ALPHABETICAL LISTING

Fryderyk CHOPIN (1810-1849) Sonata No. 3 in B minor Op. 58 (1844) Ballade No. 1 in G minor Op. 23 (1837) Ballade No. 3 in A flat Op. 47 (1837) Franz LISZT (1813-1886) Sonata in B minor (1852-53) Sergio Fiorentino (piano) Recorded Hornsey Town Hall (Chopin Sonata) March 1959, Conway Hall (Ballades), September 1954 and Liszt Sonata, June 1955 CONCERT ARTIST/FIDELIO RECORDINGS CACD 9223-2 [74.10] [JW]

A mixed reception for this Fiorentino release. … see Full Review

Louis COUPERIN (c.1626-1661) Keyboard Music Five Pieces in D: Prélude; Allemande; Courante; Sarabande; Gigue Prelude (Toccade) in A minor (After M. Froberger) Prelude in F major Tombeau de M. de Blancrocher in F major Five Pieces in G minor: Prélude; Allemande; Courante; Sarabande; Passacaille Six Pieces in C: Prélude; Allemande; Courante; Courante (croisée); Rigaudon et Double; Gigue Prelude in A major Pavane in F sharp minor Prelude (Toccade) in D minor Prelude in G major Galliarde in G major Glen Wilson (copy of 1628 harpsichord made by Johannes Ruckers the Younger) Recorded at Schutt-Bau in Hofheim-Rügheim, Lower Franconia, February 2001 NAXOS 8.555936 [74:41] [DS]

The sound has little foundation or definition … without definition, Couperin’s music loses much of its appeal. … see Full Review

Norman Dello JOIO (b.1913) Variations, Chaconne and Finale (1947) [26.32] - Paul CRESTON (1906-1985) Dance Overture Op. 62 (1954) [13.35] - Ernest BLOCH (1880-1959) Evocations (1937) [17.17] Lithuanian National Philharmonic Orchestra/David Amos - rec. April 1992, Vilnius, Lithuania. DDD CENTAUR CRC 2356 [57.51] [RB]

Likely to win new friends for all three composers. The Dello Joio is an exceptionally good piece. ... see Full Review

Franz DANZI (1763 - 1826) Concerto for Flute and Orchestra No. 1, Op. 30 Concerto for Flute and Orchestra No. 2, Op. 31 Concerto for Flute and Orchestra No. 3, Op. 42 Concerto for Flute and Orchestra No. 4, Op. 43 Andras Adorjan (flute) Munich Chamber Orchestra/Hans Stadlmair Recorded: 1981 (Licensed from Orfeo) CLASSIC COLLECTION 99875 [73.53] [RH]

Fine performances of some charming and civilised works which are not well represented in the catalogue … see Full Review

Claude DEBUSSY (1862-1918) Danses sacrées et profanes (1904) [9’52] - Syrinx (1913) [2’56] - Première Sonate pour Violoncelle et Piano (1915) [10’20] - Deuxième Sonate pour Flûte, Alto et Harpe (1915) [18’40] - Troisième Sonate pour Violon et Piano (1917) [13’45] Fabrice Pierre (harp) - Ensemble Orchestral La Follia - Jean-Louis - Beaumadier (flute) - Jérôme Pernoo (cello) - Elisabeth Rigollet (piano) - Pierre-Henri Xuereb (viola) - Annick Roussin (violin) - Rec. 1997. DDD CALLIOPE CAL9837 [56’48] [CC]

It is a shame that there are some caveats which preclude a fuller recommendation of this product … see Full Review

Frederick DELIUS (1862-1934) Orchestral Works - Vol. 1 On Hearing the First Cuckoo in Spring - Summer Night on the River - Eventyr - Koanga - Closing Scene - Hassan: Interlude; Serenade - Paris - Song of a Great City RPO/LPO/Sir Thomas Beecham - recorded 1927-34 NAXOS HISTORICAL 8.110904 [61.11] - Orchestral Works - Vol. 2 The Walk to the Paradise Garden - Sea Drift - Fennimore and Gerda - Intermezzo - In a Summer Garden - Over the Hills and Far Away John Brownlee (bar) - London Select Choir - RPO/LPO/Sir Thomas Beecham - recorded 1927-36 NAXOS HISTORICAL 8.110905 [62.42] - Orchestral Works - Vol. 3 Brigg Fair [13.45] - La Calinda [3.25] - Hassan - Closing scene [7.23] - Irmelin Prelude [4.12] - Appalachia [37.07] Jan van der Gucht (ten) - Royal Opera Chorus - LPO/Beecham - recorded 1928-1938 NAXOS HISTORICAL 8.110906 [66.12] [WH]

