RECORDINGS
OF THE MONTH
Eyvind
ALNĆS (1872-1932) Symphonies Nos
1 & 2 - Latvian Ntl SO/Terje Mikkelsen rec.
2009 STERLING CDS 1084-2 SACD
[77.14] [PCG] Both these symphonies are
works of real substance and, happily, they get
fine performances in excellent recorded sound.
Benjamin
BRITTEN (1913-1976)
A
Midsummer Night’s Dream
- Alfred Deller, Jennifer Vyvyan, English Opera
Group O/Benjamin Britten rec. 1960 TESTAMENT
SBT21515 [71:09 + 66:40] [JQ] All
Britten enthusiasts should seek out this set
as a matter of urgency.
Ferenc FARKAS (1905-2000) Music for Wind Ensemble
-
Budapest Wind Symphony/László Marosi
rec. 2016 TOCCATA CLASSICS TOCC0349
[76:23]
[DM]
Toccata really do have the magic touch when it comes to less-familiar
repertoire; huzzahs all round!
Franz
Joseph HAYDN (1732-1809) The
Seasons - Carolyn Sampson (soprano),
Gabrieli Consort & Players, Ntl Forum Music
Ch, Wrocław Baroque O/Paul McCreesh rec.
2016 SIGNUM CLASSICS SIGCD480
[67:42 + 65:26] [JQ] A signal achievement.
Barbara HELLER (b. 1936)
Herbstmusik -
Verdi Qt, Susanne Stoodt (violin) Katharina Deserno (cello) Gesa Lücker (piano)
rec. 2015/16 WERGO WER51232 [70:54] [SSi]
This is a super disc, one which introduced me to the music of Barbara Heller, and left me longing for more.
John JOUBERT (b. 1927) Jane Eyre - April Fredrick, David Stout, English SO/Kenneth Woods rec. 2016 SOMM SOMMCD263-2 [58:19 + 66:56] [JQ] Joubert's 90th birthday celebrated with a superb recording of his rich, inventive opera.
Witold LUTOSŁAWSKI (1913-1994) Cello Concerto, Symphony No. 4 Karol SZYMANOWSKI (1882-1937) Concert Overture - Gautier Capuçon (cello) Polish Ntl Radio SO/Alexander Liebreichrec. 2016 ACCENTUS MUSIC ACC30388 [59:33] [LW] An unmissable account of Lutosławski’s Cello Concerto and a fine Fourth Symphony as well.
Gustav
MAHLER (1860-1911) Symphony
No. 9 - Bavarian RSO/Mariss
Jansons rec. 2016 BR KLASSIK 900151
[80:45] [MC] Stunning playing in a memorable
live account.
Giacomo PUCCINI
(1858-1924) Turandot
- Nina Stemme, Aleksandrs Antonenko, Ch &
O Teatro alla Scala Milano/Riccardo Chailly
DECCA 074 3938 Blu-ray [136
mins] [DBi] Puccini's final opera
with Berio's well judged completion.
A top recommendation.
Kevin
PUTS (b.1972) Symphony No. 2, River’s
Rush, Flute Concerto - Adam Walker (flute)
Peabody SO/Marin Alsop rec. 2015 NAXOS
AMERICAN CLASSICS 8.559794 [56.36]
[PCG] After this, my first encounter with
the music of Kevin Puts, I very much look forward
to hearing more of it.
Max REGER (1873-1916) Works for Men's Choir Vol. 1 - Ens Vocapella Limburg/Tristan Meister rec. 2016 RONDEAU ROP6126 [79:32] [SSi] This is one of the finest discs of Max Reger’s choral music that I have heard; I look forward to volume two.
Dmitri
SHOSTAKOVICH (1906-1975) Violin
Concertos - Frank Peter Zimmermann (violin)
NDR Elbphilharmonie O/Alan Gilbert rec. 2012-2015
BIS BIS-2247 SACD [61:41] [JQ]
Superb advocacy for Shostakovich’s
violin concertos.
Jean SIBELIUS (1865-1957)
Kullervo, Finlandia Olli KORTEKANGAS (b. 1955)
Migrations -
Lilli Paasikivi (mezzo) Tommi Hakala (baritone)
YL Male Voice Ch &
Minnesota O/Osmo Vänskä
rec. 2016 BIS BIS-9048 SACD [79:29 + 33:40] [JQ] The finest recording of Kullervo that I’ve ever heard, presented in magnificent sound.
Richard
STRAUSS (1864-1949)
Eine
Alpensinfonie, Tod
und Verklärung - Bavarian Radio SO/Mariss
Jansons rec. 2014-2016 BR KLASSIK 900148
[75:10] [RMo] Magnificent performances for
the devotee of Big Band Strauss.
Pyotr Ilyich TCHAIKOVSKY (1840-1893) Jean SIBELIUS (1865-1957) Violin Concertos - Lisa Batiashvili (violin) Staatskapelle Berlin/Daniel Barenboim rec. 2015/16 DEUTSCHE GRAMMOPHON 479 6038 [70:11] [ST] This disc speaks of a great and evidently successful partnership between
conductor and soloist, cultivated over several years and bearing rich fruit.
Georg
Philipp TELEMANN (1681-1767) Concertos
- Il Giardino Armonico/Giovanni Antonini (recorder,
tenor chalumeau) rec. 2012/13 ALPHA
245 [74:09] [MR] What is there not
to like about this fabulous disc of exuberant
Telemann performed with flamboyance and élan
by these exquisite Italian musicians?
Ralph
VAUGHAN WILIAMS (1872-1968)
Job
- A Masque for Dancing, Symphony
No. 9 - Bergen PO/Sir Andrew Davis rec.
2016 CHANDOS CHSA5180 SACD
[77:29] [JQ] A mandatory purchase for all
Vaughan Williams enthusiasts.
Wanda
Luzzato (violin) Sonatas by Beethoven,
Brahms, Grieg, Hubay, Schubert, Schumann &
Strauss - Hans Priegnitz (piano)
rec. 1955-60 MELOCLASSIC MC2026 [79:29
+ 67:20] [SG] Violin buffs, take note.
Il pianto della Madonna
Works by Monteverdi & Frescobaldi -
La Compagnia del Madrigale rec. 2014 GLOSSA GCD922805 [68:34]
[JV] This is a splendid disc which offers something of a new perspective on parts
of Monteverdi's oeuvre.
Virgin
and Child Music From the Baldwin Part
Books Vol. 2 - Works by Tallis, Taverner,
White, Fayrfax & Sheppard - Contrapunctus/Owen
Rees rec. 2016 SIGNUM CLASSICS SIGCD474 [75:18]
[ST] This is a very fine disc, if anything
even finer than the first volume.
|
Hugo ALFVÉN (1872-1960) Cantatas Vol. 2 - Malmö Opera O & Ch/Arvo Volmer rec. 2003 STERLING CDS-1058-2 [49:29] [PCG] Alfvén’s admirers will certainly wish to
investigate this recording of his large-scale choral repertoire, but
non-specialists should investigate his orchestral music first.
Can ATILLA (b. 1969) Symphony No. 2 - Bilkent SO/Burak Tüzün rec.
2015 NAXOS 8.579009
[54:45]
[BW]
A thoroughly enjoyable recording, not just a mere curiosity but a real
discovery persuasively presented.
Kurt ATTERBERG (1887-1974) Symphonies 7 & 8 - Malmö SO/Michail
Jurowski rec. 1998 STERLING CDS1026-2 [68:42] [WK] Jurowski leads the Malmö orchestra in a fine Seventh and an exemplary Eighth.
Carl Philipp Emanuel BACH (1714-1788) Keyboard Music
-
Giovanni Togni (tangent piano)
rec. 2013 DYNAMIC CDS7762 [66:44] [JV]
Nice cross section of CPE Bach's keyboard music played on a fascinating
instrument.
Johann Sebastian BACH (1685-1750)
Dances of Sorrow - Ens Memento
rec. 2016 NILENTO RECORDS NILCD169 [45:41]
[NB]
Mixed feelings about an interesting project which would have benefited from better presentation by the record company.
Johann
Sebastian BACH (1685-1750) Goldberg
Variations - Angela Hewitt (piano) rec.
2015 HYPERION CDA68146 [82:14]
[DC] Prepare to re-set your inner smile.
Johann Sebastian BACH (1685-1750)
The Young J.S. Bach - Andrew Arthur (organ)
rec. 2015 PRIORY PRCD1176 [78:55 + 76:36] [DHu] A splendid recital, and another telling demonstration that small, indeed, is beautiful.
Johann
Sebastian BACH (1685-1750)
The Well-Tempered Clavier - Mordecai
Shehori (piano) rec. 2014/15 CEMBAL
D’AMOUR CD176-79 [4 CDs: 252:55]
[JW] This is a most unusual and personalised
traversal of the Well-Tempered Clavier.
