ALPHABETICAL LISTING

Camille SAINT-SAENS (1835-1921) Requiem, op. 54 (1878) * Alfred BRUNEAU (1857-1934) Requiem (1886) ** Charles GOUNOD (1818-1893) Ave Maria (after Bach), Mors et Vita: Beati qui lavant Georges BIZET (1838-1875) Agnus Dei (arr. from "L’Arlesiènne": Intermezzo), Te Deum: Te ergo César FRANCK (1822-1890) Messe à 3 voix: Panis angelicus, Rebecca: Encore un jour qui fuit Jules MASSENET (1842-1912) Marie-Magdeleine: O bien aimée, La Vierge, légende sacrée: Souvenez-vous, Vierge Marie, Extase de la Vierge Gabriel FAURE (1845-1924) En prière GOUNOD Rédemption: Pentecôte, Repentir, Gallia Françoise Pollet (soprano), Mary Saint-Palais (soprano)**, Magali Chalmeau-Damonte (mezzo-soprano)*, Sylvie Sullé (mezzo-soprano)**, Jean-Luc Viala (tenor)* **, Nicolas Alvenq (baritone)*, Laurent Naouri (bass-baritone)**, Jacques Amade (organ)*, Choeur Régional Vittoria d’Ile de France (chorus master: Michel Piquemal), Orchestra National d’Ile de France/Jacques Mercier Recorded 1989*, 1994**, 1996 (CD 2) RCA RED SEAL 74321 886 882 [2 CDs: 70:41+71:18] [CH]

Forget CD 2 and buy this for the neglected Requiems of Saint-Saëns and Bruneau. … see Full Review

Erik SATIE (1866-1925) 3 Sarabandes (1887) - 3 Gymnopédies (1889) - Gnossiennes 1-3 (1890) - Gnossiennes 4-6 (1889-1897) - 2 Préludes du Nazaréen (1892) - Prélude de la Porte Héroique du Ciel (1894) - 2 Pièces Froides (1897) - Petite Ouverture à Danser (1900) Håkan Austbø, piano - Recorded in Remonstrantse Gemeente, Deventer, Netherlands, 10^th-11^th May and 30^th June-1^st July 1999. From Brilliant Classics CLASSIC COLLECTION 99896 [65.20] [NH]

Exemplary performances of music with far more substance than it is often given credit for … see Full Review

Alessandro SCARLATTI (1660 - 1725) Il Trionfo dell’Onore ovvero Il Dissoluto Penitito (1718) (82.17) - Libretto: Francisco Antoinio Tullio. Sung in Neapolitan dialect Italian - Amedeo Berdini, Riccardo; Amalia Pini, Leonora; Mario Borriello, Erminio - Rossana Zerbini, Doralice; Sante Messina, Flamino; Ornella Rovero, Cornelia; Eugenia Zareska, Rosina; Afro Poli, Capitan Rodamarte Bombard Orchestra Lirica di Milano della RAI/Carlo Maria Giulini - Recorded: Milan, Italy, 17 September 1950 [ADD monophonic] - Liner notes in Italian and English. Text in Italian; no translation WARNER FONIT CETRA N. 1223 [82.17] [PS]

If you know Italian and like Neapolitan comedies, you will likely enjoy this beautiful 1950s restoration from the Cetra catalogue. … see Full Review

Franz Xaver SCHARWENKA (1850-1924) Piano Concerto No. 1 in B flat minor Op. 32 (1876) [31.52] - Piano Concerto No. 2 in B flat minor Op. 56 (1881) [40.29] Laurence Jeanningros (piano) - Czech National SO/Paul Freeman - rec. 26 Mar, 14-15 Sept 1999,ICN Polyart Studio, Prague. DDD CENTAUR CRC 2500 [72.23] [RB]

Incendiary tendencies and a proclivity for Chopin's soliloquising (No. 1) meet Brahmsian breadth and tenderness (No. 2) ... see Full Review

Arnold SCHOENBERG (1874-1951) Verklärte Nacht, opus 4. (1899) 31:15 - Jean SIBELIUS (1865-1957) Andante Festivo (1922) [4:33] - Giacomo PUCCINI (1858-1924) I Crisantemi (1890) [6:53] - Dmitri SHOSTAKOVICH (1906-1975) Chamber Symphony for String Orchestra, op.110a (1960) [23:02] The Helsinki Strings - Csaba and Geza Szilvay, conductors - Schoenberg, Sibelius and Puccini recorded in Helsinki in December 2000 - Shostakovich recorded live in concert in Düsseldorf, December 1999 FINLANDIA APEX 0927-43423 DDD [66:17] [KS]

Warmth and romantic abandon … firm, precise articulation in the more technical passages … see Full Review

Franz Peter SCHUBERT (1797-1828) Mayrhofer Lieder:Vol.2 Am See (second version), D124 (1814) [5:11] - Augenlied, D297 (1817?) [2:35] - Liane, D298 (1815) [2:20] - Abendlied der Furstin, D495 [2:19] (1816) - Sehnsucht, D516 (1816?) [2:51] - Schlaflied (Schlummerlied) (First version), D527 (1817) [2:17] - Am Strome, D539 (1817) [2:22] - Uraniens Flucht, D554 (1817) [18:29] - Iphigenia (Second Version), D573 (1817) [2:24] - Atys, D585 (1817) [3:52] - Erlafsee, D586 (1817) [3:43] - Biem Winde, D669 (1819) [3:56] - Die Sternennachte, D670 (1819) [2:24] - Abendstern, D806 (1824) [2:18] - Auflosung, D807 (1824) [2:45] Christiane Iven (mezzo) - Burhard Kehring (piano) - A co-production with Bayerische Rundfunk, recorded in studio 2, Bavarian Radio, Munich from 8-10 April, and on 22^nd and 23^rd May, 2002 - Deutsche Schubert-Lied-Edition 12 NAXOS 8.554739 [60:05] [SA]

Intimacy in music encapsulated on a small circle of plastic – remarkable and breathtaking! … see Full Review

