DECEMBER 2001
RECORDINGS
OF THE MONTH
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) 
RPO/Vernon Handley
rec 20-21 Feb 2001, Walthamstow Assembly Halls, London - DDD
HYPERION CDA 67250 [76.50] [RB]
Hyperion
should take a deep bow for this latest Bantock salvo which is remarkably
strong meat especially in the case of Thalaba and Caristiona.
DELIUS
Song of Summer. A
film by Ken Russell. Written
by Ken Russell and Eric Fenby and based on the book Delius as I knew
him by Eric Fenby. Produced and directed by Ken Russell. Starring
Max Adrian as Frederick Delius, Maureen Pryor as Jelka Delius, and
Christopher Gable as Eric Fenby. Black and white. 72 minutes. British
Film Institute.
DVD
version:  BFIVD518
£19.99 (with director's biography and commentary). Video version:
VHS BFIV101 £12.99.
No-one
interested in Delius should be without a copy of Song of Summer. It
has not dated at all and it repays repeated viewing and remains a
fine tribute to Eric Fenby's sacrifice and self-less devotion.
Joseph
HAYDN
(1732-1809) The
Haydn Project [141.29] CD1 1. String Quartet No. 23
in F minor, Op. 20/5, H. 3/35 2. String Quartet No. 30 in E flat major
"Joke" Op. 33/2, H. 3/38 3. String Quartet No. 43 in G major, Op.
54/1, H. 3/58 4. String Quartet No. 53 in D major "Lark" Op. 64/5,
H. 3/63 CD2
1. String Quartet No. 59 in G minor "Rider"/"Horseman" Op. 74/3,
H. 3/74
2. String Quartet No. 61 in D minor "Fifths"/"The Bell"/"The
Donkey" Op. 76/2, H. 3/76 3. String Quartet No. 66 in G major "Lobkowitz"
Op. 77/1, H. 3/81
Emerson Quartet Eugene Drucker, violin Philip Setzer, violin Lawrence
Dutton, viola
David Finckel, cello Rec.: LeFrak Concert Hall, Queens College, NY,
2000-01
DEUTSCHE GRAMMOPHON 471 327-2 [141.29] [KM]
A
magnificent recording, which deserves the utmost attention. While
it is unlikely that the Emerson Quartet will record a complete set
of Haydn’s quartets, one must hope that they will add more of them
to their discography. This is a real gem. ...see
Full Review
Graham
WHETTAM (b.1927)
Concerto Drammatico; Sinfonia contra
timore
Martin Rummel (vlc); Sinfonia da Camera, Urbana, Illinois/Ian Hobson;
Leipzig Radio Symphony Orchestra/Günter Blumhagen (British Orchestral
Music Vol 2)
REDCLIFFE RECORDINGS RR 017 [60.00]
These
pieces are gloomy and harsh. Whettam’s is a striking musical world.
Hugh
WOOD (born
1932) Symphony
Op.21 (1982) Scenes from Comus Op.6 (1962/5)²
Geraldine
McGreevy (soprano)²; Daniel Norman (tenor)²; BBC Symphony Orchestra;
Sir Andrew Davis Recorded: BBC Studio 1, Maida Vale, London, September
1999
NMC D 070 [69:16] [HC]
A
superb release coupling two substantial pieces by a most distinguished
composer whose music is still all too rarely heard. In my Top Ten
list and heartily recommended
Lesley
GARRETT
Travelling Light
Featuring Sir George Martin, Michel Legrand, The Clare Singers, Denyce
Graves, Michael Ball, Bryn Terfel and Evelyn Glennie Orchestra conducted
by Philip Ellis Recorded at Air Studios and Whitfield Street Studios,
London, 2000-2001
EMI CDC 5 57251 2 [62:11] [SF]
This
is one of those albums that seems to improve on every hearing. If
you’re still not sure then give a copy to your mum or auntie or brother.
But I suspect you will end up regretting not buying one for yourself.
BARGAIN
OF THE MONTH
Johann
Sebastian BACH
(1685-1750)
Bach Edition
Complete works on 160 CDs FULL DETAILS AT FOOT OF REVIEW
BRILLIANT CLASSICS 99697 [approx. 160 hours]
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
Wolfgang
Amadeus MOZART
(1756
- 1791) Mozart Edition Volume 1 Concertos
for Wind Instruments,Violin Concertos BRILLIANT
CLASSICS 99713 7CDs [approx 454 minutes]
This
first volume of Brilliant Classic’s complete Mozart set certainly
bodes well for the other 23 volumes. The performances range from good
to excellent, the sound is almost always fine. ... see Full
Review
Wolfgang
Amadeus MOZART
(1756
- 1791) 
Mozart Edition vol. 4 Piano Concertos [approx. 11 hours 25 min.]
BRILLIANT
CLASSICS 99720 [approx. 11 hours 25 min.] [KM]
Once
again, Brilliant Classics comes up with a very good set of Mozart’s
works. While not perfect, these performances and recordings are fine.
The budget price is an additional incentive for those interested in
discovering all of Mozart’s works for piano and orchestra. ...see
Full Review
Wolfgang
Amadeus MOZART
(1756-1791) Don
Giovanni, opera (1787)
Bo Skovhus (Don Giovanni), Renata Girolami (Leporello), Boaz Daniel
(Masetto), Janusz Monarcha (Commendatore), Torsten Kerl (Don Ottavio),
Adrianne Pieczonka (Donna Anna), Regina Schörg (Elvira), Ildiko
Raimondi (Zerlina)
Hungarian Radio Chorus, Nicolaus Estherházy Sinfonia/Michael
Halász
Rec. Phoenix Studio, Budapest, Nov. 2000
NAXOS 8.660080-82 [CD1 58.31, CD2 58.38, CD3 56.30] [RF]
This
performance and recording stands ahead of many in the catalogue, even
if not supplanting Giulini’s 1959 recording for EMI, which may never
be bettered, but that is at full price. ...
see Full Review
Carl
ORFF
(1895-1982) Carmina
Burana
Bo Skovhus (baritone), Jochen Kowalski (alto), Sumi Jo (soprano) Southend
Boys' Choir London Philharmonic Chorus and Orchestra Zubin Mehta (conductor)
Rec 1993, The Maltings, Snape
APEX 09274 13772 (60.27) [TB]
The
extensive percussion is spectacularly well captured. The tam-tam and
timpani can rarely have sounded so thrilling in a recorded performance.
