Antonio CALDARA (1670-1736)
Musica
Sacra Sinfonia: "Morte e sepoltura di Chisto" [5:13] Missa
Dolorosa [28:41] Caro mea [4:00] Peccavi [2:52] Ad Dominum [2:14] Exaudi
Domine [3:29] Transeunte Domino [3:26] Ego Sum [2:32] Transfige dulcissime
[3:23] O Sacrum Convivium [3:49] 
Danila Aita, soprano Giovanna Aita, soprano Deborah Parodi, soprano
Gianlungi Ghiringhelli, alto Filippo Pina Castiglioni, tenor Riccardo
Ristori, bass Schola Cantorum S. Stefano Orchestra barocca "Il
Cunebti degli Affetti"/Valentino Ermacora Recorded 2000 in Genova,
Italy TACTUS TC 670303
[61:31] [KS]
Pass
on this one. Wait for the Dutch to do it right!
... see Full
Review
Frederic
CHOPIN (1810
- 1849) 19
Polish Songs Op. 74 (1830?) Zyczenie (The wish)
[1:29] Wiosna (Spring) [2:20] Smutna rzeka
(The sad river) [2:58] Hulanka (Merrymaking)
[2:21] Gdzielubi... (What she likes) [1:13]
Preczz moich oczu... (Out of my sight) [2:50] Posel
(The messenger) [2:38] Sliczny chiopiec (Handsome
Lad) [2:03] Melodia (Melody) [2:05]
Wojak (The warrior) [2:00] Dwojakikoniec (The
double end) [1:55] Moja pieszczotka (My darling)
[1:50] Nie ma czego trzeba (I want what I have not)
[4:18] Pierscien (The ring) [1:13] Narzeczony
(The bridegroom) [1: 48] Piosnka Litewska (Lithuanian
song) [2:14] Leci liscie z drewa (Leaves are falling
- Hymn from the Tomb) [4:33] Czary (Enchantment)
[2:58] Dumka (Reverie) [1:11]
Elisabeth Söderström, (soprano) Vladimir Ashkenazy, (piano)
rec. St. Barnabas, North Finchley, London, May 1984. DDD
DECCA ELOQUENCE 476 7469 [44:56] [JPh]
It
is good to welcome these lovely works back
into circulation. ... see Full
Review
Jim
COCKEY
(b. 1947) Symphony
No. 1, ("dedicated to my son, Israel")
(1993) [30.34] Boise Philharmonic Orchestra/James
Ogle recorded live at Morrison Center, Boise,
Idaho, USA, 20 November 1993. Symphony
No. 2, "Parmly’s Dream" (2002)
[41.07] Jan Kliewer, bar; Anita Rawlinson,
sop; Joe Massman, bar; Bob Nell, piano. Joseph
Fire Crow, Native American flute, drums, vocals
Billings Symphony Chorale/David Barnett.
Billings Symphony Orchestra/Uri Barnea recorded
live in Alberta Bair Theater, Billings, Montana,
USA, 14 September 2002. Notes in English.
Photos of artists and composer. English texts.
available, including sound samples, from www.jimcockey.com.
JIM COCKEY 83707 64242 [71.41] [PSh]
Distinguished,
exceptional new symphonies by an American
composer. If you love American music, you
must hear these. ... see Full
Review
James
COOK (b.
1963) Organ Symphony Odyssey,
(Heaven Taken by Storm) [10:56]; Pneumatologia [6:08]; Proem [3:05];
Ultima (The Four Last Things) [10:15] Suite: Man’s Fourfold
State: In Eden [2:46]; In Nature [1:57]; In Grace [1:46]; In
Heaven [1:59] Two Voluntaries: A Glimpse of Glory [2:03];
A Glance of Heaven [4:30] Heaven and Hell Epitomised: 2 Sacred
Lessons: Calvaries of Love [8:22]; The Everlasting Habitations
[8:24]
Myles Hartley, organ
rec. Harris Manchester College Chapel, Oxford, 19 November 2004. DDD
DIVINE ART 25031
[62:15] [JQ]
A
worthy disc and admirers will want to hear
it. But I’m a bit disappointed not to have
heard more evidence of a truly individual
compositional voice. ... see Full
Review
Franz DANZI
(1752-1821) Bassoon
Concerto No. 1 in F major [19:22] Bassoon
Concerto No. 2 in F major [17:34] Johann
Baptist VANHAL (1739-1813] Concerto
for Two Bassoons in F major* [21:57]
John Heard (bassoon), Taras Osadchiy (bassoon)*
Camerata Kiev/Alexander Ostrowski rec. National
Recording Hall, Kiev, 28, 30 June 2004. DDD
KLEOS CLASSIC KL5136 [59:21] [GPu]
Good
performances of pleasant music, the double
concerto by Vanhal being a particularly interesting
piece ... see Full
Review
Leo
DELIBES (1836-1891)
Sylvia
- ballet in three acts (1876)
Opéra National de Paris, Orchestra
of Paris National Opera/Paul Connelly rec.
