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ALPHABETICAL LISTING


Charles-Valentin ALKAN (1813-1888) Le Festin d'Esope Etude Op. 39 No. 12 [9:08] Saltarelle Op. 23 [3:10] Franz LISZT (1811-1886) Venezia e Napoli from Années de pélerinage [18:13] Transcendental Etude No. 11 [9:34] Sergei PROKOFIEV (1891-1953) Romeo and Juliet Op. 75 [34:39] Igor Roma (piano) rec. 13-14 June 2001, Het Cenakel, Tilburg, Netherlands CHALLENGE CC 72154 [74:14] [DB]

Well-played and recommended, especially for the Alkan. ... see Full Review

Hendrik ANDRIESSEN (1892-1981) Variations and Fugue on a theme of Johann Kuhnau (1935)a [13:28] Symphony No.3 (1946)b [24:37] Variations on a theme of Couperin (1944)c [12:57] Symphony No.1 (1930)d [13:14] Ricercare (1949)e [10:35] Symphony No.2 (1937)f [16:59] Symphonic Study (1952)g [11:07] Symphony No.4 (1954)h [24:07] Adriaan Bonsel (flute)c; Netherlands Radio Philharmonic Orchestra; Jaap van Zwedena, Jean Fournetbgh, Willem van Otterloocf, Albert van Raalted, Edo de Waarte rec. May 2005 (Kuhnau Variations, Ricercare), September 1968 (Symphony No.3), January 1965 (Couperin Variations), May 1947 (Symphony No.1), January 1969 (Symphony No.2), September 1962 (Symphonic Study) and May 1982 (Symphony No.4) ETCETERA KTC1307 [64:42 + 63:21] [HC]

This beautiful set is wholeheartedly recommended to all those who love symphonic music from the first half of the 20th century, have a liking for French music of the inter-war years and who admire, say, Vaughan Williams' music. Not to be missed. ... see Full Review

Malcolm ARNOLD (1921-2006) Little Suite No. 1, Op.53 (1955) [8:32] Concerto for 28 Players, Op.105 (1970) [20:23] Little Suite No. 2, Op.78 (1963) [8:43] Variations for Orchestra on a Theme of Ruth Gipps, Op.122 (1977) [11:11] * A Manx Suite, (Little Suite No. 3), Op.142 (1990) [9:05] * City of London Sinfonia/Richard Hickox rec. St Jude on the Hill, Hampstead, London, 12-13 July 1996. DDD * premiere recordings CHANDOS CHAN 9509 [58:00][RB]

Hickox and Chandos at their very best. ... see Full Review

Milton BABBITT (b. 1916) Soli e Duettini Around the Horn (1993) [9:33] Whirled Series (1987) [15:28] None But The Lonely Flute (1991) [06:12] Homily (1987) [03:46] Beaten Paths (1988) [04:38] Play It Again, Sam (1989) [06:36] Soli e Duettini (1989) [10:19] Melismata (1982) [18:45] The Group for Contemporary Music rec. September 1994, March 1995, American Academy of Arts and Letters, New York, USA. NAXOS 8.559259 [75:17][WH]

I wish I could respond more positively to this music; no doubt many collectors will do so. Everything is stunningly delivered in superbly natural sound. Some very difficult music. ... see Full Review

Carl Philipp Emanuel BACH (1714-1788) Concerti per il Cembalo Concerto in G (Wq34/H444) [22:32] Concerto in C minor (Wq5/H407) [24:46] Concerto in A minor (Wq26/H430) [22:11] L'arpa festante/Rien Voskuilen (harpsichord) rec. July 2003, Klosterkirche Altenberg, Germany. DDD CARUS 83.184 [70:10][JV]

Three fine keyboard concertos by C.P.E. Bach in imaginative and energetic performances ... see Full Review

Johann Sebastian BACH (1685-1750) Violin Concerto No.1 in A Minor BW 1041 [13:11] Concerto for two Violins in D Minor BWV 1043 [13:42]* Violin Concerto No.2 in E Major BWV 1042 [15:25] Brandenburg Concerto No.5 in D Major BWV 1050 [21:20]# Daniel Hope (violin), Marieke Blankestjin (violin)* Jaime Martin (flute)#, Kristian Bezuidenhout (harpsichord and organ) Chamber Orchestra of Europe. rec. 31 October-2 November 2005, St Paul's Church, Deptford, London. DDD WARNER CLASSICS 2564 62545-2 [63:37][TP]

