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BARGAIN OF THE MONTH André CAPLET (1878-1925) Conte fantastique after Edgar Allan Poe's Masque of the Red Death (1919) [17:08] Elisabeth Glab (violin), Marie-Josée Ritchot (violin), Michel Renard (viola), Isabelle Veyrier (cello), Laurence Cabel (harp)  Les prières (1917) [9:12] Elisabeth Glab (violin), Marie-Josée Ritchot (violin), Michel Renard (viola), Isabelle Veyrier (cello), Laurence Cabel (harp), Sharon Coste (soprano) Divertissements (2) for harp (1924) [9:56] Laurence Cabel (harp) Sonnets (2) for soprano and harp (1924) [3:37] Laurence Cabel (harp), Sandrine Piau (soprano) Septet for three female voices and string quartet (1909) [14:24] Sharon Coste (Soprano), Sandrine Piau (soprano), Sylvie Deguy (mezzo), Elisabeth Glab (violin), Marie-Josée Ritchot (violin), Michel Renard (viola), Isabelle Veyrier (cello) Ensemble: Musique Oblique rec. February 1992, Arsenal de Metz, Salle de l'Esplanade. DDD HARMONIA MUNDI HAR MUSIQUE D'ABORD HMA1951417 [55:18][RB]

Music for connoisseurs and especially for those with an interest to follow up in Debussy's circle … but do not expect a Debussy apprentice.  ... see Full Review

Frédéric CHOPIN (1810-1849) Sonata for cello and piano in G major, Op. 65 (1846) [26.27] Polonaise brillante for cello and piano, Op. 3 (1829-30) [09.07] Grand Duo Concertant, for cello and piano (1832) [12.17] Franz LISZT (1811-1886) La lugubre gondola, for cello and piano (1882) [08.59] Die Zelle in Nonnenwerth, for cello and piano (1880) [06.09] Romance oubliée, for cello and piano (1880) [03.33] Elégie No. 1, for cello and piano (1874) [05.36] Elégie No. 2, for cello and piano (1877) [05.03] The Fischer Duo: Norman Fischer, cello, Jeanne Kierman, piano rec. Stude Hall, Shepherd School of Music, Rice University, Houston, Texas, USA, 7-9 January 2002  BRIDGE RECORDS 9187 [78:13] [MC]

A disc well worth adding to any collection of romantic works for cello and piano. ... see Full Review

Douglas COATES (1898-1974) Violin Concerto in D major (1934) [25:07] E.J. MOERAN (1894-1950) Violin Concerto (1937-41) [32:58] Colin Sauer (violin), BBC Northern Orchestra/Sir Charles Groves (Coates)Alfredo Campoli (violin), BBC Symphony Orchestra/Sir Adrian Boult (Moeran)rec. live BBC broadcasts 15 March 1951 (Coates); 1954 (Moeran), mono, historical sound. ADD THE DIVINE ART 27806 [59:46] [JQ]

One unknown work and one largely unknown performance of a slightly more familiar concerto. English music enthusiasts should certainly investigate this fascinating release. ... see Full Review

Paul CRESTON (1906-1985) Janus Op. 77 (1959) [12:21] Violin Concerto No. 2 Op. 78 (1960) [23:54] Symphony No. 4 Op. 52 (1951) [25:57] Gregory Fulkerson (violin) Albany Symphony Orchestra/David Alan Miller rec. 26 Apr 2003 (sym); 15 Mar 2003 (concerto); 20 Jan 2001 (Janus). Troy Savings Bank Music Hall, Troy, NY. DDD ALBANY TROY737 [62:14][RB]

Satisfying immediacy of sound ..... an  attractive and well planned disc. I hope that it is the harbinger for yet more Creston revivals. ... see Full Review

Claude DEBUSSY (1862-1918) Marche écossaise (1891, orch. 1908) [6.01] Berceuse héroïque (1914) [4.05] Concertgebouw Orchestra/Eduard van Beinum Danses pour harpe et orchestre (1903-04) [9.36] Phia Berghout (harp) The Chamber Music Society of Amsterdam/Eduard van Beinum Le martyre de Saint Sébastien: Fragments symphoniques (1911) [21.53] London Symphony Orchestra/Pierre Monteux Première Rapsodie (1909-11) [8.22] Jeux (Poème Dansé) (1912) [19.00] George Pieterson (clarinet) Concertgebouw Orchestra/ Bernard Haitink rec. Grote Zaal, Concertgebouw, Amsterdam, June 1952 (Danses), May 1957 (Marche; Berceuse), December 1976 (Rapsodie), May 1979 (Jeux); Wembley Town Hall, London, May 1963 (Martyre). ADD Mono/Stereo PHILIPS ELOQUENCE 476 8502 [69.21] [MC]

A delightful Debussy collection, excellently performed. ... see Full Review

Gaetano DONIZETTI (1797-1848) Songs: Amore e morte [2.28]; Ah, rammenta, o bella Irene [4.34]; Una lagrima [3.52]; La mere et l’enfant [5.14]; Amor marinaro [2.03]; È morta [5.26]; Su l’onda tremolo [2.58]; L’amor funesto [4.56]; Giuro d’amore [2.44]; Il sospiro [3.14]; La ninna-nanna [7.34]; Le crepuscule [2.57]; La lontananza [2.00]; L’amor mio [2.37]; La sultana [5.54]; Il pescatore [8.33] Dennis O’Neill (tenor), Ingrid Surgenor (piano) rec. St Silas’s Church, St Silas’s Place, London, 24-26 February 1997 in association with BBC Radio 3. Previously released on Collins Classics NAXOS 8.557780 [67.04] [ED]

