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ALPHABETICAL LISTING

Charles CAMILLERI (b.1931) Four Greek Songs for clarinet and piano Dirge 11.09.01 for clarinet and piano Duo Sonata for bass clarinet and piano Divertimento No. 2 for clarinet and piano Shomyo for solo clarinet Three Folk Songs from Malta for clarinet and piano Trio No. 2 for clarinet, cello and piano David Campbell (clarinet) Julian Jacobson (piano) Zoë Martlew (cello) MERIDIAN CDE 84470 [68.13] [RB]

Intriguing - a composer embracing modern techniques in rewarding synthesis with his early and continuing association with Mediterranean folksong.... see Full Review

Elliott CARTER (b. 1908) Homages and Dedications Luimen ‘for the Nieuw Ensemble’ (1997) Scrivo in vento ‘for Robert Aitken’ (1991) Con leggerezza pensosa – Omaggio a Italo Calvino (1990) Changes ‘for David Starobin’ (1983) Esprit rude, Esprit doux II ‘for Pierre Boulez’ (1994) Bariolage ‘for Ursula Holliger’ (1992) Inner Song ‘for Heinz Holliger’ In memory of Stefan Wolpe (1992) Immer Neu ‘for Ursula and Heinz Hollinger’ (1992) Gra ‘for Witold Lutosławski’ (1993) Enchanted preludes ‘for Santen’s birthday’ (1988) 90+ ‘for Goffredo Petrassi’ (1993) Canon for 4 – Homage to William ‘for Sir William Glock’ (1984) Nieuw Ensemble/Ed SpanjaardRecorded in October and December 1994 in Zyfflich, Köln, Funkhaus, Kleiner Sendesaal, Germany and in October 1999 in Maria Minor Church, Utrecht, Netherlands DDD DISQUES MONTAIGNE MO 782089 [69:45] [PG]

Fans of contemporary composition, the atonal or the esoteric will adore this. Elliott Carter’s work presented as intended. … see Full Review

Elliott CARTER (b.1908) Holiday Overture (1944 rev. 1961) [9.40] Symphony No. 1 (1942 rev. 1954) [29.05] Piano Concerto (1964-65) [23.46] Mark Wait (piano) Nashville Symphony Orchestra/Kenneth Schermerhorn rec. Blair School of Music, Nashville, Tennessee, 15 Sept 2002, 27 Oct 2002 NAXOS 8.559151 [62.43] [RB]

Enjoyable in the extreme ... will especially please those still on the lookout for lyric-convulsive Americana of the 1940s. ... see Full Review

Mario CASTELNUOVO-TEDESCO (1895 - 1968) Ciprssi, Op. 17 (1920) [8.23] Il raggio verde, Op. 9 (1916) [6.03] Alghe, Op. 12 (1919) [4.33] I naviganti, Op. 13 (1919) [6.10] Lucertolina (1916) [1.20] la Sirenetta e il pesce turchino, Op. 18 (1920) [8.20] Passatempi, Op. 54 (1928) [7.06] Vitalba e Biancospino, Op. 21, (1921) [6.18] Questo fu il carro della Morte, Op. 2 (1913) [5.17] Epigrafe, Op. 25 (1922) [5.40] Cantico, Op. 19 (1920) [6.54] Jordi Masó, piano Recorded 27 June 2002 at the "Auditorium," Jafre, Spain. NAXOS 8.555856 [66.52] [PSh]

A must for Castelnuovo-Tedesco fans and students of Latin piano music, worth a hearing to everyone ... see Full Review

Fryderyk CHOPIN Piano Concerto in F minor Op. 21 Scherzos: No. 1 in B minor Op. 20 No. 2 in B flat minor Op. 31 No. 3 in C sharp minor Op. 39 No. 4 in E major Op. 54 Felicja Blumental (piano) Innsbruck Symphony Orchestra/Robert Wagner Recorded New York, 1960 (Scherzos); Concerto undated BRANA RECORDS BR 0010 [71.58] [JW]

A most worthwhile retrieval and a salute to a musician of significant stature. … see Full Review

Fryderyk CHOPIN (1810-1849) Complete Mazurkas B flat (1825), G (1825), Opp. 6, 7, 17, 24, 30, 33, 41/1 Opp. 41/2-4, 50, 56, 59, 63, a minor "Emile Gaillard" A minor "Notre Temps", Opp. 67, 68, D (1832), B flat (1832), C (1833), A flat (1834) Joyce Hatto (piano) Recorded 15th March 1992, 27th April 1997, Concert Artist Studios 2 CDs - available separately CONCERT ARTIST/FIDELIO RECORDINGS CACD 9116-2, 9117-2 [73:29+73:56]
Recital of 26 Mazurkas. Op. 6/2, Op. 7 1-5, Op. 17 Nos. 2 and 4, Op. 24 Nos. 1-4, Op. 30 Nos. 1-4, Op. 33 Nos. 1, 3 and 4, Op. 50 Nos. 2 and 3, Op. 56/3, Op. 59 Nos. 1-3, Op. 63/2 Sergio Fiorentino (piano) Recorded at various locations (Hamburg, Paris, London, Greenwich and Guildford during the period July 1958 to February 1966) CONCERT ARTIST/FIDELIO RECORDINGS CACD 9200-2 [77.17] [JW]

Fiorentino and Hatto reveal the complexities and ambiguities and both approach from subtly different vantage points. They each impress for that very reason. … see Full Review