Valuable though they are these recordings should be heard as supplements to more modern discs where not only the sound, but also the development of Delius interpretation over time will provide a richer, more varied and enjoyable experience. … see Full Review

SIR THOMAS BEECHAM CONDUCTS DELIUS All four volumes in boxed set Each of the volumes is available separately if wished SONY CLASSICAL SX5K87342 [5CDs: 65.07+70.47+41.18+69.12+61.03] Frederick DELIUS (1862-1934) Eventyr (Once Upon a Time), Arabesque, Koanga (Closing Scene) Hassan: Incidental music ADD mono SONY CLASSICAL SMK 87966 [65.07] Frederick DELIUS (1862-1934) North Country Sketches (1914) In a Summer Garden - Rhapsody (1913) Appalachia (1902) mono ADD SONY CLASSICAL SMK 89429 [70.47] Frederick DELIUS (1862-1934) A Mass of Life mono ADD SONY CLASSICAL SM2KK89432 [2CDs: 41.18+69.12] Frederick DELIUS (1862-1934) Over the Hills and Far Away, Sea Drift, Paris - Song of a Great City Mono ADD SONY CLASSICAL SMK89430 [61.03] [RB]

If you want to capture the Delius Beecham alchemy in sound better than the Naxos 1930s recordings this is where to go. Distilled enchantment … see Full Review

Stephen DODGSON (b.1924) Concertino for Two Guitars and Strings Les Dentelles (1998) ^- Riversong (1994) - Promenade I (1988) - Pastourelle (1993) - Follow the star (1980) Eden-Stell Guitar Duo (Mark Eden, Christopher Stell) - Helen Sanderson (guitar) ^- Orchestra Nova^a - George Vass^a - Recorded: Wathen Hall, St Paul’s School, London, October 2001 (Concertino) - Michael Tippett Centre, Bath Spa University College, April 2002 (Riversong, Promenade) and May 2002 (Pastourelle, Follow the Star) BGS RECORDS CD 108 [55:20] [HC]

Dodgson’s elegant, superbly crafted and richly melodic music is a joy to listen to … see Full Review

Gaetano DONIZETTI (1797-1848) La Fille du Régiment - Opera in two acts. Libretto by J.H. Vernoy de Saintes-Georges and Jean F.A. Bayard; Marie - Mariella Devia; Tonio - Paul Austin Kelly; Sulpice - Bruno Pratic; La Marquise de Berckenfield - Ewa Podles; La Duchesse de Crakentorp - Edoardo Borioli; Hortensius - Nicolas Rivenq; Un Caporal - Aldo Bramante; Un Paysan - Ernesto Gavazzi; Le Maître de Danse - Umberto Bergna Orchestra and Chorus of the Teatro Alla Scala/Donato Renzetti - Recorded at the Teatro alla Scala, Milan, June 1966 TDK DVD DV- OPLFDR [135 mins] [IL]

A bright and breezy production that will surely delight bel canto fans … see Full Review

Gaetano DONIZETTI (1797-1848) Linda di Chamounix Melodrama in three acts (1842) - Edita Gruberova (sop) ...Linda - Deon van der Walt (ten)...Carlo, Visconte di Sirva - Jacob Will (buffo)..Marchese di Boisefleury - László Polgár (bass)...Il prefetto - Armando Ariostini (bar)...Antonio, Linda’s father - Nadine Asher (sop)..Maddalena, Linda’s mother - Miroslav Christoff (ten)...L’Intendente - Cornelia Kallisch (mezzo-sop)...Pierotto Orchestra and Chorus of the Zurich Opera House/Adam Fischer - Recorded Zurich, September1996 TDK DV-OPLDC [2 DVD discs: 164 mins] [JL]

Will make you wonder why this work is not firmly in the repertory. A fine ensemble rendering with Gruberova majestic in one of Donizetti’s most virtuoso coloratura roles. … see Full Review

RECORDING OF THE MONTH George DYSON (1883-1964) Quo Vadis - a cycle of poems (1936-45) Cheryl Barker (sop) Jean Rigby (mezzo) Philip Langridge (ten) Roderick Williams (bar) Chamber Choir of the Royal Welsh College of Music and Drama/Adrian Partington BBC National Chorus of Wales/Adrian Partington BBC National Orchestra of Wales/Richard Hickox rec. 11-14 Dec 2002, Brangwyn Hall, Swansea. DDD Recorded with financial support from The Sir George Dyson Trust World Premiere Recording CHANDOS CHAN 10061(2) [54.37+46.39] [RB]

