouw, Amsterdam, May 1983 (PC1) Sofiensaal, Vienna, October 1982 (PC2) Severance Hall, Cleveland, March 1991 (Haydn), July 1992 (Handel) DECCA 470 519-2 [77:34 + 67:45] [CH]

A less than ideal partnership hampers this in the concerto stakes, but the variations bring added value. ... see Full Review

Johannes BRAHMS (1833-1897) Piano Concerto no.1 in D minor op.15 (1854-58) [49:12] Piano Concerto no.2 in B flat major op.83 (1881) [50:31] John Lill (piano) Hallé Orchestra/James Loughran rec. 1978, Free Trade Hall, Manchester. ADD RESONANCE CD RSB 204 [49:12 + 50:31][JQ]

This is a pair of decent performances but they don’t really stir my soul ... see Full Review

RECORDING OF THE MONTH Johannes BRAHMS (1833-1897) String Quintet in F minor Op.34 (1862) (reconstructed by Sebastian Brown) (1946) [42:34] Joseph Miroslav WEBER (1854-1906) String Quintet in D major (1898) [28:14] Divertimenti Ensemble: Paul Barritt and Rachel Isserlis (violins); Jonathan Barritt (viola); Josephine Horder and Sebastian Comberti (cellos) rec. St. Paul’s Deptford, London, April 2006. DDD CELLO CLASSICS CC1017 [71:00] [JW]

Discover a vibrant and exciting forgotten composer and encounter an old friend in new clothes. ... see Full Review

Johannes BRAHMS (1833-1897) Heimweh II, Op.63 No.8* [3:32] O kühler Wald, Op.72 No.3* [2:20] Geheimnis, Op.71 No.3* [1:59] Wir wandelten, Op.96 No.2* [2:36] Meerfahrt, Op.96 No.4* [2:25] Ständchen, Op. 106 No.1* [1:29] Ein Wanderer, Op.106 No.5* [2:56] Regenlied, Wo023* [1:42] Das Mädchen spricht, Op.107 No.3* [1:25] Mädchenlied Op.107 No..5* [1:49] Mondnacht, WoO21* [2:41] Auf dem kirchhofe, Op.105 No.4* [2:52] Feldeinsamkeit, Op.86 No.2 [3:54] Vergebliches Ständchen, Op.84 No.4 [1:45] An die Nachtigall, Op.46 No.4 [3:53] Meine Liebe ist grün" Op.63 No.5 [1:25] Herbstgefühl, Op.48 No.7 [4:22] Sommerfäden, Op.72 No.2 [2:12] Abendregen, Op.70 No.4 [5:04] Verzagen, Op.72 No.4 [2:36] Nachtwandler, Op.86 No.3 [4:50] Komm bald, Op.97 No.5 [2:44] Der Tod, das ist die kühle Nacht, Op.96 No.1 [3:14] Von ewiger Liebe, Op.43 No.1** [4:47] Dame Janet Baker (mezzo)* Ernest Lush (piano)**/Paul Hamburger (piano) rec. BBC Studios, London, *16 September 1960; 4 January 1968; **7 February 1961 ADD Mono/**Stereo BBC LEGENDS BBCL 4200-2 [69:02][JQ]

This is an important disc and a mandatory purchase for all admirers of Brahms’s lieder or of Dame Janet Baker. ... see Full Review

Johannes BRAHMS (1833-1897) Ein Deutsches Requiem (1868) Dorothea Röschmann (soprano) Thomas Quasthoff (baritone) Rundfunkchor Berlin Berlin Philharmonic/Simon Rattle rec. Philharmonie, Berlin, 26-29 October 2006 EMI CLASSICS 3 65393 2 [67:07][JW]

Allowing for the vocal performances Rattle’s direction is powerful and intense. He shapes and arches the work with real awareness. ... see Full Review