This album has much to recommend it; Hope, with his thoughtfulness and his sparkling E Major concerto, has the edge. ... see Full Review

RECORDING OF THE MONTH Johann Sebastian BACH (1685-1750) The Bach Cantata Pilgrimage: Volume 7 Cantatas for The Fourteenth Sunday after Trinity Es ist nichts Gesundes an meinem Liebe, BWV 25 [17:42] Jesu, der du meine Seele, BWV 78 [23:05] Wer Dank opfert, der preiset mich, BWV 17 [16:24] - Malin Hartelius (soprano); Robin Tyson (alto); James Gilchrist (tenor); Peter Harvey (bass) The Monteverdi Choir English Baroque Soloists/Sir John Eliot Gardiner rec. Abbaye d'Ambronay, France, 24 September 2000 Cantatas for the Feast of St. Michael and All Angels Nun ist das Heil, und die Kraft, BWV 50 [3:15] (Occasion unspecified) Herr Gott, dich loben alle wir, BWV 130 [15:30] Es erhub sich ein Streit, BWV 19 [20:24] Man singet mit Freuden vom Sieg, BWV 149 [18:21] Malin Hartelius (soprano); Richard Wyn Roberts (alto); James Gilchrist (tenor); Peter Harvey (bass) The Monteverdi Choir English Baroque Soloists/Sir John Eliot Gardiner rec. Unser Lieben Frauen, Bremen, 29 September 2000 SOLI DEO GLORIA SDG 124 [57:27 + 57:44][JQ]

In every respect this set lives up to the very high standards of previous issues in the series. It's essential listening for all lovers of Bach's cantatas. ... see Full Review

Johann Sebastian BACH (1685-1750) Klavierübung Part 1, Opus 1, Partitas (6) for keyboard, BWV 825-830 (1725-1731) 2CDs [120.05] Fernando Valenti (harpsichord) rec. 1984. No notes; each partita is a single track. Cover photo of performer. FERNANDO VALENTI no number [51.43 + 68.22]
A Performer's Guide to the Keyboard Partitas of Bach, by Fernando Valenti (1928-1990). Yale University Press, 1989. 128pp; musical illustrations, index. 7.5 x 10.5 inches. ISBN 0-300-04313-9. £30 [PSh]

A book and a recording indispensable to Valenti fans, of vital interest to all harpsichordists, and of deep value for all Bach lovers. ... see Full Review

Johann Sebastian BACH (1685-1750) Concerto in la minore BWV 593 da Vivaldi [12:43] Concerto in re minore BWV 596 da Vivaldi [11:42] Trio in do minore BWV 585 da una Sonata a tre di Johann Friedrich Fasch [5:43] Concerto in do maggiore BWV 595 dal primo movimento del Concerto in do maggiore del Principe Johann Ernst von Sachsen Weimar [4:25] Trio in sol maggiore BWV 586 da Georg Philipp Telemann [4:29] Concerto in sol maggiore BWV 592 dal Concerto in sol maggiore del Principe Johann Ernst von Sachsen Weimar [8:08] Aria in fa maggiore BWV 587 da François Couperin: Les nations, Sonade l'imperiale [4:22] Concerto in do maggiore BWV 594 da Vivaldi (Concerto in re maggiore Grosso Mogul RV 208) [19:01] Alessio Corti (organ) rec. Chiesa di Santa Mario Segreta, Milan, date not known. DDD CONCERTO CD2006 [70:33] [CB]

Excellently judged tempi .. stylish and musical playing ... see Full Review

Sir Arnold BAX (1883-1953) Sonata for viola and piano (1922) [22:37] Concert Piece for viola and piano (1904) [12:30] Legend for viola and piano (1929) [9:26] Trio for violin, viola and piano (1906) [14:29] Martin Outram (viola), Laurence Jackson (violin), Julian Rolton (piano) rec. 20-22 February 2005, Potton Hall, Suffolk. DDD NAXOS 8.557784 [61:03][TB]