Béla BARTÓK (1881-1945)
& Victor BABIN (1908-1972)
Concertos for 2 Pianos - Piano Duo Genova & Dimitrov,
Bulgarian National RSO/Yordan Kamdzhalov
rec. 2015 CPO 555 001-2 [52.22] [EJW] The Bartok is
disappointing, both as a work and recording. Surprisingly, the Babin is
the more interesting of the two concertos.
Amy BEACH (1867-1944) & Dorothy HOWELL (1898-1982) Piano Concertos Cécile CHAMINADE (1857-1944) Concertstück - Danny Driver (piano) BBC Scottish SO/Rebecca Miller rec. 2015 HYPERION CDA68130 [69:32] [EJW] An excellent addition - the 70th no less - to Hyperion’s Romantic Piano Concerto Series, this time with a disc devoted to three female composers.
Ludwig van BEETHOVEN (1770-1827) Violin Concerto - Henry Merckel (violin) Lille Radio SO/Maurice Soret rec. 1953 FORGOTTEN RECORDS FR1232 [42:43] [SG] A valuable addition to the Merckel discography, though with several caveats.
Ludwig van BEETHOVEN (1770-1827)
Fidelio -
Eva Marton (soprano) James King (tenor) Theo Adam (bass)
Vienna State Opera Ch & Vienna PO/Lorin Maazel rec. 1983 ORFEO C908152I [73:34 + 64:46]
[CC] A fascinating release if not one that will dislodge those treasured studio
recordings.
Ludwig
van BEETHOVEN (1770-1827) Symphonies
1-9, Overtures - Gewandhaus
O Leipzig/Franz Konwitschny rec. 1959-61 EDEL
CLASSICS 0002672CCC [6 CDs: 428:08]
[RMo] An outstanding set, the performances
being natural, unforced, released and redolent
of the untamed creative energy which evidently
imbued the being of the composer.
Leonard
BERNSTEIN (1918-1990) Symphonies
Nos 1 & 2 - Jennifer Johnson Cano (mezzo-soprano)
Jean-Yves Thibaudet (piano) Baltimore SO/Marin
Alsop rec. 2013/14 NAXOS 8.559790 [59:32]
[LW] Two excellent performances.
Georges BIZET (1838-1875)
Les pęcheurs de perles - Diana Damrau (soprano) Matthew Polenzani
(tenor) Metropolitan Opera
Ch & O/Gianandrea Noseda rec. 2016 ERATO 9029 589360 Blu-ray [120:29]
[MC]
A captivating and colourful spectacle.
Ermend BONNAL (1880-1944) Organ works - Vincent Grappy (organ) Christophe Giovaninetti (violin) HORTUS 132 [71:19] [JW] Revealing a largely unknmown name.
Johannes BRAHMS (1833-1897) Piano Concerto No. 1 Ludwig van BEETHOVEN (1770-1827) Piano Sonata No. 3 -
Mindru Katz (piano) Israel PO/Josef Krips rec. 1964/71 CEMBAL D’AMOUR CD175 [76:55] [JW] This brace of performances
shows Katz’s authoritative musicianship at work.
Johannes BRAHMS (1833-1897) Piano Concerto No. 2 Ludwig van BEETHOVEN (1770-1827) Piano Sonata No. 14
-
Mindru Katz (piano)
Jerusalem PO/Mandi Rodan
rec. 1967/71 CEMBAL D’AMOUR CD180 [64:09] [JW] It’s good to know that the Katz archive is still yielding such treasures.
Johannes BRAHMS (1833–1897) Piano Concerto
No. 1 Franz LISZT (1811–1886) Trois odes funčbres
-
Sándor Falvai (piano)
Hungarian National PO/Zoltán Kocsis
rec. 2016 CELESTIAL HARMONIES 143332 [50:30 + 30:06] [JWe]
A brilliant recording of the Brahms and the much more rarely played Liszt, and a fitting tribute to Zoltán Kocsis.
Johannes
BRAHMS (1833-1897) Violin
Concerto Darius MILHAUD (1892-1974)
Le bœuf sur le toit - René Benedetti (violin)
O Ntl RTF/Désiré-Émile
Inghelbrecht rec. 1958/61 FORGOTTEN
RECORDS FR1233 [43:33] Johannes
BRAHMS Violin Concerto,
Symphony
No. 2 - Jacob Krachmalnick (violin) Boston
SO/Charles Munch rec. 1960 FORGOTTEN
RECORDS FR1246 [78:59] [SG] Two
new names to add to the list.
Johannes
BRAHMS (1833-1897) Symphonies Nos
3 & 4 - NDR Elbphilharmonie O/Thomas Hengelbrock
rec. 2016 SONY CLASSICAL 88985405082
[75:49] [ST] A good disc, from its resident
orchestra, to mark the opening of a new concert
hall.
Johannes BRAHMS (1833-1897)
Complete
String Quintets -
Mandelring Qt, Roland Glassl (viola)
rec. 2016 AUDITE 97.724 [54.55] [MC] These masterclass performances of the String Quintets from Mandelring Quartett with Roland Glassl bear comparison with the finest accounts.
Anton
BRUCKNER (1824-1896) Symphony
in F minor - Hamburg PO/Simone Young rec.
2013 OEHMS CLASSICS OC686 [41:59]
[SV] I have reservations, but this will
do for the moment.
Anton BRUCKNER (1824-1896) Symphony No. 9 - Philharmonie Festiva Ebrach/Gerd Schaller rec. 2016 PROFIL MEDIEN PH16089 [36:54 + 47:43] [JPr] This new completion of the Ninth Symphony should not be missed by anyone
who appreciates Bruckner.
Adolf BUSCH (1891-1952) Complete Music for Solo Piano - Jakob Fichert (piano) rec. 2015/16 TOCCATA CLASSICS TOCC0245 [87:05] [JW] A niche acquisition.
Joan
Bautista José CABANILLES (1644-1712)
Keyboard Music Vol. 1 - Timothy Roberts (organ)
rec. 2016 TOCCATA CLASSICS TOCC0391
[64:41] [MR] Heavyweight and obscure German
romanticism alleviated by a lovely organ, outstanding
playing and an excellent recording.
Doreen CARWITHEN (1922-2003) & Thomas
PITFIELD (1903-99) Violin Sonatas & works by Berkeley, Delius,
Ireland, Scott & Young - Fenella Humphreys (violin) Nathan Williamson (piano) rec. 2016 LYRITA SRCD359 [75:34] [BSt] A few minor quibbles do not seriously undermine this
richly recorded and interesting selection.
Alfredo CASELLA (1883-1947) Divertimento per Fulvia Franco DONATONI (1927-2000) Musica Giorgio Federico GHEDINI (1892-1965) Concerto Grosso Gian Francesco MALIPIERO (1882-1973) Oriente immaginario - O della Svizzera Italiana/Damian Iorio rec. 2013 NAXOS 8.573748 [63:41] [JF] It has been a pleasure to hear these
little-known works.
Luigi CHERUBINI
(1760-1842) & Charles-Henri PLANTADE (1764-1839) Requiems for
Louis XVI and Marie-Antoinette - Le Concert Spirituel/Hervé Niquet rec.
2016 ALPHA 251 [69:14] [JQ] Two very interesting French choral works, one of them rescued from obscurity, in excellent performances.
Rhona
CLARKE (b.1958) Piano Trios 2-4
- Fidelio Trio rec. 2016
MÉTIER MSV28561 [63:17] [JF]
The composer has managed to create an exciting
and often challenging personal voice that is
always interesting.
Frederic
CLIFFE (1857-1931)
Symphony No. 1, Cloud and Sunshine - Malmö
Opera O/Christopher Fifield rec. 2003 STERLING CDS1055-2 [57.54]
[JW] Cliffe can certainly stand proudly in
the tradition of late nineteenth-century British
symphonists.
Marcel COMINOTTO (b. 1956)
Works for solo instruments - Marcel Cominotto (piano)
Jean-Pierre Peuvion (bass clarinet) Sébastien Walnier (cello) Edward Vanmarsenille (organ) AZUR CLASSICAL AZC129 [77:45] [SG] An intriguing programme featuring six diverse instruments in a solo role.
Aaron COPLAND (1900-1990) & Virgil THOMSON (1896-1989) Sacred & Secular Choral Music
Appalachian Sketches Gloriae Dei Cantores/Elizabeth C. Patterson
rec. 2000/01 GLORIAE DEI CANTORES GDCD029/031 [68:12 + 60:47] [NB] Valuable introductions into the rich tradition of American Choral music.
Michel CORRETTE (1707-1795)
Les délices de la solitude -
Opera Prima Ens/Cristiano Contadin
rec. 2015 BRILLIANT CLASSICS 95265 [57:48] [JV] Contadin is a very fine player of the viola da gamba and in his hands these
sonatas really come to life.
François COUPERIN (1688-1733) Leçons de Ténèbres - Lucy Crowe, Elizabeth Watts (soprano) La Nuova Musica/David Bates rec. 2015 HARMONIA MUNDI HMU807659 [70:32] [CRo] An exemplary disc.