Chippings of the highest order from a master’s bench. Nevertheless a disc to take a few tracks at a time unless full-throated tenors are your thing. ... see Full Review

Felix DRAESEKE (1835-1913) Quintet in A major for two violins, viola, violotta (here played cello II) and cello Stelzner WoO 25 (1896) [28:53] Quintet in F major for two violins, viola and two cellos op. 77 (1901) [31:01] Acantus String Quartet - Magdeburg; Johannes Hartmann (cello II) rec. 14-16 March 2001, Hannover, Germany. DDD world premiere recordings AK COBURG DR0004 [59:54] Homage to Stelzner Felix DRAESEKE (1835-1913) Quintet in A major for two violins, viola, violotta and cello Stelzner WoO 25 (1896) [26:52] Arnold KRUG (1849-1904) Sextet in D major for strings Preissextet op. 68 (1896) [59:05] Felix DRAESEKE/Wolfgang MÜLLER-STEINBACH (b. 1945) Süße Melancholie from the Ghaselenkranz for piano Fata Morgana op. 13 no. 8 (transcribed for string quintet) () [2:40] The Summit Chamber Players; Naomi Gjevre (violin); Javier Pinell (violin); James Przygocki (viola); James Thomson (violotta); Barbara Thiem (cello); Richard Rognstad (cellone) rec. Edna Griffin Hall, Colorado St University, 22-23 May 2005. DDD world premiere recordings. First recording of the Draeseke quintet with the Stelzner instrument. AK COBURG DR0010 [59:05][RB]

A fascinating obiter in the history of music. DR0004 offers two largely unknown and lyrically grateful Draesekes. DR 0010 offers the authentic Stelzner experience. The Krug is well worth hearing in its own right. ... see Full Review

Jacob DRUCKMAN (1928-1996) String Quartet No. 3 (1981) [27.11] Reflections on the Nature of Water, for solo marimba (1986) [15.17] Dark Wind for violin and cello (1994) [05.46] String Quartet No. 2 (1996) [18.26] The Group for Contemporary Music (Curtis Macomber, violin; Carol Zeavin, violin; Lois Martin, viola; Fred Sherry, cello) Dan Druckman, marimba rec. Recital Hall, Music Division, SUNY, Purchase, New York, USA. 31 March-2 April 1996 (Quartets 2, 3, Dark Wind); 22 September 1996 (Reflections) DDD NAXOS 8.559260 [66.40][MC]

A fine release of rewarding music well performed and recorded. ... see Full Review

Paul DUKAS (1865-1935) The Essential Paul Dukas CD1 [72:21] Fanfare pour précéder 'La Péri'* (1912) [1:55] La Péri - Poème dansé en un tableau * (1912) [17:40] L'Apprenti sorcier - Scherzo d'après une ballade de Goethe * (1897) [11:31] Symphony in C major† (1901) [41:00] CD2 [71:46] Polyeucte - Overture after Corneille † (1892) [15:03] Sonate in E minor ‡ (1901) [47:43] Prélude élégiaque‡ (1909) [4:38] La Plainte, au loin, du faune ...‡ (1921) [4:01] Margaret Fingerhut (piano)‡ Ulster Orchestra/Yan Pascal Tortelier* BBC Philharmonic/Yan Pascal Tortelier† rec. St Bartholomew's Church, Orford, Suffolk, 22-23 May 1988 (Sonate, Prélude élégiaque, La Plainte, au loin, du faune); Ulster Hall, Belfast 23 February, 26 June and 7 August 1989 (Fanfare, La Péri, L'Apprenti sorcier); Studio 7, New Broadcasting House, Manchester, 16-17 May 1993 (Symphony in C major, Polyeucte) CHANDOS CHAN241-32 [72:21 + 71:46] [RB]

This is a notably generous collection which is handsomely what it says on the box ... see Full Review

Antonín DVOŘÁK (1841-1904) Slavonic Rhapsody, Op. 45, No.1 in D major (1878) [12.13] Slavonic Rhapsody, Op. 45, No.2 in G minor (1878) [14.11] Slavonic Rhapsody, Op. 45, No.3 in A flat major (1878) [12.28] Slavonic Dance, Op. 46, No. 1 in C minor (1878) [3.44]* Slavonic Dance, Op. 46, No. 2 in E minor (1878) [4.26]* Slavonic Dance, Op. 46, No. 3 in D major (1878) [4.20]* Slavonic Dance, Op. 46, No. 4 in F major (1878) [6.28]* Slavonic Dance, Op. 46, No. 5 in A major (1878) [3.09]* Slavonic Dance, Op. 46, No. 6 in A flat major (1878) [5.37]* Slavonic Dance, Op. 46, No. 7 in C minor (1878) [3.21]* Slavonic Dance, Op. 46, No. 8 in G minor (1878) [4.09]* Leipzig Gewandhaus Orchestra/Kurt Masur *Vienna Symphony/Karel Ančerl rec. Leipzig, August 1985; *Musikverein, Vienna, February 1958 PHILIPS ELOQUENCE 476 7334 [74.11][SV]

While none of these performances is exactly indispensable, the disc is of both general and historical interest. ... see Full Review