There is no question that the Viola Sonata ranks as the most significant composition among those collected here, and it is worth the price of the disc on its own. ... see Full Review

Ludwig van BEETHOVEN (1770-1827) Piano Concerto No.1, Op.15 in C major (1800) [38:50] Piano Concerto No.2, Op.19 in B flat major (1795) [30:30] Piano Concerto No.3, Op.37 in C minor (1800) [39:46] Piano Concerto No.4, Op.58 in G major (1805) [37:41] Piano Concerto No.5, Op.73 Emperor in E flat major (1810) [43:01] Choral Fantasia, Op.80 in C minor (1808) [21:06] Daniel Barenboim (piano) John Alldis Choir, New Philharmonia Orchestra/Otto Klemperer rec. EMI Abbey Road Studios, London, November 1967. ADD EMI CLASSICS GREAT RECORDINGS OF THE CENTURY 3 61525-2 [3 CDs: 69:25 + 77.28 + 64.13] [DRD]

A Great Recording but definitely not for everyday. A fascinating set presenting these constantly rewarding works ... see Full Review

Ludwig van BEETHOVEN (1770-1827) Wellington's Victory, Op. 91 (1813) [15:20] Franz LISZT (1811-1886) Battle of the Huns (Hunnenschlacht) (1885) [15:28] Hungarian March to the Assault (1843, 1875) [4:39] Cincinnati Symphony Orchestra/Erich Kunzel rec. 10 September 1982, Music Hall, Cincinnati, Ohio. DDD TELARC CD-80079 [35:41][RB]

Sonic spectacular with musical virtues ... see Full Review

Ludwig van BEETHOVEN (1770-1827) The Ten Violin Sonatas CD 1 Sonata No. 1 in D Major, Op. 12, No. 1 (1797-98) [20:48] Sonata No. 3 in E-flat Major, Op. 12, No. 3 (1797-98) [18:38] Sonata No. 9 in A Major, Op. 47 Kreutzer (1803) [37:49] CD 2 Sonata No. 2 in A Major, Op. 12, No. 2 (1797-98) [16:53] Sonata No. 5 in F Major, Op. 24, Spring (1801) [23:05] Sonata No. 6 in A Major, Op. 30, No. 1 (1803) [22:22] Sonata No. 8 in G Major, Op. 30, No. 3 (1803) [17:25] CD 3 Sonata No. 4 in A Minor, Op. 23, (1801) [21:42] Sonata No. 7 in C Minor, Op. 30, No. 2 (1803) [24:45] Sonata No. 10 in G Major, Op. 96 (1812) [27:00] Corey Cerovsek (violin) Paavali Jumppanen (piano) rec. 14-25 June, 27-31 August 2006, Salle de Musique, La Chaux-de-Fonds, Switzerland. DDD CLAVES CD 50-2610/12 [3 CDs: 77:26 + 79:59 + 73:39][MC]

Not my first choices in this repertoire but consistently satisfying performances from Cerovsek and Jumppanen marked by their selfless dedication. ... see Full Review

Ludwig van BEETHOVEN (1770-1827) Violin Sonatas: No. 7 in C minor Op. 30/2 (1801-02) [29:35] No. 8 in G major Op. 30/3 (1801-02) [18:42] No. 9 in A major Op. 47 Kreutzer (1803) [34:20] No. 10 in G major Op. 96 (1812) [29:14] Pyotr Ilyich TCHAIKOVSKY (1840-1893) Piano Trio in A minor Op.50 (1882) [43:06] Pinchas Zuckerman (violin) Jacqueline du Pré (cello) Daniel Barenboim (piano) rec. Berlin 1972; Abbey Road, London 1973 (Tchaikovsky) EMI GEMINI CLASSICS 3 65224 2 [77:51 + 77:42][JW]

The Zuckerman-Barenboim readings are somewhat problematic and the Tchaikovsky trio equally so. Over to you. ... see Full Review