Opéra National de Paris, Opéra
Bastille, France, March 2005 plus interviews
with Director/Choreographer: John Neumeier
and Dance Director: Brigitte Lefèvre
Code 0
TDK DVWW-BLSVA [136:00] [RW]
By
no means perfect but tells the story fairly
well with much athleticism and freshness ...
at times inspired ... see Full
Review
Frederick
DELIUS (1862-1934)
Piano Concerto in C minor (original
version, first recording) (1904) [28:41] John
IRELAND (1897-1962) Legend for
Piano and Orchestra (1933) [11:38] Piano
Concerto in E flat major (1930) [23:52]
Piers Lane (piano) Ulster Orchestra/David
Lloyd-Jones rec. Ulster Hall, Belfast, 8-9
March 2005
HYPERION CDA67296 [64:24] [IL]
For
dedicated Delians, an irresistible chance
to hear Delius’s original Piano Concerto ...
The Ireland Concerto and Legend can be confidently
recommended ... see Full
Review
Gaetano
DONIZETTI
(1797-1848) Marino
Faliero, overture (1835) [7:40] Les Martyrs, overture (1840) [9:53]
Linda di Chamounix, overture (1842) [7:20] Maria di Rohan, overture
(1843) [10:13] Don Pasquale, overture (1843) [6:32] Domenico
CIMAROSA (1749-1801) Il Matrimonio Segreto, overture (1792)
[6:34]; ‘Udite, tutti udite’ (Geronimo’s aria) [6:28] Il fanatico per
gli antichi romani, overture (1777) Saverio
MERCADANTE (1795-1870) Sinfonia sopra i motivi dello Stabat
mater di Rossini (c.1843) [10:21]
Philippe Huttenlocher (bar) Monte-Carlo Opéra Orchestra/Claudio
Scimone Chambre de Lausanne Orchestra/Armin Jordan Rec. 1970s. ADD
WARNER CLASSICS APEX 2564 62418-2 [73.55] [RW]
A
most welcome release of material not previously
issued on CD ... see Full
Review
Gaetano
DONIZETTI (1797-1848)
Les Martyrs (1840) Libretto,
in French, by Eugène Scribe from Salvatore
Cammarano’s Italian libretto for Donizetti’s
Poliuto based on the play Polyeucte
by Pierre Corneille. First performed at the
Paris Opéra, 10 April 1840 Polyeucte,
Magistrate of Mtyilene, Ottavio Garaventa
(ten); Pauline, his wife, Leyla Gencer (sop);
Sévère, The Roman Proconsul,
Renato Bruson (bar); Felix, Pauline’s father,
Governor of Mytilene, Ferruccio Furlanetto
(bass); Callisthenes, High Priest of Jupiter,
Francesco Signor (bass); Nérque, leader
of the Christians, Oslavio di Credico (bass)
Chorus and Orchestra of the Teatro La Fenice
Venice/Gianluigi Gelmetti Live performance
recorded in mono 24 June 1978.
