Gustav MAHLER (1860-1911) Symphony No. 2 in C minor, ‘Resurrection’ Latonia Moore (soprano); Nadja Michael (mezzo) Singverein der Gesellschaft der Musikfreunde Vienna Philharmonic Orchestra/Gilbert Kaplan. Rec. Vienna, Musikverein Nov-Dec 2002. DDD DEUTSCHE GRAMMOPHON 474 380-2 [85’48] [CC]

There is much to admire in this reading and the VPO is a delight from first to last, but ultimately this ‘Resurrection’ does not emerge as the life-enhancing affirmation it can be. … see Full Review

Gustav MAHLER (1860-1911) Symphony No. 3 in D minor^a (1896) [104’51]. York HÖLLER (b.1940) Der Ewige Tag (2001) [23’41]. ^aMarjana Lipovšek (contralto); ^aGirls and Boys from Cologne Cathedral Choir; WDR Chorus and Symphony Orchestra, Cologne/Semyon Bychkov.‘Based on’ live recordings in the Kölner Philharmonie in January 2002 (Mahler) and September 2001 (Höller). DDD AVIE AV0019 [128’45: 63’58 + 64’47] [CC]

The Höller is required listening. I doubt, however, that I shall be returning to the Mahler with any regularity. … see Full Review

Louis-Aimé MAILLART (1817-1871) Les Dragons de Villars, operetta (1856) (abridged with dialogue in French) Susanne Lafaye (mezzo) - Rose; Andrée Esposito (sop) - Georgette; André Mallabrera (ten) - Sylvain; Julien Haas (bass) - Belamy; Pierre Heral (bass) - Thibault Orchestra and Choir directed by Richard Blareau Rec. Universal (Decca) Studios, Antony, France 2 CDs for the price of one DISCOVERY/ACCORD OPERETTE SERIES 472 865-2 [2CDs: 88:46] [RW]

A rare and attractive find … see Full Review

Bohuslav MARTINŮ(1890-1959) Overture H345 (1953) [6.28] - Rhapsody H171 (1929) [11.45] - Sinfonia Concertante for two orchestras H219 (1932) [18.37] - Concerto Grosso for chamber orchestra H263 (1937) [15.20] - The Parables for large orchestra H367 (1957-58) [21.17] Jaroslav Šaroun (piano); Karel Růžička (piano) (Concerto Grosso) - rec. Dvořák Hall, Rudolfinum, Prague, 9-11 Sept, 7 Dec 1987 (Overture; Rhapsody - Parables); 12-13 June 1989 (Sinfonia Concertante); 7 Apr 1988 (Concerto Grosso) SUPRAPHON SU 3743-2 031 [74.01] [RB]

Glowingly vivid performances captured in sound to match ... see Full Review

Bohuslav MARTINŮ (1890-1959) The Six Symphonies Symphony No. 1 (1942) Symphony No. 2 (1943) Symphony No. 3 (1944) Symphony No. 4 (1945) Symphony No. 5 (1946) Symphony No. 6 Fantaisies Symphoniques (1953) Bamberg Symphony Orchestra/Neeme Järvi Recorded 4-7 May 1987 (1-4); 28-20 Mar 1988 (5-6), Dominikanerbau, Bamberg. BIS BIS-CD-362 [60.52] BIS BIS-CD-363 [62.44] BIS BIS-CD-402 [59.16] [JW] available boxed or separately

A well documented, brilliantly recorded, excellently played and broadly sympathetic set of readings. I liked it and I recommend it. … see Full Review

Bohuslav MARTINŮ (1890-1959) Opera Suites Julietta Suite H253A (1937) Theatre Behind the Gate Suite H251A (1935-36) Comedy on the Bridge Little Suite H247A (1937) Le Départ - symphonic interlude from The Three Wishes H175A Saltarello from Mirandolina H346A (1953) Czech Philharmonic Orchestra/Václav Neumann Brno State Philharmonic Orchestra/František Jílek rec. Dvořák Hall, Rudolfinum, 1983, live (Julietta); Brno Stadion Studio, 1973. ADD SUPRAPHON SU 3742-2 011 [59.07] [RB]

A good Martinů cross-section. An excess of Parisian brilliance offset by Saltarello and Julietta as well as by the grim Le Départ ... see Full Review

Jules MASSENET (1842-1912) Manon (1882) Opera in five acts Libretto by Henri Meilhac and Philippe Gille after the novel by L’Abbé Prévost "L’Histoire du Chevalier des Grieux et de Manon Lescaut" Manon Lescaut…Renée Fleming Le Chevalier des Grieux…Marcelo Alvarez Lescaut…Jean-Luc Chaignaud Le Compte des Grieux…Alain Vernhes Guillot de Morfontaine…Michel Sénéchal Monsieur De Brétigny…Franck Ferrari Pousette...Jaël Azzaretti Javotte…Isabelle Cals Rosette…Delphine Haidan L’Hôtelier…Christophe Fel Orchestra and Choirs of the Opéra National de Paris/Jesus Lopez-Cobos Recorded at the Opéra National De Paris/Opéra Bastille, June 2001 TDK DVD Video DV-OPMANON [164 mins] [IL]

A splendid production, beautifully acted and sung by the principals - and the whole cast. Recommended. … see Full Review

Pierre MAURICE (1868-1936) La nuit tous les chats sont gris (All Cats Look the Same in the Dark): overture to the comic opera Op. 35 (1924) [04:51] Pêcheur d’Islande (Icelandic fisherman): musical impressions after Pierre Loti, Op.8 (1895) [23:14]: 1. On the Icelandic sea; 2. The marriage procession; 3. Declaration of love; 4. The waiting on the coastline
Francesca da Rimini: symphonic poem after Dante, Op.6 (1899) [14:21] Daphne, prelude for orchestra, Op. 2 (c.1894-97) ms ed. Adriano [03:15] Perséphone : two movement suite for orchestra, Op.38 (1901) [27:12] Fugue pour instruments à cordes (Fugue for string instruments), in B minor, Op.20 (1901) [05:00] Moscow Symphony Orchestra/Adriano Recorded at Mosfilm Studios, Moscow, January 2003. DDD Six World Premier Recordings STERLING CDS-1053-2 [78:17] [IL]

Adriano is to be congratulated in unearthing more treasure-trove, an album of vividly evocative and compelling programme music that deserves to be much better known … see Full Review

Felix MENDELSSOHN (1809-1847) Elijah, oratorio Op.70 (1846) sung in German. Alistair Miles (bass), Helen Donath (soprano), Kerstin Klein (soprano) Jard van Nes (alto), Donald George (tenor) MDR Chorus, Leipzig Israel Philharmonic Orchestra/Kurt Masur Recorded c.1993 (no venue details) DDD WARNER ELATUS 2564-60534-2 (2CDs: 109'43) [TH]

