 UNEASY
LISTENING - A caricature guide to
20th century composers
by John Minnion 109pp
Paperback ISBN 0-9544499 1 6 [RB]
This
is wonderfully well done as a book of
illustrations. It tells us something
of the psychology of the composer in
each case and does so wittily and not
without taking a few dangerous corners.
... see Full
Review
JANUARY
RECORDINGS
OF THE MONTH
Frank
BRIDGE (1879-1941)
Coronation March (1911)
[6’46] Summer (1914) [10’42]
Phantasm, for piano and orchestra
(1927) [24’21] There is a Willow
Grows aslant a Brook (1927) [11’18]
Vignettes de danse (1938) [11’20]
Sir Roger de Coverley (A Christmas
Dance) (1922) [4’41] 
Howard Shelley (piano) BBC National
Orchestra of Wales/Richard Hickox
Recorded at Brangwyn Hall, Swansea,
Nov.28-29 2002 Bridge Orchestral Works
Vol.3
CHANDOS CHAN 10112 [69’55] [TH]
Gustav
MAHLER
(1860-1911)
Symphony No. 1 in D (1884-96)
Symphonie-Orchester des Bayerischen
Rundfunks/Rafael Kubelik
Recorded "live" in Herkules-Saal
in der Residenz, Munich, 2nd November
1979
AUDITE 95.467 [51.33] [TD]
This
is a top recommendation. It supersedes
Kubelik’s studio recording on DG and
surpasses Horenstein and Barbirolli
which must now be thought of as alternatives
to this Audite release. Simply indispensable.
… see
Full Review
Gustav
MAHLER
(1860-1911)
Symphony No 6 in A minor [81’07"]
St. Petersburg Philharmonic Orchestra/Thomas
Sanderling Recorded: Big Hall of the
St. Petersburg Philharmonic, 2-4 July
1995. DDD
RS REAL SOUND RS 052-0186 [2 CDs
35’54" + 45’13"] [JQ]
I
should like to hear Sanderling in
more Mahler but for now this excellent
recording will do to be going on with
… see Full
Review
Maurice
Ravel (1875
- 1937) Boléro (1928)
[17.22] La Valse (1920) [12.25]
Rapsodie Espagnole (1907) [16.14]
Pavane pour une infante défunte
(1905) [6.55] Daphnis et Chloé
Suite #2 (1912) [17.13] Daphnis
et Chloé Suite #2, "Chloé
is accosted" [4.33]
Minnesota Orchestra/Stanislaw Skrowaczewski
Recorded in Minneapolis, Minnesota,
USA, November 1974. All CD tracks
are in 2.0 stereo, without any mixdown
of the rear channels. All SACD tracks
in discrete 4.0 Surround Sound, except
the final track which is in discrete
derived 5.0 Surround Sound. Digitised
and restored by Paul Stubblebine Playable
on SACD players and on all compact
disk players Hybrid
SACD
ORIGINAL MASTERS RECORDING UDSACD
4002 [73.21] [PSh]
The
best sounding recording of this music
ever made, and, perhaps surprisingly,
one of the very best played as well.
An absolute must-have for anyone who
loves Ravel, no matter how many recordings
of this music you already have...see
Full Review
Peter
llyich TCHAIKOVSKY (1840-1893)
Romeo and Juliet – Fantasy Overture
(1880) Symphony No.6 in B minor, Op.74
‘Pathétique’ (1893)
Philharmonia Orchestra/Guido
Cantelli Romeo and Juliet recorded
13th October 1951, No.1
Studio, Abbey Road; Symphony No.6
recorded 22-28th October
1952, Royal Festival Hall. Full Price
TESTAMENT SBT 1316 [61’44] [MB]
A
mandatory purchase for anyone interested
in great conducting and great orchestral
playing. Only very rarely will you
ever hear anything as thrilling. …
see Full
Review
Giuseppe
VERDI
(1813-1901) Otello
(1884-86) Opera in four acts, libretto
by Arrigo Boito Otello – Placido
Domingo (tenor) Iago – Leo
Nucci (baritone) Desdemona
– Barbara Fritolli (soprano) Cassio
– Cesare Catani (tenor) Roderigo
– Antonello Ceron (tenor) Emilia
– Rossana Rinaldi (mezzo) Lodovico
– G. Battista Parodi (bass)
Chorus and Orchestra of La Scala,
Milan/Riccardo Muti Stage Director
– Graham Vick TV Director – Carlo
Battistoni Recorded at La Scala, Milan,
December 2001  TDK
DVOPOTEL
[140 minutes] [TH]
It
is hard not to give this a completely
unqualified recommendation. … see
Full
Review
Great Conductors of the Twentieth
Century: Dimitri
Mitropoulos Gustav
MAHLER (1860-1911): Symphony
No 6 in A minor* [74’39"] Hector
BERLIOZ (1803-1869): Roméo
et Juliette. Symphonie Dramatique;
Op. 17 - Excerpts ** [46’28"]:
Introduction; Roméo Seul; Scène
d’amour; La reine Mab, ou la fée
des songes; Roméo au tombeau
des Capulets Claude
DEBUSSY (1862-1918): La
Mer*** [22’36"] Richard
STRAUSS (1864-1949): Salome:
Dance of the Seven Veils**** [8’49"]
*WDR Sinfonieorchester Köln (Kölner
Rundfunk-Sinfonie-Orchester) New York
Philharmonic Orchestra Conducted by
Dimitri Mitropoulos Rec. *Klaus-von-Bismark
Saal, WDR, Cologne, 31 August 1959;
30th Street Studios, New
York, **22 October 1952; ***27 November
1950; *****3 November 1956. ADD
EMI CLASSICS GREAT CONDUCTORS OF THE
TWENTIETH CENTURY 7243 5 75471 2 3
[74’42"+78’18"] [JQ]
Mahler
6 is the highlight but the whole offers
great, inspirational conducting. Music
making that demands to be heard.
Recommended with the greatest possible
enthusiasm. … see Full
Review
Duo Mandala:
Tapestry Bill
CONNOR Krug: (2002) [8.14]
Julian DAWES
Three Pieces for Mandolin and
Harp: (1994): Waltz [2.30]; Phantasy
[3.18]; Toccata [1.54] David
SUTTON-ANDERSON Mandalas:
(1994-1995) [17.39] Paul
MITCHELL-DAVIDSON Tapestry:
(1994-1995): Dance of Limewood, Smile
of Ash [6.44]; A Joy of Wild Asses
[5.20]; Harvest of the Quiet Eye [7.56];
A Full Moon Rising Red [12.11] Alison
Stephens (mandolin) Lauren Scott (harp)
Recorded at Sennheiser Studio, Liverpool
Institute of Performing Arts, 9-11
September 2002
BLACK BOX BBM 1088 [65.53] [CF]
A
highly attractive disc … masters of
their instruments, playing with imaginative
flair and technical skill. … see Full
Review
BARGAIN
OF THE MONTH
Ludwig
van BEETHOVEN (1770-1826)
Symphonies 1-9: S.464 arr. 1837-1865
by Franz
Liszt (1811 - 1886)
Cyprien Katsaris, piano Recorded
1985-1989, location not given. Notes
in English, Français, Deutsch
TELDEC CLASSICS 2564 60865-2
[6CDs: 61.15+53.48+71.23+44.06+66.41+65.36]
[PSh]
The
best set of these amazing transcriptions
which every Beethoven lover must own—even
a Beethoven hater might like them
… see Full
Review
Classical
Cello Concertos CD1 Carl
Philipp Emanuel BACH (1714-1788)
Cello Concerto No. 1 in A minor
Wq. 170 (H.432) Cello Concerto No.
3 in A major Wq. 172 (H.439) Cello
Concerto No. 2 in B flat major Wq.
