PART 5
S-Z

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ALPHABETICAL LISTING

Alessandro SCARLATTI (1660-1725) Stabat mater for soprano, alto, strings and bc* [41:01] Concerto XXI for recorder, 2 violins and bc** [09:59] Emma Kirkby, soprano; Daniel Taylor, alto; Francis Colpron, recorder Theatre of Early Music Recorded in August 2003 at the Church St-Jude-on-the-Hill, London, UK (*), May 2003 at the Eglise Saint-Augustin de Mirabel, Canada (**). DDD ATMA ACD2 2237 [51:03] [JV]

Scarlatti's setting of the Stabat mater deserves its place alongside Pergolesi's, but should be better performed than on this disc ... see Full Review

Domenico SCARLATTI (1685-1757) The Complete Keyboard Sonatas (Kk Nos 1-555) Scott Ross (harpsichord) Recorded at various locations in France, 1984-1985 DDD WARNER CLASSICS 2564 62092-2 [34 CDs - approx. 34 hours, 36 minutes] [PCW] Review updated 19 November 2005

This set is a pinnacle in the history of recorded music … see Full Review

Arnold SCHOENBERG (1874 – 1951) Verklärte Nacht Op.4 (1899) [28:39] Sonnet 217 by Petrarch (1922/3) [3:57] Anton WEBERN (1883 – 1945) Two Pieces (1899)a [4:19] Cello-Sonate (1914)a [1:32] Three Little Pieces Op.11 (1914)a [2:34] Sonata Movement (1906)b [4:46] Movement (1906)b [6:56] Variations for Piano Op.27 (1936)b [6:56] Piano Piece (1925, op.posth.)b [1:12] Children’s Piece (1924)b [1:18] Four Pieces Op.7 (1910)c [5:09] Ulf Wallin (violin)c; Torleif Thedéen (cello)a; Roland Pöntinen (piano)c rec. Nybrokajen 11, Stockholm, March 2001 (Verklärte Nacht, Sonata Movement, Movement), December 2001 (Piano Variations) and August 2004 BIS CD-1467 [69:22] [HC]

This is a very interesting release, for besides a valuable Schoenberg rarity, it offers an enlightening glimpse into some of Webern’s early music as well as a very telling confrontation with his maturity ... see Full Review

Franz SCHUBERT (1797-1828) Symphony No. 2 in B flat D.125 (1815) [34:02] Symphony No. 4 in C minor Tragic D.417 (1816) [33:50] Bamberg Symphony Orchestra/Jonathan Nott Rec. Joseph-Keilberth-Saal, Bamberg, March, December 2003. SACD Hybrid TUDOR 7142 [68:04]
Franz SCHUBERT (1797-1828) Symphony No. 5 in B flat D.485 (1816) [31:20] Symphony No. 6 in C D.589 (1818) [33:35] Bamberg Symphony Orchestra/Jonathan Nott Rec. Joseph-Keilberth-Saal, Bamberg, March, October 2003. SACD Hybrid TUDOR 7143 [64:55] [PCW]

Both these discs are recommendable, this coupling of Second and Fourth is particularly treasurable ... see Full Review

Franz SCHUBERT (1797-1828) Symphony no. 8 in B minor, D.759 "Unfinished" [22:14] Symphony no. 9 in C, D.944 "The Great" [46:15] Vienna Philharmonic Orchestra (no.8), London Symphony Orchestra (no.9)/Bruno Walter Recorded 29th-31st May 1936 in Vienna (no.8), 11th-12th September 1938 in London (no.9) LIVING ERA CLASSICS AJC 8556 [68:53] [CH]

An interesting peep into the past rather than unmatchable classics. ... see Full Review

Franz SCHUBERT (1797-1828) Schubert arranged for cello and piano Sonata for arpeggione and piano in A minor D.821 (1824) [25:29] Sonatina for violin and piano in D major op. 137, n°1, D.384 (1816) [13:31]; Lieder: Ständchen [3:53]; An die musik [2:06]; Litanei auf des fest aller seelen, D.343 (1816) [2:54]; Die Forelle, D.550 (1817) [2:13]; Der Doppelgänger (from Schwanengesang, D.957 n° 13) (1828) [4:44]; Auf dem wasser zu singen: op.72, D.774 (1823) [3:25]; Täuschung (from Winterreise op. 89, n°19, D.911 (1827) [1:25]; Der müller und der bach (from Die Schöne Müllerin, op.25 n°19, D.759) (1823) [3:28] Anne Gastinel (cello, Testore 1690) Claire Désert (piano) Rec. Studio Tibor Varga, Sion Switzerland; June 2005. DDD. NAÏVE V 5021 [63.12][ED]