Masur's sprightly pacing … alertness and dexterity … many moments of great character and spontaneity. … see Full Review

Felix MENDELSSOHN (1809-1847) Sacred Choral Music CD1 [51.25]: Psalmkantaten Nos. 42; Opus 42 [1837]; 95, Opus 46 [1839]; 98, Opus 91 [1843] CD2 [53.44]: Psalmkantaten Nos. 114, Opus 51 [1839]; 115, Opus 31 [1830]; Choralkantaten Nos. 1-3 CD3 [54.28]: Choralkantaten Nos. 4-8 CD4 [67.27]: Hymne, Opus 96 [1843]; Lauda Sion, Opus 73 [1846] CD5 [61.13]: Magnificat, Opus 121 No. 1; Gloria [1822] CD6 [60.19]: Hora est [1828]; Te Deum à 4; Ave Maria, Opus 23 No. 2 [1830]; Te Deum, Opus 111 No. 3 [1846] CD7 [52.27]: Drei Kirchenmusiken, Opus 23 [1830]; Drei Motetten, Opus 69 [1847] CD8 [38.05]: Drei Psalmen, Opus 78 [1844]; Sechs Sprüche, Opus 79 [1846]; Die Deutsche Liturgie, Opus 111 No. 2 [1846] CD9 [78.18]: Psalmen; Psalmotetten; Choralharmonisierungen CD10 [53.00]: Drei Motetten, Opus 39 (1830); Vespergesang, Opus 121 Lydia Allert (soprano), Anja Bittner (soprano), Heike Heilmann (soprano), Natalie Kark (soprano), Annemarie Kremer (soprano), Petra Labitzka (soprano), Alena Leja (soprano), Isabelle Müller-Kant (soprano), Brigit Wegemann (soprano), Eibe Möhlmann (alto), Birgit Meyer (alto), Barbara Werner (alto), Gabriele Wunderer (alto), Gerhard Hölze (tenor), Gerhard Nennemann (tenor), Daniel Sans (tenor), Robert Morvai (tenor), Raimund Spogis (baritone), Manfred Bittner (bass), Christof Fischesser (bass), Philip Niederberger (bass), Wilhelm Schwinghammer (bass) Chamber Choir of Europe Württemburg Philharmonie/Nicol Matt Rec 2002, Kloster Bronnbach; Studio der Württemburgischen Reutlingen BRILLIANT CLASSICS 99997 [TB]

Goes to show the danger of thinking that ‘music we don’t know is music we don’t need to know’. Enhances our understanding of Mendelssohn as a great composer … its strengths go beyond any single dimension. … see Full Review

RECORDING OF THE MONTH Felix MENDELSSOHN (1809-1847) Lieder: Der Blumenstrauß, op.47/5, Pagenlied, Des Mädchens Klage, Die Liebende schreibt, op.86/3, Suleika, op.34/4, Suleika, op.57/3, Reiselied, op.34/6, Erster Verlust, op.99/1, Auf Flügeln des Gesanges, op.34/2, Andres Maienlied (Hexenlied), op.8/8, Der Blumenkranz, Ferne, op.9/9, Scheidend, op.9/6, Reiselied, op.19/6, Herbstlied, op.84 [not 85 as printed on the cover and in the booklet]/2, Venetianisches Gondellied, op.57/5, Schlafloser Augen Leuchte, Neue Liebe, op.19/2, Der Mond, op.86/5, An die Entferne, op.71/3, Die Sterne schau’n in stiller Nacht, op.99/2, Frühlingslied, op.47/3, Nachtlied, op.71/6, Volkslied, op.47/4 Nathalie Stutzmann (contralto), Dalton Baldwin (piano) Recorded at "La Chartreuse", Villeneuve-lès-Avignon, December 1989 WARNER ELATUS 2564-60535-2 [58:47]

Stutzmann’s gloriously rich, true contralto tones suggest riches and depths not always suspected in these songs. … see Full Review

Sound Messianic Olivier MESSIAEN (1908-1992) Les Corps Glorieux (1939) [46’36]. César Auguste FRANCK (1822-1890) Choral No. 1 in E (1890) [12’52]. Jamie Hitel (organ). Rec. Wicks Organ Co. Opus 6320 organ, St Paul’s Episcopal Church, Akron, Ohio, USA, 12, 15-16 May 2002. DDD LAMMAS LAMM145D [59’28] [CC]

An intriguing disc. The coupling of Messiaen and Franck is an inspired one. … see Full Review

Nikolai MIASKOVSKY (1881-1950) Violin Concerto in D minor, Opus 44 (1938) Mieczyslaw VAINBERG (1919-1996) Violin Concerto in G minor, Opus 67 (1961) Ilya Grubert (violin) Russian Philharmonic Orchestra/Dmitri Yablonsky Rec 27 February-5 March 2003, Moscow State Broadcasting and Recording House NAXOS 8.557194 [66.49] [TB]

Another appealing bargain from Naxos … the Vainberg Violin Concerto is undoubtedly worth hearing. … see Full Review

Wolfgang Amadeus MOZART (1756 - 1791) Fantasia in c, k396 (1782) [8.47] Fantasia in d, K397 (1787) [5.55] Fantasia in c, K475 (1785) [12.23] Sonata in #7 in C, K309 (1777) Sonata #14 in c, K457 (1784) Cyprien Katsaris, piano Recording Teldec Studio, Berlin, December 1988 Notes (1 page) in English, Français, and Deutsch. No photos. Originally released on Teldec WARNER APEX 2564-60521-2 [64.09] [PSh]

Absolutely first rate Mozart keyboard playing ... see Full Review

Wolfgang Amadeus MOZART (1756-1791) Clarinet Concerto in A major, K622 (1791) Sinfonia Concertante for in E flat major for Oboe, Clarinet, Horn and Bassoon, K297b (c.1778) * Sabine Meyer, basset clarinet, modern clarinet * Diethelm Jonas, oboe * Bruno Schneider, horn * Sergio Azzolini, bassoon * Staatskapelle Dresden/Hans Vonk Recorded at Lukaskirche, Dresden, June 1990 Great Recordings of the Century series EMI CLASSICS 66897 [56:18] [KS]

Meyer splendidly brings out the exuberance and poignancy of the music. I can confidently state that these are among the best versions on record … see Full Review

Wolfgang Amadeus MOZART (1756-1791) Piano Concerto no. 13 in C, K.415, Piano Concerto no.19 in F, K.459 Clara Haskil (piano) Berlin RIAS Symphony Orchestra (K.415), Cologne WDR Symphony Orchestra (K.459)/Ferenc Fricsay Recorded in Berlin, March 1953 (K.415) and Cologne, May 1952 (K.459) URANIA URN22.245 [55:16] [CH]

Haskil offers a locus classicus of one particular way of playing Mozart, but newcomers are reminded that she recorded both works in the studio a few years later. … see Full Review