171 (H.436) Balázs Máté
(cello) Concerto Armonico/Péter
Szüts On authentic instruments
Recording: 1995 Licensed from Hungaroton,
Hungary. Brilliant Classics DDD STEMRA
92198/1 CD2 Luigi
BOCCHERINI (1743-1805)
Cello Concerto in E flat major, No.12
(G deest) Cello Concerto in G major,
No.7 (G 480) Cello Concerto in A major,
No.2 (G 475) Cello Concerto in C major,
No.11(G 573) Julius Berger (cello)
South-West German Chamber Orchestra,
Pforzheim/Vladislav Czarnecki Recording:
1988, Matthäuskirche, Pforzheim,
Germany. Producer: Teije van Geest
Licensed from EBS, Germany Brilliant
Classics DDD STEMRA 92198/2 CD3 Luigi
BOCCHERINI (1743-1805)
Cello Concerto in D major, No.6 (G
479) Cello Concerto in B flat major,
No.9 (G 482) Cello Concerto in C major,
No.4 (G 477) Cello Concerto in D major,
No.3 (G 476) Julius Berger (cello)
South-West German Chamber Orchestra,
Pforzheim/Vladislav Czarnecki Recording:
1988, Matthäuskirche, Pforzheim,
Germany. Producer: Teije van Geest
Licensed from EBS, Germany Brilliant
Classics DDD STEMRA 92198/3 CD4 Luigi
BOCCHERINI (1743-1805)
Cello Concerto in D major, No.5 (G
478) Cello Concerto in E flat major,
No.1 (G 474) Cello Concerto in C major,
No.8 (G 481) Cello Concerto in D major,
No.10 (G 483) Julius Berger (cello)
South-West German Chamber Orchestra,
Pforzheim/Vladislav Czarnecki Recording:
1988, Matthäuskirche, Pforzheim,
Germany. Producer: Teije van Geest
Licensed from EBS, Germany Brilliant
Classics DDD STEMRA 92198/4 CD5 Leonardo
LEO (1694-1744) Cello Concerto
in D major (L 10) Cello Concerto in
A major (L 20) Sinfonie concertante
for cello and strings in C minor (L
30) Julius Berger (cello) South-West
German Chamber Orchestra, Pforzheim/Vladislav
Czarnecki Recording: 29-31 May 1999,
Kirnbachhalle, Niefern-Öschelbronn,
Germany. Producer & engineer:
Reinhard Geller Licensed from EBS,
Germany Brilliant Classics DDD STEMRA
2198/5 CD6 Leonardo
LEO (1694-1744) Cello Concerto
in F minor (L 40) Cello Concerto in
A major (L 50) Cello Concerto in D
minor (L 60) Julius Berger (cello)
South-West German Chamber Orchestra,
Pforzheim/Vladislav Czarnecki Recording:
5-7 July 1999, Kirnbachhalle in Niefern-Öschelbronn,
Germany. Producer & engineer:
Reinhard Geller Licensed from EBS,
Germany Brilliant Classics DDD STEMRA
92198/6 CD7 Joseph
HAYDN (1732-1809) Cello
Concerto in D major Hob. VIIb: 2 Cello
Concerto in C major Hob. VIIb: 1 Miklós
Perényi (cello) Liszt Ferenc
Chamber Orchestra/János Rolla
Recording: 1979 Producer: Zoltán
Hézser Licensed from Hungaroton,
Hungary. Brilliant Classics ADD STEMRA
92198/7
BRILLIANT CLASSICS 92198 [7 CDs:
CD1 68:57; CD2 63:26; CD3 72:37; CD4
74:42; CD5 37:21; CD6 44:03; CD7 50:38]
[MC]
Excellently
performed works with many gems waiting
to be discovered. Nothing here to
deter even the most discerning buyer.
The slim and compact packaging is
simple, yet attractive … at super-budget
price an absolute steal. Highly recommended.
… see Full
Review
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
BARGAIN OF THE MONTH Wolfgang
Amadeus MOZART (1756-1791)
Piano Sonatas, Fantasias and Rondos
CD 1 [73:09] Sonatas in G, K.283,
A, K.331, F, K.332, B flat, K.333
Rec. 9-11 December 1989 CD 2
[65:00] Sonatas in B flat, K.281,
E flat, K.282, C, K.545, D, K.284
Rec. 26-29 June 1990 CD 3 [70:39]
Sonatas in C, K.309, A minor, K.310,
D, K.311, C, K.330 Rec. 27 August
1990 (K.309), 7-9 September 1989 (K.310,
K.311), 5 August 1991 (K.330) CD
4 [73:38] Sonata in C, K.279,
Fantasia in D minor, K.397, Sonata
in F, K.280, Rondo in D, K.485, Fantasia
in C minor, K.475, Sonata in C minor,
K.457 Rec. 21-24 and 27 August 1990
CD 5 [67:29] Sonatas in F,
K.533, B flat, K.570, D, K.576, Rondo
in A minor, K.511 Rec. 8-9 November
1990 (K. 533, K.570), 6-7 March 1991
(K. 576, K.511) Alicia
de Larrocha (piano) Recorded at the
American Academy Institute of Arts
and Letters, New York City (K.330),
University Music School Concert Hall,
Cambridge, England (K. 310, K.311),
all others in BMG Studio A, New York
City, dates as above
BMG CLASSICS RCA RED SEAL 82876-55705-2
[5 CDs] [CH]
An
ideal buy; warmly recorded performances
that express everything that is in
the music while remaining wholly without
idiosyncrasies. … see Full
Review
BARGAIN DISCOVERY OF THE MONTH Julian
ORBÓN (1925 – 1991)
Danzas sinfónicas (1957)
Concerto Grosso (1958) Tres versiones
sinfónicas (1954)
Asturias Symphony Orchestra/Maximiano
Valdés Recorded: Casa Municipal
de Cultura, Avilés, 1998
NAXOS 8.557368 [66 :17] [HC]
This
still underrated composer unquestionably
deserves serious consideration. Recommended.
… see Full
Review
Franz
SCHUBERT (1797-1828)
Sinfonia Varsovia/Yehudi Menuhin
Symphony No. 1 in D major, D.82 (1813)
Symphony No. 4 in C minor, D.417 ‘Tragic’
(1816) WARNER APEX 2564 60527-2
Symphony No. 2 in B flat major,
D.125 (1815) Symphony No. 6 in C major,
D.859 (1818) WARNER APEX 2564 60529-2
Symphony No. 3 in D major, D.200
(1815) Symphony No. 5 in B flat major,
D.485 (1816) Symphony No. 8 in B minor,
D.759 ‘Unfinished’ (1822) WARNER
APEX 2564 60530-2 Symphony No.
9 in C major, D.944 ‘Great’
(1827) WARNER APEX 2564 60531-2
Rec. 20–29 Jan 1997, Studio 1,
Polish Radio, Warsaw Complete Set
5CDs 2564605322
Yehudi
Menuhin’s close and stimulating relationship
with Sinfonia Varsovia reflected in
this fine cycle excellently played
and recorded …Everything sounds nicely
in place, and there is atmosphere
as well as clarity. … see Full
Review
Dmitri
SHOSTAKOVICH (1906 -
1975) String Quartets 1-15 complete
Brodsky Quartet: Michael Thomas, Ian
Belton vv.; Paul Cassidy, vla.; Jacqueline
Thomas, vc. Recorded Teldec Recording
Studio, Berlin, Germany, September
1989. Notes in English, Deutsch, Français
Originally released 1991; re-released
2003
TELDEC 2564 60867 2 [378.16] [PSh]
A
very satisfactory version of these
milestones in the quartet form. …
see Full
Review
Pyotr
Ilyich TCHAIKOVSKY
(1840-1893)
Suite from the The Nutcracker,
Op.71a: Miniature Overture; March;
Dance of the Sugar-Plum Fairy; Trepak;
Arab Dance; Chinese Dance; Dance of
the Reeds; Flower Waltz Capriccio
Italien, Op.45 Eugene Onegin,
Op.24: Waltz and Polonaise
Bolshoi Symphony Orchestra/Alexander
Lazarev Recorded Moscow, 1992
WARNER APEX 2564 608822-2 [50:12]
[JL]
This
disc freshens up some popular old
Tchaikovsky numbers with superb playing,
proving that a special, vibrant Russian
orchestral sound still lives. … see
Full Review
February
RECORDINGS
OF THE MONTH
Samuel
BARBER (1910-1981)
Vanessa. An opera
in three acts (Revised Version) Vanessa:
Ellen Chickering (soprano) Erika:
Andrea Matthews (soprano) The Old
Baroness: Marion Dry (contralto) Anatol:
Ray Bauwens (tenor) The Old Doctor:
Richard Conrad (tenor) Nicholas: Philip
Lima (baritone) 
Ukrainian National Capella "Dumka"
National Symphony Orchestra of Ukraine/Gil
Rose Rec. Concert Studio of Ukrainian
Radio, Kiev, Ukraine, 25 May – 8 June
2002 DDD
NAXOS AMERICAN CLASSICS 8.669140-41
[2 CDs 55’08" + 65’51"]
[JQ]
Rejoice
that such a significant opera has
been done proud by this release. …
a very fine achievement. Urgently
recommended. … see Full
Review
RECORDING
OF THE MONTH Antonín
DVOŘÁK (1841
- 1904) Violin Concerto in A Minor,
Op. 53 (1884) Romance in F Minor Op.
