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Alphabetical Listing

PART 5
S-Z

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]

 

Camille SAINT-SAËNS (1835-1921) Danse macabre op.40 (1874) (1) [06:43] The Carnival of the Animals (1886) (2) [23:11] Allegro appassionato op.43 (1875) (3) [03:49] Symphony no.3 in C minor op.78 (1886) (4) [34:12] Samson et Dalila (1877): Bacchanale (5) [06:44] John Ogdon, Brenda Lucas (pianos) (2), Paul Tortelier (cello) (3), Christopher Robinson (organ) (4), City of Birmingham Orchestra (1-4), Paris Opéra Orchestra (5)/Louis Frémaux (1-4), Georges Prêtre (5) rec. No dates or locations but pub. 1963 (Bacchanale), 1971 (Carnival), 1973 (Symphony), 1974 (Danse), 1975 (Allegro)  CLASSICS FOR PLEASURE 0946 3 82233 2 0 [75:17][CH]

Amiable performances that don’t really match the greatest. ... see Full Review

RECORDING OF THE MONTH Aulis SALLINEN (b. 1935) Introduction and Tango Overture Op.74b (1997)a [10:14] Chamber Music III Op.58 (1986)b [20:06] Elegy for Sebastian Knight Op.10 (1964)b [4:25] Chamber Music IV Op.79 (2000)a [16:57] Chamber Music V Op.80 (2000)c [20:57] Arto Noras (cello) (III & Elegy); Mika Väyrynen (accordion) (V) Virtuosi di Kuhmo/Ralf Gothóni (piano - Tango & IV) rec. Järvenpää Hall, February 2005 CPO 777 147-2 [73:08] [HC]

Superb and generously filled fifth instalment in CPO’s Sallinen Edition goes from strength to strength. Sheds interesting light on an important, but sometimes overlooked facet of Sallinen’s output. ... see Full Review

Marc SATTERWHITE (b. 1954) Epitafio (2001) [9:43] Witnesses of Time (Four Studies on photographs by Flor Garduño) (2003) [19:47] Memento Mori I: Red Carnations in White Lace Curtains (1993-95) [10:34] Concertino a Tre (1995) [19:58] Paige Morgan (English horn) Conrad Alexander (Percussion) The Core Ensemble (Andrew Mark (cello); Hugh Hinton (piano); Michael Parola (percussion)); Kathy Karr (flute); Matthew Karr (bassoon); Joanna Goldstein (piano) rec. 1996-2004, various locations. CENTAUR CRC 2816 [60:17] [KS]

Uninspired, episodic and meandering. This is an example of the negative side of American academia. ... see Full Review

Alessandro SCARLATTI (1660-1725) Cinque Profeti, 1705 [59:52] Arcangelo CORELLI (1653-1713) Sonata a Quattro in G Minor (Wo02) [5:51] Barbara Schlick (soprano); Heike Hallaschka (soprano); Kai Wessel (alto); Christoph Prégardien (tenor); Michael Schopper (bass) La Stagione/Michael Schneider. DDD DEUTSCHE HARMONIA MUNDI 05472-77291-2 [65:43][MS]

An interesting and charming Christmas cantata well performed and with many touching musical moments ... see Full Review

Domenico SCARLATTI (1685-1757) The Complete Sonatas, Volume III - (Venice VI – VIII, 1753-1754) Richard Lester (harpsichord and organ) rec. Spring, 2003, Wisteria Lodge, Cirencester, Gloucestershire, England. DDD NIMBUS RECORDS NI 1727 [6 CDs: 72:51 + 53:52 + 59:18 + 60:53 + 61:05 + 53:30] [MS]

Spectacular repertoire spectacularly well played. A landmark series of the complete keyboard works from ‘the most original keyboard composer’ of the first half of the eighteenth century... see Full Review

Johann Heinrich SCHMELZER (c.1620-1680) Sonata a 8 per chiesa e camera [3:33] Sonata X (from Duodena selectarum sonatarum) [4:50] Ciaccona a 3 chori [5:12] Sonata con tribus violinis [6:36] Sonata ad tabulam a 4 [4:54] Lamento sopra la morte Ferdinadii III [5:41] Sonata a 5 per camera al giorno delle correggie [6:00] Sonata III from Sonatae unarum fidium [6:39] Sonata a 5 [7:13] Balletti francesi for the opera by Cesti, Antonio, Nettunno e Flora festeggianti [5:46] Sonata con ariae a 9 zu der Kayserlichen Serenade [5:51] Tafelmusik/Jeanne Lamon DDD SONY SK 53963 [62:54][MS]

The excellent Tafelmusik at their best in inspiring, varied and open-hearted music from the under-rated Schmelzer. Well worth a look. … see Full Review

Franz SCHUBERT (1797-1828) Complete String Quartets - Vol. 7 Movement in C minor for String Quartet, Quartettsatz, D.103 (1814) [8:11] String Quartet No. 5 in B flat major, D.68 (1813) [16:22] String Trio in B flat major for Violin, Viola and Cello, D.471 (1816) [7:59] Five Minuets with Six Trios for String Quartet, D.89 (1813) [14:08] (No. 1 in C major [3:38]; No. 2 in F major [0:57]; No. 3 in D minor [4:53]; No. 4 in G major [0:54]; No. 5 in C major [3:51] Overture in C minor for String Quintet, D.8 (1811) edited Hess [9:07] Kodály Quartet: (Attila Falvay (violin); Erika Tóth (violin) (all works except D.471); János Fejérvári (viola); György Éder (cello); Gyözö Máthé (2nd viola on D.8)) rec. 18-22 July 2005, Phoenix Studio, Budapest, Hungary. DDD NAXOS 8.557126 [55:48][MC]