Wolfgang Amadeus MOZART (1756-1791) Quintet for Horn and Strings K407 Bernard HEIDEN (b.1910) Quintet for French Horn and String Quartet (1952) Joaquin TURINA (1882-1949) Piano Quartet in A minor (1931) Mason Jones (horn) with the Philarte Quartet (David Booth, 2^nd violin plays viola in the Mozart and piano in the Turina)
Recorded 1979 GASPARO GSS 2003 [52.31] [JW]

An often open-hearted lyricism. … plenty of rhythmic joie de vivre and energy. … a gloriously swaying and surging movement … see Full Review

Wolfgang Amadeus MOZART (1756-1791) Cosí Fan Tutte. Highlights Fiordiligi, Celestina Casapietra (sop). Dorabella, Annelies Burmeister (m. sop). Despina, Sylvia Geszty (sop). Guglielmo, Günther Leib (bar). Ferrando, Peter Schreier (ten). Don Alfonso, Theo Adam (bass) Orchestra and Chorus of the Staatsoper Berlin/Otmar Suitner Recorded Brunnestraße Studio, Berlin, 1969 BERLIN CLASSICS ETERNA COLLECTION 0032662BC [54.06] [RF]

All in all an opportunity lost. … see Full Review

BARGAIN OF THE MONTH Wolfgang Amadeus MOZART (1756-1791)
Don Giovanni (Prague Version, 1787). Kwangchul Youn (bass) Don Giovanni; Regina Schörg (soprano) Donna Anna; Heidi Brunner (mezzo) Donna Elvira; Jeffrey Francis (tenor) Don Ottavio; Maurizio Murara (bass) Leporello; Birgid Steinberger (soprano) Zerlina; Reinhard Mayr (bass) Masetto; Reinhard Hagen (bass) Il Commendatore; Chorus sine nomine Vienna Radio Symphony Orchestra/Bertrand de Billy Rec. Sendesaal, Vienna in September 2002. DDD ARTE NOVA 74321 98338 2 [157’35: 3CDs: 76’21+66’18+16’56] [CC]

Arte Nova has given us cause to be grateful for this fascinating document. … see Full Review

Wolfgang Amadeus MOZART (1756-1791) Don Giovanni Ezio Pinza (Don Giovanni), Salvatore Baccaloni (Leporello), Zinka Milanov (Donna Anna), Jarmila Novotna (Donna Elvira), Bidù Sayáo (Zerlina), James Melton (Don Ottavio), Mack Harrell (Masetto), Norman Cordon (Commendatore)Chorus and Orchestra of the Metropolitan Opera/Paul Breisach Recorded 3 April 1943 in Chicago GUILD HISTORICAL GHCD 2236/7 [2 CDs: 77:04, 79:41]

A specialist issue for those interested in the cast variations from the 1942 version under Bruno Walter. … see Full Review

Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart (1756- 1791) Le Nozze di Figaro opera in 4 acts, K.492 (1786) [170.00] Libretto by Lorenzo daponte Count Almaviva - Ingvar Wixell Countess Almaviva - Clare Watson Susanna - Reri Grist Figaro - Walter Berry Basilio - David Thaw Bartolo - Zoltan Kélémen - Marcellina - Margarethe Bence Chrubino - Edith Mathis Antonio - Klaus Hirte Barbarina - Dierdre Aserford DonCurzio - Alfred Pfeifle Vienna Philharmonic Orchestra and Staatsoper Chorus/Karl Böhm Stage director, Günther Reinert. Sets and costumes, Ludwig Heinrich Recorded at the Kleines Festspielhaus, Salzburg, Austria, 8 November 1966 Subtitles in English, Deutsche, Français, Español, Italiano Special features: Opening view of Salzburg and previews of 8 other TDK opera titles. LPCM monophonic sound. Black and White PAL 4:3 no region encoding 2 x DVD-9 format TDK Mediactive’ DV-CLOPNDF [180.00] [PSh]

A superb B/W monophonic video performance of this operatic masterpiece ... see Full Review

Wolfgang Amadeus MOZART (1756-1791) Die Zauberflöte (The Magic Flute) Opera in Two Acts Tamino … Will Hartmann, Pamina … Dorothea Röschmann, Queen of Night … Diana Damrau, Sarsatro…Franz-Josef Selig, Papageno…Simon Keenlyside, Papagena…Ailish Tynan, Monostatos…Adrian Thompson, First Lady…Gillian Webster, Second Lady…Christine Rice Third Lady…Yvonne Howard Speaker of the Temple…Thomas Allen First Priest…Matthew Beale Second Priest…Richard Van Allen First Man in Armour…Alan Oke Second Man in Armour…Graeme Broadbent First Boy…Zico Shaker Second Boy…Tom Chapman Third Boy…John Holland-Avery Royal Opera Chorus and The Orchestra of the Royal Opera House/Sir Colin Davis Royal Opera Covent Garden production
Filmed: Royal Opera House, Covent Garden, London, 27 January 2003 BBC OPUS ARTE OA 0885 D PAL [Approx: 185 mins] [IL]

A charming, imaginative staging of Mozart’s operatic masterpiece with some fine singing from a sterling cast. Recommended. … see Full Review

Wolfgang Amadeus MOZART (1756-91) Die Zauberflöte – Overture (1791) [6’46]. Divertimento in B flat, K287 (1777) [30’10]. Symphony No. 35 in D, ‘Haffner’ (1782) [16’52]. NBC Symphony Orchestra/Arturo Toscanini Broadcast performances from November 3^rd, 1946; includes rehearsal sequences (November 2^nd). GUILD HISTORICAL TOSCANINI LEGACY GHCD2232/3 [2CDs: 147’08] [CC]

A useful document … see Full Review

Wolfgang Amadeus MOZART (1756-1791) An Introduction to… ‘The Marriage of Figaro’ Music taken from The Marriage of Figaro (Highlights) - Naxos 8.554172 Narrative written by Thomson Smillie and spoken by David Timson Bargain Price NAXOS EDUCATIONAL 8.558078 [79.34] [RF]

This CD has much to offer be it to the opera buff or to someone dipping a tentative toe in the water. … see Full Review

Wolfgang Amadeus MOZART (1756 - 1791) Requiem mass in d, K 626 (1791) [60.06] Magda Lászlo, soprano; Hilde Rössl-Majdan, contralto; Petre Munteanu; tenor; Richard Standen, Bass Vienna Akademie Kammerchor Vienna State Opera Orchestra/Hermann Scherchen Recorded in the Konzerthaus, Vienna, Austria, July 1953. [mono] Restored by Pierre Paquin from Wesminster WL 5233, "24 bit digital technology" SOUND DYNAMICS ASSOCIATES SDA 2001-91 [60.06] [PSh]

A good but "unauthorised" restoration of a monumental classic recording...See Full Review