11 (1877) Joseph
SUK (1874 - 1935) Fantasia
for Violin and Orchestra, Op. 24 (1902)
Josef Suk (violin) Czech Philharmonic
Orchestra/Karel Ančerl Part of
the Karel Ančerl Gold Edition
remastered in 24 bit sound Rec. Rudolfinum
Hall, Prague, August 1961. ADD
SUPRAPHON SU 3668-2 [69:16] [JPh]
Drama
and delicacy balanced perfectly …
the wonderful acoustic of the Rudolfinum,
enhances the performances, making
listening an absolute joy. … see
Full Review
Jules MASSENET (1842-1912)
Cendrillon (1896) Frederica
von Stade (mezzo) Cendrillon; Nicolai
Gedda (tenor) Prince Charmant; Jane
Berbié (soprano) Madame de
la Haltière; Jules Bastin (bass)
Pandolfe; Ruth Welting (soprano) La
Fée; Teresa Cahill (soprano)
Noémie; Elizabeth Bainbridge
(mezzo) Dorothée; Claude Méloni
(tenor) Le Roi, La Voix du Héraut;
Paul Crook (tenor) Le Doyen de la
Faculté; Christian du Plessis
(baritone) Le Surintendant des Plaisirs;
John Noble (baritone) Le Premier Ministre
Ambrosian Opera Chorus; Philharmonia
Orchestra ADD /Julius Rudel Rec All
Saints Church, London, in 1978.
SONY CLASSICAL SM2K91178
[two discs: 136’33: 71’18 + 65’15]
[CC]
This
set positively sparkles with joy …
this is a Recording of the Month if
ever there was one. … see Full
Review
Jean
SIBELIUS (1865-1957)
The Symphonies CD1 Symphony No.
1 in E minor, Op. 39 (1899) Symphony
No. 3 in C major, Op. 52 (1904–1907)
Finlandia Op. 26 (1899–1900)
CD2 Symphony No. 2 in D major, Op.
43 (1901) [44.10] Symphony No. 4 in
A minor, Op. 63 (1911) [35.48] CD3
Symphony No. 5 in E flat Op. 82 (1914)
[31.14] Karelia Suite Op. 11
(1893) [14.55] Pohjola’s Daughter
Op. 49 (1906) [11.51] The Bard
Op. 64 (1913) [7.58] CD4 Symphony
No. 6 (1923) [27.01] Symphony No.
7 (1924) [21.19] Tapiola (1926)
[15.42]
City of Birmingham Symphony Orchestra/Sakari
Oramo rec. Symphony Hall, Birmingham,
7-12 Jan 2002 (CD1), 29 May - 1 June
2000 (CD2), 17-19 Apr 2001 (CD3),
6-8 Jan 2003 (CD4)
WARNER ERATO 2564 60294-2 [4
CDs: 75.15+80.00+66.35+64.22] [RB]
[JPh]
If you like
your Sibelius served ablaze rather
than cool then Oramo is the man for
you. Magnificent in 2, 5, 6, 7 and
Pohjola. Never less than thoughtful
and often provocative ... see Full
Review
LEOPOLD
STOKOWSKI - Decca Recordings 1965-1972
DECCA ORIGINAL MASTERS
LIMITED EDITION 475 145-2 [5CDs:
78.14+69.48+75.33+65.13+80.38] [RB]
A
landmark set in a limited edition.
Sybaritic opulence at its zenith with
an OTT recording system to match.
Gorgeous? ... I should say! ... see
Full
Review
Pyotr
Ilyich TCHAIKOVSKY (1840-1893)
Iolanta (1892) -
opera in eight scenes, an introduction
and finale [92.24] Olga Myktenko (sop)
- Iolanta Benno Schollum (bass) -
King René of Provence Andrey
Grigoryev (bar) - Robert Piotr Beczala
(ten) - Count Vaudémont Vladimir
Krassov (bar) - Ibn-Hakia Roman Muravitsky
- Alméric Nikolai Didenko -
Bertrand Nina Romanova - Martha Bella
Kabanova - Brigitte Moscow Chamber
Choir/Vladimir Minin
Tchaikovsky Symphony Orchestra
of Moscow Radio/Vladimir Fedoseyev
Alla Demidova reads from Pushkin's
Eugene Onegin interspersed
with scenes from Tchaikovsky's opera
(sung by Maria Gavrilova (sop), Irina
Chistiakova (mezzo), Sergej Murzayev
(bar), Albert Shagidullin (bar), Vitaly
Tarashchenko (ten)). [48.00] rec.
live, 13 March 2002, Grand Hall, Moscow
Conservatory (Iolanta); live,
24 May 1999, Pushkin Concert, 24 May
1999, Great Hall, Moscow Conservatory
(readings).
RELIEF CR991074 [68.38+70.36]
[RB]
Wonderful
- a most accomplished and life-imbued
version of Iolanta. A top recommendation
... see Full
Review
MY
LOVE Malena Ernman (mezzo-soprano)
Gioacchino ROSSINI
(1792-1868) Il Barbiere di Siviglia:
Una voce poco fa Georges
BIZET (1838-1875) Carmen:
L’amour est un oiseau rebelle (Habanera),
Près des remparts de Séville
(Seguidilla) Maurice
RAVEL (1875-1937) Vocalise-étude
en forme de Habanera Michel
LEGRAND (b. 1932) The summer
knows Wolfgang
Amadeus MOZART (1756-1791)
Le Nozze di Figaro: Non sò
più cosa son, cosa faccio,
Voi che sapete, Abendempfindung
an Laura Franz
SCHUBERT (1797-1828) Die
Sterne, D.939, Im Frühling, D.882,
Heidenröslein, D.257, Litanei,
D.343 Duke
ELLINGTON (1899-1974) Heaven*,
Come Sunday*, Almighty God, My Love
Nils LINDBERG
(b.1933) Shall I compare thee
to a summer’s day? Bo
NILSSON (b.1937) Vals i
mejram, Röda höst, Det finns
ju faktiskt telefon*
Malena Ernman (mezzo-soprano),
Mats Bergström (guitar), with
*Magnus Lindgren clarinet/flute) and
Hans Backenroth (double bass) All
works arranged by Mats Bergström,
the first two Bo Nilsson pieces after
arrangements by Stefan Nilsson Recorded
April and June 2002 at Länna
Church, Sweden
BIS-NL-CD-5020 [67:45] [CH]
Malena
Ernman is second to none among today’s
mezzos and the originality of her
programme planning ensures that each
disc is a special event. … see Full
Review
CURIOSITY
OF THE MONTH Hornroh
Zirp
Das Alphorn danasch [1:15] Kaamor
[4:56] Purup [1:16] Dr’ Schlipfer
[4:16] Rothko Room [3:04] Flüchting
[2:06] Serpent tacere [4:39] Adieu
O(h) W(eh) [2:17] Arb [7:08] Ahjä
[3:18] Flugs [3:27] Choral [4:54]
Zirp [4:42] Fun Facile [6:41]
All compositions written and
arranged by Hornroh Recorded in July
2002 at Saalbau Aarau DDD
SUISA MGB CD 6195 [54:01] [PG]
If
you only buy one recording of new
music this year, you wouldn’t go wrong
by choosing this one; I cannot recommend
it highly enough. … see Full
Review
BARGAIN
OF THE MONTH
Dave
BRUBECK (b. 1920)
Chromatic Fantasy Sonata [29:05]
Five Pieces from ‘Two-Part Adventures’
[5:50] Tritonis [13:04] The Salmon Strikes
[3:06] Rising Sun [3:44]
John Salmon, PianoRecorded at the
School of Music, University of North
Carolina at Greensboro, USA on 22 September
and 13-14 October, 2002 DDD
NAXOS 8.559212 [54:48] [PG]
Performances
of highest caliber. truly excellent.
