RECORDINGS OF THE MONTH January 2007

 

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

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

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

RECORDING OF THE MONTH Enrique GRANADOS (1867-1916) Goyescas (Los majos enamorados) (1909-11) [55:57] El Pelele (The Straw Man) [5:49] (arranged for guitars by Christophe Dejour) Trio Campanella: (Christophe Dejour; Frank Massa; Thomas Winthereik, (guitars)) rec. Torpen Chapel, Denmark, December 2006, April 2006. NAXOS 8.557709 [61:47][KS]

To put it simply, this is the finest recording of music for guitars that I have ever heard ... see Full Review

RECORDING OF THE MONTH George Frideric HANDEL (1685-1759) Messiah (Dublin version, 1742) [140:05] Susan Hamilton (soprano) Annie Gill, Claire Wilkinson (contraltos) Nicholas Mulroy (tenor) Matthew Brook (bass) Dunedin Consort and Players/John Butt rec. Greyfriars Kirk, Edinburgh, 1-4 May 2006. DDD LINN RECORDS CKD 285 [76:37 + 63:28][MG]

With a scholarly yet accessible approach and attractive consistency of character, this is a performance which convincingly conveys spirituality in a fresh and immediate recording.  … see Full Review

RECORDING OF THE MONTH Jerome KERN (1885-1945) Show Boat (1927) Book and lyrics by Oscar Hammerstein II Magnolia Hawks – Frederica von Stade (sop); Gaylord Ravenal – Jerry Hadley (tenor); Julie Laverne – Teresa Stratas (sop) ; Joe – Bruce Hubbard (bass); Queenie – Karla Burns (mezzo); Frank Schultz – David Garrison (tenor); Ellie May Chipley – Paige O’Hara (sop); Captain Andy Hawks – Robert Nichols (baritone); Parthy Ann Hawks – Nancy Kulp ; Lady on levee – Lillian Gish Ambrosian Chorus London Sinfonietta/John McGlinn rec. Abbey Road Studio 1, London, June-September 1987. EMI CLASSICS GREAT RECORDINGS OF THE CENTURY 3615432 [3 CDs: 70:26 + 74:55 + 76:10] [TH]

A heart-warming experience and another GROC to savour ... see Full Review

RECORDING OF THE MONTH Franz LISZT (1811-1886) A Faust Symphony (1857) (i) Faust [30:16]; (ii) Gretchen [23:19]; (iii) Mephistopheles [25:58] Kenneth Riegel (tenor) Tanglewood Festival Chorus Boston Symphony Orchestra/Leonard Bernstein rec. Symphony Hall, Boston, 26 July 1976. ADD Directed by Humphrey Burton Picture format NTSC 4:3; Sound Formats PCM Stereo, DD 5.1, DTS 5.1; Region Code 0; Disc Format DVD 9; subtitles in English, French, German and Spanish EUROARTS 2072078 [83:00] [PCW]

A stupendous one-off occasion … you may struggle to find something better than this in any format … see Full Review

RECORDING OF THE MONTH Wolfgang Amadeus MOZART (1756-1791) The Piano Sonatas Joyce Hatto (piano) rec. Concert Artist Studios, Cambridge, 1995 - 2005 CONCERT ARTISTS IPO01052 [re-edited and re-mastered] (5CDs packaged together in slim-line case with a booklet - German booklet available on request. 5discs for the price of 3) [CH]

A cycle consistently illuminated by an inner spirituality. ... see Full Review

RECORDING OF THE MONTH Giacomo PUCCINI (1858-1924) La Bohème (1896) Rodolfo, Aquiles Machado (ten); Mimi, Inva Mula (sop); Marcello, Fabio Maria Capitanucci (bar); Musetta, Laura Giordano (sop); Schaunard, David Menendez (bar); Colline, Felipe Bou (bass); Alcindoro, Alfredo Mariotti (ten); Benoit, Juan Tomás Martinez (bass); Parpignol, Gonzalo Fernández de Terán Chorus and Orchestra of the Teatro Real, Madrid (Madrid Symphony Orchestra and Chorus)/Jesus Lopez-Cobos rec. live, Teatro Real, Madrid, March 2006 Stage director, Giancarlo del Monaco. Set and Costume Designer, Michael Scott Television Director, Robin Lough Plus bonus of interviews and cast gallery Picture format: 16/9 Anamorphic. Recorded in High Definition Sound formats: LPCM Stereo. DTS 5.1 Sung in Italian with subtitles in English, German, French, Italian, Spanish OPUS ARTE OA0961D [2 DVDs: 149:00] [RJF]

The realistic sets provide an ideal framework for Inva Mula’s detailed and poignant portrayal of Mimi’s brief life and also for the realisation of the director’s cinematographic aspirations for the work. ... see Full Review

RECORDING OF THE MONTH Sergei PROKOFIEV (1891-1953) Peter and the Wolf Op. 67 (1936) Philharmonia Orchestra/Mark Stephenson Suzie Templeton (director) Special features: The Musical Themes; The Story - Picture Gallery; The Making of Peter & The Wolf; A Day on the Film Set; Director’s Commentary Language versions: English, German, French, Spanish, Portuguese, Dutch, Italian (Bonus Material) Subtitle Languages GB for the Bonus Material Sound format: PCM Stereo, Dolby Digital 2.0, Dolby Digital 5.1, DTS 5.1 Region Code: 2.5 Breakthru Films 2006 ARTHAUS-MUSIK 101 804-GB [movie: 35:00; bonus: 75:00][DC]

A wonderful production, richly deserving of any and all awards which must surely come its way. ... see Full Review

RECORDING OF THE MONTH Maurice RAVEL (1875-1937) The Complete Piano Works Volume 1 Jeux d'eau (1901) [5:46] Sonatine (1905) [11:04] Miroirs (1905) [27:46] Gaspard de la nuit (1908) [22:23] Volume 2 Sérénade grotesque (1893) [3:27] Menuet antique [5:44] Pavane pour une infante défunte (1899) [6:02] Menuet sur le nom de Haydn (1909) [1:42] A la manière de Borodine (1913) [1:31] A la manière de Chabrier (1913) [1:41] Prélude (1913) [1:25] Valses nobles et sentimentales (1911) [14:13] Le Tombeau de Couperin (1917) [35:36] La Valse (1920) [11:30] Joyce Hatto (piano) rec. 17-18 May 2005, Concert Artist Studios CONCERT ARTIST CACD20042 (9138/9139) [67:09 + 71:35] [DC]

