John
ADAMS
(b. 1947) El
Niño - opera Libretto by John Adams and Peter Sellars
Soprano…………………Dawn Upshaw 
London Voices, Maîtrise de Paris Children’s Choir
Deutsches Symphonie Orchester Berlin conducted by Kent Nagano The world
premier production from the Théâtre de Paris-Châtelet,
2000 ARTHAUS MUSIK
DVD Video 100 220 [147 mins] [IL]
Adams
new opera/oratorio has much to recommend it. The music is colourful
and accessible notwithstanding that the production’s images are sometimes
rather obscure. Certainly worth visiting. ...see Full
Review
Johann
Sebastian BACH
(1685-1750) Goldberg
Variations, BWV 988
Ekaterina Dershavina, piano Rec: November 1994, Musikstudio 1 of the
Saarländischer Rundfunk.
ARTE NOVA 74321 34011 2 [77.13] [KM]
A
brilliant recording, and at a budget price as well! Snap it up for a
rare example of pianistic excellence. …see Full
Review
Johann
Sebastian BACH
(1685 - 1750) Goldberg
Variations, BWV 988
Jory Vinikour, harpsichord Rec: October 2000, Skywalker Sound, Marin
County, California. DELOS
DE 3279 [85.39] [2CDs for the price of one] [KM]
This
is a brilliant, lively recording of the Goldberg Variations, by a young
harpsichordist who will certainly make a name for himself as a soloist
in the years to come. ...see Full
Review
Johann
Sebastian BACH
(1685 - 1750) Goldberg
Variations, BWV 988
Käte van Trich, organ Rec: December 1990.
MDG 318 0386-2 [72.33]
A
disappointing recording. The Goldbergs are not apt to presentation on
the organ. …. see Full Review
Johann
Sebastian BACH
(1685-1750) Well-Tempered
Clavier, Book I BWV 846-869 [123.49] Well-Tempered Clavier, Book II
BWV 870-893 [146.04]
Ottavio Dantone (hpsch)
Rec: June 2000, Sala del Refettorio di S. Vitale, Ravenna, Italy ARTS
MUSIC 47654-2 [123.49] (book I), 47657-2 [146.04] (book II)
The
combination of the beautiful instrument, excellent recording and uniquely
personal interpretation puts this among the few truly indispensable
recordings of this work on harpsichord. … see Full
Listing
Johann
Sebastian BACH
(1685-1750) Violin
Concerto in A minor, BWV 1041 Violin Concerto in E major, BWV 1042 Violin
Concerto in G minor, transcribed from Keyboard Concerto, BWV 1056 Double
Violin Concerto in D minor, BWV 1043 Antonio
VIVALDI (1678-1741) Violin Concerto in C major, RV187
Violin Concerto in D major, RV209
Pinchas Zukerman (violin), Jose-Luis Garcia (violin, Bach Double Concerto)
English Chamber Orchestra
Rec 1990 (Bach), 1992 (Vivaldi)
RCA Red Seal 74321 68002 [77.32] [TB]
Zukerman's
is stylistically aware but opts for 'modern' pitch and instruments rather
than 'period'. The balance tendsto place him forward in the perspective.
...see Full Review
Johann
Sebastian BACH (1685-1750)
Violin
Concerto no. 1 in A minor, BWV 1041 (1), Violin Concerto no. 2 in E,
BWV 1042 (2), Concerto in D minor for Two Violins and Strings, BWV 1043
(3), Sonata for Solo Violin no. 3 in A minor, BWV 1003: Adagio
(4) Yehudi Menuhin (violin),
George Enescu (violin) (3), Paris Symphony Orchestra (1-3)/George Enescu
(1, 2), Pierre Monteux (3) Recorded in Paris, 21.2.1936 (1), 24.6.1933
(2), 4.6.1932 (3, 4)
NAXOS HISTORICAL 8.110965 [54.21]
More
than a myth, these first recordings provide a pleasant snapshot of Menuhin’s
career at that moment. ...see Full Review
Johann
Sebastian BACH
(1685-1750)
Music for Oboe and Harpsichord Preludes and
Fugues from the Well-Tempered Clavier Sonata in G minor, BWV 1030b Sonata
in C major, BWV 103 Sonata in G minor, BWV 102 Prelude and Fugue in
c minor, BWV 871, from The Well-Tempered Clavier, Book II Sonata in
Eb major, BWV 1031 ‘Organ’ trio sonata in C major, BWV 521
Gail Hennessy, oboe Nicholas Parle, harpsichord Rec: December 2000,
St. Andrew’s Church, Toddington, Gloucestershire.
