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Error processing SSI fileHans ABRAHAMSEN (b.1952) Ten Studies for piano (1983-98) Six Pieces for Violin, Horn and Piano (1984) Walden for oboe, two clarinets, saxophone and bassoon (1978, this version 1995)
Anne Marie Anbildskov (piano) Anne Soe Iwan (violin)
Preben Iwan (horn) Joakim Sam Thomsen (oboe) Anna Klett (clarinet) Soren Elbo (clarinet) Jeanette Balland (saxophone) Signe Haughland (bassoon) Recorded at the Radio House, Copenhagen, January 2000 and May 2000As far as I can tell the performances are ideal and the music is played with care and understanding. The booklet notes cast some useful light upon a fascinating composer of whom we will certainly hear more.
Adolphe ADAM (1803-1856) Le Postillon de Lonjumeau, operetta (complete with dialogue, in French) (1836) John Aler (Chapelou/Saint-Phar), June Anderson (Madeleine/Madame de Latour), Francois Le Roux (Le Marquis de Corcy), Jean-Phillippe Lafont (Biju/Alcindor), Daniel Ottewaere (Bourdon), Balvina de Courcelles (Rose)
Monte-Carlo Philharmonic Orchestra/ Thomas Fulton Rec. Salle Garnier, Monte-Carlo 1985This 2 CD set is a mid-price reissue of a CD set released in the 1986. The recording is excellent with strong treble and considerable vocal clarity accompanied by rather brief notes, yet one can be assured of hearing prominent singers in a good performance.... see Full Review
Kalevi AHO (b.1949) Symphonies Nos. 2 & 7
Two symphonies from Aho: the compelling one-movement Second and the Capek-inspired Seventh; the latter a work both post-modernist and inherently critical of post-modernism. Excellent orchestral playing and high production standards.
William ALWYN (1905-1895) Film Music Vol. 2 Music from: The Crimson Pirate; A Night to Remember (Main Title); Green Girdle; Take My Life – Aria*; The Card; Desert Victory; The Winslow Boy; In Search of the Castaways; and Libera me from Svengali.†
An excellent well-contrasted compilation of important British film music that needed to be rescued from oblivion and performed with panache and conviction. … for Full Review
Kurt ATTERBERG (1887-1974) Symphony No 7, Op 45 (1941/2) "Sinfonia Romantica" Symphony No 8, Op 48 (1944/45)
If you want to complete your Atterberg Symphonies this can be recommended, but if you just want to explore the best of Atterberg, go for the earlier symphonies. ... see Full Review
Johann Sebastian BACH (1685-1750): Cantatas: ‘Bringet dem Herrn Ehre seines Namens’, BWV 148 ‘Ich elender Mensch, wer wird mich erlosen’, BWV 48 ‘Was soll ich aus dir machen, Ephraim’, BWV 89 ‘Ich glaube, lieber Herr, hilf meinem Unglauben’, BWV 109 - Midori Suzuki (sop); Robin Blaze (alto); Gerd Turk (ten); Chiyuki Urano (bass)
Four fine and varied cantatas, all very well served by Suzuki and his forces, who clearly have an intuitive understanding of Bach’s many-faceted music.
Johann Sebastian BACH (1685-1750) St. John Passion
This is a good recording of one of Bach’s finest vocal works. Given its budget price, it is highly recommended, although there are better recordings of this work (such as those by Suzuki, on Bis, and Herreweghe, on Harmonia Mundi). A worthy recording that will not disappoint, though it tends to be lacking in emotion.
Johann Sebastian BACH (1685-1750) Te Deum
Here is a unique recording of music that Bach never wrote. The combination of organ chorales and vocal sections works quite well. The atmosphere of the disc is very compelling, and the performances excellent. ... see Full Review
Johann Sebastian BACH (1685-1750) Well-Tempered Clavier, Book II BWV 870-893 [154.11]
This is probably a disc for those quite familiar with the Well-Tempered Clavier who are interested hearing it performed in a radically different manner. Neither exceptionally good nor poor, this is a unique performance.