César
CUI (1835-1918) Songs & solo
piano works - Jean Bermes (baritone) Denis Ivanov
(piano) KLANGLOGO KL1411 [56:01]
A Feast in Time of Plague, Scherzos - Andrei Baturkin (baritone)
Alexei Martinov (tenor) Ludmila Kuznetsova (mezzo)
Russian State SO & Ch/Valeri Polyansky rec.
1999 CHANDOS CHAN10201 [71:58]
[RB] The Klanglogo CD is not without merit
or ability to charm but the stronger and more
generous suit here is the Chandos disc.
Bernard van DIEREN (1887-1936) Symphony No. 1, Introit, Elegie - Rebecca Evans (soprano) Catherine Wyn-Rogers (contralto) Raphael Wallfisch (cello) BBC Ntl O & Ch of Wales/William Boughton rec. 2016 LYRITA SRCD357 [69:21] [JW] An adventurous and successful release.
Ernö DOHNÁNYI
(1877-1960) & Sergei TANEYEV
(1856-1915) Piano Quintets - Wu Han (piano) Alexander
Sitkovetsky, Nicolas Dautricourt, Arnaud Sussmann,
Sean Lee (violin) Paul Neubauer (viola) David
Finckel (cello) rec. 2014/16 MUSIC@MENLO
[70:45] [RK] Either performance is well worth
having for its own sake.
Jonathan
DOVE (b.1959) An Airmail Letter
from Mozart, For an Unknown Soldier - Nicky
Spence (tenor) Melvyn Tan (piano) Oxford Bach
Ch/London Mozart Players/Nicholas Cleobury rec.
2016 SIGNUM CLASSICS SIGCD452
[65.22] [GH] Often emotional but doesn’t
quite feel a complete experience.
Felix
DRAESEKE (1835-1913) Chamber
works - Pascal
Moragučs (clarinet) Hervé Joulain (horn) Lisa
Schatzman (violin) Marie Chilemme (viola) David
Pia (cello) Oliver Triendl (piano) rec. 2015
TYXART TXA16077 [73.36] [EJW]
A splendid issue of chamber music from an
unjustly neglected German composer.
Richard
DUBUGNON (b. 1968) Arcanes Symphoniques,
Triptyque, Le Songe Salinas - Ntl O de France/Laurent
Petitregard, Debora Waldman, Fabien Gabel rec.
2001-09 NAXOS 8.573687 [62.32]
[MW] Works to savour and enjoy – a
fine composer.
Henri
DUTILLEUX (1916-2013) Symphony
No.2, Timbres, espace, mouvement, Mystčre de
l’instant - Françoise Rivalland (cimbalom)
O Ntl Lille/Darrell Ang rec. 2015-2016 NAXOS
8.573596 [62:38] [JF] A splendid
CD that presents the listeners with three undoubted
masterpieces.
Antonín DVOŘÁK (1841-1904)
Symphonies Nos. 6 & 7; Othello - London PO/Yannick Nézet-Séguin
rec. 2008/16
LONDON PHILHARMONIC ORCHESTRA LPO-0095
[2 CDs: 98:21]
[DM]
A sensible yoking together of concerts recorded eight years apart; they
demonstrate just how special Nézet-Séguin’s relationship with the LPO
has become.
George
ENESCU (1881–1955) &
Anton ARENSKY (1861–1906)
Piano trios - Trio Enescu rec. 2016 GENUIN GEN16447
[62:07] [DJB] A good performance of the Enescu,
but the Arensky doesn’t sing.
Johann Caspar Ferdinand FISCHER (1656-1746)
Harpsichord Suites -
Tony Millán (harpsichord)
rec. 2015 BRILLIANT CLASSICS 95294 [79:13] [RK]
The playing is clear and thoughtful and the recorded sound is good.
Peter
Racine FRICKER (1920-1990) String
Quartets - Villiers Qt rec. 2015/16
NAXOS 8.571374 [70:23] [JF]
The present disc is a positive start in the
rehabilitation of Fricker's reputation.
Johann Jakob FROBERGER (1616-1667) Les voyages de M. Froberger - Wolfgang Glüxam (harpsichord, organ) rec. 2016 FRA BERNARDO FB1609113 [57.11] [GH] A representative selection of Froberger’s works. Despite its eccentricities, this is a good place to start.
Celso GARRIDO-LECCA
(b. 1926) Orchestral Works - Norwegian Radio O, Fort Worth
SO/Miguel Harth-Bedoya rec. 2010-16 NAXOS 8.573759
[54:14] [MW] An excellent, colourful introduction to a fine composer too little known and recorded.
Stefano GERVASONI (b. 1962) Le Pré - Aldo Orvieto (piano) Saori Furukawa (violin) Alvise Vidolin (live electronics) rec. 2014/15 WINTER & WINTER 910 238-2 [60:26] [DC] A fabulous but demanding place to do some musical exploring.
Alberto
GINASTERA (1916-1983) Orchestral
Works Vol. 2 - Xiayin Wang (piano) Manchester Chamber Ch,
BBC PO/Juanjo Mena rec. 2015/16 CHANDOS
CHAN10923 [69:07] [NB] Juanjo
Mena and the BBC Phil are getting into their
stride with Ginastera.
Alberto GINASTERA (1916-1983) Claude DEBUSSY (1862-1918) & François-Adrien BOIELDIEU (1775-1834) Works for harp and orchestra - Anaïs Gaudemard (harp) O de L’Opéra de Rouen Normandie/Leo Hussain rec. 2015 CLAVES RECORDS 50-1613 [56:29] [SSi] An imaginative programme. Gaudemard is certainly an instrumentalist to take note of.
Philip GLASS (b.1937)
Symphony No. 3
Mike MILLS (b. 1958) Concerto John ADAMS (b.1947)
Road Movies - Robert McDuffie (violin) MCS Ens/Ward Stare rec. 2016 ORANGE MOUNTAIN MUSIC OMM0113 [72:28] [NB] I am left frustrated, and irritated, by this disc. It is hard not to hear the Mills concerto as some kind of vanity project.
Émile
GOUÉ (1904-1946) Piano
Works Vol. 2 - Diane Andersen (piano)
AZUR CLASSICAL AZC083 [74:44]
[SG] It has been gratifying to encounter
this rarely performed music.
David GORTON (b.1978)
Variations on Dowland - Longbow/Peter Sheppard Skćrved; Stefan Östersjö (guitar)
rec. 2015/16
TOCCATA TOCC0396
[62:22]
[BW]
A recording of two halves, well worth considering for the more
approachable of them.
Théodore GOUVY (1819-1898) Orchestral works - Württembergische Philharmonie Reutlingen/Thomas Kalb rec. 2008 STERLING CDS1087-2 [71:56] [JW] A well-recorded opportunity to hear some neglected but worthwhile music.
Josef
Antonín GURETZKY (1709-1769) Cello
& Violin Concertos - Kinga Gáborjána (cello)
Rodolfo Richter (violin) The Harmonious Society
of Tickle-Fiddle Gentlemen rec. 2012 CHANDOS
CHAN0816 [73:24] [DC] Unexplored
delights, well worth discovering.
Pavel
HAAS (1899-1944) Song Cycles -
Anita Watson (soprano) Anna Starushkevych (mezzo)
Nicky Spence (tenor) James Platt (bass) Navarra
Qt, Lada Valešová (piano/director) rec.
2015-2016 RESONUS RES10183
[69:29] [JW] A well selected disc, with two
of Haas’ most attractive cycles and a
premičre.
George
Frideric HANDEL (1685-1759) Susanna - Emily Fons
(mezzo) NDR Ch, Festspiel O Göttingen/Laurence Cummings rec. 2016
ACCENT ACC26406 [3 CDs: 184:17] [ST] This recording deserves to win many more friends for this little-known late masterpiece.
Georg
Frideric HANDEL (1685-1759)
Giulio Cesare - Cecilia Bartoli, Andreas
Scholl, Il Giardino Armonico/Giovanni Antonini
rec. 2012 DECCA DVD 074 3856
[249:00] [JW] You watch either eyes wide
open in appalled amazement or eyes tight shut.
In both cases, much of the singing saves the
day.
Richard
HARVEY (b.1953) Choral works -
Sinfonietta Riga, Polish RSO/Kaspars Putnins, Sigvards Klava, Tomasz Szymus,
Richard Harvey ALTUS RECORDS ALU0012
[43:12] [NB] It feels like an easy-listening,
admittedly high-quality background music compilation.
Patrick HAWES (b. 1958) Choral works - Elora Singers/Noel Edison rec. 2016 NAXOS 8.573720 [64:06] [JQ] Finely crafted, sincere choral music, expertly performed.