Admirable performances. The cool and reasonably clear sound. Not by any stretch of the imagination indispensable but interesting and rewarding ... see Full Review

Franz SCHUBERT (1797-1828) Fantasie in C Major, D. 934 [22:58] Sonata in A Major, D. 574 [21:25] Rondo Brilliant in b minor [13:11] Isabelle Faust (violin) Alexander Melnikov (piano) rec. September 2004, Teldex Studio, Berlin HARMONIA MUNDI HMC 901870 [57:47] [KS]

Performances that are taut, sincere and never self-indulgent. Splendidly tuneful music performed with exquisite good taste ... see Full Review

Robert SCHUMANN (1810–1856) Spanisches Liederspiele op.74 (excerpts) [6.50] Drei Gedichte op. 29 [8.19] Fünf Lieder op. 55 [14.58] Vier doppelchörige Gesänge op. 141 [16.56] Vier Gesänge op. 59 [14.12] Bei Schenkun eines Flugels [2.25] Beim Abschied zu singen, op. 84 [4.16] Konrad Elser (piano) Orpheus Vokalensemble/Gary Graden rec. Biblothekssall Ochesenhausen and Bibliothekssal Bad Schuessnried 21-24 May 2006 CARUS 83.173 [68.47] [RH]

A highly attractive introduction to Schumann’s choral music, including a fine performance of one of Schumann’s greatest choral pieces. ... see Full Review

BARGAIN OF THE MONTH Robert SCHUMANN (1810–1856) Lieder Edition 3 Liederalbum für die Jugend, Op. 79 (1849) [49:15]: No. 1. Der Abendstern [2:18]; No. 2. Schmetterling [0:51]; No. 3. Frühlingsbotschaft [0:57]; No. 4. Frühlingsgruss [1:45]; No. 5. Vom Schlaraffenland [1:52]; No. 6. Sonntag [1:50]; No. 7. Zigeunerliedchen I [0:58]; No. 8. Zigeunerliedchen II [1:35]; No. 9. Des Knaben Berglied [1:58]; No. 10. Mailied [1:07]; No. 11. Käuzlein [2:13]; No. 12. Hinaus ins Freie! [1:18]; No. 13. Der Sandmann [2:08]; No. 14. Marienwürmchen [1:35]; No. 15. Die Waise [2:10]; No. 16. Das Glück [0:52]; No. 17. Weihnachtlied [1:48]; No. 18. Die wandelnde Glocke [2:04]; No. 19. Frühlingslied [2:45]; No. 20. Frühlings Ankunft [1:33]; No. 21. Die Schwalben [1:06]; No. 22. Kinderwacht [1:14]; No. 23. Des Sennen Abschied [2:04]; No. 24. Er ist’s [1:20]; No. 25. Spinnelied [1:47]; No. 26. Des Buben Schützenlied [1:00]; No. 27. Schneeglöckchen [1:25]; No. 28. Lied Lynceus des Türmers [2:07]; No. 29. Mignon [3:34]; Lieder und Gesänge I, Op. 27 (1849)[8:49]:; No. 1. Sag an, o lieber Vogel mein [1:40]; No. 2. Dem rotten Röslein, gleich mein Lieb [1:16]; No. 3. Was soll ich sagen? [2:53]; No. 4. Jasminenstrauch [0:48]; No. 5. Nur ein lächelnder Blick [2:13] Sibylla Rubens (soprano) (2, 4, 10-11, 13-16, 19, 21, 24, 25, 27, 29); Stefanie Iranyi (mezzo) (10, 16, 19, 21, 25); Thomas E Bauer (baritone) (1, 3, 5-9, 12, 17-18, 20, 22-23, 25-26, 28, 30-34); Uta Hielscher (piano) rec. 26 – 28 January 2006, Bayerische Rundfunk Studio 1, Munich, Germany NAXOS 8.557076 [58:04] [GF]

A wholly delightful recital with Thomas E Bauer rapidly advancing to the peak of the Lieder Singer’s Helicon and Sibylla Rubens following suit ... see Full Review

BARGAIN OF THE MONTH Robert SCHUMANN (1810-1856) CD1 1. Piano Concerto in A minor, Op. 54 (1846) [33:30] 2. Cello Concerto in A minor, Op. 129 (1850) [25:29] 3. Konzertstück in F major for Four Horns and Orchestra, Op. 86 (1849) [18:49] CD2 4. Introduction and Allegro appassionato, Op. 92 (1849) [16:39] 5. Concert Allegro with Introduction in D minor, Op. 134 (1853) [15:26] 6. Violin Concerto in D minor (1853) [27:37] 7. Overture, Scherzo and Finale, Op. 52 (1841) [15:24] Ingrid Haebler (piano), Royal Concertgebouw Orchestra/Eliahu Inbal (1); Lynn Harrell (cello), The Cleveland Orchestra/Neville Marriner (2); Dale Clevenger, Richard Oldberg, Thomas Howell, Norman Schweikert (horns), Chicago Symphony Orchestra/Daniel Barenboim (3); Vladimir Ashkenazy (piano/conductor), London Symphony Orchestra (4); Vladimir Ashkenazy (piano), London Symphony Orchestra/Uri Segal (5); Joshua Bell (violin), The Cleveland Orchestra/Christoph von Dohnányi (6); Wiener Philharmoniker/Sir Georg Solti (7). rec. Concertgebouw, Grote Zaal, Amsterdam, The Netherlands, June 1972 (1); Masonic Auditorium, Cleveland, Ohio, USA, November 1981 (2); Orchestra Hall, Chicago, USA, March 1977 (3); Kingsway Hall, London, UK, May 1976 (4); Kingsway Hall, London, UK, June 1977 (5); Severance Hall, Cleveland, Ohio, USA, October 1994 (6); Sofiensaal, Vienna, Austria, September 1969 (7). ADD (1,3,4,5,7) DDD (2,6) DECCA ELOQUENCE 442 8410 [78:05 + 75:25] [TP]

