ALPHABETICAL LISTING

 

Isaac ALBÉNIZ (1860-1909) Suite: Iberia Arranged for three guitars by Christophe Dejour Evocación [5:23] El Puerto [4:29] El Corpus Christi en Sevilla [8:36] Rondeña [6:20] Almería [8:21] Triana [5:07] El Albaicín [6:33] El poso [6:14] Lavapiés [6:34] Málaga [4:56] Jerez [9:31] Eritaña [5:21] Trio Campanella: Christophe Dejour, Frank Massa and Thomas Winthereik, guitars Recorded at Torpen Chapel, Denmark, February to July 2000. DDD NAXOS 8.557064 [77:25] [KS]

Over an hour of very pleasant listening ... captures a refreshing new take on a well-worn masterpiece. Recommended, especially for lovers of the guitar. ... see Full Review

William ALWYN (1905-1985) Symphonies: No. 1 (1949) [41’13]; No. 4 (1959) [35’14] London Philharmonic Orchestra/William Alwyn No rec. info. ADD LYRITA RECORDED EDITION SRCD227 [76’33] [CC]

At its best … an exhilarating and rewarding journey. … see Full Review

William ALWYN (1905-1985) Symphonies: No. 2 (1953) [29’31]; No. 3 (1956) [32’48]; No. 5, ‘Hydriotaphia’ (1973) [14’55]. London Philharmonic Orchestra/William Alwyn. No. rec. info. ADD LYRITA RECORDED EDITION SRCD228 [77’07] [CC]

Eminently worthwhile … the perfect complement to the Lyrita disc of shorter, lighter works. These works are cogently argued, impressive musical statements, arguably showing the very best of this under-rated composer. … see Full Review

RECORDING OF THE MONTH William ALWYN (1905-1985) Concerto Grosso No. 2 in G (1948) [15’27]. Autumn Legend for Cor anglais and String Orchestra^a (1954) [12’18]. Lyra Angelica^b (Concerto for Harp and String Orchestra) (1953/4) [31’29] ^aGeoffrey Browne (cor anglais); ^bOsian Ellis (harp) London Philharmonic Orchestra/William Alwyn. No rec. info given. ADD LYRITA RECORDED EDITION SRCD230 [59’17] [JW]

Of all the Alwyn discs from Lyrita, this is surely the most special. … see Full Review

Malcolm ARCHER: Cathedral Music The Desert shall Rejoice [5’39"] The Wells Service: Magnificat and Nunc Dimittis [10’37"] Blest are the pure in heart [2’53"] The Clifton Service: Magnificat and Nunc Dimittis [8’56"] Missa Brevis [15’03"] The Son of the most high [6’39"] O where can I go from your Spirit [2’38"] A Hymn to Wisdom [6’52"] O magnum mysterium [4’53"] Wells Cathedral Choir directed by Malcolm Archer Rupert Gough (organ)
Recording: Wells Cathedral, 1, 7, 8 July 2003 LAMMAS RECORDS LAMM 165D [64’17"] [JQ]

I hope that this disc will bring Archer’s excellent music to a wider audience. I strongly recommend this CD to all lovers of good choral music and of English church music in particular. ... see Full Review

Malcolm ARNOLD (b. 1921) Symphony No. 4, Op. 71 (1960). London Philharmonic Orchestra/Malcolm Arnold. No rec. info. DDD LYRITA RECORDED EDITION SRCD200 [54’11] [CC]

This recording screams forth a fundamental belief in this score that is unshakeable. There are riches to be discovered here … see Full Review

Sir Malcolm ARNOLD (b. 1921) English Dances^a (1950s): Set 1, Op. 27 [10’11]; Set 2, Op. 33 [7’13]. Solitaire (1956) – Sarabande [5’39]; Polka [2’46]. Irish Dances, Op. 126 (1986) [9’28]. Scottish Dances, Op. 59^a (1957) [10’33]. Cornish Dances, Op. 91^a (1966) [12’40]. London Philharmonic Orchestra/Sir Malcolm Arnold. No rec. info. ^aADD/DDD LYRITA RECORDED EDITION SRCD201 [60’51] [CC]