Adolf and Fritz Busch conduct Mozart Wolfgang Amadeus MOZART (1756-1791) Adagio and Fugue in C minor K546 Serenade in D K239 Serenata Notturna Piano Concerto No. 14 K449 * Rudolf Serkin (piano) * Busch Chamber Players/Adolf Busch recorded 1937-38 Symphony No. 36 in C K425 Linz BBC Symphony Orchestra/Fritz Busch recorded 1934 Eine Kleine Nachtmusik K525 Danish Radio Orchestra/Fritz Busch recorded 1937 BIDDULPH BID 83066 [80.57] [JW]

This is a valuable release, somewhat variable interpretatively in places but nevertheless a more than honourable salute to two distinguished musicians … see Full Review

Modest MUSSORGSKY (1839-1881) Boris Godunov - Highlights. Sung in German Boris, Theo Adam (bass); Pimen, Siegfried Vogel (bass); Marina, Hannelore Kuhse (sop); Grigori, Martin Ritzmann (ten); Rangoni, Wilfried Schaal (bass); Simpleton, Peter Schreier (ten); Feodor, Roswitha Trexler (sop) Leipzig Radio Chorus Orchestra of the Staatskapelle Dresden/Herbert Kegel Recorded Lukaskirche, Dresden, 1970 BERLIN CLASSICS ETERNA 0032622BC [52.41] [RF]

Only for Boris addicts or those wanting to sample particular singers or this version. … see Full Review

Nickolai MYASKOVSKY (1881-1950) Symphony No. 24 in F Minor, Op. 63 (1943) [35:08] Symphony No. 25 in D flat Major, Op. 25 (1947) [30:58] Moscow Philharmonic Orchestra/Dmitri Yablonsky Recorded at the Radio House, Moscow, on 18, 22 and 23 October, 2000 DDD NAXOS 8.555376 [66:07] [KS]

Myaskovsky deserves a more prominent place in the concert hall. Recommended very highly.… see Full Review

Otto NICOLAI (1810-1849) Die lustigen Weiber von Windsor - excerpts
Sir John Falstaff, Kurt Moll (bass); Frau Fluth, Edith Mathis (sop); Frau Reich, Hanna Schwarz (m.sop); Anna Reich, Helen Donath (sop); Herr Fluth, Bernd Weikl (bar); Herr Reich Siegfried Vogel (bass); Fenton, Peter Schreier, (ten) Chorus and orchestra of the Staatskapelle Berlin/Bernhard Klee Recorded Christuskirche Studio, Berlin, 1976 Bargain Price. ETERNA COLLECTION 0032652BC [60.38] [RF]

This is a cast without weakness and with the chorus and orchestra vibrant and well conducted. It constitutes as pleasant a sixty minutes listening as I have had in a long time ... see Full Review

Ludolf NIELSEN - Orchestral Music on DACAPO:
Ludolf NIELSEN (1876-1939)
Symphony No. 1 (1902-03) [43.36] From the Mountains - Symphonic Suite (1903-05) [27.49] Danish PO/Frank Cramer Rec. Aug 1997 May 1998, Frihedshallen Idraetshojskolen I Sønderborg. DDD DACAPO 8.224093 [71.25]
Ludolf NIELSEN (1876-1939) Symphony No. 2 (1907-09) [39.03] Romance for violin and orchestra (1908) [6.16] Concert Overture in C major Op. 13 (1906) [13.41] Anton Kontra (violin) South Jutland SO/Frank Cramer Rec. Aug 1996, Frihedshallen Idraetshojskolen I Sønderborg. DDD DACAPO 8.224047 [59.33]
Ludolf NIELSEN (1876-1939) Symphony No. 3 (1913) [53.06] Hjørtholm - tone picture (1923) [14.06] Bamberg SO/Frank Cramer rec 19-23 July 1999, Bamberg. DDD DACAPO 8.224098 [67.20]
Ludolf NIELSEN (1876-1939) The Tower of Babel (1912-14) [35.02] Forest Walk (1921-22) [27.57] Danish National Radio SO and Choir/Owain Arwel Hughes rec. Danish Radio Concert Hall, 1999 DDD DACAPO 8.224157 [63.05] [RB]

Melodic and tonal resource clearly important. A lineage from Grieg, Nielsen and Alfvén. From the discursive woodland gambols of the First and Second Symphony, the earnest Brucknerian Third to the visionary The Tower of Babel and the Swinburnian Forest Walk. ... see Full Review

Carl Nielsen (1865 - 1931) Sonata in A, Op 90, for Violin and Piano (1895) [21.09] Sonata #2 ["in g"] op 35, for Violin and Piano (1912) [19.01] Præludium og Tema med Variationer for Violin solo (1923) [15.06] Preludio e Presto for violin solo (1928) [10.30] Demertzis Georgios Demertzis, violin; Maria Asteriadou, Steinway piano Model D Notes in English, Danska, Deutsch, and Français BIS CD 1284 [67.03] [PSh]

If you love any Nielsen or Szymanowski you’ll love this beautiful recording ... see Full Review

Vítěslav NOVÁK (1870-1949) Six Sonatinas Op. 54 (1919-20 Sch111): No. 1 in C major Spring; No. 2 in A minor From Children's Lives; No. 3 in F major Spring; No. 4 in E minor Fairy-Tale; No. 5 in D minor Brigand; No. 6 in C major Christmas; Sonata Eroica Op. 24 (1900 Sch68) Pan Op. 43 (1910 Sch96) Bagatelles Op. 5 (1899 Sch63) My May Op. 20 (1899 Sch61) Songs on Winter Nights Op. 30 (1902-03 Sch77) Youth Op. 55 selection (1920 Sch112) František Rauch (piano) rec. Prague 1969, 1970, 1957, 1976. ADD SUPRAPHON SU 3744-2 113 [64.41+76.23+57.21] [RB]

Rauch had Novák's music in his blood. He fully articulates the music’s eloquent, sensitive, playful and poetic strands. ... see Full Review

Gösta NYSTROEM (1890-1966) Concerto No. 1 for strings (1930): Grave - Allegro - Grave [11.04]; Adagio [9.05]; Allegro molto marcato [11.21] Concerto No. 2 for strings (1955): Lento - Allegro [9.37]; Lento [9.54]; Allegro [7.34] Flute Concerto Partita (1953) "Karol Szymanowski in memoriam": Lento [4.54]; Allegro [1.21]; Adagio [4.18]; Canto semplice [3.04]; Molto ritmico [2.45]. Áshildur Haraldsdóttir (flute) Clara Heineman (harp) Musica Vitae/Michael Bartosch Rec. Furuby Church, Sweden, April 2002, January 2003. DDD INTIM MUSIK IMCD 087 [75.03] [RB]

Adherents of the music of Honegger, Hindemith and Bartók will love this and should not delay. Nystroem admirers (a growing band) will already have placed their orders ... see Full Review

