ALPHABETICAL LISTING

 

John CAGE (1912-1992) Sonatas & Interludes for prepared piano (1946-1948): Sonatas I-IV; First Interlude; Sonatas V-VIII; Second Interlude; Third Interlude; Sonatas IX-XII; Fourth Interlude; Sonatas XIII-XVI John Tilbury (prepared piano) rec. All Saint’s, Petersham, December 1974. ADD EXPLORE EXP0004 [62:45] [DC]

Excellent recording and performance. ... see Full Review

Innovations: Music by Camilleri, Stravinsky and Bartok Charles CAMILLERI (b. 1931) Concerto for Two Pianos and Percussion (2005) [20.59] Igor STRAVINSKY (1882-1971) The Rite of Spring (1912-13 revised 1947) Reduction for piano duet by the composer. [34.18] Bela BARTOK (1881-1945) Sonata for Two Pianos and Percussion (1937) [26.51] Kathryn Page; Murray McLachlan (piano) Heather Corbett; Stephen Burke (percussion) rec. Whiteley Hall, Manchester, 1 Sept 2005, 28 Jan 2006. DDD. Stereo DUNELM RECORDS DRDO258. [2 CDs: 82:11] [JW]

An ingenious, challenging and successful recital, excellently planned and played, bringing us a triptych of works for the chosen ensemble ... see Full Review

Romeo CASCARINO (1922-2002) Pygmalion (1956) [18:14] Portrait of Galatea (1952) [11:12] Blades of Grass (1945) [7:26] Prospice (1948) [19:43] Meditation and Elegy (2000) [5:35] The Acadian Land (1960) [13:52] Philadelphia Philharmonia/JoAnn Falletta rec. First Presbyterian Church, Germantown, PA, 7-10 November 2005. NAXOS 8.559266 [76:02][KS]

Rich textured with sweeping gestures … music that deserves occasional performance … Cascarino’s tendency to write only in slow tempi makes this a disc for individual sampling rather than hearing in a single sitting. ... see Full Review

Alfredo CASELLA (1893-1947) Triple Concerto Op.56 (1933) [26:57]¹ Violin Concerto in A minor Op.48 (1928) [32:16]² Matthias Wollong (violin) Danjuio Ishizaka (cello) Frank Immo Zichner (piano) Berlin Radio Symphony Orchestra/Michael Sanderling¹; Vladimir Jurowski² rec. Rundfunk Berlin Brandenburg. July 1999 (Violin Concerto) and Jesus-Christus Kirche, Berlin November-December 2005 (Triple Concerto) CAPRICCIO SACD 71 099 [59:21] [JW]

A neo-romantic pleaser and a concerto grosso charmer - previously under-tilled soil as far as the Casella catalogue is concerned. ... see Full Review

RECORDING OF THE MONTH Domenico CIMAROSA (1749–1801) Il matrimonio segreto - Comic Opera in Two Acts (1792) Dietrich Fischer-Dieskau (baritone) – Geronimo, a wealthy merchant; Julia Varady (soprano) – Elisetta, his elder daughter, promised in marriage to the Count; Arleen Augér (soprano) – Carolina, his younger daughter, secretly married to Paolino; Julia Hamari (contralto) – Fidalma, Geronimo’s sister, widow; Alberto Rinaldi (baritone) – the Count; Ryland Davies (tenor) – Paolino, young clerk to Geronimo; English Chamber Orchestra/Daniel Barenboim rec. George Watson’s College, Edinburgh, August-September 1975, Henry Wood Rehearsal Hall, London, August 1976 DEUTSCHE GRAMMOPHON 476 5303 [3 CDs: 56:45 + 59:39 + 49:40] [GF]

One of the best examples of recorded opera buffa in the entire catalogue – a true benchmark version! ... see Full Review

John CORIGLIANO (b.1938) Chaconne from The Red Violin (1998) [16:45] George ENESCO (1881-1955) Romanian Rhapsody No.1 (1901) Arr. Franz Waxman [2:26] Franz WAXMAN (1906-1967) Tristan and Isolde Fantasia* (1946) [11:02] John ADAMS (b.1947) Violin Concerto (1993) [33:36] Chloë Hanslip (violin) Charles Owen (piano*) Royal Philharmonic Orchestra/Leonard Slatkin rec. Abbey Road Studio I, London, 11-13 December 2005 NAXOS 8.559302 [63:49] [DC][RB]

Another superbly engineered and marvellously well performed production from Naxos. [DC]
A lovely disc which adds valuably to the Naxos American Classics marque. More from Chloë Hanslip please.[RB] ... see Full Review

Corsen plays Corsen Joseph Sickman CORSEN (1853-1911) Simpatia - waltz [2:03]; Un Desco - waltz [2:13]; Amorosa - danza [2:20]; 2e Mazurka Nocturne - mazurka [5:44]; Wals No 6 [2:16]; Nelly - polka [1:36]; Meditacion [5:19]; Wals No 5 [3:02]; La Mariposa - danza [3:59]; Un Sueno - waltz [3:03]; Amicitia - serenade [2’36]; Mazurka [2:44]; Wals No 11 [3:03]; Nocturne [5:58]; El Lisonjero – waltz [1:33]; Denny - danza [3:52]; Tic-Tac - polka [1:21]; Wals No 12 [4:01]; Reverie (3:00]; El Venezolano - waltz [1:40]; La Elegante - mazurka [1:55]; 1893 – waltz [2:01]; 1888 - waltz [3:14] Randal Corsen (piano) rec. 4-5 December 2004, Studio Steurbaut, Gent, Belgium. FINELINE CLASSICAL FL 72408 [69:16][ZT]

Having heard this unjustifiably obscure music played so well, one cannot help feeling inspired and musically enriched. ... see Full Review

Carl CZERNY (1791-1857) Three Sonatas for Piano Four Hands Sonata Militaire et Brillante, Op. 11 (1826) [23:02];. Sonata Sentimentale, Op. 120 (1826) [26:02]; Sonata Pastorale, Op. 121 (1826) [19:26] Diane Andersen, Daniel Blumenthal (piano, four hands). rec. No dates or locations given. DDD TALENT DOM 2910 62 [70:38] [CC]

Grand fun, then. Whether all three sonatas in a row is a good idea depends on how much light-hearted happiness you can take in one sitting, but this disc is certainly worth dipping into. ... see Full Review