There is a barely-contained exuberance about the performances on this disc. ... see Full Review

Johann Sebastian BACH (1685-1750) Goldberg Variations, BWV 988 Pierre Hantaï, harpsichord Recorded at Doopgezindekerk de Haarlem (Pays-Bas), 2003 MIRARE MIR 9945 [78:40] [DS]

Amongst the best on record. The increased maturity over the 1993 recording is apparent in the richer and more diverse emotional palette ... a ‘must buy’ for anyone not allergic to the harpsichord. ... see Full Review

J.S. Bach and the Möller Manuscript Johann Sebastian BACH (1685 - 1750) Toccata in D major BWV 912a Suite in A major BWV 832 Sonata in A minor BWV 967 Capriccio Sopra il Lontananza de il Fratro dilettissimo BWV 992 Friedrich Wilhelm ZACHOW (1663-1712) Suite in B minor Georg BÖHM (1661-1733) Capriccio in D major Suite in D minor Johann Adam REINCKEN (1623-1722) Suite in G major Jean-Baptiste LULLY (1632-1687) Chaconne in G major Christian RITTER (c.1645-c.1725) Suite in C minor Werner FABRICIUS (1633-1679) Gigue belle in C minor Carole Cerasi, harpsichord Rec: July 2001, St. Martin's Church, East Woodhay, England. METRONOME MET 1055 [76.52] [JV]

A well-chosen selection of pieces from an important source of German keyboard music with some early compositions by Bach ... see Full Review

Johann Sebastian BACH (1685-1750) Violin Concerto No. 2 in E BWV1042 Partita No. 2 in D minor BWV1004 Partita No. 3 in E BWV1006 Zino Francescatti (violin) Cleveland Orchestra/George Szell Recorded 1950-53 BIDDULPH 80207-2 [62.16] [JW]

Discreet but pervasive lyricism … a master of romantic cantilena leavened by aristocratic aloofness. Silvery elegance and attacks softened by articulate discretion. … see Full Review

Johann Sebastian BACH (1685-1750) Concerto for violin, strings and continuo in E, BWV 1042 [16:27] Concerto for 2 violins, strings and continuo in d, BWV 1043 [14:18] Concerto for violin, strings and continuo in a, BWV 1041 [13:30] Concerto for oboe, violin, strings and continuo in c, BWV 1060 [13:06] Hilary Hahn (vn); Margaret Batjer (vn II); Allan Vogel (oboe) Los Angeles Chamber Orchestra/Jeffrey Kahane Rec. Los Angeles, The Colburn School of Performing Arts, Herbert Zipper Concert Hall, October 2002 (BWV 1042, 1043); January 2003 (BWV 1041, 1060). DDD DEUTSCHE GRAMMOPHON 474 199-2 [57:39] [AN]

Sadly, Hahn is all technique and little thought. Her joy-ride makes a mockery of Bach. … see Full Review

Johann Sebastian BACH (1685 – 1750) Arias Sara Macliver (soprano) (a) Sally-Anne Russell (alto) (b) Orchestra of the Antipodes/Anthony Walker Recorded 9-13 October, 10 December 2003, Eugene Goossens Hall, ABC ABC CLASSICS 476 118-3 [72.51] [RH]

A fine debut disc by a pair of Australian singers who displaying lovely voices, but lacking that ultimate degree of depth. ... see Full Review

Johann Sebastian BACH (1685-1750) St. Matthew Passion, BWV 244 (1727) [120:44] St. John Passion, BWV 245 (1724) [60:48] Guy de Mey (tenor, Evangelist) Peter Kooy (bass, Jesus) Barbara Schlick (soprano), Kai Wessel (alto) Christoph Prégardien (tenor), Gerd Turk (tenor), Klaus Mertens (bass) Netherlands Bach Choir Amsterdam Baroque Orchestra/Ton Koopman Recorded in the Nederlands Hervormde Kerk, Oudkarspel, June 1992 (Matthew) and Waalse Kerk, Amsterdam, March 1993 (John) DDD WARNER ERATO 5046 65560-2 [5 CDs: 181:32] [TH]