Fryderyk CHOPIN (1810-1849) Polonaise in A major Op. 40 No. 1 (1826) Polonaise in A flat Op. 53 (1826) Sonata No. 1 in C minor Op. 4 (1828) Rondo in A flat Op. 16 (1828) Introduction and Variations on a Theme from Hérold’s Ludovic (Variations Brillante) in B flat Op. 12 (1833) Allegro de Concert in A major Op. 46 (1832-41) Sergio Fiorentino (piano) Recorded Hamburg, Paris, London and Guildford, 1955-65 CONCERT ARTIST/FIDELIO RECORDINGS CACD 9227-2 [76.05] [JW]

A recital of unexpected and little known pleasure … see Full Review

Domenico CIMAROSA (1749 - 1801) Sinfonia "L’Italia in Londra" (1779) [7.05] Sinfonia "Cajo Mario" (1780) [8.49] Sinfonia "I due supposti Conti" (1784) [8.33] Concerto in Bb for harpsichord and chamber orchestra [19.58] Elzbieta Stefanska Lukowicz, harpsichord. Edited and cadenzas by Giovanni Ballola. Saverino MERCADANTE (1795 - 1870) Concerto #2 in e for Flute and Strings, Op 57 (1819) [19.50] Concerto in Bb for clarinet and chamber orchestra Op 101 [16.38] Concerto in d for horn and chamber orchestra [6.46] Kurt Leister, clarinet; Maxence Larrieu, flute; Hermann Baumann, horn The Masterplayers/Richard Schumacher Rec. 1978 by Nuova Fonit Cetra, location not given. Originally released on LP. ADD Notes in Italiano and English. www.masterplayers.org WARNER FONIT 5050466-2642-2-0 [44.40 + 43.19] [PSh]

Some very worthwhile music and some very skilled playing but not necessarily at the same time … see Full Review

Gloria COATES (b 1938) String Quartet No. 2 (1972) String Quartet No. 3 (1975) String Quartet No. 4 (1976) String Quartet No. 7 Angels (2000) String Quartet No. 8 (2001-2002) Kreutzer Quartet Philip Adams (organ) in String Quartet No. 7 Michael Finnissy (conductor) in String Quartet No. 7 Rec. at the Church of St John’s, Loughton, Essex, Church of St Mary de Haura, New Shoreham, West Sussex 2000 (Nos. 2-4) and 2003 (Nos. 7 and 8) String Quartets Volume 2 NAXOS 8.559152 [64.37] [JW]

Coates’ idiosyncratic sound world will appeal to many; others will find it forbidding. I certainly admire the performances and the ambition … see Full Review

Frédéric CHOPIN (1810-1849) Variations on "Là ci darem la Mano" from Mozart’s "Don Giovanni", Op. 2 (1827) Fantasia on Polish Airs, Op. 13 (1828) Krakowiak, Grand Rondeau de Concert, Op. 14 (1828) Andante Spianato and Grande Polonaise, Op. 22 (1831/1834) Natasha Paremski, piano Moscow Philharmonic Orchestra/Dmitry Yablonsky Recorded at Moscow Radio Studio No. 5, February 2003 BEL AIR MUSIC 2031 [65:15] [DS]

Highly entertaining and totally idiomatic music-making … Yablonsky gives one of his best-recorded performances to date, and the young Natasha Paremski is clearly an outstanding pianist we will be hearing from again in the future. … see Full Review

GAUTIER de COINCY (1177 - 1236) Miracles of Notre-DamePoems in praise of the Virgin set to medieval popular songs Amours (c. 1218) [22.43] Va Viele [18.40] Chançonetes [3.01] Conductus [3.48] Royne Celestre [6.37] The Harp Consort, directed by Andrew Lawrence-King Notes and translations in English, and Français. Texts in Old French (langue d’oïl?). Text translations available in Deutsch and Español from: www.harmoniamundi.com Recorded at L’Abbaye de Saint-Michel-en-Thiérache, Aisne, France, 18 June 1999. HARMONIA MUNDI USA HMU 907317 [70.07] [PSh]

Medieval songs played with great virtuosity and a variety of sound textures; an audiophile’s delight … see Full Review

Alexander DARGOMYZHSKY (1813-1869) Rusalka - opera in four Acts (1848-1855) Natalia/Rusalka, Natalia Mikhailova (sop); Miller, Alexander Vedernikov (bass); Prince, Konstantin Pluzhnikov (ten); Princess, Nina Terentyeva (m.sop); Olga, Galina Pissarenko (m.sop) Grand Choir of the USSR Radio and TV Tchaikovsky Symphony Orchestra of Moscow Radio/Vladimir Fedoseyev Recorded Melodiya 1983 From the collection of the Russian State Foundation of Radio and TV Silver Edition RELIEF CR 991059 [2CDs: 76.14+76.41] [RF]

Vedernikov: steady, strong, even and well-focused … an outstanding contribution; Mikhailova: a lyric-dramatic voice plenty of variety of colour and vocal heft in abundance … an interesting and enjoyable work generally well performed and recorded … see Full Review

David DIAMOND (b.1915) The String Quartets - Volume 3 String Quartet No. 1 (1940) [16.15] String Quartet No. 5 (1960) [25.44] String Quartet No. 6 (1962) [22.47] Potomac String Quartet rec. St Luke's Church, McLean, Virginia, USA, June, Nov 2002 DDD ALBANY RECORDS TROY 613 [66.00] [RB]

Freshly exciting performances from the dedicated Potomac quartet. Indispensable to followers of the string quartet's progress. ... again well up to exalted standards ... see Full Review