SIGNUM SIGCD034 [68:39] [KM]
The
music is quite attractive, but the recording puts the harpsichord too
much in the background, giving a lack of balance that is unattractive.
Unfortunately, this original disc does not have enough qualities to
recommend it. … see Full Listing
Johann
Sebastian BACH (1685-1750)
Christmas
Oratorio, BWV 248 Arleen Auger (soprano), Julia Hamari (contralto),
Peter Schreier (tenor), Wolfgang Schöne (bass), Gächinger
Kantorei Stuttgart,
Bach-Collegium Stuttgart/Helmuth Rilling Recorded April/July 1984, Gedächtniskirche,
Stuttgart HÄNSSLER
CLASSIC CD 94.010 [3 CDs: 57.27, 47.49, 49.18] [CF]
A
clean, clear and vital execution, three out of four superb soloists
and beautiful sound. It’s up to you decide if this is enough....see
Full Review
BACH.
Christmas
Oratorio.
Juliane Banse, Cornelia Kallisch, Markus Schafer, Robert Swenson,
Thomas Quasthoff, Windsbacher Knabenchor, Municher Bachsolisten,Karl-Friedrich
Beringer. Recorded in Heilsbron Munster July 1991.
Teldec video 4509-91124-3 (158 minutes) - [DW]
The
star is Quasthoff. From his first entry we have a voice and a presence
rare in music. He has a wonderful duet with the trumpet. The woodwind
playing is a treat but, curiously, one of the most striking features
is that when some orchestral players are tacet they seem to be enjoying
listening to the music. That speaks volumes to me. … see Full
Listing
Johann
Sebastian BACH Bach
On The Fritts! Bach
organ Works: Toccata, Adagio and Fugue in C-Major BWV 564, Partita
on ‘Sei gegrüsset, Jesu gütig’ BWV 768, Prelude and Fugue
in A-Minor BWV 543, Prelude and Fugue in A-Major BWV 536, Chorale Prelude
‘Schmücke dich, o liebe Seele’ BWV 654, Chorale Prelude ‘Wenn wir
in höchsten Nöten’ BWV 668a, Passacaglia in C-Minor BWV 582.
Jonathan Biggers, Organist
Arizona State University Recorded: May 1994, Arizona State University,
Temple, Arizona. Organ by: Paul Fritts and Co., 1992.
CALCANTE RECORDINGS CAL CD009 [77.01]
[ChA]
Biggers
not caught at his best, but I do recommend to keep an eye open for his
more recent performances. The Fritts organ is a fine instrument....
