|
 RECORDINGS OF
THE MONTH
Lera AUERBACH
(b.1973) 24 Preludes, Cello sonata, Postlude - Ani Aznavoorian
(cello); Lera Auerbach (piano) rec. 2012 CEDILLE CDR90000137
[74:59] [BR] Authoritative performances
of essential new music. This cello goes up to 11.
Ludwig van BEETHOVEN
(1770-1827) Sonatas for Violin and Piano - Leonidas Kavakos
(violin) Enrico Pace (piano) rec. 2011-2012 DECCA 478 3523
[3 CDs: 246:11] [LW] Kavakos and Pace
excel in their cycle of Beethoven sonatas for violin and piano.
Walter BRAUNFELS
(1882-1954) Te Deum Leonie Rysanek (soprano), Helmut
Melchert (tenor), Hermann Werner (organ), Gürzenich Ch, Cologne
RSO/Günter Wand rec. 1952 ACANTA 233670 [56:28] [WK]
An overwhelming historical recording.
A composer finally coming into his own. One of Wand’s finest
performances.
Henri DUTILLEUX
(1916-2013) Correspondances, Tout
un monde lointain, The Shadows of Time Barbara Hannigan
(soprano) Anssi Karttunen (cello) O Phil de Radio France/Esa-Pekka
Salonen DEUTSCHE GRAMMOPHON 479 1180 [67:04]
[LW] A very special disc of Dutilleux’s
Correspondances and other masterworks.
Philip GLASS (b.1937)
Suite from The Hours; Symphony 3 - Michael Riesman (piano);
Manitoba Chamber Orchestra/Anne Manson rec. 2011 ORANGE MOUNTAIN
MUSIC OMM 0086 [48:38] [BR] An essential
part of my Glass collection and an obvious choice for those who
don’t know Glass well.
Johann STRAUSS
(1825-1899) Waltzes, Polkas and Overtures - Anima Eterna
Brugge/Jos van Immerseel rec. 1999 OUTHERE REWIND REW505
[59:35] [Byz] One of the finest recordings
of Johann Strauss ever made.
Georg Philipp TELEMANN
(1681-1767) Wind Concertos - Vol. 6, 7 & 8
Michael Schneider (recorder, transverse flute), Karl Kaiser (transverse
flute), Luise Baumgartl (oboe), Ulrich Hübner, Jörg
Schulteß (horn), Marita Schaar (bassoon) Tindaro Capuano
(chalumeau) Camerata Köln, La Stagione Frankfurt/Michael
Schneider rec. 2007-11 CPO 777 402-2 [64:02] 999 907-2
[67:02] 999 951-2 [69:38] [JV] The
last volumes of one of the most important recording projects of
recent times.
Giuseppe VERDI (1813-1901)
Stiffelio Roberto Aronica (tenor) Yu Guanqun
(soprano) Ch & O Teatro Regio, Parma/Andrea Battistona rec.
2012 C MAJOR 723104 
[127:00 +10:00 bonus] [RJF] Does justice
to this nearly lost dramatic score of personal trials and moral
principles.
Antonio VIVALDI
(1678-1741) Violin concerto - Giuliano Carmignola (violin)
Accademia Bizantina/Ottavio Dantone rec. 2012 ARCHIV PRODUKTION
479 1075 [75:48] [BR] The cover
art is silly, but the title sums it up. Very dramatic music and
performances.
The Young Alfredo Kraus
- Arias and Songs: 1958-1962 Madrid CO, Madrid SO/José
Luis Lloret, Mario Cordone, Enrique Estela PREISER RECORDS
PR93482 [74.21] [MM-B] To be cherished
and listened to over and over again.
Zia Works by Frank,
Harrison, Evangelista, Vali & Kats-Chernin - Del Sol
Qt rec. 2012 SONO LUMINUS DSL92164 [74:29] [BR] Around
the world in 80 minutes with five truly outstanding pieces. If
anybody anywhere is going to release a better album than this
in 2013, I can’t wait to hear it.
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Adolphe ADAM (1803-1856)
Giselle - Alessandra Ferri, Massimo Murru, Maurizio Vanadia,
O Teatro alla Scala/Paul Connelly rec. 1996 ARTHAUS MUSIK 100 061
[116:00]
[RMay] This has a strong claim to be one of
the best filmed versions of Giselle currently available and it is certainly
among the most enjoyable.
Charles-Valentin ALKAN
(1813-1888) Recueils de chants I, II & III; Une fusée:
Introduction et Impromptu - Stephanie McCallum (piano) rec. 2012 TOCCATA
TOCC 0157 [71:14] [JW] This first release
in the series can be warmly commended.
Grazyna BACEWICZ (1909-1969)
Overture, Cello Concertos 1 & 2 - Adam Krzeszowiec, Bartosz Koziak
(cellos) Polish Sinfonia Iuventus O/George Tchitchinadze, Monika Wolinska
rec. 2012 DUX 0591 [46:51] [JZ] Solid
performances with the soloists particularly strong … first-rate performances
and fine recording.
Johann Sebastian BACH (1685-1750)
Partita 2 Ludwig van BEETHOVEN (1770-1827) Violin
sonata - Maxim Vengerov (violin) Itamar Golan (piano) rec. 2012
WIGMORE HALL LIVE WHLIVE0056 [79:52] [JW]
A welcome night for Vengerov admirers, and
lovers of the celebratory drink, though the musical rewards are very
much more mixed.
Johann Sebastian BACH
(1685-1750) English Suites - Ketil Haugsand (harpsichord) rec.
2012 SIMAX CLASSICS PSC1329 [72:46 + 77:26] [DC] Forthrightly
heartfelt performances.
Johann Sebastian BACH (1685-1750)
St. Matthew Passion - Mark Padmore (tenor) Peter Harvey (bass)
Maria Espada (soprano) Ingeborg Danz (mezzo) Netherlands Radio Ch, National
Children’s Ch, Royal Concertgebouw O /Iván Fischer rec.
2012 ARTHAUS MUSIK 101 676
[2 DVDs: 174:00] [JQ] A
fine and well-filmed account of St. Matthew Passion from the Concertgebouw.
Johann Sebastian BACH
(1685-1750) Bach Transcribed for Piano Antony Gray (piano)
rec. 1998, 2003-04 ABC 476 5171 [3 CDs: 68:58 + 67:09 + 71:41]
[JW] Largely authoritative, but sometimes
just a little detached.
Béla BARTÓK
(1881-1945) 44 Duos - Jan Talich, Agnès Pyka (violins) rec.
2012 INDESENS INDE049 [48:56] [TB] Talich
and Pyka deliver accuracy of articulation and intonation in these characterful
performances.
Ludwig van BEETHOVEN
(1770-1827) Complete Violin Sonatas - Petr Messiereur
(violin) Stanislav Bogunia (piano) rec. 1994/95 PHAIA PHU032/34
[3 CDs: 216:46] [JW] In truth, the performances
are not really competitive.
Ludwig van BEETHOVEN
(1770-1827) Piano Sonatas Vol. 1 - Jonathan Biss (piano) rec. 2011
ONYX 4082 [74:08] [JQ] The
first volume in Jonathan Biss’s very impressive Beethoven cycle.
Ludwig van BEETHOVEN
(1770-1827) Piano sonatas Vol. 5: Sonatas 29-32 - Daniel Barenboim
(piano) rec. 1983/84 EUROARTS 2066518
[125:00] [SG]
Barenboim brings freshness and sensitivity. His expressive
powers are wondrous.
Ludwig van BEETHOVEN (1770-1827)
Piano sonatas 7, 13, 23, 30 & 32, Eroica variations Robert SCHUMANN
(1810-1856) Piano sonata 1 Johannes BRAHMS (1833-1897) Piano
sonata 3 - Claudio Arrau (piano) rec. 1969/77 MUSIC & ARTS CD-1263
[3 CDs: 219:14] [JW] Full of stimulating musicianship.