Franz Peter SCHUBERT (1797-1828) Winterreise – Gute Nacht (arr. Godowsky) [6’45] - Der Lindenbaum (arr. Liszt, S561 No. 7, 1839) - Der stürmische Morgen (arr. Liszt, S561 No. 11, 1839), Im Dorfe [5’59] (arr. Liszt, S561 No. 11, 1839) [5’59]. Waltzes (arr. Prokofiev, 1920) [8’59]. Die schöne Müllerin – Morgengruss (arr. Godowsky) [4’23]. Erlkönig (arr. Liszt, S557a, c1837) [4’38]. Overture in D (arr. Busoni) [19’30]. Leopold GODOWSKY (1870-1938) Passacaglia (based on the first eight bars of Schubert’s Unfinished Symphony) - (1928) [19’30]) Antti Siirala (piano) - Rec. Potton Hall, Suffolk, on October 4^th-5^th, 2001. DDD - Laureate Series NAXOS 8.555997 [62’56] [CC]

A stimulating release, of that there is no doubt. And yes, I would be interested to hear more of this young gentleman. … see Full Review

Franz SCHUBERT (1797-1828) Piano Sonata in C minor D 958 (1828) Moments Musicaux D 780 (1827) Folke Nauta (piano) Recorded March and June 2000 at the Remonstrantse Gemeente, Deventer, Netherlands CLASSIC COLLECTION 99850 [61.01] [RB]

Sparse details about performer and music, but; at bargain price, an interesting addition to any Schubert collection. … see Full Review

Franz SCHUBERT (1797-1828) Piano Sonata in B flat major, D960 - Wanderer Fantasy in C major, D760 - Gretchen am Spinnrad, D118 (trans. Liszt) - Erlkönig, D328 (trans. Liszt) Olga Filatova, piano - Recorded July 2002, Thürmersaal, Bochum, Germany THOROFON CTH 2475 [66.42] [WH]

Well and thoughtfully played …will not disappoint collectors exploring this interesting programme. … see Full Review

Robert SCHUMANN (1810-1856) Piano Concerto in A minor, Op.54 (1841-45) Introduction and Allegro appassionato in G major, Op.92 (1850) Introduction and Allegro concertante in D minor, Op.134 (1853) Peter Rösel (piano) Gewandhausorchester Leipzig/Kurt Masur Recorded 1980 (location unknown) ETERNA COLLECTION/BERLIN CLASSICS 0032522 [60:31] [DS]

I heartily recommend the Rösel disc … idiomatic performances. The Piano Concerto is one of the best on record, and the two later works are also very impressive. … see Full Review

Robert SCHUMANN (1810-1856) Davidbündlertänze, Op. 6 (1837, first edition) [29’20] - Concert sans orchestre, Op. 14 (1936) [21’44] - Maurizio Pollini (piano) Rec Herkulessaal, Munich, in June 2000. DDD DG 471 369-2 [52’02] [CC]

Although the playing time may appear short, this is a disc to return to again and again for sovereign musical illumination. … see Full Review

Peter SCULTHORPE (born 1929) Irkanda I (1955)^a - Irkanda IV (1961)^a -
Lament (1991)^b - Second Sonata for Strings (1988) - Cello Dreaming (1998)^b - Djilile (2001) - Emma-Jane Murphy (cello)^b; Richard Tognetti (violin)^a Australian Chamber Orchestra/Richard Tognetti - Recorded: City Recital Hall, Angel Place, Sydney, June 2001 CHANDOS CHAN 10063 [66:10] [HC]

A most desirable release. These performances recorded in the presence of the composer could not be bettered. … see Full Review

RECORDING OF THE MONTH Peter SCULTHORPE (b. 1929) Sonata for Cello Alone (1959) Requiem, for cello alone (1979) ¹ Djilile, for cello and piano (1986) * ¹ Tailitnama Song, for cello and piano (1989) * ¹ Threnody, for solo cello (1991) Into the Dreaming, for cello alone (1993) Parting, for cello and piano (1995) * ¹ Tailitnama Song, for cello solo (1997) From Saibai, for cello and piano (1997) * ¹ David Pereira, cello Ian Munro, piano * Recorded in January 1998, Llewellyn Hall, Canberra School of Music and January 1999, Concert Hall, Newcastle Conservatorium of Music ¹. TALL POPPIES TP136 [68.50] [NH]

If you don't know Sculthorpe you should and this disc or any of the string quartets would provide an ideal introduction. A superb achievement … see Full Review

Bright SHENG (born 1955) China Dreams (1992/5) Two Poems from the Sung Dynasty (1985)^a Nanking! Nanking! (2000)^b Juliana Gondek (soprano)^a; Zhang Qiang (pi-pa)^b; Hong Kong Philharmonic Orchestra; Samuel Wong Recorded: City Hall, Hong Kong, February 2002 NAXOS 8.555866 [65:44] [HC]

Bright Sheng attempts a reconciliation of Eastern and Western musical traditions while avoiding ready-made formulae. … see Full Review

Dmitri SHOSTAKOVICH (1906 - 1975) Piano Concerto No. 2 in F major, Op. 102 ('To Maxim Dmitrievich Shostakovich') (1957) - Symphony No.11 in G minor, Op. 103 'The Year 1905' (1957) - Marina Primachenko, piano London Shostakovich Orchestra/Christopher Cox - Recorded live at St. Cyprian's Church, London, 9 November 2002 DUNELM RECORDS DRD0193 [20.32+67.27] [NH]

Two excellent but contrasting works, played with real commitment, also a great introduction to what Dunelm Records is about … see Full Review

BARGAIN OF THE MONTH Dmitri SHOSTAKOVICH (1906-1975) 24 Preludes and Fugues for Piano, Op.87 (1950/51) Tatiana Nikolayeva, piano Recorded 1987, location not specified Budget price: in UK retail £14-15 REGIS RECORDINGS RRC 3005 [3 CDs: 168:23] [DS]

Nikolayeva: the perfect champion to guide us through Shostakovich’s unique musical labyrinth … see Full Review

