ALPHABETICAL LISTING

Truls Mørk Collection CD1 [49:38] Joseph HAYDN (1732-1809) Cello Concerto in C major, Hob.VIIb:1 (1765) [24:13] Cello Concerto in D major, Hob.VIIb.2 (1783) [25:21] CD2 [58:08] Antonín DVOŘÁK (1841-1904) Cello Concerto in B minor, Op. 104 (1894) [39:29] Peter Ilyich TCHAIKOVSKY (1840-93) Variations on a rococo theme, Op. 96 (1877) [18:37] CD3 [72:04] Sergei PROKOFIEV (1891-1953) Sinfonia concertante in E minor, Op. 125 (1952) [40:57] Nicolai MIASKOVSKY (1881-1950) Cello Concerto in C minor, Op. 66 (1944) [31:05] CD4 [65:54] Dmitry SHOSTAKOVICH (1906-75) Cello Concerto No. 1, Op. 107 (1959) [30:13] Cello Concerto No. 2, Op. 126 (1966) [35:41] CD5 [64:40] Aaron Jay KERNIS (b. 1960) Colored Field for cello and orchestra (1994) [40:19] Musica Celestis for string orchestra [12:35] Air for cello and orchestra [11:46] Truls Mørk (cello) Norwegian Chamber Orchestra/Iona Brown (CD1), Oslo Philharmonic Orchestra/Mariss Jansons (CD2), City of Birmingham Symphony Orchestra/Paavo Järvi (CD3), London Philharmonic Orchestra/Mariss Jansons (CD4) and Minnesota Orchestra/Eiji Oue (CD5) recorded in the Uranienborg Church, Oslo, 25-28 September 1991 (Haydn); Konzerthus, Oslo, 12-14 May 1992 (Dvořák; Tchaikovsky); Symphony Hall, Birmingham, 1-3 February 1997 (Prokofiev; Miaskovsky); Abbey Road No 1 Studio, London, 10-11 March 1995 (Shostakovich); Orchestra Hall, Minneapolis, 17-22 April 2000 (Kernis) VIRGIN CLASSICS 4-82019-2 [5 CDs: 49:38 + 58:08 + 72:04 + 65:54 + 64:40] [PJL]

Some of these recordings are as good as you can buy at any price. ... see Full Review

Music from France and Spain Maurice RAVEL (1875-1937) Kaddisch (Deux Mélodies hébraïques) (1914) [4.21] Pièce en forme de Habanera (1907) [2.47] Manuel de FALLA (1876-1946) Danse Espagnole (La Vida Breve) – transcribed Maurice Gendron (1904-05) [3.39] Nana (1914-15) [2.15] Asturiana (1915) [1.50] Ritual Fire Dance (El Amor Brujo) transcribed Gregor Piatigorsky [3.19] Gabriel FAURÉ (1845-1924) Elégie Op.24 (1880) [5.23] Sicilienne Op.78 (1898) [3.00] Après un rêve [2.39] Enrique GRANADOS (1867-1916) Andaluza (Danzas Españolas) – transcribed Pablo Casals (1892-1900) [3.23] Intermezzo (Goyescas) arranged Gaspar Cassadò (1915) [4.02] Orientale (Danzas Españolas) (1892-1900)[2.38] Claude DEBUSSY (1862-1918) Reverie – transcribed R Ronchini (1890) [3.37] Second Ariette Oubliée - transcribed R Ronchini (1887) [2.48] Beau soir – transcribed Jamie Walton (1882) [2.07] Romance – transcribed A. Gretchaninoff (1891) [1.56] Gaspar CASSADÒ (1896-1966) Solo Suite Preludio Fantasia [4.56] Sardana (Danza) [3.29] Intermezzo e Danza Finale [4.42] Jamie Walton (cello) Daniel Grimwood (piano) Recorded Cadogan Hall, London, July 2004 SOMMCD 042 [63.20] [JW]

An attractive conspectus of Walton and Grimwood’s youthful reserve ... there’s always a place for polished reticence in this repertoire ... see Full Review