Johann Sebastian BACH (1685-1750) Keyboard Concertos Concerto No. 1 in D minor, BWV 1052 Concerto No. 3 in D major, BWV 1054 Concerto No. 5 in F minor, BWV 1056 Concerto No. 6 in F major, BWV 1057
Marvellous performances of marvellous music. Katsaris is the undoubted star of the show, leading with lively virtuoso playing. The vivid sound does everyone justice too. ...see Full Review
Johann Sebastian BACH (1685-1750) Bach Edition
You owe it to yourself to get this set - at its super-bargain price, even those recordings you don't like will not cause too much disappointment, but the quality of the excellent ones is such that you will certainly be delighted. (Note that the cost of some of the recordings in this set that have been licensed from other labels would far exceed the total cost of the entire set.) If only to have the 60 CDs of sacred cantatas, and to discover what is an incredible collection of moving and memorable music, this set is worth having. Treat yourself to 160 CDs of Bach, then, take a few weeks off to enjoy this music. ...see Full Review
Johann Sebastian BACH (1685-1750) The Sonatas and Partitas for Unaccompanied Violin BWV 1001 - 1006 Arranged for 8-string guitar
This is the finest recording of these works for any plucked instrument, and perhaps for any instrument at all. Galbraith’s unique style, coupled with the magnificent sound of his guitar, make this one of the most essential Bach recordings I have ever heard. Buy this disc for a totally new approach to some of Bach’s finest music. ...see Full Review
Granville BANTOCK (1868-1946) The Song of Songs - Prelude (1926) Omar Khayyam - Prelude and Camel Caravan (1906) Caristiona (1920) Processional (1893) Thalaba the Destroyer - symphonic poem (1899)
rec 20-21 Feb 2001, Walthamstow Assembly Halls, London - DDD
Hyperion should take a deep bow for this latest Bantock salvo which is remarkably strong meat especially in the case of Thalaba and Caristiona.
Sally BEAMISH (b. 1956) Bridging the Day Works for cello and piano Gala Water (1994) for cello solo Bridging the Day (1998) for cello and piano Entre Chien et Loup (1979) for piano solo Lullaby for Owain (1985) for piano solo Kyle Song (1993) for piano solo Iasg (1993) for cello and piano The Wise Maid (2000) for cello solo Sonata for Cello and Piano (1999-2000)
The intimate nature and understanding of these performances is evident throughout. A warmly recommended disc that should make many new friends for Sally Beamish’s music.
Ludwig van BEETHOVEN (1770-1827) Symphony No.9 in D minor Op.125 ‘Choral’, Elisabeth Söderström (soprano), Regina Resnik (contralto), Jon Vickers (tenor), David Ward (bass), London Bach Choir, London Symphony Orchestra
The coda is thrillingly fast and conducted with the youthful exuberance of a man sixty years his junior. If you don’t know this recording, you should.
Ludwig van BEETHOVEN (1770 – 1827) Symphonies: No 1 in C major, Op. 21; No 2 in D major, Op. 36; no 3 in E flat major, Op. 55 ‘Eroica’; No. 4 in B flat major, Op. 60; No 5 in C minor, Op. 67; No 6 in F major, Op. 68 ‘Pastoral’; No 7 in A major, Op. 92; No 8 in F major, Op. 93; No 9 in D minor, Op. 125 ‘Choral’*
Overtures: ‘The Creatures of Prometheus’, Op. 43; ‘Coriolan’, Op. 62; ‘Egmont’, Op. 84One of the most provocative and thoughtful Beethoven cycles ever committed to disc.
Ludwig van BEETHOVEN (1770-1827) Symphony No 5
Symphony No 7Seventh: tremendous reserves of expressive power and the rhythmic attack is of galvanizing intensity. A remarkable document. The sound is generally fine on these discs, the restoration is by Mark Obert-Thorn.
Ludwig van BEETHOVEN (1770-1827) Piano Concerto no. 5 in E flat, op. 73 – "Emperor" (1), Cello Sonata in G minor, op. 5/2 (2)
The Concerto is enthralling and in the Sonata we hear two great musicians enjoying making music together but the recording of the Concerto is foul – does it have to sound so bad?