No volcanic Ragnarok … Dyson's preternaturally sustained radiant sunset … peculiarly English. ... see Full Review

Edward ELGAR (1857-1934) Violin Concerto (1910) [46.13] - William WALTON (1902-1983) Violin Concerto (1939) [30.48] Salvatore Accardo (violin) LSO/Richard Hickox - rec. December 1991, Abbey Road Studios. DDD - originally issued in 1992 on Collins Classics 1338-2 REGIS RRC 1014 [77.01] [RB]

Fallible or highly idiosyncratic but my suggestion is that you disregard the naysayers and enjoy this generous budget priced issue... see Full Review

George ENESCU (1881-1955) Piano Quintet, Op. 29, (1940) [35:12] - Piano Quartet No. 2, Op. 30 (1943-44) [27:47] The Solomon Ensemble: Anne Solomon, violin I; Andrew Roberts, violin II - Ralf Ehlers, viola - Rebecca Gilliver, cello - Dominic Saunders, piano - Recorded at Potton Hall, Suffolk, England from 22-24 September, 2001 DDD NAXOS 8.557159 [62:58] [KS]

Yet another jewel in the Naxos crown, and if they keep up this pace, that diadem will be too heavy for Mr. Heymann’s head. … see Full Review

Gabriel FAURÉ (1845-1924) Requiem Op. 48 (1887) - Victoria de los Angeles, soprano - Dietrich Fischer-Dieskau, baritone - Choeurs Elisabeth Brasseur Orchestre de la Société Concerts du Conservatoire/André Cluytens - Recorded in February and May of 1962 at L’Êglise Saint-Roch, Paris ADD EMI CLASSICS Great Recordings of the Century 66894 [39:55] [KS]

Unless you are a collector of Fischer-Dieskau or de los Angeles, there is nothing else that should convince you to add this disc to your collection. … see Full Review

Graham FITKIN (b. 1963) Log (1990/1) - Line (1990/1) - Loud (1990/1) - Hook (1991/2) - Mesh (1991/2) - Stub (1991/2) - Cud (1987/8) - Aract (1990) - Fervent (1992/4) - Piano Piece 91 - Piano Piece very early 92 - Piano Piece early 92 - Hard Fairy (1994) - Blue (1993) - Piano Piece mid 92 - Piano Piece late 92 - Piano piece very late 92 - Piano Piece 93 - Fract (1989) - Piano Circus - Ensemble Bash -
Icebreaker - Delta Saxophone Quartet - John Harle Band Graham Fitkin, piano, conductor - Recorded at Church Studios, Crouch End, London, September 2001, CTS Studios, Wembley, July 1992 and October 1992 (Cud), Walthamstow Assembly Hall, London, February 1994 and May 1994 (Hard Fairy) - British Music Collection
DECCA 473 434-2 [71.38+78.18] [GH]

Everything is subsumed into the driving forces of rhythm and form. … see Full Review

Nicolas FLAGELLO (1928-1994) Symphony No. 1 (1964-68) [36.42] Sea Cliffs (1957) [3.25] Intermezzo from The Piper of Hamelin (1969) [6.00] Theme, Variations and Fugue (27.35) Slovak Radio SO/David Amos rec. 5-10 Nov 2001, Concert Hall of the Slovak Radio, Bratislava, Slovakia. DDD American Classics Series NAXOS 8.559148 [63.49] [RB]

Do get this disc for the unmissable Symphony and the two irresistible genre pieces. They will not disappoint ... see Full Review

Gunnar de FRUMERIE (1908-1987) Cello Concerto (1984) [24.20] - Violin Concerto (1936, rev. 1975-6) [26.00] - Symphonic Variations (1940-41) [16.38] - Mats Lidström (cello) - Tobias Ringborg (violin) Norrköping Symphony Orchestra/Lü Jia - rec. 3-5 May 2000, Louis de Geer Concert Hall, Norrköping. DDD CAPRICE CAP 21644 [66.58] [RB]

A life-enhancing outdoor vision. Buy with confidence that these works will leave you wanting much more. More please ... and soon. ... see Full Review

Hans GÁL (1890-1987) Music for and with mandolin Biedermeiertänze Op. 66 for mandolin orchestra (1954) Sinfonietta No. 2 in A major Op. 81 (1961) Divertimento for mandolin and harp Op. 80 (1958) Divertimento for two alto recorders and guitar Op. 68c (1958) Sonja Wiedemer (mandolin) Petra van der Heide (harp) Ute Scriba, Birgit Kreß (recorder) Armin Korn (guitar) Badisches Zupforchester/Volker Gerland Rec. 2002. DDD ANTES BM-CD 31.9171 [73.12] [JS] [JW]