Dmitri SHOSTAKOVICH (1906-1975) String Quartets Nos. 1-13 String Quartet No.1 in C major, Op.49 (1938) - String Quartet No.2 in A major, Op. 68 (1944) - String Quartet No.3 in F major, Op.73 (1946) - String Quartet No.4 in D major, Op.83 (1949) - String Quartet No.5 in B flat, Op. 92 (1952) - String Quartet No.6 in G major, Op.101 (1956) - String Quartet No.7 in F sharp, Op.108 (1960) - String Quartet No.8 in C minor, Op.110 (1960) - String Quartet No.9 in E flat, Op.117 (1964) - String Quartet No.10 in A flat, Op.118 (1964) - String Quartet No.11 in F minor, Op.122 (1966) - String Quartet No.12 in D flat, Op.133 (1968) - String Quartet No.13 in B flat, Op.138 (1970) Borodin Quartet - Rostislav Dubinsky, Yaroslav Alexandrov (violins), Dmitri Shebalin (viola), Valentin Berlinsky (cello) - No recording dates given. ADD CHANDOS HISTORICAL CHAN 10064 [4CDs: 75’51+79’54+77’44+78’55] [TH]

The original Borodins display the sort of depth and insight that comes but rarely and as such this set should be snapped up without delay. … see Full Review

Jean SIBELIUS (1865-1957) Symphony No. 1 (1899) [37.47] - Scènes Historiques Opp. 25 and 66: Festivo; At the Drawbridge; The Love Song; The Chase (1899) [26.28] - March from Karelia Suite Op. 11 (1893) [4.50] Royal Philharmonic Orchestra/Thomas Beecham - rec. EMI Studio No. 1, Abbey Rd, 23 May, 16-17 Nov, 5, 7 Dec 1951, 5 May 1952 (Symphony); Kingsway Hall, 13 June 1952 (Love Song) SONY CLASSICAL SMK87798 [69.07] [RB]

Fifty years old yet vivid as the day they were recorded. Something to celebrate ... see Full Review

Jean SIBELIUS (1865-1957) Beecham conducts Sibelius: 1935-39 - En Saga [17.32] - Lemminkainen's Return [5.57] - The Bard - tone poem [7.10] - Festivo - Scènes Historiques Op. 25 No. 3 [6.57] - Finlandia [8.52] - Symphony No. 4 [37.47] London Philharmonic Orchestra/Thomas Beecham - rec. EMI Studio No. 1, Abbey Rd, 14 Nov 1938 (and 7 July 1939 Kingsway Hall) (En Saga); 12 Oct 1937 (Return); 15 Nov 1938 (Bard); 14 Dec 1935 (Festivo); 1 Feb 1938 (Finlandia); 10 Dec 1937 (Symphony). ADD mono NAXOS HISTORICAL 8.110867 [79.05] [RB]

Beecham's first recorded Sibelius with the LPO - tense and brimming with character ... all at bargain price - irresistible ... see Full Review

Jean SIBELIUS (1865-1957) Cantatas for voices and orchestra - Snöfrid Op. 29 (1900) [11.23] - Oma Maa Op. 92 (1918) [11.55] - Väinön Virsi Op. 110 (1926) [8.42] - Sandels Op. 28 (1898 rev. 1915) [9.09] - Maan Virsi Op. 95 (1918) [7.41] - Laulu Lemminkäiselle Op. 31 No. 1 (1896) [3.31] - Finlandia Op. 26 (1899) [8.36] - Ellerhein Girls’ Choir (Opp. 29, 92, 95, 110) - Estonian National Male Choir (all) Estonian National SO/Paavo Järvi (all) - Rec. 2-8 Sept 2002, Estonian Concert Hall, Tallinn DDD VIRGIN CLASSICS 7243 5 45589 2 4 [61.36] [RB]

Sibelians and other will welcome this collection ... Sandels, Oma Maa and Maan Virsi are well worth your attention. ... see Full Review

RECORDING OF THE MONTH Jean SIBELIUS (1865-1957) Aallottaret (The Oceanides) (Yale version) (1914) [7.25] - Fragments from a suite for orchestra (The predecessor of The Oceanides) (1) - Tempo moderato - attacca - (2) Allegro (1914) [7.19] - The Oceanides (Aallottaret) (final version) (1914) [10.03] - Cassazione (first version) (1904) [12.14] - Musik zu Einer Scène (1904) [5.32] - Coronation March (1904) [2.10] - Morceau Romantique (1925) [1.58] - Porilaisten Marssi (arr. Sibelius) (1900) [2.14] - Cortège (1905) [5.41] - Spring Song (1904) [9.18] Lahti SO/Osmo Vänskä - rec. Sibelius Hall, Lahti, 2-3 Jan 2003, 29 May 2002, 22 Aug 2000, 4, 10-11 Jan 2002. DDD - The Complete Sibelius vol. 51 BIS-CD-1445 [66.01] [RB]

Exalted performance values and rare vintage Sibelius. A mix of barrel scrapings and substantial discoveries - mostly discoveries ... see Full Review

Jean SIBELIUS (1865-1957) En Saga op.9(1) - Lemminkaïnen’s Return op.22/4 (2) - The Bard op.64 (3) - Festivo op.25/3 (4) - Finlandia op.26 (5) - Symphony no. 4 in a minor op.63 (6) London Philharmonic Orchestra/Sir Thomas Beecham - Location: EMI Abbey Road Studio no. 1 (part of En Saga recorded in Kingsway Hall) Dates: 14.11.38 and 7.7.39 (1) - 12.10.37 (2) - 15.11.38 (3) - 14.12.35 (4) - 1.2.38 (5) - 10.12.37 (6) - CD transfers by Mark Obert-Thorn NAXOS Historical 8.110867 [79:05] [CH]

Excellent transfers of definitive performances: a self-recommending issue. … see Full Review

Jan SIBELIUS(1865-1957) Piano Music Volume 4 4 Lyric Pieces op.74 (1914) - 5 Pieces op.75 (1914) - 13 Pieces op.76 (1911-1916) - 5 Pieces op.85 (1916-1917) - 6 Pieces op.94 (1919) Håvard Gimse (piano) - Recorded 22-23.11.2000, St. Martin’s Church, East Woodhay, Hampshire, UK NAXOS 8.555363 [62:11] [CH]

Ideal performances of works which hardly seem to come from the same pen as the symphonies and tone poems, but which prove well worth knowing. … see Full Review