A warmly appreciative if qualified welcome. ... see Full Review

Franz SCHUBERT (1797-1828) Lieder: Recorded Hamburg 1969 and 1970 ADD Die Schöne Müllerin, Winterreise, Schwanengesang Recorded Hamburg 1972 ADD Dietrich Fischer-Dieskau (baritone), Gerald Moore (piano). DEUTSCHE GRAMMOPHON 4775765 [21 CDs] [AO]

One of the essential foundations of any Lieder collection ... see Full Review

Franz SCHUBERT (1797-1828) Die Schöne Müllerin (1828) Gerhard Hüsch (baritone) Hanns Udo Müller (piano) original recording 1934. ADD PRISTINE AUDIO PA CO 005 [58:40]
Franz SCHUBERT (1797-1828) Winterreise (1827) Gerhard Hüsch (baritone) Hanns Udo Müller (piano) original recording January 1933. ADD PRISTINE AUDIO PA CO 007 [57:55] [AO]

This remastering helps us appreciate how interpretative style evolves ... see Full Review

Robert SCHUMANN (1810-1856) Lieder Edition – 2 Gedichte aus Rückerts Liebesfrühling, op. 37 [21:18], Lieder und Gesänge, op. 98a [25:33], Sologesänge aus Friedrich Rückerts Minnespiel, op. 101 [17:07] Susanne Bernhard (soprano), Thomas E. Bauer (baritone), Uta Lielscher (piano) Recorded 10th-12th September 2003 in the Kammermusikstudio, SWR-Stuttgart, Germany NAXOS 8.557074 [63:58][CH]

Not a very essential issue, I’m afraid. ... see Full Review

BARGAIN OF THE MONTH Alexander SCRIABIN (1872-1916)
CD1 Symphony No. 1 in E major Op. 26 (1901) * [50:38] CD2 Symphony No. 2 in C minor Op. 29 (1902) [48:14] Poem of Ecstasy Op. 54 (1908) ** [20:02] CD3 Symphony No. 3 Divine Poem [Op. 43] (1905) [48:40] Prometheus - Poem of Fire Op. 60 (1910) *** [20:47] Stefania Toczyska (mezzo) * Michael Myers (ten) * The Westminster Choir * Frank Kaderabek (trumpet) ** Dmitri Alexeev (piano) *** The Choral Arts Society of Philadelphia *** Philadelphia Orchestra/Riccardo Muti rec. Memorial Hall, Fairmount Park, Philadelphia, Feb 1985 (1), Feb 1989 (2), March 1990 (Ecstasy), Apr 1988 (3), Apr 1990 (Prometheus) licensed from EMI Classics BRILLIANT CLASSICS 92744 [3 CDs: 50.38 + 68.16 + 69.20] [RB]

This is a splendid set with sumptuous sound and a propulsive pulse. A good yet far from predictable choice. … see Full Review

Dmitri SHOSTAKOVICH (1906-1975) Symphony No. 8 in C minor, Op. 65 (1943). Netherlands Radio Symphony Orchestra/Mark Wigglesworth. rec. Music Centre for Dutch Radio & TV, Studio MCO 5, Netherlands, 20-22 December 2004. DDD BIS SACD1483 [69'54] [CC]

The sheer terror that resides in this work's strongest climaxes is missing ... This is in no terms a first recommendation for this work but it still represents a fascinating seventy minutes worth of listening. ... see Full Review

 

Jean SIBELIUS (1865-1957) Symphony No. 2 (1901) [42:38] Karelia Suite (1893) [15:20] Swan of Tuonela (1893) [9:47] London Symphony Orchestra/Charles Mackerras Royal Philharmonic Orchestra/Charles Mackerras (Karelia) rec. Abbey Road, 1988 (Symphony; Swan); CTS, London, 1994 (Karelia). DDD first issued on Pickwick IMP Classics PCD92 REGIS RRC1220 [68:00] [RB]

A good bargain price collection with an uncloying and quick-pulsed Sibelius 2 and an intriguing Swan. ... see Full Review