Jacob OBRECHT (1450-1505) Missa Sub Tuum Presidium Confugimus; Benedicamus In Laude; Salve Crux; Beata es Maria; Salve Regina a 3; Mille Quingentis;
Factor Orbis. The Clerks’ Group/ Edward Wickham Recorded at St. Andrew’s Church, West Wratting, February 2003 ASV GAUDEAMUS 341 [69.41] [GH]

For all that I might have preferred more flamboyance and passion in these chaste performances The Clerks’ Group is the best companion in this repertoire. … see Full Review

Jacques OFFENBACH (1819-1880) La Grande Duchesse de Gérolstein operetta, (complete with dialogue) (1867) Suzanne Lafaye (sop) La Grande Duchesse; Michèle Raynaud (sop) Wanda; Jean Aubert (ten) Fritz; Henry Bedex (bass) Le Général Boum; Christian Asse (bar) Prince Paul; René Terrasson (bar) Baron Puck. Narrator: Pierre Hiegel Choir and Orchestra directed by Jean-Claude Hartemann Rec. Universal Decca Studios, Antony, France 1966 2CDs for the price of one DISCOVERY ACCORD OPERETTE SERIES 465 871-2 [105:31] [RW]

Vivacious pacing, good rhythms … perfect for this genre. … see Full Review

Ferdinando PAËR (1771 – 1839) Concerto in D major (1795) Jean LANGLAIS (1907 – 1991) Choral médiéval Op.29 Thème, Variations et Finale (1937) Charles-Marie WIDOR (1844 – 1937) Salvum fac populum tuum (1916) Johann Sebastian BACH (1685 – 1750) Prelude from cantata Wir danken dir, Gott BWV 29 (1737) Franz Hauk (organ) The Georgian Chamber Orchestra, Ingolstadt/Markus Poschner Recorded: Liebfrauenmünster, Ingolstadt, September-October 2002 GUILD GMCD 7264 [70:53] [HC]

Another fine instalment in this series … exploring unfamiliar and often rewarding repertoire. Hauk’s readings are superb throughout. More please. Warmly recommended. … see Full Review

Nicolò PAGANINI (1782-1840) 24 Caprices, Opus 1 Ara Malikian (violin) Rec August 2002, Tonstudio Vagnsson, Hannover WARNER APEX 2564 60220-2 [46.31+53.58] [TB]

Captured in vivid sound amid a pleasing acoustic, Ara Malikiran triumphs. High quality recorded sound plays its part too. … see Full Review

Antonino PASCULLI (1842-1924) Virtuoso Oboe Music Characteristic Study – Le Api (The Bees); Grand Concerto on themes from ‘I vespri Siciliani’ by Verdi; Fantasia on themes from ‘Les Huguenots’ by Meyerbeer; Concerto on themes from ‘La Favorita’ by Donizetti; Fantasia on themes from ‘Poliuto’ by Donizetti Christopher Redgate (oboe); Stephen Robbings (piano) Rec. Gateway Studio, Kingston-upon-Thames June, Sept 1996, Nov 1998 OBOE CLASSICS CC2006 [58.12] [GH]

An incredible CD for everyone who enjoys brilliant performers and performances … see Full Review

Alla PAVLOVA (b.1952) Symphony No.1 "Farewell Russia" * [25:52] Symphony No.3 # [40:53] Leonid Lebedev: Flute* Nikolay Lotakov: Piccolo* Mikhail Shestakov: Violin* Valery Brill: Cello* Mikhail Adamovich: Piano* Olga Vedernikova: Violin# Russian Philharmonic Orchestra Cond: Konstantin D. Krimets* and Alexander Vedernikov# Rec. Russian Broadcasting Studio, Moscow, 1 June 1995* and 10-14 Dec 2001# NAXOS 21^ST.CENTURY CLASSICS 8.557157 [66:46] [SA]

This has its roots most firmly in the late 19^th. century romantic tradition … good to know that people are still motivated to write hummable tunes … see Full Review

Kryzysztof PENDERECKI (b. 1933) Chamber Music: Sextet (2000) [31’39]. Clarinet Quartet (1993) [15’55]. Three Miniatures for Clarinet and Piano (1956) [3’56]. Divertimento for Solo Cello (1994) [12’19]. Prelude for Solo Clarinet (1959) [3’59]. Michel Lethiec (clarinet); Régis Pasquier (violin); Bruno Pasquier (viola); Arto Noras (cello); Markus Maskuniity (french horn); Juhani Lagerspetz (piano). Rec. Naantali Parish Hall, Finland, on June 19^th-20^th, 2001. DDD NAXOS 8.557052 [67’48] [CC]

There is much rewarding listening here. Recommended. … see Full Review

Wilhelm PETERSON-BERGER (1867-1942) Frösöblomster Bok I - Ǻtta melodier för piano (1896) Frösöblomster Bok II – Sex melodier för piano (1900) Frösöblomster Bok III – I sommerhagen – Humoresker och idyller för piano (1914) Olof Höjer (piano) Recorded College of Music, Malmö 1990 SWEDISH SOCIETY DISCOFIL SCD 1097 [72.41] [JW]

Sheer untrammelled romantic lyricism that so saturates his music emerges unmediated by striving or grandiloquence. … see Full Review

Allan PETTERSSON (1911-80) Symphony No. 7 (1968) Symphony No. 16* (1979) Stockholm PO/Antal Dorati Recorded Stockholm 18-20 Sept 1969 Frederick L Hemke (saxophone) * Stockholm PO/Yuri Ahronovitch * Recorded Stockholm, 17-18 Oct 1984 SWEDISH SOCIETY DISCOFIL SCD 1002 [62.45] [JW]

Astonishing, a threnody of compelling beauty and harrowing fissures. If you try anything of Pettersson’s let it be this Seventh. … see Full Review

Gabriel PIERNÉ (1863-1937) Piano Concerto in C minor Op.12 (1886) [19.41] Poëme symphonique in D minor Op.37 (1903) [13.02] Fantaisie-Ballet in B flat major Op.6 (1885) [11.21] Scherzo-Caprice in D major Op.25 (1890) [8.08] Stephen Coombs (piano) BBC Scottish Symphony Orchestra conducted by Ronald Corp rec. Caird Hall, Dundee, 16-17 May 2002. DDD Romantic Piano Concerto series Vol. 34 HYPERION CDA67348 [52.14] [RB]

Coombs magnificently conquers the challenges of these fascinating works. ... dazzle, and beguiling sentiment ... see Full Review

Alwynne PRITCHARD (1968) Spring (1996) Piano Quintet: Barbara Allen (2000) Nostos Ou Topos (2000) Matrix (2001) Der Zwerg (1998) Kit (1999) Der Glücklose Engel (1999) Invisible Cities (1999) Topologies Recorded in the Djanogly Concert Hall, Nottingham University, July 1998 (Spring); Big School at Christ’s Hospital, Horsham, April 2000 (Invisible Cities) August 2000 (Der Zwerg, Kit, Piano Quintet and Der Glücklose Hand) October 2000 (Nostos Ou Topos) Holy Trinity Church, Weston, Herts. June 2001 (Matrix). DDD METIER MSV CD92040 [73:47] [CT]