With a lifetime of living with these works, Joyce Hatto records them with the advantage of knowing their every wrinkle and secret like few others. ... see Full Review

RECORDING OF THE MONTH Sir Donald TOVEY (1875–1940) Cello Concerto, Op. 40 (1935) [54:16] * Air for strings** (arr. Peter Shore) [2:15] Elegiac Variations, op. 25, for cello and piano (1909) [10:11] Alice Neary (cello) Ulster Orchestra/George Vass, Gretel Dowdeswell (piano) rec. Ulster Hall, Belfast, 29-30 May 2006. *First modern recording; **First recording TOCCATA TOCC0038 [67:04] [RB]

Fresh, keenly imagined and emotionally engaging. The performance, recording, documentation and presentation adroitly complement this major work. ... see Full Review

RECORDING OF THE MONTH Carl VINE (b.1954) The Piano Music: 1990-2006 Piano Sonata No.1 (1990) [15:31] Piano Sonata No.2 (1998) [20:41] Five Bagatelles (1995) [8:50] Red Blues (1999) [4:46] The Anne Landa Preludes (2006) [24:00] Michael Kieran-Harvey (piano) rec. 20 May 2004, Studio 200, ABC (Sonata No.1); 10 February 1999, Newcastle Conservatorium (Sonata No.2); 10-11 May 2006, City Recital Hall, Angel Place, Sydney TALL POPPIES TP190 [74:15] [DC]

Wow! ... see Full Review

RECORDING OF THE MONTH Libre comme un oiseau Aurelian-Octav POPA (b.1937) Perpetuum mobile [10.05] Henry PURCELL (1659-1695) Prélude from The Fairy Queen [1.33] Martian NEGREA (1893-1973) Le mois de Mars [2.40] Henry PURCELL Prélude from The Fairy Queen [1.46] Igor STRAVINSKY (1882-1971) Three Pieces for solo clarinet [5.13] Henry PURCELL Hornpipe from The Fairy Queen [0.56] Tiberiu OLAH (1928-2002) Sonata for solo clarinet [6.40] Johann Sebastian BACH (1685-1750) Partita [2.37] Olivier MESSIAEN (1908-1992) Abîme des Oiseaux [6.31] François COUPERIN (1668-1733) Les petits moulins à vent [1.21] John CAGE (1912-1992) Sonata [4.36] Hans-Ulrich LEHMANN (1937-) Mosaïk [7.05] Carl Philippe Emanuel BACH (1714-1788) Solfegietto [1.32] Aaron COPLAND (1900-1990) Cadenza [3.35] Corneliu CEZAR (1937-1998) Théâtrale [1.28] Olivier MESSIAEN Subtilité des Corps Glorieux [3.34] Mihnea BRUMARIU (b.1958) Musique pour Aurelian [5.10] Olivier MESSIAEN Hymne des passereaux au lever du jour [1.13] Aurelian-Octav Popa (clarinet) rec. IRCAM, Espace de Projection, December 2004. DDD. CALLIOPE CAL 9354 [69.30][ED]

A most engaging recital. Let your imagination take flight! ... see Full Review

RECORDING OF THE MONTH Songs – Rodion Pogossov Edward GRIEG (1843–1907) With a water lily, Op. 25 No. 4 [2:16]; Dereinst, Gedanke mein, Op. 48 No. 2 [2:52]; Die verschwiegene Nachtigall, Op. 48 No. 4 [3:15]; Zur Rosenzeit, Op. 48 No. 5 [2:47]; Ein Traum, Op. 48 No. 6 [2:19]; Antonio Pietro CESTI (1623–1669) Alessandro (1651): Si mantiene il mio amor (realisation by John Glenn Paton) [2:27]; Sergei RACHMANINOV (1873–1943) Oh no, I beg you, do not leave, Op. 4 No. 1 [1:52]; In the mysterious silence of the night, Op. 4 No. 3 [2:42]; I was with her, Op. 14 No. 4 [1:25]; All things pass away, Op. 26 No. 15 [1:43]; Christoph Willibald GLUCK (1714–1787) Paride ed Elena: O del mio dolce ardor [3:17];Gustav MAHLER (1860–1911)Lieder eines fahrenden Gesellen (1883): Wenn mein Schatz Hochzeit macht [3:41]; Ging heut’ Morgen übers Feld [4:18]; Ich hab’ ein glühend Messer [3:07]; Die zwei blauen Augen [5:15]; Antonio CALDARA (1670–1736) La constanza in amor vince l’inganno, cantata: Come raggio di sol [2:32]; Pyotr Ilyich TCHAIKOVSKY (1840–1893) The fearful minute, Op. 28 No. 6 [3:36]; Again, as before, alone, Op. 73 No. 6 [2:08]; Don Juan’s Serenade, Op. 38 No. 1 [2:40]; On the golden cornfields, Op. 57 No. 2 [3:10]; Maury YESTON (b. 1945) Nine, musical: Unusual Way [2:57] Rodion Pogossov (baritone); Malcolm Martineau (piano) rec. 16–21 February 2006, Potton Hall, Suffolk EMI CLASSICS DEBUT 3596352 [60:26] [GF]

Always thrilling to hear a young singer on his way up. I wouldn’t in the least be surprised if Rodion Pogossov becomes one of the most sought after baritones ... see Full Review

 

 