Franz
Joseph HAYDN (1732-1809) Cello
Concerto, Symphony
No. 6, Harpsichord Concerto - Daniel Yeadon
(cello) Erin Helyard (harpsichord) Australian
Haydn Ens/Skye McIntosh rec. 2015-2016 ABC
CLASSICS 481 2806 [69:25] [MR] Questions
of authenticity hang over this charming recording
of Haydn from Australia’s newest period-instrument
ensemble.
Joseph HAYDN (1732-1809) The Complete Piano Sonatas - Ilse von Alpenheim (piano) rec. 1977/79 ANTAL DORÁTI EDITION IVA101-109 [9 CDs : 623:19] [SG] Significant recordings, restored to circulation, in outstanding transfers.
Joseph HAYDN (1732-1809)
Symphonies Nos 12, 60 and 70 -
Il Giardino Armonico/Giovanni Antonini
rec. 2016 ALPHA 674
[79:55]
[BW] Despite a
reservations, this
new Alpha recording is well worth considering, especially by those who
have been collecting the series so far.
Joseph HAYDN (1732-1809) String Quartets
Nos. 1, 29 and 66 - Goldmund
Qt rec. 2016
NAXOS 8.573701
[56:26]
[BW]
Particularly recommended to those not yet familiar with Haydn’s string
quartets but equally worthwhile for others.
Fanny
HENSEL (1805-1847) Klavierstücke
- Solveig Wikman (piano) rec. 2014 STERLING
CDA1699-2 [73:38] [SSi] A must for
all lovers of mid-nineteenth century romantic
piano music. Wikman proves an excellent interpreter.
Louis-Ferdinand HÉROLD (1791-1833) Le Pré Aux Clercs
-
Marie-Čve Munger (soprano)
Michael Spyres (tenor) O & Ch Gulbenkian/Paul McCreesh
rec. 2015 EDICIONES SINGULARES ES1025 [71:52 + 49:59] [PSt]
An opera famous and much-performed for a hundred years, but largely ignored since 1949 gets a well-performed and well-documented revival on disc.
Gustav HOLST (1874-1934)
The Planets
Richard STRAUSS (1864-1949) Also sprach Zarathustra - Ntl Youth
O GB/Edward Gardner rec. 2016 CHANDOS CHSA5179 SACD
[79:53]
[DM]
Fair to middling performances, undermined by too many ‘hi-fi moments’;
Steinberg’s classic coupling remains unchallenged.
Gustav HOLST (1874-1934) The Planets Richard STRAUSS (1864-1949) Also sprach Zarathustra - CBSO Youth Ch, NYOGB/Edward Gardner rec. 2016 CHANDOS CHSA5179 SACD [79:53] [JQ] Top-quality Strauss and Holst in superb sound.
Gustav HOLST (1874-1934)
Chamber works - Soojin Anjou (piano) Ens Arabesques
rec. 2016 FARAO CLASSICS B108098 [79:55]
[SG] For those who regard Holst as a ‘one-work’
composer, I would point them in the direction
of this compellingly attractive music.
Gustav
HOLST (1874-1934) Chamber works
- Ens Arabesques rec. 2016 FARAO CLASSICS
B108098 [79.55] [MC] A welcome and
rewarding addition to the catalogue.
Gustav HOLST
(1874-1934) At the Boar's Head Ralph VAUGHAN
WILLIAMS (1872-1958) Riders to the Sea - Warsaw
Chamber Opera Sinfonietta/Łukasz Borowicz rec. 2016 DUX 1307-08
[55:11 + 38:29] [MW] A good recording of the Holst, but for Vaughan Williams’ masterly work, look elsewhere.
Vincent d'INDY
(1851-1931) Symphony No. 2, Souvenirs, Istar - Royal Scottish
Ntl O/Jean-Luc Tingaud rec. 2015 NAXOS 8.573522
[80:03] [DJB] For those new to d’Indy’s music, this is an excellent place to start.
John
IRELAND (1879-1962) Orchestral works
- City of London Sinf/Richard Hickox rec. 1994
CHANDOS CHAN10912X [63:50] [SB]
The Hickox versions of Ireland stand as a valid
alternative to Boult on Lyrita.
Armas JÄRNEFELT (1869-1958) Orchestral works - Gävle SO/Hannu Koivula rec. 1996 STERLING CDS1021-2 [62:53] [RB] A cleverly balanced cross-section of Järnefelt's orchestral music.
František JIRÁNEK (1698-1778) Concertos
-
Collegium Marianum/Jana Semerádová
rec. 2016 SUPRAPHON SU4208-2 [69:09] [JW] This series hasn’t seemed like faltering at any stage and I’m glad to say
it hasn’t done so here.
Daniel JONES (1912-1993) Symphonies 1 & 10 - BBC Welsh SO/Bryden Thomson rec. 1990 LYRITA SRCD358 [69:44] [MC] These two fine symphoniesdemonstrate that the music of Daniel Jones merits wider circulation.
John JOUBERT (b. 1927)
South of the Line -
Birmingham Conservatoire Chamber Choir/Paul Spicer
rec. 2016 SOMM SOMMCD0166 [79:30] [JQ] A diverse collection of choral pieces by a master composer.
Robert KAHN (1865-1951)
Works for Violin & Piano -
Elina Vähälä (violin)
Oliver Triendl (piano)
rec. 2012 CPO 777 785-2 [64:52 + 73:04] [JW] Attractive works in good performances.
Johann Wenzel KALLIWODA (1801-1866) Orchestral works - Daniel Sepec (violin) Pierre-André Taillard (clarinet) Hofkapelle Stuttgart/Frieder Bernius rec. 2013 CARUS 83.289 [57:10] [RK] Good recorded sound and these performances are as good as the music is
likely to receive.
Giya
KANCHELI (b. 1935) Miniatures - Andrea Cortesi (violin)
Marco Venturi (piano) rec. 2015 BRILLIANT
CLASSICS 95267 [54:07] [DC] A compelling
aura of magic surrounds these pieces.
Vítězslava KAPRÁLOVÁ (1915-1940) Complete Piano Music - Giorgio Koukl (piano) rec. 2016 GRAND PIANO GP708 [65:27] [SA] A fabulous, thoroughly enjoyable and fascinating disc of truly inspirational music.
Michael KIMBER (b. 1945) Music for viola Vols. 4 & 6 - Marcin Murawski (viola) Boczniewicz Sisters (vocals) Mariusz Siejko
(double-bass) Kameralna Concertino O/Marek Siwka; O dia Dyplomantów/Eugeniusz Dabrowski rec. 2014/15 ACTE PRÉALABLE AP0335/349 [73.25
& 50.56] [PCG] Modern, but very accessible.
Paul KLETZKI (1900-1973)
Symphony No. 2 Czesław MAREK (1891-1985) Sinfonia - Polish National RSO/Thomas Rösner
rec. 2016 MUSIQUES SUISSES MGBCD6289 [73:02] [SG] A disc that will appeal to the more adventurous.
Erich Wolfgang KORNGOLD (1897-1957),
Leonard BERNSTEIN (1918-1990) & Arthur FOOTE (1853-1937)
Piano Trios - Neave Trio rec. 2016 CHANDOS CHAN10924 [68:34] [NB] Very mixed feelings.
Simon LAKS (1901-1983) Philipp JARNACH (1892-1982) Orchestral works - NFM Leopoldinum Chamber O/Hartmut Rohde rec. 2015/16 CPO 555027-2 [51:13] [RB] Dices with purchasers' affections with a short running time but the choice of music is nothing less than admirable.
William
LAWES (1602-1645) Complete Music
for Solo Lyra Viol - Richard Boothby (viola
da gamba) rec. 2015 HARMONIA MUNDI HMU907625 [59:17]
[SB] An attractive disc for the specialist;
newcomers should start elsewhere.
Kenneth LEIGHTON (1929-1988) Complete Organ Works
-
Stephen Farr, John Butt (organ)
rec. 2015/16 RESONUS RES10178 [3 CDs: 208:06] [JF] The performance of all this music is ideal.
Gaspard
LE ROUX (1660-1707) Complete
Harpsichord Music - Pieter-Jan Belder, Siebe Henstra
(harpsichord) rec. 2015 BRILLIANT CLASSICS
95245 [50:08 + 54:37] [JV] These
performances by Belder and Henstra are superb.
Zara LEVINA (1906-1976) Piano Concertos 1 & 2 -
Maria Lettberg (piano), Berlin RSO/Ariane Matiakh rec. 2016 CAPRICCIO C5269 [58:01] [RB] Two contrasting and commanding concertos, each unusual and rewarding. Fresh adventures for enquiring minds and conspiring ears.
Zara
LEVINA (1906-1976) Piano Concertos
Nos 1 & 2 - Maria Lettberg (piano) RSO Berlin/Ariane
Matiakh rec. 2016 CAPRICCIO C5269
[56:01] [SA] This is a disc that must be
heard.
György LIGETI (1923-2006)
Piano Concerto,
Cello Concerto,
Chamber Concerto, Melodien -
Christian Poltéra (cello) Joonas Ahonen (piano)
BIT 20 Ens/Baldur Brönnimann
rec. 2014/15 BIS BIS-2209 SACD [71:30] [JF] There is much here to fascinate and enjoy.