Ludwig van BEETHOVEN (1770-1827) String Trios, Volume 1 String Trio in E flat, Op. 3 (c1794) [39:42]; Serenade (String Trio) in D, Op. 8 (1797) [27:02] Attila Falvay (violin); János Fejérvári (viola); György Éder (cello) rec. Phoenix Studio, Budapest, 7-10 January 2005. DDD. NAXOS 8.557895 [66:44][CC]

It is true that this disc mirrors the content of the Leopold Trio on Hyperion (CDA67253) and cannot in the final analysis match it. But that is a full price offering, and for a fiver the three Hungarians provide ample enjoyment. ... see Full Review

Ludwig van BEETHOVEN (1770-1827) Piano Sonata No.4 in E flat major Op.7 [26.24] Piano Sonata No.11 in B flat major Op.22 [22.24] Piano Sonata No.30 in E major Op.109 [17.05] Samuel Feinberg (piano) No recording information given CLASSICAL RECORDS CR 076 [67.53][JW]

Important documents of a musician of the highest spiritual qualities ... see Full Review

RECORDING OF THE MONTH Ludwig van BEETHOVEN (1770-1827) Piano Sonatas 8-18, 21-27 David Allen Wehr rec. 2003/4 CONNOISSEUR SOCIETY CD4262 (Vol. 2) [78.15 + 79.40]; CD4263 (Vol. 3) [79.05 + 79.10] [PSh]

Exquisite Beethoven by one of the finest pianists currently before us, recorded in laboratory quality sound. ... see Full Review

Ludwig van BEETHOVEN (1770-1827) Symphony No. 6 in F major, Pastoral, Op.68 (1808) [43:39] Franz LISZT (1811-1886) Three Hungarian Rhapsodies: No. 1 in F minor (orch. Doppler, Liszt) [8:38]; No. 2 in C Sharp minor (orch. Müller-Berghaus) [8:37]; No. 3 in D major (orch. Doppler, Liszt) [7:41] NBC Symphony Orchestra/Leopold Stokowski Sounds of Nature - Illustrated discussion by Leopold Stokowski [5:51] rec. 18-19 March 1954 (Liszt), 13 January, 10 February 1955 (Beethoven), Manhattan Center, New York, USA. AAD CALA RECORDS CACD0545 [74:28] [MC]

Stokowski continues to divide opinion and with this idiosyncratic interpretation of the Pastoral most will either love it or hate it. I loved the interpretation but not the sound. ... see Full Review

Sir Lennox BERKELEY (1903-1989) Berkeley conducts Berkeley Mont Juic, Op. 9 (with Britten, 1937) [11:04]; Serenade for Strings, Op. 12 (1939) [13:19]; Divertimento in B flat, Op. 18 (1943) [18:46]; Partita, Op. 66 (1964-54) [12:38]; Sinfonia concertante, Op. 84 - Canzonettaa(1973) [2:58]; Symphony No. 3, Op. 74 (1969) [15:17] aRoger Winfield (oboe). London Philharmonic Orchestra/Sir Lennox Berkeley rec. 1971-75. No location information. ADD LYRITA RECORDED EDITION SRCD226 [73:57] [RB]

Indispensable to Berkeley admirers ... see Full Review

Hector BERLIOZ (1803-1869) Symphonie fantastique Op.14 (1830) [52:53]* Le Carnaval Romain Op.9 (1844) [9:45]* Overture from Benvenuto Cellini Op.23 (1834-8) [10:36]* Kölner Rundfunk-Sinfonie-Orchester/Gary Bertini rec. Köln Philharmonie, 4-8 May 1993, 24-25 March 1994*. DDD CAPRICCIO 71094 [73:14] [TP]

A carefully prepared and beautifully played account of Berlioz's first symphony, but missing some of the fantasy. ... see Full Review