A far-sighted release satisfying beginner and seasoned collector alike. At Eloquence price, this is an unmissable bargain. … see Full Review

Robert SCHUMANN (1810-1856) Dichterliebe op.48 [28:09] Liederkreis op.24 [19:33] Liederkreis op.39 [25:02] 12 Gedichte von Justinus Kerner op.35 [32:43] 12 Gedichte aus Rückerts Liebesfrühling op.37: 1. Der Himmel hat eine Träne geweint [02:04], 5. Ich hab’ in mich gesogen [01:51], 9. Rose, Meer und Sonne [04:35] 4 Gesänge op.142: 4. Mein Wagen rollet langsam [03:56] Der arme Peter op.53/3 [04:48] Tragödie op.64/3: I, II [03:42] 4 Gesänge op.142: 2. Lehn deine Wang’ [00:48] Myrthen op.25: 24. Du bist wie eine Blume [01:54], 21. Was will die einsame Träne [02:27], 7. Die Lotusblume [01:50], 1. Widmung [01:55], 2. Freisinn [01:20], 17. Venetianisches Lied I [01:44], 18. Venetianisches Lied II [01:11], 3. Der Nussbaum [03:09], 5. Aus dem Schenkenbuch im Divan I [00:39], 6. Aus dem Schenkenbuch im Divan II [00:53], 25. Aus den östlichen Rosen [01:49], 26. Zum Schluss [01:59] Wolfgang Holzmair (baritone), Imogen Cooper (piano) rec. June 1994 (opp.24, 25/21, 25/24, 25/27 (no such song exists, probably they mean no.7), 48, 53/3, 64/1, 142/2, 142/4), October 1999 (op.39), Haydnsaal, Schloss Esterházy, Eisenstadt, Austria; December 1998 (opp.25/2, 25/3, 25/5, 25/6, 25/17, 25/18, 25/25, 25/26), 35, 37, Jugendstiltheater, Vienna PHILIPS ELOQUENCE 476 9974 [72:52 + 75:34] [CH]

The passionate, pleading, adoring voice of Schumann is not present to my ears. ... see Full Review

Dmitri SHOSTAKOVICH (1906-1975) Film Music CD 1 Hamlet op. 116a (1964) [38:07] The Gadfly op. 97a (1955) [41:22] CD 2-3 New Babylon op. 18 (1929) [84:37] Five Days op. 111a (1961) [29:57] CD 4 King Lear op. 58a (1940) [25:57] King Lear op. 137 (1970) [27:33] CD 5 Zoya op. 64a (1944) [30:27] The Fall of Berlin op. 82a (1950) [30:48] CD 6 Golden Mountains op. 30a (1931) [24:26] Maxim - film trilogy op. 50a (1931, 1935, 1961) [30:16] CD 7 Alone (Odna) op. 26 (1930-31) [74:29] Rundfunk-Sinfonieorkester Berlin/Leonid Grin (Hamlet, Gadfly); James Judd (New Babylon; Five Days); Michail Jurowski (Alone, Maxim, Golden Mountains, Zoya, Fall of Berlin, King Lear) RIAS Kammerchor Berlin (Zoya, Berlin, Maxim, Alone); Jelena Zaremba (mezzo) (King Lear, Alone); Wladimir Kazatchouk (tenor) (Alone); Stanislaw Suleimanow (bass) (King Lear); Svetlana Katchur (Maxim's Youth);   rec. Berlin Jesus-Christus-Kirche (CDs1-3, 5, 7), Berlin Deutschland Radio Saal 1 (CD6), Berlin Funkhaus (CD4). 29 November-2 December 1988 CD1, 10;12 October 1988, 7-8 February 1989, 22-23 January 1990 (CD2-3); 10-13 December 1990 (CD4); 4-6 March 1991 (CD5); 28-29 April 1994, 13-14 June 1994 (CD6); 19-22 Sept 1995 (CD7)  CAPRICCIO 49533 [7 CDs: 79:27 + 65:27 + 48:59 + 53:56 + 61:46 + 56:18 + 74:29] [RB]

A grab-bag of  nuggets and bran, dross and gold, alchemy and quotidian. ... see Full Review

Dmitry SHOSTAKOVICH (1906–1975) Complete Symphonies - Vol. 6 Symphony No. 2 To October Op. 14 (1927) [18:55] Symphony No. 12 The Year 1917 Op. 112 (1961) [40:32] National Ukrainian Choir “Dumka” (Symphony No. 2) Beethoven Orchester Bonn/Roman Kofman rec. 16-17 September 2004 (Symphony No. 2); 15-18 May 2006 (Symphony No. 12) MUSIKPRODUKTION DABRINGHAUS UND GRIMM MDG 937 1206-6 [59:40] [GF]