This five disc box makes an excellent bargain and can be confidently recommended. … see Full Review

Johann Sebastian BACH (1685-1750) Organ Works Prelude and Fugue E major BWV 552: 1. Prelude 2. Fugue Choral Preludes: 3. "Gott durch deine Güte" BWV 600 4. "Gelobet seist du, Jesu Christ" BWV 604 5. "Das alte Jahr vergangen ist" 2. str BWV 614 6. "O Lamm Gottes unschuldig" BWV 618 7. "Da Jesus an dem Kreuze stund" BWV 621 8. "Ich ruf zu dir, Herr Jesu Christ" BWV 639 Choral setting (2nd of 6 Schübler chorales): 9. "Wo soll ich fliehen hin" BWV 646 Partita BWV 745: 10. "Aus der Tiefe ruf ich Herr zu Dir" Passacaglia and Fugue in C minor BWV 582: 11. Passacaglia 12. Fugue Prelude und Fugue in F minor BWV 534 13. Prelude 14. Fugue Hans Helmut Tillmanns (Organ) Recorded in February 2003 at: The Weyland Organ of Holy Spirit Catholic Church in Olpe-Biggesee, Germany (tracks: 1, 2, 6, 7, 10, 13, 14) The Christensen and Sonner Organ in Hobro, Denmark (tracks: 3, 4, 5, 8, 9) The Hammer Organ of the Marktkirche in Eschwege, Germany (tracks: 11, 12) DDD DANACORD DACOCD 606 [60:14] [MC]

I cannot imagine anyone who loves the organ being disappointed by this top-quality release of which Danacord can be justly proud. ... see Full Review

Samuel BARBER (1910-1981) Knoxville - Summer of 1915 Op. 24 (1948) [16.51] Essays for Orchestra: No. 2 Op. 17 (1942) [11.12]; No. 3 Op. 47 (1976) [14.28] Toccata Festiva Op. 36 (1960) [14.24] Karina Gauvin (sop) Thomas Trotter (organ) Royal Scottish National Orchestra/Marin Alsop rec Henry Wood Hall, Glasgow, 27 Oct 2002, 3 May 1999, 18 March 2001. NAXOS AMERICAN CLASSICS 8.559134 [56.55] [RB]

A good Barber collection with a super Toccata and a fine Knoxville ... see Full Review

BARGAIN OF THE MONTH Ludwig van BEETHOVEN (1770-1827) Missa Solemnis, for soloists, chorus and orchestra Op. 123 Lori Phillips (soprano) Robynne Redmon (mezzo-soprano) James Taylor (tenor) Jay Baylon (bass-baritone) Mary Kathryn van Osdale (violin) Nashville Symphony Orchestra and Chorus/Kenneth Schermerhorn Recorded at the Ingram Hall, Blair School of Music, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, USA, 21-22 April 2003. DDD NAXOS 8.557060 [77:11] [MC]

Naxos have struck gold with this release. A truly awe-inspiring performance. Outstanding! ... see Full Review

Ludwig van BEETHOVEN (1770-1827) The five Piano Concertos and Choral Fantasia Concerto No.1, Op.15 in C major (1800) [39:27] Concerto No.2, Op.19 in B flat major (1795) [29:56] Concerto No.3, Op.37 in C minor (1800) [36:16] Concerto No.4, Op.58 in G major (1805) [34:45] Concerto No.5, Op.73 "Emperor" in E flat major (1810) [58:05] *Choral Fantasia, Op.80 in C minor (1808) [19:42] Emanuel Ax (pianist) Royal Philharmonic Orchestra/André Previn; *New York Philharmonic Orchestra/Zubin Mehta Rec. *Live/Walthamstow Assembly Hall, London/EMI Abbey Road Studios, London, *1983/5/6. DDD BMG/RCA 82876557032[3CDs: 3:18:29] [AN]

A really good box-set collection of Beethoven's five piano concertos. Ax pays utmost deference to the notes ... a refreshingly honest interpretation. ... see Full Review