Christoph BERNHARD (1628-1693) Geistliche Harmonien Wohl dem, der den Herren fürchtet [05:18] Herzlich lieb hab' ich dich, o Herr [04:27] Ich sahe an alles Thun [11:47] Anima sterilis quid agis [04:37] Heute ist Christus von den Toten auferstanden [03:37] Wahrlich, wahrlich, ich sage Euch [04:39] Herr, wer wird wohnen in Deiner Hütten [03:11] Reminiscere miserationum tuarum, Domine [06:41] Unser keiner lebet ihm selber [03:13] Ach, mein herzliebes Jesulein [03:47] Aus der Tiefe ruf' ich, Herr, zu dir [05:56] Da pacem Domine [03:20] Soloists of the Rheinische Kantorei and Das Kleine Konzert (Veronika Winter, Nele Gramß, (soprano); Hennig Voss, (alto); Henning Kaiser, (tenor); Ekkehard Abele, (bass); Ulla Bundies, Anne Röhrig, (violin); Anette Sichelschmidt, Gabrielle Kancachian, (viola); Hartwig Groth, (violone); Michael Dücker, (lute, chitarrone); Joachim Held, (chitarrone, guitar); Bernward Lohr, (harpsichord); Christoph Lehman, (organ))/Hermann Max rec. January 2004, Studio, Deutschlandfunk, Cologne, Germany. DDD CPO 777 046-2 [61:24][JV]

This disc shows Bernhard is much more than a theorist - it offers some of the best music of the German 17th century in excellent performances by an ensemble of experts ... see Full Review

Georges BIZET (1838-1875) Carmen (1875) Raymonde Visconti, Georges Thill, Marthe Nespoulous, L'Orchestre Symphonique de Paris/Elie Cohen rec. Paris 1927-9 DIVINE ART 27809 [60:30 + 51:37] [JW]

Wrong to limit this to a one-man set. Thill is the most marvellous singer here but there are at least two other performances of some stature. ... see Full Review

Sir Arthur BLISS (1891-1975) Mêlée fantasquea (1921, rev. 1937 and 1965) [13:06]; Routb (1920) [7:24]; Adam Zero Suiteb - No. 2, Dance of Spring; No. 4, Bridal Chamber; No. 5, Dance of Summer (1946) [8:54]; bHymn to Apollo (1928, rev. 1964) [10:23]; Serenadec(1929) [25:52]; The World is charged with the grandeur of Godd (1969) [13:31] bRae Woodland (soprano); cJohn Shirley-Quirk (baritone); dAmbrosian Singers; dLSO Wind and Brass Ensemble; abcLondon Symphony Orchestra/abSir Arthur Bliss, cBrian Priestman, dPhilip Ledger. rec. 1971. ADD LYRITA RECORDED EDITION SRCD225 [79:13] [RB]

Desirable and remarkably generous - must not be overlooked by any serious Bliss enthusiast. Unusual works not accessible elsewhere.... see Full Review

Arthur BLISS (1891-1975) Ceremonial Prelude for orchestra and organ (1965) [5:26] Welcome the Queen (1954) [7:20] A Song of Welcome (1954) [16:08] Miracle in the Gorbals - suite (1944) [23:04] Music for Strings (1935) [24:26] Simon Preston (organ); Joan Sutherland (soprano); John Cameron (tenor); BBC Chorus; Philharmonia/Bliss; New Philharmonia/Bliss (Prelude) rec. live, Westminster Abbey, 28 December 1965 (Prelude); Kingsway Hall, London, 11 May, 10 June, 26 (Miracle), 27-28 January 1954. ADD. EMI CLASSICS BRITISH COMPOSERS 0946 3 70564 2 4 [76:58] [RB]

First and foremost for Bliss completists. Bliss as master of the occasional-ceremonial and as the fierily inspired craftsman ... see Full Review

BARGAIN OF THE MONTH Arthur BLISS (1891-1975) Orchestral works see review for details rec. 1970-79 EMI CLASSICS BRITISH COMPOSERS 5865892 [79:23 + 74:43] [RB]

An unmissable and generous set ... vitally essential Bliss. ... see Full Review

Ernest BLOCH (1880-1959) Cello Music Meditation Hébraïque for cello and piano (1924) [6:44] From Jewish Life for cello and piano (Prayer, Supplication, Jewish Dance) (1924) [10:17] Suite No. 1 for Solo Cello (1956-7) [14:26] Suite No. 2 for Solo Cello (1956-7) [22:18] Suite No. 3 for Solo Cello (1956-7) [14:21] Parry Karp (cello) Francis Karp (piano) rec. Gilbert Recording Studio, Los Angeles, CA, 5 January 1990 (suites); 15 August 1992. ADD LAUREL LR-865CD [68:19][JW]