A challenging retrospective of recent works by Alwynne Pritchard in performances by musicians who are close to both her music and aesthetic. … see Full Review

Sergei PROKOFIEV (1891-1953) Piano Sonata No.1 in F minor, Op.1 (1909) Allegro from 4 Etudes for piano, Op.2 (1909) Toccata in C major, Op.11 (1912) Piano Sonata No.6 in A major, Op.82 (1940): I. Allegro moderato; II. Allegretto; III. Tempo di valzer lentissimo; IV. Vivace Piano Sonata No.7 in B flat major, Op.83 (1942): I. Allegro inquieto; II. Andante caloroso; III. Precipitato Freddy Kempf (piano) Recorded Aug 2001, Nykbrokajen 11, Stockholm BIS CD-1260 [60’33] [MM]

Fine performances of Prokofiev’s early works; the rest fails to displace favourites … See Full Review

BARGAIN OF THE MONTH Sergei PROKOFIEV (1891-1953) Sonata for two violins in C, Op. 56 (1932) [13:40] Sonata No. 1, for violin and piano in f minor, Op. 80 (1938/1946) [21:38] Sonata No. 2, for violin and piano in D, Op. 94a (1944) [23:48] Jaakko Kuusisto, Violin I (op. 56), solo (op. 80) Pekka Kuusisto, Violin II (op. 56), solo (op. 94a) Iikka Paanannen, piano (op. 80) Paija Kerppo, piano (op. 94a) Recorded at the Finnish Broadcasting Company Studios in September, 1998 DDD WARNER APEX 2564 60623-2 [68:17] [KS]

An exceptionally fine performance of some magnificent music … see Full Review

Sergei PROKOFIEV (1891 - 1953) Ivan the Terrible: Oratorio from the film score, Op. 116 (1942-5) (arr. 1960 Stasevich/Slatkin) [65.27] Claudine Carlson, Mezzo-soprano. Baritone soloist uncredited. St. Louis Symphony Orchestra and Chorus/Leonard Slatkin Recorded March 1979. Location not given. Notes and technical information in English. Photos of Prokfiev and from the film. Digitally remastered by Paul Stublebine. Originally on Vox/Turnabout QS LP CD tracks 2.0 track stereo. SACD tracks 2.0 track stereo and 4.0 track surround. All tracks have index points when appropriate. Hybrid SACD playable on SACD players and CD players. MOBILE FIDELITY UDSACD 4003 [65.27] [PSh]

A very well played, fine sounding version of what may soon become a high resolution, surround sound war-horse ... see Full Review

Sergey PROKOFIEV (1891-1953) Semyon Kotko - an opera in five acts, Op. 81 (1939) Libretto by S. S. Prokofiev and Valentin Katayev Based on Katayev's story 'I am a son of the working people' Soloists USSR Radio Choir USSR Radio Symphony Orchestra/Mikhail Zhukov Rec. studio, Moscow, 1960. ADD mono Sound Engineer: Aleksandr Grosman; Pete Reynolds. CHANDOS CHAN 10053 [3CDs: 77:10+53:27+52:08] [JW]

The performances are genuinely fine in this first class retrieval from Melodiya originals … the tapes have come up sounding very well indeed … see Full Review

Giacomo PUCCINI (1858-1924) Madama Butterfly (1904) [131’03]. Renata Tebaldi (soprano) Madama Butterfly; Giuseppe Campora (tenor) B. F. Pinkerton; Nell Rankin (mezzo) Suzuki; Giovanni Inghilleri (baritone) Sharpless; Piero de Palma (tenor) Goro; Gianna Diozzi (mezzo) Kate Pinkerton; Melchiorre Luise (bass) Prince Yamadori; Fernando Corena (bass) The Bonze; Michele Calvino (baritone) Imperial Commissioner; Luigi Pizzeri (bass) Registrar Chorus and Orchestra of the Accademia di Santa Cecilia, Rome/Alberto Erede. Rec. in Rome on July 19^th-26^th, 1951. Giacomo PUCCINI (1858-1924) Manon Lescaut (1893) In quelle trine morbide [2’39]. Giuseppe VERDI (1813-1901) Il trovatore (1853) Tacea la notte [3’49]. Charles GOUNOD (1818-1893) Faust (1859) Il était un roi de Thulé [5’07]; Jewel Song [3’37] (sung in Italian). L’Orchestre de la Suisse Romande/Elberto Erede. Rec. in Geneva on November 21^st-22^nd, 1949. ADD Notes and plot synopsis included. NAXOS HISTORICAL 8.110254/5 [2CDs: 146’26] [CC]

This product stands as eloquent testimony to Tebaldi’s Butterfly … see Full Review

Giacomo PUCCINI (1858-1924) La Fanciulla del West (‘The Girl of the Golden West’) (1908-1910) (Opera in three acts) Minnie…Carol Neblett Dick Johnson (alias Ramirez the bandit)…Placido Domingo Jack Rance…Silvano Carroli Ashby…Robert Lloyd Jack Wallace…Gwynne Howell The Royal Opera Chorus and the Orchestra of the Royal Opera House/Nello Santi Recorded in the Royal Opera House, Covent Garden, London in 1983 NVC ARTS/WARNER 50466-8356-2-8 [140 mins] [IL]

A work that appeals more with every hearing. Domingo and Neblett on top form. … see Full Review

Giacomo PUCCINI (1858-1924) Madama Butterfly Renata Tebaldi (Madama Butterfly), Giuseppe Campora (Pinkerton), Nell Rankin (Suzuki), Giovanni Inghilleri (Sharpless), Piero de Palma (Goro), Gianna Diozzi (Kate Pinkerton), Melchiorre Luise (Prince Yamadori), Fernando Corena (the Bonze), Chorus and Orchestra of the Accademia di Santa Cecilia, Rome/Alberto Erede Recorded in the Accademia di Santa Cecilia, Rome, 19^th-26^th July 1951 PUCCINI Manon Lescaut: In quelle trine morbide Giuseppe VERDI (1813-1901) Il Trovatore: Tacea la notte Charles GOUNOD (1818-1893) Faust: Il était un roi de Thulé, Jewel Song (sung in Italian) Renata Tebaldi (soprano), Suisse Romande Orchestra/Alberto Erede Recorded in Geneva, 21^st (Verdi) and 22^nd November 1949 Transferred by Mark Obert-Thorn NAXOS HISTORICAL 8.110254-55 [72:25+73:58] [CH]