Ludwig van BEETHOVEN (1770-1827) String Quartets: Volume 9 – No. 14 in C sharp minor, Op. 131 (1826) [38’28]; No. 16 in F, Op. 135 (1826) [28’30]. The Lindsays (Peter Cropper, Ronald Birks, violins; Robin Ireland, viola; Bernard Gregor-Smith, cello). Rec. Holy Trinity Church, Wentworth, Yorkshire, on June 25^th-27^th, 2001. DDD ASV CD DCA1119 [67’35] [CC]

To hear this performance of Op. 131 is a strangely compelling yet ultimately unsettling experience … this disc represents a noteworthy achievement … see Full Review

Ludwig van BEETHOVEN (1770-1827) Piano Sonatas, Op. 2 (1795): No. 1 in F minor [15’00]; No. 2 in A [22’07]; No. 3 in C [23’51] Stephen Kovacevich (piano) Rec. January 2003 (Nos. 1 and 2) and June 2002 (No. 3). DDD EMI CLASSICS 5 57730-2 [61’36] [CC]

There is much to admire here - Kovacevich has clearly thought long and hard about these works. Yet doubts creep in that, once there, never really go away. … see Full Review

Ludwig van BEETHOVEN (1770-1827) Piano Sonatas: op. 54 in F, op.57 in f – "Appassionata", op. 78 in F sharp, op. 90 in e Maurizio Pollini (piano) Recorded June 2002 in Munich, Residenz, Herkulessaal Limited edition includes bonus CD with live performances of opp. 57 and 78 recorded live in the Musikverein, Vienna, 4^th June 2002 DEUTSCHE GRAMMOPHON 474 451-2 [56:30 + bonus CD 33:19] [CH]

An awesome Appassionata and a finely balanced op. 78 make this a Beethoven disc to acquire. ... see Full Review

Larry BELL (b. 1952) Symphony No.2 Idumea Op.40 (1996) Song and Dance Op.44 (1996) Short Symphony for Band Op.47 (1999)^a The Sentimental Muse Op.45 (1997)^b Kathryn Sleeper (bassoon)^b; Moravian Philharmonic Orchestra; Jordan Winds^a; Joel Suben, William Drury^a Recorded: Concert Hall, Olomuc, Czech Republic, March 2003 and New England Conservatory’s Jordan Hall, Boston MA, March 1999 (Short Symphony) NORTH/SOUTH RECORDINGS N/S R 1031 [69:23] [HC]

In tune with the American symphonic tradition of Copland, Piston or Thomson? Then Larry Bell’s music is for you. This beautifully produced release is the best possible introduction to his music … see Full Review

Vincenzo BELLINI (1801 - 1835) Beatrice di Tenda - complete (1832) Edita Gruberova, Beatrice di Tenda Michael Volle, Filippo Maria Visconti Stephania Kaluza, Agnese del Maino Raul Hernandez, Orombello Miroslav Christoff, Anichino Boguslaw Bidzinski, Rizzardo del Maino Chorus and Orchestra of the Zurich Opera House/Marcello Viotti. Director: Alexander Pereira, Sets: Bernhard Kleber, Costumes: Florence von Gerkan. recorded at the Zurich Opera House, Zurich, December, 2001, DVD This is a co-production between Bel Air Media, Mezzo, TV 10 Angers and Zurich Opera House. TDK DV-OPBDT [2 DVDs: 144 minutes plus 26 minutes special features]. [JPh]

If you are not disconcerted by traditional operas togged up in modern dress you are unlikely to find a better performance in the catalogue. ... see Full Review

Vincenzo BELLINI (1801-1835) I Puritani - opera in three Acts Elvira, Maria Callas (sop); Arturo, Giuseppe Di Stefano (ten); Riccardo, Rolando Panerai (bar); Giorgio, Nicola Rossi-Lemeni (bass); Bruno, Angelo Mercuriali (ten); Gualtiero Valton, Carlo Forti (bass); Enrichetta, Aurora Cattelani (sop) Chorus and Orchestra of Teatro alla Scala, Milan/Tullio Serafin Recorded March and April 1953 in the Basilica di Santa Eufemia, Milan Bargain Price EMI CLASSICS 7243 5 85647 2 3 [2CDs: 68.59+73.04] [RJF]

