> Classical CD Review Archive - Classical - July 2002 part 2 A-B: Classical MusicWeb (UK)

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PART 2
A to B

Detailed listing (last two days)]
[Part 1 New]  [Part 2 A-B] [Part 3 C-L]
[Part 4 M-R]  [Part 5 S-Y] [Part 6 Misc] 
[Part 7 Misc]         



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ALPHABETICAL LISTING

 

Adolphe ADAM (1803-1856) La Jolie Fille de Gand, ballet (1842) Queensland Symphony Orchestra/Andrew Mogrelia - Rec. Ferry Road Studio, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia, March 1996 MARCO POLO 8.223772-73 [CD1 66.45, CD2 69.04] [RW]

The reading sometimes misses sparkle and energetic vitality though the orchestra and recording sound well. … see Full Review

Thomas Augustine ARNE Eight Overtures, Harpsichord Concerto No 5, Organ Concertos Nos 4-6 and other selections Various recordings made in 1953, 1960, 1967, 1969, 1973, 1991 DECCA - BRITISH MUSIC COLLECTION 470 372-2 [CD1 72’08"+CD2 76’03"]

Something of a mixed bag. Arne does not withstand close comparison with the work of a superior technician and melodist such as Boyce. … see Full Review

Malcolm ARNOLD (born 1921) Rinaldo and Armida Op.49 (1954) Little Suite No.2 Op.78 (1962) Homage to the Queen: Ballet Suite Op.42A (1953) Concerto for Organ and Orchestra Op.47 (1954) Ulrik Spang-Hanssen (organ); Royal Aarhus Academy of Music Symphony Orchestra; Douglas Bostock Recorded: Royal Academy of Music, Aarhus and Gellerup Church, Aarhus, September and November 2001 CLASSICO CLASSCD 424 [64:43] [HC]

No Arnold fan will want to be without this most welcome release; but, make no mistake, others will find much to enjoy here. … see Full Review

Kurt ATTERBERG (1887-1974) Symphony No. 2 in F major (1913) Symphony No. 5 in D minor (1922) Radio-Sinfonie-Orchester Frankfurt/Ari Rasilainen - recorded March 6-11 2000, Sendesaal des HR CPO 999 565-2 [75:34] [IL]

Virile, Late-Romantic music full of colour and excitement given powerful, committed performances. Another jewel in Rasilainen’s Atterberg symphonies cycle. … see Full Review

Johann Sebastian BACH (1685-1750) Transcriptions I - Partita in A minor BWV 827, Sinfonia no. 1 BWV 787, Italian Concerto BWV 971, Sinfonia no. 15 BWV 801, French Suite no. 2 BWV 813 Vera Hilger, violin - Norbert Hilger, cello. Rec: September 2000, Taufkapelle der Peterskirche, Leipzig, Germany. QUESTAND VKJK 0104 [53.31] [KM]

While the playing varies, the overall sound is so interesting that one can overlook the occasional weaknesses. … see Full Review

Johann Sebastian BACH (1685-1750) Transcriptions II - French Overture BWV 831, French Suite no. 5 in G major BWV 816, Partita no. 2 in C minor BWV 826 - Vera Hilger, violin, viola Norbert Hilger, cello. Rec: September 2001, Taufkapelle der Peterskirche, Leipzig, Germany. QUESTAND VKJK 0206 [72.41] [KM]

Another interesting recording, which, in spite of its flaws, shines new light on some of Bach’s finest music. … see Full Review

J.S. BACH (1685-1750) Violin Concertos BWV 1041 and BWV 1042 - Double Concerto for Two Violins BWV 1043 - Concerto for Violin and Oboe BWV 1060 - Roberto Michelucci, violin Felix Ayo, violin (BWV 1043) Leo Driehuys, oboe (BWV 1060) I Musici Recorded 1958-1961 PHILIPS ELOQUENCE 456 554-2 [69’56] [JW]

A pleasing conspectus of I Musici’s evolving approach to Bach playing at the dawn of the 1960s. … see Full Review