Bo LINDE (1933-1970) & Lars-Erik LARSSON (1908-1986) Songs - Lisa Gustafsson (soprano) Mårten Landström (piano) rec. 2009 STERLING CDA1679-2 [56:42] [GF] This is a highly rewarding disc with two romantics in disguise.
Franz LISZT (1811-1886)
Sonata, Aprčs une lecture du Dante
Camille SAINT-SAËNS (1835–1921)
Danse Macabre - Ludmila Berlinskaya & Arthur Ancelle (pianos) rec. 2016 MELODIYA MELCD1002463 [61:55] [JWe] This is my favourite Liszt disc of the year so far, and I award full
marks to all concerned!
Alexander Lazarevich LOKSHIN (1920-1987) Symphony No. 5, Clarinet Quintet, Piano Variations - Ivan Mozgovenko (clarinet) Komitas Qt, Maria Grinberg (piano) Moscow CO/Rudolf Barshai rec. 1956/71 MELODIYA MELCD1002446 [62:31] [SG] A composer with his own unique voice and individual style, hailed a genius by none other than Shostakovich.
Claudio MONTEVERDI (1567-1643)
Il Sesto Libro de Madrigali -
Concerto Italiano/Rinaldo Alessandrini
rec. 1992 ARCANA A425 [72:50] [SSi] This enjoyable recording deals with Monteverdi’s music on the theme of loss. I find it easy to recommend.
Pietro
MASCAGNI (1863-1945) Guglielmo
Ratcliff - Gianluca Buratto (bass) Mariangela Sicilia (soprano) O &
Ch Wexford Fest Opera/Francesco Cilluffo rec. 2015 RTE LYRIC FM
CD152 [60.28 + 54.51] [GF] An excellent production.
Gustav
MAHLER (1860-1911) Das Lied
von der Erde - Roberto Saccŕ (tenor) Stephen
Gadd (baritone) Bamberg SO/Jonathan Nott rec.
2016 TUDOR 7202 SACD [61:28]
[JQ] This account of Das Lied von der Erde
is not to be underestimated and it’s presented
in marvellous sound.
Gustav
MAHLER (1860-1911) Lieder eines
fahrenden Gesellen, Das Lied von der Erde
(arr. Schoenberg) - Susan Platts (mezzo) Charles
Reid (tenor) Roderick Williams (baritone) Attacca
Qt, Virginia Arts Fest Ch Players/JoAnn Falletta
rec. 2015 NAXOS 8.573536 [81:08]
[JQ] If the chamber version
of Das Lied von der Erde appeals, then this
disc is well worth your attention.
Tadeusz
MAJERSKI (1888–1963) Concerto-Poem, Piano Quintet, Cello Sonata
- Michał Drewnowski (piano) Arkadiusz
Dobrowolski (cello) Royal Scottish
Ntl O/Emil Tabakov rec. 2013-15
TOCCATA CLASSICS TOCC0344 [61:04]
[JW] Music of great stylistic diversity
played with sensitive awareness of
style and colour and well-recorded.
David
MATTHEWS (b.1943) Piano
Trios - Leonore Piano Trio: Benjamin
Nabarro (violin) Gemma Rosefield (cello) Tim
Horton (piano) rec. 2016 TOCCATA CLASSICS
TOCC0369 [74.35] [GH] All in all
this is music worth getting inside. A disc to
search out.
Peter MAXWELL DAVIES
(1934-2016) Chamber works - Duccio Ceccanti (violin) Vittorio
Ceccanti (cello) Matteo Fossi, Bruno Canino (piano) rec. 2009/16
NAXOS 8.573599 [63:10] [SB] A rewarding disc of Maxwell Davies’s chamber works, mostly from his last years.
Nikolay MEDTNER (1880-1951) Complete Piano Sonatas Vol. 2 - Paul Stewart (piano) rec. 2015 GRAND PIANO GP618 [55:23] [SA] A hugely satisfying experience.
Felix
MENDELSSOHN (1809-1847) A Midsummer
Night's Dream - BBC SO & Women's Ch/Sir Malcolm
Sargent rec. 1954 PRISTINE AUDIO PACO133 [70:10
+ 74:13] [JW] An interesting historical document.
Felix MENDELSSOHN (1809-1847) Organ works - Anders Eidsten Dahl (organ) rec. 2015 LAWO CLASSICS LWC1108 [69:51 + 36:25] [SSi] Dahl proves a consummate interpreter of Mendelssohn’s music, with this recording soon becoming a firm favourite of mine.
Giacomo MEYERBEER (1791-1864) Songs Vol. 2
-
Sivan Rotem (soprano)
Jonathan Zak (piano)
rec. 2015 NAXOS 8.573696 [70:42] [GF] Melodious songs with sometimes fresh and unusual accompaniments, charming and entertaining.
Claudio
MONTEVERDI (1567-1643) Canzonette
a Tre Voci - Armoniosoincanto/Franco Radicchia
rec. 2014 BRILLIANT CLASSICS 95348
[71:53] [SSi] An interesting discovery. Helps
chart the development of Monteverdi as a composer
of madrigals.
Moritz
MOSZKOWSKI (1854-1925) Suite Darius MILHAUD
(1892-1974) Sonata for 2 violins & piano Bohuslav
MARTINŮ (1890-1959) Sonatina - Trio Koch ETCETERA
KTC1543 [48:58] [JW] Some would want more on the programme.
Wolfgang Amadeus MOZART (1756-1791) Arias - Regula Mühlemann (soprano) Kammerorchester Basel/Umberto Benedetti Michelangeli rec. 2015 SONY CLASSICS 88985337582 [54:23] [MC] A joyous release that can take its place alongside
the finest solo Mozart soprano recital albums.
Wolfgang Amadeus MOZART (1756-1791) Complete Sonatas for Piano 4 Hands - Duo Granat rec. 2016 DUX 1354/5 [42:59 + 42:09] [DC] An attractive prospect, but sadly the outcome is something of an also-ran.
Wolfgang Amadeus MOZART (1756-1791)
Whispering Mozart -
Marianne Beate Kielland (mezzo-soprano)
Nils Anders Mortensen (piano)
rec. 2014 LAWO CLASSICS LWC1111 [65:16] [MMB] A highlight from beginning to end.
Wolfgang
Amadeus MOZART (1756-1791) Arias
- Anett Fritsch (soprano) Münchner Rundfunk
O/Alessandro De Marchi rec. 2015 ORFEO
C903161A [61.29] [MC] An attractively
sung programme, but not quite on a par with
the very best.
Wolfgang
Amadeus MOZART (1756-1791) Violin
Concertos - Isabelle Faust (violin) Il Giardino
Armonica/Giovanni Antonini rec. 2015 HARMONIA
MUNDI HMC902230.31 [67:53 + 61:24]
[DC] Rather magical.
Wolfgang
Amadeus MOZART (1756–1791)
La Clemenza di Tito
- Carlo Allemano (tenor) Nina Bernsteiner (soprano)
Ch & O Academia Montis Regalis/Alessandro
De Marchi rec. 2013 CPO 777 870-2
[72:00 + 70:57] [GF] A very interesting proposition.
Charles
O’BRIEN (1882-1968) Complete
Orchestral Music Vol. 3 - Liepāja
SO/Paul Mann rec. 2014/15 TOCCATA
CLASSICS TOCC0299 [61:00] [JF] This
series is a considerable achievement.
Jacques
OFFENBACH (1819-1880)
Les Contes d’Hoffmann
- Kerstin Avemo, Mandy Fredrich,
Daniel Johansson, Vienna SO/Johannes
Debus rec. 2015 C MAJOR 735604 Blu-ray
[174.44] [MC] This is a production where
one senses a group of performers totally at
one with the director’s vision.
Otto
OLSSON (1879-1964) Symphony - Gävleborg
SO/Mats Liljefors rec. 1996 STERLING
CDS1020-2 [57:20] [JW] An interesting
work played with commitment and control.
Leo ORNSTEIN (1893-2002) Chamber works - Francesco Parrino (violin) Stefano Parrino (flute) Maud Renier (piano) rec. 2016 BRILLIANT CLASSICS 95079 [71:38] [BSt] This makes a fine case for further exploration of Ornstein’s music.
Niccolň PAGANINI (1782-1840)
Complete Works for Violin/Viola, Cello
& Guitar -
Nils-Erik Sparf (violin/viola) Andreas Brantelid (cello) David Härenstam (guitar)
rec. 2016 PROPRIUS PRCD2078 [61:11] [GF] This music may be a bit off the beaten track but it is charming and well worth anyone’s acquaintance, and also eminently well executed.
Martin
PEERSON (c.1572-1651)
A Treatie of Humane
Love - Fretwork, I Fagiolini/Robert
Hollingsworth rec. 2016
REGENT REGCD497 [72:33] [GH]
I’m sorry that I can’t be more
enthusiastic about this recording.