There is more of an impression of openness and the Callas’s tone sounds lighter and more rounded. In the very hot seat of comparison this is the crunch. At this price however you are a winner whether you opt for Naxos or EMI ... see Full Review

Alban BERG (1885-1935) Violin Concerto (ed. Jarman) (1935) [29’11]. Benjamin BRITTEN (1913-1976) Violin Concerto, Op. 15 (1938/9) [35’47]. Daniel Hope (violin) BBC Symphony Orchestra/Paul Watkins. Rec. Studio 1, BBC Maida Vale, London on August 26^th-28^th, 2003. DDD WARNER CLASSICS 2564-60291-2 [64’58] [CC]

Recommended with enthusiasm. Hope’s youthful fervour coupled with an enquiring mind and a clear affinity for the music of these two composers is an involving mix. ... see Full Review

Alban BERG (1885-1935) Violin Concerto "To the Memory of an Angel" (1935) Chamber Concerto for Violin, Piano and 13 Wind instruments (1923-1925) Reiko Watanabe (Violin) Andrea Luchesini (Piano) Staatskapelle Dresden/Giuseppe Sinopoli Rec. Live Sachsische Staatsoper Dresden, Oct. 1995 (Violin Concerto) and Lucaskirche Dresden, Nov. 1996 (Chamber Concerto) DDD WARNER ELATUS 0927467372 [63.19]

In the hands of Sinopoli and his soloist, Reiko Watanabe, the Violin Concerto gets the emotionally involved reading and lush sonorities it seems to call for ... see Full Review

Alban BERG (1885-1935) Lulu (1928-35), libretto by the composer after Wedekind Lulu (soprano) – Laura Aikin Countess Geschwitz (mezzo) – Cornelia Kallisch Medical Specialist (baritone) – Peter Keller Painter (tenor) – Steve Davislim Dr.Schön (baritone) – Alfred Muff Alwa (tenor) – Peter Straka Schigolch (baritone) – Guido Gotzen Animal Trainer/Acrobat (bass-baritone) – Rolf Haunstein Prince/Manservant (tenor) – Martin Zysett Orchestra of Zürich Opera House/Franz Welser-Möst Directed for the stage by Sven-Eric Bechtolf Directed for TV by Thomas Grimm Recorded live at the Zürich Opera House, November 2002 Special feature – ‘Lulu – A Lethal Victim’
TDK DV-OPLULU [164 minutes]
Lulu – Christine Schäfer Countess Geschwitz – Kathryn Harries Wardrobe mistress/ Groom/Schoolboy – Patricia Bardon Stage Manager/Banker/Professor/Medical Specialist – Jonathan Veira Painter – Staphan Drakulich Dr.Schön/Jack the Ripper – Wolfgang Schöne
Alwa – David Kuebler Schigolch – Norman Bailey Animal Trainer/Acrobat – Donald Maxwell Prince/Manservant/Marquis – Neil Jenkins London Philharmonic Orchestra/Andrew Davis Directed for the stage by Graham Vick Directed for TV by Humphrey Burton Recorded live at Glyndebourne Festival Theatre, 1996
NVC ARTS 0630-15533-2 [183 minutes] [TH]

NVC give us a three-hour opera on one disc; by any standards good value. Given the quality of the end product, there won’t be too many causes for complaint. ... see Full Review

Georges BIZET (1838 - 1875) Carmen (excerpts) Carmen - Julia Migenes Johnson (soprano) Don José – Placido Domingo (tenor) Escamillo – Ruggiero Raimondi (bass) Micaela – Faith Esham (soprano) Mercedes – Susan Daniel (mezzo soprano) Frasquita – Lilian Watson (soprano) Zuniga – John Paul Bogart (bass) Morales – Francois le Roux (baritone) Choeurs et Maitrise de Radio France/Lorin Maazel Recorded December 1982, Radio France, Paris WARNER ELATUS 2564 60804-2 [55.26] [RH]

A fine musical ‘Carmen’, but with a soprano in the title role and the excerpts omit some important items. ... see Full Review