Ludwig van BEETHOVEN (1770-1827)
Symphonies 2 & 4 - Munich PO/Rudolf Kempe rec. 1972/3 EMI CLASSICS
7353022 [65:46] [DRD] A superb performance
of much performed repertory that deserves to be heard.
Ludwig van BEETHOVEN
(1770-1827) Symphonies 4-6, Grosse Fuge - Philharmonia
O/Otto Klemperer rec. 1956/59 PRISTINE AUDIO PASC369 [76:12 +
64:56] [DD] Excellent transfers of treasured
performances … deserving a place in the collection of all Beethoven
lovers.
Sir Richard Rodney BENNETT
(1936-2013) Letters to Lindbergh and other choral works -
NYCoS National Girls Choir/Christopher Bell, Philip Moore and Andrew
West (piano) rec. 2012 SIGNUM CLASSICS SIGCD 325 [60.56] [PCG]
Not deep music but its freshness and lively
response is always a delight.
Alban BERG (1885-1935)
Lulu Anneliese Rothenberger, Kerstin Meyer, Toni Blankenheim,
Philharmonisches Staatsorchester Hamburg/Leopold Ludwig rec. 1968 EMI
CLASSICS 9123302 [63:20 + 63:25] [DC] Powerful,
brutal and moving, but with plenty of rough edges.
Stefano BERNARDI
(1577-1637) Motetti in cantilena a quattro voci Ensemble
Cantimbanco/Roberto Balconi rec. 2011 TACTUS TC 570201 [50:40]
[JV] Bernardi's motets fail to make a lasting
impression here.
Franz BERWALD (1796-1868)
Reminiscence of the Norwegian Mountains, Konzertstück,
Wettlauf, Ernste und heitere Grillen, Drottningen
av Golconda Overture, Elfenspiel Gävle SO/Petri Sakari
rec. 2000 NAXOS 8.555370 [55:24] [SV] At
Naxos prices, this is still attractive for the Reminiscence and, especially,
for the Konzertstück. The other performances are flavourful, and will
serve as stopgaps.
Johannes BRAHMS (1833-1897)
Symphonies 2 & 4, Piano Concerto 2, Academic festival overture -
Elly Ney (piano) Berlin PO, Berlin State Opera O/Max Fiedler rec. 1930-40
PRISTINE AUDIO PASC 363 [72:43 + 67:08] [JW] There’s
no doubt that Fiedler and his highly personal approach is remarkably
interesting among the divergent traditions of Brahms conducting.
Johannes BRAHMS (1833-1897)
Symphony 1 Bohuslav MARTINŮ (1890-1959) Symphony 4 Stuttgart
RSO des SWR/Klaus Tennstedt rec. 1973/76 ICA CLASSICS ICAC 5090
[76:05] [JQ] Two very valuable additions to
the Tennstedt discography.
Johannes BRAHMS (1833-1897)
Piano Sonata 3, Variations and Fugue on a Theme by Handel - Jonathan
Plowright (piano) rec. 2011 BIS BISSACD2047 
[72:45] [DC] Momentary sceptic turned back
into believer by brilliant new Brahms.
Johannes BRAHMS (1833-1897)
Hungarian Dances Antonín DVORAK (1841-1904) Slavonic Dances
Alfred Brendel and Walter Klien (piano) rec. 1957/9 REGIS RRC1397
[74:23] [BR] If you’re in need of a budget-priced
recording of these works, this is the obvious choice.
Johannes BRAHMS (1833-1897)
Works for Solo Piano Vol. 2 - Barry Douglas (piano) rec. 2012 CHANDOS
CHAN10757 [68:35] [JQ] A second fine instalment
in Barry Douglas’s survey of Brahms’s solo piano music.
Anton BRUCKNER (1824-1896)
Symphonies 3 & 6 - Berne SO/Mario Venzago rec. 2011/12 CPO 777
690 2 [54:35 + 50:34] [TB] Quite why these
two symphonies have been issued together rather than individually is
hard to fathom.
Anton BRUCKNER (1824-1896)
Symphony 4 - Cleveland O/Franz Welser-Möst rec. 2012 ARTHAUS
MUSIK
108078
101682 [74:00] [DBi] A very good performance
but be aware this is not the Bruckner 4 you know.
Anton BRUCKNER (1824-1896)
Mass - Lenneke Ruiten (soprano) Iris Vermillion (mezzo) Shawn Mathey
(tenor) Franz Josef Selig (bass) Rundfunkchor Berlin, Suisse Romande
O/Marek Janowski rec. 2012 PENTATONE CLASSICS PTC 5186 501
[62:13] [MC] With a performance high on vitality
and reverence Bruckner is well served by this impressive recording.
Louis CAHUZAC (1880-1960)
The works for clarinet and some of his favourite pieces - Guy Dangain
(clarinet) Misaki Baba (piano) rec. 2003 PHAIA PHU022 [59:39]
[JW] Dangain’s less obviously glamorous
tonal qualities suit this music’s limpidity the more affectingly.
Marc-Antoine CHARPENTIER
(1643 - 1704) Judith ou Béthule libérée, Le Massacre des Innocents
- Les Pages, les Chantres & les Symphonistes du Centre de musique
baroque de Versailles/Olivier Schneebeli rec. 2012 K617 K617242
[59:19] [JV]
Two impressive examples of Charpentier's dramatic talent.
Mary Ellen CHILDS (b. 1957)
Wreck Pat O’Keefe (clarinets); Laura
Harada (violin); Michelle Kinney (cello); Jacqueline Ultan (cello);
Peter O’Gorman (percussion) rec. 2011 INNOVA 844 [65:13]
[DC] Intriguing, but a bit of a patchwork.
Frédéric CHOPIN (1810-1849)
Mazurkas - Klara Min (piano) rec. 2012 DELOS DE 3443 [52:22]
[BR] Very good
Chopin which uses strong rhythms to transcend my poor first impression.
Aaron COPLAND
(1900-1990) Quiet City, Eight Poems of Emily Dickinson Samuel
BARBER (1910-1981) Knoxville, Capricorn Concerto
- April Fredrick (soprano) O of the Swan/David Curtis rec. 2011 SOMM
SOMMCD 0118 [70:20] [OL] Between the Beauty
and the Beast; illuminates unexpected parallels between two such dissimilar
composers.
Claude DEBUSSY
(1862-1918) Pelléas et Mélisande Stéphane Degout, Elena
Tsallagova, O & Ch of Op Ntl de Paris/Philippe Jordan rec. 2012
NAÏVE DR2159 [168:00]
[ST] Very good but comes a very long way behind
the best Pelléas on DVD.
Claude DEBUSSY
(1862-1918) La plus que lente, Estampes, Children’s Corner
Maurice RAVEL (1875-1937) Jeux d’eau, Gaspard de la Nuit
- Benjamin Moser (piano) rec. 2011 OEHMS CLASSICS OC 423 [63:32]
[BR] Some parts of this recital are recommendable,
but others aren’t.
Emma Lou DIEMER (b.1927)
Santa Barbara overture, Marimba concerto, Piano concerto - London
SO, Slovak RSO, Czech RSO rec. 1995-2002 NAVONA RECORDS NV5898
[56:41] [Byz] A welcome, well played introduction
to Diemer’s talents.
Ernst
von DOHNÁNYI (1877-1960) Violin Sonata; Four Rhapsodies;
Piano Concerto 2 - Ernst von Dohnányi (piano) Albert Spalding
(violin) Royal Philharmonic Orchestra/Adrian Boult rec. 1951/56 PRISTINE
AUDIO PASC 381 [69:57] [JW] These performances
demarcate how Dohnányi wanted these works to go.
Antonín DVORÁK
(1841-1904) Symphonies 8 & 9 - NHK SO Tokyo/Wilhelm Schüchter
rec. 1959 KING INTERNATIONAL INC KKC2024/25 [61:02 + 53:44] [JW]
A salutary reminder that honest, hard-working
musicianship, training ability, and interpretative insight can bring
rich rewards.