Highly engaging interpretations of strength and intensity … delicately composed and performed[JS]
Appealing, relaxed and humorous … full of schnitzel in the park and the curious clank of the lager glass [JW]… see Full Review

Alberto GINASTERA (1916 – 1983) Obertura para el "Fausto" Criollo Op.9 (1943)Ollantay Op.17 (1947)Pampeana No.3 Op.24 (1954)Dances from Estancia Op.8a (1941) Odense Symphony Orchestra/Jan Wagner Recorded: Carl Nielsen Hall, Odense Koncerthus, Odense, May 2001 BRIDGE 9130 [56:55] [HC]

Folk elements are obviously present but no longer dominate the music of this disciple of musical objectivism … see Full Review

Reinhold GLIÈRE (1875-1956) Symphony No. 3 Op. 42 ("Il'ya Murometz") - complete version 1911 London Symphony Orchestra/Leon Botstein - Recorded in Watford Town Hall, England, January 2002 TELARC CD-80609 [72.20] [NH]

A better case than this for Glière's music is unlikely to be made for quite some time … see Full Review

Charles GOUNOD (1818-93) Roméo et Juliette (1867) Roméo (tenor) – Roberto Alagna Juliette (soprano) – Angela Gheorghiu Czech Philharmonic Chamber Orchestra/Anton Guadagno Filmed on location at the Royal Castle of Zvícov, Czech Republic, 2002 Directed by Barbara Willis Sweete ARTHAUS MUSIK 100 706 [73 minutes] [TH]

If you like this sort of thing (and given the state of classical music, there is presumably a ready public) don’t let me put you off. … see Full Review

RECORDING OF THE MONTH Louis Moreau GOTTSCHALK (1829-1869) Piano Music Cecile Licad (piano) Recorded at Auditorium de la Banque de Luxembourg, October 1-3, 2001 Recorded Live at Auditorium de la Banque de Luxembourg, October 4, 2001* NAXOS 8.559145 [75:08] [DS]

Licad: now my standard for Gottschalk. Her exuberance and rhythmic vitality places her in an exalted position. A good mix of excitement and poignancy … see Full Review

Christophe GRAUPNER (1683-1760) Partitas for Harpsichord, Vol. 1 Partita X in a minor, GWV118 (1722) [22:11] - Partita I in C major, GWV 101 (1718) [18:15] - Partita in A major, GWV 149 (ca. 1720) [31.09] Geneviève Soly, harpsichord - Recorded 18-20 September 2001 at Èglise Saint-Augustin de Mirabel ANALEKTA FL 2 3109 DDD [72:19] [KS]

A must for collectors and fans of unusual harpsichord works; a one-off for those with a passing interest in North German baroque keyboard music. … see Full Review

Reynaldo HAHN - Composer, conductor, singer and accompanist Reynaldo HAHN (1875-1947) Le Cimitière de campagne - Offrande - La barcheta - Lettre d’amour and Chien fidèle (from Le Temps d’aimer) - Paysage triste (from Chanson grises No. 6) - Le Bal de Béatrice d’Este (Ballet Suite) - La Marchand de Venise (excerpts) - Emmanuel CHABRIER (1841-1894) L’ile heureuse - Georges BIZET (1838-1875) De mon amie, fleur endormie (from Les Pêcheurs de perles) - Chanson d’avril - Charles GOUNOD (1818-1893) Chanson du printemps - Maid of Athens - Wolfgang Amadeus MOZART (1759-1795) Un aura amorosa (from Così fan tutte) - Jean-Jacques ROUSSEAU (1712-1778) L’amour selon sa fantasie (from Le Devin du village) - Jacques OFFENBACH (1819-1880) Les charbonniers et fariniers and Un homme d’un vrai mérite (from La Boulangère a des écus) - Jules MASSENET (1842-1912) Si, tu veux, Mignonne - Julian TIERSOT (1857-1936) Le Retour du marin - DE BANVILLE La Paix - Charles D’ORLEANS Je me metz en votre mercy - All self-accompanied except where noted Jean Benvenuti (piano) - Guy Ferrant (tenor) and Reynaldo Hahn (piano) - Martial Singher (baritone) - R Mahé (mezzo soprano) - Fanny Heldy (soprano) - André Pernet (bass) with the French Gramophone Chamber Orchestra - French Gramophone Chamber Orchestra - Recorded 1909-1937 PEARL GEM 0003 [74.23] [JW]

Splendid disc … judiciously chosen selection from amongst Hahn’s many prodigious gifts … see Full Review