Jean SIBELIUS (1865-1957) Symphony No. 6 in D minor op. 104 [27:33] Symphony No. 4 in A minor op. 63 [33:04] Royal Philharmonic Orchestra/Sir Thomas Beecham (6) BBC Symphony Orchestra/Sir Thomas Beecham (4) rec. live, Royal Albert Hall, Prom, 15 Sept 1954 (6); Studio, Criterion Theatre, London, 4 Oct 1951 (4). mono. ADD Not previously issued. Released in collaboration with the Sir Thomas Beecham Trust in Support of the Scholarship Fund. SOMM SOMM-BEECHAM 18 [61:23] [RB]

Two previously unissued Beecham-Sibelius symphonies in fallible historic sound - irresistible for specialists ... see Full Review

RECORDING OF THE MONTH Charles Villiers STANFORD (1852 - 1924) Piano Quintet in D minor, Op. 25 (1886) [37:13] String Quintet No. 1 in F major, Op. 85 (1903) [27:25] Piers Lane, piano (Op. 25) Garth Knox, viola (Op. 85) RTÉ Vanbrugh Quartet Recorded in the Henry Wood Hall, London, 17-19 November 2004. DDD HYPERION CDA67505 [64:42] [MC]

I am at a loss why anyone would not wish to add this superb Stanford chamber release to their collection. Wonderful music and marvellously performed. Highly recommended. ... see Full Review

Leopold STOKOWSKI - Symphonic Transcriptions Modest MUSSORGSKY (1839-1881) A Night on Bare Mountain (1867-73) (trans. L. Stokowski in 1939) [09:17] Entr’acte to Act IV of Khovanshchina (1872-75) (trans. L. Stokowski in 1922) [05:25] Symphonic Synthesis of Boris Godunov from the Opera - Boris Godunov (1868-74) (trans. L. Stokowski in 1936) [24:21] Pictures at an Exhibition: Piano Suite (trans. L. Stokowski in 1939) (Promenade 02:04; Gnomus 02:21; Promenade 01:10; Il vecchio castello (The Old Castle) 03:39; Bydlo (A Polish Ox-Wagon) 02:40; Promenade 01:03; Ballet de poussins dans leurs coques (Ballet of the Unhatched Chicks) 01:16; Samuel Goldenberg and Schmuyle 02:40; Catacombs - Sepulchrum Romanum; Con mortuis in lingua mortua 03:44; La cabane sur des pattes de poule - Baba Yaga (The Hut on Fowl's Legs) 02:58; La grande porte de Kiev (The Great Gate of Kiev) 05:15) Pyotr Il'yich TCHAIKOVSKY (1840-1893) Humoresque, Op. 10, No. 2 (trans. L. Stokowski in 1941) [02:11] Solitude Op. 73, No. 6 (trans. L. Stokowski in 1936) [03:26] Leopold STOKOWSKI (1882-1977) Traditional Slavic Christmas Music (1933) [03:18] Bournemouth Symphony Orchestra/José Serebrier Recorded at The Concert Hall, the Lighthouse, Poole, Dorset, UK, 21-23 September, 2004. DDD NAXOS SACD 6.110101 [76:47][MC]

Whatever superlatives you hear about this disc I urge you to believe them. This is undoubtedly one of my records of the year. ... see Full Review

Richard STRAUSS (1864-1949) Complete Welte recordings of 1906: Salome – fragments [3.37] Salome – Dance of the Seven Veils [8.54] Ein Heldenleben – Love Scene [3.51] Feuersnot – Love Scene [5.37] Stimmungsbilder (Mood Pictures) Op 9: No.1 [4.01]; No,2 [3.10]; No.3 [3.40]; No.4 [2.38]Cäcilie Op.27 No.2 Heimliche Aufforderung Op.27 No.3 [2.32] Richard Strauss (piano) Recorded for Welte-Mignon in 1906 TACET 137 [40.27] [JW]

Strauss recorded in 1906. The selection is somewhat odd to put it mildly. Difficult to believe that Strauss could have played with such lumpen and effortful pianism ... see Full Review