see Full Review
Johann
Sebastian BACH (1685-1750)
Organ
Works Prelude and Fugues BWV 543; BWV 536 Partita "O Gott,
du frommer Gott" BWV 767 Allabreve BWV 589 Prelude BWV 568
Pastorale BWV 590 Choralvorspiel und Choral BWV 604
Hans Helmut Tillmanns (organ) Recorded: St Nicholas Church, Raeren,
Belgium October 2001
DANACORD DACOCD 590 [67.04?] [JW]
The
Weimbs organ has been splendidly recorded by Danacord who are making
something of a speciality of sympathetic organ acoustics. This is a
disc that can be recommended.... see Full
Review
Béla
BARTÓK (1881-1945)
The World Of Béla Bartók
Suite no. 1, Opus 3 Detroit
Symphony Orchestra/Antal Dorati Assai lento - Allegro molto (movement
I from Sonata for Two Pianos and Percussion) Vladimir and Vovka
Ashkenazy (pianos) David Corkhill and Andrew Smith (percussion) Doors
IV & V (from Bluebeard's Castle) Walter Berry (Bluebeard), Christa
Ludwig (Judith) London Symphony Orchestra/István Kertesz Mikrokosmos,
Book VI, Nos. 148-153 Zoltán Kocsis (piano) Adagio (second
movement from Piano Concerto No. 2) Vladimir Ashkenazy (piano) London
Philharmonic Orchestra/Sir Georg Solti Elegia (third movement from
Concerto for Orchestra) Chicago Symphony Orchestra/Sir Georg Solti
Fast Dance (third movement from Contrasts for violin, clarinet
and piano) Arvid Engegard (violin), Elmar Schmid (clarinet) András
Schiff (piano) Allegro molto (fourth movement from Music for Strings,
Percussion and Celesta) Chicago Symphony Orchestra/Sir Georg Solti
Rec Decca, 1966-1994
DECCA 470 129 2 [73.00] [TB]
There
are some distinguished performances here but somehow the compilation
seems less than the sum of its parts. ...see Full
Review
Sir
Arnold BAX (1883-1953)
String
Quartet No. 1 in G major (1918) String Quartet No. 2 in A minor (1925)
Maggini String Quartet
Rec 19-21 December 1999, Potton Hall, Suffolk
NAXOS 8.555282 [54.00] [TB]
Good
to find these quartets coupled in an appealing budget release from Naxos,
pleasingly recorded by a talented ensemble already recognised for their
prowess in British music. … see Full Review
Ludwig van BEETHOVEN (1770-1827)
Piano Concerto No. 5 in E flat, Op. 73, ‘Emperor’.
Cello Sonata in G minor, Op. 5 No. 2.
Artur Schnabel (piano); Gregor Piatigorsky (cello); London Symphony
Orchestra/Sir Malcolm Sargent. Recorded on March 24th, 1932 in Abbey
Road Studio No. 1 (Emperor) and December 6th and 16th, 1934 in Abbey
Road Studio No. 3 (Cello Sonata). [ADD]
NAXOS HISTORICAL mono 8.110640 [60.07] [CC]
Having
heard a couple of disappointing ‘Emperors’ live in London recently,
it is a relief to reacquaint oneself with the magnificent insights of
Artur Schnabel in this recording. Here is a reminder of the true stature
of this piece. The Cello Sonata, this alone makes the disc essential.
...see Full Review
Ludwig
van BEETHOVEN
(1770 - 1827) Complete Piano Sonatas on Period
Instruments
Malcolm Bilson, Tom Beghin, David Breitman, Ursula Dütschler, Zvi
Meniker, Bart van Oort, Andrew Willis, fortepiano Rec.: March, June,
July, November 1996, Masterview Sound Studio, Ithack, New York, and
Maria Minor Church, Utrecht, Holland.
CLAVES
CD 50-9707/10 [11.28.50] [KM]
This
is a magnificent set of Beethoven’s piano sonatas, played on the type
of instrument he used when composing them. Many listeners will be uncomfortable
with the pianoforte; it is so very different from the modern piano.
But these recordings give a totally new perspective on these essential
piano works. … Full Review
FREDDY
KEMPF PLAYS BEETHOVEN Ludwig
van BEETHOVEN: Sonata No.30 in E major, Op.109, Sonata No.31
in A flat major, Op.110, Sonata No.32 in C minor, Op.111 
Freddy Kempff (piano)recorded in March 2000 at Nybrokajen 11, Stockholm
BIS
CD 1120 [63.25] [MB]
Never
less than fascinating this disc shows a young tiger with an absolute
command of the keyboard. There are sublime touches and Kempf has an
unerring ability to strike beauty from the piano. Do hear this disc
but don’t assume that it is the last word on Beethoven – or Kempf. ...see
Full Review
Ludwig
van BEETHOVEN
(1770-1827) Piano Sonatas – No. 13 in E flat,
Op. 27 No. 1; No. 14 in C sharp minor, Op. 27 No. 2, ‘Moonlight’; No.
30 in E, Op. 109.