Gaetano DONIZETTI (1797 – 1848) Don Pasquale - dramma buffo in three acts Norina…Eva Mei (soprano) Don Pasquale…Alessandro Corbelli (bass) Ernesto…Antonino Siragusa (tenor) Dottor Malatesta…Roberto de Candia (baritone) Un Notaro…Giorgio Gatti (bass) Chorus of the Teatro Lirico–Cagliari/Paolo Vero Orchestra of the Teatro Lirico–Cagliari/Gérard Korsten Recorded at the Teatro Lirico, Cagliari, February 2002. TDK CDM-OPDP 2CDs [75.43+42.12] [RM]

A good recording. The DVD format may well overcome the weaker points of this CD version. … see Full Review

Gaetano DONIZETTI (1797-1848) Don Pasquale - comic opera in three acts Norina…Eva Mei, Don Pasquale…Alessandro Corbelli, Ernesto…Antonino Siragusa, Dottor Malatesta…Roberto de Candia, Un Notaro…Giorgio Gatti Orchestra and Chorus of the Teatro Liricio, Cagliari/Gérard Korsten Staged by the Teatro Comunale – Bologna Recorded at the Teatro Comunale, Cagliari in February 2002 TDK DVD VIDEO DV-OPDP [121 mins: opera; 31 mins: special features] [IL]

A visual delight, a sparkling production with fine comic performances from Mei, Corbelli and De Candia. … see Full Review

John DOWLAND (1563-1626) "Selected Lute Music" Galliards and Fancies Jakob Lindberg, lute, orpharion (*) Recorded in 1994 at Djursholms Kapell, Sweden DDD BIS–CD-300824 [75:00] [JV]

A well-chosen and well-played selection of pieces for the lute by one of the greatest composers in English history ... see Full Review

Marcel DUPRÉ (1886-1971) Works for Organ: Volume 13 Zephyrs Improvisation reconstructed by Rollin Smith; Six Antiennes pour le temps de Noel Op. 48 (1952); From ‘Seventy-Nine Chorales’ Op. 28, Nos. 21, 22, 23, 36, 37, 38, 39, 40, 41, 66; Visions Op. 44 (1948); Organ Symphony No. 2 Op. 28 (1929) George Baker (organ) Organ of the Perkins Chapel, School of Theology, Southern Methodist University Dallas, Texas NAXOS 8.554542 [67.29] [GH]

Wonderfully evocative and superbly ‘orchestrated’ …a light begins to shine in the darkness. … see Full Review

Antonín DVOŘÁK (1841-1904) Symphony no. 9 in E minor, op. 95 – "From the New World", Overture: "In Nature’s Realm", op. 91, Overture: "Othello", op. 93 Czech Philharmonic Orchestra/Karel Ančerl Rec. Dvořák Hall of Rudolfinum, Prague, December 1961 (opp. 95 and 91), February 1962 (op. 93) SUPRAPHON SU 3662-2 011 [70:27] [CH]

This is increasingly held to be the finest "New World" ever. … see Full Review


Antonín DVOŘÁK (1841-1904)
Symphony No. 9 in E minor From the New World, B178 Op.95 (1893) [42'34"] Serenade in E for String Orchestra, B52 Op.22 (1875) [28'06"] Bavarian Radio Symphony Orchestra/Rafael Kubelik Recorded at a public concert in the Herkulessaal of the Munich Residenz on 25 May 1977 (Op.22) and 20 June 1980 (Op.95) ORFEO C596 031B [70'49"] [JPo]

Good sound and unidiosyncratic … the "lilt" of the music is so well caught and conveyed that one can barely refrain from swinging arms and conducting in company. … see Full Review

Antonín DVOŘÁK (1841-1904) Piano Concerto in G minor, Op.33 (1876) The Golden Spinning Wheel, Op.109 (1896) Pierre-Laurent Aimard (piano) Royal Concertgebouw Orchestra/Nikolaus Harnoncourt Recorded at the Concertgebouw, Amsterdam, 20-26 October 2001 TELDEC 8573 87630-2 [67’52] [TH]

Gorgeous … played straight but with great intensity… passion, grace and fire in equal measure. The recording is rich and detailed … see Full Review


Antonín DVOŘÁK (1841-1904)
Piano Quintet No. 2 in A major Op. 81 (1888) Robert SCHUMANN (1810-1856) Piano Quintet in E flat major Op. 44 (1842) Martin Kasík (piano) Wihan Quartet Recorded at the Lichtenstein Palace, Prague in April and May 2003 ARCO DIVA UP 0055-2 131 [63.58] [JW]

A strong welcome to a nicely annotated and warmly recorded brace of quintets from a genuinely and musically exciting source. … see Full Review


Antonín DVOŘÁK (1841-1904)
Piano Quintet in A major Op. 5 (1872 rev. 1887) Piano Quintet in A major Op. 81 (1887) Ivan Klánský (piano) Vlach Quartet Prague Recorded Martínek Studios, Prague, November 1999 and June 2000 NAXOS 8.555377 [61.42]

Unsettled, constantly mobile … attractively but not over indulgently expressive. … see Full Review

Louise FARRENC (1804-1875) Piano Music: Air russe varié, Op. 17; Trente Études, Op. 26 (Selections); Allegro molto in F minor, No. 22; Presto in B flat minor, No. 19; Andante espressivo in D major, No. 7; Allegro moderato in G major, No. 4; Adagio in F sharp minor, No. 10; Andantino in B minor, No. 8; Allegro in D minor, No. 30; Allegro non troppo in A minor, No. 3; Moderato. Fuga a due soggetti in E major, No. 12; Valse brillante, Op. 48; Nocturne, Op. 49; Variations brillantes, Op. 15 Konstanze Eickhorst, piano Recorded at Kleiner Sendesaal SFB, May 2002 CPO 999 8792 [60:01] [DS]