Richard STRAUSS (1864-1949) Arabella - Lyrische Komödie in drei Aufzügen (1930-32) [157:41] Libretto by Hugo von Hofmannsthal Graf Waldner: Otto Edelmann (bass) Adelaide, his wife: Ira Malaniuk (mezzo) Arabella, their elder daughter: Lisa Della Casa (sop) Zdenka, their younger daughter: Anneliese Rothenberger (sop) Mandryka: Dietrich Fischer-Dieskau (bar) Matteo: Kurt Ruesche (ten) Graf Elerner: Helmut Melchert (ten) Graf Dominik: Georg Stern (bar) Graf Lamoral: Karl Weber (bass) Die Flakermilli: Eta Köhrer (sop) Eine Kartenaufschlägerin: Kerstin Meyer (sop) Welko: Willi Lenninger Chor der Wiener Staatsoper Wiener Philharmoniker/Joseph Keilberth *Vier letzte Lieder AV 150 (1950) [20:08] Lisa Della Casa (soprano) Wiener Philharmoniker/Karl Böhm rec. live, 29 July, *30 July 1958, Festspielhaus, Salzburg. Mono AAD ORFEO C651 053D [3 CDs: 65:23 + 51:59 + 60:27][JQ]

Despite the drawbacks that I’ve felt duty bound to mention I enjoyed this set very much and I know I shall return to it with pleasure in the future. ... see Full Review

Igor STRAVINSKY (1882-1971) The Rite of Spring (1912) [31.58] The Nightingale, opera in one act (1914) [44.30] The Nightingale: Olga Trifonova (soprano) The Fisherman: Robert Tear (tenor) The Cook: Pippa Longworth (soprano) The Emperor of China: Paul Whelan (bass-baritone) The Chamberlain: Stephen Richardson (bass) The Bonze, Chaplain to the Emperor: Andrew Greenan (baritone) Death: Sally Burgess (alto) Japanese Envoys 1 and 3: Peter Hall (tenor) Japanese Envoy 2: Simon Preece (bass) Courtiers: London Voices, prepared by Terry Edwards The Rite: London Symphony Orchestra/Robert Craft The Nightingale: Philharmonia Orchestra/Robert Craft rec. Abbey Road Studio 1, 1-4 July 1995 (Rite); 14-17 Aug 1997 (Nightingale). DDD. NAXOS 8.557501 [76.28][ED]

Whichever work you buy it for this is another Naxos bargain – and long may they continue coming. ... see Full Review

Lepo SUMERA (1950-2000) Concerto per voci e strumenti (1997) [14:21] Kui tume veel kauaks ka sinu maa (Though your homeland may be in dark for long) (1985) [3:20] Seenekantaat (Mushroom Cantata) (1979-1983) [20:52] Saare piiga laul merest (Island maiden’s Song from the Sea) (1988) [29:31] Janeke Lentsius (flute) Kadri-Ann Sumera (piano) Madis Metsamart (percussion) Estonian Philharmonic Chamber Choir Talinn Chamber Orchestra/Tõnu Kaljuste (Concerto) Rec. 10th-13th May 2004 Talinn Methodist Church, and 3rd June, First Studio of Estonian Radio, Talinn, Estonia. BIS BIS-CD-1560 [68:32] [DC]

As irreplaceable as a volume by a favourite author – be sure never to lend it to anyone, you’re unlikely to get it back! ... see Full Review

Giuseppe TARTINI (1692-1770) Trio Sonatas La Magnifica Comunità (on period instruments): Enrico Casazza, Isabella Longo, violin; Marcello Scandelli (cello), Giorgio Cerasoli (harpsichord) rec. August 2002, Abbazia di Carceri d'Este, Padua (Italy) DDD TACTUS TC692003 [58:03] [JV]

These trio sonatas are a perfect illustration of the artistic credo of Tartini, who preferred a poetic style of composing ... see Full Review

Boris TCHAIKOVSKY (1925-1996) Cello Sonata in E minor (1957)a [23:18] Lyrics of Pushkin (1972)b [22:38] Partita for Cello and Ensemble (1966)c [24:24] Mstislav Rostropovich (cello)ac; Galina Vishnevskaya (soprano)b; Boris Tchaikovsky (pianoab, harpsichordc) rec. 1963 (Cello Sonata), 1967 (Partita) and 1973 (Lyrics of Pushkin) MELODIYA MEL CD 10 00944  [76:41][HC]

Includes one of Boris Tchaikovsky’s finest works ... and the gem in this collection. ... see Full Review

Pyotr Ilyich TCHAIKOVSKY (1840-1893) Piano Concerto No.1 in B flat minor Op.23 (1875) [30.58] Anton ARENSKY (1861-1906) Piano Concerto in F minor Op.2 (1882) [25.01] Felicja Blumental (piano) Orchestra of the Vienna Musikgesselschaft/Michael Gielen, recorded Vienna, 1967 (Tchaikovsky) Brno Philharmonic Orchestra/Jiři Waldhans, recorded Milan, 1968 (Arensky) BRANA RECORDS BR0013 [58.06] [JW]

