Classical CD Review Archive - Classical - Oct 2002 part 4 M-R: Classical MusicWeb (UK]

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ALPHABETICAL LISTING

Edward MACDOWELL (1861-1908) The Symphonic Poems - Two Fragments after the Song of Roland Op 30 (1890) - Hamlet/Ophelia Op 22 (1884) - Lancelot und Elaine Op 25 (1886) - Lamia Op 29 (1888) The Royal Philharmonic Orchestra/Karl Krueger - Recorded London ?June 1966 BRIDGE 9089 [64�11] [JW]
Works full of technical skill, a strong sense of melodic contour and curve, a real control of thematic relationships, splendid abilities of orchestration and architecture. � see Full Review
Guillaume de MACHAUT Motets and anonymous music from the Ivrea Codex The Clerks� Group/Edward Wickham - director Recordings made in St Andrew�s Church, West Wratting, Oxfordshire, England on 4 and 5 May 1998 SIGNUM SIGCD011 [56�12"] [PW]

Some of the finest, if rarer, music of the mediaeval period - a good disc. � see Full Review

Gustav MAHLER (1860-1911) Lieder eines fahrenden Gesellen (1885) - Kindertotenlieder (1904) - Rückert-Lieder (1901) - Andreas Schmidt (baritone) Cincinnati Symphony Orchestra/Jesús López-Cobos - Recorded in Music Hall, Cincinnati, Ohio, April 30^th-May 1^st 1991 TELARC CD 80269 [55:58] [GPJ]

A very strong contender if you wish all three great cycles together on one disc � see Full Review

Gustav MAHLER (1860-1911) Symphony No 2 Resurrection Kathleen Ferrier contralto Jo Vincent soprano Concertgebouw Orchestra Otto Klemperer Recorded Holland Festival 6 [12?] July 1951 GUILD GHCD 2210 [77�41][JW]

Overwhelming in its impact; the applause long and heartfelt. � see Full Review

Gustav MAHLER (1860-1911) Symphony No. 5 in C minor (1901-3) Wiener Symphoniker/Hans Swarowsky Rec: Austrian Radio studio, February 1971 BERLIN CLASSICS 0017202BC [77:56] Midprice [TD]

A too grave, too dark Mahler 5 - worth seeking out for the view of a conductor largely overlooked � see Full Review

Gustav MAHLER (1860-1911) Symphony No. 7 in E Minor (1905-5) Berliner Philharmoniker/Claudio Abbado Recorded in the Philharmonie, Berlin in May 2001 DEUTSCHE GRAMMOPHON 471 623-2 [78.07] [TD]
Steers an excellent, illuminating path between the astringent, radical, "modernist" views and the more central/interventionist ones � see Full Review
Bohuslav MARTINU (1890-1959) Five Madrigal Stanzas for violin and piano (1943) [11.09] - Four Madrigals for oboe, clarinet and bassoon (1937) [18.42] - Three Madrigals for violin and viola (1948) [16.50] - Madrigal Sonata for flute, violin and piano (1942) [10.07] - Nonet (1959) [18.04] - Trio in F for flute, cello and piano (1944) [18.04] - Sonatina for two violins and piano (1930) [12.32] - La Revue de Cuisine for clarinet, bassoon, trumpet, violin, cello and piano (1927) [14.00] The Dartington Ensemble - Krysia Osostowicz, Ernst Kovacic (violins), Susan Tomes (piano) (Sonatina only) - rec. 9-10 Dec 1982 (Nonet, Trio, Revue); 24-25 Sept 1983, 25 May 1984 (Madrigal-based works); 12 June 1991 (Sonatina) DDD - originally issued as CDA66084, CDA66473, CDA66133 HYPERION DYAD CDD22039 [119.04] [RB]

Luminous, exciting and full of eager life ... see Full Review
Bohuslav MARTINU(1890-1959) Musique de Chambre No. 1 (cl, vn, va, vc, hp, pf) (1959) Fantaisie (ondes martenot, ob, pf, string quartet) (1944) Les Rondes (ob, cl, bn, tpt, 2 vns, pf) (1930) Nonet (fl, ob, cl, bn, hn, vn,va, vc, bs) (1959) soloists from Orchestre Philharmonique de Luxembourg: Philippe Koch (violin 1); Osamu Yaguchi (violin 2); Ilan Schneider (va); Aleksandr Kramouchin (vc); Thierry Gavard (double bass); Nicola Tulliez (harp); Markus Brönimann (fl); Fabrice Mélinon; Olivier Dartevelle (cl); David Sattler (bn); Marc Bouchard (horn); Adam Rixer (trumpet); with François Kerdoncuff (piano); Jacques Tchamkerten (ondes martenot); Mark Foster (cond. Nonet) rec 18-20 Sept 2000, Conservatoire, Luxembourg, DDD TIMPANI 1C1060 [64.21] [RB]