Johann Sebastian BACH (1685-1750) Brandenburg Concertos - Orchestral Suites - Triple Concerto for flute, violin, harpsichord and strings - CD1 [79.09] Brandenburg Concertos Nos.1–5 BWV 1046–1050 - CD2 [66.28] Brandenburg Concertos No.6 BWV 1051, Orchestral Suites Nos.1–2 BWV 1066–7 - CD3 [68.42] Orchestral Suite Nos. 3-4 BWV 1068-9, Triple Concerto for flute, violin, harpsichord and strings BWV 1044 Münchner Bach Orchester, Karl Richter - Rec: 1961 (BWV 1066-9), 1968 (BWV 1046-51), 1981 (BWV 1044) ARCHIV 463 657-2 [214.09] [KM]

A bit too German, and not French enough for my taste, but these performances are full of deep spirit and thought. … see Full Review

Johann Sebastian BACH (1685-1750) A Bach Album His Majestys Consort of Voices His Majestys Sagbutts and Cornetts directed from the organ by Timothy Roberts Rec: November - December 2000, Church of St Jude-on-the-Hill, Hampstead, London. HYPERION CDA 67247 [61.08] [KM]

While one may be skeptical of such an experiment at first, the results are stunning. This is certainly one of the most interesting "derivative" Bach albums I have heard in a long time. … see Full Review

Amy Marcy Cheney BEACH (1867-1944) 'Chanson D'Amour ' Ecstasy, Op.19 No 2 - Chanson d'amour, (1898) - A Mirage Op.100 No 1 - Stella Viatoris, Op.100 No 2 - Rendezvous, (1928) - Three Browning Songs, Op 44 - Romance for Violin and Piano, (1898) - Three Shakespeare songs, Op. 37 - Piano Trio in A minor, Op.150 (1938) - Nahe des Geliebten, Op.35 No 3 - Ich sagte nicht, Op.51 No 1 - Wir drei, Op.51 No 2. - Je demande a l'oiseau, Op.51 No 4. - Canzonetta, Op.48 No 4. - Elle et moi, Op.21 No 3. Emma Kirkby (sop) The Romantic Chamber Group of London. Recorded at St Martin's Church, East Woodhey, Hampshire, England. Nov. 2000 Full price. BIS-CD-2145 [65.45] [RJF]

A mismatch that does neither composer nor singer a service … see Full Review

Ludwig van BEETHOVEN (1770-1827) The String Quartets - Op 18 Nos 1-6, The Fine Arts Quartet - Recorded 1969 EVEREST EVC 9051/52 [2 CDs 143’20] Op 59 Nos 1-3, Op 74, Op 95, The Fine Arts Quartet - Recorded 1969 EVEREST EVC 9053/55 [3 CDs 149’32] Op 127, Op 130, Op 131, Op 132, Op 135, Grosse Fugue Op 133, The Fine Arts Quartet - Recorded 1969 EVEREST EVC 9056/58 [3 CDs 196’53] [JW]

As nourishing and welcome as spring water and of a purity cool and crisp and clear. … see Full Review

RECORD OF THE MONTH Ludwig van BEETHOVEN (1770-1827) Kreutzer Sonata Bela BARTÓK (1881-1945) Rhapsody No 1 for Violin and Piano, Violin Sonata No 2 Claude DEBUSSY (1862-1918) Violin Sonata Joseph Szigeti, violin Bela Bartók, piano Recorded Library of Congress, Washington April 13th 1940 VANGUARD OVC 8008 [69’40] [JW]

One of the most decisively important sonata recitals on record. Vanguard’s exemplary production is a matter for rejoicing. … see Full Review

Ludwig van BEETHOVEN (1770-1827) Violin Sonata No 9 Kreutzer - Piano Concerto No 3 - Andante Favori Benno Moiseiwitsch, piano - Jascha Heifetz, violin - Philharmonia Orchestra - Malcolm Sargent - Recorded 1949-50 APR 5610 [73’50] [JW]

A more than pleasurable experience to listen to this previously unissued performance. … see Full Review