Arensky: a most attractive, big-boned but poetic piece, blustery but intimate ... Tchaikovsky: an aural ride of spectacular weirdness. ... see Full Review

Peter Ilych TCHAIKOVSKY (1840 – 1893) The Nutcracker – complete ballet, Op. 71 (1892) Natalya Arkhipova - Clara Irek Mukhamedov – The Nutcracker Prince Andrei Shakhin – The Mouse King Yuri Vetrov - Drosselmeyer Andrei Sitnikov – Stahlbaum Ilze Liepe – Mrs. Stahlbaum The Bolshoi Ballet and the Orchestra of the Bolshoi Theatre/Aleksandr Kopilov. Recorded live at the Bolshoi Theatre, Moscow in 1989 DVD (PCM Stereo) ARTHAUS MUSIK 101119 [101:00] [JPh]

Another traditional staging of one of Tchaikovsky’s masterpieces of the stage, allowing us to appreciate the traditional staging and choreography so healthily presented on this DVD. ... see Full Review

Michael TIPPETT (1905-1998) Piano Sonata No. 1 (1936-7, rev. 1942) [19:18] Piano Sonata No. 2 (1962) [11:46] Piano Sonata No. 3 (1973) [22:30] Peter Donohoe (piano) Rec. 21 May (Sonatas 1, 2), 13 December 2004, Potton Hall, Suffolk. DDD NAXOS 8.557611 [53.34] [DC]

I have been completely re-educated as to the substance and content of these pieces. What more can one ask for at little more than a fiver! ... see Full Review

Joaquín TURINA (1882-1949) Sonata romántica sobre un tema español, Op. 3 (1909) [20:28] Sonata Fantasía, Op. 59 (1930) [12:34] Rincón mágico (Desfile en forma de sonata), Op. 97 (1941) [24:00] Concierto sin orquesta, Op. 88 (1935) [10:45] Jordi Masó, piano rec. Auditorium Jafre, Spain, 5-6 July 2004. DDD NAXOS 8.557438 [67:47] [KS]

Masó has ample technique and a fine sense of taste. He uses an enormous palette of colors and always maintains underlying good taste and finesse ... see Full Review

Giuseppe VERDI (1813 – 1901) Aida (1871) Yulia Wiener-Chenisheva (soprano) – Aida; Nikola Nikolov (tenor) – Radamés; Alexandrina Milcheva (mezzo-soprano) – Amneris; Nikolay Smochevsky (baritone) – Amonasro; Nikola Ghiuselev (bass) – Ramfis; Stefan Tsiganchev (bass) – Il Re d’Egitto; Maria Dimchevska (soprano) – Sacerdotessa; Verter Vrachovsky (tenor) – Messaggero Sofia National Opera Chorus and Orchestra/Ivan Marinov Recorded in 1971 CAPRICCIO 51 198 [71:43 + 78:38] [GF]

There is a certain thrill in hearing big voices in larger-than-life music. In Milcheva’s Amneris we have a world-class interpretation. I will keep the discs as a souvenir of the event – but I don’t think I will reprise the performance tomorrow. ... see Full Review


Giuseppe VERDI (1813-1901)
Il Corsaro - a tragic melodrama in three acts. Libretto by Francesco Maria Piave after Byron’s poem. First performed at the Teatro Grande, Trieste, October 25th 1848 Corrado, a corsair, Zvetan Michailov (ten); Medora, Corrado’s beloved, Michela Sburlati (sop); Seid, Pasha of Coron, Renata Bruson (bar); Gulnara, favourite of Seid, Adriana Domato (sop); Giovanni, a corsair, Arturo Cauli (bass); Selimo, an Aga, Gianluca Floris (ten); Orchestra and Chorus of the Teatro Regio Parma/Renato Palumbo Recorded live in June 2004 during the Parma Verdi festival Performed in the Critical Edition prepared by Elizabeth Hudson Presented in 16:9. Colour. DTS digital surround sound. Dolby digital. PCM 2.0 Menu language English. Subtitles in Italian (original language), English, German, French, Spanish and Chinese. Booklet essay and synopsis in Italian, English, German and French DYNAMIC DVD VIDEO 33468 [107:00] [RJF]