The music is a joy. The performance
is exquisite. Very highly recommended.
… see Full
Review
Joseph
HAYDN
(1732-1809) Piano
Sonata in G minor, Hob.XVI: 44 Piano
Sonata in G major, Hob.XVI: 40 Piano
Sonata in E minor, Hob.XVI: 34 Piano
Sonata in C major, Hob.XVI: 48 Piano
Sonata in C minor, Hob.XVI: 20
András Schiff (piano) Recorded
in Teldec Studio, Berlin, January, 1997
DDD
WARNER ELATUS 2564 60677-2 [73’45]
Even
in a crowded field, this is almost self-recommending.
… see
Full Review
Gustav
MAHLER (1860-1911)
Symphony No. 3 in D minor (1895-6)
Marjorie Thomas (Contralto) Tolzer Knabenchor
Symphonie-Orchester und Frauenchor des
Bayerischen Rundfunks/Rafael Kubelik
Recorded "live" in Herkules-Saal
in der Residenz, Munich, 20 April 1967
AUDITE 23.403 [2 CDs: 94.36] [TD]
This
is a firm recommendation for Mahler’s
Third and another gem in Audite’s Kubelik
releases. … see Full
Review
Nicolay
MYASKOVSKY (1881-1950)
Concerto for Violin and Orchestra
in D minor, Op. 44 (1938) [38:06] Mieczyław
VAINBERG (1919-1996) Concerto
for Violin and Orchestra in G minor,
Op. 67 (1961) [28:43]
Ilya Grubert, violin Russian Philharmonic
Orchestra, Dmitry Yablonsky, conductor
Recorded in Studio 5 of the Moscow State
Broadcasting and Recording House from
27 February to 5 March 2003. DDD
NAXOS 8.557194 [66:49] [KS]
Bold,
lyrical, rhythmic, charming, dramatic
and thought-provoking … some unusual
yet highly accessible delights. Go buy
and enjoy. … see Full
Review
Giacomo
PUCCINI (1858-1924)
Tosca (1900) Maria
Callas (Tosca), Giuseppe Di Stefano
(Cavaradossi), Tito Gobbi (Scarpia),
Franco Calabrese (Angelotti), Angelo
Mercuriali (Spoletta), Melchiorre Luise
(Sacristan), Dario Caselli (Sciarrone/Gaoler),
Alvaro Cordova (Shepherd),
Chorus and Orchestra of Teatro alla
Scala, Milan/Victor De Sabata Recorded
10th-14th, 16th and 18th-21st August
1953 in the Teatro alla Scala, Milan
NAXOS HISTORICAL 8.110256-57 [2
CDs: 42:35, 65:56] [CH]
This
mythical set lives up to its reputation
and sounds fine in this transfer. …
see Full
Review
Igor
STRAVINSKY (1882-1971)
Petrushka (1911, rev. 1947) [34’11].
Le sacre du printemps (1913,
rev. 1947) [32’42].
Czech Philharmonic Orchestra/Karel
Ančerl. Rec. Dvořák Hall of
Rudolfinum, Prague, in March 1962 (Petrushka)
and March 1963 (Le sacre). ADD
SUPRAPHON KAREL ANČERL GOLD EDITION
SU3665-2 [67’05] [CC]
A
remarkable document that should be heard
without delay. … see Full
Review
March
RECORDINGS
OF THE MONTH
William
ALWYN (1905-1985)
Concerto Grosso No. 2 in
G (1948) [15’27]. Autumn Legend
for Cor anglais and String Orchestraa
(1954) [12’18]. Lyra Angelicab
(Concerto for Harp and String Orchestra)
(1953/4) [31’29] 
aGeoffrey Browne (cor anglais);
bOsian Ellis (harp) London
Philharmonic Orchestra/William Alwyn.
No rec. info given. ADD
LYRITA RECORDED EDITION SRCD230
[59’17] [JW]
Of
all the Alwyn discs from Lyrita, this
is surely the most special. … see
Full Review
William
BLANK
(b.1957) Trio
à cordes (1997) [18.28]
Trio Contrechamps: Isabelle Magneat,
v; Ruth Killius, vla; Daniel Haefliger,
vc. Recorded live by Radio Suisse
Romande in Geneva, 14 March 1998 Anacrousis
pour percussion solo (2001) [18.47]
Michael Tschamper, percussion Recorded
in Geneva, Switzerland, 15 July 2002
Cris pour piano et ensemble
(1999) [21.05] David Lively, Piano;
Ensemble Contrechamps/William Blank.
Recorded live at Maison de la Radio,
Geneva, Swizerland, 2 April 2000 Ebbe(n)
pour grand orchestra (2000) [19.07]
Orchestre de la Suisse Romande/Fabio
Luisi Recorded live in Victoria Hall,
Geneva, Switzerland, 11 October 2001
Notes in Français, Deutsch,
English. Photo of composer and artists.
Co-production of Radio Suisse Romande
and Espace 2
MUSIQUES GRAMMONT PORTRAIT MGB
CTS-M 79 [77.17] [PSh]
Very
fine music by an unfamiliar name,
but one that will most likely become
more familiar to all of us in the
near future ... see Full
Review
Samuel
COLERIDGE-TAYLOR
(1875-1912)
Violin Concerto in G minor Op.
80 (1911) [31:25] * Antonín
DVOŘÁK (1841-1904)
Violin Concerto in A minor Op. 53
(1882) [31:02]
Philippe Graffin, violin Johannesburg
Philharmonic Orchestra/Michael Hankinson
* world premiere recording rec. studio,
19, 23 Oct 2003 (Coleridge-Taylor),
live at dress rehearsal and concert
17 Oct 2003 (Dvořák), Linder
Auditorium, University of the Witwatersrand
Education Campus, Johannesburg, South
Africa. DDD
AVIE AV 0044 [62:43] [RB]
Powerfully
memorable store of whistleable tunes
sweetly sung and set down by Avie
.... see Full
Review
George
Frideric HANDEL (1685-1759)
Trio Sonatas op. 2 Sonata in g
minor, op. 2, 6* (HWV 391) [09:09]
Sonata in F, op. 2, 4* (HWV 389) [12:02]
Sonata in g minor, op. 2, 5* (HWV
390) [10:47] Sonata in b minor, op.
2, 1** (HWV 386b) [11:29] Sonata in
g minor, op. 2, 2* (HWV 387) [10:25]
Sonata in B flat, op. 2, 3* (HWV 388)
[11:14]
Sonnerie: Monica Huggett, Emilia Benjamin*,
violin; Joseph Crouch, cello; Matthew
Halls, harpsichord, organ; Wilbert
Hazelzet**, transverse flute Recorded
October 2002 at Saint Silas Church,
Kentish Town, London, UK. DDD
AVIE AV0033 [65:56] [JV]
I
strongly recommend this excellent
performance of some of Handel’s greatest
chamber music ... see Full
Review
Jean-Philippe
RAMEAU (1683-1764)
Platée
Paul Agnew (Platée)
Mireille Delunsch (La Folie / Thalie)
Yann Beuron (Thespis / Mercure) Vincent
Le Texier (Jupiter) Doris Lamprecht
(Junon) Laurent Naouri (Cithéron,
un Satyre) Valérie Gabail (L’Amour
/ Clarine) Franck Leguerinel (Momus)
Les Musiciens du Louvre-Grenoble/Marc
Minkowski Choreography: Laura Scozzi
Rec: February 2002, Opéra National
de Paris au Palais Garnier Sound format:
Dolby Digital 5.0, DTS 5.0, LPCM stereo
Subtitle languages: GB, D, F, ES,
IT Picture format: 16:9 and 4:3 Picture
standard: PAL Region code: 2  TDK
DV-OPPLT [150 mins] [KM]
I
cannot praise this DVD enough - the
music, singing, and performances are
impeccable. ... see Full
Review
Franz
SCHUBERT (1797-1828)
Winterreise
Matthias Goerne (baritone) Alfred
Brendel (piano)8 and 10 October 2003
(Live concerts) Wigmore Hall, London
DECCA CLASSICS 467 092-2 [75.32]
[ME]
This
performance is as close to perfection
as any human creation can possibly
be. ... see Full
Review
Robert
SCHUMANN (1810-1856)
The Four Symphonies Symphony No.