Brian Blyth DAUBNEY (b. 1929) October Roses – The songs of Brian Blyth Daubney The Lent Lily [2:19]^a; March [2:56]^a; A Rose for Lidice [5:08]^a; She hath an Art [1:26]^a; Autumn, the Fool [1:52]^b; Echo and Narcissus [2:16]^b; The Frost [1:34]^b; Helen in Sparta [2:47]^b; Goblin Song [2:21]^b; Mother Redcap [2:59]^a; Hospital Grapes [2:54]^a; Young Friend [3:00]^a; The Singer [2:40]^a; I must go and sleep [2:37]^a; Absence [3:06]^b; Dirge for a Lady [2:58]^b; John Anderson, my Jo [1:44]^b; Wantage Bells [1:57]^b; Shed No Tear [2:55]^b; Natura Naturans [1:37]^b; The Storm [2:01]^a; The Lake Isle of Innisfree [3:19]^a; The Folly of Being Comforted [2:57]^a; The Sigh [4:33]^a; Lyonnesse [3:08]^a; The Fiddler of Dooney [1:35]^a; On the Death of Anne Brontë [4:05]^b; The Cloths of Heaven [1:39]^b; October Roses [1:26]^b; Resurrection Spiritual [2:58]^b Anna Dennis (soprano)^b; William Berger (baritone)^a; John Talbot (piano) rec. Music Hall of the Guildhall School of Music and Drama, London, May-June 2006 BRITISH MUSIC SOCIETY BMSCD433 [79:00] [HC]

All thirty of these songs are very fine. They may not add anything new to the long British tradition of song-writing but they certainly breathe fresh air into it. A most welcome release. ... see Full Review

Xavier DAYER (b.1972) Bientôt, dispersés par le vent (2003) [14:11] ¹ Sonnet VIII (2004) [15:49] ² To the Sea (hommage à Cy Twombly) (1999) [8:42] ³ Sonnet X (2004) [11:59] ⁴ Because the string’s lost and the plan forgot: Sonnet XVIII (2001) [12:40] ^{5 1} SWR-Vokalensemble Stuttgart / Rupert Huber; ² Ensemble Contrechamps / Jurjen Hempel; ³ Felix Renggli (alto flute); ⁴ Finnish Radio Chamber Choir / Timo Nuoranne; ⁵ Orchestre de la Suisse Romande / Arturo Tamayo rec. ¹ (live) 12 September 2003, Biennale Berne, Swiss Radio DRS2; ² (live) 14 November 2004, Tonhalle Zurich, Swiss Radio DRS2; ³ 2000, Swiss Radio DRS2; ⁴ 2 July 2004, l’Eglise du Collège St-Michel, Fribourg; ⁵ 16 May 2001, Victoria Hall, Geneva. DDD. MUSIQUES GRAMMONT PORTRAIT SUISSES MGB CTS-M 92 [63:50][GPu]

An intriguing introduction to the work of a Swiss composer, more of whose work we shall surely hear in the future … see Full Review

Peter DICKINSON (b. 1934) Pianos Voices And Brass Bach in Blue (2004)^a [6:20] Winter Afternoons (1971)^b [10:56] Five Diversions (1963)^a [10:16] Sonatas for Piano with Tape Playback (1987)^c [19:50] Four Easy Pieces (1965)^a [5:37] Eight Very Easy Pieces (1979)^a [5:14] The Unicorns (1982)^d [15:08] Elisabeth Söderström (soprano)^d; Peter Dickinson (piano)^a; Eric Parkin (piano)^c; The King’s Singers^b; Rodney Slatford (double bass)^b; Solna Brass^d; Lars-Gunnar Björklund^d rec. Potton Hall, Suffolk, November 2004 (Bach in Blue, Diversions, Four Easy Pieces, Eight Very Easy Pieces); EMI, 1974 (Winter Afternoons); BBC, St George’s, Brandon Hill, Bristol, October 1988 (Sonatas) and Studio 4, Swedish Radio, Stockholm, November 1982 (The Unicorns) ALBANY TROY 760 [78:18] [HC]

Peter Dickinson’s music has been neglected for too long … his admirers here have many good reasons to rejoice ... see Full Review

Antonín DVOŘÁK (1841-1904) Symphony No. 9 in E minor, Op. 95/B178 (1893) [45:01]. Zdenĕk FIBICH (1850-1900) Podvečer (At twilight), Op. 39 (1893) [16:10] Philharmonia Hungarica/Jan Valach. rec. No details given. DDD TALENT SACD DOM 2929 [61:14][CC]

If you really want the Fibich, then this is an acceptable performance. But there are so many fine New Worlds that a recommendation is frankly difficult here. ... see Full Review

Antonín DVOŘÁK (1841-1904) Requiem Op. 89 (1890) [94:59] Biblical Songs, Op. 99 (1894) [19:08]: (No. 1 Rings um den Herrn sind Wolken und Dunkel [2:29]; No. 3 Gott, erhöre mein inniges Flehen [3:46]; No. 4 Gott ist mein Hirte [3:45]; No. 7 An den Wassern zu Babylon sassen wir [3:32]; No. 8 Wende dich zu mir [3:31]; No. 10 Singet ein neues Lied [2:05]) Op. 89: Maria Stader (soprano), Siegliende Wagner (contralto), Ernst Haefliger (tenor), Kim Borg (bass), Czech Chorus, Prague, Czech Philharmonic Orchestra/Karel Ančerl Op. 99: Dietrich Fischer-Dieskau (baritone), Jörg Demus (piano) rec. Rudolfinum, Prague, January and February 1959 (Op. 89); Studio Lankwitz, Berlin, April 1960 (Op. 99) DEUTSCHE GRAMMOPHON 476 5307 [72:40 + 41:34][GF]

Singing and playing of the highest order in a splendid recording that totally belies its 47 years make this an utterly desirable purchase. ... see Full Review

BARGAIN OF THE MONTH Edward ELGAR (1857-1934) Elgar Orchestral Works conducted by Sir John Barbirolli CD 1 [67:43]
Symphony No. 1, Introduction and Allegro, CD 2 [65:24] Symphony No. 2, Elegy, Sospiri, CD 3 [63:14] Falstaff, Cockaigne, Froissart, CD 4 [72:55] Enigma Variations, Pomp & Circumstance Marches Nos. 1-5, Serenade, CD 5 [53:45] Sea Pictures, Cello Concerto, Janet Baker (mezzo) ; Jacqueline du Pré (cello) Allegri String Quartet Sinfonia of London/John Barbirolli ; Philharmonia Orchestra/Sir John Barbirolli ; Hallé Orchestra/Sir John Barbirolli ; New Philharmonia Orchestra/Sir John Barbirolli ; London Symphony Orchestra/Sir John Barbirolli EMI CLASSICS 3 67918 2 [5 CDs: 67:43 + 65:24 + 63:14 + 72:55 + 53:45] [RB]