Antonín DVOŘÁK
(1841-1904) Symphony 9, Cello Concerto - Mario Brunello (cello)
O dell'Accademia Nazionale di Santa Cecilia, Roma/Antonio Pappano rec.
2011/12 EMI CLASSICS 9141022 [44:05 + 42:30] [SV] Not
a "basic library" choice for either work but Pappano’s New World
- or most of it - gave me much pleasure.
Antonín DVOŘÁK
(1841-1904) Piano Trios 3 & 4 - Trio Solisti rec. 2011 BRIDGE
9393 [70:47] [BR] The kind of delightful
surprise we reviewers wait for.
Antonín DVOŘÁK
(1841-1904) The Four Piano Trios - Gould Piano Trio rec.
2011 CHAMPS HILL CHRCD034 [76:39 + 64:11] [OL] Every
minute was a pleasure.
Geoff EALES The
Dancing Flute Andy Findon (flute, penny whistle, piccolo); Geoff
Eales (piano) rec. 2012, NIMBUS ALLIANCE NI 6216 [63:48] [JW]
Excellently recorded, succinctly annotated and expands still further
Eales’ discography. Roll on the Symphony.
Sir Edward ELGAR (1857-1934)
Enigma Variations Ralph VAUGHAN WILLIAMS (1872-1958)
The Wasps - Aristophanic Suite Kansas City SO/Michael
Stern rec. 2011 REFERENCE RECORDINGS RR-129 [61:06] [JW] De
luxe recording quality meets thoroughly idiomatic and engaging musicianship.
Sir Edward ELGAR (1857-1934)
The Light of Life - Judith Howarth (soprano) Linda Finnie (contralto)
Arthur Davies (tenor) John Shirley-Quirk (baritone) John Scott (organ)
London SO & Ch/Richard Hickox rec. 1993 CHANDOS CHAN 10726 X
[62:48] [JQ] A fine Hickox recording of an
early, less well-known Elgar oratorio.
Gabriel FAURÉ
(1845-1924) Barcarolles; Dolly - Sally Pinkas, Evan Hirsch
(piano) rec. 2008/2010 MSR CLASSICS MS 1438 [72:33] [BR] Although
alive to the music’s prettiness, Sally Pinkas is more interested
in the oddnesses and the dark undercurrents.
Frederico de FREITAS
(1902-1980) The Silly Girl’s Dance, The Wall of Love,
Medieval Suite, Ribatejo - Royal Scottish Natl O/Álvaro
Cassuto rec. 2012 NAXOS 8.573095 [70:15] [BR] A
fun disc of colorful, quirky music. The title indicates the smiles within.
Gaspard FRITZ (1716 -
1783) Sinfonias - La Stagione Frankfurt/Michael Schneider rec. 2011
CPO 777 696-2 [66:22] [JV] A recording
of fine works by a little-known composer.
George GERSHWIN (1898-1937)
Strike Up the Band, Rhapsody in Blue, Catfish Row Orion Weiss
(piano) John Fullam (clarinet) Buffalo PO/JoAnn Falletta rec. 2010/12
NAXOS 8.559750 [54:21] [BR] So disappointing
I’m reconsidering my enthusiasm for the previous volume.
Sir WS GILBERT (1836-1911)
& Sir Arthur SULLIVAN (1842-1900) The Mikado
Darrell Fancourt (bass) Derek Oldham (tenor) Light Op O &
Ch/Harry Norris rec. 1926 PRISTINE AUDIO PACO 087 [48:30+33:29]
[JS] This wonderfully characterful performance.
Théodore GOUVY (1819-1898)
Piano Trios 2-4 - Voces Intimae rec. 2012 CHALLENGE CLASSICS CC72571
[59:36 + 29:46] [DC] Fine performances of some
seldom-heard but striking chamber music.
Johann GRABBE (1585-
1655) Madrigals and Instrumental Works - Weser-Renaissance/Manfred
Cordes rec. 2011 CPO 777 662-2 [77.34] [GH] Attractive
- an important and quite rare madrigal collection.
Percy GRAINGER (1882-1961)
Works for Large Chorus and Orchestra - Sydney Chamber Ch, Melbourne
SO & Ch/Sir Andrew Davis rec. 2012 CHANDOS CHSA 5121
[72:39] [MC] Highly enjoyable. Grainger enthusiasts
will be in their element.
Gonzalo GRAU (b. 1972)
Aqua - Carlos Sánchez Torrealba (speaker) Benedikt Hoppe (boy
soprano) Gächinger Kantorei Stuttgart, Bundesjugendorchester/María Guinand
rec. 2011 CARUS 83.343 [68:45] [JW] A
mild multimedia work that bears its environmental theme strongly.
Reynaldo HAHN (1874-1947)
Violin sonata Ernest CHAUSSON (1855-1899) Poème Maurice
RAVEL (1875-1937) Tzigane Graciane FINZI (b. 1945)
Et si tout recommençait Michaël Seigle (violin) Augustin Voegele
(piano) rec. 2012 PASSAVANT PAS 225090 [72.52] [IL] Uneven.
Disappointing Hahn.
Thomas HAIGH (1769 - c.1808)
6 Concertos for Harpsichord - Barbara Harbach (harpsichord) MSR CLASSICS
MS 1441 [68:04] [JV] When consumed in small
doses these concertos will give much pleasure.
Andreas HAMMERSCHMIDT (1611/12-1675)
Also hat Gott die Welt geliebt and other sacred choral works
Johann ROSENMÜLLER (1619-1684) Dixit Dominus Gli
Scarlatti/Jochen Arnold rec. 2001-11 CARUS 83.377 [50:56] [JV]
A nice survey of Hammerschmidt's oeuvre.
George Frideric HANDEL (1685-1759)
The Alchymist; Apollo e Dafne Nicola Wemyss (soprano)
Tom Sol (baritone) Michael Borgstede (harpsichord) Musica ad Rhenum/Jed
Wentz rec. 2006 BRILLIANT CLASSICS 94600 [58:10] [JV] Dramatic
and exciting performances.
Joseph HAYDN (1723-1809)
Orlando Paladino Marlis Petersen, Tom Randle, Freiburger Barockorchester/René
Jacobs rec. 2009 EUROARTS 2057784
[168:00] [DBi] This wonderful performance
of a splendid opera has to be approached with caution because it is
so bewildering to watch. Be daring and buy it.
Franz Joseph HAYDN (1732-1809)
Piano Sonatas Vol. 5 - Jean-Efflam Bavouzet (piano) rec. 2012 CHANDOS
CHAN 10763 [75:09] [SG] Bavouzet
goes from strength to strength with each successive volume in the series.
Vagn HOLMBOE (1909-1996) Concertos
Erik Heide (violin) Lars Anders Tomter (viola) Norrköping SO/Dmitri
Slobodeniouk rec. 2011 DACAPO 6.220599
[59:18]
Chamber Symphonies Lapland CO/John Storgårds rec. 2011 DACAPO
6.220621
[69:03]
Chamber Music I & II Ensemble MidtVest rec. 2010/11 DACAPO
8.226073/4 [72:20/70:28]
Solo and Chamber Works for Guitar Jesper Siveboek (guitar) Bolette
Roed (recorder) Johannes Søe Hansen (violin) rec. 2011/12 DACAPO
8.226143 [71.20]
A Hand for Holmboe - Deconstructions by Katrine Ring Katrine Ring
(electronics) (Ring) Danish Ntl CO/Hannu Koivula (Holmboe) rec. 1997-2012
DACAPO 8.226569 [45:39 + 56:09] [Byz] Much
of this Holmboe batch should be be snapped up without hesitation by
all music-lovers.
Christian Frederik Emil HORNEMAN
(1840-1906) String Quartets 1 & 2 Asger HAMERIK (1843-1923)
Quartetto - Arild Qt rec. 2011 DACAPO 8.226097 [52:55] [Byz]
Sparkle, intelligence and vibrancy and
all communicated in a persuasive fashion.