1 Spring (1841) [30.40] Symphony
No. 2 (1846) [34.38] Symphony No.
3 Rhenish (1850) [31.51] Symphony
No. 4 (1841 rev. 1851) [29.27]
Staatskapelle Berlin/Daniel Barenboim
rec. 12-14 March 2003, Studio 1 NLG,
Berlin. DDD
TELDEC CLASSICS 2564 61179-2
2 [72.39+67.14] [JPh]
Very,
very attractive, and played superbly.
... see Full
Review
Richard
STRAUSS (1864-1949):
Der Rosenkavalier - opera
in three acts libretto by Hugo von
Hofmannsthal The Feldmarschallin,
Princess Werdenberg: Maria Reining
(soprano) Baron Ochs auf Lerchenau:
Jaro Prohaska (baritone) Octavian:
Jarmila Novotná (soprano) Herr
von Faninal: Georg Hann (baritone)
Sophie, his daughter: Hilde Güden
(soprano) Marianne, Sophie’s duenna:
Stefanie Holeschofsky (soprano) Valzacchi,
an intriguer: Peter Klein (tenor)
Annina, his partner: Dagmar Hermann
(contralto) The Major-Domo to the
Feldmarschallin: William Wernigk (tenor)
An Attorney: Alfred Muzzarelli (bass)
An Italian Singer: Helge Rosvaenge
(tenor) Police Inspector: Georg Monthy
(bass) Innkeeper: William Wernigk
(tenor) Choir of the Vienna State
Opera
Vienna Philharmonic Orchestra/George
Szell Recorded by Sendergruppe "Rotweissrot"
at a performance in the Festspielhaus,
Salzburg 29 August 1949 (Archive of
Austrian Radio ORF) Der Rosenkavalier:
excerpts Excerpts from Act 1:
Introduction [3’04"]; "Wie
du warst! Wie du bist!" [3’45"];
"Warum ist Tag?" [4’31"];
"Der Feldmarschall sitzt im krowatischen
Wald…" [6’32"]; "Da
geht er hin…"[4’27"]; "Ach,
du bist wieder da!" [1’59"];
"Die Zeit, die ist ein sonderbar
Ding." [10’28"] Excerpts
from Act 2: "im dieser feierlichen
stunde…" [3’21"]; "Mir
ist die Ehre widerfahren…" [7’56"];
"Wart, i hau’ dich z’samm…"
[6’41"] Excerpts from Act 3:
"Weiss bereits nicht…" [5’32"];
"Mein Gott, es war nicht mehr
als eine Farce." [6’30"];
"Marie Theres’!" [8’31"];
"Ist ein Traum, kann nicht wirklich
sein…" [3’01"] The Feldmarschallin,
Princess Werdenberg; Lotte Lehmann
(soprano) Baron Ochs auf Lerchenau:
Richard Mayr (baritone) Octavian:
Maria Olszewska (soprano) Herr von
Faninal: Victor Madin (baritone) Sophie,
his daughter: Elisabeth Schumann (soprano)
Marianne, Sophie’s duenna: Anne Michalsky
(soprano) Valzacchi, an intriguer:
Hermann Gallos (tenor) Annina, his
partner: Bella Paalen (contralto)
Choir of the Vienna State Opera
Vienna Philharmonic Orchestra/Robert
Heger Recorded in the Konzerthaus,
Vienna 20-24 September 1933 Source:
HMV DB2060/72 Matrix: 2WX581/606
ANDANTE AND 3985 [4 CDs: 65’53"+53’55"+54’56"+76’18"]
[JQ]
Recommended
wholeheartedly to all who love the
music of Richard Strauss and this
wonderful opera in particular ...
a marvellous, human and glorious score
... see Full
Review
William
Brocklesby WORDSWORTH (1908-1988)
Symphonies: No. 2 in D, Op. 34
(1947/8) [43’45]; No. 3 in C, Op.
48 (1948) [27’20].
London Philharmonic Orchestra/Nicholas
Braithwaite. No rec. info given. DDD
LYRITA RECORDED EDITION SRCD207
[71’05] [CC]
The
performances are eloquent in the extreme
and represent a most persuasive document.
Much of this music is either lively
or lovely (sometimes both) … Do try
to hear this disc. … see Full
Review
Nancy
Ambrose King plays Oboe Concertos
Wolfgang
Amadeus MOZART (1756-1791)
Oboe Concerto in C K314 (1777)
[20.49] Eugene
GOOSSENS (1893-1962) Oboe
Concerto in One Movement (1927) [11.52]
Ralph VAUGHAN WILLIAMS
(1872-1958) Concerto for Oboe
and Strings in A minor (1944) [18.32]
Bohuslav
MARTINŮ (1890-1959) Concerto
for Oboe and Small Orchestra (1955)
[17.18]
Nancy Ambrose King (oboe) Janacek
Philharmonic Orchestra/Jeremy Swerling
rec. Vitkovice Dum Kulture, Ostrava,
Czech Republic, 5-7 Sept 2000, 7 Jan
2002. DDD
CALA CACD1035 [68.66] [RB]
This
is the only collection of these works.
For those having a taste for oboe
and orchestra the choice is clear.
All concerned can take a well-deserved
bow for this one. Classic stuff. ...
see Full
Review
Puccini
Passion Giacomo
PUCCINI (1858-1924) Le
Villi ‘Se come voi piccini.’
Edgar ‘Adio mia dolce’
Manon Lescaut ‘Il quelle
trine morbide’; ‘Sola, perduta, abbandonata’
La Boheme ‘Si, mi chiamano
Mimi’. ‘Quando me’n vo’. ‘Donde lieta
usci’ Tosca ‘Vissi d’arte’
Madama Butterfly ‘Un
bel di vedremo’. ‘Che tua madre dovrà’.
‘Con onor muore’ La Rondine
‘Chi il bel sogno di Doretta’. ‘Ore
dolci e divine’ Suor Angelica
‘Senza Mamma’ Gianni
Schicchi ‘O mio babbino caro’
Turandot ‘Signore, ascolta’.
‘Tu che di gel sei cinta’ E
l’uccellino Sole e amore Cheryl
Barker (soprano) Orchestra Victoria/Richard
Bonynge Rec. South Melbourne Town
Hall, Australia
MELBA MR-301085 [63:34] [RJF]
A
highly skilled and committed singer
who gives her all ... a very individual
vibrant lyric soprano conveying much
emotion ...as satisfying a disc of
this demanding repertoire as I have
heard in a long time. ... see Full
Review
Great Conductors of the 20th Century:
Hermann
Scherchen Ludwig
van BEETHOVEN (1770 - 1827)
Coriolan Overture, op.