I don’t think it is necessary to own these two symphonies – I have no wish to have everything that Mozart or Beethoven wrote either – but those who feel differently could do much worse than starting here. ... see Full Review

Dmitri SHOSTAKOVICH (1906-1975) Piano Sonata No. 2 in B minor, Op. 61 (1943) [24:08] Three Pieces (1919-20) [2:51] A Child’s Exercise Book, Op. 69 (1944-45) [6:41] Murzilka (undated, c. 1944-52?) [0:49] Five Preludes (1919-21) [6:39] The Limpid Stream – Ballet, Op. 39 (1934-35) [15:51] Konstantin Scherbakov (piano) rec. Potton Hall, Suffolk, 27-28 November 2005. DDD NAXOS 8.570092 [57:00] [TP]

Recommended to fans of Shostakovich and lovers of light piano fare. ... see Full Review

Jean SIBELIUS (1865 – 1957) Songs, Volume 1 Illalle (To Evening), Op. 17, No. 6 [1:37] Våren flyktar hastigt (Spring is flying), Op. 13, No. 4 [1:37] Den första kyssen (The First Kiss), Op. 37, No. 1 [1:54] Svarta rosor (Black Roses), Op. 36, No. 1 [2:03] Flickan kom ifrån sin älsklings möte (The Tryst), Op. 37, No. 5 [2:50] Säv, säv, susa (Reed, reed, rustle), Op. 36, No. 4 [2:33] Var det en dröm? (Was it a Dream?), Op. 37, No. 4 [1:57] Demanten på marssnön (The Diamond on the March Snow), Op. 36, No. 6 [2:45] Lastu lainehilla (Driftwood), Op. 17, No. 7 [1:33] Souda, souda, sinisorsa (Row, row, duck), JS 180 [1:45] Kaiutar (The Echo Nymph), Op. 72, No. 4 [3:13] Segelfahrt (Sailing), JS 166 [1:51] Im Feld ein Mädchen singt (In the Field a Maid Sings), Op. 50, No. 3 [3:03] Sehnsucht (Longing), Op. 50, No. 2 [1:51] Die stille Stadt (The Silent City), Op. 50, No. 5 [2:45] Serenadi (Serenade), JS 167 [3:02] En visa (A Song), JS 71 [1:41] Den första kyssen (The First Kiss), JS 57* [2:10] Orgier (Orgies), JS 143* [2:21] Säv, säv, susa (Reed, reed, rustle), JS 42* [2:08] Soluppgång (Sunrise), JS 87* [2:31] Vänskapens blomma (The Flower of Friendship), JS 215* [2:44] Six Songs, Op. 88: No. 1: Sinivuokko (Blåsippan: The Anemone) [0:52] No. 2: Kaksi ruusua (De bägge rosorna: The Two Roses) [1:19] No. 3: Valkovuokko (Vitsippan: The Wood Anemone) [1:19] No. 4: Vuokko (Sippan: The Primrose) [1:03] No. 5: Villiruusu (Törnet: The Thorn) [2:17] No. 6: Kukkasen (Blommans öde: The Flower’s Destiny) [1:33] Narsissi (Narciss: Narcissus), JS 140 [2:17] Hymn to Thaïs, the Unforgettable [2:03] * World Première Recording Hannu Jurmu (tenor); Jouni Somero (piano); rec. Sellosali, Espoo, Finland, 28–30 July, 1, 13-14 August 2005. DDD NAXOS 8.570019 [62:28][GF]

This is a recital with ups and downs and unfortunately the ups are in the minority. We do however get five songs that have never been recorded before. ... see Full Review

Richard STRAUSS (1864-1949) Four Last Songs (1949) (Frühling [5:10]; September [4:16]; Beim Schlafengehen [2:41]; Im Abendrot [7:39]) Richard WAGNER (1813-1883) Tristan und Isolde (1865): Prelude [10:49]; Mild und leise wie er lächelt (Liebestod – Act III) [6:33] Götterdämmerung (1876): Siegfried’s Rhine Journey (Prologue) [11:00]; Starke Scheite schichtet mir dort ... (Act III) [17:55] Kirsten Flagstad (sop) Philharmonia Orchestra/Wilhelm Furtwängler rec. live, Royal Albert Hall, London, 22 May 1950. ADD TESTAMENT SBT1410 [66:53] [DH]

The pit feeling in my stomach after this CD finished told me I'd heard something very special indeed. ... see Full Review

RECORDING OF THE MONTH Richard STRAUSS (1864-1949) Don Juan (1888-9) [15:44] Till Eulenspiegel’s Merry Pranks (1894-5) [14:42] Salome’s Dance (1903-05) [8:21] Festive Prelude (1913) [12:39] Hans PFITZNER (1869-1949) Symphony for Large Orchestra in C major, Three Movements in One, Op. 46 (1940) [15:31] Hanns Ander-Donath, (organ) Staatskapelle Dresden/Karl Böhm (Pfitzner, Don Juan, Till Eulenspiegel, Salome); Kurt Striegler (Festive Prelude) rec. Semperoper, Dresden, January 1941 (Pfitzner); January 1939 (Don); January 1941 (Till); January 1939 (Salome); Dresden Frauenkirche, May 1944 (Prelude). PROFIL PH07010 [67:22] [KS]

A glorious reflection of a bygone era, a time in which art and beauty held much more value than they do today. ... see Full Review