Mehta conducts with consummate control of his massed forces though
he is occasionally a little indulgent with slow tempi.
... see Full Review
|
NOVEMBER 2001
RECORDINGS
OF THE MONTH
Frank
BRIDGE
(1879-1941) Orchestral Works, Volume 1 Enter
Spring, Isabella, Two Poems for Orchestra, Mid of the Night
(premiere recording) 
BBC National Orchestra of Wales/Richard Hickox Rec 26-27 November
2000, Brangwyn Hall Swansea
CHANDOS CHAN 9950 (75.48)
With
excellent sound, and repertoire which includes a real masterpiece
and other music of much interest, this CD makes a compelling beginning
to Chandos's new cycle of the orchestral works of this splendid British
composer.
Antonio
VIVALDI
(1678 - 1741)
Juditha triumphans 1716. Magdalena
Kozena, mezzo-soprano, Juditha; Maria José Trullu, contralto,
Holofernes; Marina Comparato, soprano, Vagaus; Anke Herrman, mezzo-soprano,
Abra; Tiziana Carraro, mezzo-soprano, Ozias; Academia Montis Regalis;
Chamber Choir of the National Academy of Santa Cecilia. Conductor:
Alessandro de Marchi
Recording in October 2000, Instituto de Musica Antica Adademia Montis
Regalis, Mondovi, Italy.
OPUS 111 OP 30314 [3 CDs: 165.30] [FC]
This
flair for orchestration plus charging this oratorio with high drama
makes this one of Vivaldi's undisputed masterpieces. It is not without
reason that the record label, Opus 111, has chosen this work to lead
off their announced project to record the entire works of this composer.
MIRRORS
- SONGS BY CONTEMPORARY SWEDISH COMPOSERS
Jonas FORSSELL (b.1957)
Hans GEFORS (b.1952) Kjell
PERDER(b. 1954) [full track listing at foot of review)
Olle
Persson (Baritone) Matti Hirvonen (Piano) Recorded in Swedish Radio
Studio 3 April and May 2000
DAPHNE 1014 [59.16] [GH]
I
cannot speak too highly of the whole enterprise. Don't let this be
a CD that slips you by. A very remarkable recital by a remarkable
singer.
BARGAIN
OF THE MONTH
ESPAÑA
ANTIGUA CD1
CANSÓS DE TROBAIRITZ, CD2 LLIBRE VERMELL
DE MONTSERRAT, CD3 COURT MUSIC AND SONGS, CD4 SEPHARDIC ROMANCES,
CD5 RENAISSANCE MUSIC FROM THE NEAPOLITAN COURT, CD6 ANTONIO DE CABEZÓN
1510-1566, CD7 CANCIONES Y DANZAS DE ESPAÑA (1547-1616),CD8
EL BARROCO ESPAÑOL
Hespèrion XX / Jordi Savall Rec: between 1976 and 1986; no
precise information given with the set.
VIRGIN CLASSICS VB5 619642 (8 CD set) [KM]
This
is a beautiful set, containing 8 discs of masterpieces performed perfectly.
I don't have enough superlatives to truly describe it, and, at such
a low price (less than the cost of 2 full-priced CDs), there is no
excuse if you don't go out and buy this right away.
Franz
Joseph HAYDN
(1732-1809) Piano Sonatas complete
Riko Fukuda, fortepiano Rec: September - October 2000.
BRILLIANT CLASSICS 99671 [approx. 10 hours 41 mins]
Not
only are the performances by all the pianists very good, but the sound
puts the instruments in a very flattering context. If you like Haydn's
piano sonatas, you owe yourself to buy this set - it will certainly
change the way you consider these works.
Gustav
MAHLER
(1860-1911) Symphony No.4 in G major
(1899-1900)
Dame Margaret Price (Soprano) London Philharmonic Orchestra/Jascha
Horenstein (Barking Town Hall, London, 23-24 November 1970)
CLASSICS FOR PLEASURE 5 74882 2 [59.25] [TD]
This
is a leading recommendation for this symphony, now widely available
in good sound at last.
Franz
SCHUBERT (1797-1828)
Lieder (7 CDs) Great Schubert Singers
Die Schöne Mullerin [61.47] Peter Schreier, tenor; Walter
Olbertz, piano Die Winterreise [76.26] Robert Holl,
bass-baritone; Naum Grubert, piano Schwanengesang [51.38]
John Shirley-Quirk, baritone; Steuart Bedford, piano 15 Lieder
[56.26] Gundula Janowitz, soprano; Charles Spencer, piano
Goethe-lieder [54.48] Arleen Augér, soprano;
Walter Olbertz, piano 19 Lieder [74.05] Sarah Walker,
mezzo-soprano; Roger Vignoles, piano 16 Lieder [54.48]
Dietrich Fischer-Dieskau, baritone; Hartmut Höll, piano
Detailed contents listed at end of review Rec: 1974, 1995, 1977, 1989,
1978, 1989, 1987.
BRILLIANT CLASSICS 99443 [approx. 430 min.] [KM]
All
in all, this bargain set is a wonderful collection of recordings of
Schubert's lieder. As an introduction, it will allow you to discover
seven of the finest singers of this music.
Richard
WAGNER (1813-1883)
Tristan & Isolde (1865)
Tristan - Ludwig Suthaus (tenor) Isolde - Kirsten Flagstad (soprano)
Brangäne - Blanche Thebom (soprano) King Mark - Josef Greindl
(bass) Kurwenal - Dietrich Fischer-Dieskau (baritone) Chorus of the
Royal Opera House, Covent Garden Philharmonia Orchestra/Wilhelm Furtwängler
Recorded 9-23 June 1952, Kingsway Hall, London
EMI Great Recordings of the Century, CMS5 67621 2 - 4 discs [67.05,
68.16, 64.28, 56.07] Mid Price [MB]
Listening
to this performance again, in this beautifully remastered version,
it is difficult to argue with history. Despite wonderful performances
from Böhm, Karajan, Knappertsbusch and both Kleibers the Furtwängler
holds its own as one of the supreme achievements of the Gramophone.
|
OCTOBER 2001
RECORDINGS
OF THE MONTH
Johann
Sebastian BACH (1685-1750)
Musical Offering BWV 1079 
Le Concert des Nations, Jordi Savall, director Rec: November 1999,
April 2000, Cardona Castle Collegiate Church, Cardona, Spain.