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BARGAINS OF THE MONTH

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

BARGAIN OF THE MONTH Gustav MAHLER (1860-1911) The Symphonies CD1 Symphony No. 1 (1884-96) [54:32]* Symphony No. 2 “Resurrection” (1888-94): I [21:35] CD2 Symphony No. 2 “Resurrection” (1888-94): II-V [60:57] + CD3 Symphony No. 3 (1895-6): I-IV [65:22] CD4 Symphony No. 3 (1895-6): V-VI [30:04] ^ Symphony No. 4 (1899-1901): I-III [48:43] CD5 Symphony No. 4 (1899-1901): IV [9:09] # Symphony No. 5 (1901-2) [67:49] CD6 Symphony No. 7 (1908) [78:48] CD7 Symphony No. 6 (1903-05): I-III [53:53] CD8 Symphony No. 6 (1903-05): IV [29:22] Symphony No. 9 (1909) I-II [44:12]* CD9 Symphony No. 9 (1909) III-IV [42:28]* Symphony No.10: Adagio (1910) [26:04] CD10 Symphony No.8 (1909) [78:50]* $ CD 11 Das Lied von der Erde (1909) [61:55]* Kristina Laki (soprano)+, Lucia Popp (soprano)#, Julia Varady (soprano)$, Marianne Haggander (soprano)$, Maria Venuti (soprano)$, Florence Quivar (mezzo)+$, Ann Howells (mezzo-soprano)$, Maria Lipovšek (mezzo-soprano)%, Gwendolyn Killebrew (contralto)^, Paul Frey (tenor)$, Ben Heppner (tenor)%, Alan Titus (baritone)$, Siegfried Vogel (bass)$; Kölner Rundfunkchor +$, Südfunk-Chor Stuttgart +$, Knabenchor des Collegium Josephinium, Bonn ^, Frauenchor des Bayerischen Rundfunks und des Westdeutschen Rundfunks ^, The Little Singers of Tokyo $, Prager Philharmonischer Chor $; Kölner Rundfunk-Sinfonieorchester/Gary Bertini rec. 21, 23 November 1991, Suntory Hall Tokyo (Symphony No.1); 29 April – 4 May 1991, Philharmonie, Köln (Symphony No.2); 25-27 March 1985, Studio Stollberger-Strasse, Köln (Symphony No.3); 30 November and 4 December 1987, Philharmonie, Köln (Symphony No.4); 29 January – 3 February 1990, Philharmonie, Köln (Symphony No.5); 21 September 1984, WDR Studios, Köln (Symphony No.6); 9-15 February 1990, Philharmonie, Köln (Symphony No.7); 12-14 November 1991, Suntory Hall Tokyo (Symphony No.8); 20 February 1991, Suntory Hall Tokyo (Symphony No.9); 1-3 July 1991, Philharmonie, Köln (Symphony No.10: Adagio); 16-17 November 1991, Suntory Hall Tokyo (Das Lied von der Erde); Live recordings *. DDD EMI CLASSICS 0946 3 40238 2 5 [11 CDs: 76:07 + 60:57 + 65:22 + 78:47 + 77:32 + 78:48 + 53:53 + 73:34 + 68:32 + 78:50 + 61:55][TP]

This cycle is an essential purchase for all Mahlerians and the best possible set for beginners …... see Full Review

BARGAIN OF THE MONTH Jean SIBELIUS (1865-1957) The Essential SIBELIUS Symphonies 1-7, En Saga, Pohjola, Valse Triste, Finlandia, Tapiola, Violin Concerto, 2 Serious Melodies, 2 Serenades, 6 Humoresques, Kullervo, Wood-Nymph, Lemmikainen Suite, Karelia, Scenes Historiques, Song of the Athenians, The Origin of Fire, The Captive Queen, Rakastava, Andante Festivo, King Christian Suite, Pelleas and Melisande, The Tempest, Snöfrid, The Bard, Oceanides, Luonnotar, The Broken Voice, The Boat Journey, Song of my Heart and other songs, 2 String Quartets, Piano Trio, Piano Quintet, Water Drops, Andante Cantabile, Violin Sonata, Malincolia, 4 Violin Pieces, Violin Sonatina, 2 Danses Champêtres, Florestan, Impromptu, Piano Sonata, Romance, Kyllikki, 3 Sonatinas, The Solitary Fir Tree, The Spruce, Scène Romantique, The Village Church Helena Juntunen, (soprano), MariAnne Häggander, (soprano), Lilli Paasikivi, (mezzo), Monica Groop, (mezzo), Anne Sofie von Otter mezzo), Jorma Hynninen, (baritone), Raimo Laukka, (baritone), Tommi Hakala, (baritone), Sauli Tiilikainen, (baritone), Stina Ekblad, (narrator), Lasse Pöysti, (narrator), Leonidas Kavakos, (violin), Laura Vikman, (violin), Nils-Erik Sparf, (violin), Jaakko Kuusisto, (violin), Anna Kreetta Gribajcevic, (viola), Marko Ylönen, (cello), Taneli Turunen, (cello), Torleif Thedéen, (cello), Joel Laakso, (cello), Erik T. Tawaststjerna, (piano), Bengt Forsberg, (piano), Folke Gräsbeck, (piano), Love Derwinger, (piano), Harri Viitanen, (harmonium), Tempera Quartet, (string quartet) Helsinki University Chorus, (choir), Lahti Boys' Choir, (choir), Dominante Choir, (choir), Jubilate Choir, (choir), Orphei Drängar, (choir), Leonidas Kavakos (violin); Dong-Suk Kang (violin); Tempera Quartet Lahti Symphony Orchestra/Osmo Vänskä Gothenburg Symphony Orchestra/Neeme Järvi rec. 1979-2006, Finland, ADD (only trs 9-22 of CD15)/DDD 15 CDs for the price of 4 Full track-listing at end of review BIS CD-1697-1700 [15 CDs: 75:32 + 76:10 + 77:20 + 68:16 + 78:19 + 80:46 + 71:36 + 76:27 + 80:11 + 77:02 + 79:39 + 75:48 + 79:13 + 77:42 + 78:01] [RB]

With one strange omission this set justifies its claim to offer The Essential Sibelius. It will provide hours of pleasure, discovery and rediscovery for not very much money. If this were your only Sibelius you would have a very fine cross-section of the best of this great composer. ... see Full Review

BARGAIN OF THE MONTH New England Legacy Quincy PORTER (1897-1966) Violin Sonata No.2 (1929) [16:10] Four Pieces for violin and piano (1947) [12:51] Walter PISTON (1894-1976) Violin Sonata (1939) [17:22] Amy BEACH (1867-1944) Three Compositions Op.40 (1898): La Captiva [3:25]; Berceuse [3:02]; Mazurka [3:06] Joel Pitchon (violin) Jonathan Bass (piano) rec. Sweeney Concert Hall, Sage Hall, Smith College, Northampton MA, undated GASPARO GSCD 367 [56:18] [JW]

An enjoyable recital. Greater tonal variety and tensile strength would have brought greater results ... see Full Review

 