Richard STRAUSS (1864-1949) Die Frau ohne Schatten (The Woman without a Shadow) - opera in 3 acts (1919) Der Kaiser (The Emperor) - Peter Seiffert (tenor); Die Kaiserin (The Empress) - Luana DeVol (soprano); Die Amme (The Nurse) - Marjana Lipovšek (mezzo); Der Geisterbote (The Spirit Messenger) - Jan-Hendrik Rootering (baritone); Barak, der Färber (Barak the dyer) - Alan Titus (baritone); Sein Weib (his wife) - Janis Martin (soprano); Die Stimme des Falken (The Falcon’s voice) - Caroline Maria Petrig (soprano); Die Erscheinung eines Jünglings (The Apparition of a Young Man) - Herbert Lippert (tenor) Bavarian State Opera Chorus and Orchestra/ Wolfgang Sawallisch Directed for the stage by Ennosuke Ichikawa Technical realization by Takashi Kanai rec. Aichi Prefectural Art Theatre, Nagoya, Japan, 8, 11 November 1992. TDK DVWW-OPFROS [2 DVDS: 183:00] [TH]

Does full justice to an exceptional and challenging masterpiece ... see Full Review

BARGAIN OF THE MONTH Richard STRAUSS (1864-1949) Don Juan, Op. 20 (1888) [16:09] Till Eulenspiegels lustige Streiche (1894) [14:43] Der Rosenkavalier - Waltzes arr. Kempe (1911) [17:46] Metamorphosen (1945) [24:14] Staatskapelle Dresden/Rudolf Kempe. rec. Lukaskirche, Dresden, 13-24 June 1970 (Don, Till), 27-29 June (Waltzes), 1-5 January (Metam.) 1973 EMI CLASSICS GREAT RECORDINGS OF THE CENTURY 3458262 [74:11] [CC]

Most Strauss lovers will already have these performances. They have been reissued countless times. Lucky the person who encounter them the first time on this disc, though ... see Full Review

Barbara STROZZI (1619-c.1664) La Virtuosissima cantatrice Merci di voi [5.30]; Noiosa Iontananza: Dimmi dove sei [3.37]; La tre Gratia a venere [3.03]; Gl’occhi superbi [3.47]; Amor dormoglione [2.16]; Begli occhi [4.36]; Anuma del moi core [4.43]; Sete pur fastidioso [3.19]; I baci [2.38]; Sino alla morte [14.14]; Mordeva un bianco lino [3.32]; Godere e tacere [3.4]; Canto di bella bocca [5.49]; Liberta: Non ci Iusinghi piu [3.24] Musica Secreta (Deborah Roberts (soprano); Suzie le Blanc (soprano); Mary Nichols (alto); Kasia Elsner (theorbo); John Toll (harpsichord) rec. Forde Abbey, Dorset, November 1992. DDD AMON RA CD SAR 61 [64.10] [GH]

All in all a fascinating release of music that is well worth studying and taking seriously. ... see Full Review

Emil TABAKOV (b. 1947) Concerto for Two Flutes and Orchestra* (2000) [27:08] Concerto for Piano and Orchestra** (2003) [34:23] Patrick Gallois and Philippe Bernold (flutes)* Jean-Philippe Collard (piano)** Bilkent Symphony Orchestra/Emil Tabakov rec. 28 May-2 June 2005 Bilkent Concert Hall, Turkey NAXOS 8.570073 [61:31] [DB]

Certainly worth hearing, especially for the Two Flutes concerto … see Full Review

Sergei TANEYEV (1856-1915) Piano Music Piano Concerto in E flat major (unfinished) (1876) [33:28] Prelude in F major [3:15]; Lullaby in B flat major [3:25]; Theme and Variations [10:17]; Allegro in E flat major [7:45]; Andantino semplice in B minor [5:06]; Repose (Elegy) in E major [3:04]; March in D minor [2:03]; Four Improvisations: ((i) Moderato [1:15] (ii) Allegretto [0:46] (iii) Allegro scherzando [0:43]; (iv) Largo [1:15]); The Composer's Birthday for narrator and piano - four hands [2:00]; The Composer's Birthday for piano - four hands [1:53] Joseph Banowetz (piano) Russian Philharmonic of Moscow/Thomas Sanderling Vladimir Ashkenazy (narrator) Adam Wodnicki (piano) rec. Moscow, 2006 TOCCATA CLASSICS TOCC 0042 [77:13] [RB]

A concerto both grand and florid coupled with attractive music for solo piano – excellence all-round. ... see Full Review

RECORDING OF THE MONTH Giuseppe TARTINI (1692-1770) Concertos for Violin and Orchestra, Vol. 1 Concerto for Violin in E major, D47 [17:05] Concerto for Violin in F major, D69 [17:49] Concerto for Violin in A major, D101 [19:13] Concerto for Violin in D major, D34 [16:28] Paulik László (violin) Orfeo Orchestra/György Vashegyi rec. 13-16 February 2001, Hungaroton Studio, Budapest, Hungary. DDD HUNGAROTON CLASSIC HCD32045 [70:58]
Concertos for Violin and Orchestra, Vol. 2
Concerto for Violin in C major, D7 [16:35] Concerto for Violin in D major, D20 [19:49] Concerto for Violin in A major, D90 [19:35] Concerto for Violin in D major, D17 [17:56] Paulik László (violin) Orfeo Orchestra/György Vashegyi rec. 9-10, 12-13 April 2003, Hungaroton Studio, Budapest, Hungary. DDD HUNGAROTON CLASSIC HCD32234 [74:23] [MC]