Ludwig van BEETHOVEN (1770-1827) Piano Concerto No 3 - Arthur BLISS (1891-1975) Piano Concerto - Solomon, piano - BBC Symphony Orchestra (Beethoven) - Liverpool Philharmonic Orchestra (Bliss) Adrian Boult - Recorded 1943-44 NAXOS HISTORICAL 8.110682 [71’44] [JW]

Another splendid Solomon disc, this time of the two Concerto performances recorded during the latter stages of the War … see Full Review

BENJAMIN, BRITTEN, BRUCH Double Concertos for Violin and Viola
Arthur BENJAMIN
Romantic Fantasy Benjamin BRITTEN ed. Colin MATTHEWS Double Concerto (1932) Max BRUCH Double Concerto Op.88 Benjamin Schmid (violin)
Daniel Raiskin (viola) Berlin Symphony Orchestra/Lior Shambadal Recorded at Jesus Christ Church, Berlin-Dahlem, Germany, 24 - 26 September 2001 ARTE NOVA 74321 89826 2 [63’59"]

An imaginative combination of works with Benjamin’s Romantic Fantasy the discovery. … see Full Review

CAREY BLYTON The Early Songs. Three A M; Two Pensive Songs; Toi et Moi; Moresques; Symphony in Yellow; The Poetry of Dress; What Then is Love? The Sea Dog’s Song; Prayers From the Ark; The Flea; The Rose and the Nightingale (arr. from Rimsky-Korsakov); Indigo Blues. Stephen Roberts (baritone) Ian Partridge (tenor) Sheherazade Beryl Korman (soprano) David Campbell (clarinet) Jennifer Partridge (piano) Rec 2000? UPBEAT CLASSICS URCD 160 [65.00?] [PS]

This well recorded disc is happily recommendable … see Full Review

Joseph-Ermend BONNAL (1880-1944) Paysages Euskariens (1931) Noël Landais (1918) Paysage Landais (1904) Petite Rhapsodie (1898) Reflets Solaires (1905)
Symphonie pour Grand Orgue d'Après 'Media Vita' - Répons du temps de la Septuagésime (1932) Jean-Pierre Lecaudey (organ) Grandes Orgues Adema de la Kathedrale Basiliek St Bavo a Haarlem. rec: DDD PAVANE ADW 7357 [54.09] [RB]

Bonnal is one of the undiscovered and, by the French, still unpromoted treasures of their romantic-impressionistic fleuve. ... see Full Review

Alexander BORODIN (1833-1878) Prince Igor - Overture, Prince Igor - Polovtsian Dances - Symphony No. 2 - Symphony No. 3 LSO and LS Chorus/Georg Solti (Prince Igor); LSO/Jean Martinon (2); L'Orchestre de la Suisse Romande/Ernest Ansermet (3) rec 1966 (Igor); 1961 (2); 1955 (3) ADD DECCA ELOQUENCE 467 482-2 [65.38][RB]

A good inexpensive introduction to Borodin's orchestral music. ... see Full Review

RECORDING OF THE MONTH Lili BOULANGER (1883-1918) Clairières dans le ciel* Trois morceaux pour piano, Quatre mélodies§ Jean-Paul Fouchécourt (tenor)*
Áonia de Beaufort (mezzo soprano)§ Alain Jacquon (piano) Recorded 16-18 October 1997, Théâtre de Poissy, France TIMPANI 1C1042 [55.30] [TB]

A most distinguished issue, and I hope it becomes as widely distributed as it deserves to be. … see Full Review

Johannes BRAHMS (1903-1895) Serenade No.1 in D, Op.11 - Serenade No.2 in A, Op.16 - Liebeslieder Waltzes (selection from Opp.52 & 65)* Ingrid Sieghart (soprano) Singverein der Gesellschaft der Musikfreunde Wien* Vienna Symphony Orchestra/Gary Bertini - 28-30 May 1982, Rosenhügel-Studio, Vienna ORFEO C 008 102 A [2 CDs: 88’43"][CA]