John IRELAND (1879-1962)
My Song Is A Love Unknown: Church Music - Charles Harrison
(organ) Lincoln Cathedral Ch/Aric Prentice rec. 2012 NAXOS 8.573014
[77.05] [IL] This disc is a treat not only
for John Ireland enthusiasts but for all lovers of English church music.
Leoš JANÁCEK
(1854-1928) Sinfonietta, Glagolitic Mass - Felicity
Palmer (soprano) Ameral Gunson (mezzo) John Mitchinson (tenor) Malcolm
King (bass) Jane Parker-Smith (organ) City of Birmingham SO & Ch,
Philharmonia O/Simon Rattle rec.1981/82 EMI CLASSICS 4332892
[62:04] [BR] Good enough, but several others
have been done better. Also, EMI’s sound has aged poorly.
Ejnar KANDING (b.
1965) Frank BRETSCHNEIDER (b. 1956) A Different Kind of Tension;
Auxiliary Blue; Difficult Shapes & Passive Rhythms - Contemporánea
rec. 2012 DACAPO 8.226540 [53:11] [DC] Stimulating
new music with plenty of subtle oomph.
Elena KATS-CHERNIN
(b.1957) Blue Silence: Complete Works for String
Quartet - Acacia Qt rec. 2011/12 VEXATIONS840 840-1202 [42:34
+ 44:02] [Byz] Communicating Kats-Chernin’s
music with a goodly amount of panache.
Mihkel KEREM (b.1981)
Symphony 3, Lamento, String Sextet - Tallinn Ensemble, Estonian Ntl
SO, Tallinn CO/Mikk Murdvee (viola) rec. 2012 TOCCATA CLASSICS TOCC
0173 [65:16][Byz] Another hugely impressive
entry in Toccata's continuing series devoted to 20th and 21st
century Baltic music, hitherto undeservedly neglected.
Reginald KING (1904-1991)
Piano works - Mark Bebbington (piano) rec. 2012 SOMM SOMMCD 0125
[76.25] [PCG] Much here to delight and to charm.
Victor KISSINE (b. 1953)
Between Two Waves - Gidon Kremer (violin) Daniil Grishin (viola)
Giedre Dirvanauskaite (violoncello) Andrius Zlabys (piano)
Andrei Pushkarev (percussion) Kremerata Baltica/Roman Kofman (conductor)
rec. 2011 ECM NEW SERIES 2312 [68:48] [DC] Haunting
and atmospheric.
Egon KORNAUTH (1891-1959)
Piano Music - Volume 1 - Jonathan Powell (piano) rec. 2008, TOCCATA
CLASSICS TOCC 0159 [69:00] [JW] Music
brought thoughtfully and stylishly to life.
Erich Wolfgang KORNGOLD
(1897-1957) Violin Concerto Ernest CHAUSSON (1855-1899) Poème
Max BRUCH (1838-1920) Violin Concerto 1 - Arabella Steinbacher
(violin) Gulbenkian O/Lawrence Foster rec. 2012 PENTATONE PTC 5186
503
[70.23] [IL] There are worthy and worthier
alternatives but I will keep this for the tingling Chausson.
Édouard LALO (1823-1892)
Piano Trio 1 Max BRUCH (1838-1920) Piano Trio Felix MENDELSSOHN
(1809-1847) Piano Trio 1 - Petrof Piano Trio rec. 2012 NIMBUS
ALLIANCE NI 6219 [70:43] [JW] Elegance
and clarity; rich in cantabile and fluid motion.
Franz LEHÁR (1870-1948)
Der Göttergatte Liesl Andergast, Franz Borsos, Anton Dermota,
Henny Herze, Wiener Rundfunk Ch & O/Max Schönherr rec. 1945
CPO 777 029-2 [53.50 + 67.13] [IL] One
for Lehár completists and for, complete enjoyment, for German-speaking
fans.
Andrew McPHERSON
Secrets of Antikythera - Martin Schulz (violin) Nadia Strota
(viola) Ryan MacEvoy McCullogh (piano) rec. 2011 INNOVA 842 [60:50]
[DC] Remarkable instrument seeks distinctive
voice.
Joseph MARX (1882-1964)
Rhapsodie Erich KORNGOLD (1897-1957) Suite
- New York Piano Qt rec. 2012 URLICHT AUDIOVISUAL UAV-5996 [70:15]
[MC] These attractive late-Romantic scores
are certainly worth hearing but deserve to be recorded with much improved
playing and more satisfactory sonics.
Billy MAYERL (1903-59)
Piano Music - Volume 1 - Philip Martin (piano) rec. 2012 SOMM CÉLESTE
SERIES SOMMCD 0124 [76:22] [JW] I respect
Martin but others seem to me to convey the thrills and excitement of
Mayerl rather more comprehensively.
Felix MENDELSSOHN
(1809-1847) Works for organ Yuval RABIN (b. 1973)
Hommage à Mendelssohn - Yuval Rabin (organ) rec. 2012 MUSIKPRODUKTION
DABRINGHAUS UND GRIMM MDG 906 1786-6
[74:58] [DC]
An all-round organ winner.
Felix MENDELSSOHN
(1809-1847) Preludes and Fugues - Adam Lenart (organ) rec. 2012
MUSIKPRODUKTION DABRINGHAUS UND GRIMM 90617996
[79:21] [DC] Ditch your prejudices.
Felix MENDELSSOHN
(1809-1847) Piano Concerto 1, Variations sérieuses, Songs
Without Words - Academy of St. Martin in the Fields/Sir Neville Marriner
rec. 2012 SONY CLASSICAL 88725 466322 [56:46] [MC] A
classy pianist clearly at home in these delightful scores.
Felix MENDELSSOHN (1809-1847)
A Midsummer Night's Dream - Varsity Voices, Nota Bene, New Zealand
SO/James Judd rec. 2009 NAXOS 8.570794 [76:44] [SV]
The
music is well served … a light touch at a brisk tempo and transparent
sounds ... serene and fulfilling.
Felix MENDELSSOHN-BARTHOLDY
(1809-1847) Violin Concerto Pyotr Ilyich TCHAIKOVSKY (1840-1893)
Violin Concerto Pablo de SARASATE (1844-1908) Gipsy Airs/Zigeunerweisen
Gerhard Taschner (violin) Michael Raucheisen (piano) Bamberg SO/Fritz
Lehmann, Berlin PO/Arthur Rother rec. 1943-53 MUSIKPRODUKTION DABRINGHAUS
UND GRIMM MDG 642 1797 [67:30] [SG] A violinist
worthy of attention.
Giacomo MEYERBEER (1791-1864)
Les Huguenots - Angela Denning (soprano) Lucy Peacock (soprano)
Richard Leech (tenor) Hartmut Welker (baritone) Deutsche Oper Berlin/Stefan
Soltesz rec 1991 ARTHAUS MUSIK 102 302
[156.00] [PCG] A
release for German-speaking viewers and aficionados of ‘director opera’
only and even so there’s well over an hour of the music missing.
Ernest John MOERAN (1894-1950)
Cello Concerto, Serenade, Lonely Waters, Whythorne's Shadow
Guy Johnston (cello) Rebekah Coffey (soprano) Ulster O/JoAnn Falletta
rec. 2012 NAXOS 8.573034 [65:18] [NB] A
good place for a Moeran newcomer to start a collection and a compulsory
purchase for all other acolytes.
Wolfgang Amadeus MOZART
(1756-1793) Le nozze di Figaro - Elisabeth Schwarzkopf,
Anna Moffo (soprano) Eberhard Waechter (baritone) Giuseppe Taddei (baritone)
Philharmonia O & Ch/Carlo Maria Giulini rec. 1959 MAJOR CLASSICS
M3CD304 [3 CDs: 152.55] [PCG] This
remains one of the best recordings of Figaro and should be in the collection
of everyone who loves this delectable score.
Wolfgang Amadeus MOZART
(1756-1791) Le Nozze Di Figaro Ileana Cotrubas
(soprano) Knut Skram (baritone) Benjamin Luxon (baritone) Kiri Te Kanawa
(soprano) Glyndebourne Ch/London PO/John Pritchard rec. 1973
ARTHAUS MUSIK
102 301 [179:00] [RJF] The video filming
betrays its age compared to the high definition we now expect, but a
welcome memento of a staging and sets that are matched by excellent
sung and acted portrayals.