Great cause for celebration with these two volumes of Tartini violin concertos taking a treasured place in my collection … László is one of Hungary’s best kept secrets and he deserves to be heard by a wider audience. ... see Full Review

Peter Ilyich TCHAIKOVSKY (1840-1893) Symphony No. 5 in e, Op. 64 (1888) [43.35]Capriccio Italien, Op. 45 (1880) [13.09] Concertgebouw Orchestra/Paul Van Kempen rec. Concertgebouw, Amsterdam, the Netherlands, December 1951 Track list/timings, no notes. Monophonic recording processed with the NoNoise system. ADD. CDR PHILIPS LEGENDARY CLASSICS 420 858-2 [56:44] [PSh]

The very best Capriccio Italien you’ll ever hear, a serviceable Fifth Symphony in excellent mono sound. ... see Full Review

Piotr Ilych TCHAIKOVSKY (1840-1893) Manfred, Symphony in Four Scenes after Byron’s Dramatic Poem, Op. 58 (1885) [59:02] London Philharmonic Orchestra/Vladimir Jurowski rec. live, Royal Festival Hall, London, 8 December 2004 LPO LIVE LPO0009 [50:02] [KS]

If this is the kind of music making we are going to get from this label, then long may it live. ... see Full Review

Georg Philipp TELEMANN (1681-1767) Komm, Geist des Herren - Late Cantatas Komm, Geist des Herren, cantata for Pentecost (TWV 1,999) [24:52] Kaum wag ich es, cantata for the 19th Sunday after Trinity (TWV 1,992) [11:59] Er kam, lobsinget ihm, cantata for Ascension Day (TWV 1,462) [15:49] Dorothee Mields (soprano), Elisabeth Graf (contralto), Knut Schoch (tenor), Ekkehard Abele (bass) Kammerchor Michaelstein Telemannisches Collegium Michaelstein/Ludger Rémy rec. August, September 2004, Kirche St Bonifatius, Ditfurt, Germany. DDD CPO 777 064-2 [52:55][JV]

Fine interpretations of three sacred works which show Telemann was as inventive and creative in his seventies as ever ... see Full Review

Georg Philipp TELEMANN (1681-1767) Der Tod Jesu, oratorio (TWV 5,6) Greetje Anthoni (soprano); Yves Saelens (tenor); Stefan Geyer (bass) Vocal Ensemble Ex Tempore Baroque Orchestra Le Mercure Galant/Florian Heyerick rec. June 1995, Studio Steurbout, Ghent, Belgium ETCETERA KTC1289 [69:46] [JV]

A very interesting and musically satisfying example of Passion music from the Enlightenment - the performance has all the requisite qualities to convince the listener of the virtues of this music ... see Full Review

Sir Michael TIPPETT (1905–1998) Choral Images Dance, Clarion Air (1952) [4.36] Plebs Angelica (1943) [3.11] The Weeping Babe (1944) [5.06] Magnificat and Nunc Dimittis (1961) [6.59] Unto the Hills (1958) [3.46] Four Songs of the British Isles (1956) [13.29] Over the Sea to Sky (1956) [4.04] The Source (1942) [2.14] The Windhover (1942) [3.00] Lullaby (1959) [4.20] Five Negro Spirituals (from A Child of Our Time) (1939-1941) [12.11] Iain Farrington (organ) The BBC Singers/Stephen Cleobury rec. 21, 24, 25 January 2005, Temple Church, London SIGNUM CLASSICS SIGCD092 [63.00] [RH]

The BBC Singers go far beyond mere technical competency, creating a series of varied but dazzlingly vibrant performances. If you love good choral music, then buy it. ... see Full Review

Johann Baptist VAŇHAL (1739-1813) Flute Quartet in B flat major Op.7 No.2 (Weinmann Vb:Bb1) (c.1771) [19:18] Flute Quartets in G major Op.7 No.3 (Weinmann Vb: G1) (c.1771)  [21:45] Flute Quartets in C major Op.7 No.6 (Weinmann Vb: C1) (c.1771)  [20:02] Uwe Grodd (flute) Janaki String Trio rec. Grace Church-on-the-Hill, Toronto, June 2006 NAXOS 8.570234 [61:04] [JW]

Attractive works and performances. Playing of deft sensitivity, full of proportion, equilibrium, expressive contouring and lyrical affection. ... see Full Review

Giuseppe VERDI (1813-1901) Aida - opera in four acts (1871) Il Re, King of Egypt - Nicola Zaccaria (bass); Amneris, his daughter - Fedora Barbieri (mezzo); Radames, Egyptian captain of the guard - Richard Tucker (ten); Amonasro, King of Ethiopia - Tito Gobbi (bar); Aida, his daughter - Maria Callas (sop); Ramfis, High Priest - Giuseppe Modesti (bass); Chorus and Orchestra of Teatro alla Scala, Milan/Tullio Serafin rec. August 1955, Teatro alla Scala, Milan Restoration Engineer: Mark Obert-Thorn NAXOS HISTORICAL GREAT OPERA RECORDINGS 8.111240-1 [67.49+78.18] Giuseppe VERDI (1813-1901) Aida - opera in four acts (1871) Il Re, King of Egypt - Nicola Zaccaria (bass); Amneris, his daughter - Fedora Barbieri (mezzo); Radames, Egyptian captain of the guard - Richard Tucker (ten); Amonasro, King of Ethiopia - Tito Gobbi (bar); Aida, his daughter - Maria Callas (sop); Ramfis, High Priest - Giuseppe Modesti (bass); Chorus and Orchestra of Teatro alla Scala, Milan/Tullio Serafin rec. August 1955, Teatro alla Scala, Milan REGIS LEGENDARY PERFORMANCES RRC 2074 [66.47+77.13][RJF]