Antonín DVOŘÁK (1841-1904) Piano Trio in B flat major Op.21 (1875) [30.38] Vítězslav NOVÁK (1870-1949) Trio quasi una balleta Op.27 (1901-02) [18.09] Otmar MÁCHA (b.1922) Capricci for piano trio (1985) [13.42] Artemiss Piano Trio
rec. January 2001, Domovina Studio, Prague ARCO DIVA UP 0042-1 131 [62.45] [JW]

Rather constrained. They’re heavier and less nobly expressive and more episodic. The Artemiss Dvořák Trio is almost apologetic. The Mácha’s warm and athletic but hard to recommend ... see Full Review

Petr EBEN (b.1929) Organ Music, vol.5 Landscapes of Patmos (1984) [23:27] Prelude 1 (2000) [4:58] Gloria (Prelude 2) (2000) [2:45] Triptychon (2000) [11:26] Campanae gloriosae (1999) [8:34] Okna (‘Windows’) (1976) [20:13] Halgier Schiager (organ) Eirik Raude (percussion) Jan Frederik Christiansen (trumpet) rec. Hedvig Eleonora Kyrkan, Stockholm, 15-17 June 2004. DDD HYPERION CDA67198 [71:49] [DC]

Both the organ and the music on which it is played offer something a bit special. Anyone who has tried and enjoyed the other issues in this series will need little prompting to add this to their collection. ... see Full Review

Edward ELGAR (1857-1934) Complete Works for Wind Quintet (1878-89) CD1 [48:47] Harmony Music No. 5 [27:32] Intermezzos [8:00] Harmony Music No. 1 [4:04] Adagio cantabile 'Mrs Winslow's Soothing Syrup' [3:45] Andante con variazioni 'Evesham Andante' [5:04] CD2 [51:51] Six Promenades [14:06] Harmony Music No. 2 [10:20] Harmony Music No. 4 'The Farmyard' [12:02] Four Dances [11:40] Harmony Music No. 3 [3:23] Athena Ensemble (Richard McNicol, flute; Sebastian Bell, flute; David Theodore, oboe; Roger Fallows, clarinet; Robert Jordan, bassoon) rec. Church of St Augustine, Kilburn, London, 1978. ADD CHANDOS CHAN 241-33 [48:47 + 51:51][RB]

Amiable, cheery music for wind quintet ... see Full Review

George ENESCU (1881-1955) Cello Sonata in F minor, op. 26 N° 1 (1898) [40.43] Cello Sonata in C major, op. 26 N° 2 (1935) [35.27] Maria Aneculaesei (cello) Jan Michiels (piano) rec. November 2004,at Studio Steurbaut, Belguim. QUALUNQUE 5411499 09022 [76.11][ED]

Honesty in tone, and a certain apt fragility ... see Full Review

Marcel FARAGO (b.1924) Orchestral Works: Acousticon Op. 50 for Orchestra (1980) [11.10]; Terpsichore Op. 54 for large orchestra (1983) [9.32]; Divertimento Op. 18 for small orchestra (1957-8) [20.09]; Symphony, Freedom, Op. 61 for orchestra, narrator and speaking chorus Op. 61 (1991) [33.13] Gershon C. Perry (narrator) BBC Singers Gyor Philharmonic Orchestra/Gergely Kesselyák rec. 6-11 September 1997, Evangelical Church, Gyor, Hungary CENTAUR CRC 2394 [74.00] [GH]

I had been really looking forward to hearing and reviewing this CD by a composer who seemed to promise so much on paper but I’m afraid, as you have gathered, I cannot recommend it. It is unlikely that I will ever listen to it again. ... see Full Review

Ferenc FARKAS (1905–2000) Serenade (1951) [8:52] Quattro Pezzi (1966)a [9:09] Gyümölcskosár (1980)b [17:40] Antiche danze ungheresi del 17. secolo (1959) [10:05] Rondo capriccio (1957, rev. 1959)c [9:00] Lavottiana (1967) [16:15] Ulrike Schneider (mezzo-soprano)b; Dieter Lange (double bass)a; Daniel Dodds (violin)c; Phoebius Quintet rec. Reformed Church, Arlesheim, Switzerland, June 1999 and January 2000 TOCCATA CLASSICS TOCC 0019 [71:33][HC]

Full marks to all concerned. A really lovely disc to be enjoyed from first to last. ... see Full Review

Morton FELDMAN (1926-1987) Complete Violin/Viola and Piano Works [Sonata] for Violin and Piano [1945] (14:01) Piece [1950] (1:49) Projection 4 [1951] (4:41) Extensions 1 [1951] (5:00) Vertical Thoughts 2 [1963] (4:07) The Viola in My Life 3 [1970] (4:33) Spring of Chosroes [1977] (13:13)[Composition] [[1984] (10:47) For Aaron Copland [1981] (4:00) For John Cage [1982] (66:00) Christina Fong (Violin and Viola) Paul Hersey (Piano) recording date and venue not given OGREOGRESS PRODUCTIONS no number supplied [58:36 + 70:00][DB]

An important collection of early and later works with premiere recordings. ... see Full Review

RECORDING OF THE MONTH Brian FERNEYHOUGH (b. 1943) Shadowtime (2003-4) Libretto by Charles Bernstein Nicolas Hodges (piano, speaker); Mats Scheidegger (guitar) Neue Vocalsolisten Stuttgart; Nieuw Ensemble/Jurjen Hempel rec. live, English National Opera, London Coliseum, July 2005. DDD In conjunction with BBC Radio 3. NMC D123 [64:42 + 62:02][AOz]