A valuable collection. Martinů always writes well and these are enjoyable works; not otherwise easy to find ... see Full Review
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Jules MASSENET (1842-1912) Piano Concerto in E flat (1903) - Massenet Andante moderato - Allegro non troppo Largo Airs slovaques: Allegro Reynaldo HAHN (1875-1947) Piano Concerto in E (1931) Improvisation : modéré très librement Danse: Vif Reverie, Toccata et Finale: Lent - Gai, fortement rythme (pas trop vite) - Allegro Stephen Coombs (piano) BBC Scottish Symphony Orchestra/Jean-Yves Ossonce Recorded on 15/16 June 1996 The Romantic Piano Concerto: Volume 15 HYPERION CDA66897 [59.45] [CF]
It�s a disc worth its money for Hahn�s fine concerto alone. � see Full Review
Richard MEALE (born 1932) Scenes from Mer de Glace (1992) Viridian (1979) Symphony No.1 (1994) Adelaide Symphony Orchestra; David Porcelijn - Recorded: Adelaide Town Hall, November 1993 ABC CLASSICS 446 477-2 [57:03] [HC]

Vital readings that shed light on Meale�s musical progress. Recording and production excellent. � see Full Review

Nikolai MEDTNER (1880-1951) Piano Concerto No. 2 Opus 50 (1927) Piano Concerto No. 3 Opus 60 (1944) Nikolai Demidenko (piano) BBC Scottish Symphony Orchestra/Jerzy Maksymiuk Rec. Greyfriars Kirk, Edinburgh, November 1991 HYPERION CDA 66580 [74.14] [AB]

Playing going from extremes of vigour to poetic beauty � see Full Review

Felix MENDELSSOHN (1809-1847) - The Complete Symphonies - String Symphonies, Nos. 1-12 (1821-23) - Symphony No. 8 in D major (version with wind instruments) (1822) - Leipzig Gewandhaus Orchestra/Kurt Masur - Rec licensed from Edel Classics GmbH, Germany - Symphony No. 1 in C minor, Opus 11 (1824) - Symphony No. 4 in A major, Opus 90 'Italian' (1833) - Radio Chamber Orchestra, Hilversum/Franz Brüggen - Rec 27 November 1992, Studio MCO 1, Hilversum, The Netherlands - Symphony No. 2 in B flat major, Opus 51 'Lobgesang' (1840) - Annegeer Stumphius (soprano), Young-Hee Kim (soprano), Matthias Bleidorn (tenor) - Radio Philharmonic Chorus and Orchestra, Hilversum/Edo de Waart - Rec 8 February 2001, Musickcentrum Vredenburg Utrecht, The Netherlands - Symphony No. 3 in A minor, Opus 56 'Scottish' (1842) - Symphony No. 5 in D major, Opus 107 'Reformation' (c1840) Radio Chamber Orchestra, Hilversum/Arnold Oestman (No. 3); Jos van Immerseel (No. 5) - Rec 5 March 1993 (No. 3), Studio MCO 1, Hilversum; 8 February 1997 (No. 5), Musickcentrum Vredenburg Utrecht BRILLIANT CLASSICS 99761, 1-7 [7CDs: 62.15, 67.10, 59.29,54.40, 63.27, 69.44, 64.46] [TB]

Performances that are lively and stylish � see Full Review

Felix MENDELSSOHN (1809-1847) Capriccio brillant in B minor Op. 22 (1832) Piano Concerto No. 1 in G minor Op. 25 (1831) Rondo brillant in E flat Op. 29 (1834) Piano Concerto No. 2 in D minor Op. 40 (1837) Serenade and Allegro giocoso in B minor Op. 43 (1838) Stephen Hough (piano) City of Birmingham Symphony Orchestra Lawrence Foster (conductor) Recorded in Dudley Town Hall on 9,10 January 1997 The Romantic Piano Concerto: Volume 17 HYPERION CDA66969 [75.13] [CF]

A broad palette of colour, plenty of sparkle, lyrical warmth of tone and a sense of ease in the clarity of the passage work. � see Full Review
Ernst Hermann MEYER (1905-1988) Lieder Peter Schreier (ten) Walter Olbertz (piano) rec 1988 DDD BERLIN CLASSICS ETERNA 0032272BC [54.59] [RB]

Meyer whose political persuasion is an irrelevance is fortunate in both Schreier and Olbertz. ... see Full Review

Richard MILLS (born 1949) Aeolian Caprices (1988) Soundscapes (1983)^a - Seaside Dances (1989) - Fantastic Pantomimes (1987) - Richard Mills (percussion)^a;
Queensland Symphony Orchestra; Richard Mills, Werner Andreas Albert^a - Recorded: 1983, 1988 and 1990 ABC CLASSICS 432 251-2 [70:46] [HC]

Britten, Walton and Arnold are the models; much joyful exuberance � see Full Review
Richard MILLS (born 1949) Cello Concerto (1990)^a - Violin Concerto (1992)^b - Concerto for Violin and Viola (1994)^c - Sue-Ellen Paulsen (cello)^a; Barbara Jane Gilby (violin)^bc; Janet Rutherford (viola)^c; Tasmanian Symphony Orchestra; Richard Mills - Recorded: Ballroom, Government House, Hobart, December 1996 ABC CLASSICS 462 016-2 [72:10] [HC]
Superb performances of these fine, though still too little known works. � see Full Review
Ernest John MOERAN (1894-1950) Symphony in G Minor (1937) - Sinfonietta (1940) - Bournemouth Symphony Orchestra David Lloyd-Jones - Recorded Wessex Hall, Poole Arts Centre, June 4^{th -}5^th 2001 NAXOS 8.555837 [67.33] [JW]
A real bargain disc even if, for the deeper complexities of the Symphony, you will need to look elsewhere. � see Full Review
Ernest John MOERAN (1894-1950) Symphony in G minor (1937) Sinfonietta (1940) Bournemouth Symphony Orchestra/David Lloyd-Jones Recorded Wessex Hall, Poole Arts Centre, Poole, Dorset, 4^th- 5^th June 2001. NAXOS 8.555837 [67.33] [NH]

A superb advocacy for some (more) great British music that will definitely stand the test of time. Highly recommended. � See Full Review.