Although Callas is not in best voice, the dramatic interactions between her Aida and Gobbi’s Amonasro in Act 3 make for exciting opera of a standard not often caught on record. ... see Full Review

Giuseppe VERDI (1813-1901) Otello - tragic opera in four acts (1887) Otello, a Moor, commander in chief of the Venetian fleet - José Cura (ten); Desdemona, his wife - Krassimara Stoyanova (sop); Iago, an ensign - Lado Ataneli (bar); Emelia, Iago's wife - Ketevan Kemoklidze (mezzo); Cassio, a captain under Otello - Vittorio Grigolo (ten); Roderigo, a Venetian gentleman - Vincenz Esteve Madrid (ten); Lodovico, Venetian ambassador - Giorgio Giuseppini (bass) Chorus and Orchestra of the Gran Teatro del Liceu/Antonio Rós-Marba rec. live, Gran Teatro del Liceu 21, 24 February 2006. Stage Director - Willy Decker Set and costume design - John Macfarlane Television Director - Angel Luis Ramirez Picture format: 16/9 Anamorphic Sound formats: LPCM Stereo. DTS surround Subtitles in English, German, French, Spanish, Catalan, Italian OPUS ARTE DVD Video OA 0963 D [2 DVDs: 151:00][RJF]

José Cura should be the Otello of this generation. If he is to realise his full potential in this most demanding of Italian tenor roles he will need a more realistic set and better direction than he gets here. ... see Full Review

Giuseppe VERDI (1813-1901) La Traviata - opera in three acts (1853) Violetta Valery - Joan Sutherland (sop); Flora - Miti Truccato Pace (mezzo); Annina - Dora Carral (sop); Alfredo Germont - Carlo Bergonzi (tenor); Giorgio Germont - Robert Merrill (bar); Gastone - Piero de Palma (ten); Doctor Grenvil - Giovanni Foiani (bass); Baron Douphol - Paolo Pedani (bar); Marquis d’Obigny - Silvio Maionica (bass); Giuseppe – Angelo Mercuriali (ten) Orchestra and Chorus of the Maggio Musicale Fiorentino/John Pritchard rec. Teatro della Pergola, Florence, November 1962. ADD DECCA CLASSIC OPERA 475 7922 [61.06 +71.17] [RJF]

Sutherland’s first Violetta has the stylish Bergonzi as Alfredo with Merrill a sure-toned and vocally secure Germont pére singing mellifluously. ... see Full Review

Giuseppe VERDI (1813–1901) Il trovatore (1853) Ettore Bastianini (baritone) – Il Conte di Luna; Antonietta Stella (soprano) – Leonora; Fiorenza Cossotto (mezzo-soprano) – Azucena; Carlo Bergonzi (tenor) – Manrico; Ivo Vinco (bass) – Ferrando; Armanda Bonato (mezzo-soprano) – Inez; Franco Ricciardi (tenor) – Ruiz; Giuseppe Morresi (bass) – An old gypsy; Angelo Mercuriali (tenor) – A messenger Chorus and Orchestra del Teatro alla Scala/Tullio Serafin rec. Teatro alla Scala, February 1962 DEUTSCHE GRAMMOPHON 00289 477 5662 [66:05 + 59:55][GF]

Maybe not the most thrilling but the musically most satisfactory recording of this opera. ... see Full Review

Heitor VILLA-LOBOS (1887-1959) Symphony No. 2 Ascenção (1917) [51:08] New York Skyline Melody (1939) [2:51] Radio-Sinfonieorchester Stuttgart des SWR/Carl St. Clair rec. Stadthalle Sindelfingen, 16-19 February 1998; 17-18 April 2000. CPO 999785-2 [54:08] [KS]

Colorful, engaging music performed to perfection with excellent production values to boot. A fine release, worthy of any collection. ... see Full Review

Antonio VIVALDI (1678-1741) Concerto for Strings in A Major RV 159 [5:17] Simon Standage (violin); Micaela Comberti (violin); Jap ter Linden (violincello) The English Concert/Trevor Pinnock Concerto for Violin in E Major RV 271 [9:19] Simon Standage (violin) The English Concert/Trevor Pinnock Concerto for Bassoon in E Minor RV 484 [11:45] Milan Turković (bassoon) The English Concert/Trevor Pinnock Concerto for Flute in G Major RV 436 [8:53] Lisa Beznosiuk (flute) The English Concert/Trevor Pinnock Concerto for Viola d’amore and Lute in D Minor RV 540 [11:19] Roy Goodman (viola d’amore); Nigel North (lute) The English Concert/Trevor Pinnock Concerto for Oboe and Bassoon in G Major RV 545 [10:14] David Reichenberg (oboe); Milan Turković (bassoon) The English Concert/Trevor Pinnock DDD ARCHIV 419 615-2 [56:57][MS]

A persuasive programme with excellent soloists, though some uneven overall interpretations ... see Full Review

Antonio VIVALDI (1678-1741) Concerto for bassoon, strings and continuo in F RV 485 [9:48] Concerto for bassoon, strings and continuo in B Flat RV 503 [9:17] Concerto for bassoon, strings and continuo in E Flat RV 483 [7:13] Concerto for bassoon, strings and continuo in A Minor RV 497 [9:12] Concerto for bassoon, strings and continuo in C RV 473 [11:25] Concerto for bassoon, strings and continuo in F RV 492 [8:09] Klaus Thunemann (bassoon) I Musici rec. July 1985, La Chaux-de-Fonds, Switzerland. DDD PHILIPS 416 355-2 [55:04][MS]