An echo inside a shadow wrapped in cellophane says the text: an apt description of this amazing, fascinating and complex masterpiece that repays repeated listening. ... see Full Review

RECORDING OF THE MONTH John FOULDS (1880-1939) Dynamic Triptych for piano and orchestra Op. 88 (1927-29) [25:38] April - England (Impressions of Time and Place No. 1) for orchestra Op. 48 No. 1 (1926 orch. 1932) [7:56] Music-Pictures Group III op. 33 (1912) [19:06] The Song of Ram Dass (1935) [3:13] Keltic Lament Op. 29 No. 2 (Keltic Suite) (1911) [4:38] Peter Donohoe (piano) City of Birmingham Symphony Orchestra/Sakari Oramo rec. Symphony Hall, Birmingham, 11, 13, 15-16 Jan 2006. DDD WARNER CLASSICS 2564 62999-2 [61:05] [JF]

This is big music. This is unique. This is essential. Donohoe’s playing is brilliant. What more can I say? ... see Full Review

Benjamin FRANKEL (1906-1973) Curse of the Werewolf (1959) [34:22]* So Long At The Fair (1950) [6:21] The Net - Love Theme (1953) [3:05] The Prisoner (1955) [30:35] ** Royal Liverpool Philharmonic Orchestra/Carl Davis rec. Philharmonic Hall, Liverpool, 26-27 July 2005. DDD * First complete recording; ** world premiere recording NAXOS FILM MUSIC CLASSICS 8.557850 [74:40] [RB]

The best single CD selection of Frankel’s film music - ranging from the sensational Gothic spectacular to the cool and charming ... see Full Review

Umberto GIORDANO (1867-1948) Fedora – opera in three acts (1898) [89:44] Magda Olivero (La Principessa Fedora Romazoff – soprano); Lucia Cappellino (La Contessa Olga Sukarev – soprano leggero); Mario Del Monaco (Il Conte Loris Ipanoff – tenor); Tito Gobbi (De Siriex – baritone); Kiri Te Kanawa (Dimitri – soprano); Sergio Caspari (Un piccolo Savoiardo – boy soprano); Riccardo Cassinelli (Désiré – tenor); Piero De Palma (Il Barone Rouvel – tenor); Peter Binder (Cirillo – baritone); Virgilio Carbonari (Boroff – baritone); Silvio Maionica (Gretch – bass); Leonardo Monreale (Lorek – baritone); Athos Cesarini (Sergio, Nicola); Aron Bokatti (Michele); Pascal Rogé (Lazinski – pianist) Choeur de l’Opéra de Monte Carlo Orchestre National de l’Opéra de Monte Carlo/Lamberto Gardelli Riccardo ZANDONAI (1883-1944) Francesca da Rimini – opera in four acts (1914): Excerpts [41:52] Act II: E’ ancora sgombro il campo del comune? [06:58] Act III: No, Smaragdi, no! [05:34]; Paolo, datemi pace! [07:35]; Ah la parola che i miei occhi incontrano! [06:29] Act IV: Ora andate [07:51]; E così vada s’è pur mio destino [07:25] Magda Olivero (Francesca – soprano); Mario Del Monaco (Paolo il Bello – tenor); Virgilio Carbonari (Giovanni lo Sciancato/Il torrigiano – baritone); Annamaria Gasparini (Biancofiore); Athos Cesarini (Il balestriere); L’Orchestre National de l’Opéra de Monte Carlo/Nicola Rescigno rec. April/May 1969 (Francesca), May 1969 (Fedora), Salle Alcazar, Monte Carlo. ADD DECCA 475 7622 [64:14 + 67:45][CH]

The only official modern recording of a complete opera by a great singing-actress, but there are snags. ... see Full Review

Alexander GLAZUNOV (1865 - 1936) The Complete Solo Piano Music 3 Prelude and Fugue in d, Op 62 (1899) [10.58] Prelude and Fugue in a, Op 101, #1 (1925) [13.50] Prelude and Fugue in c#, Op 101, #2 (1925) [8.47] Prelude and Fugue in c, Op 101, #3 (1925) [7.21] Prelude and Fugue in C, Op 101, #4 (1925) [7.04] Prelude and Fugue in e (1926) [11.47] Stephen Coombs (piano) rec. 27 October 1995 Originally released 1996 on Hyperion CDA 66855 HYPERION HELIOS CDH 55223 [60.15] [PSh]

If you like Rachmaninov you will probably love these pieces, sympathetically and powerfully performed here on these classic recordings. ... see Full Review

Walter GOEHR (1903-1960) Malpopita - radio opera (1931) Libretto: M Felix Mendelssohn and Robert Seitz Adam Schikedanz - Thorsten Hennig, Evelyne - Lilia Milek, Piet Hein - Axel Herrig, Steuermann Richard - Klaud Wegener, Kapitän Parker - Tobias Hagge, Jim - Daniel Steiner, Jakob - Markus Kopp, Kammerchor 'Malpopita'/ Dennis Hansel, Kammerorchester 'Malpopita'/Jin Wang live, Komischen Oper Berlin, Berlin, Kopenhagenerstrasse, Bewag-Abspannwerk 'Humboldt', May 2004. DDD CAPRICCIO 60 124 [76:46] [RB]