Excellent performances - an important document for Bloch adherents. ... see Full Review

Marcus BLUNT (b.1947) Aspirations - piano music The Life Force [Sonata No.3] (1988 revised 1994) [6:59] Seven Preludes (1967-69) Passacaglia [2:20] Theme [1:14] Variation (Jiglet) [0:28] Homage to Scarlatti [2:41] Homage to Scriabin [2:17] Homage to Scriabin II [1:13] Adieu! [0:38] Iona Prelude (1982) [3:05] Iona Caprice (1982) [0:40] Sonata No.2 (1977 revised 1998) [12:36] Three Nocturnes Malta Nocturne (1987) [1:42] November Nocturne (1993) [1:42] Nocturne on the name Frank BayFoRD (2001) [2:21] Sonata No.1 (1971-72 revised 1997) [11:28] Prelude on a fugue theme by J S Bach (From the Well Tempered Clavier Book II � No.5 in D major) [1:40] Three Fantasies Fantasy on SCRiABin (1992 revised 2001/03) [6:19] Fantasy on the name GABRiEL FAURÉ (2001) [2:52] Fantasy on the name MURRAy MCLaCHLan (2006) [3:05] Murray McLachlan (piano) rec. Whiteley's Hall, Chetham's School of Music, Manchester, May 2006 DUNELM RECORDS DRD 0269 [65:21][JW]

Most enjoyable, attractively recorded, played with typical sensitivity by a pianist fully in sympathy with the music�s demands and nature-mystic moments. ... see Full Review

Oistrakh and Rostropovich Johannes BRAHMS (1833-1897) Violin Concerto in D major Op.77 (1878) [37:42] Double Concerto for violin, violoncello and orchestra in A minor Op.102 (1887) [31:53] USSR National Anthem [1:11] David Oistrakh (violin) Mstislav Rostropovich (cello) Moscow Philharmonic Orchestra/Kirill Kondrashin rec. Royal Festival Hall, London, September 1963 (Violin Concerto, Anthem); Royal Albert Hall, October 1965 (Double Concerto) BBC LEGENDS BBCL 4197-2 [72:05] [JW]

A richly enjoyable brace of performances. ... see Full Review

Johannes BRAHMS (1833-1897) Piano Concerto No. 2 in B flat major, Op. 83 (1881) [46:48] César FRANCK (1822-1890) Les Djinns (1844) [11:59] Franz LISZT (1811-1886) Concerto Pathétique in E minor (1886) [20:49] Joshua Pierce (piano); Bohuslav Martinů Philharmonic Orchestra/Kirk Trevor. rec. 28-29 May, 10-11 December 1999, Concert Hall of BMF/Zlin, Czech Republic. MSR CLASSICS MS1148 [79.37] [WH]

Does not totally succeed in power, endurance, tenderness, playfulness as listening to alternative readings demonstrates only too well. ... see Full Review

Benjamin BRITTEN (1913-1976) Gloriana, op.53 (1953) [146:51] Sarah Walker (mezzo) - Queen Elizabeth I; Anthony Rolfe Johnson (tenor) - Essex; Jean Rigby (mezzo) - Lady Essex; Neil Howlett (bass) - Lord Mountjoy; Elizabeth Vaughan (soprano) - Lady Rich; Alan Opie (baritone) - Sir Robert Cecil; Richard van Allan (bass) - Sir Walter Raleigh; Norman Bailey (bass) - A Blind Ballad Singer; Adrian Martin (tenor) - The Spirit of the Masque; Malcolm Donnelly (baritone) - Henry Cuffe Chorus and Orchestra of the English National Opera/Mark Elder Stage Producer: Colin Graham Video Director: Derek Bailey rec. live, London Coliseum, 1984 NTSC 4:3. Colour. Region Code All. PCM Stereo. Subtitles English, French, German, Spanish ARTHAUS 102 097 [146:51] [MG]