Jean SIBELIUS (1865-1957) Symphony No. 4 (1908) [35.03] - Symphony No. 6 (1916) [29.41] - The Swan of Tuonela (1895) [8.57] Leipzig Radio SO/Herbert Kegel (4) - Berlin Radio SO/Paavo Berglund (6, Swan) - rec 1969, 1970. ADD - previously issued as Eterna 00031432BC BERLIN CLASSICS ETERNA 0032552BC [74.01] [RB]

 A mixed bag. Kegel provocatively intellectual in 4, Berglund unblushingly high tensile in 6 ... see Full Review

Jean SIBELIUS (1865-1957) The Symphonies, Pohjola's Daughter [12.40] Luonnotar [8.08] New York PO/Leonard BernsteinPhyllis Curtin (sop) (in Luonnotar)Philharmonic Hall - now Avery Fisher Hall, Lincoln Center, NYC (all symphonies): 1 (3 Mar 1967); 2 (15 May 1902); 3 (18 Oct 1965); 4 (1 Feb 1966); 5 (27 Mar 1961); 6 (9 May 1967); 7 (28 Mar 1960, 12 Oct 1965); Manhattan Center: Luonnotar; Pohjola's Daughter (1 May 1964). ADD Columbia Legends series SONY CLASSICS SM4K87329 [4CDs: 62.40+64.51+71.74+49.15] [RB]

A recommendable full cycle. ... see Full Review

Kaikhosru Shapurji SORABJI (1892-1988) Passeggiata Veneziana (1956) [21’33]. Symphonic Variations for Piano and Orchestra – Variation 56 (solo piano version, 1935-37) [2’41]. Quasi habanera, Op. 8 (1917) [4’59]. Maurice RAVEL (1875-1937) /SORABJI Rapsodie espagnole (1907/08, transc. 1945) [18’05]. Johann Sebastian BACH (1685-1750)/SORABJI Transcription in the light of Harpsichord Technique for the Modern Piano of the Chromatic Fantasia of J. S. Bach, Followed by a Fugue (1940) [15’23]. Frédéric CHOPIN (1810-1849)/SORABJI Pasticcio capriccioso sopra Op. 64 No. 1 dello Chopin (1933) [4’13] Michael Habermann (piano) Rec. Studio 4A, National Public Radio, Washington, D.C., USA, 5-6 Jan, 9-10 Mar and 22 June 2001. DDD BIS CD1306 [68’20] [CC]

BIS are to be congratulated on their adventurous programming. Not just for pianophiles. A fascinating window into Sorabji’s unique world. … see Full Review

Pablo SOROZÁBAL (1897-1988) Euskalerria (1963 instr. 1978) - Suite Vasca Op. 5 (1923) - Maite, Eguzki Eder (1954 instr. 1978) - Gernika (1966 rev. 1976) - Dos apuntes vascos (1925) - Siete lieder (1929 instr. 1956) - Variaciones sinfónicas (1927) Maite Arruabarrena (mezzo-soprano) - Bilbao Choral Society - Basque National Orchestra/Cristian Mandeal - Recorded in San Sebastian, June and September 2002 CLAVES CD 50-2205 [71.33] [JW]

No masterpieces here – but an intriguing avenue to explore. … see Full Review

Leo SOWERBY (1895-1968) American Master of Sacred Song - Great is the Lord (1933) [8’30"] - Three Psalms for Bass (1928): Hear My Cry, O God a [5’53"]; The Lord is My Shepherd b [4’33"]; How Long Wilt Thou Forget Me c [5’05"] - Turn Thou to Thy God (1957) [6’40"] - Whoso Dwelleth (1935?) d [7’24"] - Carillon* (1917) [7’35"] - An Angel Stood by the Altar of the Temple (1955) [5’19"] - Arioso* (1942) [9’08"] - Lovely Infant (1963) [2’23"] - Magnificat and Nunc Dimittis in E minor (1957) [9’11"] - All They from Saba Shall Come g (1934) [5’0-1"] - Jesu, Bright and Morning Star (1958) [3’08] - Canon, Chacony and Fugue* (1948) [11’53"] - Songs of Faith and Penitence (1933): O God of Light e[3’48"]; Thou Art My Strength f [4’26"] - Prelude on "Were You There?"* (1953-4) [9’16"] - Christians to the Paschal Victim (1965) [4’51"] - Festival Musick** (1953) [20’34"] - Come, Holy Ghost (1949) [4’37"] - Bright, Blithe and Brisk* [4’33"] - O God, the Protector of All e (1968) [2’14"] - a Richard K. Pugsley (bass) - b Paul Norman (bass) - c Francis Hempel (bass) - d Luke Norman (baritone) - e Christine Helfritch (soprano) - f Katherine Mary Hamilton (soprano) - g Peter Logan (tenor) Gloriae Dei Cantores/Elizabeth C. Patterson - * David Chalmers (organ) - ** Gloriae Dei Brass Ensemble; James E. Jordan Jr. (organ) - Recorded in Mechanics hall, Worcester ,Massachusetts - * and ** in All Saints Church, Worcester, Massachusetts GLORIAE DEI CANTORES GDCD 016 [73’08+76’08"] [JQ]

A composer of conviction and integrity but his technical abilities were not always matched by inspiration....See Full Review

Sir John STAINER (1840-1901) The Crucifixion (1886/7) orch. Barry Rose (2001) - Peter Auty (tenor); Roderick Williams (baritone) - Rowland Sidwell and Simon Deller (baritones) and David Hadden (bass) - Guildford Camerata - Stephen Farr (organ) - Guildford Philharmonic Orchestra/Barry Rose - Recorded in Guildford Cathedral, 8, 9, 13 January 2003 LAMMAS LAMM 154D [67’34"] [JQ]

This is a very good CD which I warmly commend to all lovers of the English choral tradition. … see Full Review