Goehr's tangy satirical radio fable. ... see Full Review

David GOLIGHTLY (b. 1948) Choral Music for male voice choir Rites of Passage: Life's Carriage [2:12]; The Bird [1:36]; The Singer [3:25]; The Flower [4:23]; Omans [1:54]; Elegy [3:16] Frontiers [12:18] : The Buffalo Skinners [2:11]; Chisholm Trail [1:50]; Shenandoah [3:18]; The Streets of Laredo [2:33]; John Hardy [2:26]; Russian Folk Music (Traditional) [36:22]: Along Piterskaya Street; The Bell is jingling monotonously; The snowdrifts melt; Oh you are so broad the steppe; The Song of the Volga Hardworkers; Along the street the snow is coming; The steppe is all around; The fog has fallen; The gnat; What's your song about you gilded bee; The ballad of the twelve robbers; Barynia; Those evening bells; Kalinka. Soglasie Male Voice Choir of St Petersburg/Alexander Govorov Demitri Tepliakov (piano) rec. May 1994, State Capella Hall, St Petersburg. DDD MODRANA MCD002 [65:26][RB]

Glorious Slav male voices but some distortion when under pressure from this typically intense Russian singing.... see Full Review

Eugene GOOSSENS (1893-1962) The Complete Piano Music [137:27] CD 1 Kaleidoscope, Op. 18 (Good Morning; Promenade; The Hurdy-Gurdy Man; March of the Wooden Soldier; The Rocking Horse; The Punch & Judy Show; A Ghost Story; The Old Musical Box; The Clockwork Dancer; Lament to a Departed Doll; A Merry Party; Good Night) (1917) [15:09] Four Conceits, Op. 20 (Gargoyle; Dance Memories; Walking Tune; Marionette Show) (1917) [6:09] Ships - three preludes for piano, Op. 42 (The Tug, The Tramp; The Liner) (1924) [8:20] Two Studies, Op. 38 (Folk Tune; Scherzo) (1923) [5:42] Homage to Paderewski (1941) [2:28] Hommage à Debussy, Op. 28 (1937) [2:39] Two Pieces, Op. 56 (Bonzo’s Dance; Pikki ‘s Lament) (1938) [3:23] Capriccio (1960) [2:33] Concert Study, Op. 10 (1914) [2:39] Nature Poems, Op. 25 (Awakening; Pastorale; Bacchanal) (1919) [17:22] CD 2 (Bach arr. Goossens) Andante from Brandenburg Concerto No. 2 (1932) [4:09] Rhythmic Dance for two pianos, Op.30 (1920) [3:44] Forlane and Toccata (1960) [4:46] East of Suez – suite for piano, Op.33 (1922) [25:50] L’Ecole en Crinoline – ballet, Op.29 (1921-22) [31:20] Antony Gray (piano) rec. CD1: 2-3 Oct 1995, 4 Sept 1996, Whitfield St Studios, London; CD2: 3-5, 10 March 1998, Eugene Goossens Hall, ABC Ultimo Centre, Sydney. DDD CD1 previously issued as ABC Classics 462 015-2 ABC CLASSICS 476 7636 [66:24 + 70:03] [JW]

The intrepid Antony Gray plays throughout with acumen and verve, relishing the impressionism and the folk dance equally. A first class guide. Self-recommending for admirers of British piano music. ... see Full Review

Alexander GRECHANINOV (1864-1956) String Quartets: Volume 1 String Quartet No.1 Op.2 (1894) [29.32] String Quartet No.2 Op.70 (1913) [28.47] Utrecht String Quartet rec. Doopsgezinde Remonstrantse Church, Deventer, April 2002 MUSIKPRODUKTION DABRINGHAUS UND GRIMM MDG 603 1157-2 [58.36] [JW]

Deftly crafted and very enjoyable quartets, presented with care, precision and sometimes panache by the gifted Utrecht foursome. ... see Full Review

Alexander GRECHANINOV (1864-1956) String Quartets Vol. 2 String Quartet No. 3 in C minor Op.75 (1915) [37:06] String Quartet No. 4 in F Op.124 (1929) [31:24] Utrecht String Quartet rec. Cath. Church, Delft, May and October 2005 DDD MUSIKPRODUKTION DABRINGHAUS UND GRIMM MDG 603 1388-2 [68:40] [PCW]

Grechaninov’s cause is very well served here ... well worth hearing ... see Full Review

Joan GUINJOAN (b. 1931) Clarinet Concerto (2003) [20:14] Piano Concerto No. 1 (1983) [26:31] Music for cello and orchestra (1975 rev. 1980) [19:46] Joan Enric Lluna (clarinet) David Abramovitz (piano) Luis Claret (cello) Orquestra Simfònica de Barcelona i Nacional de Catalunya/Ernest Martinez Izquierdo rec. Auditori de Barcelona, July 2004. DDD HARMONIA MUNDI HMI 987056 [66:01] [RB]

Guinjoan is now one of Catalan music's doyens. Do get this disc - it's not an easy listen for most of the time but it is rewarding and will appeal to anyone already wedded to the constituency of Bernstein, Bolcom and Schuman. ... see Full Review