Giovanni Battista PERGOLESI (1710-1736)
Adriano in Siria - Yuriy Mynenko, Franco Fagioli (counter
tenors) Romina Basso (contralto)
Capella Cracoviensis/Jan Tomasz Adamus
rec. 2015 DECCA 483 0004 [3 CDs: 177:59] [JW] An opera which is uneven in inspiration and weighted toward some
virtuoso flourishes for the star turn, Fagioli in this case.
Allan PETTERSSON (1911-1980)
Symphony No. 14 -
Norrköping SO/Christian Lindberg
rec. 2016
BIS BIS-2230 SACD [52:38] [DM]
Lindberg fans will want this one; others may prefer to look elsewhere.
Giovanni
Benedetto PLATTI (c.1697-1763)
Trio Sonatas - Francesco Cerrato (violin) Stefano
Cerrato (cello) Armoniosa rec. 2016 MDG
9031978-6 SACD [64:40]
[DBi] Enjoyable Baroque easy listening, well
played and closely recorded.
Robert RADECKE (1830-1911) Piano Trios - Trio Fontane rec. 2014 CPO 777 996-2 [73:16] [SG] A delight from start to finish.
Maurice
RAVEL (1875-1937) Daphnis et
Chloé, Une barque sur l’océan - Spirito,
O Ntl de Lyon/Leonard Slatkin rec. 2011-2015
NAXOS 8.573545 [65:43] [JQ]
Leonard Slatkin leads a fine account of Ravel’s
miraculous, subtle ballet.
Max
REGER (1873-1916) Songs - Susanne
Langner (mezzo) Ullrich Böhme (organ) rec. 1988-2016
RONDEAU ROP6133 [67:03] [SSi]
A most valuable addition to the Reger catalogue,
one which presents unusual music in excellent
performances.
Steve
REICH (b. 1936)
The ECM Recordings rec. 1976-81 ECM 2540-42 [3 CDs:
134:29]
[SB] Classic recordings of early Reich …
a good place to start exploring minimalism.
Sisto
REINA (1619/23-1664) Choral
works - Concentus Vocum/Michelangelo Gabbrielli rec.
2013 TACTUS TC621801 [74:55]
[JV] This disc is of great importance and
if you like to expand your musical horizon there
is every reason to investigate it.
Poul RUDERS (b. 1949)
Symphony No. 5 -
Danish National SO/Olari Elts
rec. 2015 BRIDGE 9475 [26:30] [SB] A rewarding new symphony, though the disc is short measure.
Vadim SALMANOV (1912-1978)
The Twelve, Big City Nights - Leningrad CO, Leningrad
PO/Vladislav Chernushenko NORTHERN FLOWERS NFPMA99116 [69:29]
[RB] Red-blooded recording and performances of a Leningrad-based composer.
Domenico SCARLATTI (1685-1757) Complete Keyboard Sonatas Vol. 4
-
Carlo Grante (piano)
rec. 2013 MUSIC & ARTS CD-1293 [5 CDs: 347:30] [JW] Another top of the range recording, every bit the equal of the previous
three volumes.
Philipp SCHARWENKA (1847-1917) Works for Violin & Piano -
Natalia Prishepenko (violin) Oliver Triendl (piano) rec. 2015
TYXART TXA16075 [65:50] [RK] Old-fashioned even at the time of composition, but well-worth a listen.
Florent SCHMITT (1870-1958) Complete Works for Piano Duet
& Duo - Invencia Piano Duo
rec. 2010-12 GRAND PIANO GP730X [4 CDs: 229:41] [SSi] This is a wonderful set, one in which The Invencia Piano Duo deserves our
gratitude for their research, dedication and performance.
Arnold SCHÖNBERG (1874-1951) Gurre-Lieder
-
Dutch National Opera Ch, Kammerchor des ChorForum Essen, Netherlands PO/Marc Albrecht
rec. 2014 OPUS ARTE OABD7215D Blu-ray [140 mins] [DBi]
Another top class performance of this vast piece. This time in a splendid and coherent staging.
Franz
SCHUBERT (1797-1828) & Pyotr
Il’yich TCHAIKOVSKY (1840-1893) String
Quartets - Kopelman Qt rec. 2003 NIMBUS
NI5962 [43:41 + 38:25] [MG] While
other quartets execute the music well, the Kopelman
lives it, heart and soul.
Robert SCHUMANN (1810-1856) Piano Sonata
No. 3
Nikolai MEDTNER (1880-1951) Sonata-Ballada -
Risa Iwai (piano) rec. 2016 SHEVA SH165 [52:09] [SB] An interesting choice of works for a debut recital.
Andrés SEGOVIA (1898-1987) Guitar Music - Alberto La Rocca (guitar) rec. 2016 BRILLIANT CLASSICS 95369 [69.33] [ZT] Miniature masterpieces by the grand Maestro of the guitar.
Giovanni SGAMBATI (1841-1914) Piano concerto, Cola di Rienzo, Berceuse-Rêverie - Francesco Caramiello (piano) Nürnberger Philharmoniker/Fabrizio Ventura rec. 2000 TACTUS TC841908 [70:29] [SV] A pleasing reissue.
Dmitri SHOSTAKOVICH (1906-1975) Violin Concerto
No. 2 Pyotr Il'yich TCHAIKOVSKY (1840-1893) Violin Concerto
-
Linus Roth (violin) London SO/Thomas Sanderling
rec. 2016 CHALLENGE CLASSICS CC72689 SACD [74:25] [NB]
Strongly individual performances supported by excellent recording and documentation.
Jean SIBELIUS (1865-1957)
In the Stream of Life - Gerald Finley (bass-baritone)
Bergen PO/Edward Gardner
rec. 2014/16 CHANDOS CHSA5178 SACD [78:40] [LW]
A disc of songs and orchestral works for all devotees of Sibelius.
Josef Otto af SILLÉN (1859-1951) Violin Concerto, Symphony No. 3 - Christian Bergqvist (violin) Gävle SO/Göran Nilson rec. 2001 STERLING CDS1044-2 [62:33] [JW] The music lacks real emotion, even when played well, as here.
Bedřich SMETANA (1824-1884) Má Vlast - Bamberg Symphony/Jakub Hrůša rec. 2015/16 TUDOR 7196 SACD [81:11] [DBi] A very fine recording and performance of a Czech masterpiece.
Antonio
SOLER (1729-1783)
Concerti for 2 Keyboards
- Philippe LeRoy, Jory Vinikour (harpsichord)
rec. 2015 DELOS DE3491 [74:15]
[JV] The most satisfying interpretation of
Soler's concertos that I have heard.
Sir
Charles Villiers STANFORD (1852-1924) Complete
Music for Solo Piano Vol. 3 - Christopher
Howell (piano) rec. 2013-16 SHEVA
SH160 [72:04 + 75:53] [JW] Admirers
of Stanford’s piano music now have a set
of discs that will tell them all they need to
know about it, and some more besides.
Sir Charles Villiers STANFORD (1852-1924) Complete Music for Solo Piano Vol. 3 - Christopher Howell (piano) rec. 2013/16 SHEVA SH160 [72:04 + 75:53] [SSi] A splendid set, one which can only further the concept of Stanford as a composer of piano music.
Wilhelm STENHAMMAR (1871-1927) Piano Concerto No. 1, Sensommarnätter - Irène Mannheimer (piano) Gothenburg SO/Charles Dutoit rec. 1977/89 STERLING CDS1004-2 [67:14] [JFL] A reasonably competitive account of very romantic music.
Ronald
STEVENSON (1928-2015) Piano Music Vol.
2 - Christopher Guild
(piano) rec. 2016 TOCCATA CLASSICS TOCC0388
[66:37] [JF] The playing on this disc is
superb. Ronald Stevenson's music deserves to
be in the public domain.
Richard
STRAUSS (1864-1949) Elektra, Der Rosenkavalier
suites - Pittsburgh SO/Manfred
Honeck rec. 2016 REFERENCE RECORDINGS
FR-722 SACD [58.33]
[NB] An impressive disc.
Richard STRAUSS (1864-1949)
Don Juan, Ein Heldenleben -
NHK SO/Paavo Järvi
rec. 2015 RCA 88985391762 [61:29] [MB] A sensational Don Juan but a Heldenleben that only
occasionally reaches the heights.
Johan SVENDSEN (1840-1911)
&
Peter Erasmus LANGE-MÜLLER (1850-1926)
Violin Concertos -
Lars Bjřrnkjćr (violin)
Aarhus SO/Giordano Bellincampi
rec. 2007 DANACORD DACOCD662 [64:57] [SV] Lovers of Romantic violin music will want this.
Sergei
Ivanovich TANEYEV (1856-1915)
String Trios Nos 2 & 3 - Lubotsky Trio rec. 2015 MELODIYA
MELCD1002456 [51:00] [JW] Performances
that don't challenge the best in these works.