If you're looking to make a first purchase of Gloriana this should be your choice as it's the closest recorded representation of the full operatic experience. ... see Full Review

Joshua Pierce - Music for Piano and Orchestra Benjamin BRITTEN (1913-1973) Young Apollo for piano and string orchestra, Op. 16 (1939) [7:36] Darius MILHAUD (1892-1974) Le Carnaval d'Aix, fantasy for piano and orchestra (1926) [17:57] (Le Corso [1:16]; Tartaglia [1:19]; Isabelle [1:19]; Rosetta [2:12]; Le bon et le mauvais tuteur [1:53]; Coviello [0:34]; Le Capitaine Cartuccia [2:19]; Polichinelle [0:28]; Polka [1:29]; Cinzio [1:32]; Souvenir de Rio [2:02]; Final [1:39]) Gerald FINZI (1901-1956) Eclogue for piano and string orchestra, Op. 10 (c. 1920, rev. 1940s) [8:56] Richard STRAUSS (1864-1949) Le Bourgeois Gentilhomme - Orchestral Suite Op. 60 (1920) [34:33] (Ouverture to Act 1 [3:57]; Minuet [1:32]; The Fencing Master [1:51]; Entrance and Dance of the Tailors [4:52]; Lully's Minuet [2:06]; Courante [2:47]; Entrance of Cleonte [4:16]; Prelude to Act II, intermezzo [3:02]; The Dinner [10:08]) Joshua Pierce (piano) Slovak State Chamber Orchestra, Zilina/Kirk Trevor Slovak Radio Symphony Orchestra of Bratislava/Kirk Trevor (Finzi: Eclogue) rec. Britten, 27 Jan 2004; Milhaud, 26 Jan 2004; Finzi, 31 March 2005; Strauss, 24 Jan 2004. DDD KLEOS CLASSICS KL5137 [69:03] [WH][RB]

An interesting programme and a welcome change from the usual fare. No reason not to invest in this excellent disc if the programme appeals [WH]
This is an unusual and well assembled collection that should appeal to the adventurous listener [RB] ... see Full Review

RECORDING OF THE MONTH Max BRUCH (1838-1920) Violin Concerto No.1 in G minor, Op. 26 (1864-68) [23:40] Romance for viola and orchestra in F major, Op. 85 (c. 1911) [8:23] Felix MENDELSSOHN (1809-1847) Violin Concerto in E Minor, Op. 64 (1844) [26:56] Janine Jansen (violin, viola) Leipzig Gewandhaus Orchestra/Riccardo Chailly rec. live, 5-9 September 2006, Gewandhaus, Leipzig, Germany (live performances). DDD DECCA 4758133 [59:05] [MC]

Janine Jansen fully deserves her exalted reputation and doesn't put a foot wrong with this excellent Decca release of two staples of the violin concerto repertoire. ... see Full Review

Anton BRUCKNER (1824-1896) Symphony No 8 in C minor (1890 ed. Nowak) ((i) Allegro moderato [17:02] (ii) Scherzo: Allegro moderato - Trio: Langsam [16:48] (iii) Adagio: Feierlich langsam; doch nicht schleppend [26:27] (iv) Finale: Feierlich, nicht schnell [25:32]) World Philharmonic Orchestra/Carlo Maria Giulini rec. Konserthus, Stockholm, 8 December 1985 Picture format NTSC 4:3; Sound Formats PCM Stereo, DD 5.1, DTS 5.1; Region Code 0; Disc Format DVD 9; EUROARTS 2051368 [94:00][PCW]

Much as I admire Giulini's conducting, I don't think this would be a better purchase than Boulez's DVD made in St. Florian ... see Full Review

Fritz BRUN (1878-1959) Symphony No. 9 (1950) [43.22] Aus dem Buch Hiob (Symphonic Poem) (1906) [17.55] Moscow Symphony Orchestra/Adriano rec. November 2005, Mosfilm Studios, Moscow. DDD GUILD GMCD 7306 [61.17] [GH]

Despite its familiar late-romantic language this is tough and knotty music but it is well worth attempting to understand. ... see Full Review