Farrenc’s musical inspiration was more in the range of Hummel and Reicha, which makes her music highly desirable if not absolutely essential … see Full Review

Morton FELDMAN (1926-1987) First Piano Sonata (to Bela Bartók) (1943) [5’51]. Preludio (1944) [2’28]. Self-Portrait (1945) [3’46]. Three Dances (1950) [6’56]. For Cynthia (195?) [0’41]. Two Pieces for Three Pianos (1966) [19’11 + 1516]. Debora Petrina (piano).No rec. info. DDD OgreOgress OO2003a [54’56] [CC]

This is a fascinating document, invaluable for all students/followers of Feldman. … see Full Review

Zdenĕk FIBICH (1850-1900) Symphony no. 1 in F, op. 17 (1876-1883), Symphony no. 2 in E flat, op. 38 (1892), Symphony no. 3 in E minor, op. 53 (1898), At Twilight, op. 39 (1893), A Springtime Tale, op. 33* (1880) Czech Philharmonic Orchestra/Karel Šejna, with * Drahomíra Tikalová (soprano), Karel Kalaš (bass) and the Prague Philharmonic Choir
Recorded in the Domovina Hall, Prague (except Symphony no. 3) and the Rudolfinum, Prague (Symphony no. 3) on February 27th 1950 (Symphony no. 1), May 28th-30th 1950 (Symphony no. 2), January 23rd, 24th and 27th 1961 (Symphony no. 3), April 11th 1950 (At Twilight), 1950 (A Springtime Tale) SUPRAPHON SU 3618-2 902 [2 CDs: 60:15+73:21] [CH]

Enthusiastically recommended to lovers of romantic symphonies. … see Full Review

Niccolo FIORENZA (d. 1764) Concerti Per Flauto (c.1726-1728)Concerto in A minor for recorder, two violins and continuo8 Concerto in G minor for recorder, three violins and continuoConcerto in C minor for recorder, three violins, viola and continuoConcerto in F minor for recorder, three violins, viola and continuoTwo Trio Sonatas for two violins and continuo*Trio Sonata in D minor (1726) Trio Sonata in B minor (c. 1726)Festa Rustica/Giorgio Matteoli (director, recorder and cello*) Recorded at the Oratorio della Madonna della Neve, Pontida, Bergamo, Italy. No recording dates given. DDD. GAUDEAMUS CD-GAU-331 [65:26) [MC]

Lyrical, appealing, often very beautiful and extremely rare music. … see Full Review

Gunnar de FRUMERIE (1908 - 1987) Cello Concerto, Op. 81 (1984) [24.20] Mats Lidström, cello Violin Concerto, Op. 19 (1976) [26.00] Tobias Ringborg, violin Symphonic Variations for Orchestra, Op. 25 (1941) [18.05] Norrköping Symphony Orchestra/Lü Jia Notes in Swedish and English. Photos of composer and artists. Recorded at Louis deGeer Hall, Norrköping, Sweden, 5 May 2000 CAPRICE CAP 21644 [68.25] [PSh]


Delightful, substantial new Romantic music beautifully performed and recorded. … see Full Review


Gunnar de FRUMERIE (1908-1987)
Pastoral Suite for flute and piano Op. 13a (1933) [11.26] Piano Trio No. 1 Op. 7 (1932, rev. 1975) [15.29] Four Etudes for piano Op. 28 [13.32] Piano Quartet No. 1 in C minor Op. 23 (1941) [28.24] Mats Widlund (piano) Tobias Carron (flute) Ulrika Jansson (violin) Pascall Siffert (viola) Ulrika Edström (cello) rec. 2-6 Oct 2001, 22 Feb 2002, 21 Aug 2002, Studio 2, Radiohuset, Stockholm. DDD Musica Sveciae Modern Classics No. 13 PHONO SUECIA PSCD 713 [68.51] [RB]

An often life-enhancing outdoor vision. Buy with confidence ... these works will leave you wanting more please ... and soon. ... see Full Review

Philippe GAUBERT (1879-1941) Vol. 1 Complete chamber music with Flute Madrigal (fl, pf) (1908) ** Trois aquarelles (fl, vc, pf) (1915) - Par un clair matin; Soir d'automne; Serenade**** Divertissement grec (2 fl, harp) (1908) +* Soir païen (voice, fl, pf) (1908) *** Tarantelle (fl, ob, pf) (1903) +*** Piece romantique (fl, vc, pf) (1926) **** Medailles antiques (fl, vn, pf) (1916) - Nymphes a la fontaine; Danses +# Suite (fl, pf) (1921) - Invocation (Danse des pretresses); Berceuse orientale; Barcarolle; Scherzo-valse ** Fenwick Smith and Jacques Zoon, fl., Sally Pinkas, pf., Jayne West, sop., Andrew Pearce, vc., Ann Hobson Pilot, hp., John Ferrillo, ob., Malcolm Lowe, vn. Rec. ***December 17, 2001; ****February 3, 2002; #February 4, 2002; **January 26, 2003; Joel Gordon; Sonic Temple, Roslindale, Massachusetts; *August 16, 2001; Tim Martyn; Seiji Ozawa Hall, Tanglewood, Lenox, Massachusetts + premiere recording NAXOS 8.557305 [61.10] [CMT]

I cannot imagine more satisfying performances of these convincing miniature delights … see Full Review