Maria João Pires (piano). Recorded at Granja de Belgais, Portugal
in June 2000 and May 2001 [DDD]
DG 453 457-2 [51.16]
[CC]
This
is a truly awe-inspiring offering from Pires which acts as a reminder
of what a truly unique and inspiring musician she is. … see Full
Listing
Ludwig
van BEETHOVEN
(1770-1827) Symphony No .3 "Eroica"
Joseph HAYDN (1732-1809) Symphony No. 101
"The Clock"*
Symphony Orchestra of Southwest German Radio, Baden Baden and Vienna
Symphony Orchestra*/ Jascha Horenstein (Recorded in 1957)
VOX LEGENDS VOX 7807 [79.02] [TD]
Whilst
the Beethoven ultimately disappoints, the Haydn is sufficiently interesting
to make this disc a welcome reissue from the Vox Horenstein collection.
see Full Review
Ludwig
van BEETHOVEN
(1770-1827) Symphony
No. 9 in D minor, Opus 125 'Choral'
Edith Wiens (soprano), Hildegard Hartwig (mezzo soprano), Keith Lewis
(tenor), Roland Hermann (bass) NDRSO/Günter Wand Rec 1987 by Deutsche
Harmonia Mundi RCA RED
SEAL 74321 68005 2 [66.23] [TB]
The
performance is brimming full of vitality, with a good team of soloists
and a top class orchestra who worked regularly with the conductor ...see
Full Listing
Ludwig
van BEETHOVEN
(1770 – 1827) Fidelio
(highlights) Opera in two acts
Arnold Schoenberg Choir
Chamber Orchestra of Europe / Nikolaus Harnoncourt Recorded at Stefaniensaal,Graz.
June 1994 Teldec Classics International GmbH DDD
WARNER CLASSICS APEX 0927 413742 [76.33?] [KM]
You
will play this CD and then probably not replay it for some time. It
is competent but without many compelling elements. … full
review
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)
Gila Goldstein –
piano
Recorded at Patrych Sound Studios, New York, January- February 2000
CENTAUR CRC 2506 [76.26]
Gila
Goldstein’s superbly assured and dedicated readings of these enjoyable
works pay a well-deserved tribute to Israel’s foremost composer …. See
Full Review
Niels
Viggo BENTZON (1909-2000)
Piano
Concerto No. 4 (1954) [39.28] Five Mobiles (1960) [20.16]
Anker Blyme (piano) Aarhus SO/Ole Schmidt rec Kongreshuset Arhus, 1982
DACAPO 8.224110 [59.46]
[RB]
Bentzon's
productivity was phenomenal. The Piano Concerto flits between Beethoven,
Berg and Stravinsky. The Mobiles are works of starry dissolution. ...see
Full Review
Niels
Viggo BENTZON (1909-2000)
Symphony
No. 5 Op. 61 Ellipser (1950) [36.19] Symphony No. 7 Op. 83 Tre
Versioner (1952) [28.54]
Aarhus SO/Ole Schmidt rec Kongreshuset Aarhus, 5 Apr 1980 (sym 7); 4
Mar 1982 (Sym 5) DACAPO
8.224111 [65.13] [RB]
These
symphonies are examples of Bentzon's metamorphic style in which the
voices of Bartok, Simpson and Shostakovich nudge and jostle ... see
Full Review
Hector
BERLIOZ
(1803-69) Les nuits d’été. La mort
de Cléopâtre. La captive. La belle voyageuse. Zaïde.
Véronique Gens (soprano); Lyon National Opera Orchestra/Louis
Langrée. Recorded in Opéra National, Lyon on January 28th-29th,
2000 (Cléopâtre) and in Auditorium Maurice Ravel on February
1st-3rd, 2001 (other works). [DDD]
VIRGIN CLASSICS VC5 45422-2 [61.17] [CC]
Véronique
Gens joins the exalted ranks of Crespin and Baker for top placing in
Les nuits dété, and comes top of the list for modern recordings.