Wolfgang Amadeus MOZART
(1756-1791) Requiem Anton BRUCKNER (1824-1896) Te
Deum Janet Baker (mezzo) Dietrich Fischer-Dieskau (baritone) John
Alldis Ch, English CO, New PO & Ch/Daniel Barenboim rec. 1969/71
EMI CLASSICS 433 2932 [79:09] [ST] Magisterial.
I have never understood why this recording is so often overlooked.
Wolfgang Amadeus MOZART (1756-1791)
Oboe Quartet; Horn Quintet; Quintet movement; Quintet for piano and
wind - The Gaudier Ensemble rec. 2001 HYPERION CDH55390 [74:00]
[SFV] What beautiful playing. What gorgeous
sound. And -- not to forget the obvious -- what wonderful music.
Modest Petrovich MUSSORGSKY
(1839-1881) Boris Godunov Martti Talvela, Nicolai
Gedda, Bozena Kinasz, Polish Radio Ntl SO & Ch/Jerzy Semkow rec.
1976 EMI CLASSICS 7397042 [3 CDs: 221:14] [RMo] A
fine Boris … cheap but comes without a libretto.
Jacques OFFENBACH (1819-1880)
Vive Offenbach: Famous operetta arias and overtures - Jane
Rhodes (mezzo) O de Bordeaux Aquitaine/Roberto Benzi; City of Birmingham
SO/Louis Frémaux; O du Capitole de Toulouse/Michel Plasson rec. 1972/79
EMI CLASSICS 7353042 [79:54] [JS] A
good representation of Jane Rhodes’ artistry in this music and also
of Offenbach’s genius in his operettas.
Jacques OFFENBACH (1819-1880)
Hoffmanns Erzählungen Siegfried Jerusalem (tenor) Jeanette
Scovotti (soprano) Bavarian Radio Ch, Munich Radio O/Heinz Wallberg
rec. 1979 EMI CLASSICS 9123052 [79:10 + 71:37] [JS] No
mere curiosity but an interesting and valid approach which forms a valuable
supplement to other versions.
Roxanna PANUFNIK (b.
1968) Westminster Mass, Douai Missa Brevis, Spring, Prayer, Angels
sing! - Jeremy Filsell (organ) Joyful Company of Singers/Peter Broadbent,
Westminster Cathedral Ch, City of London Sinfonia/James O’Donnell rec.1999/2003
WARNER APEX 2564 651860 [65.39] [PCG]
Well worth investigation but abysmal presentation.
Krzysztof PENDERECKI
(b. 1933) Piano Concerto, Flute Concerto - Barry Douglas (piano)
Łukasz Długosz (flute) Warsaw PO/Antoni Wit rec. 2010 NAXOS
8.572696 [60:30] [LW] This latest volume
in Naxos’ Penderecki series contains one misfire and one hit.
Giovanni Battista PERGOLESI
(1710-1736) L'Olimpiade Raúl Giménez, Lyubov
Petrova, Yetzabel Arias Fernández, Academia Montis Regalis/Alessandro
De Marchi rec. 2011 ARTHAUS MUSIK 108064
[170:00] [DBi] Another success from the 2011
Festival of the Fondazione Pergolesi Spontini.
Goffredo
PETRASSI (1904-2003) Divertimento, Partita, Quattro inni sacri,
Coro di morti - Carlo Putelli (tenor) Davide Malvestio (bass) Nuovo
Coro Lirico Sinfonico Romano, Roma SO/Francesco La Vecchia rec. 2011/12
NAXOS 8.572411 [76:01] [HC] A most welcome
addition to Petrassi's discography.
Goffredo PETRASSI
(1904-2003) Magnificat, Salmo IX° Sabina Cvilak
(soprano) Ch & O Teatro Regio Torino/Gianandrea Noseda rec. 2012
CHANDOS CHAN 10750 [65:58] [GH] The
open-minded will find much to reward their investment in this disc.
Niccolò PICCINNI
(1728-1800) L’Americano - Simon Edwards (tenor) Patrizia
Ciofi (soprano) O Internazionale d’Italia/Eric Hull rec. 1996
DYNAMIC CDS 743/1-2 [75:04 + 74:28] [ST] Only
for historians and even then only if they’re prepared to work
pretty hard at it.
Ignaz Joseph PLEYEL (1757-1831)
Partitas for Winds - Amphion Wind Octet rec. 2012 ACCENT ACC 24276
[68:24] [BR] This 1700s wind music may not
be unforgettable, but it’s always enjoyable. Diverting it was
meant to be, and diverting it is.
Sergey PROKOFIEV (1891-1953)
Romeo and Juliet Lauren Cuthbertson, Federico Bonelli,
Royal Ballet, Royal Opera House O/Barry Wordsworth rec. 2012 OPUS
ARTE OA 1100 D [158:00
+ 15:00 (features)] [RMay] Entirely convincing
in its depiction of teenage lovers: wide-eyed amazement … the emotional
ecstasy of young love.
Sergey Sergeyevich PROKOFIEV
(1891-1953) Works for Piano 1908-1938 - Roger Woodward (piano) rec.
1991 CELESTIAL HARMONIES 13292-2 [75:48] [DC]
Step beyond the sonatas and discover some remarkable Prokofiev.
Henry PURCELL (1659-1695)
Music for Pleasure and Devotion Taverner Consort, Choir and
Players/Andrew Parrott rec. 1985-94 VIRGIN CLASSICS 7 35298 2
[66:07] [JV] This could have been a great
introduction to the oeuvre of Purcell, if it had come with a decent
booklet.
Sergey Vasil'yevich
RACHMANINOV (1873-1943) Piano Concertos 1-4; Rhapsody on a Theme
of Paganini - Valentina Lisitsa (piano) London SO/Michael Francis rec.
2009/2010 DECCA 478 4890 [65:43 + 80:14] [DM]
I’d snap up this twofer for the revelatory first disc alone.
Günter RAPHAEL
(1903-60) Viola Sonata, Viola Concertino, Trio, Flute Concertino,
Rainer Moog (viola) Erwin Milzkott (flute) Christine Raphael Stiftung
CO/Fuad Ibrahimov, Berlin RSO/Karel Ančerl rec. 1957-2011 QUERSTAND
VKJK1234 [77:54] [JW] Raphael grappling
with the idea of the solo instrument.
Maurice RAVEL (1875-1937)
Sonata for violin and cello, Kaddish, Tzigane, Sonatas for violin and
piano Lana Neudauer (violin) Paul Rivinius (piano) Julian Steckel (cello)
rec. 2012 HÄNSSLER CLASSIC CD98.002 [70:47] [TB] While
not intended as a disc to listen to in a single sitting, this collection
has an admirable completeness and the performances are first rate.
Maurice RAVEL (1875-1937)
Le Tombeau de Couperin Alexander SCRIABIN (1872-1915)
Preludes Franz SCHUBERT (1797-1828) Sonata 21 - Alexander Schimpf
(piano) rec. 2012 OEHMS CLASSICS OC 867 [72:58] [BR] It’s
bold to take on three of the great piano composers in your international
CD debut, and it’s rare to meet each of them with such a sympathetic
approach.
Ottorino RESPIGHI (1879-1936)
Vetrate di chiesa, Metamorphoseon modi XII, Roman Trilogy, Belkis, regina
di Saba Suite, Impressioni brasiliane Suite - Philharmonia O/Geoffrey
Simon, Yan Pascal Tortelier rec. 1984/91 CHANDOS CHAN 241-45
[77:12 + 80:14] [RB] Irresistibly
generous and lavishly recorded.
Ottorino RESPIGHI
(1879-1936) Complete orchestral music Vol. 3
- Vadim Brodsky (violin) Chiara Bertoglio, Desirée Scuccuglia
(piano) Andrea Noferini (cello) SO di Roma/Francesco La Vecchia rec.