Georg GEBEL d.J. (1709-1753) Christmas Oratorio (Musikalische Andacht am Heiligen Christ-Abende, 1748) [36:23] New Year’s Oratorio (Musikalische Andacht am Neuen Jahres-Abende, 1748) [32:53] Monika Mauch, soprano; Kai Wessel, alto; Nico van der Meel, tenor; Peter Kooy, bass Cantus Thuringia; Capella Thuringia/Bernhard Klapproth Recorded June, 2003 in the Evangelische Kirche St Bonifatius, Ditfurth, Germany. DDD CPO 999 993-2 [69:26] [JV]

Two oratorios for the Christmas season which offer an interesting and worthwhile alternative to the usual repertoire … see Full Review

Umberto GIORDANO (1867-1948) Andrea Chéniera (1896) [106’21]Beniamino Gigli (tenor) Andrea Chénier; Maria Caniglia (soprano) Maddalena di Coigny; Gino Bechi (baritone) Carlo Gérard; Giulietta Simionato (mezzo) Countess di Coigny; Vittoria Palombini (mezzo) Madelon; Maria Huder (soprano) Bersi; Italo Tajo (bass-baritone) Roucher; Giuseppe Taddei (baritone) Fouquier-Tinville, Fléville; Leone Paci (baritone) Mathieu; Adelio Zagonara (tenor) Abbé, L’Incrdibile; Gino Conti (bass) Majordomo, Dumas, Schmidt; Chorus and Orchestra of La Scala, Milan/Oliviero de Fabritiis.Andrea Chénier (1896) Un dì all’azzurro spaziob [4’04]; Io non amato ancorc [3’06]; Nemico della Patriad [3’27]; La mamma motrae [4’30]; Sì, fui soldatof [2’50]; Come un bel dì di maggiog [2’56].bGiacomo Lauri Volpi, cAntonio Cortis (tenors); dCesare Formichi (baritone); eClaudia Muzio (soprano); fFrancesco Merli, gAureliano Pertile (tenors); b-gorchestraFrom aLa voce del padrone DB5423-35, HMV bDB2263, cDA1154, gDA1185, Columbia dCQX16522, eLCX28, fD14705. Rec aMilan in November 1941, bJuly 1934, cSeptember 19th, 1930, dSeptember 1st, 1927, eJune 5th, 1935, fMarch 6th, 1928, gJanuary 30th, 1930. ADD NAXOS HISTORICAL 8.110275/6 [128’34: 53’41 + 74’53]. [CC]

A fascinating release from just about every angle, therefore. This Chénier will not disappoint. … see Full Review

Umberto GIORDANO (1867-1948) Fedora. Opera in 3 Acts (1897) Fedora, Eva Marton (sop); Loris, José Carreras (ten); de Siriex, a diplomat in Paris, János Martin (bar); Olga, Veronika Kincses (mezzo) Hungarian Radio and Television Symphony Orchestra and Chorus/Giuseppe Patané No recording data given, but believed recorded and first released in 1986 SONY CLASSICAL SM2K 91138 [2CDs: 44.58+49.40] [RF]

Flawed but a potentially attractive alternative to the Decca version which includes Del Monaco’s crude portrayal of Loris. … see Full Review

Alexander GLAZUNOV (1865-1936) Symphony No. 4 in E flat major, Op. 48 (1893) Symphony No. 8 in E flat major, Op. 83 (1906) BBC National Orchestra of Wales/Tadaaki Otaka Rec. 27 April 1997 (No. 4), 15 January 1998 (No. 8) BIS CD 1378 [75.11] [TB]

Strongly characterized and distinctively Russian themes … beautifully and sensitively played … what a fine orchestra this is. There could be no better introduction to Glazunov’s symphonic world … see Full Review

Rheinhold Moritzovich GLIERE (1875-1956) Third Sextet for two violins, two violas and two cellos in C Major op.11 (1905) [29:27] Octet for four violins, two violas and two cellos in D Major op.5 (1900) [25:58] Laurencius Dinica, Violin; Stephan Schulze, Violin; Walther Kussner, Viola; Wolfgang Talirz, Viola; Christoph Igelbrink, Cello; Mathias Donderer, Cello (both works); Kotowa Machida, Violin; Christoph von der Nahmer (Octet only) Recorded December 19-21, 2002 at the Andreas Kirche, Berlin MUSIK DABRINGHAUS UND GRIMM MDG 308 1196-2 [55:39] [SA]

Unashamedly romantic … Gliere learned a great deal from Arensky … draws upon Russian folk melodies … see Full Review

Leopold Godowsky (1870 - 1938) Piano Music Volume 6: Schubert Transcriptions, Arrangements & Paraphrases Passacaglia (1928) [19.10] Franz Peter SCHUBERT (1797 - 1828) Songs transcribed by Godowsky, Ballet Music from Rosamunde (1923) [3.30] Moment musical, Op 94 #3 (1922) [2.06] Konstantin Scherbakov, piano Recorded at 24 bit resolution in Potton Hall, Suffolk, UK 4 December 2002 Notes in English and Deutsch. No photos. MARCO POLO 8.225187 [69.34] [PSh]