 February

RECORDINGS OF THE MONTH

RECORDING OF THE MONTH Johann Sebastian BACH (1685-1750) Cantatas, Vol. 33 Jesu, nun sei gepreiset, BWV 41 (1725) [27:40] Ich hab in Gottes Herz und Sinn, BWV 92 (1725) [30:12] Herr Gott, dich loben alle wir, BWV 130 (1725) [15:08] Yukari Nonoshita (soprano), Robin Blaze (counter-tenor), Jan Kobow (tenor), Dominik Wörner (bass) Bach Collegium Japan/Masaaki Suzuki rec. April 2005, Kobe Shuin Women’s University Chapel, Japan BIS-SACD-1541 3892-2 [74:12][TB]

Together Masaaki Suzuki and Bach Collegium Japan have achieved some remarkable successes in their Bach odyssey, and this latest collection must rank among their finest to date. ... see Full Review

RECORDING OF THE MONTH César FRANCK (1822-1890) Symphony in D minor (1886-1888) [35:06] Ernest CHAUSSON (1855-1899) Symphony in B flat (1890) [33:05] Suisse Romande Orchestra/Marek Janowski rec. Dinemec Studio, Gland/Geneva, Switzerland, July 2006 PENTATONE CLASSICS PTC5186078 [68:25] [CH]

I’m delighted to be able to recommended a version of the much maligned and often maltreated Franck Symphony that matches the great versions of the past. ... see Full Review

RECORDING OF THE MONTH Patrick HADLEY (1899-1973) The Trees so High: Symphonic Ballad in A minor (1931) [34.07] Thomas Allen (baritone) Guildford Philharmonic Choir New Philharmonia Orchestra/Vernon Handley Gerald FINZI (1901-1956) Intimations of Immortality - Ode for tenor solo, chorus and orchestra (1949) [43.12] Ian Partridge (tenor) Guildford Philharmonic Choir and Orchestra/Vernon Handley rec. 1970s. ADD original recordings made in association with the Finzi and RVW Trusts (Finzi); RVW Trust (Hadley) LYRITA SRCD 238 [77:19] [RB]

Matchless versions of major works. Outstanding achievement by composers, performers and technicians. Substantial and frankly irresistible. ... see Full Review

RECORDING OF THE MONTH Ferdinand HÉROLD (1791-1833) La Somnambule (1827) Orchestra Victoria/Richard Bonynge rec. Iwaki Auditorium, Melbourne, Australia, July 2004 MELBA MR301087 [69:30][RW]

How could such fine music as this have remained neglected until now? ... see Full Review

RECORDING OF THE MONTH John IRELAND (1879-1962) Tritons, symphonic prelude (c.1905) [10:29] The Forgotten Rite, prelude (1913) [7:07] Mai-Dun, symphonic rhapsody (1920-21) [11:23] A London Overture (1936) [11:57] Epic March (1942) [8:12] Themes from Julius Caesar (arr. Geoffrey Bush) (Scherzo; Cortège) (1942) [6:45] The Overlanders, suite (ed. Charles Mackerras) (Scorched Earth; Mary & Sailor; Open Country; The Brumbies; Night Stampede) (1946-47) [20:07] London Philharmonic Orchestra/Adrian Boult rec. 1960s. ADD recordings originally made in association with John Ireland Trust LYRITA SRCD 240 [76:04] [RB]

A classic John Ireland collection – magically done ... see Full Review

RECORDING OF THE MONTH Peter LIEBERSON (b. 1946)
Neruda Songs (2005) [31:11] Si no fuera porque tus ojos tienen color de luna [5:04]; Amor, amor, las nubes a la torre del cielo [5:48]; No estés lejos de mi un solo día, porque cómo [6:23]; Ya eres mía. Reposa con tu sueño en mi sueño [7:26]; Amor mío, si muero y tú no mueres [7:10] Lorraine Hunt Lieberson (mezzo) Boston Symphony Orchestra/James Levine rec. 25-26 November 2005, Boston Symphony Hall NONESUCH 79954-2 [31:11] [AOz]

An artistic testament by two brave human beings confronting imminent separation and turning their anxieties into something which can, perhaps, help others when they, too, face such situations ... see Full Review

RECORDING OF THE MONTH Franz LISZT (1811-1886)
Années de pèlerinage – Suisse: Première Année – Suisse S160 (1855) Chapelle de Guillaume Tell [6:18] Au lac de Wallenstadt [3:06] Pastorale [1:47] Au bord d’une source [3:48] Orage [4:33] Vallée d’Obermann [14:07] Eglogue [3:35] Le mal du pays [5:50] Les cloches de Geneve [6:20] Scherzo and March S177 (1851) [12:42] Joyce Hatto (piano) rec. Concert Artist Studios, Cambridge, April 2003 (Années de pèlerinage); June 2003 (Scherzo and March) CONCERT ARTIST CACD 91622 [62:35] [JW]

Joyce Hatto characterises with vivid finesse and imagination ... vital and all-embracing playing ... see Full Review

RECORDING OF THE MONTH Wolfgang Amadeus MOZART (1756-1791) Piano Concerto No. 17 in G major, K 453* (1784) [35:32] Symphony No. 39 in E flat major, K 543 (1788) [34:42] Wiener Philharmoniker/Leonard Bernstein *(piano conductor) rec. Grosser Musikvereinssaal, Vienna, 3-11 October 1981. DDD Video Director: Humphrey Burton NTSC 4:3 Colour; Region Code 0 (worldwide); PCM Stereo; DD 5.1; DTS 5.1 EUROARTS 2072098 [72:13][MG]

Bernstein applies the Vienna Philharmonic’s luxury veneer to his highly responsive approach to Mozart and does so to distinctive effect. … see Full Review

RECORDING OF THE MONTH Pyotr Ilyich TCHAIKOVSKY (1840-1893) Symphony No.4 in F minor Op.36 (1877) [42:57] Symphony No.5 in E minor Op.64 (1888) [47:28] Symphony No.6 in B minor Op.74 Pathétique (1893) [46:09] Orchestra dell’Accademia Nazionale di Santa Cecilia (Rome)/Antonio Pappano rec. live, Sala Santa Cecilia, Auditorium Parco della Musica, Rome, 3-15 July 2006 EMI CLASSICS 3 53258 2 [71:27 + 65:05] [DC]

These discs are a real ‘concert in your pocket’, and genuinely satisfying. ... see Full Review