Classical Music of Azerbaijan Uzeyir HAJIBEYOV (1885-1948)
The Operas:- Leyli and Majnun (1908) O Olmasin, Bu Olsun (If Not This One, That One) (1911) Arshin Mal Alan (The Cloth Peddler) (1913) Koroghlu (The Blind Man's Son) (1937) Orchestra and Choir of the Azerbaijan State Opera and Ballet Theatre/NiyaziThe seven CDs are available separately or in a single card slipcase. AZERBAIJAN INTERNATIONAL AICD 1301- 1307 [7CDs: 63.27+66.53; 60.09; 65.24+65.25; 71.06+72.24] [RB]

Some of these items are of largely local interest (O Olmasin, Bu Olsun) but the irresistible Arshin Mal Alan and the sturdy nationalist heroics of Koroghlu deserve to command a much wider interest. ... see Full Review

George Frideric HANDEL (1685 - 1759) Brockes Passion - Evangelist - Martin Klietmann (tenor); Jesus - Istvan Gai (baritone); Tochter Zion - Maria Zadori (soprano); Katalin Farkas (soprano); Eva Barfai-Barta (soprano); Eva Lax (contralto); Drew Minter (counter tenor); Peter Bajan (counter tenor); Guy de Mey (tenor); Janos Bandi (tenor); Gunther Burzynski (baritone); Stadtsingechor Halle - Capella Savaria/Nicholas McGegan (conductor) - Recorded 1994, Licensed from Hungaroton - Johannes Passion Evangelist - Martin Klietmann (tenor); Jesus - Jozsef Moldvay (baritone); Pilatus - Charles Brett (countertenor); Maria Zadori (soprano); Ibolya Verebics (soprano); Judith Nemeth (mezzo-soprano); Gabor Kallay (tenor); Istvan Gati (baritone); Chamber Choir Capella Savaria/Pal Nemeth (conductor) - Recorded 1995, Licensed from Hungaroton BRILLIANT CLASSICS 92003 [4 CDs: 52.34+51.49+5.57+0.04] [RH]

A rare outing for one of Handel's lesser known works, given here in a highly recommendable performance. … see Full Review

Georg Friedrich HAENDEL (1685-1759) Aci, Galatea e Polifemo - cantata a tre HWV 72 (1708) Aci: Sandrine Piau (sop) Galatea: Sara Mingardo (alto) Polifemo: Laurent Naouri (bass) Le Concert d’Astrée Emmanuelle Haïm (harpsichord and direction) Rec: December 2002, Salle de répétition de l'Orchestre National d'Ile-de-France. VIRGIN CLASSICS 7243 5 45557 2 5 [98.58] [KM]

While this recording has some minor flaws, the music carries you away ... … see Full Review

George Frederic HANDEL (1685-1759) Israel in Egypt, oratorio in 2 parts (HWV 54)
Concerto for organ and orchestra in F (HWV 295) Nicola Jenkin, soprano; Caroline Trevor, contralto; Neil MacKenzie, tenor; Simon Birchall, Robert Evans, bass; Paul Nicholson, organ Choir and Orchestra of The Sixteen/Harry Christophers Recorded March 1993 in St Jude’s on the Hill, Hampstead DDD CORO COR16011 [71:39] [JV]

An unsatisfying recording of extracts from the two-part version of 1771 of one of Handel’s most popular oratorios ... see Full Review

George Frideric HANDEL (1685-1759) Italian Cantatas Delirio amoroso HWV 99
Crudel tiranno Amor HWV 97 Agrippina condotta a morire HWV 110 Mária Zadori (soprano); Concerto Armonico/Artistic Directors Péter Szüts, Miklós Spányi [76.34] Notte placida e cheta HWV 142 Ero e Leandro HWV 150 Il duello amoroso HWV 82 Mária Zádori (soprano); Ralf Popken (countertenor); Capella Savaria/Pál Németh [60.17] BRILLIANT CLASSICS 99958 [2 CDs: 136.51] [RDB]

Immersed in the Italian ritornello style, with delicacy of ornamentation and expressive nuance … see Full Review

Georg Friedrich HAENDEL (1685-1759) Tra le Fiame - Dramatic Solo Cantatas Overture in D Major Prelude in D Minor for harpsichord Cantata Armida Abbandonata Concerto for Violin and Strings in B-flat Major Cantata Ah! che troppo e vero Chaconne in B-flat Major for harpsichord and strings Cantata Tra le Fiamme Recitative and arioso Ombra mai fu from Xerxes Ellen Hargis, soprano Seattle Baroque Orchestra, Ingrid Matthews and Byron Schenkman, directors Margriet Tindemans, viola da gamba Rec: April, May 1996, St. Thomas Center, Bothel, Washington. WILDBOAR WLBR 9604 [73.15] [KM]