ALIA VOX AV9817 [71.57] [KM]
Now
you can discover one of Bach's greatest works in perhaps its finest
performance.
Leonardo
BALADA
(b.1933) Concerto for piano and orchestra
No 3 (1999) Concerto Magico for Guitar and orchestra (1997) Music
for Flute and Orchestra (2000)
Barcelona Symphony Orchestra and the Catalonia National Orchestra
conducted by Jose Serebrier Rosa Torres-Pardo Piano Eliot Fisk, guitar
Magdalena Martinez, Flute Recorded Sala Simfonica Barcelona July 2000
NAXOS 8.555039 [70.11] [GH]
These
are outstanding performances of terrifically interesting and fascinating
music. At any price I would go out and snap it immediately.
Lowell LIEBERMANN
(b.1961) Piano Concerto No. 1 Op. 12 Piano
Concerto No. 2 Op. 36 Six pieces from 'Album for the young' 
Stephen Hough (Piano) BBC Scottish Symphony Orchestra/Lowell Liebermann
Recorded: Caird Hall, Dundee, January 1997
HYPERION CDA66966 (56.21) [GH]
These
works display phenomenal skill, technique, confidence and, I use the
word not lightly, genius, in the 2nd concerto at least.
Giacomo
PUCCINI (1858-1924)
Preludio sinfonico, Op. 1. Messa di Gloria, Op. posth. Crisantemi.
Roberto Alagna (tenor); Thomas Hampson (baritone); London Symphony
Chorus and Orchestra/Antonio Pappano. Recorded at Abbey Road Studios,
London in September 2000.
EMI CDC5 57159-2 [DDD] [60'55] [CC]
Maestro
Pappano's obvious belief in lesser-known Puccini seems to have inspired
the London Symphony Chorus and Orchestra to the peak of their abilities.The
stars of the disc remain the London Symphony Chorus, whose unanimity
of approach, well-drilled discipline and dedication to the Puccinian
cause are beyond reproach.
OLGA
GURYAKOVA SINGS RUSSIAN AIRS AND ROMANCES
Olga Guryakova (soprano) * With Andrei Baturkin
(baritone) Moscow Chamber Orchestra conducted by Constantine Orbelian
Recorded in the Great Hall of the Moscow Conservatory, August 30 -
September 5, 2000
DELOS DE 3273 [65.26] [JQ]
This
is one of the most exciting new voices I have heard in a long time.
A most enjoyable disc, winningly performed. Recommended unreservedly.
BARGAIN
OF THE MONTH
George
ANTHEIL (1900-1959)
Ballet Mechanique (revised 1953) Serenade for String Orchestra No1,
Symphony for Five instruments (second version), Concert for Chamber
Orchestra
Philadelphia Virtuosi Chamber Orchestra conducted by Daniel Spalding
Recorded October 1999 County Ballroom, Trenton New Jersey USA
NAXOS AMERICAN CLASSICS 8.559060 [59.05] [GH]
Richard
WAGNER (1813-1883)
Parsifal (1865-1882) Amfortas
- George London Titurel - Martti Talvela Gurnemanz - Hans Hotter Parsifal
- Jess Thomas Klingor - Gustav Neidlinger Kundry - Irene Dalis
Chor und Orchester des Bayreuther Festspiele, Hans Knappertsbusch
Recorded live at the 1962 Bayreuth Festival.
PHILIPS 464 756-2, 4 discs [65'52, 64'16, 59'15, 60'45], Mid Price
[MB]
Along
with Furtwängler's Tristan this is one of the great Wagner recordings
of the last 50 years.
|
SEPTEMBER 2001
RECORDINGS OF THE MONTH
DVD REVIEW
Richard
WAGNER (1813-1883)
Tristan und Isolde (1856-1859) Isolde - Birgit Nilsson
(sop) Tristan - Jon Vickers (ten) King Marke - Bengt Rundgren (bass)
Kurwenal - Walter Berry (bar) Brangäne - Ruth Hesse (mez) Stanley
Unruh - Melot (ten) Horst Laubenthal - Shepherd, Steersman & Sailor
(ten)
Orchestre National de l'ORTF & New Philharmonia Chorus, Karl Böhm
Recorded on 7 July 1973 at a public performance, Orange, France
DREAMLIFE CORPORATION [DLVC - 1019], [213 minutes] single DVD,
Region encoded 0, NTSC format. Full Price [MB]
A
simply fabulous historical document that catches breathtaking performances
on the wing. It is unlikely to be surpassed.
BARGAIN OF THE MONTH
Carlos
CHAVEZ (1899-1978)
The Complete Symphonies:- Nos. 1 (Sinfonia
de Antigona); 2 (Sinfonia India); 3; 4 (Sinfonia Romantica); 5; 6
London Symphony Orchestra/Eduardo Mata
rec. 1981
VOX BOX CDX 5061 (2 discs, DDD) [135.01] £9.99 [PS]
With
the exception of the popular Sinfonia India, these symphonies, contrapuntally
complex as well as colourful, reveal Chavez to be both a serious symphonist
and arguably Mexico's answer to J. S. Bach. The composer's compatriot,
Eduardo Mata, gets the LSO players right on the edges of their seats,
and the recording is spot on. This "cheap and cheerful"
Vox Box would still be cheap at twice the price
Richard
WAGNER Parsifal
George London (A mfortas), Martti Talvela (Titurel), Hans Hotter (Gurnemanz),
Jess Thomas (Parsifal), Gustav Neidlinger (Klingsor), Irene Dalis
(Kundry) Chorus and Orchestra of the Bayreuth Festival Conducted by
Hans Knappertsbusch Recorded live in the Festspielhaus at the 1962
Bayreuth Festival
PHILIPS 50 GREAT RECORDINGS 464 756-2 4 CDs [250.12] [TD]
In
so much as any recording can be called definitive, this is the definitive
Parsifal. I doubt if it will ever be equalled
GREAT
VOICES OF THE OPERA VOLUMES I, II AND III 1905-46,
1901-46, 1905-1949 120CDs see review for details
With
the under-a-pound price for each disk and the wealth of repertory
this is, for the opera buff, an astonishing purchase. If you have
never heard the French baritone Gérard Souzay, for example
(Box 2, Disk Case 15), this discovery alone could be worth the price
of the entire set.
|
AUGUST 2001
RECORDINGS OF THE MONTH
"A LITTLE
OF WHAT YOU FANCY"
The Golden Age of the British Music Hall: Recordings from 1901-1931
 Marie
Lloyd, Harry Lauder, George Robey, Charles Coborn, Harry Champion,
George Formby Snr., Billy Williams, Vesta Victoria, Florrie Forde,
Billy Merson.Will Fyffe, Dan Leno, Little Tich, Albert Whelan, Gus
Elen, Norah Blaney, Lily Morris, Vesta Tilley, Albert Chevalier, Billy
Williams.