Carefully selected Baroque instrumental repertoire played almost to perfection by experts. … see Full Review

Antonio VIVALDI (1678-1741) Concerto no. 1 in F Major ‘La tempesta di mare’ RV 433 [6:53] Concerto no. 2 in G Minor ‘La notte’ RV 439 [8:49] Concerto no. 3 in D Major ‘Il gardellino’ RV 428 [10:01] Concerto no. 4 in G Major RV 435 [6:55] Concerto no. 5 in F Major RV 434 [9:23] Concerto no. 6 in G Major RV 437 [8:06] Lisa Beznosiuk (transverse flute) The English Concert/Trevor Pinnock DDD ARCHIV 423 702-2 [50:07][MS]

Gentle, expressive and subtle Baroque instrumental music played to perfection by forces at the zenith of their powers.  see Full Review

Richard WAGNER (1813–1883) Siegfried (1876) Gary Rideout (tenor) – Siegfried; Richard Greager (tenor) – Mime; John Bröchler (bass) – Wanderer; John Wegner (bass-baritone) – Alberich; David Hibbard (bass) – Fafner; Liane Keegan (contralto) – Erda; Lisa Gasteen (soprano) – Brünnhilde; Shu-Cheen Yu (soprano) – Woodbird Adelaide Symphony Orchestra/Asher Fisch rec. Adelaide Festival Theatre, 16 November–12 December 2004 MELBA MR 301095-98 (SACD) [4 CDs: 79:47 + 73:40 +50:24 + 33:10] [GF]

With much inspired playing and singing and superb SACD sound this is a set that can be warmly recommended. Those who have already acquired the first two instalments need not hesitate. ... see Full Review

Richard WAGNER (1813–1883) Siegfried (1876) Jon Fredric West (tenor) – Siegfried; Heinz Görig (tenor) – Mime; Wolfgang Schöne (bass) – The Wanderer; Björn Waag (bass) – Alberich; Attila Jun (bass) – Fafner; Gabriela Herrera (soprano) – Forest Bird; Helene Ranada (contralto) – Erda; Lisa Gasteen (soprano) – Brünnhilde Staatsorchester Stuttgart/Lothar Zagrosek rec. live, Staatstheater Stuttgart, Germany, 1 October 2002, 5 January 2003. DDD NAXOS 8.660175-78 [4 CDs: 54:17 + 50:50 + 72:17 + 62:58][DH]

A more-than-competent recording of an extraordinary opera ... see Full Review

RECORDING OF THE MONTH Beecham, Flagstad and Wagner; The Beecham Collection Richard WAGNER (1813-1883) The Flying Dutchman Overture (1843) [9:57] Lohengrin; Prelude to Act I (1848) [9:24] ¹ Wesendonck-Lieder (1857-58) [20:01] ² Tristan und Isolde; Prelude (1859) [9:11] Tristan und Isolde; Liebestod (1859) [7:28] ² Kirsten Flagstad – Talk on “Singing Wagner” [10:43] ² Kirsten Flagstad (soprano) ² RPO/Thomas Beecham BBC Symphony Orchestra/Thomas Beecham ¹ rec. live, Royal Festival Hall, November 1954 (Flying Dutchman); live, Royal Festival Hall, November 1953 (Lohengrin): Studio 1 Maida Vale, London, December 1952 (Wesendonck-Lieder and Tristan); BBC radio, 1949 (Flagstad talk). ADD SOMM-BEECHAM 20 [67:33][JW]

Offers the highest of rewards ... see Full Review

Silvius Leopold WEISS (1687-1750) Lute Sonatas - Volume 8 Sonata No.36 in D minor [24:01] Sonata No.19 in F major (1719) [23:03] Sonata No.34 in D minor [16:07] Robert Barto (lute) rec. Green Room, Offord Hall, Aurora, Ontario, October 2005 NAXOS 8.570109 [63:19][JW]

Barto is impressive. Doesn’t quite reach the heights of volume seven but adherents will waste no opportunity to acquaint themselves with this latest success. ... see Full Review

Charles WUORINEN (b. 1938) Cyclops 2000 (2000) [23:29]* A Reliquary for Igor Stravinsky (1974-5) [17:12] London Sinfonietta/Oliver Knussen rec. 16 May 2001, Queen Elizabeth Hall, South Bank Centre, London*; October 1994, Henry Wood Hall, London. DDD LONDON SINFONIETTA SINFCD4-2006 [40:41] [GPu]

Outstanding performances of two very interesting works by a major contemporary composer, especially valuable at a time when too little of Wuorinen’s work is easily available … see Full Review

Gregorio ZANON (b. 1980) Romanèche Rhapsody for Solo Cello and String Quintet (2006) [14:09] String Quartet No.2 Légende à Quatre (2005) [10:55] Concerto Grosso for String Quintet and Piano (2003) [22:45] String Quartet No.1 (2001 revised 2006) [22:53] Terpsycordes Quartet; Mark Drobinsky (piano); Jocelyne Rudasigwa (double-bass); Xavier Dami (piano) rec. La Chaix-de-Fonds, Salle de Musique, May 2006. CLAVES 50-2606 [70:57] [JW]

Music that is strong on vitality and expressive warmth – no chill winds here. ... 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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