Charles Villiers STANFORD (1852-1924) Piano Concerto No. 2 in C minor Op. 126 (1911) [38.55] - Robert SCHUMANN (1810-1856) Introduction and Allegro Appassionato (Konzertstück) Op. 92 (1849) [14.54] - Andreas Jetter (piano) Rostov Philharmonic Orchestra/Dmitri Vassiliev (Stanford) - Russian Federation Symphony Orchestra Moscow/Dietrich Schöller-Manno - rec. 27-28 April 2002, Rostov State Philharmonic Hall (Stanford); 19-20 May 2001, Moscow Broadcast Station Studio 5 (Schumann) ANTES EDITION BM-CD 31.9186 [54.11] [RB]

Jetter well matched to the challenge of this grand concerto. It deserves to stand in the company of the Tchaikovsky Second Concerto. … see Full Review

Ronald STEVENSON (b.1928) A'e Gowden Lyric: Songs by Ronald Stevenson A Child's Garden of Verses [1-17] - 1. Dedication - 2. Bed in Summer - 3. The Land of Nod - 4. Time to Rise - 5. Singing - 6. Rain - 7. Windy Nights - 8. Shadow March - 9. My Shadow - 10. Fairy Bread - 11. The Swing - 12. Summer Sun - 13. From a Railway Carriage - 14. Autumn Fires - 15. When the golden day is done - 16. The Lamplighter - 17. Envoy - 18. Traighean (Shores) - 19. The Robber - 20. Hill Sang - 21. The Gaelic Muse - 22. The Buckie Braes - 23. The Quiet Comes In - 24. The Bobbin-Winder - 25. To the Future - 26. O Wha's the Bride - 27. Trompe L'Oeil - 28. The Bonny Broukit Bairn - 29. Fairytales - 30. Hallowe'en Sang - 31. The Plum Tree - 32. The Day is Düne - 33. The Rose of All the World - 34. The Droll Wee Man - 35. A'e Gowden Lyric Susan Hamilton (soprano) - John Cameron (piano) - world premiere recordings - rec. 21-22 Nov 2001, St Mary's Collegiate Church, Haddington, East Lothian. DDD DELPHIAN DCD 34006 [66.59] [CSS]

One is tempted to ask why these songs - and the few hundred others (ten cycles ranging from Blake to Ho Chi Minh) are not in the repertoire of every singer. The most original and lyrical voice in Scottish music today. … see Full Review

Johann STRAUSS I (1804-1849) Edition Vol. 1 Täuberln-Walzer op.1, Alpenkönig-Galopp op.7/1, Döblinger Réunion-Walzer op.2, Alpenkönig-Galopp op.7/2, Wiener-Carnevals-Walzer op.3, Champagner-Galopp op.8, Kettenbrücke-Walzer op.4, Seufzer-Galopp op.9, Gesellschafts-Walzer op.5, Alte und neue Tempête – Altdeutscher Polstertanz – Altvater Galoppade – Altvater Marsch – Sauvage, Wiener Launenwalzer op.6, Schauer-Galopp, Stelldichein-Galopp Camerata Cassovia/Christian Pollack
Recorded 12th-15th April 1996 at the House of Arts, Košice, Slovakia DDD MARCO POLO 8.225213 [53:59] [CH]

A disc that will be welcomed by Strauss completists, though they are likely to wish Pollack had had a better orchestra to work with. … see Full Review

Richard STRAUSS (1864-1949) Eine Alpensinfonie Op. 64 (1913) Berlin Philharmonic Orchestra/Herbert von Karajan - Filmed November 1983 at the Philharmonie, Berlin - Director Hugo Käch - PAL System SONY SVD 46400 [55’35"]

Overall, a good release which offers a high quality performance and an interesting visual record of Karajan in action. Recommended … see Full Review

Richard STRAUSS (1864-1949) Oboe Concerto in D, AV144 (1945) [24’22]Macbeth, Op. 23 (1890) [19’13]Cello Sonata in F, Op. 6 (1880-83) [26’00]. Douglas Boyd (oboe); Chamber Orchestra of Europe/Paavo Berglund (Oboe Concerto); Aarhus Symphony Orchestra/Norman Del Mar (Macbeth); Sophie Rolland (cello); Marc-André Hamelin (piano).Rec. Henry Wood Hall, London, in November 1986 (Oboe Concerto), December 17^th-19^th, 1993 (Cello Sonata) and Concert Hall, Aarhus, Denmark, in December 1993 (Macbeth). DDD ASV PLATINUM PLT8519 [CC]

As a whole, this disc makes for rewarding listening. … see Full Review

Igor STRAVINSKY (1882-1971) Divertimento, Le baiser de la fée (1932) [21’22] - Paul ENGEL (b. 1949) Sonogramm I. (1990, rev. 2000) [16’47] - Piano Trio No. 5 Calliope’s descent from Olympus [25’35] - Gottfried von EINEM (1918-1996) Sonata for Violin and Piano, Op. 11 (1949) [9’12] Engel Piano Trio: Christos Kanettis (violin); Alfons Kontarsky (piano), with Reinhard Letzko (cello) - Rec. Bayerischer Rundfunk Studio II, Munich, Germany, on February 25^th, 26^th and 28^th, 2002. DDD GUILD GMCD7261 [73’47] [CC]

The programming of this disc is remarkably thought-provoking and intelligent … Warmly recommended. … see Full Review

Karol SZYMANOWSKI (1882-1937) Symphony No. 4 Symphony Concertante Op. 60 (1932) [23.08] Violin Concerto No. 1 Op. 35 (1916) [25.08] Mescal Wilson (piano) Robert Zimansky (violin) Janacek PO/Dennis Burkh rec. Jan, May 1992, Vitkovice House of Culture, Czech Republic. DDD CENTAUR CRC 2153 [62.54] [RB]

A memorable version of the Violin Concerto and an intriguing though flawed Op. 60 - short playing time ... see Full Review

Peter Ilyich TCHAIKOVSKY (1840 – 1893) Piano Concerto No 1 in B Minor, Op. 23, (1877) - Maurice RAVEL (1875 – 1937) - Daphnis et Chloe Suite No. 2, (1877) - Modest MUSSORGSKY (1839 – 1881) - Pictures at an Exhibition, orch. Ravel - Sergei PROKOFIEV (1891 – 1953) - Piano Sonata No. 3 in A Minor Op. 28, (1877) Emil Gilels/Orchestre Nationale de la ORTF/André Cluytens - recorded at the RTF Paris 13^th August 1960 (Ravel), at the Théâtre des Champs - Elysées, Paris, 19^th June 1958 (Tchaikovsky) and 19^th February 1959 (Prokofiev) DVD EMI CLASSICS 7243 490124-9 [87 mins] [JP]