The set could still be a good choice for a cheap way of getting to know the opera. Great singing from Tebaldi, the others are adequate, sometimes more, and the conductor is excellent. … see Full Review

Roger QUILTER (1877-1953) Songs Lisa Milne (sop) Anthony Rolfe Johnson (ten) Graham Johnson (piano) The Duke Quartet rec.. 29-30 Sept 1 Oct 1997, All Saints Church, East Finchley, London. DDD NAXOS 8.557116 [72.19] [RB]

A very considerable bargain for anyone who would like a substantial Quilter anthology superbly presented and performed and all at entry level price ... see Full Review

Roger QUILTER (1877-1953) A Quilter Compendium A Children’s Overture (1919)* Where the Rainbow Ends – Suite (1911) + Three English Dances (1910) + Non nobis, Domine (1934) ~ Seven Elizabethan Lyrics (1908) ♪ Piano solos: Weep you no more ○ (1908) The Fuchsia Tree ○ (1923) Now Sleeps the Crimson Petal ○ (1904) Songs: It was a lover and his lass (1921) ●◘ Love’s Philosophy (1905) ● Come away, death (1905) Now sleeps the crimson petal (1904) ☼ O mistress mine (1905) ♂ Go lovely rose ♂ (1922) * Light Music Society Orchestra conducted by Sir Vivian Dunn (rec. 1969) + Northern Sinfonia conducted by Richard Hickox (rec. 1989) ~ Finchley Choral Society, Barnet and District Choral Society, Central Band of the RAF conducted by Wing Cdr. J.L. Wallace (rec. 1965) ♪ Sir Thomas Allen (baritone) and Geoffrey Parsons (piano) (rec. 1989) ● Dame Janet Baker (mezzo-soprano) and Gerald Moore (piano) (rec. 1967) ◘ Dame Felicity Lott (soprano) and Ann Murray (mezzo-soprano) and Graham Johnson (piano) (rec. 1991) ☼ Ian Bostridge (tenor) and Julius Drake (piano) (rec. 1999) ♂ Frederick Harvey (baritone) and Gerald Moore (piano) and Jack Byfield (piano) (rec. 1965) ○ Stephen Hough (piano) (rec. in 1997, 1986 and 1991) Recordings made at Abbey Road Studios, London except Seven Elizabethan Lyrics in St Martin’s, East Woodhay, Berks; Stephen Hough’s piano solo of Weep you no more in New Broadcasting House, Manchester; and Now sleeps the crimson petal in the Theresa L. Kaufman Concert Hall, New York EMI CLASSICS 5 85149-2 [74:11] [IL]

A first rate compilation of Quilter songs and light music. A lovely nostalgic wallow; ideal for the Christmas season. Wholeheartedly recommended … see Full Review

Sergei RACHMANINOV (1873-1943) Piano Concerto No. 1 in F# minor Op.1 (1891) Piano Concerto No. 2 in C minor Op.18 (1901) Piano Concerto No. 3 in D minor Op. 30 (1909) Piano Concerto No. 4 in G minor Op.40 (1927) Rhapsody on a Theme of Paganini in A minor (1934) Oleg Marshev (piano)Aarhus Symphony Orchestra/James Loughran Rec. Frichsparken, Aarhus, May/Oct 2001 DDD DANACORD DACOCD 582-583 [3CDs: 165.38] [JF]

A fine version of the famous Rachmaninov Concerti. Certainly one to consider owning beside Ashkenazy, Shelley and Argerich. Well presented. … see Full Review

Sergei RACHMANINOV (1873-1943) Variations on a theme by Frédéric Chopin, Op. 22 (1902/3) [28’13]. Morceaux de fantaisie, Op. 3 (1892) [20’52]. Piano Sonata No. 2 in B flat minor, Op. 36 (1931 version) [20’56]. Konstantin Scherbakov (piano).Rec. Studio 1, DRS Radiostudio Zürich, on 8-9 Jan 1999. DDD NAXOS 8.554669 [70’02] [CC]

Scherbakov, at super-budget price, provides a perfectly acceptable Rachmaninov recital. … see Full Review

Einojuhani RAUTAVAARA (b. 1928) Symphony No. 7 Angel of Light (1994 - 95) Dances with the Winds (1974) Cantus Arcticus Petri Alanko (flute) Lahti Symphony Orchestra/Osmo Vänskä. Rec. Church of the Cross, Ristinkirkko, Lahti, Finland, June 1999 (No. 7), August 1995 (Cantus Arcticus); April 1992 (Dances) DDD BIS CD-301038 [74’49"] [JPh]

This combination of orchestra and conductor is pre-eminent in this repertoire and there are not many who can do a better job. … see Full Review

Einojuhani RAUTAVAARA (b.1928) Isle of Bliss (1995) [11.47] Piano Concerto No. 2 (1989) [23.39] Piano Concerto No. 3 Gift of Dreams (1998) [26.39] Laura Mikkola (piano) Netherlands Radio Philharmonic Orchestra/Eri Klas rec. Netherlands Radio Studios, Hilversum, 12-15 Nov 2002 DDD NAXOS 8.557009 [62.06] [JPh]

I recommend this issue very highly. It is an admirable way of expanding your collection from Rautavaara’s impressive catalogue … see Full Review

Einojuhani RAUTAVAARA (b.1928) Songs (Yksinlauluja) Maailman uneen (Dream World) (1972-82) Three Sonnets of Shakespeare (1952) I min älsklings trädgård (In My Lover’s Garden) (1983-87) Guds väg (God’s Way) (1964) Pyhiä päiviä (Sacred Feasts) (1953) Fünf Sonette an Orpheus (1954-55) Die Liebenden (1958-59) Matka (The Trip) (1977) Jyrki Korhonen (basso profundo) Ilkka Paananen (piano) Rec. 19/22 Nov 2001, Nybrokajen 11 (former Academy of Music), Stockholm, Sweden DDD BIS BIS-CD-1141 [79:33] [CT]

Eight song cycles spanning a twenty five year period, revised by the composer to exploit the basso profundo voice of Jyrki Korhonen … see Full Review

Antonín REICHA (1770-1836) Lenore – Dramatic Cantata for Soloists, Chorus and Orchestra (1806) Camilla Nylund, Soprano (Lenore) Pavla Vykopalová, Mezzo-Soprano (Mutter) Corby Welch, Tenor (Erzähler - Narrator) Vladimir Chmelo, Bass (Wilhelm) Prague Chamber Choir Virtuosi di Praga/Frieder Bernius Recorded at Prague Studio Korunni 60, November 2001 ORFEO 244 031 A [77:42] [DS]

For readers enamored of the musical bridge connecting the Classical and Romantic eras, this new Orfeo recording of Reicha’s "Lenore" is self-recommending. … see Full Review