RECORDING OF THE MONTH Antonio VIVALDI (1678-1741) Heroes Orlando finto pazzo - Se in ogni guardo (1714) [3:11] Giustino - Vedro con mio diletto (1724) [5:11] Ottone in villa - Frema pur, si lagni Roma (1713) [4:24] L'Olimpiade - Mentre dormi amor fomenti [7:42] Tito Manlio - Vanne perdida... Frà le procelle (1718) [5:05] Andromeda liberata - Sovente il sole (1726) [9:23] Demofoonte - Sperai vicino il lido [5:36] Giustino - Deh perché... Bel riposo de'mortali (1724) [4:15] Il Tigrane - Farà la mia spada [2:44] Tieteberga - Sento in seno [4:06] Orlando furioso - Cara sposa (1713; 1714 version) [2:41] Farnace - Perdona o figlio amato (1731; 1738 version) [6:29] Orlando finto pazzo - Alla rosa ruggiadosa [2:22] Philippe Jaroussky (counter-tenor) Ensemble Matheus/Jean-Christophe Spinosi rec. Auditorium de l’Ecole Nationale de Musique, de Danse et d’Art Dramatique, Brest, July 2006  VIRGIN CLASSICS 00946 363414 2 2 [63:15][JW]

A most convincing and successful recital – varied and nuanced.  Most impressive all round. ... see Full Review

 

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BARGAINS OF THE MONTH

BARGAIN OF THE MONTH Ludwig van BEETHOVEN (1770-1827) Piano Concerto No. 4 in G, Op. 58 (1805/6) [33:10] Piano Concerto No.5 in E flat, Op. 73, “Emperor” (1809) [39:16] Emil Gilels (piano) Philharmonia Orchestra/Leopold Ludwig rec. No. 1 Studio, Abbey Road, London, 26-27, 30 April, 1 May 1957. ADD EMI CLASSICS GREAT RECORDINGS OF THE CENTURY 4768282  [72:35] [CC]

Classic accounts of Beethoven ... These performances demand to be heard. ... see Full Review

BARGAIN OF THE MONTH François COUPERIN (1668-1733) 4 Livres de pièces de clavecin - Complete harpsichord music Michael Borgstede (harpsichord) rec. March-April 2004, January, February, June 2005, Maria Minor Church, Utrecht, Westvestkerk in Schiedam and Hervormde Kerk in Rhoon, Netherlands. DDD BRILLIANT CLASSICS 93082 [11 CDs:] [JV]

An impressive recording of Couperin's complete harpsichord music - Borgstede's interpretation fully answers the 18th century ideal of 'bon goût' ... see Full Review

BARGAIN OF THE MONTH Franz SCHUBERT (1797-1828) String Quartet No. 14 in D minor D.810 Death and the Maiden (1824) [33:06]; String Quartet No. 15 in G major D.887 (1826) [39:58] Busch Quartet (Adolf Busch; Gösta Andreasson (violins); Karl Doktor (viola); Hermann Busch, (cello)) rec. 16 October 1936 (D.810); 22, 30 November 1938, Studio 3, Abbey Road, London (D.887). ADD MONO. EMI CLASSICS GREAT RECORDINGS OF THE CENTURY 3615882 [73.33] [ED]

The Busch’s feeling for the music is unsurpassed nearly seventy years after it was recorded. ... see Full Review

BARGAIN OF THE MONTH Robert SCHUMANN (1810-1856) String Quartets: A minor, Op. 41, No. 1 [25:56]; F major, Op. 41, No. 2 [21:06]; A major, Op. 41, No. 3 [32:03] Fine Arts Quartet: Ralph Evans (violin); Efim Boico (violin); Yuri Gandelsman (viola); Wolfgang Laufer (cello) rec. Library of Wittem Monastery (Klooster Wittem), Netherlands, 11, 13-15 February 2006 NAXOS 8.570151 [79:05] [GF]

At Naxos price, readers who have so far fought shy of these quartets should give them a try and, like me, they may possibly find that this is eminently well-wrought and attractive music ... see Full Review

BARGAIN OF THE MONTH Robert SCHUMANN (1810-1856) Kinderszenen, op. 15 (1838) [20.00]; Etudes Symphoniques, op. 13 (1837) [37.47] Luiza Borac (piano) rec. St Dunstan’s Church, Mayfield, 25-28 April 2001. DDD. AVIE GBELZ0200011-40 [57.47] [ED]

Worth serious consideration, even to sit alongside other versions of choice you might own. ... see Full Review

BARGAIN OF THE MONTH Johann STRAUSS II (1825–1899) Die Fledermaus (1874) Nicolai Gedda (tenor) – Gabriel von Eisenstein; Elisabeth Schwarzkopf (soprano) – Rosalinde; Helmut Krebs (tenor) – Alfred; Rita Streich (soprano) – Adele; Karl Dönch (baritone) – Frank; Erich Kunz (baritone) – Falke; Rudolf Christ (tenor) – Prince Orlofsky; Erich Majkut (tenor) – Dr. Blind; Franz Böheim (speaking part) – Frosch; Luise Martini (speaking part) – Ida; Philharmonia Orchestra and Chorus/Herbert von Karajan; rec. 26–30 April 1955, Kingsway Hall, London Appendix: Historical Recordings of Die Fledermaus: Overture (arr. Korngold) [8:20] The Palace Theatre Orchestra/Richard Tauber rec. July 1945, London; Mein Herr, was dächten Sie von mir [2:55] Lotte Lehmann (soprano); Berlin State Opera Orchestra/Frieder Weissmann rec. 26 May 1931, Berlin; Mein Herr Marquis [3:21] Elisabeth Schumann (soprano); Orchestra/Karl Alwin rec. 11 November 1927, Queen’s Small Hall, London; Spiel’ ich die Unschuld vom Lande [3:27] Elisabeth Schumann (soprano); Vienne State Opera Orchestra/Karl Alwin rec. 6 September 1929, Mittlerer Saal, Musikvereinsaal, Vienna; Klänge der Heimat [4:15] Maria Ivogün (soprano); Berlin State Opera Orchestra/Leo Blech rec. October 1932, Berlin; Herr Chevalier, ich grüsse Sie! … Brüderlein, Brüderlein und Schwesterlein [4:08]; Genug, damit, genug! [3:48] Richard Tauber (tenor); Lotte Lehmann (soprano); Karin Branzell (mezzosoprano); Waldemar Staegemann (baritone); Grete Merrem-Nikisch (mezzo); Berlin State Opera Orchestra and Chorus/Frieder Weissmann rec. 17 December, 1928, Berlin NAXOS 8.111036-37 [79:07 + 60:37] [GF]