2009/11 BRILLIANT CLASSICS 94394 [70:12 + 72:19] [GA] A
must for Respighi fans, and anyone wanting to explore this currently
neglected composer.
Nikolai RIMSKY-KORSAKOV
(1844-1908) Poem about Aleksey, the Man of God, Song of
Oleg the Wise,
From Homer, The Mermaid of Lake Switez - Ch Moscow Academy
of Choral Art, Moscow SO/Vladimir Ziva BRILLIANT CLASSICS 94495
[51.00] [PCG] The performances are very good
and the music deserves to be much better known.
Mathilde de ROTHSCHILD
(1832-1924) The Songs - Charlotte de Rothschild (soprano) Adrian
Farmer (piano) rec. 2012 NIMBUS NI 5903/4 [70:16 + 70:41] [GH]
Sung as if each song is a precious and unique
jewel.
Thrum Daniel Bernard ROUMAIN
Ghetto Strings David Evan THOMAS Thrum Van STIEFEL (b. 1965)
Cinema Castaneda Gao HONG Guangxi Impression - Gao Hong (pipa)
Minneapolis Guitar Quartet rec. 2011-2012 INNOVA 858 [67:27]
[DC] Super disc.
Camille SAINT-SAËNS
(1835-1921) Piano Quartet, Barcarolle, Piano Quintet - Cristina
Ortiz (piano) Fine Arts Qt rec. 2012 NAXOS 8.572904 [71:02] [BR]
A treat for all those who enjoy the byways of the romantic era.
Camille SAINT-SAËNS
(1835-1921) Musique de chambre avec vents - Les solistes
de l'Orchestre de Paris et de l'Opéra de Paris, Quatuor Pascal
rec. 1957/76 INDÉSENS RECORDS INDE019 [65:22] [MC]
I’m
puzzled why any discerning record label would release a disc with such
disagreeable sonics that present the players in such a poor light.
Georg Wilhelm Dietrich SAXER
(?-1740), the DÜBEN family & Gottlieb NITTAUF (1685-1722)
Complete Organ Works - Friedhelm Flamme (organ) rec. 2009 CPO
777 502-2
[73:47] [JV]
A compelling disc with many little-known gems from an astonishingly
rich musical culture of the 17th century.
Florent SCHMITT (1870-1958)
Complete Original Works for Piano Duet and Duo Vols 2 & 3 - Invencia
Piano Duo rec. 2010/11 GRAND PIANO GP 622/3 [59:07 & 59:51]
[Byz] Enjoy
the ravishing harmonies, rhythmic diversity and sparkling melody.
Franz SCHUBERT (1797-1828)
Piano Sonatas 16 & 17 - Sviatoslav Richter (piano) rec. 1956 PRAGA
DIGITALS PRD/DSD 350 067
[75:20] [JW] More bad-tempered than poised.
Franz SCHUBERT
(1797-1828) Piano Sonatas 13 & 21 - Sviatoslav Richter (piano)
rec. 1956-1972 PRAGA DIGITALS
PRD/DSD350063 [79:19] [BW] Richter’s
Schubert has its fervent admirers but I’m not among them.
Franz SCHUBERT (1797-1828)
Piano Sonata 21, Moments musicaux - Edward Rosser (piano) rec. 2011
CONNOISSEUR SOCIETY CD 4275 [78:12] [BR] For
Schubert connoisseurs, this is a mandatory experience.
Franz SCHUBERT (1797-1828)
Four-Hand Piano Works - Soave-Baccolo Piano Duo rec. 2012 DYNAMIC
CDS 734 [66:54] [OL] A coherent and energetic
album.
Franz SCHUBERT (1797-1828)
String Quartets 13 & 14 - Alban Berg Qt rec. 1984 EMI CLASSICS
7358702 [72:29] [MC] Well performed but
rather too buttoned up.
Franz SCHUBERT (1797 - 1828)
String Quartets 12 & 15 - Wihan Qt rec. 2012 NIMBUS ALLIANCE
NI 6221 [62:12] [MG] Impressive performances
blending panache and drama, but rather relentless.
Robert SCHUMANN (1810-1856)
Piano Quartet Felix MENDELSSOHN (1809-1847) Piano Quartet 2 Salomon
JADASSOHN (1831-1902) Piano Quartet - Leipzig Piano Qt rec. 2012
QUERSTAND VKJK 1222 [78:57] [JW] Persuasive
playing, taut tempi and clarity of texture.
Robert SCHUMANN
(1810-1856) Fantasiestücke, Kreisleriana Johannes BRAHMS
(1833-1897) Theme and Variations in D minor - Imogen Cooper (piano)
rec. 2012 CHANDOS CHAN 10755 [75:32] [DC] Deeply
satisfying on very many levels indeed.
Robert SCHUMANN (1810-1856)
Piano Trios 1 & 2 - Rhodes Piano Trio rec. 2012 CHAMPS HILL RECORDS
CHRCD052 [58:23] [SG] Compelling performances
and an auspicious start to a promising recording career.
Stefano SCODANIBBIO
(1956-2012) Reinventions - Quartetto Prometeo
rec. 2011 ECM NEW SERIES 2072 [66:37] [DC]
You’ve never heard a string quartet sound quite like this.
Jean SIBELIUS (1865-1957)
Symphonies 1 & 4 - Minnesota O/Osmo Vänskä rec. 2012 BIS BIS-SACD-1996
[74:10]
[DM] Vänskä’s latest thoughts on Sibelius
are certainly worth hearing.
Antonio SOLER (1729-1783)
Keyboard Sonatas - Denis Zhdanov (piano) rec. 2011 NAXOS 8.573084
[59:20] [Byz] No one who enjoys Scarlatti's
sonatas will be disappointed.
Philip STOPFORD (b.1977)
Do not be afraid and other choral works Luke Bond (organ)
Truro Cathedral Ch/Christopher Gray REGENT REGCD 400 [74.12]
[PCG] With the warning that musical indigestion
may result from continuous listening, the current disc is warmly greeted.
Richard STRAUSS (1864-1949) Die
schweigsame Frau Franz Hawlata, Julia Bauer, Chor des Oper Chemnitz,
Robert-Schumann-Philharmonie/Frank Beermann rec. 2012 CPO 777 757-2
[3 CDs: 153:13] [RMo] Unless modern sound is
essential to you, there is little reason to opt for this new recording
if you want to hear this late flowering of Strauss’s theatrical genius.
Richard STRAUSS (1864-1949)
Violin Sonata César FRANCK (1822-1890) Violin Sonata -
Augustin Dumay (violin) Louis Lortie (piano) rec. 2012 ONYX 4096
[73:10] [SG] Compelling performances in a competitive
playing field.
Igor STRAVINSKY (1882-1971)
The Firebird - Suite, The Rite of Spring
O Ntl du Capitole de Toulouse/Tugan Sokhiev rec. 2011 NAÏVE
V5192 [CD: 54:59 + DVD: 37:00] [MC] Sokhiev's
Rite is a pale reflection in comparison with Rattle’s but his
Firebird is beautifully done.
Igor STRAVINSKY (1882-1971)
The Rite of Spring, Symphonies of Wind Instruments, Apollon
Musagète Berliner Phil/Sir Simon Rattle rec. 2007-2012 EMI
CLASSICS 723 6112 [75:36] [MC] All in all,
a resounding success.
Igor STRAVINSKY (1882-1971)
Octet, L’Histoire du Soldat, Jan Opalach (narrator) The
Eastman Wind Ensemble and Eastman Virtuosi/Mark Davis Scatterday rec.
2011 AVIE AV2277 [60:52] [DC] Stravinsky
from under the stairs.
Igor STRAVINSKY (1882-1971)
Suite from L’Histoire du Soldat Nicolas BACRI (b. 1961)
A Smiling Suite
Galina USTVOLSKAYA (1919-2006) Trio Béla BARTÓK (1881-1945)
Contrasts - Zodiac Trio rec. 2011 BLUE GRIFFIN RECORDING BGR257
[59:16] [SA] Communicates the players’ obvious
respect, admiration and delight in the music.