RECORDING OF THE MONTH William BLANK (b.1957) Trio à cordes (1997) [18.28] Trio Contrechamps: Isabelle Magneat, v; Ruth Killius, vla; Daniel Haefliger, vc. Recorded live by Radio Suisse Romande in Geneva, 14 March 1998 Anacrousis pour percussion solo (2001) [18.47] Michael Tschamper, percussion Recorded in Geneva, Switzerland, 15 July 2002 Cris pour piano et ensemble (1999) [21.05] David Lively, Piano; Ensemble Contrechamps/William Blank. Recorded live at Maison de la Radio, Geneva, Swizerland, 2 April 2000 Ebbe(n) pour grand orchestra (2000) [19.07] Orchestre de la Suisse Romande/Fabio Luisi Recorded live in Victoria Hall, Geneva, Switzerland, 11 October 2001 Notes in Français, Deutsch, English. Photo of composer and artists. Co-production of Radio Suisse Romande and Espace 2 MUSIQUES GRAMMONT PORTRAIT MGB CTS-M 79 [77.17] [PSh]

Very fine music by an unfamiliar name, but one that will most likely become more familiar to all of us in the near future ... see Full Review

Sir Arthur BLISS (1891-1975) Concerto for Piano and Orchestra in B flat major (1939) [38’49"] Sonata for Piano* (1952) [21’54"] Concerto for Two Pianos and Orchestra** (1950) [12’16"] Peter Donohoe (piano)** Martin Roscoe (piano) Royal Scottish National Orchestra/David Lloyd-Jones Rec. Glasgow Royal Concert Hall, 12-13 Sept 2002; *Potton Hall, Suffolk, 17 Jan 2003. DDD NAXOS 8.557146 [72’59"] [IL]

Unhesitatingly recommended; for Bliss enthusiasts a must. Fine performances of sparkling music in very good sound.[IL[
Mildly curious and still wondering about this disc? I recommend you get it. Bliss enthusiast? Well, you’ve already bought it. … see Full Review

Ernest BLOCH (1880-1959) Israel Symphony (1912-16) Suite for Viola and Orchestra (1919) + Yuri Gandelsman (viola) + Adriana Kohutková (soprano) Katarína Kramolišová (soprano) Terezia Bajaková (mezzo soprano) Denisa Hamarová (alto) Michal Mačuha (baritone) Atlas Camerata Orchestra + Slovak Radio Orchestra/Dalia Atlas Recorded in the Concert Studio of Slovak Radio, Bratislava October 2000 (Suite) Churchill Auditorium, Haifa May 2001 (Symphony) ASV CD DCA 1148 [66.48] [JW]

Some remarkable orchestral colour and exotic instrumentation ... well worth hearing. ... see Full Review

Sylvie BODOROVÁ (b. 1954) Juda Maccabeus (1999-2002) Gabriela Beňačková (soprano); Aleš Briscein (tenor); Ivan Kusnjer (baritone); Eva Salzmannová, Otakar Brousek, Pavel Landovský, David Prachař (narrators); Prague Children’s Choir; Prague Philharmonic Choir; Prague Radio Symphony Orchestra/Vladimír Válek, Stanislav Bogunia (second conductor). Rec. live, Prague Spring Festival, Cathedral of St Vitus, Prague, May 25^th, 2002. DDD ARCO DIVA UP0065-2 [72’28] [CC]

Bodorová’s Juda Maccabeus is a strong, thought-provoking and important musical statement that deserves, maybe even demands, to be heard. ... see Full Review
You may purchase this disc through MusicWeb for only £9 postage paid World-Wide

Johannes BRAHMS (1833-1897) Symphonies, Variations on a Theme of Haydn op. 56a, Academic Festival Overture op. 80, Tragic Overture op. 81, Alto Rhapsody op. 53* Christa Ludwig* (mezzo-soprano) Philharmonia Orchestra/Otto Klemperer Recorded in the Kingsway Hall, London, dates as above EMI CLASSICS 5 62742 2 [3 CDs: 61:19 + 77:52 + 74:37] [CH]