Ernest John MOERAN (1894-1950) String Quartet in E flat major (date unknown) String Quartet in A minor (1921) String Trio (1931) Maggini String Quartet Recorded in All Saints Church, East Finchley, London, England, 9^th- 10^th December 1995. NAXOS 8.554079 [59.23] [NH]

An early triumph for the Magginis. An indication of what was to come as well as being a superb record in its own right. � see Full Review

Claudio MONTEVERDI (1567-1643) Banquet of the Senses: Madrigali Erotici e Spirituali - Consort of Musicke: Emma Kirkby, Evelyn Tubb (sopranos) - Mary Nichols (alto) - Andrew King, Joseph Cornwell (tenors) - Simon Grant (bass) Directed by Anthony Rooley (lute) - With running commentary by Anthony Rooley - Filmed in the Palazzo Te, Mantua, 1986? BRILLIANT CLASSICS DVD 99784 [48�09"] [PQ]

More laughs and often more insights per minute than in whole opera productions � see Full Review

Ignaz MOSCHELES (1794-1870) Piano Concerto No. 2 in E flat major Op.56,
Piano Concerto No. 3 in G minor Op.58, Anticipations of Scotland: A Grand Fantasia Op.75 Howard Shelley (piano/conductor) Tasmanian Symphony Orchestra Recorded in Federation Concert Hall, Hobart, Tasmania on 7-9 August 2001 The Romantic Piano Concerto: Volume 29 HYPERION CDA67276 [75.50] [CF]

Crisp clarity energises and highlights the music, incredibly clean passage work, subtle pedalling. Hardly a dull moment. � see Full Review
Jose VIANNA DA MOTTA (1868 - 1948) Piano Concerto in A Major - (1887) Ballada for solo piano - (1905) Fantasia Dramatica for piano and orchestra � (1893) Artur Pizzaro (piano) with the Orquestra Gulbenkian, conducted by Martyn Brabbins. recorded in the Grande Auditorio, Museu Calouste Gulbenkian, Lisbon, 12^th � 13^th July 1999. DDD. HYPERION CDA67163 [64�24"] [JP]
Superb, well up to the high standard we expect of this series � see Full Review
Wolfgang Amadeus MOZART (1756-1791) �Opera Explained� - An introduction to: The Magic Flute, K.620 Comic opera in two acts (1791) - Narrated by David Timson - Text written by Thomson Smillie - Tamino: Herbert Lippert - Pamina: Elisabeth Norberg-Schulz - Sarastro: Kurt Rydl - Papageno: Georg Tichy - Monostatos: Wilfried Gahmlich - Queen of the Night: Hellen Kwon - Hungarian Festival Chorus Failoni Chamber Orchestra, Budapest/Michael Halasz NAXOS 8.558012 [70:07] [MC]

Serves its purpose admirably � see Full Review

BARGAIN OF THE MONTH Wolfgang Amadeus MOZART (1756-1791) Wind Serenades Divertimento in B flat major, K.196f [c.1775] Divertimento in E flat major, K.252 [1775-7] Divertimento in F major, K.253 [1775-7] Serenade in C minor, K.338 [1782] Oslo Philharmonic Wind Soloists Recorded at Lommedalen Church, Baerun, Norway, June 19-20, 1997 NAXOS 8.555943 [58.27] [TH]

Playing that can happily live with the world�s best in terms of intonation, tonal blend and individuality of timbre and phrasing. � see Full Review

Wolfgang Amadeus MOZART (1756 - 1791) Mozart Edition Volume 12 Symphonies Vol. 1 Mozart Akademie Amsterdam, Jaap ter Linden Recordings: August-December 2001, Doopsgezinde Kerk Haarlem BRILLIANT CLASSICS 99730 [approx 317 minutes] [KM]

Certainly well worth having. � see Full Review

Wolfgang Amadeus MOZART (1756-1791) Le Nozze di Figaro, K492 (1786)
Chorus and Orchestra of the Glyndebourne Festival conducted by Fritz Busch Recorded in 1934 and 1935 at the Glyndebourne Theatre, Sussex, UK Le Nozze di Figaro � extracts: Conchita Supervia, Eleanor Steber, Lina Pagliughi NAXOS 8.110206/7 (two discs) [62.19] [74.28] [WH]

A detailed reading of Figaro which should be in every Mozart or opera lover�s collection � see Full Review