62: (1807) [8.05] Vienna State Opera
Orchestra (mono June 1954) Symphony
no.8 in F, op. 93 (1812) [23.20] Royal
Philharmonic Orchestra (mono 30 Sept
1954) Igor
STRAVINSKY (1882 - 1971) L’Oiseau
de Feu (1910): Suite (1919) [19.50]
Royal Philharmonic Orchestra (mono
September 1954) Arnold
SCHOENBERG (1874 - 1951) Suite
in the Old Style (G Major) for
Strings (1935) [17.43] Berlin Radio
Symphony Orchestra (stereo 1 September
1959) Carl
ORFF (1895 - 1982)
after William
BYRD (1543 - 1623) Entrata
(1940) [8.35] Vienna State Opera Orchestra
(stereo 17 November 1960) Emil
Nikolaus von REZNIČEK
(1860 - 1945) Donna Diana:
Overture (1894) [5.38] Vienna State
Opera Orchestra (stereo June 1957)
Franz Joseph
HAYDN (1732 - 1809) Symphony
in G, Hob 1:100 "Military"
(1794) [23.06] Vienna State Opera
Orchestra (stereo July 1958) Johannes
BRAHMS (1833 - 1897) Symphony
no. 1 in c, op. 68 (1876) [44.14]
Vienna State Opera Orchestra
(mono October 1952) Vienna Recordings
made in the Mozart-Saal, Konzerthaus,
Vienna, Austria. (1952-60) British
recordings made in the Walthamstow
Town Hall, London, UK (1954) German
radio recording made in Lankwitz Studio,
Berlin, September 1959. Hermann Scherchen
conducting
Recordings are monophonic except the
Schoenberg, Byrd/Orff, Rezniček
and Haydn. AAD
EMI CLASSICS IMG ARTISTS 7243 5 75956
2 9 [78.26 + 73.23] [CH]
I
don’t think you could doubt that a
great conductor and an original, enquiring
mind was in charge of every track
here. ... see Full
Review
BARGAIN
OF THE MONTH
Ludwig
van BEETHOVEN (1770-1827)
Missa Solemnis, for soloists,
chorus and orchestra Op. 123 Lori Phillips
(soprano) Robynne Redmon (mezzo-soprano)
James Taylor (tenor) Jay Baylon (bass-baritone)
Mary Kathryn van Osdale (violin)
Nashville Symphony Orchestra and Chorus/Kenneth
Schermerhorn Recorded at the Ingram
Hall, Blair School of Music, Vanderbilt
University, Nashville, USA, 21-22 April
2003. DDD
NAXOS 8.557060 [77:11] [MC]
Naxos
have struck gold with this release.
A truly awe-inspiring performance. Outstanding!
... see Full
Review
Anton
BRUCKNER (1824 - 1896)
Symphony No. 3 in D minor Wagner
Symphony (1877) Adagio from
Symphony No. 3 in D minor (1876)
Symphony No. 3 in D minor (1889)
New Philharmonic Orchestra of Westphalia/Johannes
Wildner.recorded in the Festspielhaus
Recklinghausen, Germany, October 2001
- January 2002. DDD
NAXOS 8.555928-29 [127’29"]
[JPh]
Superb
performances of the different versions
… many will enjoy these immensely …
Well done Naxos, give us more like this!
… see Full
Review
Paul
CRESTON (1906-1985)
Toccata Op. 68 (1957) [13:42]
Symphony No. 5 Op. 64 (1955) [25:34]
Out of the Cradle Op. 5 (1932)
[10:32] Partita Op. 12 (1935)
[16:35] Invocation and Dance Op.
58 (1953) [13:17]
Scott Goff (flute) Ilkka Talvi (violin)
Seattle Symphony Orchestra/Gerard Schwarz
Rec. Seattle Center Opera House, 1991-1992
NAXOS 8.559153 [79:42] [RB]
A
cracking disc - combining exuberant
high optimism with triumphantly lyrical
tenderness. Creston’s generosity of
spirit sings its lyrical heart out …
see Full
Review
Arthur
Grumiaux - Historic
Philips Recordings 1953-1962 Wolfgang
Amadeus MOZART (1756-1791) Violin
Concerto No. 1 in B flat major K207
Violin Concerto No. 2 in D major K211
Arthur Grumiaux (violin) Vienna Symphony
Orchestra/Bernhard Paumgartner, recorded
1954-55 Violin Concerto No. 3 in G major
K216 Violin Concerto No. 4 in D major
K218 Arthur Grumiaux (violin) Vienna
Symphony Orchestra/Rudolf Moralt, recorded
1953 Violin Concerto No. 5 in A major
K219 Violin Concerto in D major K271i
Arthur Grumiaux (violin) Vienna Symphony
Orchestra/Bernhard Paumgartner, recorded
1954 Claude
DEBUSSY (1862-1918) Violin
Sonata in G minor Maurice
RAVEL (1875-1937) Violin
Sonata in G major, Pièce en forme
de Habanera arr. Catherine Gabriel
FAURÉ (1845-1924) Violin
Sonata No. 1 in A major Op. 13, Les
Berceaux Op.23 No. 1 Pablo
de SARASATE (1844-1908) Zigeunerweisen
Op. 20 Joseph-Hector
FIOCCO (1703-1741) Allegro
from Pièces de Clavecin Op. 1
arr. H. Bent and N. O’Neill Enrique
GRANADOS (1867-1916) Andaluza
(Danzas Españolas Op. 37 No.
5) arr. Kreisler Isaac
ALBÉNIZ (1860-1909) Tango
Op. 165 No.2 arr. Kreisler Arthur Grumiaux
(violin) István Hajdu (piano)
Recorded 1962 Edouard
LALO (1823-1892) Symphonie
Espagnole in D minor Op. 21 Ernest
CHAUSSON (1855-1899) Poème
Op.25 Maurice
RAVEL (1875-1937) Tzigane
Camille SAINT-SAËNS
(1835-1921) Introduction et Rondo
Capriccioso Op.28 Havanaise Op.38 Arthur
Grumiaux (violin)/Orchestre des Concerts
Lamoureux/Jean Fournet, recorded 1954
and 1956 Felix
MENDELSSOHN (1809-1847) Violin
Concerto in E minor Op.64 Arthur Grumiaux
(violin) Vienna Symphony Orchestra/Rudolf
Moralt, recorded 1954 Niccolò
PAGANINI (1782-1840) Violin
Concerto No.4 in D minor
Arthur Grumiaux (violin)/Orchestre des
Concerts Lamoureux/Franco Gallini, recorded
1954 I Palpiti Op.13 arr. Kreisler Le
Streghe Op.8 arr. Kreisler
Arthur Grumiaux (violin) Riccardo
Castagnone (piano) Recorded 1958
PHILIPS ORIGINAL MASTERS LIMITED EDITION
473 104-2 [5 CDs 64.09 + 70.19
+ 76.48 + 71.04 + 76.20] [JW]
I
have little but praise for this elegantly
designed and life-enhancing collection.
A boon to Grumiaux’s admirers opening
up compelling perspectives on his subtle
but flexible music making. … see Full
Review
Joseph
HAYDN (1732-1809)
Die sieben letzten Worte unseres
Erlosers am Kreuze, H.XX: 2 (1786)
(The Seven Last Words of Christ on the
Cross) - oratorio for soloists, chorus
and orchestra
Arnold Schoenberg Choir Concentus
musicus Wien/Nikolaus Harnoncourt Recorded
at the Casino Zogernitz, Vienna, Austria
in October 1990, DDD
WARNER CLASSICS ELATUS 2564 60808-2
[62:43] [MC]
This
Elatus release is one of the finest
recordings of any choral works in the
catalogues. Indispensable Haydn, indispensable
music! ... see Full
Review
Olivier
MESSIAEN (1908-1992)
La Transfiguration de Notre
Seigneur Jésus-Christ (1965-1969)
Yvonne Loriod, piano Arturo Muruzabal,
cello Martine van der Loo, flute Harmen
de Boer, clarinet Peter Prommel, marimba
Ruud Stotÿn, vibraphone Henk de
Vlieger, xylorimba
Ludwig van Gijsegem, tenor Reiner Holthaus,
baritone Choir of the BRT, Brussels
Groot Omroepkoor and the Radio Symphonie
Orkest, Hilversum/Reinbert de Leeuw
Recorded live, Great Hall, Concertgebouw,
Amsterdam, 29 June 1991. DDD
NAÏVE - DISQUES MONTAIGNE MO 782170
[2CDs: 100:01] [KS]
I
encourage all lovers of music, regardless
of experience or knowledge, to invest
in this recording - it is bargain price.