Recommended to lovers of Italian opera in general and Verdians in particular. ... see Full Review

Giuseppe VERDI (1813-1901) Simon Boccanegra - Melodrama in a Prologue and Three Acts. Revised 1881 Edition Original libretto by Francesco Maria Piave for the premiere in 1857, and based on the play Simon Boccanegra by Antonio García Gutiérrez, with additions and modifications by Arrigo Boito. Revised edition first performed at the Teatro alla Scala, Milan, 24th March 1881 Simon Boccanegra, Corsair and Doge of Genoa - Leo Nucci (bar); Maria Boccanegra, Simon’s daughter known as Amelia Grimaldi - Kiri Te Kanawa (sop); Jacapo Fiesco, a Genoese nobleman - Paata Burchuladze (bass); Gabrielle Adorno, a Genoese gentleman in love with Maria - Giacomo Arragall (ten); Paola Albiani, a courtier - Paolo Coni (bar); Pietro, another courtier - Carlo Colombara (bass) Orchestra and chorus of Teatro alla Scala, Milan/Georg Solti Recorded in the Sala Abanella, Milan. December 1988 DECCA CLASSIC OPERA 475 7011 DM2 [73.27 + 51.46][RF]

This performance will not find space on my shelves alongside the other versions referred to. I find little to commend in it. ... see Full Review

Louis VIERNE (1870-1937) The chamber works CD1 Violin Sonata Op. 23 (1907) [34.31] Rhapsodie for solo harp Op. 25 (1909) [10.44] Piano Quintet Op. 42 (1917) [30.23] Le Soir for viola and piano Op.5 (1895) [4.01] CD2 Légende(suite) for viola and piano Op. 5 (1895) [1.56] Cello Sonata Op. 27 (1910) [23.44] Largo et Canzonetta for oboe and piano Op.6 (1896) [6.15] Soirs Étrangers for cello and piano (1928) Op. 56 [26.31] String Quartet Op. 12 (1894) [21.04] Quatuor Phillips CD1: François Kerdoncuff (piano); Alexis Galpérine (violin); Pascale Zanlonghi (harp); Odile Carracilly (viola) CD2: Olivier Gardon (piano); Yvan Chiffoleau (cello); Christian Moreaux (oboe) rec Op. 23 Salle Adyar 6-8 June 1990; Opp.27/56 Salle Adyar 20-22 Mar 1991; Opp. 5/25 Théâtre de Poissy 25 Aug 1993; Opp. 6, 12, 42; 17-20 Sept 1993. DDD previously issued as Timpani 2C2019 TIMPANI 2C2098 [79.40 + 78.52] [RB]

A de rigueur purchase and certainly generous. Essential listening and never less than pleasing. Everything is presented to Timpani's accustomed high standards. ... see Full Review


Louis VIERNE (1870-1937)
Symphonie 1 en re mineur (extraits): Prelude [7'46]; Andante [7'27]; Final [6'30] Serge RACHMANINOV (1873-1943) transc Louis ROBILLIARD Prelude in F sharp minor op 23 No 1 [4'32] Franz LISZT (1811-1886)
Fantasia and Fugue on 'Ad Nos, ad salutarem undam' [28'16] Charles-Marie WIDOR (1844-1937) Symphonie No. 8 en si mineur op 42 (extraits): Adagio [9'27]; Final [5'35] Louis Robilliard, organ rec. St Sernin, Toulouse, Saint-Francois-de-Salles, Lyon, (Rachmaninov, Widor), April 2003. DDD FESTIVO 6962.042 [69'42] [CB]

This is unmissable stuff, buy one for yourself and several more as Christmas presents. ... see Full Review

Carl VINE (b. 1954) CD1 Symphony No. 1 MicroSymphony (1986) [10:44] Symphony No. 2 (1988) [19:07] Symphony No. 3 (1990) [25:54] Celebrare Celeberrime (1993) [5:07] CD2 Symphony No. 4.2 (1993 rev. 1998) [19:15] Symphony No. 5 Percussion (1995) [24:56] Symphony No. 6 Choral (1996) [28:49] Sydney Philharmonia Motet Choir (6) Synergy (5) Sydney Symphony Orchestra/Stuart Challender (1-3); Edo de Waart (Celebrare 4-6) rec. Sydney Town Hall, May, July, Sept 1990 (1-3); July 1996 (5); March 1997 (Celebrare); Concert Hall of Sydney Opera House, 17-19 March 1998 (4.2 6). Originally from ABC Classics 8.77000 5 and 456 698-2. ABC CLASSICS 476 7179 [61:25 + 73:22] [RB]