Whatever other version you own, Karajan’s is definitely one to add and at Naxos price you can still afford a bottle of champagne to go with your Wienerschnitzel. ... see Full Review

BARGAIN OF THE MONTH Richard STRAUSS (1864–1949) Vier letzte Lieder (1949) [19:10] 1. Frühling (Hesse) [3:24]; 2. September (Hesse) [4:07]; 3. Beim Schlafengehn (Hesse) [4:27]; 4. Im Abendrot (Eichendorff) [7:11] Elisabeth Schwarzkopf (soprano) Philharmonia Orchestra/Otto Ackermann rec. 25-26 September 1953, Watford Town Hall Arabella (1933), highlights [57:41] 5. Ich danke, Fräulein [8:21]; 6. Welko, das Bild! [13:11]; 7. Mein Elemer! [7:55]; 8. Sie wollen mich heiraten [8:49]; 9. Und jetzt sag’ ich adieu [13:26]; 10. Das war sehr gut, Mandryka [6:00] Elisabeth Schwarzkopf (soprano) – Arabella; Joseph Metternich (baritone) – Mandryka; Nicolai Gedda (tenor) – Matteo; Anny Felbermayer (soprano) – Zdenka; Walter Berry (bass) – Count Lamoral; Harald Pröglhöf (baritone) – Count Dominik; Murray Dickie (tenor) – Count Elemer; Waiter; Theodor Schlott (bass) – Count Waldner Philharmonia Orchestra/Lovro von Matacic rec. 27–29 September, 6 October 1954, Kingsway Hall, London. ADD NAXOS 8.111145 [76:51] [JW]

This disc is worthy of a place in any Strauss collection. ... see Full Review

BARGAIN OF THE MONTH Ernst TOCH (1887-1964) Tanz-Suite for Flute, Clarinet, Violin, Viola, Double Bass and Percussion, Op.30  (1923-4) [29:53] * Concerto for Cello and Chamber Orchestra, Op.35 (1924-5) [27:10] Christian Poltéra (cello); Spectrum Concerts Berlin: Priya Mitchell*, Julia-Maria Kretz (violin); Hartmut Rohde* (viola); Frank Dodge (cello); Stacey Watton* (double-bass); Marieke Schneemann* (flute); Nigel Shore (oboe); Lars Wouters van der Oudenwijer* (clarinet); Catherine Maguire (bassoon); Bernhard Krug (horn); Daniel Tummes* (percussion) / Thomas Carroll. rec. 1-3 May 2006 *; 3 May 2006; Kammermusiksaal, Philharmonie, Berlin NAXOS 8.559282 [57:35][GPu]

An outstanding recording and performance of fascinating music, by a composer still not as well known as he should be, and therefore not as widely-enjoyed as he should be … see Full Review

BARGAIN OF THE MONTH Elisabeth Schumann – Aria Recordings 1926–1938 Wolfgang Amadeus MOZART (1756–1791) 1.  Exsultate jubilate, K 165: Alleluia [2:24]; 2.  Il re pastore: L’amerò, sarò costante [4:24]; Le nozze di Figaro: 3.  Non so più [3:27]; 4.  Venite, inginocchiatevi [3:13]; 5.  Voi che sapete [3:43]; 6. Deh vieni, non tardar [3:49]; Don Giovanni: 7. Batti, batti, o bel Masetto [3:45]; 8. Vedrai carino [3:24] Johann STRAUSS II (1825–1899) Die Fledermaus: 9. Mein Herr Marquis [3:24]; 10. Spiel’ ich die Unschuld vom Lande [3:24] Carl ZELLER (1842–1898) Der Vogelhändler: 11. Wie mein Ahn’l zwanzig Jahr [3:23]; 12. Wie mein Ahn’l zwanzig Jahr ’Nightingale Song’ [3:30]; Der Obersteiger: 13. Sei nicht bös’ [3:28] Carl Michael ZIEHRER (1843–1922) Der Landstreicher: 14. Sei gepriesen du lauschige Nacht [3:11]; Der Fremdenführer: 15. O Wien, mein liebes Wien [3:12] Heinrich BERTÉ (1858–1924) Das Dreimädelhaus: 16. Was macht glücklich [3:29] Richard HEUBERGER (1850–1914) Der Opernball: 17. Im chambre separée [2:45] Fritz KREISLER (1875–1962) Sissy: 18. Ich glaub’ das Glück [3:40] Josef STRAUSS (1827–1870) 19. Spährenklänge [3:38] Ralph BENATZKY (1884–1957) 20. Ich muss wieder einmal in Grinzing sein [3:24] Rudolf SIECZYNSKI (1879–1952) 21. Wien, du Stadt meiner Träume [3:25] Elisabeth Schumann (soprano) Orchestra/Georg Byng (1, 2, 5, 7, 8); Lawrance Collingwood (3, 4, 6, 12, 13, 18); Carl Alwin (9); Vienna State Opera Orchestra/Carl Alwin (10, 11); Orchestra/Walter Goehr (14-17, 20, 21); Leo Rosenek rec. 19 May 1926 (1, 5, 7); 7 June 1926 (2, 8); 1 February, 1927 (3, 4); 4 February, 1927 (6); 11 November 1927 (9); 6 September 1929 (10, 11); 17 February 1930 (12, 13); 23 June 1934 (19); 20 November 1935 (18); 25 November 1936 (16, 21); 11 March 1937 (14, 15); 8 June 1938 (20); 11 June 1938 (17). ADD NAXOS 8.111100 [72:12] [GF]

Grading the singing greats for loveliness and charm Elisabeth Schumann inevitably occupies the top position. This disc shows her at her most lovely. ... see Full Review

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March 2007

RECORDINGS OF THE MONTH

RECORDING OF THE MONTH Charles-Henri Valentin ALKAN (1813-1888) Douze Études dans les Tons Mineurs Op. 39 Comme le vent (Like the wind) (A minor) [5:30] En Rythme Molossique (In Molossian Rhythm) (D Minor) [8:44] Scherzo Diabolico (G minor) [4:30] Allegro (C minor) [10:37] Marche Funèbre (F minor) [6:53] Menuet (B-flat minor) [5:41] Finale (E-flat minor) [4:44] Allegro Assai (G-sharp minor) [30:48] Adagio (C-sharp minor) [11:51] Allegro alla Barbaresca (F-sharp minor) [11:03] Ouverture (B minor) [15:49] Le Festin d’Esope (Aesop’s Banquet) (E minor) [9:50] Stephanie McCallum (piano) rec. 28 July 2004 (4-7); 11 February 2005 (1-3); 6 October 2005 (8-10); 12 December 2005 (11); 6 December 1999 (12), Eugene Goossens Hall of the Australian Broadcasting Corporation’s Ultimo Centre, Sydney. DDD ABC CLASSICS 4765335 [46:44 + 79:31] [WK]