Notable for bringing together one of the world’s greatest pianists with an underrated conductor … tender and very moving. … see Full Review

Pyotr Ilyich TCHAIKOVSKY (1840 - 1893) Swan Lake, Op 20 (1876) [111.10]
London Festival Ballet: Evelyn Hart, Peter Schaufuss, Martin James, Elizabeth Anderton, Johnny Eliasen. Produced by Natalia Makarova. Choreography by Petipa, Ivanov, Ashton and Makarova Costumes and stage settings by Günther Schneider-Siemssen Danish Radio Symphony Orchestra/Graham Bond DVD 9 PAL Format 4:3 Region 2,5. Previews of other programs: (11.00) Recorded at DR-Studios, Århus, Denmark, 1988 Notes in Deutsch, English, Français. Spoken introduction by Natalia Makarova (6.00) [Also available from Image Entertainment in a Region 1 NTSC version] ARTHAUS DVD 100 438 [116.00] [PS]

A good video Swan Lake with many things to recommend it. … see Full Review

Peter Ilyich TCHAIKOVSKY (1840 – 1893) The Seasons, Op. 37b (1876) orch. Peter Breiner - Chanson Triste Op. 40, No. 2 (1878) - Mazurka (1868) Op. 40, No. 4 (1878) - Chant sans paroles Op. 40, No. 6 (1878) (1876) - Danse russe Op. 40, No. 10 (1878) - Reverie interrompue Op. 40, No. 12 (1878) All orch. Peter Breiner - Takako Nishizaki (violin) - Queensland Symphony Orchestra/Peter Breiner - recorded 31^st January – 3^rd February 1997 in Ferry Road Studio, Brisbane, Australia. DDD NAXOS 8.553510 [65.25] [JP]

This is a very pleasant disc, well seeking out if you want some undemanding listening and you prefer an orchestral garb to the well known Tchaikovsky salon pieces. … see Full Review

Pyotr Ilyich TCHAIKOVSKY (1840-1893) Violin Concerto (1880) - Nikolai MIASKOVSKY (1881-1950) Violin Concerto (1938) Vadim Repin (violin) - Kirov Orchesta, Mariinsky Theatre, St Petersburg/Valery Gergiev - rec. live, 2-4 July 2002, Mikaeli-Martti Talvela Hall, Mikkeli, Finland PHILIPS 473 343-2 [71.48] [JW]

A disc to savour and admire; its faults are of generosity and spirit and they are faults on the right side. … see Full Review

Georg Philipp TELEMANN (1681-1767) Six Sonatas for Violin and Harpsichord (pub. 1715) - Nos. 1 in G, 2 in D, 3 in B, 4 in A, 5 in G, 6 in A Ludwig SPOHR Sonata Concertante for Harp and Violin Op. 115 (ed Call and Kaufman) Louis Kaufman (violin) with Frederick Hammond (harpsichord) and Susann - McDonald (harp) - Recorded c1970 (Telemann) and February 1972 (Spohr) MUSIC AND ARTS CD 905 [68.05] [JW]

An alluring tonalist who with vibrant discretion put his expressive potential at the service of older music. … see Full Review

Will TODD (b.1970) Christus Est Stella (2001) - Prayer of the Venerable Bede - SSAATTBB; Ave Verum Corpus (2001) - Hail true body born of Mary - SATB/piano; None Other Lamb (1998) - words by Christina Rossetti - SATBB; The Windhover (2001) - words by Gerard Manley Hopkins - SATB and organ; Lighting the Way (1999) words by composer - voices and piano; Song of Simeon (1999) - SSSAATTBB; Lead Me Lord (1997) - Psalm 5 - S - SATB, piano; Carol: Every Stone Shall Cry (2001) - words by Richard Wilbur - SATB/piano; Carol: The Christ-Child (1997) - words by G.K. Chesterton - SATB/piano; Carol: The Virgin's Song (1995) - anon - SATB; Carol: A Boy Was Born (1989) - 16th century German text - SATB; Communion Service in E minor (1993) - SSAATTB/organ Full Score/Ralph Woodward - Christopher Glynn (organ/piano) - rec. 15 April 2002, All Saints' Church, Gospel Oak, London TYALGUM PRESS TYA001 [54.46] [RB]

Plenty of material here ... be ready be to surprised by the endless resources of tonality and the voice ... carpe diem. ... see Full Review

Will TODD (b. 1970) Saint Cuthbert (Oratorio) (1995) - words by Ben Dunwell - The Call - The Storm - Man Unkind - Plague and Healing - Enthronement - Lindisfarne - Vikings - The Tide - Journeying - Prayer Patricia Rozario, Angel (soprano) - John Hudson, Cuthbert (tenor) - Graeme Danby, Man (bass) - Northern Sinfonia Chorus - Durham Singers - Hallé Choir - Hallé Orchestra/Christopher Austin - Recorded in Studio 7, BBC Manchester, June 2^nd - 4^th 2001 The Northumbria Anthology MWM CDSP56 [79.43] [LF]

Every so often we are brought up short by a stunning set piece which will have you hitting the repeat button … the wonderful calm of the sixth movement evoking the pull of the tides, building to a thrilling climax. … see Full Review

Galina USTVOLSKAYA (b. 1919) An Introduction to Galina Ustvolskaya Trio (1949) [14’57]. Composition No. 2, ‘Dies Irae’ (1972-73) [17’13]. Symphony No. 4 (1985-87) [6’32]. Sonata No. 5 (1986) [15’17]. St Petersburg Soloists, Oleg Malov (piano).Rec St Petersburg Radio House. DDD MEGADISC CLASSICS MDC7858 [53’55] [CC]

To be recommended, then, but definitely not for the faint of heart. … see Full Review