An immensely satisfying disc, a must for Handelians … see Full Review

Joseph HAYDN (1732-1809) String Quartets Op. 2, Nos. 3 and 5, Op. 3, Nos. 1 and 2 - Cassation in E flat major Op. 2 No. 3 (arr for string quartet) [16.31] -
Cassation in D major Op. 2 No. 5 (arr. for string quartet) [14.01] - String Quartet in E major Op. 3 No. 1 [13.09] - String Quartet in C major Op. 3 No. 2 [18.06] Kodály Quartet: Attila Falvay (violin) - Tamás Szabó (violin) - János Fejérvári (viola) - György Éder (cello) - Recorded at the Phoenix Studio, Budapest, June 2000 NAXOS 8.555703 [71.47] [RDB]

Highly recommended to all but the ‘more authentic than thou’ brigade. … see Full Review

Joseph HAYDN (1732-1809) Symphony No 41 in C major (1769) - Symphony No 58 in F major (1768) - Symphony No 59 in A major (1769) Cologne Chamber Orchestra/Helmut Müller-Bruhl - Recorded by Deutschland Radio in the Sendesaal DLR, Köln April/June 2002 - Symphonies Volume 26 NAXOS 8.557092 [57.05] [GH]

Historically aware performances and most convincing they are too. … see Full Review

Katherine HOOVER (born 1937) Two Sketches Op.42 (1985/9)^a Eleni: A Greek Tragedy Op.36 (1986)^b Double Concerto Op.40 (1989)^c Night Skies Op.46 (1992)^a Denisa Danielova (mezzo-soprano)^b; David Perry, Suzanne Beia (violins)^c; Slovak Radio Symphony Orchestra^ab; The Wisconsin Philomusica^c; Joel Eric Suben^ab, Vartan Manoogian^c Recorded: Slovensky Rozhlas, Bratislava, 1995 (Eleni, Night Skies) and 1997 (Two Sketches); University of Wisconsin, Madison, 1997 (Double Concerto) PARNASSUS PACD 9619 [67:53] [HC]

A most distinguished composer with a remarkable orchestral flair. I would certainly like to hear more of Hoover’s orchestral music. … see Full Review

Katherine HOOVER (born 1937) Winter Spirits Op.51 (1997)Masks Op.56 (1998)^a Kokopeli Op.43 (1990) Flutes sonatas by Pleyel^b, J.C. Bach^b, Mozart^b and Abel^b Bizet (arr. Delsaux)^c and Berlioz^c Katherine Hoover (flute); Don Bailey (flute)^c; Victoria Drake (harp)^c; Scott Dunn (piano)^a; Stoddard Lincoln (fortepiano)^b Recorded: 1968 (Pleyel, Abel, Mozart, J.C. Bach); Lynbrook Library, 1998 (Bizet, Berlioz); Manhattan School of Music, 2000 (Masks) and Marnie Hall, 1999 (Winter Spirits, Kokopeli) PARNASSUS PACD 96031 [72:14] [HC]

This is a thoroughly enjoyable, superbly played disc in its own right, though some might object to the works’ disparity of styles. … see Full Review

Alan HOVHANESS (1911-2000) Symphony No. 2 Mysterious Mountain Op. 132 (1955) [19.23] - Symphony No. 50 Mount St Helens Op. 360 (1981) [29.16] - Symphony No. 66 Hymn to Glacier Peak Op. 428 (1991) [18.38] - Storm on Mount Wildcat Op. 2 No. 2 (1931) [3.37] Royal Liverpool PO/Gerard Schwarz - Rec. Philharmonic Hall, Liverpool, 2002 DDD TELARC CD-80604 [71.45] [RB]

A generous way of experiencing a selection of the Hovhaness symphonies recorded and played magnificently … see Full Review

Alan HOVHANESS (1911-2000) Symphony No. 23 Ani (City of a Thousand and One Cathedrals) for symphonic band Op. 249 (1972) [38.14] - The Spirit of Ink for three flutes Op. 230 (1970) [18.42] Highline and Shoreline College Bands/Alan Hovhaness (symphony) - Samuel Baron (flute - all three parts) - rec. Ani from Poseidon LP 1015 transferred by Seth Winner; Ink ADD from Poseidon LP 1011 CRYSTAL RECORDS CD809 [57.01] [RB]

Crystal take a bow for their role in making this strange and otherworldly music available to listeners worldwide. ... see Full Review