A fine performance of a "new" piano masterpiece ... see Full Review

Georges Charles GOUNOD (1818-1893) Faust. Opera in Five Acts Faust, Raoul Jobin (ten); Méphistophélès, Ezio Pinza (bass); Valentin, Martial Singer (bar); Marguerite, Licia Albanese (sop); Siébel, Lucielle Browning (sop); Marthe, Thelma Votipka (m.sop); Wagner, John Baker (bar) Chorus and Orchestra of the Metropolitan Opera, New York/Sir Thomas Beecham Private recording made for Raoul Jobin of the ‘Met’ tour broadcast, from Boston, on 15th April 1944. Issued by arrangement with ‘The National Library of Canada, to whom Jobin bequeathed the master acetates Bargain Price GUILD HISTORICAL IMMORTAL PERFORMANCE SERIES GHCD 2258-59 [2CDs: 75.35+74.41] [RF]

This makes it possible to admire Pinza and Beecham and that opportunity alone is worth the price. … see Full Review

George GROSSMITH (1847-1912) The Grossmith Legacy Leon Berger (bar), Selwyn Tillett (piano) Rec. St Mary's Rectory, Beddington, Surrey, 1995-6 DIVINE ART 2-4109 [74.12] [RW]

Grossmith, clearly influenced by Savoy but gifted … settings that are catchy and flow with good rhythm. … see Full Review

Joseph HAYDN (1732-1809) Piano Sonatas: Hob.XVI/1 in C, XVI/3 in C, XVI/4 in D, XVI/7 in C, XVI/8 in G, XVI/34 in E minor, XVI/37 in D, XVI/44 in G minor, XVI/46 in A flat Maria Bergmann (piano) SWR recordings, Hans Rosbaud-Studio Baden-Baden, 1961-1976 HÄNSSLER CLASSIC CD 93.081 [76:03] [CH]

Maria Bergmann is perhaps an interesting figure, but as a taste of Haydn sonatas this is rather uneven. … see Full Review

Joseph HAYDN (1732-1809) The Seasons (Die Jahreszeiten) Hob XXI; 3 (1799-1801) Sung in English Elsie Morison (soprano) – Nancy Alexander Young (tenor) – Lucas Michael Langdon (bass) – Simon Beecham Choral Society Royal Philharmonic Orchestra/Sir Thomas Beecham Recorded between November 1956 and April 1958 SOMM-BEECHAM 16-2 [2 CDs: 143.40] [JW]

Some of the original residual hum is audible when driven at high level but it won’t interfere in your listening pleasure. There is always satisfaction to be taken in Beecham’s Haydn. … see Full Review

Franz Joseph HAYDN (1732 - 1809) The Seven Last Words of our Saviour on the Cross, Seven Sonatas with Introduction and Conclusion; Hob XX 1B (III Nos. 50-56) (1786) [65.46] Borodin String Quartet: Mikhail Kopelman, Andrei Abramenkov, vv; Dmitri Shebalin, vla; Valentin Berlinsky, vc. Recorded athe Grand Hall of the Moscow Conservatory, December 1984. ADD Notes in English CDKM 1007 [65.46] [PSh]

An intense, rhapsodic, and beautifully recorded (live) performance ... see Full Review

Paul HINDEMITH (1895-1953) CD1 Concerto for Orchestra Op.38 (1925) [12.26] Konzertmusik for piano, brass and harps Op.49 (1930) [24.18] Symphony Mathis der Maler (1934) [27.28] CD2 Symphonic Dances (1930s) [29.29] Theme and Variations The Four Temperaments (1940) [26.59] CD3 Symphonic Metamorphosis after Themes by Carl Maria von Weber (1943) [20.26] Ballet Overture Amor und Psyche (1944) [7.08] Symphony Die Harmonie der Welt (1951) [36.06] Interview - Paul Hindemith in Japan [2.35] Monique Haas (piano) (Konzert) Hans Otte (piano) (Temperaments) Berlin Philharmoniker/Paul Hindemith rec. 1954-57, Berlin Dahlem, Jesus-Christus-Kirche, mono DEUTSCHE GRAMMOPHON 474 770-2 [3CDs: 64.21+56.33+66.35] [RB]

This DG box is essential fare for the Hindemith specialist. Bravo, Universal and DG! ... see Full Review

Paul HINDEMITH (1895-1953) CD1 Symphony Mathis der Maler (1934) [26.57] Trauermusik for viola and orchestra (1936) [8.38] Symphonic Metamorphosis after Themes by Carl Maria von Weber (1943) [20.01] CD2 Konzertmusik for strings and brass (1931) [17.21] Der Schwanendreher Concerto after old folk songs for viola and small orchestra (1935) [26.58] Nobilissima Visione - suite (1938) [22.13] CD3 Symphonia Serena (1946) [31.20] Symphony Die Harmonie der Welt (1951) [35.09] Geraldine Walther (viola) (Trauer; Schwanendreher) San Francisco Symphony Orchestra/Herbert Blomstedt (CD1 and 2) Gewandhausorchester/Herbert Blomstedt (CD3) rec. 1987-91, Davies Symphony Hall, San Francisco; 1996-97 Gewandhaus zu Leipzig. DDD DECCA TRIO 475 264-2 [3CDs: 56.08+66.57+67.01] [RB]

At Trio prices instantly and robustly recommendable ... a superbly recorded substantial and meatily symphonic representation of Hindemith ... see Full Review

Tyzen HSÍAO (b.1938) 1947 Overture (1986) [20.25] Piano Concerto in C minor op.53 (1992) [34.16] Symphony Formosa op.49 (1994) [14.30] Cello Concerto in C op.52 (1991) [25.58] An Angel from Formosa [4.30] Violin Concerto in D op.50 (1991) [27.39] Moscow State Chorus/Vladimir Kontarev (1947) Anatoly Sheludiakov (piano) Kiril Rodin (cello) Alexander Trostiansky (violin) Russian Federal Orchestra/Vakhtang Jordania rec. Jan 1999 - July 2000, Radio Palace Hall, Moscow ANGELOK1 CD-9912/13 [2CDs: 69.29+58.18] [RB]