This is a commanding Christmas bargain. Readings that are still exciting, eccentrically blighted and blessed, magnificent and suffused with radiant personality. ... see Full Review

Edward ELGAR (1865-1934) Symphony No. 2 in E flat major op. 63 [56:35] Alun HODDINOTT (b. 1929) Investiture Dances (1969) [8.22] National Youth Orchestra of Wales/Owain Arwel Hughes rec. Prichard-Jones Hall, Bangor, 18-19 April 2006. DDD THE DIVINE ART 25045 [64:57][RB]

This version of Elgar 2 has a lot going for it but it is not going to dislodge the favoured few. The Hoddinott Dances are superbly carried off ... see Full Review

BARGAIN OF THE MONTH Sir Edward ELGAR (1857-1934) Orchestral Miniatures Froissart Overture Op. 19 (1890) [14:02]; May Song (1901 orch. 1928) [4:04]; Carissima (1913) [3:44]; Romance for Bassoon and Orchestra Op. 62 (1910) [5:18]; Three Characteristic Pieces Op. 10 (1882/99) [12:02]; Minuet Op. 21 (1897/9) [4:26]; Chanson de Nuit Op. 15 no. 1 (1897) [4:26]; Chanson de Matin (1898) [3:37]; Three Bavarian Dances (1895) [12:15] Preman Tilson (bassoon) New Zealand Symphony Orchestra/James Judd rec. Michael Fowler Centre, Wellington, New Zealand, 6-8 April 2004 NAXOS 8.557577 [64:04][GH]

A delightful disc with attractive and thoughtful performances and at a budget price. This particular combination of pieces has not been put together before and probably never will again, so snap it up. ... see Full Review

Edward Elgar (1857-1934) Piano Music Sonatina in G major (1887 rev. 1930) [4:08] Dream Children Op.43 (1902 orchestral version) [6:16] Une Idylle Op.4 No.1 (1884) [4:10] Carissima (1913) [4:14] May Song (1901) [4:16] Douce Pensée (Rosemary) (1882) [2:44] Echo’s Dance (adapted and transcribed from The Sanquine Fan, Op.81 No.7 Allegro) (1916) [2:11] Serenade Mauresque: No. 2 of Three Characteristic Pieces, Op.10 (1899) [5:59] Enigma Variations, Op.36 (1899) [32:48] Ashley Wass, piano rec. St George’s Church, Brandon Hill, Bristol, 30 January-1 February 2006. DDD NAXOS 8.570166 [66:58][JF]

I was seriously impressed by the clarity of the Enigma piano arrangement ... see Full Review

Edward ELGAR (1857-1934) Falstaff, Op. 68, Symphonic Study in C minor (1913) [35:44] Romance for Bassoon and Orchestra, Op. 62 (1910) [5:42]* Grania and Diarmid, Op. 42: Incidental Music and Funeral March (1901) [9:55] Froissart, Concert Overture, Op. 19 (1890/1901) [14:54] Graham Sheen (bassoon)* BBC Symphony Orchestra/Andrew Davis rec. St. Augustine's Church, London, March 1995 WARNER APEX 2564-62200-2 [66:15] [SV]

Sonorous weight balanced by a springy, buoyant rhythmic impulse. ... see Full Review

Bechara EL-KHOURY (b.1957) New York, Tears and Hope for orchestra Op. 65 (2001/2005) [15:01] Sextet for Violins performed by 24 violins Op. 58 (1996) [4:56] Les Fleuves engloutis for orchestra Op. 64 (2001) [13:23] Waves, for solo piano Op. 60 (1998) [11:43] Forgotten Fragments for piano Op. 66 (2002) [7:07] London Symphony Orchestra/Martyn Brabbins (opp. 58, 65); London Symphony Orchestra/Daniel Harding (op. 64); Dimitri Vassilakis (piano) rec. Studio 1 Abbey Road Studio, 22 January 2006 (opp. 58, 65); Classic fm, live, The Barbican, London, 30 October 2003 (op. 64); live, Radio France 9 February 2003, 29 May 2005 (opp. 60, 66) NAXOS 8.570134 [52:10] [GH]

Important works by a strikingly original composer. Music that does not turn away from difficult contemporary issues. ... see Full Review

Eduard ERDMANN (1896-1958) Symphony No. 4, Op. 20 (1951) [34:37] Monogramme (Eine kleine Serenade für Orchester), Op. 22 (1955) [11:13] Ständchen für kleines Orchester, Op. 16 (1930) [15:47] Brandenburgisches Staatsorchester Frankfurt /Israel Yinon rec. Carl Philipp Emanuel Bach Konzerthalle, Frankfurt, 5-9 April 2005. CPO 777 175-2 [61:57] [KS]

A dark impressionist … fresh, original and sometimes dissonant style and harmonic language ... not without melodic interest. Music that requires you to listen ... see Full Review

Ernest VAN DER EYKEN (b. 1913) String Quartet No.2 (1943)^a [18:28] Twee melodieën (1942)^b [8:46] Trio per flauto, violino e viola (1989)^c [20:38] Sonatine voor Sofie (1983)^d [6:36] Concerto per otto strumenti a fiato (1999)^e [15:46] Maté Szücs (viola)^b; Jozef de Beenhouwer (piano)^bd; Denis Pierre Gustin (flute)^c; André Siwi (violin)^c; Thèrèse Marie Gilissen (viola)^c; Nuove Musiche String Quartet^a; Wind Ensemble Bellerophon, Jan de Maeyer^e rec. Studio The Right Place, Brussels, January 2006 (String Quartet No.2, Twee melodieën, Sonatine); Royal Music Conservatory, Brussels, January 1999 (Trio); (live) Festival of Flanders, Mechelen, October 2000 (Concerto) In Flander's Field Vol 47 PHAEDRA 92047 [70:14] [HC]

Superbly crafted, serious and sincere music certainly deserves to be heard. Simply too good to be ignored. Give this a try and I am sure that you will not be disappointed. ... see Full Review

Gerald FINZI (1901-1956) Earth and Air and Rain, Op. 15 (1928-32) [31:39] Summer Schemes [2:34]; When I set out for Lyonesse [2:06]; Waiting both [3:24]; The phantom [3:45]; So I have fared [2:49]; Rollicum-Rorum [1:41]; To Lizbie Browne [4:01]; The Clock of the Years [4:24]; In a churchyard [3:51]; Proud Songsters [3:05] To a Poet, Op. 13a (1921-56) [17:02] To a poet a thousand years hence [5:02]; On parent knees [1:33]; Intrada [1:34]; The birthnight [1:45]; June on Castle Hill [2:01]; Ode on the rejection of St. Cecilia [5:07] By Footpath and Stile, Op. 2 (1921-22) [23:14] Paying calls [3:47]; Where the picnic was [4:04]; The oxen [2:42]; The master and the leaves [2:49]; Voices from things growing in a churchyard [6:34]; Exeunt omnes [3:17] Roderick Williams (baritone) Iain Burnside (piano) (Op. 15; Op. 13a); Sacconi Quartet (Op. 2) rec. Potton Hall, Suffolk, UK, 27-28 August 2005 (Opp. 15, 13a); 10 January 2006 (Op. 2) DDD NAXOS 8.557963 [71:54] [MC]