Joseph JONGEN(1873 – 1953) Chamber Music for Flute, Harp and Strings Concert à cinq Op.71 (1923) - Sonate-duo Op.109 (1938) ^- Danse lente Op.56 (1917) ^- Adagio Op.22 No.1 (1901) ^- Deux pièces en trio Op.80 (1925) Ensemble Arpae (Aldo Baerten, flute^bd - Sophie Hallynck, harp^bd - Gudrun Vercampt, violin^ac - Diederick Suys, viola^c - Marie Hallynck, cello^ad) - Recorded: Academiezaal, Sint-Truiden, March 2002 CYPRÈS CYP 1632 [60:52] [HC]

Mature works of great beauty in loving and dedicated performances.. Jongen’s beautifully crafted music is, at long last, being given its due, and there is much more to come. … see Full Review

Joseph JONGEN (1873 – 1953) Complete Piano Works – Volume 1 Suite en forme de sonate Op.60 (1918) Petite Suite Op.75 (1924) Sonatine Op.88 (1929) Deux Pièces Op.33 (1908) Deux rondes wallonnes Op.40 (1912) Crépuscule au Lac Ogwen Op.52 (1916) Impromptu No.1 Op.87 (1928) Impromptu No.2 Op.99 (1933) Impromptu No.3 Op.126 No.1 (1943) 24 petits préludes Op.116 (1940/1) Diane Andersen (piano) Recorded: Recital Studio I, Liège, 2001 (CD 1) and Recital Studio II, Huy, 2002 (CD 2) PAVANE ADW 7475/6 [70:29 + 76:56] [HC]

Diane Andersen’s richly varied tonal palette, effortless technique and poetic insight are ideally suited to Jongen’s superbly crafted, subtly varied and appealing music. This is a real must for any Jongen lover. … see Full Review

Albert KETÈLBEY (1875-1959) Historic Recordings 1908-1940 - Cockney Suite (1924) (recorded 1929): A State Procession (Buckingham Palace); The Cockney Lover (Lambeth Walk); At The Palais de Danse (Anywhere); Elegy (Thoughts on Passing the Cenotaph); Bank Holiday (’Appy ‘Ampstead) Gallantry (1921) (recorded 1940) - I Call You From The Shadows (1912) (recorded 1912) - Blow, Blow, Thou Winter Wind (1898) (recorded 1923) - In A Camp Of The Ancient Britains (1925) (recorded 1929)- A Musical Jigsaw (1923) (recorded 1923) - Danse à la tarantella (1898) (recorded 1909) - Mind The Slide (1916) (recorded 1916) - Jungle Drums (1926) (recorded 1929) - Aberfoyle (1900) (recorded 1908) - Fiddle Fun (1915) (recorded 1915) - A Desert Romance (1923) (recorded 1923) - Sunset Glow (1921) (recorded ?) - With Honour Crowned (1935) (recorded 1936) Orchestras conducted by Albert Ketèlbey - All tracks recorded between 1908 and 1940 - Producer and Audio Restoration Engineer: Peter Dempsey NAXOS 8.110869 [70:58] [IL]

Another nostalgic album full of period charm to delight Ketèlbey fans. … see Full Review

Wilhelm KIENZL (1857-1941) Don Quixote: A Musical Tragicomedy in 3 Acts (1897) - Thomas Mohr - Baritone ; Alonzo Quixano Michelle Breedt - Mezzo- Soprano ; Mercedes James Wagner - Tenor ; Sancho Panza Celina Lindsley - Soprano ; The Duchess Hans Aschenbach - Tenor ; The Duke Thomas Hay - Bass ; Don Clavijo Matthias Henneberg - Baritone ; Carrasco Andreas Kohn - Bass ; Tirante Kirsten Blanck - Soprano ; Maritorness Gabriele Schreckenbach - Alto ; Aldonza Anett Taube - Soprano ; Frasquita Nora von Billerbeck - Soprano ; Rosita Tatjana Sotin - Alto ; Marieta Marion Nickel - Alto ; Juanita Georg Taube, Thomas Kober - Tenor ; Tavern Guests - Jörg Schneider, Michael Timm, Bass - Tavern Guests Berlin Radio Chorus - Berlin Radio Symphony Orchestra/Gustav Kühn - Konzerthaus Berlin, March 19-22 1998 DDD Stereo CPO 999 873-2 [3CDs: 201.33] [DB]

It seems to me that Kienzl’s Don Quixote is fully deserving of a place in the repertoire and this excellent recording allows us to reconsider a figure who was clearly much more important than we have hitherto realised. … see Full Review