BARGAIN OF THE MONTH George Frideric HANDEL (1685-1759) Organ Concertos Op. 4: No. 1 in G minor HWV 289 (1738) [15.27]; No. 2 in B flat major HWV 290 (1738) [10.26]; No. 3 in G minor HWV 291 (1738) [10.01]; No. 4 in F major HWV 292 (1738) [13.48]; No. 5 in F major HWV 293 (1738) [8.16]; No. 6 in B flat major HWV 294 (1738) [11.35] Organ Concertos Op. 7: No. 1 in B flat major HWV 306 (1761) [17.26]; No. 2 in A major HWV 307 (1761) [12.09]; No. 3 in B flat major HWV 308 (1761) [14.15]; No. 4 in D minor HWV 309 (1761) [16.13]; No. 5 in G minor HWV 310 (1761) [12.37]; No. 6 in B flat major HWV 311 (1761) [7.50] Ton Koopman (organ) Amsterdam Baroque Orchestra rec. Sint Bartholomeuskerk, Beek-Ubbergen, Netherlands, 1984 WARNER APEX 2564 62760-2 [72.40 + 78.43][RH]

A major milestone in the performance of Handel’s organ concertos and one to which I have returned regularly since it was first issued. ... see Full Review

Georg Frideric HANDEL (1685-1759) Der Messias (sung in English) arr. Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart (1756–1791) (1742/1788) [126.56] Felicity Lott (soprano) Felicity Palmer (contralto) Philip Langridge (tenor) Robert Lloyd (bass) Huddersfield Choral Society Royal Philharmonic Orchestra/Sir Charles Mackerras rec. 1-5 January 1988, Henry Wood Hall, London. DDD SIGNUM CLASSICS SIGCD074 [56.56 + 70.01][RH]

If you want a traditional Messiah with added wind parts, you cannot go wrong with this. It has the added advantage of having Mackerras at the helm ... a guilty pleasure for solitary listening. ... see Full Review

George Frideric HANDEL (1685-1759) Sosarme, Re di Media HWV30 (1732) Sosarme – Alfred Deller (counter-tenor) Haliate – William Herbert (tenor) Erenice – Nancy Evans (soprano) Elmira – Margaret Ritchie (soprano) Argone – John Kentish (tenor) Melo – Helen Watts (contralto) Altomaro – Ian Wallace (bass-baritone) St Anthony Singers The St Cecilia Orchestra/Anthony Lewis Rec. 1954 ANDROMEDA ANDRCD 5053 [76.06 + 70.35][JW]

Deller’s subtle coloration, legato, colour and line shaping ... still one for the specialist – in Deller, and in historic operatic performances generally. ... see Full Review

George Frideric HANDEL (1685-1759) Arianna in Creta (1733) [163.54] Arianna – Mata Katsuli (soprano) Teseo – Mary-Ellen Nesi (mezzo) Carilda – Irini Karaianni (mezzo) Tauride – Marita Paparizou (mezzo) Alceste – Theodora Baka (soprano) Minos – Petros Magoulas (baritone) Orchestra of Patras/George Petrou rec. 25-30 July 2005, Achaia Clauss, Patras, Greece. MUSIK DABRINGHAUS UND GRIMM MDG 609 1375-2 [3 CDs: 54.25 + 67.56 + 41.33][RH]

One of Handel’s underrated works ... never less than interesting ... a strong performance where vivid, dramatic values are to the fore ... see Full Review

Joseph HAYDN (1732-1809) String Quartet No. 66 in G major, Op. 77/1 (1799) [24.29] String Quartet No. 67 in F major, Op. 77/2 (1799) [25.57] String Quartet No. 68 in D Minor, Op. 103 (1803) (incomplete) [9.55] Takács Quartet: (Gabor Takács-Nagy (violin); Károly Schranz (violin); Gabor Ormai (viola); András Fejér (cello)) rec. Church Studios, Crouch End, London, England, June 1989. DDD DECCA ELOQUENCE 476 2575 [60.38][MC]

Fine performances from the Takács but not an urgent addition to a collection. ... see Full Review

Franz Joseph HAYDN (1732-1809) Eight Zingarese, Hob.IX:28 [8:35] Ländler, from The Seasons [4:01] Five Contredances, Quadrille, Minuet, Hob.IX:29 and 24 [9:08] Minuetto da Ballo 1-6, Hob.1X:4 [12:53] Notturni per due flauti e due corni, Hob.II:D5 [6:32] Six German dances, Hob.IX:12 [3:57] Ensemble Bella Musica de Vienne/Michael Dittrich rec. August 1980, no recording location given HARMONIA MUNDI MUSIQUE D’ABORD HMA 1951057 [45:45] [GPu]

Even if not all of this music is Haydn’s, it is enjoyable and it does throw light on other areas of Haydn’s work. As such it can be warmly recommended ... see Full Review

Heinrich Von HERZOGENBERG (1843-1900) Theme and variations for two pianos Op.13 (pub. 1870) [18.25] *Allotria for piano duet Op.33 Book 1 (pub. 1882) [7.49] *Variations on a theme of Brahms Op.23 (pub. 1876) [12.40] Waltzes for piano duet Op.53 (pub. 1887) [10.04] Variations on the Minuet from Don Juan for piano solo Op.58 (pub. 1889) [14.02] *Capriccio for piano solo Op.107 (pub. 1900) [13.45] *(* = first recording) Anthony Goldstone and Caroline Clemmow (piano duo/piano duet) Anthony Goldstone (piano solo) rec. St John the Baptist Church, Alkborough, North Lincolnshire, February 2004 TOCCATA CLASSICS TOCC 0010 [77.24][CF]

I can now wear my Herzogenberg T-shirt with pride rather than as an under-garment. ... see Full Review