Any lover of English songs would want to obtain this Naxos issue. ... see Full Review

Harold FRASER-SIMSON (1872-1944) The Maid of the Mountains (1916) Teresa – Janis Kelly (soprano) Beppo – Christopher Maltman (baritone) Baldassare – Michael George (bass) Tonio – Richard Suart (baritone) Vittoria – Sally Burgess (mezzo-soprano) General Malona – Donald Maxwell (bass) New London Light Opera Chorus New London Orchestra/Ronald Corp rec. St Jude-on-the-Hill, Hampstead, London, March 2000 HELIOS CDH55246 [79:48] [JW]

A veritably enjoyable slice of British musical theatre. ... see Full Review

Lillian FUCHS (1902-1995) Complete Music for Unaccompanied Viola Sixteen Fantasy Studies (1959) [42:10] Sonata Pastorale for Unaccompanied Viola (1956) [12:04] Fifteen Characteristic Studies for Viola (1965) [32:25] Twelve Caprices for Viola (1950) [26:20] Jeanne Mallow (viola) rec. 17-21 July, 27-29 September 2003, St. John Chrysostom Church, Newmarket, Ontario, Canada NAXOS 8.557932-33 [54:14 + 58:46][DB]

Rarely-heard works of varying depth, enjoyably played. ... see Full Review

Roberto GERHARD (1896-1970) The Plague for speaker, chorus and orchestra (1963-4) [44.04] Alec McCowen (speaker) National Symphony Orchestra and Chorus Washington DC/Antal Dorati rec. Constitution Hall, Washington D.C., 11 May 1973. ADD first released as Decca Headline HEAD 6, 1974. EXPLORE EXP 0005 [44.04][RB]

A grim classic of the twelve-tone repertoire - rarely encountered and superbly done here ... see Full Review

George GERSHWIN (1896-1937) Rhapsody in Blue (1924) [16:41] Piano Concerto in F (1925) [32:33] Prelude No.2 [6:39] Michel Camilo (piano) Orquestra Simfonica de Barcelona i Nacional de Catalunya/Ernest Martinez Izquierdo rec. L'Auditori, Barcelona, Spain, 2-4 February 2005. DDD TELARC CD-83611 [56:12][TP]

A winner. ... see Full Review

RECORDING OF THE MONTH Orlando GIBBONS (1583-1625)
Keyboard Music Fantasia, MB10¹ [2:25] A Fancy, MB3; Fantasia, MB8¹ [5:13] The Queen’s Command, MB28² [1:30] Pavan, MB17; Galliard, MB23² [4:56] Ground, MB26² [2:33] Alman, MB33; Coranto, MB40² [2:53] The Italian Ground, MB27² [1:54] Verse, MB4; Fantasia of 4 parts, MB12¹ [6:24] Prelude, MB1³ [1:38] Pavan: Lord Salisbury, MB18; Galliard, MB19³ [5:59] Alman: The King’s Jewel, MB36; Alman, MB37³ [3:39] Pavan, MB16³ [5:31] Galliard, MB21; Galliard, MB22³ [5:07] Lincoln’s Inn Masque, MB44; The Queen’s Command, MB28³ [2:39] Christopher Hogwood (¹cabinet organ, ²Italian spinet, ³harpsichord) rec. Victoria and Albert Museum, London, April 1975. ADD EXPLORE RECORDS EXP 0006 [53:20] [MG]

The classic recording of Gibbons’ keyboard music with playing unsurpassed by its successors … see Full Review

Edvard GRIEG (1843-1907) Holberg Suite Op. 40 [20:36] Two Elegiac Melodies Op. 34 [6:52] Two Nordic Melodies Op. 63 [11:12] Death of Aase (from Peer Gynt Op. 23) [3:30] Ceremonial March (from Sigurd Jorsalfar, Op. 56) [8:53] Lyric Pieces Op. 54 [17:04]* Wedding Day at Troldhaugen [5:40]** National Philharmonic Orchestra/Willi Boskovsky London Symphony Orchestra/Stanley Black* London Proms Symphony Orchestra/Sir Charles Mackerras** rec. Kingsway Hall, London, December 1974; *May 1969 Decca Studio 3, West Hampstead, London; **London 1960. DDD DECCA ELOQUENCE 476 8494 [74:22][DB]

A varied but enjoyable collection of London performances from the 1960s. ... see Full Review

BARGAIN OF THE MONTH Edvard GRIEG (1843-1907) Lyric Pieces CD 1 Lyric Pieces (8), Book 1, Op. 12 (1867) Lyric Pieces (8), Book 2, Op. 38 (1883) Lyric Pieces (6), Book 3, Op. 43 (1886) Lyric Pieces (7), Book 4, Op. 47 (1885-1888) CD 2 Lyric Pieces (6), Book 5, Op. 54 (1891)  Lyric Pieces (6), Book 6, Op. 57 (1893) Lyric Pieces (6), Book 7, Op. 62 (1895) CD 3  Lyric Pieces (6), Book 8, Op. 65 (1897) Lyric Pieces (6), Book 9, Op. 68 (1898) Lyric Pieces (7), Book 10, Op. 71 (1901) Aldo Ciccolini (piano) rec. Paris, 2004 (exact date and location not given) CASCAVELLE VEL3083 [3 CDs: 61:23 + 62:33 + 59:04] [DC]

Confirms Ciccolini’s place as one of the great pianists of our time. ... see Full Review

Francisco GUERRERO (1527-1598) Canciones y Villanescas Espirituales (published 1589) La Trulla de Bozes/Carlos Sandua Instrumental Ensemble rec. Monastery of Loreto, Seville, June 2005 ALMAVIVA DS0143 [65:17] [JW]

Try La Trulla de Bozes for an expressive and powerful look at the Canciones ... see Full Review