Modest MUSSORGSKY (1835-1881) Boris Godounov � excerpts Prologue, Scenes from Acts II, III, Act IV scenes 1 and 2 Feodor Chaliapin � Boris Astride Barrachi � Tchelkalov, Tcheraiakovsky Angelo Bada � Shiusky Dino Borgioli � Dimitri Salvatore Baccaloni � Varlaam Margherita Corosio � Theodore Dennis Noble � Lavretzky Octave Dua � Innocente Luigi Manfrini � Pimen Chorus and Orchestra of The Royal Opera House, Covent Garden Vincenzo Bellezza Recorded 4^th July 1928 GUILD GHCD 2206 [72�14] [JW]

Bellezza�s lasting if incomplete and necessarily imperfect memorial. � see Full Review
Carl NIELSEN (1865-1931) The Six Symphonies - Symphony No. 1 (1889-1894) FS16 [34.00] - Symphony No. 2 The Four Temperaments (1901-1902) FS29 [33.44] - Symphony No. 3 Sinfonia Espansiva (1910-1911) FS60 � [37.11] - Symphony No. 4 The Inextinguishable (1914-1916) FS76 � [36.28] - Symphony No. 5 (1920-1922) FS97 � [38.21] - Symphony No. 6 Sinfonia Semplice (1924-1925) FS116 [34.34] - Inger Dam-Jensen (sop); Poul Elming (ten) � - René Mathiesen (timpani 1); Christian Utke Schiøler (timpani 2); � - Niels Thomsen (clarinet); Tom Nybye (snare drum) � Danish National Radio SO/Michael Schønwandt - rec. Danish Radio Concert Hall, 25-28 May, June 14 1999 (2 and 3): 27-28 Mar 2000, 29 Mar, 10 Apr, 20 June, 31 July 2000 (1 and 6); 21-22 Oct 1999, 26-27 Oct 1999 (4 and 5) stereo DDD - recorded in cooperation with Danmarks Radio DACAPO 8.203130 [3CDs: 71.05+75.56+67.42] [TB]
Though not all the performances rank as first choices among the available recordings, each of the interpretations has interesting things to say about the music, and the playing is everything one would expect of a major international ensemble. � see Full Review
Carl NIELSEN (1865-1931) The Six Symphonies Symphony No. 1 (1889-1894) FS16 [34.00] Symphony No. 2 The Four Temperaments (1901-1902) FS29 [33.44] Symphony No. 3 Sinfonia Espansiva (1910-1911) FS60 � [37.11] Symphony No. 4 The Inextinguishable (1914-1916) FS76 � [36.28] Symphony No. 5 (1920-1922) FS97 � [38.21] Symphony No. 6 Sinfonia Semplice (1924-1925) FS116 [34.34] Inger Dam-Jensen (sop); Poul Elming (ten) � René Mathiesen (timpani 1); Christian Utke Schiøler (timpani 2); � Niels Thomsen (clarinet); Tom Nybye (snare drum) � Danish National Radio SO/Michael Schønwandt
rec. Danish Radio Concert Hall, 25-28 May, June 14 1999 (2 and 3): 27-28 Mar 2000, 29 Mar, 10 Apr, 20 June, 31 July 2000 (1 and 6); 21-22 Oct 1999, 26-27 Oct 1999 (4 and 5) stereo DDD recorded in cooperation with Danmarks Radio DACAPO 8.203130 [3CDs: 71.05+75.56+67.42] [RB]
Healthy, touching and exciting performances recorded with gratifying clarity and weight.... see Full Review
Jacques OFFENBACH (1819-80) La Belle Héléne - Helen, Queen of Sparta - Dame Felicity Lott; Paris, King of Troy - Vann Beuron; Menelaus, King of Sparta - Michel Sénéchal; Agamemmon - Laurent Naouri; Calchas, High Priest - Francois Le Roux Les Musiciens del Louvre, Grenoble/Marc Minkowski - From the Théâtre Musical de Paris Châtelet - 2000 - Sound LPCM Stereo; Dolby 5.0; DTS 5.0 TDK DV-OPLBH DVD video, Video aspect 16:9 [153 minutes] (Opera 127; Documentary 26) [AB]
Offenbach's operetta is confirmed as a masterpiece in this splendid DVD. � see Full Review
Jacques OFFENBACH (1819-1880) La Belle Hélène with dialogue (1864)
Jayne Rhodes, cont. (Hélène), Rémy Corazza, ten. (Pâris), Renée Auphan, sop. (Oreste), Christine Barbaux (Bacchis), Jacques Martin (Ménélas), Michel Trempont, bar. (Calchas), Jules Bastin (Agamemnon), Gérard Friedmann (Achille), Paul Guigue (Ajax premier), Jacques Trigeau (Ajax deuxième) Choirs of Rhin Opera/Gunter Wagner Strasbourg Philharmonic Orchestra/Alain Lombard Rec. Palais de la Musique et des Congrès de Strasbourg, December 1977 and January 1978 UNIVERSAL/ACCORD 4619542 ADD [CD1 66.45; CD2 53.30] [RW]
This recording is a top recommendation. � see Full Review
Carl ORFF (1895-1982) Trionfi - Trittico teatrale:- 1. Carmina Burana - cantiones profanae (1935-36) [57.52] 2. Catulli Carmina - ludi scaenici (1943) [38.08] 3. Trionfo de Afrodite - concerto scenico (1952) [40.45] BERLIN CLASSICS BC 2047-2 [71.35+65.29] Midprice [RB]
Snappy, percussive, motoric rhythms etched with impact and precision. One of only two complete recorded triptychs ... see Full Review
Leo ORNSTEIN (1892/3-2002) Suicide in an Airplane (1913) - A la Chinoise Op 39 (c 1911-16) - Danse Sauvage (Wild Men�s Dance) Op 13 No 2 (1913) - Poems of 1917 Op 41 (1917) - Arabesques Op 42 (c1917-20) - Impressions de la Tamise (Impressions of the Thames) Op 13 No 1 (1913-14) - Piano Sonata No 8 (1990) Marc-André Hamelin, piano - Recorded Henry Wood Hall, London August 2001 HYPERION CDA 67320 [77.20] [JW]
A huge amount in his music to excite, entrance and � imaginatively, productively � bewilder. � see Full Review
Leo ORNSTEIN (1892/3 � 2002) A Morning in the Woods (1971) - Danse Sauvage (Wild Men�s Dance) Op 13 No 2 (1913) - Piano Sonata No 4 (1924) - Impressions of the Thames (Impressions de la Tamise) Op 13 No1 (1914) - Tarantelle (1960) - Piano Sonata No 7 (1988) - A Long Remembered Sorrow (1964) - Suicide in an Airplane (1913) Janice Weber, piano - Recorded Grace Church-on-the-Hill, Toronto, June 2001 NAXOS AMERICAN CLASSICS 8.559104 [67.09] [JW]
Music on the cusp and whilst not always likeable it is always compelling. � see Full Review
Luis de PABLO(*1930) Chamber Music: Trio (1993) for violin, cello, and piano Restratos y Transcripciones (1996) for piano Compostela (1989) for violin and cello Cuatro Fragmentos de "Kiu" (1986) for violin and piano Caligrafías (1987) (Federico Mompou "In Memoriam") for violin, cello, and piano Trio Arbós: Miguel Borrego, violin José Miguel Gómez, violoncello Juan Carlos Garvayo, piano Madrid Conservatoire, 1999 COL LEGNO WWE 20046 [73.26]
Luis de PABLO Charles IVES, and Alessandro SOLBIATI Piano Trios: Trio Matisse
Rec Bologna 1994 ERMITAGE ERM 413 [63.27] [PGW]
An important recommendable overview of Luis de Pablo�s chamber music for strings and piano, impeccably played and recorded � see Full Review