 


Detailed listing (last five days)]
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[Part 2 A-B] [Part 3 C-L]
[Part 4 M-R]  [Part 5 S-Z]
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MusicWeb - The International Web Site Founder: Len Mullenger [UK], Classical Editor: Rob Barnett [UK],  Regular Reviewers:   Steve Arloff [UK], Guy Aron [Australia], Tony Augarde [UK], Terry Barfoot [UK], Melinda Bargreen [USA], David J. Barker [Australia], Rob Barnett [UK], Nick Barnard [UK], Robert Beattie [UK], Dave Billinge [UK], Peter Bright [UK], Byzantion [UK], Colin Clarke [UK], Dominy Clements [Netherlands], Michael Cookson [UK], Hubert Culot [Belgium], Evan Dickerson [UK], Gavin Dixon [UK], Robert J. Farr [UK], Christopher Fifield [UK], Göran Forsling [Sweden], John France [UK], Patrick Gary [USA], Pierre Giroux [CAN], Paul C. Godfrey [UK], Michael Greenhalgh [UK], William Hedley [France], Gary Higginson [UK], Neil Horner [UK], Robert Hugill UK], David Jennings [UK], Bill Kenny [UK], William S Kreindler [USA], Ian Lace [UK], Em Marshall-Luck [UK], Oleg Ledeniov [USA]Rob Maynard [UK], David A McConnell [USA], Kirk McElhearn [France], Robert McKechnie [UK], Ralph Moore [RMo] [UK], Dan Morgan [UK], Margarida Mota-Bull [UK], Glyn Pursglove [UK], John Quinn [UK], Carla Rees [UK], Brian Reinhart [USA], Donald Satz [USA], Mark Sealey [USA], John Sheppard [UK], George Stacy, Paul Steinson [UK], Kevin Sutton [USA], Bert Thompson [USA], Simon Thompson [UK], Zane Turner [Australia], Steve Vasta [UK], Johan van Veen [Netherlands], Raymond Walker [UK], Derek Warby [UK], Brian Wilson [UK], Jonathan Woolf [UK] Leslie Wright [USA]. A complete list of contributors can be seen here




EXPLORE MUSICWEB INTERNATIONAL

Making a Donation to MusicWeb

Writing CD reviews for MWI

About MWI
Who we are, where we have come from and how we do it.

Site Map

How to find a review

How to find articles on MusicWeb
Listed in date order

Review Indexes
   By Label
      Select a label and all reviews are listed in Catalogue order
   By Masterwork
            Links from composer names (eg Sibelius) are to resource pages with links to the review indexes for the individual works as well as other resources.

Themed Review pages

Jazz reviews

 

Discographies
   Composer
      Composer surveys
   National
      Unique to MusicWeb -
a comprehensive listing of all LP and CD recordings of given works
.
Prepared by Michael Herman

Book Reviews

Complete Books
We have a number of out of print complete books on-line

Interviews
With Composers, Conductors, Singers, Instumentalists and others
Includes those on the Seen and Heard site

Nostalgia

Nostalgia CD reviews

Records Of The Year
Each reviewer is given the opportunity to select the best of the releases

Monthly Best Buys
Recordings of the Month and Bargains of the Month

Comment
Arthur Butterworth Writes

An occasional column

Phil Scowcroft's Garlands
British Light Music articles

Classical blogs
A listing of Classical Music Blogs external to MusicWeb International

Reviewers Logs
What they have been listening to for pleasure

Announcements

 

Community
Bulletin Board

Give your opinions or seek answers

Reviewers
Past and present

Helpers invited!

Resources
How Did I Miss That?

Currently suspended but there are a lot there with sound clips


Composer Resources

British Composers

British Light Music Composers

Other composers

Film Music (Archive)
Film Music on the Web (Closed in December 2006)

Programme Notes
For concert organizers

External sites
British Music Society
The BBC Proms
Orchestra Sites
Recording Companies & Retailers
Online Music
Agents & Marketing
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Other links
Newsgroups
Web News sites etc

PotPourri
A pot-pourri of articles

MW Listening Room
MW Office

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