Gottfried August HOMILIUS (1714-1785) Music in the Dresden Frauenkirche - Cantatas I Der Herr ist Gott, der uns erleuchtet, cantata for Whitsunday [23:25] Selig seid ihr, wenn ihr geschmähet werdet, cantata for Sunday Exaudi [16:43] Heilig ist unser Gott, der Herr Gott Zebaoth, cantata for Trinity [18:35] Gott fähret auf mit Jauchzen, cantata for Ascension Day [14:37] Vasiljka Jezovsek (soprano); Anne Buter (alto); Hubert Nettinger (tenor); Christian Hilz (bass) Dresdner Kreuzchor, Dresdner Barockorchester/Roderich Kreile rec. May 2004, Lukaskirche, Dresden, Germany. DDD CARUS 83.183 [73:23] [JV]

The quality of Homilius's cantatas which are recorded here for the first time makes this disc well worth exploring, although the performances are less than ideal ... see Full Review

André JOLIVET (1905-1974) Music for Wind Band Fanfares pour Britannicus (1946) [12:47] Trumpet Concerto No. 2 (1954) [13:57] Soir et Défilé (1936) [8:39] Suite Transocéane (transcription: Désiré Dondeyne) (1955) [24:12] Clément Saunier (trumpet) Orchestre d'Harmonie des Gardiens de la Paix de la Préfecture de Police de Paris/Philippe Ferro rec. Oct 2004, Apr 2005. DDD MAGUELONE MAG 111.164 [60:01][RB]

Music you are unlikely to have heard ... played with brazen brilliance and subtle poetry. ... see Full Review

Ivan KHANDOSHKIN (1747-1804) Violin Sonata in G minor, Op. 3, No. 1 (published 1800-08) [19:58] Violin Sonata in E flat major, Op. 3, No. 2 (published 1800-08) [13:10] Violin Sonata in D major, Op. 3, No. 3 (published 1800-08) [13:09] Six Old Russian Songs (c.1783) (No. 1. Along the bridge, this bridge  [5:15] *; No. 2. Is this my fate, this fate? [3:15]; No. 3. Little dove why do you sit so sadly? [5:11]; No. 4. What happened and why? [3:00]; No. 5. Once I gathered golden sheaves [2:58]; No. 6. Once I was a young man [4:07]) Anastasia Khitruk (violin) Dimitry Yakubovski (viola) * Kirill Yevtushenko, (cello) (Old Russian Songs) rec. Melodiya Studios, Catherine’s Church, St Petersburg, May 2005. DDD NAXOS 8.570028 [70.17][JW]

The performances are excellent. Khitruk has the measure of this demanding music and plays it with panache. ... see Full Review

Charles KOECHLIN (1867-1950) Chamber Music CD1 [47:54] Viola Sonata op. 53 (1915) [25:59] Paysages et Marines for piano, flute, clarinet, two violins, viola and cello (1915) [21:13] CD2 [59:21] L'Ancienne maison de campagne - suite for piano op. 124 (1932-33) [28:53] Quatre Nouvelles Sonatines op. 87 (1924) [3:55 + 7:04 + 7:06 + 6:30] Danse lente op. 163 No. 2 (1937) [3:24] CD3 [69:46] L'Album de Lilian, première et deuxième series for piano, soprano and flute (139) and piano, flute, ondes martenot and harpsichord (140) opp. 139, 149 (1934, 1935) [18:22 + 28:48] Vers le soleil - seven monodies for Ondes Martenot op. 174 (1939) [12:43] Stèle funéraire for three flutes à tour de rôle Op. 224 (1950) [7:59] Christophe Keller (piano) Daniel Cholette (piano and harpsichord); Patrick Demenga (cello); Alexandru Gavrilovici (violin); Urs Walker (violin); Kathrin Graf (soprano); Kiyoshi Kasai (flute); Philippe Racine (flute); Christoph Schiller (viola); Elmar Schmid (clarinet); Christine Simonin (ondes martenot) rec. Zürich, Nov 1988 (CD1); Jan 1989 (CD2); March 1989 (CD3). DDD. stereo ACCORD 465 894-2 [3CDs: 47:54 + 59:21 + 69:46] [RB]

Koechlin gradually emerging into the sunlight … his subtle, sensitive and masterly music can well stand the exposure. .... see Full Review