LIVING STAGE. LS 1128 [3 CDs: 70.35 +
59.26 + 58.05] [RF]
This
is what Donizetti enthusiasts are likely to be faced with for the foreseeable
future. Overall the performance enables a good appreciation of the composer’s
considerable achievement and one that should be heard by all lovers
of his music.... see Full
Review
Marcel
DUPRÉ
(1886-1971) Poème Héroïque op. 33 (1935)
[8'15] Angelus op. 34 No. 2 (1936) [4'29] Vision op. 44
(1947) [17'20] From Seventy-Nine Chorales op. 28 (1931): A mighty
fortress is our God [0'46]; All men shall die [1'04]; Jesus my trust
[0'38]; My soul doth magnify the Lord [1'00]; In Thee is Joy [0'50];
O how vain, O how fleeting [0'51]; In peace and joy I depart [0'55];
Awake! hear the call of watchmen [0'56]; We all believe in one God [1'54]
In Memoriam op. 61 (1965) [28'59]: Prelude [6'00]; Allegretto
[3'39]; Meditation [5'25]; Quod Libet [5'27]; Ricercare [3'18]; Postlude
[4'35] Ben Van
Oosten, organ rec. Princeton University Chapel, June 2005. DDD
DABRINGHAUS UND GRIMM MDG 316 1289-2 [68'57][CB]
Van
Oosten is, quite simply, the greatest interpreter of the French symphonic
school alive today ... but ... see Full
Review
RECORDING
OF THE MONTH Antonín DVOŘÁK
(1841-1904) Slavonic Dances arr. for wind quintet
by Guido Schäfer (Allegro scherzando op.46,2 [4:49]; Presto, op.46,8
[4:02]; Allegretto grazioso op.72,2 [5:43]; Allegro vivace (presto)
op.72,7 [3:46]) Quartet op.96 in F, arr. for wind quintet by Guido Schäfer
[25:41] (Allegro ma non troppo [9:56]; Lento [6:12]; Molto vivace [3:53];
Vivace, ma non troppo [5:25]) Bagatelles op.47, arranged for wind quintet
by Volker Grewel (Allegretto scherzando [3:14]; Tempo di minuetto [2:37];
Allegretto scherzando [3:02]; Canon. Andante con moto [3:24]; Poco allegro
[4:27]) Ma’a lot Quintet:
Stephanie Winker (flute), Christian Wetzel (oboe), Ulf-Gudo Schäfer
(clarinet), Volker Grewel (horn), Volker Tessmann (bassoon) rec. 10-12
February 2005, Fürstliche Reitbahn Bad Arolsen. DDD
MDG GOLD MDG345 1356-2 [61:19][GPJ]
Exceptionally
felicitous ... highly skilled arrangements
... world-class playing from all five members
of this stunning group. ... see Full
Review
Edward
ELGAR (1857
- 1934) Enigma Variations, Op.36 (1899)
[32:09] Nursery Suite (1931) [22:53] Chanson de Matin
Op.15, No.2 (1901) [3:26] Pomp and Circumstance March
No.4, Op.39 (1907) [5:09]
Royal Philharmonic Orchestra/Sir Yehudi Menuhin no recording details
given; originally issued in part, 1994, Tring International. DDD
REGIS RRC 1219 [63.48] [JPh]
Highly
recommended, given the performances and the
low price but why no In the South? ... see
Full Review
Edward
ELGAR (1857-1934)
Great
is the Lord (Psalm 48), Op. 67 (1910) [9.38] Ave Verum
Corpus, Op. 2, No. 1 (revised 1902) [2.31] Organ Sonata in G Op.
21 (first movement only) (1895) [8.39] O Salutaris Hostia (1880s)
[2.49] Ave Maria, Op. 2, No. 2 (revised 1902) [2.12] Give
unto the Lord (Psalm 29), Op. 74 (1914) [8.05] O Salutaris
Hostia (1880s) [3.21] Doubt not thy Father’s care (from Lux
Christi) (1895) [2.55] Te Deum and Benedictus Op. 34 (1897)
[18.10] Choir of St. Paul’s Church, Rock Creek Parish, Washington DC.
Neil Watson (organ accompanist)
Graham Elliott (director and solo organ) rec. 2, 4-5 March 2005, St.
Paul’s, Rock Creek Parish
LAMMAS RECORDS LAMM 187D [58.24][RH]
If
you love Elgar’s sacred music then think about
acquiring this disc as a companion to compare
and contrast with the admirable disc from
St. John’s College. ... see Full
Review
Sir Edward
ELGAR
(1857-1934) Coronation
March, Op. 65 (1911) [10.37] Grania and
Diarmid, Op. 42: Funeral March (1901)
[10.21] Pomp and Circumstance Marches Op.
39: No. 1 (1901) [6.13]; No. 2 (1901) [5.08];
No. 3 (1904) [5.48]; No. 4 (1907) [5.14];
No. 5 (1930) [6.16] Caractacus, Op.