Francis POULENC (1899-1963) Mélodies sur les poèmes de Guillaume Apollinaire, Paul Éluard, Federico Garcia Lorca, textes anonyme (XVIIe siècle) Laurent Naouri (bar) David Abramovitz (piano) rec 20-21 Dec 1999, Haut-Dortoir de l'Abbaye Royale de Fontevraud, Fontevraud-L'Abbaye, Maine-et-Loire, France. DDD HARMONIC CLASSICS H/CD 9958 [67.00] [RB]
Splendidly secure, wide-ranging and subtle � informed by intelligence and emotional reach. ... see Full Review
Sergei PROKOFIEV (1891-1953) Symphony No. 1 in D major Op. 25 "Classical" (1917) Alfred SCHNITTKE (1934-1998) Concerto for Viola and Orchestra (1986) Igor STRAVINSKY (1882-1971) The Firebird (L�oiseau de feu) (1919 version) Plus interviews: Valery Gergiev on Stravinsky and Prokofiev Yuri Bashmet on Schnittke Vienna Philharmonic Orchestra � Valery Gergiev Yuri Bashmet � viola Recorded live at the Salzburg Festival 2000 TDK DV-VPOVG [100 min including special features] [CT]
It is the compelling performance of Schnittke�s Viola Concerto that makes this DVD truly recommendable, coupled with Yuri Bashmet�s poignant recollections of his friendship with the composer. � see Full Review
Giacomo PUCCINI (1858-1924) Madama Butterfly: Opera in Three Acts (complete) - Madama Butterfly (Cio-Cio-San): Renata Tebaldi (soprano) - Suzuki: Nell Rankin (mezzo-soprano) - Kate Pinkerton: Gianna Diozzi (mezzo-soprano) - Lieutenant B F Pinkerton: Giuseppe Campora (tenor) - Sharpless: Giovanni Inghilleri (baritone) - Goro: Piero de Palma (tenor) - Prince Yamadori: Melchiorre Luise (bass) - The Bonze: Fernando Corena (bass) - Imperial Commissioner: Michele Calvino (baritone) - Registrar: Luigi Pizzeri (baritone) - Orchestra and Chorus of the Accademia Santa Cecilia of Rome/Alberto Erede - from Decca LXT 2638/40, recorded 1951 - Puccini: La Boheme (a) Si, mi chiamano Mimi - (b) Donde lieta usci Renata Tebaldi, soprano - Orchestra of La Scala, Milan/Nino Sanzogno - from Cetra 22001, recorded 1/3/50 PEARL GEMS 0172 [2CDs: 72'31"+67'45"] [CMG]

How many Butterflys since Tebaldi relinquished the role have even approached the overall quality of her achievement here � see Full Review