Wilhelm KIENZL (1857-1941) String Quartet No. 1 in B flat minor, Op.22 (c.1880) - String Quartet No. 2 in C minor, Op.99 (c.1920) - String Quartet No. 3 in E flat major, Op.113 (1928) Thomas Christian Ensemble: Thomas Christian, 1^st violin; Melina Mandozzi, 2^nd violin; Ferdinand Erblich, viola; Michael Hell, cello - Recorded at Castello San Polo, Rosso, Italy, June 2001 DDD CPO 999805 [77:42] [DS]

The first two quartets are very pleasurable. He knew how to write for four voices in a highly melodic if sentimental manner. … see Full Review

RECORDING OF THE MONTH - Erich Wolfgang KORNGOLD (1897-1957) The Adventures of a Wunderkind - A Portrait and Concert - Portrait commentary by Samuel West with Hugh Wolff, Brendan G. Carroll (President of the International Korngold Society), Annette Kaufmann, Brend O. Rachold and members of the Korngold family - Concert: Concerto in C major for Cello and Orchestra (1946) - Don Quixote 6 Character Pieces for Piano solo (1907/08) - 7 Fairytale Pictures Op. 3 for Piano solo (1910) - Concerto in D major for Violin and Orchestra (1947) Leonidas Kavakos (violin)§ ; Anne Sofie von Otter (mezzo- soprano) - Bengt Forsberg (piano) - Ljell Lysell (violin) - Ulf Forsberg (violin) - Nils-Erik Sparf (viola) - Mats Lindstrőm (cello) - Quirine Viersen (cello) - Alexander Frey (piano) - Radio Symphony Orchestra of Frankfurt conducted by Hugo Wolff - Picture Format: 16:9 - Sound Format: Portrait – Dolby Digital 2.0. Concert – PCM Stereo ARTHAUS MUSIK 100 362 [144 mins] [IL]

In all, this is a splendid record of the life and music of Erich Wolfgang Korngold. Unhesitatingly recommended to all his admirers. … see Full Review

Johan KVANDAL (b.1919) Violin Concerto Op. 52 (1979) [28.41] - Ragnar SÖDERLIND (b.1945) Violin Concerto Op. 46 (1986) [34.03] Ragin (violin) - Janacek PO/Dennis Burkh - rec. 18-22 Dec 1995, Vitkovice House of Culture, Czech Republic. DDD CENTAUR CRC 2336 [62.54] [RB]

Excellent disc - Kvandal closer to the Nielsen, Rawsthorne and Bartók while Söderlind will appeal to admirers of the Walton, Schuman, Berg and Frankel works ... see Full Review

William LAWES (1602-1645) ‘Knock’d on the head – Music for Viols’ Consort Sett a 6 in F [11:09] Lyra viol trio in d minor [09:55] Hark jolly lads, catch a 3 [02:02] Come my lads, catch a 3 [01:14] Consort Sett a 6 in g minor [13:13] Whither go ye, catch a 3 [02:24] The wise men were but seven, catch a 3 [01:24] Lyra viol trio in D [06:51] Consort Sett a 6 in B flat [10:37] Concordia: Mark Levy, treble viol, lyra viol and director; Veli-Markus Tapio, treble viol, lyra viol; Joanna Levine, tenor viol, lyra viol; Emilia Benjamin, tenor viol; Reiko Ichise, Alison McGillivray, bass viol; Gary Cooper, organ Recorded in September 2001 in Orford Church, Suffolk, England. DDD METRONOME MET CD 1045 [59:02] [JV]

Great music by an intriguing and unconventional musical personality, excellently performed ... see Full Review
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Thomas Oboe LEE (b.1945) Morango...almost a tango (1983) - String Quartet on B-flat (1990) - Seven Jazz Pieces (1991) - ART: arias and interludes (1996) Hawthorne String Quartet - Recorded: Mechanics Hall, Worcester, MA, July 1998 KOCH 3-7452-2 HI [64:03] [HC]

Lee’s superbly crafted, appealing music was quite new to me; but I would now definitely want to hear more of it. … see Full Review

Ingvar LIDHOLM (b.1921) Mutanza (1959/65) [11’41] - Notturno-Canto (1958/2000) [14’02] - Motus-colores (1960) [15’14] - Riter (1959) [27’39] - Lena Nordin (soprano) Norrköping Symphony Orchestra/Lü Jia - Rec. at the Louis de Geer Concert Hall, Norrköping, Sweden, March 2000-May 2002 BIS CD 1200 [71’17] [TH]

Rhythmically forceful … shimmering beauty and lyricism. Highly recommended … 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-Z]
[Part 6 Misc A-L]  [Part 7 Misc M-Z]

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