Herman D. KOPPEL (1908-1998) Composer and Pianist: Volume 4 - Vocal Music Three Psalms for tenor solo, mixed choir, boys' choir and orchestra, Op. 48 (1949) [26.56] Peter Lindroos, tenor, The Danish National Choir, Copenhagen Boys' Choir, Danish National Symphony Orchestra/John Frandsen Recorded by DR (Danish Broadcasting Corporation) 16 March 1978 Five biblical songs for tenor and piano, Op. 46 (1949) [13.27] Kurt Westi, tenor, Herman D. Koppel, piano Recorded by DR 25 February 1976 Four love songs on the Song of Songs for soprano and piano, Op. 47 (1949) [7.28] (Dedicated to Karen and Gunnar Heerup) Karen Heerup, soprano, Herman D. Koppel, piano Recorded by Columbia DDX 27 1950 Four Old Testament songs for mezzo-soprano and piano, Op. 49 (1949) [9.27] (Dedicated to Jolanda Rodio) Gurli Plesner, mezzo-soprano, Herman D. Koppel, piano Private recording from radio broadcast 1969 Two Psalms for soprano and piano, Op. 55 (1951) [6.08] Lone Koppel, soprano, Herman D. Koppel, piano Recorded by DR 6 February 1965 Two biblical songs for soprano and piano, Op. 59 (1955) [5,48] Lone Koppel, soprano, Herman D. Koppel, piano Recorded by DR 6 February 1965 Psalm 42 for soprano and piano, Op. 68 (1960) [8.23] (Dedicated to Lone Koppel) Lone Koppel, soprano, Herman D. Koppel, piano Recorded by DR 17 July 1981 Three songs on Psalm 142, the Song of Songs and Psalm 100, Op. 96 (1975-76) [9.00] (Dedicated to my beloved wife) Lone Koppel, soprano, Herman D. Koppel, piano Recorded by DR 17 July 1981 Two songs on poems by Johannes V. Jensen for tenor and piano, Op. 51 (1950) [7.30] (Dedicated to Gerd Schiøtz) Kurt Westi, tenor, Herman D. Koppel, piano Recorded by DR 6 June 1977 Six songs on poems by Paul la Cour for soprano and piano, Op. 54 (1951) [12.56] Lone Koppel, soprano, Herman D. Koppel, piano Private recording from radio broadcast 1963 Five songs on poems by Paul la Cour for soprano and piano, Op. 64 (1957) [9.55] (Dedicated to Lone) Lone Koppel, soprano, Herman D. Koppel, piano Private recording from radio broadcast 1963 Three songs on poems by Nelly Sachs, Op. 84 (1971) [8.20] (Dedicated to Lone Koppel) Lone Koppel, soprano, Herman D. Koppel, piano Recorded by DR 17 July 1981 Three songs on poems by Tom Kristensen and Paul la Cour for soprano and piano, Op. 119 (1989) [10.28] (Dedicated to Lone) Lone Koppel, soprano, Nikolaj Koppel, piano Recorded by DR live 1990 Three songs on poems by Verner von Heidenstam, Gustav Fröding and Erik Gustaf Geijer, Op. 121 (1990) [6.04] (Dedicated to Björn) Björn Asker, baritone, Nikolaj Koppel, piano Recorded by SR (Radio Sweden) 15 June 1991 DANACORD DACOCD 567-68 [77.37 + 64.13] [JW]

I was not taken with his vocal and choral music in nearly the same way as I was with his concertos, solo piano and chamber works. ... see Full Review

Thomas KOPPEL (1944 – 2006) Moonchild’s Dream (1990/1)a [18:52] Nele’s Dance (1991)b [18:38] Los Angeles Street Concerto (1999)c [13:20] Michala Petri (recorders); Lars Hannibal (archlute)b; Copenhagen Philharmonic Orchestraa; Kremerata Balticac; Bo Holten (conductor)a rec. Lyngby Kulturhus, Copenhagen, November 2005 (Moonchild’s Dream); Danish Radio Concert Hall, November 2005 (Nele’s Dance) and Great Guild Concert Hall, Riga, April 2004 (Los Angeles Street Concerto) DACAPO 8.226021 [50:57] [HC]

No earthshaking masterpieces, but three attractive works that have you whistling the tunes long afterwards. ... see Full Review

Franz LEHÁR (1870 – 1948) Highlights (in French) Le Tsarévitch (Der Zarewitsch) (1927) [8:34] Introduction; Chanson de la Volga; Un beau rêve Giuditta (1934) [13:39] Oh, signora, oh signora; Sur mes lèvres; Oh, ma belle étoile Frédérique (Friederike) (1928) [10:20] Overture; Chantez, oiseaux; Quatuor des étudiants; Duo de la belle Alsacienne; Ah, pourquoi m’as-tu pris mon coeur? Le Comte de Luxembourg (Der Graf von Luxemburg) (1909) [25:12] Entrée du comte; Entrée de Suzanne; Duo Suzanne – Fernand; Suzanne; Duo Basil – Juliette; Duo Suzanne – Fernand; Romance de Suzanne et Brissard; Duo Suzanne – Fernand; Finale La danse de libellules (Libellentanz) (1922) [12:26] Lina Dachary, Anita Ammersfeld (sopranos), Remi Corazza, Alain Vanzo, Henri Legay (tenors), Aimé Doniat, André Dran (baritones) Chorus and Orchestre Lyrique of the ORTF/Adolphe Sibert rec. studios, ORTF, Radio France, Paris, 1966 (La danse des libellules), 1970 and 1980 (Giuditta) and 1971 NAXOS 8.111010 [70:11] [RH]

Style and charm personified ... see Full Review

Guillaume LEKEU (1870–1894) Piano Trio in C minor (1891) [40:47]
Arthur de GREEF (1862–1940) Piano Trio in F minor (1935) [20:55] Narziss und Goldmund Piano Trio (Wietse Beels, violin; Mieke De Lauré, cello; Piet Kuijken, piano) rec. Academiezaal, Sint Truiden, July 2005 PHAEDRA 92046 [61:43] [HC]

A very fine release ... warmly expressive, late-romantic music. ... see Full Review

Franciszek LESSEL (1780-1838) String Quartet No. E in B-flat, Op. 19 (1824) [26:20] Flute Quartet in G Op. 3 (1806) [24:22]* Winlanow String Quartet (Tadeusz Gadzina (violin 1); Pavel Losakiewicz (violin 2); Ryszard Duz (viola); Marian Wasiolka (cello); *Elzbieta Gajewska (flute)) rec. IDEA studio, Poland 1998 ACTE PRÉALABLE AP0006 [51:15] [DB]

An extremely enjoyable program of works written under the Haydn influence... 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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