Jesús GURIDI (1886–1961) El Caserío (1926) Vicente Sardinero (baritone) - Santi; Ana Rodrigo (soprano) - Ana Mari; Emilio Sánchez (tenor) - José Miguel; Felipe Nieto (tenor) - Chomín; Fernando Latorre (tenor) - Don Leoncio, Don Jesusito, Manú; Maria José Suárez (soprano) -  Eustasia, Inosensia. Sociedad Coral de Bilbao/Gorka Sierra; Orquesta Sinfónica de Bilbao/Juan José Mena rec. Conservatorio Jesús Guridi, Vitoria-Gasteiz, Alava, Spain, 10-23 August 2001. DDD NAXOS 8.557632 [78:33][HC]

An attractive zarzuela. I am sure that if you love Rodrigo’s or Turina’s music will find much to enjoy here. I certainly did. ... see Full Review

Georg Frideric HANDEL (1685-1759) Largo from Xerxes (Ombra mai fu) HWV40 [3:34] Waft Her, Angels, through the Skies from Jephtha HWV70 [4:19] Lascia ch'io pianga (Let me lament) from Rinaldo, HWV7 [4:19] Courante from Keyboard Suite No. 1 in A major, HWV246 [3:36] Silent Worship ('Non lo dirò col labbro', from Tolomeo, re di Egitto, HWV25) arranged Arthur Somervell [2;12] The Arrival of the Queen of Sheba from Solomon, HWV67 arranged Walsh [3:12] Air from Water Music Suite No. 1 in F major, HWV348 [3:53] V'adoro pupille (O eyes, I adore you) from Giulio Cesare in Egitto, HWV17 arr. Beon Passacaille [6:01] Pifa (Pastoral Symphony) from Messiah, HWV56 [3:16] O Sleep, Why Dost Thou Leave Me? from Semele HWV58 [3:06] Where’er You Walk from Semele HWV58 [3:38] Minuet I and II from the Water Music Suite No.3 in G major HWV350 [3:20] Verdi, parati selve amene from Alcina HWV34 [2:48] Air in B flat major HWV470 [1:52] I Know that my Redeemer Liveth from Messiah HWV56 [6:32] Cavatina; Quando mai spietata sorte from Radamisto HWV12 [2:44] Largo from Xerxes (Ombra mai fu) HWV40 [2:42] Mauro GIULIANI (1781-1829) Variations on a Theme by Handel “Harmonious Blacksmith”Op.107 (excerpt only) [1:16] West Australian Symphony Orchestra/David Measham Kirsten Barry (baroque oboe)/Australian Brandenburg Orchestra/Paul Dyer Yvonne Kenny (soprano)/ Australian Brandenburg Orchestra/Paul Dyer David Stanhope (piano) David Hobson (tenor)/Sinfonia Australis/Antony Walker Guitar Trek Queensland Orchestra/Ola Rudner Marshall McGuire (harp) Sinfonia Australis/Guy Noble Slava Grigoryan (guitar) Howard Oberg (descant recorder)/Australian Brandenburg Orchestra/Paul Dyer Graham Pushee (counter tenor)/Australian Brandenburg Orchestra/Paul Dyer John O’Donnell (organ) Sara Macliver (soprano)/Orchestra of the Antipodes/Antony Walker Jamie Hey (cello): Kirsten Barry (oboe)/Australian Brandenburg Orchestra/Paul Dyer No recording details ABC CLASSICS ABC 476 9421 [67:05][JW]

Entry-level for this disc is that of the avowed non-specialist…a compilation disc with a cunning amount of variety  ... see Full Review

Humiwo HAYASAKA (1914-1955) Piano Concerto (1948) [32:41] Ancient Dances on the Left and on the Right (1941) [10:39] Overture in D major (1939) [9:32] Hiromi Okada (piano) Russian Philharmonic Symphony Orchestra/Dmitry Yablonsky rec. Studio 5, State Broadcasting, Moscow, Russia, 29 April 2005-5 May 2005 NAXOS JAPANESE CLASSICS 8.557819 [52:51][RB]

A well documented disc too easily lost in the torrent of new releases. The music is attractive in a rather conservative way – especially the Piano Concerto.... see Full Review

De l’aurore au zénith Franz Joseph HAYDN (1732-1809) Piano Sonatas: No. 11 in B flat, HobXVI:2 (c1760) [15:08]; No. 59 in E flat, HobXVI:49 (1789/90) [18:09] Wolfgang Amadeus MOZART (1756-1791) Piano Sonatas: No. 4 in E flat, K282/K189g (1775) (15:12); No. 17 in B flat, K570 (1789) [19:36] Claude-Marie Le Guay (piano). rec. Salle Akustika, Paris, 27-30 September 1994. DDD ACCORD SACD 476 9154   [68:05][CC]

There is no doubting Le Guay’s talent … It will be interesting to track her career trajectory. ... see Full Review

Hans Werner HENZE (b. 1926) Violin Concerto No. 1 (1946) [26:57] Violin Concerto No. 3 (1997 (Esmeralda, Das Kind Echo, Rudi S) [33:24] Five Night-Pieces (1990 (Elegie, Capriccio, Shepherd's Song I, Shepherd's Song II, Ode) [9:09] Peter Sheppard Skaerved (violin) Aaron Schorr (piano); Saarbrucken Radio Symphony Orchestra/Christopher Lyndon-Gee. rec. Grosse Sendesaal, Saarbrucken, Germany, 14-17 September 2004 NAXOS 8.557738 [69:30] [JWi]

High quality playing of very original and stimulating music all at the usual bargain price. The recording quality is very creditable too. ... see Full Review

Philippe HERSANT (b. 1948) Paysage avec ruines (1999)^a [20:30] Im fremden Land (2003)^b [21:10] Chants du Sud (1996)^c [11:07] Missa Brevis (1986)^d [17:45] Luisa Islam Ali Zade (mezzo)^a; Hélène Collerette (violin)^c; Jérôme Comte (clarinet)^b; Alice Ader (piano)^b; Quatuor Renoir^b; Musicatreize^d; Orchestre Philharmonique de Radio France^ad; Ernest Martinez Izquierdo^a, Roland Hayrabedian^d rec. Radio France, February 2004 DENSITE 21 DE005 [70:40][HC]

Music with a strong direct appeal …. a most desirable release. ... see Full Review

Alun HODDINOTT (b. 1929) Dives and Lazarus Op.39 (1965)^a [14:38] Viola Concertino Op.14 (1958)^b [21:56] Nocturnes and Cadenzas Op.62 (1969)^c [20:59] Sinfonia Fidei Op.95 (1977)^d [20:24] Felicity Palmer (soprano)^a; Jill Gomez (soprano)^d; Thomas Allen (baritone)^a; Stuart Burrows (tenor)^d; Csaba Erdélyi (viola)^b; Moray Welsh (cello)^c; Welsh National Opera Chorus^a; New Philharmonia Orchestra^ab; Philharmonia Chorus^d; Philharmonia Orchestra^cd; David Atherton^ab; Sir Charles Groves^cd rec. Kingsway Hall, London, March 1975 (Dives and Lazarus, Viola Concertino) and Brent Town Hall, Wembley, Middlesex, November 1980 (Nocturnes and Cadenzas, Sinfonia Fidei) LYRITA RECORDED EDITION SRCD332 [77:57] [HC]