Pièces de Concert Antonio BAZZINI (1818-1897) La Ronde des Lutins op. 25 [4:57] Camille SAINT-SAËNS (1835-1921) Caprice en forme de valse Op. 52/6 [7:43] Nicolò PAGANINI (1782-1840) Cantabile [3:44] Johannes BRAHMS (1833-1897) / Joseph JOACHIM (1831-1907) Hungarian Dance No. 7 [1:41] Hungarian Dance No. 20 [2:55] Jenö HUBAY (1858-1937) Carmen. Fantasie brillante Andante moderato [3:23] Allegretto quasi andantino [1:43] Allegro moderato [3:26] Peter Ilyich TCHAIKOVSKY (1840-1893) Valse sentimentale Op. 51/6 [2:31] George GERSHWIN (1898-1937) Three Preludes – transcribed Jascha Heifetz * Prelude I [1:32] Prelude II [3:34] Prelude III [1:11] Miklós SKUTA (b.1960) Toccata [7:38] * Darius MILHAUD (1892-1974) Le bœuf sur le toit (Cinema-Fantasie) Animé [09:43] Cadence de Arthur Honegger [1:47] Un peu plus animé [6:33] Benjamin Schmid (violin) Lisa Smirnova (piano) Miklós Suta (piano) * Recorded February – July 2001 Schärding, Kabinsaal / Fallsbach, Catholic Church OEHMS CLASSICS OC 309 [64.59] [JW]

Variety as well as spice, lyric generosity as much as finger-busting virtuosity. ... see Full Review

Hermann Scherchen à Paris - Volume 1 Joseph HAYDN (1732-1809) Symphony No.104 London (1795) [26.58] Albert ROUSSEL (1869-1937) Symphony No.4 in A Op.53 (1934) [23.10] Ludwig van BEETHOVEN (1770-1827) Symphony No.2 in D Op.36 (1801-02) [32.18] Wolfgang Amadeus MOZART (1756-1791) Concerto for Flute and Harp in C K299/K297c (1778) [28.47] * Lily Laskine (harp) and Roger Bourdin (flute) Orchestre National de France/Hermann Scherchen Orchestre du Théâtre des Champs-Elysées*/Hermann Scherchen Recorded 29 October 1953 and recorded in the Théâtre des Champs-Elysées, 28 October 1953 * TAHRA TAH 526-27 [51.45 + 62.10] [JW]

There’s more than enough here to tempt – and there’s the Roussel as well, which is a peach. ... see Full Review

Severnside Composers’ Alliance - Inaugural Piano RecitalGeoffrey SELF (b. 1930) Sonatina 1 [6:41] Ivor GURNEY (1890-1937) Preludes (first set) F #; A minor; D b; D # minor; D. (1921) [8:31] Jolyon LAYCOCK (b. 1946) L’Abri Pataud [3:40] Richard BARNARD (b. 1977) On Erin Shore [3:47] Steven KINGS (b. 1962) Fingers pointing to the Moon [10:33] Ivor GURNEY (1890-1937) Preludes 2^nd set –Fragment; F minor; D; C; F # [4:19] Susan COPPARD (b. 1937) Round and Around (1995} [2:29] John PITTS (b. 1976) Aire 1; Fantasy 1; Fantasy 5. [9:41] James PATTEN (b. 1936) Nocturne 3; Nocturne 4. [8:57] Sulyen CARADON (b. 1942) Dorian Dirge [2:12] Ivor GURNEY (1890-1937 ) Preludes 3^rd set C minor; F sharp (unfinished). (1924) [4:16] Raymond WARREN (b. 1928) Monody; Chaconne. [12:04] Peter Jacobs (piano) Recorded on 23^rd February 2005 Venue unknown. Dates of compositions given where known/indicated. DUNELM DRDO238 [78.22] [JF]

Buy this CD for the Ivor Gurney Preludes. But do not ignore the contributions from a number of these Severnside Composers. ... see Full Review