A truly beautiful record. ...see
Full Review
Georges
BIZET (1838-1875)
Carmen
(highlights) Carmen - Grace Bumbry (mezzo soprano) Don Jose - Jon Vickers
(tenor) Michaela - Mirella Freni (soprano) Escamillo - Kostas Paskalis
(baritone) Frasquita - Eliane Lublin (soprano) Mercedes - Viorica Cortez
(mezzo soprano) Morales - Claude Meloni (baritone) Zuniga - Bernard
Gontcharenko (bass)
Chorus and Orchestra of the Paris Opera Rafael Frühbeck de Burgos
(conductor) Recorded in the Salle Wagram, Paris, July and September
1969, January and February 1970
EMI CLASSICS CDE5 74955 2 [76.11]
Superbudget [CF]
I’m
not very keen on bleeding chunks of operatic excerpts but this Carmen
is an exception. If you haven’t got, and don't want to buy, the whole
opera, this will more than suffice. …see Full
Listing
Arthur
BLISS
(1891-1975) Introduction
and Allegro, Cello Concerto, Meditations on a theme by John Blow Robert
Cohen (cello) Royal Philharmonic Orchestra/Barry Wordsworth Antiphonal
Fanfare, Flourish, Fanfare for the Lord Mayor of London, Philip
Jones Brass Ensemble Suite: Things to Come National Philharmonic
Orchestra/Bernard Herrmann Welcome to the Queen, Theme and Cadenza
for violin, Introduction and Allegro Alfredo Campoli (violin)
London Philharmonic Orchestra London Symphony Orchestra/Sir Arthur Bliss
Rec 1955 (Theme and Cadenza, Introduction and Allegro - Bliss), 1959
(Welcome to the Queen), 1970, Antiphonal Fanfare, Flourish), 1975 (Things
to Come), 1979 (Fanfare), 1993 (Introduction and Allegro - Wordsworth,
Cello Concerto, Meditations)
DECCA 470 186-2 [2CDs: 124.21] [TB]
This
Bliss collection contains some enterprising repertoire in good recordings
and performances, stretching across a period from 1955 to 1993. ...see
Full Review
Carey
BLYTON The
Early Songs Three a.m. Op. 9; Two Pensive Songs Op. 10; Toi et
Moi Op. 11; Moresques Op. 14; Symphony in Yellow Op. 15; The Poetry
of Dress Op. 25 What then is Love? Op. 26; The Sea Dog’s Song Op. 28;
Prayers from the Ark Op. 48; The Flea Op. 100½; The Rose and the Nightingale
by Rimsky-Korsakov arr. Blyton; Indigo Blues Op. 103½ Beryl
Korman, soprano; Ian Partridge, tenor; Stephen Roberts, piano; Jennifer
Partridge, piano; David Campbell, clarinet and "Scheherazade".
Recorded at Snape, Maltings November 2000
UPBEAT URCD 160
[79.23] [GH]
In
Blyton's songs the urban world is beautifully evoked with a sense of
sleazy decorum and run-down sophistication. …see Full
Review
Dmitri
Stepanovich BORTNYANSKY
(1751-1825) Sacred Concertos, Volume 5: Nos. 30-35.
Russian State Symphonic Cappella/Valeri Polyansky. Recorded in the Dormition
Cathedral of Smolensk and St Sophia’s Cathedral, Polotsk in 1989/90.
[DDD] CHANDOS CHAN9956
[60.33] [CC]
The
choir displays almost chameleon responses to Bortnyansky’s music. Polyansky’s
sense of timing seems always spot-on, and the recording is exemplary,
capturing the cathedral acoustic convincingly. ...see Full
Review
William
BOYCE
(1711- 1779) Pindar’s
Ode,New Year Ode 1774
Patrick Burrowes (boy soprano) Andrew Johnson (boy soprano) Christopher
Josey (high tenor) Charles Daniels (tenor) Michael George (bass-baritone)
Choir of New College Oxford – director Edward Higginbotham Hanover Band/Graham
Lea-Cox (conductor) Rec 2001?