Full marks for these excellent re-issues that put some of Hoddinott’s superb, sincere and honest music back into the catalogue. ... see Full Review

Gustav HOLST (1874-1934) The Planets Op.32 (1916) [42:35] Marching Song Op.22 No.2 [3:16] Ralph VAUGHAN WILLIAMS (1872-1958) Symphony No.4 in F minor (1934) [29:51] London Symphony Orchestra/Gustav Holst BBC Symphony Orchestra/Ralph Vaughan Williams rec. London, 1926 (Holst), Abbey Road Studios, London, 1937 (Vaughan Williams) NAXOS 8.111048 [75:42][JW]

VW’s blistering performance of the Fourth Symphony is coupled with Holst’s second recording of the Planets but the transfers are disappointing ... see Full Review

Arthur HONEGGER (1892-1955) Sonatine VI for Violin and Violoncello in e minor (1932) [14:05] Bohuslav MARTINŮ (1890-1959) Duo for Violin and Violoncello No. 1, H. 157 (1927) [13:34] Johann Sebastian BACH (1685-1750) Canon alla Duodecima in Contrapunto alla Quinta (from Kunst der Fuge) [4:47] Matthias PINTSCHER (b.1971) Study I for “Treatise on the Veil” (2004) [11:26] Johann Sebastian BACH Canon in Hypodiapason (Canon all Ottava) (from Kunst der Fuge) [2:47] Maurice RAVEL (1875-1937) Sonata for Violin and Violoncello (1922) [18:21] Frank Peter Zimmermann (violin) Heinrich Schiff (cello) Rec. August 2004, Propstei S. Gerold and January 2005, Festeburgkirche, Frankfurt am Main (Pintscher) ECM NEW SERIES 1912 [63:31][DC]

You can stuff the luxury of string quartets - this is the CD which proves that less can be more. ... see Full Review

Johann Nepomuk HUMMEL (1778-1837) Piano Sonatas: No. 5 in F sharp minor, Op. 81 (publ. 1819) [29:05]; No. 6 in D, Op. 106 (publ. 1826) [27:19] Malcolm Binns (fortepiano: c.1825 Haschka (Op. 81); c.1830 Carl Schmidt (Op. 106)) rec. The Colt Collection, Kent, UK, August 1976. ADD EXPLORE RECORDS EXP0009 [56:55] [CC]

A timely reminder of just how fine - if not great - a composer Hummel actually was. ... see Full Review

Miriam HYDE (1913-2005) Piano Concerto No.1 in E flat minor (1933) [30:15] Piano Concerto No.2 in C sharp minor (1935) [24:56] Village Fair (1943) [11:17]+ Miriam Hyde (piano) West Australian Symphony Orchestra/Geoffrey Simon, Sydney Symphony Orchestra/Dobbs Franks + rec. 1975. ADD ABC CLASSICS ELOQUENCE 465 735-2 [66:52] [JW]

Exciting, romantic, spilling over with Rachmaninovian fervour ... see Full Review

Charles IVES (1874-1954) Symphony No.1 (1898) [37:22] Symphony No.4 (1916) [30:57] Central Park in the Dark (1906) [9:46] Dallas Symphony Chorus and Orchestra/Andrew Litton rec. live, Morton H. Myerson Symphony Center, Dallas, Jan 2006 HYPERION CDA 67540 [78:25]
Charles IVES (1874-1954) Symphony No.2 (1902) [39:50] Symphony No.3 The Camp Meeting (1907) [23:59] General William Booth enters into Heaven [5:13] Donnie Ray Albert (baritone) Dallas Symphony Chorus and Orchestra/Andrew Litton rec. live, Morton H. Myerson Symphony Center, Dallas, Sept 2004 (No.3), Jan 2006 (rest) HYPERION CDA 67525 [69:26] [TH]

An excellent pair of discs, well filled and beautifully recorded ... see Full Review

Leoš JANÁČEK (1854-1928) String Quartet No.2 Intimate Letters (1928) [25:38] Pavel HAAS (1899-1944) String Quartet No.2 Op.7 Z Opičích hor [From the Monkey Mountains] (1925) [31:46] * Pavel Haas Quartet Colin Currie (percussion) * rec. Domovina Studios, Prague, April-May 2006 SUPRAPHON SU 3877-2 [57:35] [JW]

An acutely selected example of Moravian sons and heirs ... see Full Review

John JENKINS (1592–1678) Consort Music Fantasy Suite (No. 1) in G minor; Fantasia (No. 6) in F major; Fantasy Suite (No. 17) in E minor, Fantasia (No. 8) in A minor; Newark Siege (No. 23); Galliard in D major (No. 24); Pavan (No. 51); Ayre (No. 31); Corant (No. 44); Saraband (No. 52); Fancy-Air set (No. 4) in C major; Pavan (No. 2) in G minor; Fantasia (No. 3) in G minor; Fantasia (No. 12) in D major; In Nomine (No. 1) in G minor The Consort of Musicke (Trevor Jones – director, viola, treble and bass viols; Monca Huggett – violin, Alison Bury – violin and viola, Alison Crum – treble and bass viols; Peter Trent – tenor viol; Oliver Hirsch – tenor viol; Mark Caudle – bass viole; Piet Stryckers – bass viol; Alan Wilson – organ; Anthony Rooley – theorbo) rec. St. George the Martyr, London, 11-12 May, 20 August 1981. ADD EXPLORE EXP0010 [70.32] [RH]

This is seriously satisfying music. Fine musical performances in a recording which hardly shows its age. Recommended for those wanting to explore this fascinating composer ... see Full Review

Friedrich KALKBRENNER (1785-1849) Piano Concertos: No. 1 in D minor, Op. 61 (1823) [30:39]; No. 4 in A flat, Op. 127 (1835) [28:17] Tasmanian Symphony Orchestra/Howard Shelley (piano).rec. Federation Concert Hall, Hobart, Tasmana, 24-27 May 2005. DDD The Romantic Piano Concerto, Volume 41 HYPERION CDA67535 [59:11] [CC]

Hyperion’s Romantic Piano Concerto series is one of the most significant recording ventures in front of the public today ... Explorers of the peripheries of the repertoire will enjoy this disc enormously. ... see Full Review