Ludwig van BEETHOVEN (1770-1827) Piano Sonata No 21 I C major, Op. 53 ‘Waldstein’ Piano Sonata No 23 in F minor, Op. 57 ‘Appassionata’ Piano Sonata No 30 in E major, Op.109 Piano Sonata No 31 in A flat major, Op. 110
Recorded: 17 & 22 June 1951 in the Kammersaal, Kongresshalle, Zürich (Opp. 53 & 57) 31 August & 1 September, 1955 in No 3 Studio, Abbey Road, London (Opp.109 & 110)Gieseking was more of an ‘instinctive’ player (albeit one blessed with a superb technique). His performances contain occasional fluffs or passages of slightly blurred fingerwork. In my view these matter not one jot.
Great Violinists: Adolf BUSCH (1891 - 1952) Ludwig van BEETHOVEN Violin Sonata No.3 in E flat major, Op. 12, No.3, Violin Sonata No.5 in F major, Op. 24 (Spring) Violin Sonata No.9 in A major, Op. 47 (Kreutzer)
The greatest Beethoven violin sonatas performed by arguably the greatest duo partnership of the last century… at Naxos price! ... see Full Review
Vincenzo BELLINI (1801 – 1835) I Capuleti e i Montecchi Opera in two acts
This would not be my first choice recording of this opera.
Ralph BENATZKY (1884-1957) L’Auberge du Cheval blanc (The White Horse Inn) operetta (with dialogue, in French)
René Ducios Choir Orchestre de la Société des Concerts du Conservatoire/Félix Nuvolone
Rec. Paris, 1962This 2 CD set is a reissue of LPs released in 1962. The transfer to CD is acceptable but very different from the superb quality of La Fille de Madam Angot in the same series which was recorded a decade later. see Full Review
Jan Jiri and Frantisek (Franz) BENDA (177-1752 and 1709-1786) Violin Concertos, Vol.1 - Jan Jiri Benda: Concerto in G ,major (edited Samuel Dushkin), Frantisek (Franz) Benda: Concerto in D major (cadenzas Sebastian Benda) and Concerto D minor (cadenzas Lola Benda), Josef Suk and Ariane Pfïster, violins
The sound on this disc is crisp, well balanced and makes me impatient to hear the rest of what Naxos obviously intends to be a more thorough exploration of this talented family’s extensive output
Paul BEN-HAIM (1897-1984) The Piano Works of Paul Ben-Haim Suite No. 1 Op. 20a (1933); Suite No. 2 Op. 20b (1936); Five Pieces Op. 34 (1943); Sonatina Op. 38 (1946)
"Melody with Variations" Op. 42 (1950); Sonata Op. 49 (1954)
Recorded at Patrych Sound Studios, New York, January- February 2000Ben-Haim is the voice of a new Jewish nationalism influenced by folksong yet I touch with the Western tradition. Ben-Haim was clearly a fine pianist. …..see full review
Hector BERLIOZ (1803-69) Symphonie fantastique, Op. 14.
Concertgebouw Orchestra/Sir Colin Davis. Recorded in the Concertgebouw, Amsterdam in January 1974 [ADD]
Davis's understanding of Berlioz' unique compositional practices is amply demonstrated in this Concertgebouw Symphonie fantastique. The recording is excellent.
Hector BERLIOZ (1803-69) Symphonie fantastique, Op. 14. Roméo et Juliette – Love Scene.
Cincinnati Symphony Orchestra/Paavo Järvi. Recorded in Music Hall, Cincinnati, Ohio on October 8th-10th, 2000. [DDD]
At full price, and given the competition, it is hard to give a wholehearted recommendation to this disc. Despite many fascinating moments along the way, one does not enter into Berlioz’ unique world.
Joseph-Ermend BONNAL (1880-1944) String Quartet No. 1 (1919) [33.31] String Quartet No. 2 (1938) [21.08]
I urge you strongly to seek out Bonnal's sheerly magical impressionistic music.
Johannes BRAHMS (1833 – 1897) Symphony No. 1 in C minor Op. 68 (1876). Symphony No. 3 in F Major Op. 90 (1883).