Sona Shaboyan: Piano Music from Armenia (World Premiere Recordings) KOMITAS (b. Soghomon SOGHOMONIAN) (1869-1935) Three Dances for Piano: 1 Erangi - Dance from Erivan (Imitation of a tambourine) [03:41]; 2 Marali - Dance from Shush (Imitation of a "dapp") [01:21]; 3 Shushiki - Dance from Vagarshapat (Imitation of tambourine and "dapp") [01:31] Aram KATCHACHURIAN (1903-1978) Toccata [04:13]Robert ANDREASIAN (1913-1986) Arrangements for piano of songs by Komitas: 1 Garun [04:17]; 2 Hoi Nazan [01:52]; 3 Dzirani tzar [04:25]; 4 Kiamantcha [02:34]; 5 Jes mi garib Blbuli pes [03:47] Georgy SARADIAN (1919-1986)
Arrangement of a song by Komitas: Krunk [04:46] Alexander ARUTIUNIAN (b.1920) Evening in Ararat Valley [03:31]; Soldiers´ Dance [02:20]; Arno BABACHANIAN (1921-1983) Vagarshapat Dance [02:58] Six Pictures: 1 Improvisation [03:04]; 2 Folk Song [01:53]; 3 Little Toccata [02:17]; 4 Intermezzo [01:52]; 5 Chorale [03:18]; 6 Sassun Dance [02:53] Eduard MIRSOYAN (b.1921) Poem [05:48] Ruben SARGSIAN (b.1945) Reverence to Komitas: No. 3 [00:53]; No. 4 [01:29]; No. 7 [02:35];
world premiere recordings Sona Shaboyan (piano) rec. Hardstudiois, Switzerland, 2005? DDD OEHMS CLASSICS OC 374 [68:02] [RB}

Armenian folk music reacts with a landscape of twentieth century techniques from an oriental brand of lyric consonance to melodic disruption and dysjunct gestural drama.. ... see Full Review

Giuseppe Di STEFANO - La bella voce di tenore Giacomo PUCCINI (1858-1924) Tosca: "Recondita armonia’; Tosca: “E lucevan le stele”; La Bohème: “Che gelida manina” Francesco CILEA (1866-1950) L’Arlesiana: “Lamento di Federico” Pietro MASCAGNI (1863-1945) Cavalleria Rusticana: Siciliano; Cavalleria Rusticana: “Mama, qual vino e generoso” Gaetano DONIZETTI (1797-1848) Lucia di Lammermoor: “Sulla tomba, che rinserra”; Lucia di Lammermoor: “Tombe degli avi miei…Fra poco a me ricovero”; Lucia di Lammermoor: “Tu che a Dio spiegasti l'ali” Giuseppe VERDI (1813-1901) La Traviata: “Lungi da lei…De' miei bollenti spiriti” Jules MASSENET (1842-1912) Manon: ‘Io son sol ... Ah! Dispar vision” Ambroise THOMAS (1811-1896) Mignon: “Addio Mignon! Fa Core!”; Mignon: “Ah! Non credevi tu!” Traditional, arranged Favara: “A la Barcillunisa” Traditional: “a timuni” Salvatore CARDILLO (1874-1947) “Core 'ngrato” Ernesto de CURTIS (1875-1937) ‘Torna a Surriento” Eduardo di CAPUA (1864-1917) “O solo mio” Giuseppe di Stefano (tenor) with Melchiorre Luise, Maria Callas, Ebe Ticozzi Raffaele Arié Orchestra of La Scala Milan, Victor de Sabata/Tullio Serafin; London Symphony Orchestra/Alberto Erede; RCA Victor Orchestra/Renato Cellini; Chorus and Orchestra of the Maggio Musicale, Fiorentino/Tullio Serafin; New London Opera Orchestra/Alberto Erede, Dino Olivieri Rec. 1947-1953 REGIS RRC1202 [76.34][TB]

Although the age of the recordings requires tolerance, the vibrancy of performance and imaginative choices make this an appealing proposition. Highlights galore. ... see Full Review