Nikolai RIMSKY-KORSAKOV (1844-1908) Scheherazade Op. 35 (1888) Pyotr Ilyich TCHAIKOVSKY (1840-1893) Marche Slave Op. 31 prefaced by a spoken introduction by Stokowski Stokowski in rehearsal; taped during the Scheherazade recording sessions [21.38] London Symphony Orchestra Leopold Stokowski Recorded 22 September 1964 at the Kingsway Hall (Rimsky-Korsakov) and 15 June 1972 at the Royal Albert Hall (Tchaikovsky) CALA CACD 0536 [78.40] [JW]

One remains amazed by the sound of the Phase 4 recording in all its flamboyance and glamour. … see Full Review

Joaquín RODRIGO (1901-1999) Retablo de Navidad (1952) * ² Hymns of the Neophytes of Qumran (1965-74) ¹ Music for a Salamancan Codex (1953) ² Canticle of Saint Francis of Assisi (1982) Raquel Lojendio, soprano * Victoria Marchante, soprano ¹ Ada Allende, soprano ¹ María Jesús Prieto, soprano ¹ David Rubiera, baritone ² Orchestra and Chorus of the Comunidad de Madrid/José Ramún Encinar Rec. Sede de la Orquestra y Coro de la Comunidad de Madrid, Hortaleza, Madrid, Spain, 9-12 July 2002. Complete Orchestral Works Volume 7 NAXOS 8.557223 [71.48] [NH]

A superb view of the real Rodrigo, far beyond the Classic FM requests … see Full Review

Ned ROREM (b. 1923) Symphony No. 1 (1950) [24:10] Symphony No. 2 (1956) [22:18] Symphony No. 3 (1958) [24:20] Bournemouth Symphony Orchestra/José Serebrier
Rec. 8-9 January 2003 at the Lighthouse in Poole, Dorset, UK. DDD NAXOS 8.559149 [69:22] [KS]

As atmospheric as anything I have ever experienced … woodwind writing to die for. Tuneful and lush works from a master composer … see Full Review

Antonio ROSETTI (1750-1792) Six Harp Sonatas (c.1780s) Sonata in F, Murray D19 Kaul IV: 13/1 Sonata in E flat, Murray D20 Kaul IV: 13/2 Sonata in B flat, Murray D21 Kaul IV: 13/3 Sonata in G, Murray D22 Kaul IV: 13/4 Sonata in B flat, Murray D23 Kaul IV: 13/5 Sonata in C, Murray D24 Kaul IV: 13/6 Charlotte Balzereit, harp Recorded at Schloss Engers (Neuwied), Dianasaal, January 2002 ARTE NOVA CLASSICS 96227 [44:46] [DS]

The best that background music can offer. … adding the perfect touch to a romantic interlude. … see Full Review

Gioacchino ROSSINI (1792-1868) Petite Messe Solenelle for four voice soloists, vocal ensemble, piano and harmonium (Version Intégral) (1863) Françoise Pollet (soprano) Jacqeline Mayeur (mezzo-soprano), Jean-Luc Viala (tenor) Michel Piquemal (baritone) Raymond Alessandrini (piano) Emmanuel Mandrin (harmonium) Ensemble Vocal Michel Piquemal/Michel Piquemal Rec. 25-29 May 1991 at l’Eglise Notre-Dame d’Auvers-sur-Oise, France ACCORD 2CD476 060-2 [2CDs: 84:44] [IL]

Michel Piquemal delivers a tasteful reading. His performers are sincere and enthusiastic without allowing the quirkiness and humour to overwhelm the charm and simple piety of this endearing work. ... see Full Review

Gioacchino ROSSINI (1792-1868). La Petite Messe Solennelle. Orchestral version Rina Ginster, (soprano); Bruna Castagna, (mezzo soprano); Charles Kullman (tenor); Leonard Warren, (baritone) Westminster Choir. New York Philharmonic-Symphony Orchestra/John Barbirolli Live broadcast. April 9^th 1939 CD 2. ‘BARBIROLLI RARITIES’
Giuseppe VERDI (1813-1901) Un ballo in Maschera, ‘Eri tu?’ (Lawrence Tibbett, bar) Georges Charles GOUNOD (1818-1893) "Ring Out, Wild Bells" (Lawrence Tibbett) Detroit Symphony Orchestra/John Barbirolli Live broadcast recording. December 29^th 1940 Camille SAINT-SAËNS (1835-1921) Samson et Dalila, ‘Mon coeur s'ouvre à ta voix’ (Kathryn Meisle, m.sop) Detroit Symphony Orchestra/John Barbirolli Live recording 1938 Richard WAGNER (1813-1883) Parsifal, Act 1 'Grail Scene' ‘Mein Sohmn, Amfortas, bist du am Amt' (Norman Cordon, bass) ‘Nein!... Lafst ihn unenthüllt!’ (Richard Bonelli, bar.) ‘Nehmet hin meinen Blut’ (Chorus) ‘O! Heilige Wonne. Wie hell grüfst uns heute der Herr!’ (Norman Cordon, bass) New York Philharmonic-Symphony Orchestra/John Barbirolli Live broadcast recording from Carnegie Hall. 17 April 1938 Richard STRAUSS (1864-1949) Lieder, ‘Verführung’, ‘Gesang der Apollopriesterin’ (Rose Pauly, sop) Salome, Final Scene: (Rose Pauly, sop)
‘Ah! Du wolltest mich nicht’ ‘Und deine Zunge’ ‘Oh! Warum hast du mich nicht angesehn Jokanaan?’ ‘Ach! lch habe deinen Mund geküsst’ New York Philharmonic-Symphony Orchestra/John Barbirolli Live broadcast recording from Carnegie Hall. February 24^th 1938 Bargain Price. GUILD IMMORTAL PERFORMANCES GHCD 2254/2255 [76.01 and 69.37] [RF]

I do not see the value or virtue of this issue except in relation to some of the rarities on the second CD … see Full Review

 

Albert ROUSSEL (1869-1937) Bacchus et Ariane Op. 43 (1930): Suites Nos. 1 and 2 [16.58+19.17] Aeneas - Ballet in One Act Op. 54 (1935) [39.58] Orchestre National et Chœurs de L'ORTF/Jean Martinon rec. 1968, Paris. ADD ERATO DISQUES 25654 60576-2 [76.13] [RB] [JW]

The only easily available recording of Bacchus and the only currently available version of the choral-orchestral Aeneas ... classic status ...[RB]
Atmospheric, rhythmically alive, colourful yet complex, richly scored but aerated and clear Two of his best ballet scores.[JW] … see Full Review see Full Review

Albert ROUSSEL (1869-1937) Symphony No. 2 Op. 23 (1920-22) Festin de L'Araignée Op. 17 (1912) Orchestre National de L'ORTF/Jean Martinon Recorded 1968, Paris. ERATO DISQUES 25654 60577-2 [71.44] [JW]

Unlimited amounts of irresistible verve … rhythmic aspects teeming with interest … light diaphanous orchestration. … 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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