Tonal music that has a real sense of compulsion, a fixity of purpose and a very personal sense of fantasy. ... see Full Review

Antonio VIVALDI (1678 - 1741) The Complete Sacred Music see review for detailsGiovanni Maria RUGGIERI (fl. c. 1690 - 1720) – Gloria RV ANH 23 [17.42] soloists The Choir of the King’s Consort The King’s Consort/Robert King Recorded 1996 – 2002, St. Jude on the Hill, Hampstead Garden Suburb HYPERION CDS44171/81 [11 C Ds: 62.42 + 69.15 + 70.29 + 78.10 + 70.19 + 78.18 + 62.58 + 68.52 + 68.23 + 66.42 + 76.37] [RH]

I find myself returning to Robert King and his forces for their crisp perfection. And after all, this wonderful boxed set is available for £60. ... see Full Review

Sonatas for Violincello and Basso Continuo Antonio VIVALDI (1678-1741) Sonata in E-minor RV 40 [13:22]* Francesco GEMINIANI (1687-1762) Sonata No. 6 in A-Minor (1746)[8:48]** Antonio VIVALDI (1678-1741) Sonata in B-flat major RV 46 [11:53]* Francesco GEMINIANI (1687-1762) Sonata No. 3 in C-major (1746) [12:24]** Sonata No. 2 in D-minor (1746) [11:29]** Antonio VIVALDI (1678-1741) Sonata in G-minor (RV 42) [12:28]* Roel Dieltiens (cello), * Anthony Woodrow (double bass), ** Richte van der Meer (cello continuo), Robert Kohnen (organ*, harpsichord**) Recorded: Vereenigde Doopsgezinde Kerk, Haarlem, November 1991 ACCENT ACC 10081 [71:01] [GPu]

Fascinating music in assured, if relatively plain, performances … see Full Review

Richard WAGNER (1813-1883) Die Walküre: Ride of the Valkyries [05:53], Rienzi: Overture [12:25], Der Fliegende Holländer: Overture [10:53], Tannhäuser: Overture and Venusberg Music [21:23], Siegfried: Forest Murmurs [09:58]*, Parsifal: Act 1: Prelude [14:21] Franz Lechleitner (tenor)* Vienna Philharmonic Orchestra/Hans Knappertsbusch Recorded in Vienna, June 24th 1950 (Parsifal, Siegfried, Rienzi), May 6th & 7th 1953 (the remainder), original Decca recordings ARCHIPEL ARPCD 0332 [74:37] [CH]

The performances overwhelmingly reflect the genius of the composer in remarkably good sound. ... see Full Review

William Vincent WALLACE (1812-1865) To My Star – Celtic Romance La Louisiana - Waltz (1842) [4.14] Music Murmurings in the Trees – Romance (1851) [6.07] Mazurka – Etude (1858) [3.26] L’Absence et le Retour - Romance suive d’une Grande Polka Brillante (1856) [9.09] To My Star, A Mon Etoile – Romance (1844) [3.26] La Rapidité - Second Étude de Salon (1853) [5.28] La Force - Third Étude de Salon [6.46] A Flower of Poland - Une Fleur de Pologne – Mazurka (1862) [3.42] Nocturne Dramatique - Grand Nocturne (1848) [6.09] The Empress L’Imperatrice – Waltz (1844) [2.36] The Shepherd’s Lament - La Plainte du Berger – Idylle (1859) [3.50] Souvenir of Spain El Nuevo Jaleo de Jerez - Danse Nationale (1856) [5.50] The Bee and the Rose - Morceau de Salon (1844) [2.03] Valse Militaire  [3.26] La Cracovienne - Grand Fantasie and Variations (1842) [11.49] Rosemary Tuck (piano) Recorded in St Silas Church, Kentish Town, London, May 2005  CALA CACD88044 [79.00][JW]