Sounds from the Mountains Trad Schottisch – Bridge; Mazurka Paul Giger and Arnold Alder (violins), Fabian Müller (cello), Töbi Tobler (dulcimer), Francisco Obieta (double bass) Heinz MARTI Muotathaler Nachtmusik, Ländler Markus Flückiger (Schwyzerörgeli, accordion), Zürcher Kammerorchester/Howard Griffith Roland von FLÜE Chilbi from Alpine Jazz Suite Ribi Orchestra Patricia DRAEGER Schönste Obestärn from Röseligarten Patricia Draeger (accordion, flute, voice), Sergej Simbirev (accordion), Dani Häusler (clarinets), Mark Draeger (marimbaphone, voice), Christoph Mächler (double bass, voice), Marc Halbheer percussion) Trad Galopp; Mazurka; Schottisch; HujGroup Erika STUCKY d’Meigja Erika Stucky (voice), Marco Raoult (voice), Luli Burgauer (voice, piano), Christoph Gantert (trombone), Martin Schumacher (accordion) Nikita PFISTER/MONTFERRINE La Mi-Eté Nikita Pfister (accordion, dulcimer, voice), Christian Abriel (flute, percussion), Diego Abriel (percussion, voice), Gerald Perera (double bass), Nicolas Perillat (bass trombone, percussion), Michel Steiner (clarinet, flute) Martin ROOS Adieu O(h) W(eh) for four alphorns Anita Kuster, Martin Roos, Ruedi Linder, Balthasar Streiff (alphorns) Anon Herbstlied (Song of Autumn) Ich ha-n-e Öpfel funde Betty Legler (voice), Christoph Baumann (piano, prepared piano), Hans kennel (trumpet, büchel), Matthias Ziegler (double bass, flute) Domenic JANETT A la veglia Heinz HOLLIGER Ländler from Alb-Chehr Oberwalliser Spillit Daniel OTT Bettina Bettina Buchmann (accordion), Töbi Tobler (dulcimer), Ruedi Häusermann (clarinet), Peter Kowald (double bass) La LUPA Amore (Love) La Lupa (voice), Fabian Müller (cello), Harry-Kinross White (sax) Mathias RÜEGG Die 7 Unarten der Schweizer, kein Thema Swiss Art Orchestra 91/Mathias Rüegg No recording dates and venues given. MUSIQUES SUISSES MGB CD 6217 [57:30] [GF]

My first thought was that this was going to be another compilation of folksy songs, suitable as a souvenir. How wrong I was! ... see Full Review

Stokowski conducts scenes from French and Russian opera Camille SAINT-SAËNS (1835-1921) Samson et Dalila (1877) – highlights [62.32] Pyotr Ilyich TCHAIKOVSKY (1840-1893) Eugene Onegin [14.03] Tatiana’s Letter Scene Licia Albanese (soprano) – Tatiana Leopold Stokowski and His Symphony Orchestra CALA CACD 0540 [76.35] [JW]

For Stokowski admirers it’s good to welcome this coupling back to the fold ... see Full Review

Zeitgenössische Gitarren-Duos Swiss Contemporary Guitar Duets Helmut LACHENMANN (b. 1936) 1. Salut für Caudwell für 2 Gitartristen (1977) [24’55"] Heinz HOLLIGER (b. 1939) 2-4 Präludium, Arioso und Passacaglia (1985) [12.57] Walter FELDMANN (b. 1965) 5. Nr 2 < the other> für 2 Gitarren und Electronik (2002) [12’57"] Adriana HOLSZKY (b. 1953) 6. Sonnet (William Shakespeare) fur Stimme und 2 Gitarren (1963) [12’37’] Soprano: Katrin Frauchiger Mats Scheidegger; Stephen Schmidt, guitars Rec. Studio Varga, Sion 1 10-11 July 2002; 3-4 30 May 2003; 5 31 May 2003; 6 1 June 2003. DDD MUSIQUES SUISSES/GRAMMONT PORTRAIT CTS-M 90 [64’35"] [ZT]

In general one must wonder how contemporary guitar music, devoid of melody, harmony or rhythm will be viewed in the next century. ... see Full Review