Henry PURCELL (1659-1695) The Fairy Queen Soloists, The Sixteen, Harry Christophers Rec. 1992?, St. Bartholomew�s Church, Orford, Suffolk, England. CORO COR 16005 [132.24] [KM]

A fine recording of Purcell�s great opera � see Full Review
You may sample, purchase or make HUGE savings by downloading this disc

Sergei RACHMANINOV (1873-1943) Piano Concerto No. 1 in F sharp minor (1891) [25.20] Piano Concerto No. 4 in G minor (1926) [25.43] Rhapsody on a Theme of Paganini [21.52] Philippe Entremont (piano) Philadelphia Orchestra/Eugene Ormandy - rec Town Hall, Philadelphia 24 Feb 1963 (1); 2 Nov 1961 (4); Broadwood Hotel, Philadelphia (Paganini) 1 Feb 1958. ADD SONY ESSENTIAL CLASSICS SBK 46541 [73.24] [RB]

The two concertos are not as stirringly imaginative as they can be in other hands. The Rhapsody is outstanding and I recommend it wholeheartedly. ... see Full Review
Sergei RACHMANINOV (1873-1943) Works for cello and piano Sonata, Opus 19 (1901) Prelude, Opus 2 No. 1 (1892) Danse Orientale, Opus 2 No. 2 (1892) Mélodie (1890) Vocalise, Opus 34 No. 14 (1912, rev. 1915) Lied (1890) Let me rest here alone, Opus 26 No. 9 (1906) How fair is this place, Opus 21 No. 7 (1902) Spring Waters, Opus 14 No. 11 (1896) Moray Welsh (cello), Martin Roscoe (piano) Rec 16-17 December 1999, Potton Hall, Suffolk BLACK BOX BBM1044 [68.18] [TB]
Sweeping energy, momentum and thoughtful, sensitive phrasing, richly romantic yearning � see Full Review
You may sample, purchase or make HUGE savings by downloading this disc
Bernard RANDS (born 1934) Madrigali (1977) Metalepsis II (1971)^a Triple Concerto (1997)^b Rickie Weimer (mezzo-soprano)^a; The Ineluctable Modality^a; The Core Ensemble (Andrew Mark, cello; Hugh Hinton, piano; Michael Parola, percussion)^b; Cleveland Chamber Orchestra; Edwin London Recorded: no indications, but probably 1998 ALBANY TROY 355 [62:25] [HC]

An often beautiful sound world � honest and serious musical thinking � see Full Review
Maurice RAVEL (1875-1937) Piano Trio. Sonata for Violin and Piano. Sonata for Violin and Cello. Sonata for Violin and Piano, 'Sonata posthume'. Renaud Capuçon (violin); Gautier Capuçon (cello); Frank Braley (piano). Recorded in Studio Tibor Varga, Switzerland, on 9th-11th April 2001 [DDD] VIRGIN CLASSICS VC5 45492-2 [76'55] [CC]
A winning combination of youth and musical insight; a treat indeed. A very, very special disc. � see Full Review
Maurice RAVEL (1875-1937) Piano favourites - Pavane pour une infante défunte - Prélude - Valses nobles et sentimentales (excerpts) - Le Tombeau de Couperin (excerpts) - Sonatine - Miroirs (excerpts) - Gaspard de la nuit François-Joël Thiollier, piano - Recorded at Studio Ned Music, Boulogne, France, November 1993 and January 1994. NAXOS 8.555798 [75.07] [NH]
A pleasant enough introduction to Ravel's piano music but not a top recommendation in this repertoire � See Full Review
Maurice RAVEL (1875-1937) Jeux d�eau (1901), Gaspard de la Nuit (1909), Miroirs (1905) Cécile Ousset (pianoforte) - Date and location not given, pub. 1972 BERLIN CLASSICS ETERNA 0032252BC [58� 11"] [CH]
Beautiful Ravel playing; if it is beautiful Ravel playing you want you should be entirely satisfied. � see Full Review
Steve REICH (1936-) Variations - Variations for Winds, Strings and Keyboards* - San Francisco Symphony, Edo de Waart - Music for Mallet Instruments, Voices and Organ**
Six Pianos** Steve Reich and Musicians - Rec: * October 1983, Davies Symphony Hall, San Francisco. ** January 1974, Musikstudio I, Hamburg. DG 471-591 2 [66.42] [KM]
Some of the founding works of minimalism � highly enjoyable � see Full Review
Max REGER (1873-1916) Four Tone Poems after Arnold Böcklin: (1912) Hermit Playing the Violin; In the Play of the Waves; The Isle of the Dead; Bacchanal To Hope* A Romantic Suite after J. F. Eichendorff: Notturno; Scherzo; Finale. (1913) * Catherine Wyn-Rogers (mezzo-soprano) London Philharmonic Orchestra/Leon Botstein - recorded in Walthamstow Town Hall, London, 4-7 January 2001 TELARC CD-80589 [64:47] [IL]