Johan SVENDSEN (1840-1911)
Orchestral Works Volumes 1-3 Marianne Thorsen (violin) Truls
Mørk (cello) Bergen PO/Neeme Järvi rec. 2009-12 CHANDOS
CHAN 10693 [80:00] CHANDOS CHAN 10711 [72:09]
CHANDOS CHAN 10766 [74:10] [Byz] For
variety of programme, generosity of running-time, and quality of interpretation
- these Chandos discs are a reliable investment.
Joby TALBOT (b.1971)
Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland Suite; Fool’s Paradise
Royal PO/Christopher Austin rec. 2012 SIGNUM CLASSICS SIGCD 327
[67.12] [PCG] Fool’s Paradise is really a
very impressive score and alone makes this disc most worthwhile.
Pyotr Ilyich TCHAIKOVSKY
(1840-1893) The Nutcracker Suisse Romande O/Ernest Ansermet
rec. 1958 MAJOR CLASSICS M2CD001 [42:35 + 41:14] [DM] Swift
but overwhelmingly theatrical; a no-nonsense Nutcracker.
Pyotr Ilyich TCHAIKOVSKY
(1840-1893) Piano Concerto 1 Johannes BRAHMS (1833-1897)
Piano Concerto 2 - Geza Anda (piano) Kolner RSO/Sir Georg Solti, Otto
Klemperer rec. 1954/58 ICA CLASSICS ICAC 5092 [77:55] [SG] Two
compelling performances from the Hungarian pianist Geza Anda, and a
must for devotees.
Ralph VAUGHAN WILLIAMS (1872-1958)
The Complete EMI Recordings conducted by Sir Adrian Boult EMI CLASSICS
9035672 [13 CDs: 17:00:00] [JW] A concentrated
focus on one of the composer’s most devoted exponents.
Giuseppe VERDI (1813-1901)
Luisa Miller Giorgio Surian (bass) Marcelo Álvarez
(tenor) Leo Nucci (baritone) Fiorenca Cedolins (soprano) Ch & O
Teatro Regio, Parma/Donato Renzetti rec. live 2007 C MAJOR 722904
[147:00
+10:00 bonus] [RJF] Two outstanding principals
make this an issue worth buying.
Giuseppe VERDI (1813-1901)
La Battaglia di Legnano - Leonardo López Linares (baritone)
Dimitra Theodossiou (soprano) Enrico Giuseppe Iori (bass) Ch & O
del Teatro Lirico “Giuseppe Verdi” di Trieste/Boris Brott
rec. 2012 C MAJOR 722608
[129:00: opera: 119:00; bonus: 10:00] [ST]
A bit of a damp squib but if you want
a DVD then this is practically your only choice.
Jazeps VITOLS (1863-1948)
Works for Solo Piano - Reinis Zarins (piano) rec. 2012 CHAMPS HILL
RECORDS CHRCD049 [73:22] [SA]
Anyone who loves piano music and the discovery of new composers will
thoroughly enjoy this disc as I did.
Antonio VIVALDI (1678-1741)
Violin concertos - Dmitry Sinkovsky (violin) Il Pomo d’Oro rec.
2012 NAÏVE OP 30538 [77:47] [BR] The
complete Vivaldi series continues in great form.
Richard WAGNER (1813-1883)
Scenes from Tannhäuser, Lohengrin & Die Walküre - Julia
Varady (soprano) Peter Seiffert (tenor) Bavarian Radio Ch & State
O/Dietrich Fischer-Dieskau rec. 1996 EMI CLASSICS RED LINE 7353032
[70.29] [PCG] A disc of considerable interest
to those wishing to hear these particular singers or to encounter Fischer-Dieskau’s
considerable conducting skills.
Richard WAGNER (1813-1883)
Overtures and orchestral excerpts from the operas Richard STRAUSS
(1864-1949) Don Juan, Tod und Verklärung, Till
Eulenspiegels lustige Streiche, Metamorphosen - Christa
Ludwig (mezzo) Helga Dernesch (soprano) Philharmonia & New Philharmonia
O/Otto Klemperer rec. 1960/70 EMI CLASSICS 2484682 [5 CDs: 370.37]
[PCG] A most enjoyable listening experience.
Kurt WEILL (1900-1950)
Zaubernacht Ania Vegry (soprano) Arte Ensemble rec. 2012 CPO
777 767-2 [58.47] [PCG] Marvellous to be
able, at last, to hear this music in its original form, and in such
a good performance and recording.
Charles-Marie WIDOR (1844-1937)
Complete Piano Trios - Trio Parnassus rec. 2012 MUSIKPRODUKTION DABRINGHAUS
UND GRIMM MDG 303 1794-2 [61:52] [MC]
An ideal choice for Widor’s appealing
piano trios.
Charles-Marie WIDOR (1844-1937)
Organ Symphonies 3 & 8 - Jan Lehtola (organ) rec. 2009 ALBA ABCD
306 [77:39] [DM] A resounding success.
In a word: bliss.
Wladyslaw ZELENSKI (1837-1921)
Piano Concerto Aleksander ZARZYCKI (1834-1895) Piano Concerto,
Grande Polonaise - Jonathan Plowright (piano) BBC Scottish SO/Lukasz
Borowicz rec. 2012 HYPERION CDA67958 [61:26] [JW]
A most interesting coupling of which I strongly advocate the Zelenski.
Alexander ZEMLINSKY (1871-1942)
Der Zwerg Soile Isokoski, David Kuebler, Frankfurter Kantorei,
Gürzenich O Köln/James Conlon rec. 1996 EMI CLASSICS 7258752
[54:52 + 60:42] [RMo] The music is not all
that compelling but it is very atmospheric and has a compelling momentum
and melancholy.
300 Ingolf Wunder (piano)
rec. 2012 DEUTSCHE GRAMMOPHON 479 0084 [72:44] [BR]
I enjoyed this collection of Mozart and
encores a lot more than I expected.
Salvatore Accardo Masterclass
Cremona - Vol. 2 rec. 2011 DYNAMIC 33737
[79:00] [JW] Quietly inspiring, I greatly enjoyed
this second volume.
Ausgewählte Lieder
Songs by Gustav & Alma Mahler & Zemlinsky - Ruth
Ziesak (soprano) Gerold Huber (piano) rec. 2011 CAPRICCIO C5119
[63:47] [MC] Highly convincing interpretations.
Concertos and sonatas for
bassoon - Works by Vivaldi, JS & CPE Bach & Handel
Václav Vonášek (bassoon) Barocco
sempre giovane rec. 2011 SUPRAPHON SU4124-2 [46:58] [JW]
Crisp and well recorded - augurs
well for the collaboration with Supraphon.
Les Ballets Russes
- Volume 9 Darius MILHAUD (1892-1974) Le train
bleu Domenico SCARLATTI (1685-1757) - Vincenzo TOMMASINI(1878-1950)
Les femmes de bonne humeur Henri SAUGUET (1892-1974)
La chatte - Deutsche Radio Philharmonie Saarbrücken Kaiserslauten/Robert
Reimer rec. 2011-12 HÄNSSLER CLASSIC CD 93.296 [74:01]
[JW] Orchestral energy and colour will keep
admirers of these composers happy.
Jussi Björling - The Swedish Caruso
rec. 1929–59 DOCUMENTS 600034 [10 CDs: 491:19] [GF] A
good buy for anyone who wants to acquire a generously broad Björling
collection.
Choreography by Bournonville
Herman Severin LØVENSKIOLD (1815-1870) La sylphide
Flemming Flindt, Lucette Aldous, Ballet Rambert London SO/David Ellenberg
Matthias STREBINGER (1807-1874) Pas de deux from
Flower festival in Genzano Rudolf Nureyev, Merle Park, Royal
Opera House O/Ashley Lawrence rec. 1960-74 ICA CLASSICS ICAD5099
[80:55]
[RMay] The main Flindt/Aldous offering entirely
on its own justifies this worthwhile new release.