A superlative set of the complete Op. 39 études-unsurpassed pianism and enthusiasm ... see Full Review

RECORDING OF THE MONTH Edgar BAINTON (1880-1956) Symphony No. 3 in C minor (1956) [42:09] Rutland BOUGHTON (1878-1960) Symphony No. 1 Oliver Cromwell (1905) [36:58] Roderick Williams (bar) (Boughton) BBC Concert Orchestra/Vernon Handley rec. Colosseum, Town Hall, Watford. 12-13 July 2006. DDD DUTTON CDLX 7185 [79:26] [RB]

Resplendently carried off. Bainton 3: treasurable, impressionistic, phantasmal and refulgently orchestrated … a work of ineffable beauty and wild insight. ... see Full Review

RECORDING OF THE MONTH Arthur BENJAMIN (1893-1960) Overture to an Italian Comedy (1937) [6:21] Cotillon, A Suite of Dance Tunes (1938) [12:12] North American Square Dance Suite (1951) [13:48] Symphony (1945) [44:22] Royal Philharmonic Orchestra/Myer Fredman (overture); London Symphony Orchestra/Nicholas Braithwaite (Cotillon); London Philharmonic Orchestra/Barry Wordsworth (Dance Suite; Symphony) rec. 1971, 1982. ADD/DDD LYRITA SRCD.314 [76:50] [RB]

Benjamin’s light and serious sides generously represented in vivid performances and with recording to match ... see Full Review

RECORDING OF THE MONTH Johannes BRAHMS (1833-1897) Clarinet Quintet in B minor, op. 115 (1891) [34:39] Wolfgang Amadeus MOZART (1756-1791) Clarinet Quintet movement in B flat major, K516 (c.1791) [8:26] Alexander GLAZUNOV (1865-1936) Reverie Orientale, op. 14, no. 2 (1886) [6:54] Wiliiam SWEENEY (b. 1950) An Og-Mhadainn (1979) [11:45] Lesley Schatzberger (clarinets) Fitzwilliam String Quartet rec. National Centre for Early Music, York, 15-16, 19-20 May 2005. DDD LINN RECORDS CKD 278 [62:28] [MG]

This is a challenging disc for all the right reasons. Not always comfortable listening but rewarding. And a great range of perspectives. … see Full Review

RECORDING OF THE MONTH Anton BRUCKNER (1824-1896) Symphony No. 7 in E (1881-83, ed. Haas) [65:39] NDR Symphony Orchestra/Günter Wand rec. live, Musik- und Kongresshalle, Lübeck, 28 August 1999. DDD TDK DVWW-COWAND8 [65:39][CC]

Unhesitatingly recommended to all Brucknerians. This DVD cycle is a lasting monument to one of the great Bruckner conductors. ... see Full Review

RECORDING OF THE MONTH Morten LAURIDSEN (b. 1943) Mid-Winter Songs (1983) [19:03] Les Chansons des roses (1993) [17:12] I will lift up mine eyes (1970) [3:14]* O come, let us sing unto the Lord (1970) [3:22]* Ave, dulcissima Maria (2005) [7:04]* Nocturnes (2005) [14:39] Polyphony, Britten Sinfonia (1), Polyphony, Morten Lauridsen (piano) (2, 6); Polyphony, Andrew Lumsden (4)/Stephen Layton * first recordings rec. Temple Church, London, 3-4 January 2006. Midwinter Songs: St. Jude on the Hill, Hampstead Garden Suburb, 3 April 2006. DDD HYPERION CDA67580 [65:17] [JQ]

I recommend this new disc from Polyphony without reservation. Though 2007 is only two months old I feel sure this will be one of my Recordings of the Year ... see Full Review

Franz LISZT (1811-1886) Piano Concerto No.1 in E flat major, S.124 (1830-49, rev. 1853 & 56) [17:48] Frédéric CHOPIN (1810-1849) Piano Concerto No.1 in E minor, Op.11 (1830) [38:32] Yundi Li (piano) Philharmonia Orchestra/Andrew Davis rec. July 2006 Watford Colosseum, London, England. DDD DEUTSCHE GRAMMOPHON 477 6402 [56:26][MC]

Yundi Li excites and delights with these warhorses. He proves to be a performer of significant stature. A remarkable concerto recording debut. ... see Full Review

RECORDING OF THE MONTH Ernest John MOERAN (1894-1950) Sinfonietta (1944) [23:16] Symphony in G minor* (1937) [44:24] Overture for a Masque (1944) [10:36] London Philharmonic Orchestra/Sir Adrian Boult New Philharmonia Orchestra/Sir Adrian Boult* rec. 1968, 1970, 1975. ADD LYRITA SRCD.247 [78:55] [RB]

Classic versions still unmatched and now stealing with nonchalant confidence the poll place in the Moeran discography ... see Full Review

RECORDING OF THE MONTH Peter Ilyich TCHAIKOVSKY (1840-1893) Violin Concerto in D (1878) [35:53]Sérénade mélancolique for violin and orchestra (1875) [9:27] Valse-Scherzo for violin and orchestra (1877) [7:46] Souvenir d’un lieu cher (Souvenir of a beloved place) for violin and piano (1878) [15:54]* Julia Fischer (violin) Yakov Kreizberg (piano)* Russian National Orchestra/Yakov Kreizberg rec. Souvenir: MCO Studio 5, Hilversum, April 2006; DZZ Studio 5, Moscow, April 2006 PENTATONE PTC5186095 [68:25] [IL]

Fischer’s awesome talent makes for a performance that can compare with the best in this very popular concerto. Imaginative, intelligent programming ... see Full Review

RECORDING OF THE MONTH Ralph VAUGHAN WILLIAMS (1872-1958) The Wasps overture (1909) [9:59] A Sea Symphony (1909) [66:20] Susan Gritton (soprano) Gerald Finley (baritone) London Symphony Chorus London Symphony Orchestra/Richard Hickox rec. Barbican Centre, London, 3-4 June 2006. DDD CHANDOS CHSA 5047 [76:17][MG]