A sumptuous feast of Late Romantic splendour � music to set the imagination flying. � see Full Review
Max REGER (1875-1916) - The Complete Works for Clarinet and Piano: Clarinet Sonatas - A flat, Op. 49 No. 1; F sharp minor, Op. 49 No. 2; B flat, Op. 107. Albumblatt in E flat. Romanze in G. Tarantella in G minor. Ib Hausmann (clarinet); Nina Tichman (piano) - Recorded in the Hans Rosbaud Studio, Baden-Baden, Germany, June 1998-March 1999 [DDD] HÄNSSLER CLASSIC FASZINATION MUSIK CD93.035 [73'34] [CC]
A valuable survey of the vastly under-rated output for clarinet and piano by two experienced chamber musicians who obviously share a real affinity for this music. � see Full Review
Ottorino RESPIGHI (1879-1936) Poema Autunnale (Autumn Poem) - Trittico Botticelliano (Three Botticelli Pictures - Spring, the Adoration of the Magi, The Birth of Venus)* - Concerto Gregoriano (Gregorian Concerto) - Viktor Simcisko, violin - Slovak Radio Symphony Orchestra Ondrej Lenard, conductor - *Zilna Chamber Orchestra - *Jan Valta, conductor - Recording dates and venues not stated. CAMPION RRCD 1316 [60.35] [NH]
A very interesting collection of the "unknown"/"alternative" Respighi.�.. see Full Review
Ottorino RESPIGHI (1879-1936) Gli Uccelli [18.23] Vetrate di Chiesa [21.40] Domenico SCARLATTI (1685-1757) arr Vincenzo TOMMASINI (1878-1950) Le Donne di Buone Umore [19.57] Philadelphia Orchestra/Eugene Ormandy (Gli Uccelli; Vetrate) Cleveland Orchestra/Louis Lane (Tommasini) rec Town Hall, Philadelphia, PA, 29 Jan 1966 (Gli Uccelli), 17 Feb 1964 (Vetrate di Chiesa); Severance Hall, Cleveland, 3 Apr 1970 (Tommasini), ADD SONY ESSENTIAL CLASSICS SBK60311 [63.47] Superbudget [RB]
Respighi takes antique origins as a point of departure and travels far while Tommasini is for the most part happy to push the language no further than say Beethoven.... see Full Review
Ottorino RESPIGHI (1879-1936) Original Compositions for Violin and Piano Violin Sonata in D minor P15 (1897) [20.02] Violin Sonata in B minor P110 (1917) [27.44] Six Piece for Violin and Piano P31 (1902-05) [22.44] Ingolf Turban (violin) Katia Nemirovitch-Dantchenko (piano) rec 22 May, 30-31 July, 24, 26 Sept 2001, Hochschule fur Musik und Darstellende Kunst, Stuttgart, DDD CLAVES CD50-2109 [70.34] [RB]
Self-recommending to Respighians. A composer still deeply entangled with the Brahmsian legacy ... see Full Review
Silvestre REVUELTAS (1899-1940) Sensemaya (1938) - La noche de los Mayas (arranged Limantour) (1939) - La Coronela (orchestrated Moncada; arranged Limantour) (1940) - Stephen Coombs (piano) Aguascalientes Symphony Orchestra, Mexico/Enrique Barrios - Rec 1-8 February 2001, Teatro Aguascalientes, Mexico NAXOS 8.555917 [67.25] [TB]
Music by this little known but immensely gifted composer can be recommended with much enthusiasm. � see Full Review