Sergei
TANEYEV (1856-1915) Complete String Quartets Vol. 5 - Carpe
Diem Qt, James Buswell (viola) rec. 2014/15 NAXOS 8.573671
[76:51] [MR] Two very different works, both in C major.
Pyotr
Ilyich TCHAIKOVSKY (1840-1893)
Symphonies Nos 4-6 - Arctic PO/Christian
Lindberg rec. 2012-16 BIS BIS-2178 SACD
[83:29 + 44:01] [JQ] Ear-opening, fresh accounts
of the last three Tchaikovsky symphonies.
Pyotr Ilyich TCHAIKOVSKY (1840-1893) The Nutcracker - Stewart
Goodyear (piano) rec. 2015 STEINWAY & SONS STNS 30040 SACD
[82:21]
[DM]
Stewart Goodyear is a prodigious talent and, despite minor caveats, his
Nutcracker arrangement must be counted a resounding success; factor in
superior sonics and this becomes a very desirable issue indeed.
Georg Philipp TELEMANN (1681-1767) Concertos
-
Florilegium/Ashley Solomon
rec. 2015 CHANNEL CLASSICS CCS38616 [78:46] [JV]
This is not the kind of Telemann I like to hear.
Georg
Philipp TELEMANN (1681-1767) Recorder Sonatas - Erik Bosgraaf (recorder)
Francesco Corti (harpsichord) rec. 2015 BRILLIANT
CLASSICS 95247 [66:16] [JV] A fine
demonstration of the art of the recorder and
of Telemann's almost limitless creativity.
Georg
Philipp TELEMANN (1681-1767) &
Carl Phillip Emanuel BACH (1714-1788)
Cantatas - Rheinische Kantorei, Das Kleine Konzert/Hermann
Max rec. 2014 CPO 777 946-2
[73.43] [MW] A must-buy for any lover of
eighteenth century church music.
George Philipp TELEMANN (1681-1767) Carl Maria von WEBER (1786-1826) Max BRUCH (1838-1920) & Andreas BAKSA (1950-2016) Works for viola and orchestra - Herbert Kefer (viola) Vorarlberg SO/Martin Kerschbaum rec. 2015 NIMBUS NI5961 [60:13] [JW] This somewhat uneven production is nevertheless valuable for the Baksa.
Boris
TISHCHENKO (1939–2010) Symphony
No. 4 - Leningrad PO/Gennady Rozhdestvensky
rec. 1978 NORTHERN FLOWERS NFPMA99117/8
[40:38 + 54:17] [RB] Impressive … dourness,
striving, struggle, serenity and happiness in
this epic five part symphony.
Ralph VAUGHAN
WILLIAMS (1873-1958) The Solent, Fantasia, Suite, The
Lark Ascending - Jennifer Pike (violin) Sina Kloke (piano) CO New
York/Salvatore Di Vittorio rec. 2015 NAXOS 8.573530
[62:25] [DJB]
A somewhat awkward mix, though the presence of the Suite may convince some to purchase.
Ralph VAUGHAN WILLIAMS (1872-1958) Works for piano - Mark Bebbington, Rebecca Omordia (pianos) rec. 2016 SOMM CD0164 [70:55] [NB] A valuable if not
essential disc.
Antonio VERACINI (1659-1745)
Violin
Sonatas -
El Arte Mvsico
rec. 2015 BRILLIANT CLASSICS 95423 [68:31] [SSi] A most desirable disc through which we are expertly introduced to this unjustly neglected figure from the Italian Baroque.
Giuseppe
VERDI (1813-1901) La Traviata - Olga Peretyatko
(soprano) Atalla Ayan (tenor) Balthasar-Neumann-Ens & Ch/Pablo
Heras-Casado rec. 2015 C MAJOR 733804 Blu-ray [139:00]
[MC] The manner of the production distracts more than it contributes to the kind of dramatic intensity a production of ‘La Traviata’ should have.
Antonio VIVALDI (1678-1741) Violin Concertos Opp. 11
& 12 - L’Arte
dell’Arco/Federico Guglielmo rec. 2014 BRILLIANT CLASSICS 95048
[64:26 + 54:09]
[BW] Another excellent release from the recent box set, all the more welcome for superb performances of unfamiliar concertos.
Antonio VIVALDI (1678-1741)
The Four Seasons -
Concerto Köln/Shunske Sato (violin)
rec. 2016
BERLIN CLASSICS 0300829BC
[51:07]
[BW]
New Seasons from Concerto Köln and Barocco Boreale have much to offer
but don’t displace my top choices.
Antonio VIVALDI (1678-1741) Concerti per fagotto IV - Sergio Azzolini (bassoon) L'Onda Armonica rec. 2014 NAÏVE OP30551 [68:40] [JV] Another splendid addition to Naïve's admirable Vivaldi project.
Richard
WAGNER (1813–1883)
Die Meistersinger von Nürnberg
- Paul Schöffler (bass-baritone) Otto Edelmann
(bass) Vienna PO & State Opera Ch/Hans Knappertsbusch
rec. 1950/51 ELOQUENCE 480 7194
[4 CDs: 266:29] [RMo] Knappertsbusch’s
conducting is wonderful: energised, pointed
and sprung.
Richard WAGNER (1813-1883) Symphonies -
MDR Leipzig RSO/Jun Märkl
rec. 2012 NAXOS 8.573413 [65.43] [PCG] I have little hesitation in placing this release at the top of the current
recommendations.
Richard WAGNER
(1813-1883) Die Walküre - Matthias
Goerne (baritone) Petra Lang (soprano) Hong Kong PO/Jaap van Zweden rec.
2016 NAXOS 8.660394-7 [4 CDs: 236:32] [GF] Your first Walküre? Look no further. A jaded collector? Then you will find this a valuable addition to your collection.
Robin WALKER (b. 1953) Orchestral works - Novaya Russia SO/Alexander Walker rec. 2015 TOCCATA CLASSICS TOCC0283 [58.13] [GH] Music worthy of your complete attention.
Otton
Mieczysław ŻUKOWSKI (1867-1942)
Opera Omnia Religiosa
Vols 2, 3 & 4 - Podkarpacki Ch Męski,
Strzyżowski Ch Kamaralny/Grzegorz Oliwa rec. 2014/15
ACTE PRÉALABLE APO343/47/54
[3 CDs: 164:16] [MW] Little-known works of enormous
beauty in committed performances; ones to treasure.
Abbado in Japan
Works by Mussorgsky, Stravinsky & Tchaikovsky - Berlin PO/Claudio Abbado rec. 1994 EUROARTS 2012478 DVD [97:00] [CC] A great reminder of
the rapport enjoyed by the Berliners and Abbado.
L’Arte
del Madrigale Works by Wert,
Marenzio, Luzzaschi, Gesualdo & India -
La Venexiana/Claudio Cavina rec. 1997-2009 GLOSSA
GCD920930 [9 CDs: 536:39] [SSi] Monteverdi
was not the only composer of madrigals. An excellent
set and a real bargain.
Beneath The Northern Star The Rise of English Polyphony 1270-1430 - Orlando Consort rec. 2015 HYPERION CDA68132 [72.13] [GH] Trusted performers in this repertoire, but there are some reservations.
The Cardinal King
Music for Henry Benedict Stuart in Rome, 1740–91
-
Cappella Fede,
Harmonia Sacra/Peter Leech
rec. 2015
TOCCATA CLASSICS TOCC0300 [73:07]
[BW]
Yet again Toccata bring us convincing performances of music which
has languished in undeserved obscurity.
Pina
Carmirelli (violin) Works by Franck, Schubert, Brahms,
Beethoven, Mozart & Pizzetti - Friedrich Wilhelm Schnurr, Lothar
Broddack, Maria Bergmann (piano) rec. 1966-69 MELOCLASSIC MC2031
[79:53 + 78:19] [SG] A treat for collectors.
Chorus
vel organa Music from the lost
palace of Westminster - Ch Gonville & Caius
College, Cambridge/Geoffrey Webber rec. 2015
DELPHIAN RECORDS DCD34158 [66:58]
[JV] This is a ground-breaking recording
which deserves the attention of every lover
of renaissance polyphony.
Katarzyna
Dondalska (soprano) Love:
Heaven on Earth - Natan & Monika Dondalska
(violin) Malgorzata Niemiec (viola) Wiktor Cisoń
(cello) rec. 2015 ACTE PRÉALABLE AP0348
[60:36] [GF] Lovers of coloratura sopranos
will have their fill here.
As Dreams Fall Apart The Golden Age of Jewish Stage and Film Music 1925-55 - New Budapest Orpheum Society/Philip Bohlman rec. 2014 CEDILLE RECORDS CDR90000151 [44:32 + 51:38] [JW] The performances are excellent and bring colour and rhythmic flair to
the songs.