The performance is strong and passionate, although not quite as riveting as the Bruno Walter recording which for me is the greatest performance of this symphony I know. A wonderful release at a super bargain price.
Johannes BRAHMS (1833 – 1897) Violin Concerto in D Major, Op. 77 - (1878) Ludwig Van BEETHOVEN (1770 – 1827) Symphony No. 5 in C Minor Op. 67 – (1808)
Kyung Wha Chung brings to the Brahms immaculate intonation, no extraneous finger noises, no obtrusive wide vibrato, and a character of playing which goes straight to the heart. Her playing is right up there with other great performances and it has given me much pleasure.
Johannes BRAHMS (1833-1897) Piano Concerto No. 1 (1859) Robert SCHUMANN (1810-1856) Introduction and Allegro Appassionato (1849) Felix MENDELSSOHN (1809-1847) Capriccio Brillant (1825)
Philadelphia/Ormandy (Schumann/Mendelssohn); Cleveland/Szell (Brahms) Rec Severance Hall, Cleveland 19-20 Apr 1968 (Brahms); Town Hall, Philadelphia 17 Mar 1964 (Schumann), 4 Apr 1967 (Mendelssohn)
Johannes BRAHMS (1833-1897) Piano Concerto No. 2 (1881) Richard STRAUSS (1864-1949) Burleske (1886)Serkin is ursine and magisterial but with a feline agility in the quicker music that surprises in one who so naturally expresses the epic. Simply terrific in Brahms 2. As much of a gold standard as Oistrakh in the BMG-Melodiya Sibelius Violin Concerto or Mravinsky in Shostakovich 6.
Johannes BRAHMS (1833-1897) Motets Op.74 and Op.29 Max REGER (1873-1916) Three Motets Op.110 Tapiola Chamber Choir
The choir under Kuivanen hold their own, producing a lovely blend of sound, secure intonation on the whole and sensitive, contrasting reflection of the text throughout the disc. The recording venue has a natural warmth and resonance.
Benjamin BRITTEN (197-76) Cello Suites – No. 1 in G, Op. 72; No. 2 in D, Op. 80; No. 3, Op. 87.
There is no doubting the power of this music. Mørk successfully couples a young man's enthusiasm and a beautiful tone with a worldly understanding beyond his years to produce a disc which will leave few unmoved.
Benjamin BRITTEN (1913-1976) Piano Concerto (1938, rev. 1945) Edward ELGAR (1857–1934) Enigma Variations (1898/99)
There are respectable though short notes, and the presentation is good. In retrospect, it is as if the performers are performing what they are superb at – Bruckner – Nimrod is slow and romantic. … full review recorded 10 & 14 /10/94 in Funkhaus Hallberg, Saarbrucken. ..see Full Review
Max BRUCH (1838-1920) Violin Concerto No.1 in G minor Op.26 Johannes BRAHMS (1833-1897) Violin Concerto in D Op.77
Royal Liverpool Philharmonic Orchestra Vernon Handley (conductor)Recorded in the Philharmonic Hall, Liverpool, June/July 1989 and September 1991 respectively
Tasmin Little’s playing is magical and alluring, full of personality, warmth and humanity. Her tone is sweet, with considerable vibrato, the start of the Adagio of the Bruch compellingly still and tonally rich. Her phrasing connects musically.
Anton BRUCKNER (1824-1896) The Complete Symphonies
A complete set of a great body of symphonic literature realised by a superb Bruckner conductor in shining new performances. A major recording venture. Unbeatable value.
Anton BRUCKNER (1824-1896) Symphony No. 7 in E major Saarbrücken Radio Symphony
Skrowaczewski proves his calibre as a Bruckner conductor, and once again the Saarbrücken orchestra match his demands with first class playing in a complete cycle of Bruckner symphonies that has been one of the highlights of the year.
Anton BRUCKNER (1824-1896) Symphony No. 7 in E major
While not a first recommendation, this disc makes an interesting addition to the catalogue, for here is a performance of a great symphony by a conductor who knows and loves the music....see Full Review
[Part 1 New] [Part 2 A-B] [Part 3 C-L]
[Part 4 M-R] [Part 5 S-Y] [Part 6 Misc]
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