The particular revelation for me was the Third Symphony, but this is overall an individual and important statement on the music. ... see Full Review

Johannes BRAHMS (1833-1897) Fantasien, Op.116 Three Intermezzi, Op.117 Klavierstücke, Op.118 Klavierstücke, Op.119 Hélène Grimaud (piano) Recorded at Reitstadel, Neumarkt, Germany, 28-29 November 1995 WARNER ELATUS 2564 60805-2 [75’07] [TH]

Perhaps at the Apex budget price, this would have been a real contender; in this more expensive bracket, definitely one to sample first. … see Full Review

Johannes BRAHMS (1833-1897) Violin Concerto, Op. 77, in d minor (1878) [39:55]* Max BRUCH (1838-1920) Violin Concerto No. 1, Op. 26, in g minor (1868) [25:15] Pinchas Zukerman (violin) Los Angeles Philharmonic Orchestra*/London Philharmonic Orchestra/Zubin Mehta Rec. 1994*/1992 BMG CLASSICS 82876 55268 2 [75.10] [AN]

Two magnificent concerti which Zukerman makes his own … and does so with utmost musical conviction. … see Full Review

Johannes BRAHMS (1833-1897) Sonntag (Brahms); Sapphische Ode; Meine Liebe ist grün; Auf dem Kirchhofe; Feldeinsmkeit; Vier ernste Gesäng Gustav MAHLER (1860-1911) Lieder eines fahrenden Gesellen; Schieden und meiden; Starke Einbildungskraft; Nicht Weidersehen; Zu Strassburg auf der Schanz Robert KAHN (1865-1951) Der Gärtner (Kahn); Jägerlied; Sie sprach: Nur aus dem Vaterland nicht Reisen!; Schueche doch mit deinem Pfiele; Obdach der Liebe; Liese Lieder; Novemberfeier (Kahn) Ralph Kohn (baritone), Graham Johnson (piano)Rec. 6^th –8^th September 1999, All Saints Church, Finchley, London, DDD OPERA OMNIA 393 [66’38] [AO]

When all else is gone, faith, hope and love remain – a profound love of humanity that transcends the grimness which life throws at us. This recording is a very moving whole. ... see Full Review

Frank BRIDGE (1879-1941) String Quartet No. 4 H188 (1938) [21.52] Alan BUSH (1900-1995) Suite of Six Op. 81 (1975) [26.16] Henry PURCELL (1659-1695) Chacony in G minor ed. Benjamin BRITTEN [7.26] Bochmann String Quartet rec. 8 July 2003, The Downs School, Colwall, Worcs (Bridge, Purcell); 5 Oct 2003, Jacqueline du Pré Music Building, Oxford. DDD Recording made with financial assistance from the Alan Bush Music Trust and the Royal College of Music Frank Bridge Trust. REDCLIFFE RECORDINGS RR020 [55:34] [RB]

This disc is bound to attract interest. The Bridge/Bush juxtaposition works well. Repertoire explorers are unlikely to be anything other than delighted that these serious and inspired works can now be had together. ... see Full Review

Benjamin BRITTEN (1913 – 1976) The Golden Vanity Op.78 (1966)^a A Ceremony of Carols Op.28 (1942)^b Missa Brevis in D Op.63 (1959)^c Children’s Crusade Op.82 (1968)^d Choristers of Christ Church Cathedral, Oxford^abcd; Worcester College Chapel Choristers^ad; Victoria Davis (harp)^b; Clive Driskill-Smith (piano^ad and organ^c); Christian Wilson (piano)^d; John Madden (percussion^a and chamber organ^d); Oxfordshire Youth Percussion Ensemble^d; Stephen Darlington Recorded: Christ Church cathedral, Oxford, July 2002 and March 2003 LAMMAS RECORDS LAMM 146 D [71:14] [HC]

This generously filled release offers Britten’s major works for treble voices, … immensely enjoyable and superbly sung. … see Full Review

Dave BRUBECK (b.1920) Chromatic Fantasy Sonata, Five Pieces from ‘Two-Part Adventure’, Tritonis, The Salmon Strikes, Rising Sun, John Salmon, piano Recorded at the School of Music, University of North Carolina at Greensboro’, USA on September 22^nd and October 14^th and 15^th 2002 NAXOS 8.559212 [54:48] [GPJ}