35: March (1898) [7.06] March of the Mogul
Emperors, Op. 66 No. 4 (1912) [3.50] Empire
March (1924) [4.17] Polonia, symphonic
prelude, Op. 76 (1915) [14.25]
New Zealand Symphony Orchestra/James
Judd rec. Michael Fowler Centre, Wellington,
New Zealand, February 2003
NAXOS 8.557273 [79.16] [SV]
The
real interest lies in the non-Pomp and Circumstance
pieces ... see Full
Review
Eric
EWAZEN
(b.1954) Concerto for Horn and String Orchestra
(2002) [21:44] James A. BECKEL (b.1948)
The Glass Bead Game: Concerto for Horn and Orchestra (1997)
[21:33] Simon A. SARGON (b.1938) Questings:
Concerto for Horn and Chamber Orchestra (1985-1991) [16:51]
Gregory Hustis (horn) Dallas Philharmonia/Paul Clifford Phillips Recorded:
Dallas, no date given.
CRYSTAL RECORDS CD773 [60:25][GPu]
Interesting
repertoire which rewards repeated hearings
and is well played and recorded ... see
Full Review
Joseph
EYBLER
(1765-1846) Symphony
No. 1 in C (1780s) [22:36] Symphony No. 2 in D (1780s) [27:07] Overture
[7:04] L’Orchestre
de Chambre de Genève/Michael Hofstetter rec. Salle de Musique,
La-Chaux-de-Fonds, December 2004. DDD Hybrid SACD with Surround Sound
CPO 777 104-2 [57:49]
[PCW]
Highly
recommendable listening, more worthy of
one’s attention than the early symphonies
by Mozart currently being sprinkled around
to celebrate his anniversary ... see Full
Review
Dimitri
FAMPAS (1921-1996)
Greek
dance no.3 "Sousta" [4:18}; Greek dance "Viacha"
[3:35]; Greek dance no.1 "Karaguna" [3:23]; Concert Study
no 8 [3:15]; Greek Suite - The country of centaurs [2:36], Tsamikos
Dance [4:07], Ravines [3:51], Syrtaki Dance [4:04]; Three short romantic
Preludes: in D major [0:44], in E major [0:33], in A minor [0:56]; Concert
study no. 23 [3:22]; Poem [3:23]; Fantastic Dance [2:55]; Fairy tale
[2:07]; Segovia’s Portrait [3:13]; Suite in an Old Style- Prelude, Bourré,
Allemande, Aria melancholic, Loure 1 and 2 [11:39]
Eva Fampas, guitar. rec. Room S Recording Studios. No date given
AULIA AA 69001 [58:39]
[ZT]
This
brings to mind an observation once made of
Alfred Cortot: not always technically perfect
but always musically excellent. ... see Full
Review
Gabriel
FAURÉ (1845-1924)
Dans un parfum de roses (Amid the scent
of roses) Le Papillon et la fleur;
Rêve d'amour; Dans les ruines d'une
abbaye; L'aurore; la rançon;
Aubade; Ici-bas !; Aurore;
Le pays des rêves; Les roses d'Ispahan;
Nocturne; La rose; Soir;
Le parfum impérissable; Arpège;
Mélisande's song; Le plus doux chemin;
Vocalise-étude; La chanson d'Ève.
Jennifer Smith (soprano); Geraldine McGreevy
(soprano); Felicity Lott (soprano); Jean-Paul
Fouchécourt (tenor); Stephen Varcoe (baritone);
Graham Johnson (piano) recorded on various
dates in 2002, 2003, 2004 DDD
HYPERION CDA67336 [66:59][AO]
A
very well chosen collection which brings insight
into the inner world of Fauré's songs. ...