Nikolai RIMSKY-KORSAKOV (1844-1908) Scheherazade [42.19] Symphony No. 1 in E minor Op. 1 (1865) [29.22] Symphony No. 2 Op. 9 "Antar"(1868 rev. 1897) [31.15] Symphony No. 3 in C major Op. 32 (1866-73, rev. 1886) [30.10] The Tsar's Bride [6'18] Fantasia on Serbian Themes [7'07] Sadko, Musical Picture Op. 5 [11.18] Song Of India, from Sadko [3.30] The Golden Cockerel Suite [26.18] The Tale Of Tsar Saltan, Suite Op. 57 [18.18] Overture on Russian Themes [11.40] Fairy Tale (Skazka), Op. 29 (1879-80) [15.54] Christmas Eve, Suite [29.31] Flight of the Bumble Bee [1.13] Armenian Philharmonic Orchestra/Loris Tjeknavorian (Sheherazade, Sadko, India, Cockerel, Saltan, Flight, Christmas Eve) Rec 1991 Aram Khachaturian Hall, Yerevan, Armenia Philharmonia Orchestra/Yondani Butt Rec: 12-14 March 1997, (1985 for Sym 3), All Saints Church, London
All licensed from ASV, UK BRILLIANT CLASSICS 99934 [4CDs: 58.41 +75.13 +58.08 +76.00 ] [RB]
Confidently recommendable ex-ASV recordings ... see Full Review
Jean RIVIER (1896-1987) Rivier Revisited: Chamber Music For Flute
Capriccio for woodwind quintet (1970); Ballade for flute and piano (1965); Oiseaux tendres for solo flute (1935); Affetuoso e Jocando for four flutes (1981); Vocalise for voice and flue (1981); Sonatine for flute and piano (1941); Virevoltes for solo flute (1970); Duo for flute and clarinet (1969); Comme une tendre berceuse (1984) Leone Buyse (flute) with Logan Skelton piano; Michael Webster, clarinet; Freda Herseth, mezzo-soprano; Kristen Beene, oboe; Richard Beene, bassoon; Bryan Kennedy, horn; Penelope, Claudia Anderson and Julie Stone, flutes
Recorded at Huron Hills Baptist Church, Ann Arbor, Michigan, 2000? CRYSTAL RECORDS CD319 [62.07]
Wonderful playing, fine music. Rivier may be a by-way in 20th century music but it is one I hope to further explore, perhaps you will too. � see Full Review
Johan Helmich ROMAN (1694-1758) Assaggi Tobias Ringborg, violin - Recorded Music Museum, Stockholm, January 1999 NYTORP 9902 [56�40] [JW]
Will enrich your experience and understanding of the eighteenth century violin world. � see Full Review
THE WORLD OF ROSSINI Gioacchino ROSSINI (1792-1868) - Il barbiere di Siviglia: Overture - National Philharmonic Orchestra/Riccardo Chailly (London 1984) - Il barbiere di Siviglia: Largo al factotum - Leo Nucci (baritone), Orchestra del Teatro Comunale di Bologna/Giuseppe Patané (Bologna 1988) - Il barbiere di Siviglia: Una voce poco fa - Teresa Berganza (mezzo-soprano), Orchestra Rossini di Napoli/Silvio Varviso (Naples 1964) - Variazioni per clarinetto e piccola orchestra - Dimitri Ashkenazy (clarinet), I Filarmonici del Teatro Comunale di Bologna/Riccardo Chailly (Bologna 1991) - Stabat Mater: Cujus animam
Luciano Pavarotti (tenor), London Symphony Orchestra/István Kertész (London 1970/1) - Otello: Assisa appié d�un salice - June Anderson (soprano), Debora Beronesi (mezzo-soprano), Anna Maria Restani (harp), Orchestra del Teatro Comunale di Bologna/Daniele Gatti (Bologna 1991) Sinfonia "di Bologna" - I filarmonici di Bologna/Riccardo Chailly (Bologna 1992)
Semiramide: Bel raggio lusinghier � Dolce pensiero, Serbami ognor sì fido � Alle più calde immagini - Joan Sutherland (soprano), Marilyn Horne (mezzo-soprano), London Symphony Orchestra/Richard Bonynge (London 1965/6) - Tancredi: Di tanti palpiti - Marilyn Horne (mezzo-soprano), Orchestre de la Suisse Romande/Henry Lewis (Geneva 1965) - La Cenerentola: Nacqui all�affanno � non più mesta - Teresa Berganza (mezzo-soprano), London Symphony Orchestra/Sir Alexander Gibson (London 1959) - L�italiana in Algeri: Overture - National Philharmonic Orchestra/Riccardo Chailly (London 1981) DECCA 473 143-2 [78�15"] [CH]

Plenty to enjoy, but not necessarily the best Rossini compilation around. � see Full Review

Gioachino ROSSINI (1792-1868) L'Equivoco Stravagante: opera in two acts (complete) - Ernestina: Petia Petrova (mezzo-soprano) - Gamberotto: Marco di Felice (baritone) - Buralicchio: Marco Vinco (bass) - Rosalia: Monica Minarelli (mezzo-soprano) - Frontino: Eduardo Santamaria (tenor) - Ermanno: Dario Schmunck (tenor) - Czech Chamber Orchestra Czech Chamber Soloists/Alberto Zedda - Rec. 14 and 16 July 2001, Kursaal, Bad Wildbad, Germany DDD NAXOS 8.660087-88 [137'18"] [CMG]

A real winner. An irresistible bargain for all lovers of Rossini's genius. � see Full Review
Hans ROTT (1858-1884) Symphony in E major (1880) Pastorales Vorspiel (1877-80) Vienna Radio Symphony Orchestra/Dennis Russell Davies - Recorded at ORF Studio, Sendesaal ORF, August 1998 CPO 999 854-2 [71.03] [TH]
The one to have if you want to investigate this fascinating and rewarding piece � see Full Review
Anton RUBINSTEIN (1829-94) - Six Etudes, Op. 23 (1849-1850) [36:00] - No. 1 in F major - No. 2 in C major, �Staccato Etude� - No. 3 in C sharp major - No. 4 in E flat major - No. 5 in F major - No. 6 in G major - Barcarolles (1854-1884) [39:51] - No. 1 in F minor Op. 30, No. 1 (1852) - No. 2 in A minor, Op. 45(bis) (1857) - No. 3 in G minor, Op. 50, No. 3 (1854-58) - No. 4 in G major (1870) - No. 5 in A minor, Op. 93, No. 4 (1872-73) - No. 6 in C minor, Op.104, No. 4 (1884) Alexander Paley (piano) - Recorded at Fisher Hall, Santa Rosa, California, 5^th to 7^th July, 1994. DDD MARCO POLO 8.223894 [75:51] [MC]
A fine performance with thoughtful and sensitive playing � pity about the sound � see Full Review

[Detailed listing (last two days)]
[Part 1 New] [Part 2 A-B] [Part 3 C-L]
[Part 4 M-R] [Part 5 S-Y]
[Part 6 Misc] [Part 7 Misc]
Revolving notes from clipart.com

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