ASV Living Era CD AJA 5363 [74.56] [TD]
This
is an indispensable record for those who love the world of the old
Music Hall.
Malcolm
ARNOLD (b. 1921
) Symphony No. 7 (1973) Symphony No. 8 (1978)
National
SO of Ireland/Andrew Penny rec 21-22 Feb 2000, National Concert Hall,
Dublin, Ireland (in presence of composer)
NAXOS 8.552001 [63.55] [PS] [RB]
Approach
this "approachable" music with caution - Arnold's Seventh Symphony
merits an "18" certificate with additional warnings for the faint-hearted!
Rounding off their highly recommendable complete set of the Arnold
symphonies, Andrew Penny and the NSO of Ireland may well have saved
the best until last. Electrifying music given highly charged performances
- buy it, and be damned! [PS]
Penny
and the Irish orchestra in lucid and imaginative performances charting
the brilliance and the darkness of the Irish chapter of Arnold's Dark
Night of the Soul. [RB]
Hector
BERLIOZ (1803
-1869) Les Troyens (1856-8)
Ben
Heppner (tenor) - Enée Michelle DeYoung (mezzo-soprano)
- Dido Petra Lang (mezzo-soprano) - Cassandre Sara Mingardo (alto)
- Anna Peter Mattei (baritone) - Chorèbe Stephen Milling (bass)
- Narbal Kenneth Tarver (tenor) - Lopas London Symphony Chorus London
Symphony Orchestra, Sir Colin Davis (Recorded 3, 7, 8 & 9 December
2000, Barbican Centre, London)
LSO Live LSO 0010 CD 4 CDs [62.23, 68.57, 56.25, 51.51], Super
Budget Price
This
recording, from live performances at the Barbican last December, is
the finest opera CD I have heard this year. An outstanding bargain,
this is an unmissable set.
Joseph-Ermend
BONNAL (1880
-1944) String Quartet No. 1 (1919) [33.31] String Quartet
No. 2 (1938) [21.08]
Quatuor Debussy rec Aizac (07), 6-9 Oct 1999
ARION ARN 68504 [54.39] [RB]
I
urge you strongly to seek out Bonnal's sheerly magical impressionistic
music.
Dietrich
BUXTEHUDE (1637-1707)
Harpsichord Music Vol. III
Lars Ulrik Mortensen, harpsichord Rec: September 1998
DA CAPO 8.224118 [54.24] [KM]
This
recording is perhaps the most essential of the three disc Marco Polo
series. The Aria: "La Capricciosa" is undoubtedly Buxtehude's masterpiece,
and probably a model for Bach's Goldberg Variations. Another excellent
recording that all lovers of harpsichord music should own.
Claude
DEBUSSY (1862-
1918) Images Set 1, Images
Set 2, Images oubliées, Estampes, Masques pour
piano, L'isle joyeuse
Noriko Ogawa (piano) Rec August 2000, Nybrokajen 11, Stockholm
BIS CD1105 [73.28] [TB]
The
unique sound-world of Debussy is delivered with the utmost conviction.
RUSSIAN
ROMANCE Russian songs arranged for violin and orchestra
by PETER BREINER
Takako Nishizaki (violin), Queensland Symphony Orchestra / Peter Breiner]
rec 1994, ABC Studios, Brisbane, Australia
NAXOS 8.555331 [61.09] [CG]
Highly
enjoyable arrangements for violin and orchestra of some familiar Russian
favourites.
BARGAIN OF THE MONTH
Johann
Sebastian BACH (1685-1750)
Organ Masterpieces 
Ton Koopman, organ Rec: not specified (late 1980s)
REGIS RRC 2042 [131.47] [KM]
This
recording features a selection of some of Bach's best organ works,
played on some of the best sounding organs available. An excellent
set, well worth buying for the music, the performance, or the sound
of the organs; or perhaps all three.
Hector
BERLIOZ (1803
-1869) Les Troyens (1856-8)
Ben
Heppner (tenor) - Enée Michelle DeYoung (mezzo-soprano)
- Dido Petra Lang (mezzo-soprano) - Cassandre Sara Mingardo (alto)
- Anna Peter Mattei (baritone) - Chorèbe Stephen Milling (bass)
- Narbal Kenneth Tarver (tenor) - Lopas London Symphony Chorus London
Symphony Orchestra, Sir Colin Davis (Recorded 3, 7, 8 & 9 December
2000, Barbican Centre, London)
LSO Live LSO 0010 CD 4 CDs [62.23, 68.57, 56.25, 51.51], Super
Budget Price
This
recording, from live performances at the Barbican last December, is
the finest opera CD I have heard this year. An outstanding bargain,
this is an unmissable set.
AMERICAN
ANTHEM: from ragtime to
art song
Nathan Gunn (baritone), Kevin Murphy (pianoforte) Recorded in St.
Michael's Church, Highgate, London, 1998
EMI CLASSICS Debut Series CDZ 5 73160 2 [CH]
The
programme is an appealing one. If you don't know much about the American
art song then start here.
Elisabeth Batiashvili
: Johann
Sebastian BACH (1685-1750)
Partita No. 1 in B minor, BWV1002 Johannes
BRAHMS (1833-1897) Violin Sonata No. 1 in G, Opus 78
Franz SCHUBERT (1797-1828) Rondo
in B minor, D895
Elisabeth Batiashvili (violin) Milana Chernyavskaya (piano) Rec October
1999 and November 2000, Potton Hall, Suffolk
EMI Classics Debut Series CDZ
5 74017 2 [64.10] [TB]
Elisabeth
Batiashvili is a major talent with a huge future, as those who heard
last year's Proms performance of the Beethoven Violin Concerto may
remember.