S’sch mr alles 1 Ding – Ver-rückte Volksliedarrangements Swiss-German Folksong Arrangements Traditional arr. Javier HAGEN – Meitäli, wenn du witt go tanzä; S’isch mer alles ei Ding; O du liäbs Ängeli; Vo Lozern uf Wäggis zu; Auf der Alpen lichten Höhen; Es Buurebüebli; Lüegid vo Bärg und Tal; Die Blümenlein, sie schlafen; Am Brunnen vor dem Tore; Sah ein Knab ein Röslein stehn; Hab oft im Kreise der Lieben; O Tannenbaum; De See lyt scho i Schatte; Hopp, hopp, hopp; In einem kühlen Grunde; S’isch äbe ne Mönsch ur Ärde; Wenn eine tannigi Hose hett; Im Aargäu sind zwäi Libi; Es wott es Froueli z’Märit; Alli miini Äntli; Dornröschen war ein schönes Kind; Hänsel und Gretel; Guten Abend, gut’Nacht; Weisst du, wivel Sternlein stehen VOX Vokalquartett (Claudia Dieterle – Soprano, Alexandra Forster – Alto, Javier Hagen – Tenor, Norber Günter – Bass) Recorded 5-7 March 2003, Radiostudio Zürich MUSIQUES SUISSES MGB CD 6204 [46.50] [RH]

The singers display their not inconsiderable talents in arrangements which alternately charm and annoy. ... see Full Review

BARGAIN OF THE MONTH Takács Quartet - A Celebration CD 1 Joseph HAYDN (1732-1809) String Quartet in C major, Op. 76 No. 3 Emperor (1796-1797) Recorded at the Schubertsaal, Konzerthaus, Vienna, Austria in August 1987^a Wolfgang Amadeus MOZART (1756-1791) Serenade for strings (No. 13) in G major, KV 525 Eine kleine Nachtmusik (1787) Recorded at the Reitstadel, Neumarkt, Germany in November 1997^be Ludwig van BEETHOVEN (1770-1827) String Quartet in A major, Op. 18 No. 5 (1798-1800) Recorded at St. Georges Church, Bristol, England in November 2002^b CD 2 Antonín DVOŘÁK (1841-1904) String Quartet in F major, Op. 96 American (1893) Recorded at the Henry Wood Hall, London, England in August 1989^a Bedřich SMETANA (1824-1884) String Quartet No. 1 in E minor From my life (1876) Recorded at the Evangelische Kirche, Honrath, Germany in Nov. to Dec. 1995^b Alexander BORODIN (1833-1887) String Quartet No. 2 in D major (1881) Recorded at the Evangelische Kirche, Honrath, Germany in Nov. to Dec. 1995^b CD 3 Antonín DVOŘÁK (1841-1904) Five Bagatelles, for 2 violins, cello and harmonium, Op. 47 (1878) Recorded at the Henry Wood Hall, London, England in August 1989^af Piano Quintet in A major, Op. 81 (1887) Recorded at the Potton Hall, Dunwich, Suffolk, England in November 1998^bc Hugo WOLF (1860 - 1903)
Italian Serenade, for String Quartet in G major (1887) Recorded at the Reitstadel, Neumarkt, Germany in November 1997^b CD 4 Franz Peter SCHUBERT (1797-1828) String Quintet in C major, Op. 163, D.956 (1828) Recorded at the Church Studios, Crouch End, London, England in December 1991^ad Bela BARTÓK (1881-1945) String Quartet No. 4, Sz 91 (1928) Recorded at the Reitstadel, Neumarkt, Germany in August to September 1996^b Takács Quartet (original line-up)^a Gabor Takács-Nagy (violin); Károly Schranz (violin); Gabor Ormai (viola); András Fejér (cello) Takács Quartet (present line-up)^b Edward Dusinberre (violin); Károly Schranz (violin) Roger Tapping (viola); András Fejér (cello) Additional players: Andreas Haefliger (piano)^c; Miklós Perényi (cello)^d; Joseph Carver (double bass)^e; Gabor Ormai (harmonium)^f DECCA 476 2802 [4CDs: 72:00 + 78:30 + 62:29 + 78:13] [MC]

Not a run-of-the-mill compilation. Musical content matched by superb interpretations. A top class release worthy of considerable praise. Would enhance any collection. ... see Full Review