Salmon has a flawless technique, an absolutely sure sense of rhythm, and keeps a firm grip on structure … see Full Review

Anton BRUCKNER (1824 - 1896) Symphony No. 3 in D minor Wagner Symphony (1877) Adagio from Symphony No. 3 in D minor (1876) Symphony No. 3 in D minor (1889) New Philharmonic Orchestra of Westphalia/Johannes Wildner.recorded in the Festspielhaus Recklinghausen, Germany, October 2001 - January 2002. DDD NAXOS 8.555928-29 [127’29"] [JPh]

Superb performances of the different versions … many will enjoy these immensely … Well done Naxos, give us more like this! … see Full Review

Anton BRUCKNER (1824-1896) Symphony No. 4 in E flat Romantic (Nowak edition, 1878-80 version) Berlin Philharmonic Orchestra/Daniel Barenboim Rec. October 1992, Philharmonie, Berlin WARNER ELATUS 2564 60663-2 [68.25] [TB]

Barenboim is an experienced Bruckner conductor and it shows. … see Full Review

Anton BRUCKNER (1824-1896) Symphony No. 6 (1881) Berlin Philharmonic Orchestra/Daniel Barenboim Rec May 1994, Philharmonie, Berlin WARNER ELATUS 2564 608022-2 [54.47] [TB]

Barenboim has excellent Bruckner credentials; if further evidence were needed this fine performance from his second cycle with the Berlin Phil provides it. ... see Full Review

Anton BRUCKNER (1824 - 1896) Mass No.1 in D minor, for soloists, choir and orchestra (1864, rev. 1876, 1882) Isabelle Müller-Kant (soprano) Eibe Möhlmann (mezzo-soprano) Daniel Sans (tenor) Christof Fischesser (bass) Württemburgische Philharmonie Reutlingen/Nicol Matt Chamber Choir of Europe Recorded 20-25 January 2003, Württemberg, Germany DDD, Super Audio CD, Hybrid Multichannel, Plays on all SACD and CD players BRILLIANT CLASSICS 92212 [50.38] [MC]

The performance is very fine and at super-bargain price there is every reason to explore this dramatic and rewarding choral work. A most compelling release. ... see Full Review

Ferruccio BUSONI (1866-1924) Verzweiflung und Ergebung Op. 41 from the music to Gozzi's fairytale drama Turandot (1915) [4.05] Nocturne Symphonique Op. 43 (1913) [8.18] Arlecchino: Orchestral Suite (from the theatrical Capriccio: Arlecchino) (1917) [13.52] Divertimento for flute and orchestra (1920) [9.15] Sarabande and Cortège Op. 51 from Dr Faust (1924) [17.17] Concertino for clarinet and orchestra Op. 48 (1918) [10.39] Tanz-Walzer for orchestra Op. 53 (1920) [11.36] Robert Wörle (ten) Jean Claude Gérard (flute) Ulf Rodenhäuser (clarinet) Berlin Radio Symphony Orchestra/Gerd Albrecht rec. Jesus-Christus-Kirche, Berlin Dahlem, 4-8 Dec 1991, 2-4, 21-25 Jan 1992. DDD CAPRICCIO 10 479 [56.07] [RB]

An education - impressive music in which German gravity meets a lighter-hearted Italian bel canto tradition ... see Full Review

Ferruccio BUSONI (1866-1924) Lustspielouvertüre Op. 38 [7.53] Symphonisches Suite Op. 24 [33.45] Berceuse Elégiaque [8.28] Gesang Vom Reigen der Geister Op. 47 [6.00] Berlin Radio Symphony Orchestra/Arturo Tamayo rec. Jesus-Christus-Kirche, Berlin Dahlem, 17-20 Aug 1992. DDD CAPRICCIO 10 480 [75.49] [RB]

Very satisfying music. The overture and suite are instant winners while the Berceuse and Gesang have a typically impressive concentrated stare. ... see Full Review

Detailed listing (last two 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]

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