Katarina
Karnéus sings Strauss,
Mahler, Marx
Katarina Karnéus (mezzo-soprano), Roger Vignoles (pianoforte)
Recorded 7/1998 at St. Michael's Church, Highgate, London
EMI CLASSICS CDZ 5 73168 2 [64.55][CH]
Katarina
Karnéus has a very interesting voice, but here I feel there
is still work to be done. What we hear is the sort of creamy, golden-toned
"soprano" voice which we usually associate with Strauss.
|
JULY 2001
RECORDINGS OF THE MONTH
Benjamin
FRANKEL (1906-1973)
Symphony No. 7 (1970) Symphony No. 8 (1971) Overture
to a Ceremony (1971) A Shakespeare Overture
(1956) Queensland
SO/Werner Andreas Albert rec ABC Studio 420, Australia, April 1999
CPO
999 243-2 [70.27] [RB]
Together
with the CPO disc containing number 4 this is the CD with which
to start your Frankel symphony collection.
Andreas
Hallén (1846-
1925) Ett Juloratorium - A Christmas Oratorio
(1904)
Lena Hoel, soprano; Mathias Zachariassen, tenor Swedish Radio Symphony
Orchestra & Swedish Radio Choir B.Tommy Andersson, conductor.
Rec live 19 December 1996, Berwald Hall, Stockholm
STERLING CDS-1028-2 [Swedish Romantics] [58.20] [JF]
This
is excellent choral music. Influenced, but not overwhelmed by the
Wagnerian musical ethic, this piece deserves to be discovered. If
it had been written by Richard Wagner and not by Andreas Hallén
it would have a secure place in the musical canon.
HÄNDEL
Dixit Dominus
Anne Sofie von Otter, alto; Hillevi Martinpelto, soprano; Stockholm
Bach Choir; Drottningholm Baroque Ensemble conducted by Anders Öhrwall.
Gloria (first recording; 05-03-2001)
Emma Kirkby, soprano; Royal Academy of Music Baroque Orchestra/Laurence
Cummings
BIS CD 1235 [49 mins] [PGW]
Emma
Kirkby is in fine form and revels in the virtuosic demands of the
youthful Gloria, the recent authentication of which caused a media
furore.
Gustav
MAHLER
Das Lied Von Der Erde
Peter Schreier (Tenor), Birgit Finnila (Alto) Berliner Sinfonie-Orchester/Kurt
Sanderling
Berlin Classics 0094022BC [62.01] [TD]
This
is one of the finest recordings of this inexhaustible work. No Mahlerite
should be without it.
Nikos
SKALKOTTAS (190
4-49) Thirty-Two pieces for piano (1940) Four etudes
(1941) Suite no 1 (1936) 
Nikolaos Samaltanos (piano) rec 1998-2000 at Eglise Saint-Marcel,
Paris
BIS CD 1133/34 2CD [119.22] [PGW]
A
landmark release and essential purchase, a recording which is 60 years
overdue. The Thirty-Two Pieces (1940) are of limitless variety and
represent one of the great piano cycles of the century.
VILLA-LOBOS
(1
887-1959) Chôros XII for orchestra (1929)
Chôros VII for flute, clarinet, oboe, saxophone,
bassoon, violin, cello and gong (1924) Bachiana brasileira I
for eight cellos (1930)
Orchestre Philharmonique de Liège cond. Pierre Bartholomée
(Chôros XII) cond. Georges-Élie Octors (Chôros
VII) Cello Octet Conjunto Ibérico (Bachiana brasileira
I) rec: (Chôros XII): Conservatoire Royale de Liège
9-10 Sept 1980; (Chôros VII): 22 Dec 1986; (Bachiana
Brasileira I): l'Abbaye de la Byloke, Ghent, 5 Sept 1999 DDD
CYPRÈS CYP 1623 [63.24] [RB]
This
is music by which to warm your heart and your hands. Treasurable stuff.
John
VEALE Violin
Concerto Benjamin BRITTEN
Violin Concerto.
Lydia Mordkovitch/BBC Symphony Orchestra/Richard Hickox rec 1999?
(DDD)CHANDOS
CHAN 9910 [69.57] [DW]
Apart
from the Britten, beautifully played and executed though it is, this
is the 'disc of the year' It sets a standard of sound quality and
performance that will hardly be beaten.
BARGAIN OF THE MONTH
Ralph
VAUGHAN WILLIAMS (1872-
1958) Phantasy
Quintet, String Quartet No. 1 in G minor, String Quartet No. 2 in
A minor, Maggini Quartet, with Garfield Jackson (viola) Rec
13th-15th June 2000, Potton Hall, Suffolk NAXOS 8.555300 [66.29] [TB] [HC]
At
the bargain Naxos price, this disc represents quite extraordinary
value, and adds something special to our awareness of RVW's achievement.
The
Romantic Piano Concerto, Vol. 5
CD1:-Medtner: Piano Concerto No.3, Op. 60 (1943) Balakirev:
Piano Concerto in E-flat Major (1909-11) Liapunov: Rhapsody
on Ukrainian Themes for Piano & Orchestra, Op.45 (1908) CD2:-
Sinding: Piano Concerto in D-flat Major (1889) with Ronald
Keller (piano) Goetz: Piano Concerto in B-flat Major, Op. 18
(1867)
Michael Ponti (piano) is soloist for all but the Sinding concerto;
Westphalian Symphony Orchestra/Landau, Orchestra of Radio
Luxembourg/Cao, Berlin Symphony Orchestra/Faerber Rec. 1973/78
VOXBOX
CDX5068 [CD1 78.20; CD2 55.48] [RW]
Michael
Ponti and Roland Keller play with skill and energy, and handle both
the powerful and tranquil passages sympathetically. The analogue recordings
of the '70s are clear and are pleasantly balanced though with dryish
acoustics.
|
JUNE 2001
RECORDINGS OF THE MONTH
MUSSORGSKY
(1839-
1881) Pictures at an Exhibition
(arr. Lawrence Leonard) Two Interludes from Khovantschina Gopak
from Sorochinsky Fair (orch. Liadov) Pictures from Crimea
(orch. Walter Goehr) Scherzo in B flat (orch. Rimsky-Korsakov)
A Tear-Drop (orch. Hans Kindler) Night on the Bald Mountain
(orch. Rimsky-Korsakov)
Tamas Ungar (piano) Philharmonia Orchestra - Geoffrey Simon Recorded
London, 1986 (Night on the Bald Mountain) and 1992
CALA CACD 1030 [77:10] [HC]
All
in all, a fine release of fairly well-known and loved pieces with,
as a bonus, an unusual, though well worth having arrangement of Pictures.