Ralph VAUGHAN WILLIAMS (1872-1958) Sir John in Love - opera in four acts (1924-1928) - Libretto by the composer after Shakespeare’s ‘Merry Wives of Windsor’; Terry Jenkins (tenor) - Shallow; Rowland Jones (baritone) - Sir Hugh Evans; Bernard Dickerson (tenor) - Slender; David Johnston (tenor) - Peter Simple; John Noble (baritone) - Page; Raimund Herincx (baritone) - Sir John Falstaff; John Winfield (tenor) - Bardolph; Mark Rowlinson (tenor) - Nym;Richard Van Allan (bass) - Pistol; Wendy Eathorne (soprano) - Anne Page; Felicity Palmer (mezzo-sop) - Mrs Page; Elizabeth Bainbridge (mezzo-sop) - Mrs Ford; Robert Tear (tenor) - Fenton; Gerald English (tenor) - Dr. Caius; Lawrence Richard (bass) - Rugby; Helen Watts (contralto) - Mrs Quickly; Colin Wheatley (baritone) - The Host of the Garter Inn; Robert Lloyd (bass) - Ford; Brian Ethridge (baritone) - John; Stephen Varcoe (baritone) - Robert; John Alldis Choir/John Alldis (chorus master) New Philharmonia Orchestra/Meredith Davies - Recorded in the No.1 Studio Abbey Road, London on 4-13 July 1974, ADD (digitally remastered 1997) EMI CLASSICS CMS 5 66123 2 [2CDs: 63:56+66:37] [MC]

A most romantic work with much expanded love music, ravishing harmonies, richly melodic and entrancing … see Full Review

Giuseppe VERDI (1813-1901) Messa da Requiem (1874): Requiem aeternam-Kyrie - Dies irae - Tuba mirum - Liber scriptus - Quid sum miser - Rex tremendae - Recordare - Ingemisco -Confutatis - Lacrimosa - Domine Jesu - Sanctus - Agnus Dei - Lux aeterna - Libera me Daniela Nedialkova, (soprano). Ivanka Ninova, (m.soprano). Roumen Doikov, (tenor). Emil Ponorski, (bass) Choir and Orchestra of the Sofia Opera/Ivan Marinov Bargain Price CLASSIC COLLECTION 99837 [78.50] [RJF]

I have paid a lot of money to hear this work over the years, often featuring ‘name’ conductors and soloists. Not many have given me as much pleasure as this performance. … see Full Review

Heitor VILLA-LOBOS (1887 – 1959) Uirapurú (1917) - Bachianas Brasileiras No.4 (1939) - The Emperor Jones (1956) Odense Symphony Orchestra/Jan Wagner - Recorded: Carl Nielsen Hall, Odense Koncerthus, Odense, May 1999 (Bachianas, The Emperor Jones) and August 2000 (Uirapurú) BRIDGE 9129 [61:36] [HC]

Jan Wagner obviously loves this music and has its full measure. He coaxes fine readings from his Danish forces who play this unfamiliar music with much assurance and aplomb … see Full Review

Carl VINE (b. 1954) Chamber Music: Volume One - Piano Sonata (1990) - Love Song (1986) - Café Concertino (1984) - Miniature III (1983) - Percussion Concerto (1987) - Elegy (1985) Michael Kieran Harvey (piano) - Simone de Haan (trombone) - David Hewitt (percussion) - Australia Ensemble - Flederman - Recorded November 1991, Ron Craig Studios, Mittagong (Piano Sonata); March 1992, Joan Sutherland Performing Arts Centre, Penrith (Love Song); September 1989, Newcastle Conservatorium of Music (Café Concertino); December 1983, Recording Hall, Sydney Opera House (Miniature III); November 1991, Electric Avenue, Balmain (Percussion Concerto); December 1986, Recording Hall, Sydney Opera House (Elegy) DDD TALL POPPIES TP013 [60:42] [CT]

An impressive Piano Sonata leads the way in this contrasting collection of chamber works by one of Australia’s leading composers. … see Full Review

Antonio VIVALDI (1678-1741) Concertos for strings Concerto in G minor RV 154 - Concerto in B flat major RV 367 - Concerto in G minor RV 578 - Concerto in D major RV 124 - Concerto in G minor RV 302 - Concerto in A minor RV 522 - Concerto Italiano/Rinaldo Alessandrini, Fabio Biondi (solo violin) [56.10] Chamber concertos Concerto in G minor RV 105 - Concerto in A minor RV 86 -Concerto in G major RV 101 - Concerto in G minor RV 107 - Concerto in G minor RV 103 - Concerto in F major RV 98 - Il Giardino Armonico [50.43] Concertos for diverse instruments Concerto in G major for strings and b.c. Alla Rustica - Concerto in G minor for cello strings and b.c - Concerto in D major for traverso, strings and b.c. Il Gardellino - Concerto in C major for 2 traversi, strings and b.c - Concerto in G minor for violin, strings and b.c - Concerto in D major for traverso, violin, cello and b.c - Concerto in D major for traverso, violin, cello and b.c Musica ad Rhenum: Jed Wentz (traverso) - Marion Moonen (traverso) - Manfred Kraemer (violin) - Balázs Mété (cello) - Ensemble Florilegium: Ashley Solomon (violin) - Rachel Podger (violin) - Daniel Yeadon (cello) - Neal Peres da Costa (harpsichord) [51.59] - Recorded 1988 and 1993 BRILLIANT CLASSICS 92004 [3CDs: 56.10+50.43+51.59] [RDB]

This set merits comparison with the best of today’s performances. … see Full Review

Antonio VIVALDI (1678-1741) Flute Concertos arranged for the recorder Concerto in C minor RV 441 - Concerto in C major RV 444 - Concerto in F major RV 433 La Tempesta di Mare - Concerto in C major RV 443 - Concerto in F major RV 434 - Concerto in G minor RV 439 La Notte Dan Laurin (recorder) - Drottningholm Baroque Ensemble - Recording 1991, Brilliant Classics CLASSIC COLLECTION 99916 [54.32] [RDB]

Full marks for chutzpah, and the example that Dan Laurin provides of the expressive potential of the recorder. … see Full Review