Overall the recording, playing and singing of this Hickox version set a new standard … see Full Review

RECORDING OF THE MONTH Richard WAGNER (1813–1883) Die Meistersinger von Nürnberg (1868) Giorgio Tozzi (bass) – Hans Sachs; Ernst Wiemann (bass) – Veit Pogner; Willy Hartmann (tenor) – Kunz Vogelgesang; William Workman (baritone) – Konrad Nachtigall; Toni Blankenheim (bass-baritone) – Sixtus Beckmesser; Hans-Otto Kloose (baritone) – Fritz Kothner; Kurt Marschner (tenor) – Balthasar Zorn; Wilfried Plate (tenor) – Ulrich Eisslinger; Jürgen Förster (tenor) – Augustin Moser; Franz Grundheber (bass) – Hermann Ortel; Carl Schultz (bass) – Hans Schwarz; Karl Otto (bass) – Hans Foltz; Richard Cassilly (tenor) – Walther von Stolzing; Gerhard Unger (tenor) – David; Arlene Saunders (soprano) – Eva; Ursula Boese (mezzo-soprano) – Magdalene; Vladimir Ruzdak (baritone) – A Night Watchman Chorus of the Hamburg State Opera; Ballet of the Hamburg State Opera Hamburg Philharmonic State Orchestra/Leopold Ludwig; Set Design: Herbert Kirchhoff; Costumes: Rudolf Heinrich; Directed by Leopold Lindtberg; Directed for TV by Joachim Hess rec. Hamburg State Opera, 1970 Sound format: mono; Picture format: 4:3 Colour ARTHAUS MUSIC 101 273 (2 DVDs) [240:00] [GF]

When in the future I want to bask in the humour, warmth and humanity of Wagner’s brightest creation, this is probably the version I will return to most often. ... see Full Review

RECORDING OF THE MONTH The Cold Dancer – Contemporary String Quartets from Scotland Kenneth DEMPSTER (b.1962) String Quartet No.4 (The Cold Dancer) (2005) [12:22] James CLAPPERTON (b.1968) The Great Divorce for String Quartet (1990) [16:03] Judith WEIR (b.1954) String Quartet (1990) [13:23] William SWEENEY (b.1950) String Quartet No.3 (2004) [36:34] Edinburgh Quartet rec. no details DELPHIAN DCD34038 [78:24][JW]

Wherever they were written these are fine works by four excellent composers. Not always pretty – but invariably on the money emotively. ... see Full Review

RECORDING OF THE MONTH Exposed Throat Heinz Karl GRUBER (b. 1943) Exposed Throat (2000) [11:22] Daniel BÖRTZ (b. 1943) Målning (2000) [8:53] Poul RUDERS (b. 1949) Reveille-Retraite (2003) [10:04] Robert HENDERSON (b. 1948) Variations Movements (1967) Robin HOLLOWAY (b. 1943) Sonata for Solo Trumpet Op.94a (1999) [21:43] Håkan Hardenberger (trumpet) rec. Nybrokajen 11, Stockholm, Sweden, January and March 2004 BIS CD-1281 [62:00] [HC]

Hardenberger navigates fearlessly and almost effortlessly through all these demanding, but ultimately highly rewarding pieces. A magnificent release ... see Full Review

RECORDING OF THE MONTH Leopold Stokowski Otto KLEMPERER (1885-1973) Merry Waltz from the opera Das Ziel (1915) [3:02] Ralph VAUGHAN WILLIAMS (1872-1958) Fantasia on a Theme by Thomas Tallis (1910) [17:02] Maurice RAVEL (1875-1937) Rapsodie espagnole (1908) [16:02] Johannes BRAHMS (1833-1897) Symphony No.4 in E minor Op.98 (1885) [37:36] Ottokar NOVÁČEK (1866-1900) Perpetuum mobile Op.5 No.4 transcribed Leopold Stokowski (1940) [3:55] ¹ New Philharmonia Orchestra/Leopold Stokowski London Symphony Orchestra/Leopold Stokowski ¹ rec. Royal Albert Hall, 14 May 1974; 21 September 1974 (Nováček) BBC LEGENDS BBCL 4205-2 [78:24][JW]

This Brahms Fourth - the most exciting, galvanizing and convincing of all Stokowski’s efforts. ... see Full Review

 

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BARGAINS OF THE MONTH

BARGAIN OF THE MONTH Hugo ALFVÉN (1872-1960) Symphony No. 5 in A minor, Op. 54 (19432-1958) [53:58] Andante religioso from Revelation Cantata, Op. 31 (1913) [3:49]* Norrköping Symphony Orchestra/Niklas Willén rec. De Geer Hall, Norrköping, Sweden, 15-17 June 2004; 23-27 May, 2005*. DDD NAXOS 8.557612 [57:47][TP]

Lovers of the romantic symphony should invest in this disc without delay.  Whatever the faults of this music, its freshness, flashes of original genius and the stunning playing offer more than ample compensation. ... see Full Review

BARGAINS OF THE MONTH Johann Sebastian BACH (1685-1750) Das Wohltemperierte Klavier: Book I, BWV 846-869 (1722) [133.07] Wanda Landowska (Pleyel harpsichord) rec. 1949-1951, New York; Lakeville, Connecticut; USA. ADD Transfer produced by Mark Obert-Thorn. Notes in English. Original matrix numbers and recording dates and places. Photo of artist. NAXOS HISTORICAL 8.110314-15 [64.00 + 69.07]
Das Wohltemperierte Klavier: Book II, BWV 870-893 (1742) [180.04] Prelude, Fugue, & Allegro, BWV 998 (1743) [12.50] Wanda Landowska (Pleyel harpsichord) rec. 1949-1951, Lakeville, Connecticut; USA. ADD Transfer produced by Mark Obert-Thorn. Notes in English. Original matrix numbers and recording dates and places. Photo of artist. NAXOS HISTORICAL 8.111061-63 [3 CDs: 61.33 + 66.43 + 64.38] [PSh]

An untarnishable masterpiece of a recording, a musical monument, even if in some places it doesn’t sound very good. ... see Full Review

BARGAIN OF THE MONTH Ludwig van BEETHOVEN (1770-1827) Symphony No.9 in D Minor Op.125 Choral (1824)