Eleni KARAINDROU (b. 1939) Elegy of the Uprooting (2005) CD 1 Prayer; Refugee’s Theme; The Weeping Meadow; Dance; An ode of tears; For the Phrygian land vast mourning; By the Sea; Depart and Eternity Theme; Rosa’s Aria ; Memories; Hecuba’s Lament / Hecuba’s Theme II; Telamon, you came to conquer our town; The city that gave birth to you ; was consumed by fire; An ode of tears; Theme of the Uprooting I; The Weeping Meadow II; Voyage; Voyage to Cythera; On the Road; CD 2; Parade; Return; Andromache’s Theme; The land I call home; Home of my forefathers; I wish I’m given There; Refugee’s Theme; The Seagull; Song of the Lake; Adagio – Father’s Theme; In vain the sacrifices; My beloved, your soul is wandering; Decision; Farewell Theme; Theme of the Lake; Hecuba’s Theme II; Lament for Astyanax; Exodos; The Weeping Meadow Maria Farantouri (voice) Vangelis Christopoulos(oboe); Socratis Sinopoulos Constantinople (lyra, laouto); Maria Bildea (harp); Konstantinos Raptis (accordion, bayan); (Sergiu Nastasaviolin); Renato Ripo (violoncello); Stella Gadedi (flute); Nikos Guinos (clarinet); Sopcratis Anthis (trumpet); Spyros Kazianis (bassoon); Vangelis Skouras (French horn); Aris Dimitriadis (mandolin); Christs Tsiamoulis (ney); Panos Dimitrakopoulos (kanonaki); Andreas Katsiyiannis (santouri); Andreas Papas (bendir, daouli); Eleni Karaindrou (piano) Hellenic Radio and Television Choir /Antonis Kontogeorgiou Camerata Orchestra Alexandros Myrat rec. live 17 March 2005, Megaron, Athens ECM NEW SERIES 1952 [49:35 + 43:47][DC]

Could easily be handed out in place of this winter’s heating grant for pensioners – it’s so warm you can close your eyes and bathe in sunlight and pure blue skies. ... see Full Review

Mieczysław KARŁOWICZ (1876-1909) Violin Concerto in A, Op. 8 (1902) [29.34] Karol SZYMANOWSKI (1882-1937) Violin Concerto No.1, Op. 35 (1916) [24.19] Piotr Pławner (violin) Zielona Góra Philharmonic Orchestra/Czesław Grabowski rec. December 2005, Zielona Góra Philharmonic Concert Hall, Zielona Góra, Poland. DDD DUX 0540 [54:09][ED]

A recommendable disc for the pair of violin concertos presented; they are played with spirit and adventure. ... see Full Review

Mischa KÄSER (b. 1959) Musik zu Alexander for soprano and ensemble (1995-2004) [24.06] Rosemary Hardy (soprano) Collegium Novum Zurich;Funf Stucke for clarinet and cello (1985-91) [12.46] Ernesto Molinari (clarinet); David Inniger (cello);Dupuy Tren for three recorder players (1992) [5.18] Christine Omlin; Bryony Crawford; Hans-Jurg Meier;Nebul for flute, clarinet, trombone and string trio (2000-04) [34.26] Collegium Nivum Zurich rec. 11-12 October 2004 (Musik); RadioStudio Bern 26 June 2004 (Stücke); RadioStudio Zurich 1992 (Dupuy); RadioStudio Zurich 13 October 2004 (Nebul). MUSIQUE SUISSE CTS-M 93 [69.29] [GH]

Käser has a unique voice and works in a world of rich fantasy and colour. He is aided by superb and memorable performances. ... see Full Review

Elena KATS-CHERNIN (b.1957) Chamber of Horrors Charleston Noir (1996) [8:57] Chamber of Horrors (1995) [6:42] Still Life (2001) [11:26] Gypsy Ramble (1996) [11:21] Wild Rice (1996) [7:59] Velvet Revolution for horn trio (1999) The Four Basses (Charleston Noir) Alice Giles (harp Chamber of Horrors) Patricia Pollett (viola), Patricia Pollett (piano Still Life) Perihelion (Gypsy Ramble) David Pereira (cello Wild Rice) Tall Poppies Ensemble (Velvet Revolution) rec. 1996-2005, ABC Sydney except for Still Life, Queensland Conservatorium of Music, Steinway Hall, and Velvet Revolution at University of Newcastle Concert Hall. TALL POPPIES RECORDS TP181 [61:40][DC]

If her pieces were books, they would be the nice leather-bound ones with the really good stories. ... see Full Review

Wojciech KILAR (b. 1932) Bogurodzica (Mother of God) for mixed chorus and orchestra (1975) [10:47] Piano Concerto (1997) [25:48] Siwa Mgla (Grey Mist) for baritone and orchestra (1979) [16:06] Kościelec 1909 (symphonic poem) (1976) [16:05] Waldemar Malicki (piano) Wieslaw Ochman (baritone) Warsaw National Philharmonic Choir and Orchestra/Antoni Wit rec. Warsaw Philharmonic Hall, 8-12 October, 29 November 2002. DDD NAXOS 8.557813 [68:46][CT]

A second recording of Kilar’s music from Naxos that doesn’t quite manage to live up to the strengths of the first. ... see Full Review

Anders KOPPEL (b. 1947) Concerto No. 1 for Saxophone and Orchestra (1992, rev. 2004) [29:58] Concerto No. 2 for Alto Saxophone and Orchestra (2003) [31:27] Swan Song (1987, rev. 2005) [3:30] Benjamin Koppel (saxophones) Odense Symphony Orchestra/Nicolae Moldoveanu rec. Carl Nielsen Hall, Odense, September-October 2005 DACAPO 8.226036 [64:50] [HC]

Brilliant, virtuosic and imaginative … heart-warming music. ... see Full Review

Rodolfe KREUTZER (1766-1831) Forty-Two studies for Unaccompanied Violin (integral) (1796) [120:50] Cihat Aşkin (violin) rec. 12 October 2003, MIAM Studios, Istanbul First Integral Recording KALAN CD 377 [51:30 + 69:20][DB]

The first integral recording, with a few points of interest. ... see Full Review

Thomas LARCHER (b.1963)  Ixxu String quartet (1998-2004) [13:36] My illness is the medicine I need for soprano, violin, violoncello and piano (2002) [14:16] Mumien for violoncello and piano (2001/02) [12:01] Cold Farmer String quartet (1990) [13:16] Rosamunde Quartett Andrea Lauren Brown (soprano) Christoph Poppen (violin) Thomas Demenga (violoncello) Thomas Larcher (piano) rec. July 2005, August-Everding-Saal, Grünwald ECM NEW SERIES 1967 [53:59][DC]