Benjamin BRITTEN (1913-1976) Noye’s Fludde Op.59 (1958) [50:52] A Ceremony of Carols Op.28 (1942) [21:34] Benjamin Luxon (bar); David Wilson-Johnson (bar); Catherine Wyn-Rogers (sop) Jeffrey Dyball (harp: Ceremony of Carols) Principals of the BBC Concert Orchestra (Noye’s Fludde) Finchley Children’s Music Group/Nicholas Wilks rec. Haberdasher’s Aske’s Boy’s School, Elstree, 18-19 October 1997 (Noye), Church of All Saints, London, 13 July 1997 (Ceremony) SOMM RECORDINGS SOMMCD 212 [72:37] [DC]

Worth it for the big names and vast forces of Noye’s Fludde alone. ... see Full Review

Dietrich BUXTEHUDE (1637-1707) O fröhliche Stunden, BuxWV 84 [6:05] O dulcis Jesu, BuxWV 83 [11:52] Fried- und freudenreiche Hinfahrt, BuxWV 76: Contrapunctus I [1:29] Was mich auf dieser Welt betrübt, BuxWV 105 [1:29] Fried- und freudenreiche Hinfahrt, BuxWV 76: Contrapunctus I (Evolutio) [1:32] Schaff in mir, Gott, BuxWV 95 [7:07] Fried- und freudenreiche Hinfahrt, BuxWV 76, Teil II: Klag-Lied [7:11] Gen Himmel zu dem Vater mein, BuxWV 32 [8:15] Fried- und freudenreiche Hinfahrt, BuxWV 76: Contrapunctus II [1:22] Singet den Herrn, BuxWV 98 [9:15] Fried- und freudenreiche Hinfahrt, BuxWV 76: Contrapunctus II (Evolutio) [1:25] Sicut Moses exaltavit serpentem, BuxWV 38 [4:12] Emma Kirby (soprano); John Holloway (violin); Manfredo Kraemer (violin); Jaap ter Linden (viola da gamba); Lars Ulrik Mortensen (harpsichord, organ) rec. 1-4 November 1996, Stokkemarke Church, Denmark NAXOS 8.557251 [72:18] [GPu]

Delightful and moving, theatrical and spiritual too, some of Buxtehude’s vocal works get very persuasive performances by Kirkby, Holloway and co. on this reissue … see Full Review

Dietrich BUXTEHUDE (1637-1707) O fröhliche Stunden, BuxWV 84 [6:05] O dulcis Jesu, BuxWV 83 [11:52] Fried- und Freudenreiche Hinfarth, BuxWV 76: Contrapunctus 1 (by 1674) [1:29] Was mich auf dieser Welt betrübt, BuxWV 105 [5:09] Fried- und Freudenreiche Hinfarth, BuxWV 76: Evolutio 1 (by 1674) [1:32] Schaffe in mir, Gott, ein rein Herz, BuxWV95 [7:07] Fried- und Freudenreiche Hinfarth, BuxWV 76: no 2, Klagelied (by 1674) [7:11] Gen Himmel zu dem Vater mein, BuxWV 32 [8:15] Fried- und Freudenreiche Hinfarth, BuxWV 76: Contrapunctus 2 (by 1674) [1:22] Singet dem Herrn ein neues Lied, BuxWV 98 [9:15] Fried- und Freudenreiche Hinfarth, BuxWV 76: Evolutio (by 1674) [1:25] Sicut Moses exaltavit serpentem, BuxWV 97 [7:25] Herr, wenn ich nur dich hab', BuxWV 38 [4:12] Emma Kirkby (soprano); John Holloway (violin); Manfredo Kraemer (violin); Jaap ter Linden (viola da gamba); Lars Ulrik Mortensen (harpsichord, organ) rec. 1-4 November, 1996, Stokkemarke Church, Denmark. DDD NAXOS 8.557251 [72:18] [MS]

A delightful reissue of worthwhile repertoire expertly played. … see Full Review



Detailed listing (last five 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]
[Recommended recordings]

 

 

 

 



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