Wallace’s infectious and extrovert demands ... see Full Review

Jacob WEINBERG (1879–1956) Piano Concerto No. 2 in C Major (1944) [23:10] (I. Maestoso; II. Vivace e marcato; III. Finale, Allegro) Jorge Federico Osorio, piano Barcelona Symphony/National Orchestra of Catalonia/Karl Anton Rickenbacher String Quartet Op. 55 (1950) [21:42] (Maestoso Allegro; Lento; Vivace) Bingham String Quartet (Stephen Bingham, Sally-Ann Weeks, violins; Brenda Stewart, viola; James Halsey, cello) Shabbat Ba’aretz (Sabbath in the Holy Land) (1934) [12:54] Sabbath Morning Service, Op. 41 (excerpts): Bar'khu; V'ahavta; Sh'ma yisra’el (from the Torah service); L'kha adonai; Etz haayyim; Hal'luya Patrick Mason, baritone; Christopher Bowers-Broadbent, organ BBC Singers/Kenneth Kiesler Rec. London and Barcelona, 1999-2001. DDD The Milken Archive Of American Jewish Music NAXOS AMERICAN CLASSICS 8.559457 [57:50] [RB]

A typical conspectus this collection conveys diffuse variety yet succeeds for Weinberg through the romantic ardour of his concerto and quartet. ... see Full Review

RECORDING OF THE MONTH Johann Paul VON WESTHOFF (1656-1705) Sonatas for violin and basso continuo, 1694 Sonata IV in d minor [10:57] Sonata III in d minor [12:39] Sonata II in a minor [11:25] Sonata V in g minor [11:08] Sonata VI in g minor [10:47] Sonata I in a minor [12:11] Les plaisirs du Parnasse: David Plantier, violin; Maya Amrein, cello; Shiruko Noiri, archlute; Andrea Marchiol, harpsichord rec. April 2004, Church of Frasnes-le-Château, France. DDD ZIG-ZAG TERRITOIRES ZZT050201 [69:13] [JV]

The first recording ever of these sonatas by one of the most important German violinists of his time - one of the most important releases in recent times ... outstanding music in a splendid performance ... see Full Review

Charles-Marie WIDOR (1844-1937) Symphony No 9 op 70, 'Gothique' (1895): Moderato [6'27]; Andante Sostenuto [5'15]; Allegro [3'26]; Moderato [11'32] Symphony No 10 op 73, 'Romane' (1900): Moderato [8'25]; Choral [10'05]; Cantilene [6'11]; Final [10'56] Jeremy Filsell, organ Rec: 21 June 2003, St George's Chapel, Windsor Castle, (Symphony 9) 20th March 2000, Liverpool Metropolitan Cathedral, (Symphony 10) DDD ASV CD DCA 1172 [63'05] [CB]

Stunningly virtuosic playing ... Filsell’s mastery of the music. A nice library-filler to hear a quite different but admirably compelling approach. ... see Full Review

For Two Violins Eugène YSAŸE (1858-1931) Sonata for Two Violins, Op. Posth (1915) [34'04]. Darius MILHAUD (1892-1974) Duo (1945) [5'04]. Sonatine, Op. 231 (1940) [8'06]. Arthur HONEGGER (1892-1955) Sonatine (1920) [7'52]. Thomas Christian, Daniela Priemesberger (violins). Rec. Studio 2 des BR on November 9th-11th, 2004. DDD CPO 777 159-2 [55'30] [CC]

To be entirely frank I wasn't sure I'd enjoy an entire disc of music for two violins. I was grinning by the end of it. Wholeheartedly recommended. ... see Full Review

Władysław ŽELENSKI (1837-1921) Violin Sonata in F major op. 30 [26:54]
Zygmunt STOJOWSKI (1870-1946)
Violin Sonata in G major op. 13 [28:10] Barbara Trojanowski (violin) Elžbieta Tyszecka (piano) rec. Polski Radio, Lódž, Dec 2004. DDD ACTE PRÉALABLE AP0112 [55:25] [RB]

Acte Préalable and these two artists handsomely prove that Poland was not in the dark ages between the death of Chopin and the rise of Karłowicz and Szymanowski.... see Full Review

Ellen Taaffe ZWILICH (b. 1939) Concerto for Violin and Orchestra (1998) [26:03]* Rituals for five percussionists and orchestra (2002) [25:59] ** Pamela Frank (violin) Saarbrucken Radio Symphony Orchestra/Michael Stern *. NEXUS / IRIS Chamber Orchestra/Michael Stern** Recorded on 18th October 1998 (Concerto) in the Kongresshalle, Saarbrucken, Germany * and on 7th March 2004 in the Germanstown Performing Arts Centre, Tennessee, USA. DDD NAXOS 8.559268 [52:04] [JPh]

Well done Naxos – another hit in the American Music series. ... 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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