ASV CD GAU 232 [74.20] [JW]
Whilst
not as consistently impressive as that earlier recording by these forces
this disc is yet more evidence of Boyce’s high status in eighteenth
century music making. … see Full Review
Johannes
BRAHMS (1833-1897)
Piano
Concerto no. 1 in D minor, op. 15 *, Intermezzo in E flat, op. 117/1,
Intermezzi in A m, op. 116/2; Rhapsody in G minor, op. 79/2
Artur Schnabel (pianoforte), London Philharmonic Orchestra/George Szell*
Recorded 9.1. and 18.12.1938, EMI Abbey Road Studio no. 1 (concerto)
4.6.1947, EMI Abbey Road Studio no. 3 (solo pieces)
NAXOS Historical 8.110664 [61.34] [CH]
Schnabel
was a very complete Brahmsian indeed and these recordings are essential
documents, as well as an unmissable bargain at Naxos price. …see Full
Review
Johannes
BRAHMS Symphony No. 2 in
D, Op.73 Felix
MENDELSSOHN Symphony
No. 4 in A, Op.90, The Italian
National Philharmonic Orchestra (1972), conducted by Leopold Stokowski
recorded in EMI Studio One, Abbey Road, London, 4th ,5th
& 9th April 1977 (Brahms) and 31st May, 2nd
and 4th June 1977 (Mendelssohn). ADD
CALA CACD0531 [73.43] [JP]
Stokowski
seems to have more life in his little finger than many a younger conductor
appears to be able to muster in his / her whole body. A pair of wonderful
performances, beautifully recorded and presented. … see Full
Review
Johannes
BRAHMS (1833-1897)
Clarinet
Quintet in B minor, Opus 115 Piano Quintet in F minor, Opus 34
Ralph Manno (clarinet), Alfredo Perl (piano), Michaela Paetsch Neftel,
Rahel Cunz (violins), Hartmut Rohde (viola), Guido Schiefen (cello)
Rec 14-15 August 1995, Iglesia San Francisco de Telde, Las Palmas de
Gran Canaria ARTE NOVA
74321 30493 2 [74.24] [TB]
There
are other performances of either of these pieces which will give equal
pleasure, but none are available at remotely so competitive a price.
…. See Full Review
Johannes
BRAHMS (1833-1897)
Two
Sonatas for clarinet and piano, op. 120: no. 1 in f minor, no. 2 in
E flat Ralph Manno (clarinet),
Alfredo Perl (pianoforte) Recorded 24 & 27 August 1992, Sendsaal
Radio Bremen ARTE NOVA 74321
27767 2 [45.34] Super Budget [CH]
Not
much of a bargain here, I’m afraid ...see Full
Review
Frank
BRIDGE (1879
– 1941) Enter
Spring (1927) Isabella (1906) Two Poems for Orchestra (1915) Mid of
the Night (1903) BBC
National Orchestra of Wales/Richard Hickox Recorded: Brangwyn Hall,
Swansea, November 2000
CHANDOS CHAN 9950 [75:48] [HC]
Hickox
conducts finely paced performances of all these pieces and the BBC National
Orchestra of Wales respond with wholehearted enthusiasm and dedication.
Warmly recommended. .. see Full Listing
Frank
BRIDGE
(1879-1941) Enter Spring Summer
– Tone Poem for Orchestra
Christmas Dance – Sir Roger de Coverley Academy of St
Martins in the Fields
(recorded 1996) Sonata for Cello and Piano Mstislav Rostropovich
(cello) and Benjamin Britten (Piano) (recorded in 1968) Go Not
Happy Day Kathleen Ferrier (contralto) accompanied by Frederick
Stone (piano) (recorded in 1952 )
DECCA 470 189-2 [57:11] Midprice
A
worthy compilation of Bridge works from his middle and late periods:
beautiful works splendidly played – especially the Cello Sonata. Recommended.
… see Full Review
Anton
BRUCKNER (1824-1896)
Symphony
No 8 Saarbrücken
Radio Symphony Orchestra/Stanislaw Skrowaczewski Recorded Kongresshalle,
Saarbrucken October 1993
ARTE NOVA 74321 34016 2 (2 CDs) [82.24] Superbudget [JW]
An
excellent, well-recorded and thoroughly convincing account worthy of
the highest interest. …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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