Dresden
Passion Cappella Sagitariana
Dresden/Norbert Schuster rec. 2015 RONDEAU
ROP612122 [58:52 + 38:12] [JV] Despite
some reservations I am happy with the fact that
Peranda's Passion is available on disc.
Earquake The Loudest Classical Music of All Time
-
Helsinki PO/Leif Segerstam
rec. 1995/97 ONDINE ODE1210-2 [59.07] [MW] Despite excellent performances, snippets too brief to hold the attention – bleeding chunks too small to satisfy.
For The Fallen
Choral works by Elgar & Bax - Hallé Ch & O/Sir Mark Elder rec. 2014/16
HALLÉ CDHLL7544 [67.15] [EJW] Rare Elgar and Bax: all are strong works excellently performed and recorded.
Farinelli:
A Portrait Ann Hallenberg (mezzo-soprano) Les Talens
Lyriques/Christophe Rousset rec. 2011 APARTÉ
AP117 [69.00] [MC] A veritable feast
for the ear.
French Orchestral Music Works by Berlioz, Debussy, Poulenc & Ravel - Anima Eterna Brugge/Jos van Immerseel (piano) rec. 2005-13 ALPHA 225
[5 CDs: 320:46] [JQ] A very interesting, if sometimes frustrating set.
The Glass Effect
Works by Glass, Dessner, Muhly, Arnalds, Frahm & Ludwig-Leone -
Lavinia Meijer (harp)
rec. 2016 SONY CLASSICAL 88985351432 [67:16 + 48:50] [DC] Plenty of mileage in what is attempted here.
La
Grande Guerre en Marseillaises
Jean-Philippe Lafont (baritone) Cyrille Lehn
(piano) rec. 2016 HORTUS 140
[68.05] [PCG] A really odd disc.
Emma Johnson
(clarinet) Clarinet
Goes To Town - John Lenehan (piano) Paul Clarvis
(percussion) Carducci String Qt rec. 2016 NIMBUS
ALLIANCE NI6335 [75:14] [SB] An
attractive programme of jazz-influenced works
in new arrangements. A winning disc.
William Kapell (piano) Broadcast and concert performances - rec. 1944/52 MARSTON 53021-2 [3 CDs:
224:45] [SG] Pianophiles will find much to savour and enjoy in this interesting release.
Khoreia
Works
by JCF Bach, Schumann, Martin & Grieg - Oda Voltersvik, Giulio Potenza (piano)
rec. 2015/16 VELUT LUNA CVLD276 [58:14][DHu] A delightful debut disc by this very fine piano duo.
The
Kreisler Story Daniel Röhn
(violin) Paul Rivinius (piano) rec. 2014 BERLIN
CLASSICS 0300784BC [74:02] [JW] A
nice package with a decent booklet and very
well recorded.
Karlrobert
Kreiten
Historical Recordings
- Karlrobert Kreiten, Udo Falkner, Tobias Koch
(piano) rec. 1933-2016 CAVI-MUSIC 8553155
[79:19] [JW] This tragically short-lived
pianist has been very well served.
Mother of Light Armenian hymns
& chants -
Isabel Bayrakdarian (soprano)
Coro Vox Aeterna/Anna Hamre
rec. 2015 DELOS DE3521 [61:58] [SA]
These Armenian voices will weave their magic just as powerfully translating into a heady brew that will keep you spellbound.
Charles
Munch The Complete New York
Philharmonic Recordings - P-SO New York rec. 1947/48 PRISTINE AUDIO
PASC448 [56:00 + 76:58] [JQ] An
enjoyable set which includes some useful additions
to the Munch discography.
Musica
Sacra of the Wawel Cathedral
The Royal Rorantists/Stanislaw Galonski rec. 2016 DUX 1334
[59:32] [JV] Interesting repertoire and
nice performances but poorly documented.
The
Art of Nathan Milstein Works
by Bruch, Brahms, Bach, Beethoven & Lalo
- Antál Doráti, István Kertesz,
André Cluytens, Eugene Ormandy
rec. 1955-63 MUSIC & ARTS CD-1168
[76:13 + 66:37] [JW] So authoritative and
consistent an artist as Milstein deserves nothing
less than such a valuable release.
Orientale
Lumen: Light of the East St Ephraim Male Ch/Tamás Bubnó rec. 2012 BUDAPEST
MUSIC CENTER RECORDS BMCCD208 [52:39]
[JW] One can enjoy the music's inspiring
depth and breadth in this compelling disc.
Overtures, Preludes & Intermezzi Filarmonica della Scala/Riccardo Chailly rec. 2016 DECCA 4831148 [76.35] [MC] It’s hard to imagine these works receiving finer advocacy than this.
Isabelle Perrin (harp) Arabesque rec. 2002 CALA CACD77025 [72:01] [JW] An attractive programme and a worthwhile reissue.
Queen Mary’s Big Belly
Hope for an heir in Catholic England -
Gallicantus/Gabriel Crouch
rec. 2016 SIGNUM CLASSICS SIGCD464 [77:42] [ST] A programme of wonderful music from singers of the highest order.
Reflections Works by Britten, Stravinsky & Vaughan Williams - Trondheimsolistene/Øyvind Gimse rec. 2015 2L 2L125SABD [70:03] [DBi] Three splendid performances spectacularly well recorded.
Nadia
Reisenberg (piano)
Live Chamber
Recitals & Home Solo Performances -
Galimir & Budapest String Qts, David Glazer
(clarinet) David Soyer (cello) rec. 1951-80
ROMÉO 7318/19 [78:20 + 74:50]
[JW] Performances that attest to her superior
musicianship.
Wolfgang Schneiderhan (violin) Works by Mozart, Henze & Martin - Swiss Festival O/Paul Hindemith, Ferdinand Leitner, Bernard Haitink rec.1952/68 AUDITE 95.644 [65:07] [JW] This valuable triptych of performances shows
Schneiderhan in the round in Lucerne.
Rachel Smith (flute) The
World of the Flute Vol. 1 - Clare
Clements (piano) rec. 2012 POLYPHONIC QPRZ029D [74:05]
Martin ELLERBY (b.1957)
Songs without Words - Martin Ellerby (piano) Colombier/Mark Heron
FENTONE RECORDS/DE HASKE FR1002-3 [66:00]
[RB] Two quite different CDs with the highly
talented Rachel Smith well and truly at ease
in both.
So höret meinen Gesang
Music on Klopstock texts by Telemann & Rolle -
Leipziger Concert/Siegfried Pank
rec. 2015 RAUMKLANG RK3502 [68:04] [JV] This disc deserves much attention considering the character and quality of
the repertoire.
Something
Blue Christiania Mannskor/Marius
Skjřlaas rec. 2015-2016 LAWO CLASSICS
LWC1107 [66:18] [SSi] A wonderful
disc that will leave the listener anything but
blue.
Splendeurs
de Versailles Le Počme Harmonique, Café Zimmermann, Capriccio
Stravagante/Skip Sempé rec. 1999-2013 ALPHA
CLASSICS 260 [10 CDs: 10:47:14] [SSi]
A wonderful and most valuable box set.
Erik Then-Bergh (piano)
The Complete Electrola and DGG Recordings - rec. 1938/58 APR 6021 [77:30 + 76:52] [JW] An interesting centenary collection of the pianist’s work across two decades.
The Time Capsule Robin Walker (organ)
rec. 2016 PETTIROSSO PTRS002 [69:29] [MR] 16th century music played on a 16th century organ by a 21st century scholar in 21st century sound.
Arturo Toscanini
(conductor) Essential Recordings, 150th Anniversary Edn -
NBC SO, New York Philharmonic, Philadelphia O rec. 1929-1952 RCA RED SEAL 88985 376042 [20 CDs]
[PCW] If there are any Toscanini virgins still out there, this is now the
obvious place to lose it.
Han
de Vries (oboe) The
Almost Last Recordings ATTACCA
ATT2016149 [21 hr 30 min] [JW] A
worthy salute to this great artist.
Other Reviews
How to Play Indian Sitar Raags on a Piano by John
Pitts
publ. 2016 Intensely Pleasant Music
[JW] If you have any interest in this esoteric arena,
I can’t imagine a better primer.
A Dictionary for the Modern Pianist by Stephen Siek
publ. 2017
Rowman and Littlefield [JF] Stephen Siek has provided a wide-ranging and reliable coverage of many facets
of the pianistic art.
Josef Gingold: Exclusive Interview His Life, his Playing, his Teaching rec. 1990
ATLANTIC CROSSING RECORDS ACR0003 [48:23] [JW] This
summons up the man in all his humanity and endearing warmth.
Of Gods and Kings Foden's Band/Michael
Fowles
rec. 2016
DOYEN DOYCD367 [62:02] [NB]
Music-making worthy of Gods and Kings, brilliantly played
and superbly recorded.
Articles and Notices
Kurt Moll An obituary by Ralph Moore
John Joubert at 90 by John Quinn
Forgotten Artists: Ferruccio Scaglia
by Christopher Howell