THE POWER OF LOVE
BRITISH OPERA ARIAS
Rare repertoire- see review for listing
Deborah Riedel (soprano), Australian Opera & Ballet Orchestra/Bonynge
Rec. St Scholastica Chapel, Sidney in August 1999
MELBA 301082 [69.49]
A
collection of rare British Opera arias brought to life again by the
advocacy of Richard Bonynge
BARGAIN OF THE MONTH
SPECIAL OFFER
this month. EMI British Composer series: full Price reduced to mid-price;
midprice reduced to budget price details
GREAT
MOMENTS OF ELISABETH SCHWARZKOPF
EMI CMS 5 67634 2 [2 CDs, 63' 50", 57' 38"] [CH]
An
essential purchase for all those who care about singing in the last
50 years or so.
HEIFETZ
CENTENARY
MEMORIAL EDITION
Naxos 8.107001 - Set of 7 individual CDs in a cardboard presentation
case [PSe]
Sounding,
as you have every right to expect, exactly like much-loved, very well
cared for, and rarely played 78s, this set is a treasure-house for
both serious students of the art of violin-playing and those simply
seeking something to rekindle their sense of wonder.
WALTON:
Façade (the complete extant
numbers). CONSTANT LAMBERT: Suite
from the incidental music to Salome.
Eleanor Bron, Richard Stilgoe, The Nash Ensemble,
David Lloyd-Jones.
Hyperion CDA67239. [SL]
Under
the able direction of David Lloyd-Jones, is well worth considering.
It comes in a handsome casing, with John Piper's 1942 curtain design
on the cover. One should not, however, overlook Pamela Hunter's 'complete
version' (Discover DICD
920125). Available in some places at super-budget price ($6)
|
MAY 2001
RECORDINGS OF THE MONTH
DVORAK
(1841
-1904) Violin Concerto in A minor, Op. 53. Mazurek, Op.
49. Pablo de SARASATE (1844-1908)
Zigeunerweisen, Op. 20. Carmen Fantasy, Op. 25.
Akiko Suwanai (violin); Budapest Festival Orchestra/Iván
Fischer.
Philips 464 531-2 [DDD] [55'27][CC]
This
is a remarkable record. I have little hesitation in placing the performance
of the Dvorák as a first choice.
HENZE
(b.
1926) Sechs Gesänge Aus Dem Arabischen (Six Songs from
the Arabian), Three Auden Songs
Ian Bostridge, tenor and Julius Drake, piano
EMI Classics 7243 5 57112 2 9 DDD [56:52] [CT]
A
hugely rewarding disc that positively cries out for repeated listening.
The music is outstanding, as are the performances.
MAHLER
Symphony No. 9 in D, Des Knaben Wunderhorn*
Jessye Norman* (Soprano), John Shirley-Quirk* (Baritone), Amsterdam
Concertgebouw Orchestra/Bernard Haitink
PHILIPS 50 464 714 [TD][SF]
One
of the greatest recordings of Mahler's Ninth Symphony, remastered
and rightly restored to the catalogue. Philips has done a fine job
with this reissue.
Ralph
VAUGHAN WILLIAMS
A London Symphony (Symphony No. 2) - Original 1913
version - première recording George
BUTTERWORTH The Banks of Green Willow
London
Symphony Orchestra conducted by Richard Hickox
Chandos CHAN 9902 [67:42] [SF]
If
you have any interest in the music of Vaughan Williams this is an
almost mandatory purchase.
Theme
& Variations: Various British Composers
Variations on an Elizabethan Theme (1953) [16.21]
Severn Bridge Variations (1966) [18.54] Variations on
'Sumer is icumen in' (1987) [19.59]
BBC SO/Jac van Steen rec. 2/4/5. 3. 99, BBC Maida Vale Studios, London
NMC
DO062 [55.45].
British
composing life in miniature. Essential to all who care for British
music.
BARGAIN OF THE MONTH
BRAHMS
(1833-1
897) Violin
Concerto, Double Concerto
Isaac Stern (violin) Leonard Rose (cello) Philadelphia Orchestra/Eugene
Ormandy ADD rec 1973/74
SONY SBK 46335 [74.03] [RB]
A
towering bargain. Fortunate the new listener who learns her/his Brahms
through these works. Snap it up.
|
APRIL 2001
RECORDINGS OF THE MONTH
MAHLER
Symphony
No.5 in C sharp minor 
Junge Deutsche Philharmonie Conducted by Rudolf Barshai
Laurel Records Laurel-905 [69:33] [TD]
If
you buy only one new Mahler recording this year make sure it's this
one. Versions of Mahler symphonies of this calibre arrive very seldom.
It is the finest recording of the Fifth Symphony currently available.
MAHLER
Lieder eines fahrenden Gesellen, Kindertotenlieder*,
5 Songs from Des Knaben Wunderhorn+, 5 Rückert Lieder+
 Dietrich
Fischer-Dieskau (Baritone) Philharmonia Orchestra/Wilhelm Furtwängler
Berlin Philharmonic Orchestra/Rudolf Kempe* with Daniel Barenboim
(piano)+
EMI Great Recordings of the Century CDM 5675562 [TD]
An
essential disc for admirers of Fischer-Dieskau, Furtwängler and
Mahler.
MOZART
Piano Sonatas: 6 in D, K284, 11 to 17, K331,
K332, K333, K457, K533, K545 and K570
Klara Wurtz (piano).
REGIS RECORDS RRC 2037 (DDD) 2 CDs [77. 33 and 70.49] [DW]
Here
is that rare joy! Mozart played with life, vibrancy and sheer excitement
along with an exquisiteness that is so beautiful and rare that I do
not know what to say. It would be a mistake for genuine music lovers
not to buy this set.
Gösta
NYSTROEM (189
0-1966) The Tempest Prelude (1934) Songs by
the Sea (1943) Sinfonia del Mare (1948)
Charlotte Hellekant (mezzo) Swedish Radio Choir (female section) Swedish
RSO/Evgeny Svetlanov rec Berwaldhallen, Stockholm, 4-5 Dec 1997 (Del
Mare); 10-14 Jan 2000 Musica Sveciae Modern Classics series
PHONO SUECIA PSCD 709 [71.20] [RB]
Superbly
recorded. If you are to have one collection of Nystroem this must
be it. Everything is poignantly clear and registers boldly. The symphony
is one of Sweden's (and the world's) national treasures.