British Clarinet Sonatas
Vol. 2 Works by Arnold, Cooke, Gregson, Benjamin & Horovitz
- Michael Collins (clarinet) Michael McHale (piano) rec. 2012 CHANDOS
CHAN 10758 [69:56] [MC] Exquisite playing:
crisp, sure articulation, refined phrasing and agreeable intonation.
Montserrat Caballé
sings Bellini and Verdi arias rec. 1971-74 EMI CLASSICS
6828722 [79.03] [RJF] A fitting, if limited,
selection from EMI of the great Spanish soprano’s repertoire in
this, her eightieth, year.
Van Cliburn - Piano Legend
AUDIOPHILE CLASSICS APL 101802 [3 CDs: 212:05] [JW]
Despite the brouhaha and ticker-tape Cliburn was never a showman; instead
there’s plenty of clarity and refined musicianship as well as a sure
sense of direction.
La création
du monde John WILLIAMS (b.1932) Catch Me If You
Can Darius MILHAUD (1892-1974) La création du
monde Roger BOUTRY (b.1932) Divertimento Paul CRESTON
(1906-1985) Alto sax concerto Anders EMILSSON (b.1963) Salute
the Band Claude Delangle (alto saxophone) Swedish Wind Ensemble/Christian
Lindberg rec. 2007 BIS BIS-CD-1640 [67:57] [BR] Four
alto saxophone showpieces and Milhaud’s famous ballet combine
for a cosmopolitan album that will add class and winking humour to any
occasion.
An Ebor Epiphany
- David Pipe, Ben Horden (organ) York Minster Ch/Robert Sharpe rec.
2012 REGENT REGCD391 [79:55] [JS]
Few discs by English Cathedral Choirs are of the quality and imagination
of this one.
Brigitte Fassbaender - The
Great Lieder Recordings EMI ICONS 6829682 [8 CDs: 598:45] [ST]
A compendium of treasures.
French music for harp & ensemble
Works by Ravel, Debussy, Roussel, Guy-Ropartz & Boieldieu
- Osian Ellis, Marie-Claire Jamet (harp) Melos Ens; CO Paul Kuentz
de Paris ALTO ALC 1203 [75:03] [IL] Another,
always welcome reissue of a delightful clutch of French music.
The Art Of Glenn Gould
rec. 1955-1961 MAJOR CLASSICS M5CD502 [5 CDs: 257:17] [SA] No
one who has yet to discover Glenn Gould should hesitate for a moment
before hearing for themselves what a legend sounds like.
Here (and there)
Jeri-Mae G. Astolfi (piano) rec. 2011/12 INNOVA 846 [69:30] [JW]
Contemporary but often tradition-conscious
variations on the theme of solo piano and electronics.
Das himmlische Leben
Songs by Liszt & Mahler - Anne Schwanewilms (soprano)
Charles Spencer (piano) rec. 2012 ONYX 4103 [64:05] [GF]
A fresh and stimulating disc.
George London: Between Gods and
Demons - A film by Marita Stocker ARTHAUS MUSIK 101
473
[60:00 + 95:00 bonus] [JW] An admired and
much liked colleague and artist.
Lost Generation
Works by Schulhoff, Ullmann & Tausky - Ulrike Anton (flute)
Russell Ryan (piano) English CO/David Parry rec. 2012 GRAMOLA 98964
[65:25] [JW] This is a very worthwhile addition
to the catalogues.
Lovro von Matačić
Carl Maria von WEBER (1786-1826) Der Freischütz overture
Richard WAGNER (1813-1883) Overtures Leoš JANÁČEK
(1854-1928) Sinfonietta Zoltán KODÁLY (1882-1967)
Háry János Igor STRAVINSKY (1882-1971)
The Firebird NHK SO Tokyo rec. 1969-73 KING INTERNATIONAL
INC KKC2026/27 [57:07 + 77:07] [JW] Many
worthwhile and musically interesting things in this twofer.
Miserere - A sequence
for Lent, St. Joseph and the Annunciation - Peter Stevens (organ) Westminster
Cathedral Ch/Martin Baker rec. 2012 HYPERION CDA67938 [79.15]
[GH] Cast in
a mood of beauty and sobriety that is spiritually enhancing.
Organum Antiquum
- Earliest Organ Music until J.S. Bach - Helga Schauerte (organ)
rec. 2012 SYRIUS SYR 141459 [71:13] [JV] This
disc will enrich the collection of organ aficionados.
The Voice of Peter Pears
Benjamin Britten (piano) Julian Bream (guitar) rec. 1947-60 REGIS
RRC 1393 [74.54] [PCG] It is valuable
to have these recordings gathered on this very reasonably priced disc.
18th-century
Portuguese Love Songs - Sandra Medeiros, Joana Seara (sopranos)
David Gordon (harpsichord) Taro Takeuchi, Zak Ozmo (guitars) L'Avventura
London/Zak Ozmo rec. 2012 HYPERION CDA67904 [71:02] [RB] Ecstatically
entwined – pleasing individually, irresistible in combination.
Strange
Paths Works by Ferneyhough, Xenakis, Gordon &
Smith Justin DeHart (percussion) INNOVA
849 [64:26] [DC] Interesting
one-on-one sonic encounter.
Then:
Renaissance Airs and Dances - Stockholm Chamber Brass rec. 2012
BIS BIS-SACD-2017
[59:36] [BR] A modern brass quintet plays
Renaissance arrangements with flair. Not my cup of tea, but that’s a
reflection of my own taste.
To touch to kiss
to die Songs by Purcell, Matteis & Dowland - Valer Barna-Sabadus
(alto) Pavel Serbin (cello, viola da gamba) Axel Wolf (lute) Olga Watts
(harpsichord) rec. 2012 OEHMS OC 870 [66:57] [JV] A
highly compelling recital of gems from 17th-century England.
The Trio Sonata
in 18th-Century Italy Works by Albinoni, Vivaldi & Locatelli
- London Baroque rec. 2012 BIS BIS-CD-2015 [77:14] An
interesting and musically entertaining journey through the history of
the Italian trio sonata of the 18th century.
Universe of Sound
Gustav HOLST (1874-1934) The Planets Joby TALBOT
(b. 1971) Worlds, Stars, Systems, Infinity Philharmonia
O/Esa-Pekka Salonen rec. 2012 SIGNUM CLASSICS SIGDVD009
[112:00] [JQ]
An ‘up close and personal’ view of Holst’s Planets and a most imaginative
example of ‘outreach’ to a wider audience.
New Year's Concert
- Vienna 2013 Vienna PO/Franz Welser-Möst rec. 2013
SONY CLASSICAL 88765411632 [55:23 + 60:29] [MC] Marvellous
music-making that just overflows with great appeal and sheer entertainment.
The Violins of Cremona
- A Tour with Salvatore Accardo DYNAMIC 33742
[52:00] [JW] If you do enjoy purfling, and
the beauty of arched backs, it’s very much your pot of resin.
Ian Watt (guitar) Works
by Dowland, McLeod, Walton, Wilson & Britten rec. 2012.
DDD NIMBUS ALLIANCE NI 6226 [67:30] [Byz] There
is little to fault this disc.
Wie einst in schöner’n
Tagen - Salonmusik der Belle Epoque - Cathy Berberian (soprano);
Bruno Canino (piano); Wolfgang Boettcher (cello); Karlheinz Zöller
(flute) rec. 1976 EMI CLASSICS 9123152 [79:50] [JS] Offers
intimate and sophisticated pleasure - a rarity for which I am very grateful.
Articles & notices
Download News 2013/8 by Brian Wilson
The
rebellious violinist Michael Cookson interviews Victoria Mullova
British
Music Radio - a new online radio station dedicated to British music
The Technology of Fine Stereo
- an interview with Colin Attwell of Claudio Records by Dave Billinge
A discography
of Dvorak's concertante works prepared by Mike Herman - a precursor
to a full national discography of Eastern European concertos
Download News 2013/9 by Brian Wilson