Charming pieces brought off with affection … see Full Review

Johannes BRAHMS (1833-1897) Alto Rhapsody Op 53 Nanie Op 82 Four Serious Songs Op 121 Five Songs Op 94 Helen Watts, contralto with the Choirs of Suisse Romande and Pro Arte de Lausanne and the Orchestre de la Suisse Romande conducted by Ernest Ansermet (Alto Rhapsody, Nanie) Recorded 1967 John Shirley-Quirk, Baritone with Martin Isepp, piano (Four Serious Songs, Five Songs) Recorded 1971 DECCA ELOQUENCE 461 245-2 [57’50] [JW]

Another opportunity to acquire a recital of integrity, musical wisdom and deep understanding. … see Full Review

Johannes BRAHMS (1833-1897) Violin Concerto Violin Sonata No 1 Christian Ferras, violin Pierre Barbizet, piano Berlin Philharmonic Orchestra/Herbert von Karajan Recorded 1964 (Concerto) 1968 (Sonata) DEUTSCHE GRAMMOPHON ELOQUENCE 457 298.2 [67’56]

Many will admire the more edgy and nervous insight Ferras’s playing brings to the romantic literature. … see Full Review

Johannes BRAHMS (1833-1897) Clarinet Quintet in B minor, Op. 115 Wolfgang Amadeus MOZART (1756-1791) Clarinet Quintet in A major, K. 581 Philippe Cuper (clarinet) Talich Quartet Recorded live, 26 June, 1996 at the Théâtre Impérial de Compiègne CALLIOPE CAL 6249 [67.56] [TH]

For those who like their chamber music served up with a sunny, relaxed disposition. … see Full Review

Johannes BRAHMS (1833-1897) Sonata in C major, Opus 1 Sonata in F sharp minor, Opus 2 Scherzo, Opus 4 François Kerdoncuff (piano) Recorded November 1991, April 1992, Salle Adyar, Paris TIMPANI 1C1014 [65.41] [TB]

The two compellingly interpreted sonatas dominate. Timpani presentation standards of highest order. … see Full Review
You may sample, purchase or make HUGE savings by downloading this disc

Benjamin BRITTEN (1913-1976) Serenade for Tenor, Horn and Strings
Folksongs
William WALTON (1902-1983) Façade Peter Pears, tenor Dennis Brain, horn Benjamin Britten, piano The Boyd Neel String Orchestra conducted by Benjamin Britten Dame Edith Sitwell Peter Pears English Opera Group Ensemble conducted by Anthony Collins Recorded 1944-1961 DECCA 468 801-2 [73’42]

Self-recommending of course. … see Full Review

Anton BRUCKNER (1824-1896) Symphony No 8 - Zurich Tonhalle Orchestra Rudolf Kempe - Recorded Tonhalle Zurich Studio November 1971 SOMM CD 016-2 [2 CDs 82’02] [JW]

A performance that was a little too agnostic for this reviewer … see Full Review

Anton BRUCKNER (1824-96) Symphony No.8 in C minor (1890 version edited by Robert Haas) Tonhalle-Orchester Zurich Conducted by Rudolf Kempe (Recorded in Tonhalle Zurich Studio, 12/13 November 1971) SOMM CELESTE SERIES SOMM CD 016-2 [2CDs: 82.02] [TD]

A welcome addition to the Kempe discography though not a top recommendation. … see Full Review

Emmanuel CHABRIER (1841-1894) Mélodies Agnès Mellon (soprano), Françoise Tillard (piano) *François Charruyer (bassoon) Franck Leguérinel (baritone), Françoise Tillard (piano) Recorded 24-26 February 1997, Notre-Dame de Bon Secours, Paris TIMPANI 1C1038 [76.54] [TB]

Chabrier is an appealing melodist and a master of musical wit. … see Full Review
You may sample, purchase or make HUGE savings by downloading this disc

 

 

Detailed listing (last two days)]
[Part 1 New]  [Part 2 A-B] [Part 3 C-L]
[Part 4 M-R]  [Part 5 S-Y] [Part 6 Misc] 
[Part 7 Misc]

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