Opportunities to hear this music very
rare; to walk away not having experienced
it at all would be a loss indeed. ...
see Full
Review
John
TAVENER (b.1944) - A Portrait
CD1 In Alium
– Section A (1968) To a Child
Dancing in the Wind (1983) - Movement
1: He wishes for the Cloths of Heaven
The Lamb (1982); The Tyger
(1987) Ikon of Light (1984):
Movement 1: FOS 1, DOXA Movement
2: Piu Intensita, Mandelion
for organ (1981) (extract) Chant
for guitar (extract) (1984) Ikon
of St. Cuthbert of Lindisfarne (extract)
The Protecting Veil (1989), Section
1 Mary of Egypt (1991) – Act
III: Bless Duet, Akhmatova Songs,
Diódia for string quartet
(1997) (extracts) Song for Athene
(1993) CD2 Zodiacs for piano
(1997) Prayer of the Heart (1999)
Ikon of Eros (2000): Movement
2: Eρωη (Eros) Mother
and Child (2002) (extract) John
Tavener Reflects………A Recorded Interview
NAXOS 8.558152-53 [79:31+75:55]
[GPJ]
Of
incalculable value to those wanting
to come to terms with this sometimes
perplexing yet undeniably significant
figure in the world of modern music.
… see Full
Review
Evgeny
Kissin in Concert Pyotr
Ilyich TCHAIKOVSKY (1840-1893)
Piano Concerto No. 1 in B flat minor
Op. 23 St. Petersburg Academic Symphony
Orchestra/Valery Gergiev Dmitri
SHOSTAKOVICH (1906-1975) Concerto
for Piano, Trumpet and Orchestra in
C minor Op. 35 Bernard Soustrot, trumpet;
St. Petersburg Chamber Orchestra/Vladimir
Spivakov Recorded 30 March 1987 (Tchaikovsky)
26 December 1988 (Shostakovich) Fryderyk
CHOPIN (1810-1849) Piano
Concerto No. 1 in E minor Op. 11 Piano
Concerto No. 2 in F minor Op. 21 Moscow
Philharmonic Orchestra/Dmitri Kitaenko
[Recorded ?27 March 1984] Franz
LISZT (1811-1886) Waldesrauschen
La Leggierezza Liebestraum No. 3 in
A flat major Hungarian Rhapsody No.
12 in C sharp minor Etude d’exécution
transcendante No. 10 in F minor "Appassionata"
Robert SCHUMANN
(1810-1856) Études
symphoniques Op. 13 Abegg Variations
Op. 1 Widmung (Transcription Franz Liszt)
Recorded 23 May 1983 and 26 February
1989 Fryderyk
CHOPIN (1810-1849) Waltz
No. 14 in E minor Op. Posth. Mazurka
in F minor Op. 63 No. 2 Mazurka in D
flat major Op. 30 No. 3 Mazurka in B
flat minor Op. 24 No. 4 Mazurka in F
minor Op. 68 No. 4 Mazurka in C sharp
minor Op. 50 No. 3 Fantasie in F minor
Op. 49 Piano Sonata No. 3 in B minor
Op. 58 Recorded 23 May 1984 and 26 February
1989
Evgeny Kissin (piano)
BRILLIANT CLASSICS 92118 [4 CDs
56.28+63.05+65.45+56.21] [RH]
A
testament to some remarkable pianism,
live recordings made of Kissin in his
teens, including the stupendous Chopin
piano concertos recorded when he was
12. ... see Full
Review
April
RECORDINGS
OF THE MONTH
Frank
BRIDGE (1879-1941)
Orchestral Works, Volume 4 Rebus
- Overture for Orchestra (1940)
[10:44] (premiere recording on CD)
Oration (Concerto elegiaco)
for solo cello and orchestra (1930)*
[29:16] Allegro moderato -
Fragment of a symphony for string
orchestra (1940-41) [13:24] (edited
by Anthony Pople) Lament for
string orchestra (Catherine, aged
9, 'Lusitania' 1915) (1915) [5:21]
A Prayer for chorus and orchestra
(1916-18)† [17:55]  Alban
Gerhardt (cello)* BBC National Chorus
of Wales † BBC National Orchestra
of Wales/Richard Hickox Rec. Brangwyn
Hall, Swansea, 13-14 May 2003
CHANDOS CHAN 10188 [77:00] [RB]
An
extraordinarily rewarding series now
celebrated in a fourth volume placing
the masterly tragic-elegiac Oration
alongside the busily loquacious Rebus,
the innocence of Lament and the transitional
but still independent-minded A Prayer....
see Full
Review
RECORDING OF THE MONTH The
Berkeley Edition: Volume Four Michael
BERKELEY (b. 1948) Concerto
for Organ and Orchestra Viola Concerto
(Revised version 1996) Lennox
BERKELEY (1903-1989) Voices
of the Night Op. 86 Symphony No. 2
(Revised version 1976)
Paul Silverthorne (viola) Thomas Trotter
(organ) BBC National Orchestra of
Wales/Richard Hickox Rec. St. David’s
Hall, Cardiff, May 2003 (Organ Concerto)
Brangwyn Hall, Swansea, May 2003 (other
works) DDD
CHANDOS CHAN 10167 [71:26] [CT]
Another
fine addition to the ongoing Chandos
Berkeley Edition ... see Full
Review
Les
Chemins d’Amour Francis
POULENC (1899-1963) Le
sommeil; Quelle aventure; La reine
de cśur; Ba, be, bi, bo, bu; Les anges
musiciens; Le carafon; Lune d’avril;
Violon; C’est ainsi que tu es; Dernier
poème; Les chemins d’amour
Claude DEBUSSY
(1862-1918) Chevaux de
bois; Beau soir; Fleurs des blés;
Rondel chinois; Nuit d’étoiles
Henri DUPARC
(1848-1933) Extase; Au
pays où se fait la guerre;
Chanson triste; Soupir; Le manoir
de Rosemonde; Elégie; Phidylé;
L’invitation au voyage
Olga Pasiecznik (soprano), Ewa
Pobłocka (piano) Recorded at
the National Philharmonic Concert
Hall, Warsaw, 5th-6th
January and 25th-26th
February 2002
CD ACCORD ACD 078-2 [68:13] [CH]
It
would be difficult to imagine a better
duo partnership for this music, in
whose hands it wafts in and out of
the consciousness as a perfect musical
equivalent of Marcel Proust. ... see
Full Review
Toivo
KUULA (1883-1918)
Finnish Songs Syystunnelma
(Autumn Mood), Tuijotin tulehen kauan
(Long stared I into the Fire), Aamulaulu
(Morning song), Kesäyö kirkomaalla
(Summer Night in the Churchyard),
Epilogi, Suutelo(the Kiss), Marjatan
Laulu (Marhatta’s Song), Sinikan Laulu
(Sinika’s Song), Sinipiika (Blue Maiden),
Lauanta-Ilta (Saturday Evening), Jääkukkia
(Ice Flowers), Vanha Syyslaulu (Old
Autumn Song), Yö nummella (Night
on the Moor), Tule Armaani (Comer,
my Sweetheart), Inamdran Laulau (Imandra’s
Song),Purjein kuutamolla (Sailing
in the Moonlight). Leevi
MADETOJA (1887-1947) Syksy-Sarja
(Autumn Song Cycle) Syksy (Autumn),
Lähtö (The Departure), Luulit,
ma katselin sua (You thought I was
watching you), Hyvää yötä
( Good Night), Lintu sininen (Bluebird),
Ijät hyrskyjä päin
(Ever against the Breakers)
Kirsi Tiihonen, (soprano), Satu Salminen
(piano). Recorded Järvenpää
Hall, Järvenpää , Finland,
25-27 August 1996. DDD
MARCO POLO 8.225177 [74.11] [AO]
This
fascinating conjunction of nostalgia
and forward thinking provides us with
some beautifully evocative mood music.