ALLEGRO
BARBARO
Bela BARTÓK (1881
- 1945) Allegro Barbaro (1911) Leos JANACEK
(1854 - 1928) In the Mists (1912): Sonata for Piano
(1905) Klement SLAVICKY
(1910 - 1999) Three Piano Pieces (1947): Piano Sonata
(1958) Lubos FISER
(1935 - 1999) Sonata for Piano No. VIII (1998?)
Martin Kasik
ARCODIVA UP 0030 2 131 [63.41] [JF] [SJ]
All
these pieces both move and inspire. Martin Kasik is a great pianist.
I hope to hear much more from him in the future. PLUS A second opinion
from Simon Jenner
|
MARCH 20001
RECORDINGS OF THE MONTH
CRUSELL
(1775 -
1838) Concertos for Clarinet and orchestra, op.11
in Bb, op. 5 in F minor, and op.1 in Eb
Kari Kriiku, clarinet, Finnish Radio Symphony/Sakari Oramo
Ondine ODE 965-2 [63:57] [GP-J]
I
was hooked right from Kriiku's first entry, which happens about 12
seconds into the first concerto. Whichever way you look at it, he
is an amazing performer....These are truly stunning performances,
and Kriiku is superbly supported by Oramo and the excellent Finnish
RSO. NOT TO BE MISSED!
NIELSEN
Violin Concerto, Op.33 BRUCH
Violin Concerto, Op.26
Nikolaj Znaider, London Philharmonic Orchestra, Lawrence Foster
EMI CDC5 569062, [65.12] Full Price [MB]
The
coupling is an unusual one but what impresses is the delight in hearing
a young violinist so clearly looking back to the past to capture that
sound and strength of tone which I had thought almost a thing of the
past. This performance is at once haunting, sublime and effortless.
It is a triumph.
SHOSTAKOVICH
Dmitry (1906-
1975) Violin Concerto no. 1 ; Violin Concerto no. 2
YSAYE
Amitie op 29 for two violins
and orchestra
David Oistrakh (violin) with Igor Oistrakh in the Ysaye. Orchestras
in order Philharmonia: Rozhdestvensky USSR State SymphonyOrchestra/
Svetlanov LPO, Sargent.
BBC Records. BBCL 4060-2 (ADD) [78.18] [DW]
The
exciting music is almost too hot to handle. This is great stuff, really.
Even the final cadenza sizzles with musical heat. The final minutes
are breathtaking! Music of confidence and triumph. If you don't respond
to this, you need professional help!
VERDI
(1813-1901)
Messa solenne (Messa di Gloria). Qui tollis. Tantum ergo
in F. Laudate pueri. Tantum ergo in G. Pater noster. Ave Maria. Libera
me (Messa per Rossini, 1869 version).
Elisabetta Scano, Cristina Gallardo-Domâs (sopranos); Juan Diego
Flórez, Kenneth Tarver (tenors); Eldar Aliev, Michele Pertusi
(basses); Orchestra Sinfonica e Coro di Milano Giuseppe Verdi/Riccardo
Chailly.
Decca 467 280-2 [DDD] [69'09] [CC]
The
Verdi celebrations have elicited a host of welcome issues from the
majors. Riccardo Chailly here makes a notable contribution by turning
his attention to another side of this most operatically based of composers:
the lesser-known liturgical music. Decca in fact include no fewer
than five World Première recordings on this release
FANFARES
FOR A NEW MILLENNIUM
Fanfares by: Christopher BLAKE
Auckland!, Eve de CASTRO ROBINSON
Other echoes, John RIMMER
Vulcan, Juliet PALMER
Secret Arnold, John PSATHAS
Luminous, Lisa MERIDAN-SKIPP
firecracker, John ELMSLY Resound!,
Dorothy BUCHANAN Peace,
Chris CREE BROWN Y2K Pacemaker,
Philip DADSON MAYA, David
HAMILTON Zarya.
Auckland Philharmonia/Miguel Harth-Bedoya, James Sedares, Nicholas
Braithwaite, Kazufumi Yamashita, Samuel Wong, Edvard Tchivzhel, Vladimir
Verbitsky, Yip Wing-Sie, Anthony Halstead
rec Auckland Town Hall, 1999-2000
Atoll ACD 100 [56.07]
Your
first reaction on reading the heading above might well be to click
that mouse button and quickly move on to the next review. But
hold fast! Here is an extraordinary CD that will doubtless
rate as one of my records of the year and deserves a hearing from
anyone with the slightest interest in contemporary music.
BARGAIN OF THE MONTH
English
String Miniatures Volume
2
Frank Bridge 'Sally in our Alley'; 'Cherry
Ripe' & 'Sir Roger de Coverley'
Sir Edward Elgar Sospiri
Haydn Wood Fantasy-Concerto John
Ireland The Holy Boy Ralph
Vaughan Williams Charterhouse Suite
(c.1923) Frederick Delius Air
& Dance (c. 1920) Peter Warlock
Serenade for the 60th birthday of
Frederick Delius (1922) Geoffrey
Bush Consort Music (1989) Rec. 21/22
March 2000
English Northern Philharmonia David Lloyd-Jones
Naxos 8.555068 [69.21] [JF]
When
you are jaded with the complexities of Boulez, bored by the repetitiveness
of Reich and overwhelmed by the massive constructions of Mahler and
Bruckner, turn to English String Miniatures - Volume 2 on Naxos. This
is a stunning CD. Never be put off simply by the fact that it is described
as 'miniatures'. The works on this disk are all miniature masterpieces
and deserve to be firmly entrenched in the orchestral repertoire -
and not necessarily just as 'encores.'
WAGNER
Die Walkure
Astrid Varnay (Soprano), Helen Traubel (Soprano), Kerstin Thorborg
(Mezzo), Lauritz Melchior (Tenor), Freidrich Schorr (Baritone), Alexander
Kipnis (Bass)
Metropolitan Opera Chorus and Orchestra Conducted by Eric Leinsdorf
Broadcast performance from 6th December 1941 Restoration
by K&A Productions Ltd.