Antonio VIVALDI (1678 - 1741) "The Ultimate Four Seasons - Vivaldi’s Greatest Hit" Il Ciumento dell’Armonia e dell’Invenzione, Op 8 (1725) Concerti for Violin and Strings # 1, ‘Spring’ R. 269 - #2, ‘Summer’ R 315 - #3, ‘Autumn’ R 293 - #4, ‘Winter’ R 297 Vladimir Spivakov, violin, and conducting the Moscow Virtuosi - Gottfried van der Goltz, Freiberger Barockorchester; with The Harp Consort - Amsterdam Guitar Trio - Michaela Petri, recorder, and the Guildhall String Ensemble - Kazuhuto Yamashita and Larry Coryell, guitars - James Galway, flute, and the Zagreb Soloists - Tracy Scott Silverman,violin and keyboards, and Thea Suits-Silverman, flute - Ransom Wilson and the Modern Mandolin Quartet - Various recording sites and dates - Notes, including translations of the superscriptions, in English only BMG RCA RED SEAL 09026 64015 2 [77.31] [PS]

A rather desperate attempt to find a new way of looking at a revered classic. A fun party record, a novel gift, likely to be passed quickly on to someone else … see Full Review

Richard WAGNER (1813-1833) Orchestral music from Parsifal, The Ring and Tristan Parsifal: Act I Prelude - Der Ring des Nibelungen: Ride of the Valkyries - Forest murmurs - Siegfried’s Rhine journey - Siegfried’s funeral music - Tristan und Isolde: Prelude and Liebestod Philharmonia/Yuri Simonov - licensed from Collins Classics DDD CLASSIC COLLECTION 99887 [67.30] [RLVD]

The disc is well-filled and the bloom on the recording makes this music-making, which is of a rare order, an unalloyed pleasure. … see Full Review

Richard WAGNER (1813 – 1883) Parsifal: opera in three acts - Parsifal, Wolfgang Windgassen (ten) - Kundry, Martha Modl (sop) - Gurnemanz, Ludwig Weber (bass) - Amfortas, George London (b. bar) - Titurel, Arnold van Mill (bass) - Klingsor, Hermann Uhde (bar) Orchestra and Chorus of the Bayreuth Festival/Hans Knappertsbusch - Recorded live during July and August 1951 - Bargain Price NAXOS 8.110221-24 [55.15+62.10+78.20+76.26] [RJF]

Those who like to hear outstanding singers practising their art or who want to get to know the opera at an affordable price should not hesitate. … see Full Review

Charles-Marie WIDOR (1844-1937) Works for violin and piano Violin Sonata No. 1 Op. 50 (1881) [25.20] - Violin Sonata No. 2 (1907 rev. 1937) [20.55] - Romance for violin and piano (1889 rev. 1912) [4.22] - Cavatine for violin and piano (1887) [7.12] - Suite Florentine for violin and piano (1919) [12.09] Janet Packer (violin) - Orin Grossman (piano) - rec. 1992-94, Tsai Performance Center, Boston University, Boston, USA. DDD CENTAUR CRC 2475 [70.45] [RB]

Widor was no revolutionary and stayed comfortably in the Franckiste camp. ... see Full Review

Hugh WOOD (b.1932) Violin Concerto Op. 17 (1972) Cello Concerto Op. 12 (1969) Manoug Parikian (violin); Moray Welsh (cello) Royal Liverpool Philharmonic Orchestra/David Atherton Recorded: Philharmonic Hall, Liverpool, July 1978 NMC ANCORA D 082 [53:00] [HC]

Music simply too good and too honest to be forgotten. … see Full Review

Carl Michael ZIEHRER (1843 - 1922) Selected Dances and Marches, Vol.4 - Weaner Mad'ln, Walzer, Op. 388 - Augensprach, Polka Mazur, Op. 120 - Duck' dich, Manderl!, Marsch, Op. 548 - Liebesgeheimnis, Polka, Op. 538 (orch. C. Pollack) Liebeswalzer, Op. 537. Frauenlogik, Polka Mazur, Op. 445 (ed. D. Heyes) - Ohne Sorgen, Polka schnell, Op. 104 - Natursänger, Walzer, Op. 415 - Ein Blümchen im Verborgenen, Polka Mazur, Op. 202 - Buberl, komm'! Walzer, Op. 505 - König von Sachsen, Marsch, Op. 64 - In Reih' und Glied, Polka française, Op.159 - Seculo nuovo, vita nuova, Walzer, Op. 498 Razumovsky Sinfonia/Christian Pollack - rec. Concert Hall of Slovak Radio (Bratislava), 26-30/11/2001 MARCO POLO 8.223817 [77'14] [PS]

Ziehrer's is a voice drowned by the pre-eminence of Johann Strauss. For pity's sake, why? Try this, and prepare to ask yourself the same question. … see Full Review

Carl Michael ZIEHRER (1843-1922) Dances and Marches Vol 4 - Weaner Mad’In, Walzer (Viennese Girl’s Waltz) (1888) - Augensprach, Polka Mazur (Catch Your Eye Polka Mazurka) (1868) - Duck’ dich, Manderl!, Marsh (Take cover March) (1911) - Liebesgeheimnis, Polka (orch C. Pollack) (Secret Loves Quick Polka) (1908) - Liebeswalzer (Lovers’ Waltz) (1911) - Frauenlogik, Polka Mazur (Women’s Logic Mazurka) (1893) - Ohne Sorgen, Polka schnell (Without A Care Quick Polka) (1868) - Natursänger, Walzer (Nature Singers’ Waltz) (1890) - Ein Blümchen in Verborgenen (A Hidden Flower Polka Mazurka) (1873) - Buberl, komm’! Walzer (Come Along, Laddy! Waltz) (1901) - Kőnig von Sachsen, Marsch (King of Saxony March) (1866) - In Reih’ und Glied, Polka française (Line Up French Polka) (1870) - Seculo nuovo, vita, Walzer ( New Century, New Life Waltz) (1900) Razumovsky Sinfonia/Christian Pollack - Rec. 26-30 November 2001, Concert Hall, Slovak Radio, Bratislava MARCO POLO 8.223817 [77:14] [IL]

Little gems are performed with great charm and élan … 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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