Songs for Tenor and Guitar John DOWLAND (1563-1626) Come, heavy Sleep [2:19] Benjamin BRITTEN (1913-1976) Nocturnal after John Dowland: Reflections on ‘Come, heavy Sleep’, Op.70: Musingly – Very agitated – Restless – Uneasy – March-like – Dreaming – Gently Rocking – Passacaglia [19:32] Nicholas MAW (b. 1935) Sis Interiors [17:44] To Life, Allegramente [1:31] Neutral Tones. Senza misura – Andantino, un poco inquieto [3:35] At Tea. Allegreto con moto [2 :10] In Tenebris. Lento [5:25] I Look into My Glass. Tempo rubato, senza misura [2:09] Inscriptions for a Peal of Eight Bell: Con brio. L’ostresso tempo – Poco piu con gravita – Tempo I, leggiero – Molto pesante – Grazioso – Tempo I – Molto con brio [2:44] Nicholas MAW (b.1935) Music of Memory [21:22] Benjamin BRITTEN (1913-1976) Songs from the Chinese, Op. 58 [10:06] The Big Chariot. Heavy [2:02] The Old Lute. Slow and remote – Quick [2:19] The Autumn Wind. Very quick [1:30] The Herd-Boy. Freely [1:22] Depression. Very slow and tired. [1:24] Dance Song. Gay [1:19] John DOWLAND (1563-1626) Weepe you no more, sad fountaines From Third and Last Booke of Songs or Ayres [2:46] Philip Langridge, tenor Stephen Marchionda, guitar Recorded at The Wathen Hall, St Paul's School, London 21-23 February 2003 DDD CHANDOS CHAN 10305 [74:19][EM]

I love the symmetry of this disc, and how beautifully it has been programmed. Outstanding! ... see Full Review

Sándor Végh live at the 1986 Salzburg Festival Wolfgang Amadeus MOZART (1756-1791) Serenade in D major, K239 'Serenata notturna' (1776) [11:57] Felix MENDELSSOHN (1809-1847) String Symphony No. 9 in C major (1822) [24:52] Antonín DVOŘÁK (1841-1904) Serenade in E major, Op. 22 (1879) [28:15] Hugo WOLF (1860-1903) Serenade in G major 'Italian Serenade' (1892) [7:39] Camerata Academica Salzburg/Sándor Végh Recorded live at the 1986 Salzburg Festival in the Felsenreitschule (19 August) and the Mozarteum (22 August) ORFEO C 630 041 B [68:16] [PL]

The spontaneity of this music-making is its greatest strength: no studio recording could ever give you what you've got here! ... see Full Review

Wagnerian Songs Emile MATHIEU (1844-1932) Le Roi des Aulnes;Le fidèle Eckart; Le Barde; Le Pêcheur Sylvain DUPUIS (1856-1931) Mon coeur sera joyeux !; Bonsoir, Mignonne; Elégie; Aubade; Matin Richard WAGNER (1813-1883) Tout n’est qu’images fugitives; Mignonne; Extase (*); Dors, mon enfant; Attente; La tombe dit à la rose…(*); (*) unpubished,; finished by Berthe di Vito-Delvaux Adolphe BIARENT (1871-1916) Lied; Désir de mort; Chanson; La lune blanche; Des ballades au hameau Patrick Delcour, baritone Diane Anderson, piano rec. 11-13 Aug 2004, studio de la Mediathèque de la Province de Liège. DDD ETCETERA KTC 1276 [61:59] [RB]

An unhackneyed and imaginative collection which I recommend to students of the French romantic vocal tradition. ... see Full Review

Book Reviews

ELGAR - Child Of Dreams Jerrold Northrop Moore Faber and Faber Limited, London 2004 hardback ISBN 0-571-22337-0

IBBS AND TILLETT: The Rise and Fall of a Musical Empire by Christopher Fifield April 2005 244 x 172 mm Includes 78 b&w illustrations 724 pages Hardback 1 84014 290 1 £29.95

This splendidly produced and acutely written study. ... 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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