... see Full
Review
DISCOVERY OF THE MONTH Johann
Joachim QUANTZ (1697-1773)
Concerto in G minor for two flutes,
strings and bc: Allegro [6.17]; Amoroso
[4.18]; Presto [4.56] Concerto in
G major for two flutes, strings and
bc (No.89): Spiritoso e larghetto
[2.42]; Allegro [3.46]; Grave [1.59];
Allegro assai [3.46] Concerto in D
major for flute, strings and bc (No.82):
Allegro di molto-Adagio-Allegro [7.32];
Un poco andante e cantabile [4.49];
Allegro [4.56] Concerto in G major
for flute, strings and bc (No161):
Allegro [5.58]; Arioso mesto [5.56];
Allegro Vivace [4.12]
Josep-Francesc Palou – flute Claudi
Arimany - flute Hungarian Virtuosi
Chamber Orchestra Rec. Aug 2002, L’Auditori
del Conservatori de Palma de Mallorca
COLUMNA MUSICA 1CM0109 [61.33]
[PW]
A
most welcome disc of stylish performances
of quite wonderful music and deserves
wide dissemination. ... see Full
Review
Valentin
SILVESTROV (b. 1937)Requiem
for Larissa (1997/9)
National Choir of Ukraine "Dumka"National
Symphony Orchestra of Ukraine/Volodymyr
Sirenko Recorded: Kiev, Ukraine, 2001
ECM New Series 1778 (472 112-2)
[52:32] . [HC]
Most
beautiful and deeply felt. Poignant
grief expressed with sincerity, honesty
and restraint ...A major work ...
one of the finest discs I have heard
recently. ... see
Full Review
Ralph
VAUGHAN WILLIAMS (1872-1958)
The Poisoned Kiss An opera
in three acts. Libretto by Evelyn
Sharp and Ralph Vaughan Williams
Soloists BBC National Orchestra
of Wales/Richard Hickox Rec. Brangwyn
Hall, Swansea, 3-6 January 2003 World
premiere recording
CHANDOS CHAN 10120 [2CDs: 57:56+58:03
= 115:59] [RB]
This
set now joins the strong representation
of RVW Hickox-conducted operas on
Chandos and provides undemanding delight,
witty repartee, romantic enchantment
- a serenade for a summer’s night
... see Full
Review
Fancy
That! John
DANKWORTH (b.1927) Suite
for Emma Leonard
BERNSTEIN (1917-1990) Sonata
for clarinet and piano Arthur
BENJAMIN (1893-1960) Le
Tombeau de Ravel Sergei
RACHMANINOV (1873-1943) Vocalise
Robert
MUCZYNSKI (b.1929) Time
Pieces André
PREVIN (b.1929) Passing
Fancy Fancy Passing
Alan Vivian, clarinet; Susanne Powell,
piano Recorded at Llewellyn Hall,
Canberra, ACT, Australia, August 1998
REVOLVE AJM1314 [66:12] [GPJ]
A
most distinguished disc, beautifully
planned and executed, and the recording
is ideal. ... see Full
Review
Piano
Music for Children Béla
BARTÓK (1881-1935) Four
pieces from Ten Easy Pieces
Igor STRAVINSKY
(1882-1971) Les Cinq
Doigts Sergei
PROKOFIEV (1891-1953) Music
for Children, op. 65 Dmitri
SHOSTAKOVICH (1906-1975) Children’s
Notebook, op.60 Aram
KHACHATURIAN (1903-1978) Pictures
from Childhood Aaron
COPLAND (1900-1990) Five
pieces from Piano Album Anton
WEBERN (1883-1945) Kinderstück
Béla
BARTÓK (1881-1935) Four
pieces from Mikrokosmos, Volume
6
Raymond Clarke, piano Recorded
on 16th December 2001 and
1st September 2001 at King’s
Hall, University of Newcastle-upon-Tyne
DIVINE ART 25022 [77:18] [GPJ]
I
don’t know whose idea this CD was,
but it was a brilliant one. More please!
... see Full
Review
BARGAIN
OF THE MONTH
Frederich Von FLOTOW (1812-1883)
Alessandro Stradella,
comic opera (1844) Stradella, Werner
Hollweg (ten); Leonore, Helen Donath
(sop); Bassi, Richard Kogel (bass);
Malvolio, Alexander Malta (bass); Barbarino,
Ferry Gruber (ten). Orchestra and Choir
of Bayerischen Radio/Heinz Wallberg
Rec. Germany, 1977, ADD Albert
LORTZING (1801-1851) Regina,
opera excerpts (1848) Simon, Gerhard
Frei (bar); Regina, Irmgard Klein (sop);
Stefan, Heinz Friedrich (bass); Richard,
Karl Heinz Stracke (ten).
Choir and Orchestra of Berlin Radio/Walter
Schartner Rec. Berlin, Germany, 1951,
ADD
GALA GL100.733 [63.38+75.03] [RW]
High-spirited
and refreshing with everyone responding
admirably. The handling of the nuances
of the Flotow is excellent. ... see
Full
Review
BARGAIN
OF THE MONTH Jean
SIBELIUS (1865 -
1957) The Complete Symphonies:-
Kullervo, Op. 7 (1892) (3)(f)†
[80.59] Symphony No. 1, Op. 39 (1898-9)
(1)(a) [39.34] Symphony No.
2, Op. 43 (1901-2) (1)(c)
[46.38] Symphony No. 3, Op. 52 (1904-7)
(2)(d) [30.17] Symphony No.
4, Op. 63 (1911) (1)(b) [37.18]
Symphony No. 5, Op. 82 (1914-9) (2)(d)
[30.17] Symphony No. 6, Op. 104 (1923)
(1)(c) [26.05] Symphony No.
7, Op. 105 (1924) (1)(e)
[22.51] Other Orchestral Works:-
En Saga, Op.9 (1892, rev. 1901)
(1)(e) [18.48] Karelia Suite,
Op.11 (1893) (3)(h)
[15.21] Rakastava, Op.
14 (1893) (1)(e) [14.40]
Lemminkäinen Suite, Op.
22 (1893-5) (4)(g)
[51.47] Finlandia, Op.
26 (1899-1900) (1)(c)
[9.00] Valse Triste,
Op. 44 (1904) (1)(c)
[6.04] Pohjola’s Daughter,
Op. 49 (1906) (4)(g)
[15.05] Night Ride and Sunrise,
Op. 55 (1907) (3)(h)
[17.01] The Bard, Op.
64 (1913-4) (4)(g)
[7.57] Tapiola, Op. 122
(1925-6) (2)(d) [18.29]
The Oceanides, Op.73 (1914) (3)(h)
[10.57]
Hillevi Martinpelto (sop.)†, Karl-Magnus
Fredriksson (bar.)† London Symphony
Chorus† London Symphony Orchestra/Sir
Colin Davis Rec. London: (1) Blackheath
Concert Halls, (2) Watford Town Hall,
(3) Walthamstow Assembly Hall, (4) Watford
Colosseum, (a) December 1994, (b) April
1994, (c) 12-13 December 1994, (d) 1-3
December 1992, (e) April/December 1994,
(f) November 1996, (g) 17-19 January
2000, (h) 13 February 1998
BMG/RCA RED SEAL 82876-55706-2 [7
CDs: 77.38 + 72.53 + 61.07 + 73.09 +
64.41 + 75.25 + 76.51 = 501'44] [PSe]
Sympathetic
recordings and vital performances of
revelatory interpretations, over 500
minutes of pure bliss for any lover
or learner of Sibelius. ... see Full
Review
Sir
Thomas Beecham (1879-
1961) - Great Conductors of the 20th
Century CD 1 Gioacchino
ROSSINI William Tell Overture
Antonín DVOŘÁK
Legend No. 2 Richard
WAGNER Das Rheingold - Entry
of Gods into Valhalla Wolfgang
Amadeus MOZART Divertimento
No. 15 Frederick
DELIUS Appalachia Carl
Maria von WEBER Der Freischütz
Overture CD 2 Nikolai
RIMSKY-KORSAKOV Antar Symphony
Felix MENDELSSOHN
Song without words Op. 102
Nos 2 and 3 Peter
Ilyich TCHAIKOVSKY Symphony
No. 4 George
Frideric HANDEL Amaryllis
Suite - Sarabande Edith Furmedge (soprano)
Margaret Field-Hyde (soprano) Sylvia
Patriss (alto) Gwladys Garside (mezzo-soprano)
Walter Widdop (tenor) George Chitty
(tenor) Theo Herrmann (bass) Cuthbert
Matthews (baritone) Cuthbert Matthews
(bar) (Delius) Royal Opera Amateur Chorus
(Delius) London Philharmonic Orchestra
(Rossini, Dvořák, Weber, Delius);
Royal Philharmonic Orchestra (rest)
Rec. mono and stereo (only I from Tchaikovsky)
- 1934-1958. ADD EMI CLASSICS/IMG
575938-2 [2CDs: ] [RB]
Some
very special music making here and invaluable
in its wholesale publication of many
previously unissued originals. A stunner.
... see Full
Review
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