Naxos Historical 8.110058-60 (175.38) [TD]
It's
the eve of Pearl Harbour and an unknown Astrid Varnay is a last minute
replacement for Lotte Lehmann in this truly Historical broadcast from
the Met
|
FEBRUARY 2001
RECORDINGS OF THE MONTH
HAYDN
Haydn and the Gypsies 
Monica Huggett/Lux Musica/Linda Burman-Hall Recorded 2000
KLEOS Classics KL 5101 [Total playing time 78.06] [CF]
Despite
the unlikely title it becomes self-evident bearing in mind Haydn's
birth in the Hungarian lakeside village of Rohrau and his later service
as Kapellmeister at the Esterhazy Court, Austro-Hungarian roots and
life respectively...This highly interesting and superbly played CD
is the brainchild of an expert in the field, the American Linda Burman-Hall,
a musicologist who can also get out there and perform
McEWEN
Violin Sonatas No. 2; No. 5 Sonata-Fantasia
& No 6, Prince Charlie - A Scottish Fantasia
Olivier
Charlier (violin); Geoffrey Tozer (piano) rec 16/17 March 2000 Potton
Hall, Suffolk
CHANDOS CHAN 9880 [62:43] [JF]
It
is dangerous for a reviewer to abuse superlatives - but this is a
phenomenal disc. The playing is superb and the programme is revelatory.
ALAN
RAWSTHORNE
Symphonic Studies, Oboe Concerto, Cello Concerto.
Stéphane Rancourt (oboe), Alexander Baillie (cello), Royal
National Scottish Orchestra, David Lloyd-Jones
Naxos 8.554763 [PC]
A
recording of major importance at bargain basement price.
GRAHAM
WHETTAM
Sinfonia Intrepida
BBCSO/Sir Charles Mackerras.
Redcliffe Recordings RR016 (44' 11'') [PC]
Redcliffe's
first orchestral recording and a major premiere. In his massive Sinfonia
Intrepida, Graham Whettam has taken up the challenge of writing an
orchestral piece of genuinely symphonic stature in the late 20th
Century.
This is a major release that deserves the widest exposure. I have
not been so enthralled by an 'unknown' work since I discovered Artur
Lemba's Symphony years ago [MB].
Purchase at special MusicWeb/Crotchet price.
BARGAIN OF THE MONTH
HAYDN
Symphonies 70 -
81
Austro Hungarian Haydn Orchestra - Adam Fischer. Symphonies 70, 71
and 73, June 1997, and Symphonies 72 and 74 - 81, May 1998.
recorded in the Haydnsaal, Esterhazy Palace, Eisenstadt, Austria.
Nimbus
NI56525 [4 hours 2 minutes] [JP]
Excellently
played, well recorded performances in Nimbus's complete series of
Haydn Symphonies played by an ensemble which has this music in its
bones.
PALESTRINA
Master of the Renaissance Six Masses, Two Motets
& The Lamentations
Pro Cantione Antiqua/Brown/Turner Recorded 1988/91/92
REGIS RRC 4002 4CDs [275'.42"] [CF]
A
classy act at bargain price.
|
JANUARY 2001
RECORDINGS OF THE MONTH
BERNERS
(1883-1950
) Le Carrosse du Saint-Sacrement (1923) Fanfare (1931)
Caprice Péruvien (1938) 
Viceroy: Ian Caddy (bar) Martinez: Alexander Oliver (ten)
Balthasar: John Winfield (ten) La Périchole: Cynthia
Buchan (sop) Thomas d'Esquivel: Thomas Lawlor (bass)
Bishop of Lima: Anthony Smith (bass) BBC Scottish SO/Nicholas
Cleobury (Carrosse) rec Glasgow 16 Aug 1983 Royal Ballet Sinfonia/Gavin
Sutherland (Fanfare) rec London 15 Sept 1999 RTE Sinfonietta/David
Lloyd-Jones (Caprice) rec Dublin 10 Jan 1995
MARCO POLO 8.225155 [79.17] [RB]
An
unfamiliar lighter opera that will appeal to anyone who likes Ravel's
L'enfant et les Sortilèges or Holst's Wandering Scholar
COPLAND
The Populist (suites from Billy
the Kid and Rodeo, plus the complete ballet
Appalachian Spring)
Michael Tilson Thomas conducting the San Francisco Symphony
RCA Red Seal 09026635112 [76: 32] [GD]
Whether
an admirer of Copland, Americana, or the wide open spaces of Jerry
Goldsmith and John Williams, this is an essential recording which
should please a wide musical constituency. One of the finest albums
of the year.
Heritage
& Legacy
Frederick AUSTIN -
The Sea Venturers (1934), Alexander
Campbell MACKENZIE - Prelude to Colomba Op. 28 (1883),
Charles Villiers STANFORD - Overture - Shamus O'Brien
(1896), Ralph VAUGHAN WILLIAMS -
Fantasia on a Theme by Thomas Tallis (1910),
Edward ELGAR -Variations on an Original Theme, 'Enigma'
Op.36 (1899),
Royal Liverpool Philharmonic Orchestra/Douglas Bostock
RLPO-Live RLCD 301 [69'33"] [JF]
Three
British World Premieres on the one disc! Imaginative British programme
& stunning playing by one of the great 'northern' orchestras.
BARGAIN OF THE MONTH
BRITTEN
War Requiem
Stefania Woytowicz (soprano); Sir Peter Pears (tenor); Hans Wilbrink
(baritone) Wandsworth School Boys' Choir Melos Ensemble New Philharmonia
Orchestra and Chorus Carlo Maria Giulini Recorded live at the Royal
Albert Hall, London, on 6th April 1969
BBC Legends BBCL4046-2 (79 minutes) [TB]
A
marvellous performance of a major classic is available for just a
fraction of the cost of its competitors
TOP
BRASS:
A limited edition containing the following two albums:
BRASSED OFF: Music from the original soundtrack
Grimethorpe Colliery Band/John Anderson except *Orchestra/Trevor Jones
CLASSIC BRASS
Grimethorpe Colliery RJB Band/Garry Cutt, with *Lesley Garrett (soprano)
BMG
Classics 75605 51368 2 [2 CDs 49' 55", 68' 50"] [CH]
Brassed
Off is a great disc which I feel everyone should have, even and especially
those who normally don't go in for brass bands.
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