The musical equivalent of a strong, black cup of coffee – highly stimulating. ... see Full Review

William LAWES (1602-1645) Dialogues, Psalmes and ElegiesCome heavy heart [2:21] Charon, O Charon [4:01] Charon, o gentle Charon, let me wooe thee [3:41] Orpheus, O Orpheus, gently touch thy Lesbyan Lyre [3:04] ’Tis not Boy, thy Amorous looke [2:24] When death shall snatch us from these Kidds [4:24] The Catts as other creatures doe [1:40] Musicke, The Master of thy Art is dead [2:54] How like a widow? [5:14] John JENKINS (1592-1678) Why in this shade of night? [7:43] Henry LAWES (1596-1662) Cease, O cease ye jolly shepherds [3:38] William LAWES (1602-1645) Psalm 22 [17:49] The Consort of Musicke: Emma Kirkby, Poppy Holden (soprano); John York Skinner (countertenor); Martyn Hill, Nigel Rogers (tenor); David Thomas (bass); Trevor Jones (bass viol); Alan Wilson (organ); Anthony Rooley (lute, director) rec. April 1978, Decca Studio No.3, West Hampstead, London EXPLORE EXP0011 [59:11] [GPu]

A valuable reissue of one of the relatively few recordings of the too-little-known vocal music of the younger of the Lawes brothers … see Full Review

Ernesto LECUONA (1896–1963) Danzas Cubanas (Suite for piano solo) [18:52]: (No hablas Mas! (Speak no more) [1:48]; No puedo contigo (I cannot make you understand) [3:17]; Ahi vieni el Chino (Here comes the Chinaman) [3:28]; Por que te vas (Why do you go) [4:29]; Lola esta la Fiesta (Lola is celebrating) [3:44]; En tres por quarto (In three quarter time) [1:50]) Danzas Afro-Cubanas (Suite of Afro-cuban dances for piano solo) [18:34]: (La Conga de Media Noche (Midnight Conga) [3:31]; Danza Negra (Dance of the Black Cubans) [2:52]; …Y la Negra Bailabad [3:24]; Danza de las Ñañigos (Dance of the Nanigos) [3:20]; Danza Lucumi (Lucumi’s Dance) [3:46]; La Comparsa (Carnival Procession) [2:21]) Andalucia (Suite Española) [19:29] (Cordoba [3:06]; Andalucia [2:44]; Alhambra [3:49]; Gitanerias [2:01]; Guadalquivir [4:54]; Malaguena [3:25]) Granada [3:29] Siboney [3:38] Polly Ferman (piano) rec. dates and venue not given TALENT DOM 2910 44 [60:04] [GF]

Excellent slightly laid-back romantic playing, but Polly Ferman brings out Lecuona’s cross-over music to perfection. ... see Full Review

Franz LEHÁR (1870–1948) Eva – operetta in three acts (1911) [126:09] (with complete Dialogues) Morenike Fadayomi (soprano) – Eva; Zora Antonic (soprano) – Pipsi; Reinhard Alessandri (tenor) – Octave Flaubert; Thomas Zisterer (baritone) – Prunelles; Thomas Malik (buffo tenor) – Dagobert; Gerhard Balluch (actor) – Bernard Larousse; Karl Herbst (actor) – Voisin; Peter Andreev (bass-baritone) – Matthieu; Florian Widmann (baritone) – Fredy; Christian Giglmayr (baritone) – Teddy; Chor des Lehár Festivals Bad Ischl; Franz Lehár-Orchester/Wolfgang Bozic rec. Festspielsaal Bad Ischl, 22–24 August 2005. DDD cpo 777 148-2 [48:21 + 77:48] [GF]

A matter of swings and roundabouts, perhaps, but operetta lovers will find much to enjoy here. ... see Full Review

György LIGETI (1923-2006) The Complete Piano Music CD 1 Études pour piano, 1er livre (1985) [18:27] É tudes pour piano, 2ème livre (1988-93) [21:42] Études pour piano, 3ème livre (1995-2001) [9:58] L’arrache-cœur (1994) [4:29] CD 2 Four Early Piano Pieces (Basso Ostinato) (1941) [2:20] Induló (Allegro) (March) for piano four hands (1942) [2:06] Polifón etüd (Allegro comodo) (Polyphonic Étude) for piano four hands (1943) [1:40] Due Capricci (1947) [4:23] Allegro for piano four hands (1943) [0:39] Invention (Resoluto) (1948) [1:08] Sonatina for piano four hands (1950) [4:23] Három lakodalmi tánc (Three Wedding Dances) for piano four hands (1950) [2:56] Musica Ricercata for piano (1951-53) [1951-53] Chromatische Phantasie (1956) [5:32] Trois Bagatelles for piano (1961) [1:23] Monument – Self portrait – Movement. Three Pieces for two pianos (1976) [18:16] Fredrik Ullén rec. 1996/2004 see review for locations BIS-CD-1683/84 [55:56 + 74:30] [DC]

Stunning music, infused with a sensitivity of ear and lightness of touch which should lift your heart and bring a carnival of colours into your mind’s eye. ... see Full Review

Franz LISZT (1811-1886) Symphonic Poems, Vol. 3 No. 7: Festklänge, S101/R418 (1853) [18:57] No. 1: Ce qu'on entend sur la montagne (What is heard on the mountain), S95/R412 (1849, rev. 1850, 1877) [29:13] No. 11: Hunnenschlacht (Battle of the Huns), S105/R422 (1857) [14:14] New Zealand Symphony Orchestra/Michael Halász rec. 24-26 May 2005, Michael Fowler Centre, Wellington, New Zealand. DDD NAXOS 8.557846 [62:35] [MC]

Halász and the NZSO prove sterling advocates for these highly colourful and eventful, if often overlooked, symphonic poems. ... see Full Review

Elisabeth LUTYENS (1906–1983) Présages Op.53 (1963)^a [10:35] Motet Op.27 (1953)^b [9:46] Wind Trio Op.52 (1963)^a [9:52] Magnificat and Nunc Dimittis (1965)^b [7:41] String Trio Op.57 (1964)^a [12:24] Verses of Love (1970)^b [6:07] Fantasie Trio Op.55 (1963)^a [11:50] The Country of the Stars Op.60 (1963)^b [8:23] Endymion^a Exaudi/James Weeks^b; rec. St Jude-on-the-Hill, Hampstead, London, May 2006. NMC D124 [77:30] [HC][JF]

A fitting centenary tribute to an important composer whose vast output is undoubtedly uneven, but whose finest achievements certainly deserve wider exposure. [HC]
An attractive, interesting and often quite moving CD. [JF]... see Full Review

 

 

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