Hsíao's late 19th century style is marked out by Rachmaninov, Delius, Tchaikovsky, and Dvorak ... music easy to like and in the case of the concertos for violin and cello works extremely well ... see Full Review

John IRELAND (1879-1962) Vexilla Regis: Hymn for Passion Sunday (1898) [11.54] Greater Love Hath No Man (1912, orch. 1924) [6.51] These Thing Shall Be (1937) [22.12] A London Overture (1936) [13.26] The Holy Boy: A Carol of the Nativity () [2.40] Epic March (1940) [9.13] Paula Bott (sop) Teresa Shaw (alto) James Oxley (ten) Bryn Terfel (bass-bar) London Symphony Chorus London Symphony Orchestra/Richard Hickox rec. 24-26 Apr 1990, St Jude on the Hill, Hampstead, London CHANDOS CLASSICS CHAN X10110 [67.11] [RB]

Frankly glorious … the grand and idealistic John Ireland. The ceremonial is to be found alongside some superb choral singing.... see Full Review

BARGAIN OF THE MONTH Leoš JANÁČEK (1854-1928) The Cunning Little Vixen (in English) Libretto by Leoš Janáček, English translation by Yveta Synek Graff and Robert T Jones Forester – Thomas Allen (bass) Mosquito/Schoolmaster – Robert Tear (tenor) Forester’s Wife/Owl – Gillian Knight (soprano) Vixen – Lillian Watson (soprano) Priest/Badger – Gwynne Howell (bass) Pásek, innkeeper – John Dobson (tenor) Harašta, a poacher – Nicholas Folwell (baritone) Fox – Diana Montague (mezzo-soprano) Innkeeper’s Wife - Elizabeth Bainbridge (mezzo-soprano) Hens, Forest creatures and Voices Royal Opera House Chorus, Covent Garden Orchestra of the Royal Opera House, Covent Garden/Simon Rattle Recorded Abbey Road, London, June 1990 CHANDOS CHAN 3101(2) [2 CDs: 96.47] [JW]

Chandos are doing us proud in their selective and astute reclamation of such material. … see Full Review

Albert KETÈLBEY (1875-1959) Tangled Tunes Historical Recordings 1912-1933: Men of England (1926) A. W. Ketèlbey’s Concert Orchestra and Chorus. (rec. December 1929) Tangled Tunes Parts 1 -4 (1914) The Casino Orchestra conducted by the composer. (rec. June 1914) In Holiday Mood: On the Promenade; Down the Stream; The Illuminated Fête (1938) Grand Orchestra conducted by Louis Voss. (rec.1938). The Phantom Melody (1912) Jean Schwiler (cello) with the composer at the piano. ( rec. April 1912) My Heart Still Clings To You (1913) Edgar Coyle (baritone) with the Columbia Studio Orchestra conducted by the composer (rec. December 1913) Silver-Cloud (An Indian Maiden’s Song) (1915) The Regal Orchestra conducted by the composer (rec. circa 1915) Wildhawk (An Indian Romance) (1914) The Regal Orchestra conducted by the composer (rec. June 1914) A Sunday Afternoon Rêverie (1931) The Westminster Light Symphony Orchestra conducted by Claude Ivy (rec. 1931) Canzonetta (1912) The Regal Orchestra conducted by the composer (rec. December 1912) Wonga (An Oriental Intermezzo) (1916) The Regal Orchestra conducted by the composer (rec. July 1916) Christmas (Medley Fox Trot) (1925) The Edison Bell Dance Orchestra directed by Henry Wood (rec. October 1925) The Vision of Fuji-San (1930?) The Odeon Symphony Orchestra of Paris conducted by Gustav Cloëtz (rec. circa. 1933) Knights of the King (1930) The Regimental Band of H.M. Royal Horseguards conducted by Lt. W.J. Dunn M.C. (rec. October 1930) In a Monastery Garden (1915) A. W. Ketèlbey’s Concert Orchestra with Nellie Walker (contralto) and chorus conducted by the composer (rec. November 1927) All recordings made in London unless otherwise stated NAXOS HISTORICAL 8.110870 [64:33] [IL]

Another beguiling, nostalgic wallow …sit back, relax and enjoy these over-ripe renditions. … see Full Review

Wojciech KILAR (b.1932) Missa Pro Pace (1999) [67.28] Zofia Kilanowicz (sop) Jadwiga Rappé (alto) Charles Daniels (ten) Piotr Nowacki (bass) Lower Silesian Opera Choir/Alan Urbanek Witold Lutosławski Philharmonic, Wrocław/Marek Pijarowski St Mary Magdalen Cathedral, Wrocław, Poland, 14 Sept 2002. DDD DUX 0434 [67.28] [RB]

Kilar the servant of his universal aspirational message ... sincere, tonal, communicative without the barriers of elitist ...isms ... see Full Review

Ståle KLEIBERG (b.1958) Lamento: Cissi Klein in memoriam (2000) [14.37] Symphony No. 1 The Bell Reef (1991) [17.27] Symphony No. 2 Kammersymfoni (1997) [24.13] Trondheim Symphony Orchestra cond. Eivind Aadland (Lamento); Rolf Gupta (2); Christian Eggen (1) rec. Olavshallen, Trondheim, Norway, 6-7 Aug 2001 (Lamento); 12 Oct 2000 (2); 20 Apr 2001 (1) DDD AURORA ACD 5032 [56.29] [RB]

Extremely impressionistic-melodic scores ... a natural fluency synthesising the Ravelian heritage to original effect. Recommended. ... see Full Review

Herman D KOPPEL (1908-1998) Symphony No. 3 Op. 39 (1944-45)Symphony No. 4 Op. 42 (1946)Aalborg Symphony Orchestra/Moshe Atzmon Recorded at Symfonien, Aalborg, June and October 2001 (Symphony No. 3) and August 2000 (Symphony No. 4) DACAPO 8.226016 [64.21] [JW] [JPh]

Idiomatic performances and clear recording add to the attractiveness of these unsettled and unsettling works.[JW]
I am delighted to welcome this disc as an example of a mid-twentieth century composer who deserves to be much wider known and respected. [JPh] … see Full Review

Friedrich KUHLAU (1786-1832) Grande Sonate concertante, Op. 35 Franz SCHUBERT (1797-1828) Introduction and Variations on "Trockne Blumen" Franz SCHUBERT (1787-1828) arr. Leopold JANSA (1795–1875) 6 Lieder: Ständchen; Der Lindenbaum; Das Fischermädchen; Die Tauben post; Am Meer; Gute Nacht duo cantabile Hans-Jörg Wegner (flute) Christiane Kroeker (piano) Recorded October 2002, NDR, Landesfunkhaus Nds. Kleiner Sendesaal THOROFON CTH 2476 [77.00] [RH]

A well played disc of flute music from the Romantic era, unfortunately lacking an undeniable masterpiece. … see Full Review

Fredrich Ludwig Aemilius KUNZEN (1761-1817) Piano Music: Musical Pastime for the Fair Sex (1798); Sonata in C sharp minor (1789-1791); Musical New Year’s Gift for the fair sex (1799); Divertimento in A major (1788); Scherzando in G major (1789); Larghetto in G major (1794) Thomas Trondhjem (piano) Recorded at the Royal Academy of Music, Århus, May 2002. DDD DA CAPO 8.224228 [64.43] [GH]

A sonata in the then serious and contemporary style alongside unassuming music written for the amateur … Trondhjem’s superb phrasing, ornamentation, subtle pedalling and recreation of light and shade in keyboard sonorities. … see Full Review

Meyer KUPFERMAN (1926-2003) Tuba Concerto (1982, rev. 2002) Going Home, for guitar quartet (1994) Into the Breach (2002) Percussion Symphony (1997) Structures (2001) Edwin Diefes (tuba), Roberto Limon, William Anderson, Oren Fadar, Marc Wolf (guitars) Czech National Orchestra, conductor Paul Freeman Oregon Percussion Ensemble, conductor Charles Dowd (Symphony) Stony Brook Contemporary Players, conductor Matt Ward (Structures) No recording venues or dates DDD SOUNDSPELLS CD 135 [2 discs, 71’54+43’33] [TH]

I rate this music very highly. Refreshing and challenging … no reliance on gimmickry or electronics, just beautifully crafted and solidly organised. A stimulating and rewarding issue … see Full Review

Rued LANGGAARD (1893-1952) Aubade (Morgenständchen) BVN 23 (1907) Sonata No. 3 BVN 312 (1945-49) Short Violin Sonata BVN 372 (1949) Sonata No. 4 Parce Nobis, Jesu! BVN 376 (1949) Écrasez l’infâme BVN 385 (1949) Andante Religioso BVN 407 (1950) Serguei Azizian (violin) Anne Øland (piano) Recorded at Lyngby Parkkapel, September 2001 and Danmarks Radio, Studio 2, September 2002 Violin Sonatas Volume 2 DA CAPO 8.226006 [66.05] [JW]

Langgaard’s voice that exerts a worryingly strong pull on me – and maybe on you as well. … see Full Review

William LAWES (1602-1645) Knock’d on the head – Music for Viols Consort Sett a6 in F major [11:09] Lyra viol trio in D minor [09:55] Hark jolly lads, Catch a3 [02:02] Come my lads, Catch a3 [01:14] Consort Sett a6 in G minor [13:13] Whither go ye, Catch a3 [02:24] The wise men were but seven, Catch a3 [01:24] Lyra viol trio in D major [06:51] Consort Sett a6 in B flat major [10:37] Concordia: Mark Levy (director, treble viol, lyra viol)
Veli-Markus Tapio, treble viol, lyra viol; Joanna Levine, tenor viol, lyra viol; Emilia Benjamin, tenor viol; Reiko Ichise, bass viol; Alison McGillivray, bass viol; Gary Cooper, organ Rec. 22-25 September 2001, Orford Church, Suffolk, England, DDD METRONOME MET CD 1045 [59:02] [MC]

There is much to admire and enjoy in this Metronome release which is hard to resist. Recommended without hesitation. … see Full Review
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Henri LAZAROF (b 1932) Tableaux (after Kandinsky) for Piano and Orchestra Violin Concerto (1985-86) Symphony No. 2 (1990) Garrick Ohlsson (piano) Yukiko Kamei (violin) Seattle Symphony/Gerard Schwarz Recorded at the Seattle Centre Opera House, January 1990 and January-April 1992 NAXOS 8.559159 [72.11] [JW]

Excellent performances make a persuasive case for these works not all of which are immediately ingratiating. … see Full Review

Franz LISZT (1811-1886) Harmonies Poètiques et Réligieuses (1845-52) David Barela (piano) Rec. 2003 DDD DGB RECORDS 29757 28022 [77.57] [TB]

Can be counted a ‘near miss’. … 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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