see Full
Review
Josef
Bohuslav FOERSTER (1859-1951)
Eva
– opera in three acts (1899)
[114:50] Eva: Iveta Jirikova (soprano) Manek:
Kostyantyn Andreyev (tenor) Mesjanovka (his
mother): Denisa Hamarova (mezzo) Samko: Igor
Tarasov (baritone) Zuzka: Elizabeth Batton
(mezzo) Rubac: Roland Davitt (baritone)
Wexford Festival Opera Chorus/Lubomir Matl
Cracow Philharmonic Orchestra/Jaroslav Kyzlink
rec. live, Theatre Royal, Wexford, Ireland,
24, 27, 30 October 2004. DDD
MARCO POLO 8.225308-09 [74:49 + 39:01]
[IB]
An
attractive score, well performed, and one
of great interest to anyone curious about
Czech opera. But try and beg a libretto from
somewhere! ... see Full
Review
John FOX
(b.1924) Voyage of a
Lifetime Voyage
of a Lifetime [3.36] Jovial Knights Overture
[3.05] Joy of Love – Suite [22.11] Safe Grazing
[2.21] Earth and Space – Suite [17.10] Society
Waltz [3.17] Melodic Panorama [2,20] George
GERSHWIN (1898-1937) Love Walked
In [4.21]* TRADITIONAL
Scarborough Fair (arranged Fox)
[4.07] Billy Boy (arranged Fox) [2.25] She
Moved the Fair (arranged Fox) [3.53] Danny
Boy (arranged Fox) [4.05] Noel
COWARD (1899-1973) London Pride
(arranged Fox) [5.11]
Royal Ballet Sinfonia/Gavin Sutherland
Budapest Philharmonic Orchestra/John Fox Leipzig
Radio Symphony Orchestra/John Fox John Fox
Orchestra (and Singers) /John Fox Recorded
1989-95
CAMPION CAMEO 2050 [78.27] [JW]
Lyrical
and superbly crafted music in the great line
of British composers in the genre. ... see
Full Review
César
FRANCK
(1822-1890) Symphony
in D minor (1886-8) [36.34] Le chasseur maudit* (1883) [14.02]
Boston Symphony Orchestra/Charles Munch Symphonic Variations
for piano and orchestra+ (1885) [15.06]
Leonard Pennario (piano) Boston Pops Orchestra/Arthur Fiedler rec.
Symphony Hall, Boston, March 1957, *February 1962, +May 1963
BMG/RCA RED SEAL CLASSIC LIBRARY 82876-65833-2 [65.54] [SV]
At
midprice, recommended for the symphony ...
see Full
Review
César
FRANCK (1822-1890)
Piano
Quintet in F minor* (1878-79) [35.47] Violin
Sonata in A major (1886) [28.51]
The Schubert Ensemble: Simon Blendis,
violin*; Jan Peter Schmolk, violin; Douglas
Paterson, viola; Jane Salmon, cello; William
Howard, piano* rec. Champs Hill, Pulborough,
Sussex, England, 3-5 Oct, 7-8 Nov*, 2003.
DDD
ASV GOLD GLD 4019 [65.19] [MC]
A
fine recording that will appeal to many especially
for the excellent performance of the Piano
Quintet. ... see Full
Review
Georg
GERSON (1790-1825) Overture in D major
(1812-14) [8:28] Symphony in E flat major (1817) [32:52] Friedrich
Ludwig Aemilius KUNZEN (1761-1817) Symphony in G minor (1795)
[21:02] Concerto Copenhagen/Lars
Ulrik Mortensen rec. Garnisons Kirke, Copenhagen, 17-21 May 2004. DDD
CPO 777 085-2 [62:24][RB]
If
you are in the market for some delightful
and freshly imagined orchestral music in the
Mozartian vein then look no further. ... see
Full
Review
Umberto
GIORDANO (1867-1948)
Andrea Chénier -
Historical dramatic opera in four acts (1896)
Libretto by Luigi Illica. First performed
La Scala, Milan, 28 March 1896
Andrea Chenier, poet, Placido Domingo (ten);
Carlo Gérard, former servant in the
Coigny household and also in love with Maddalena,
Piero Cappuccilli (bar); Maddalena, in love
with Chenier, Gabriella Benacková (sop);
La Contessa di Coigny, Czeslawa Slania (mezzo);
Madelon, Fedora Barbieri (mezzo); Un Incredible,
Heinz Zednik (ten); Fléville, Paul
Wolfram (bar)
Orchestra and Chorus of the Vienna State Opera/Nello
Santi 
DEUTSCHE
GRAMMOPHON DVD VIDEO 000440 073 4070 GH [139:00]
[RF]
This
performance is outstanding in respect of the
principals and indeed several of the minor
parts ... see Full
Review
Alexander
GLAZUNOV (1865-1936) The
Complete Solo Piano Music, Volume 1: Suite on the name SASCHA, Op. 2 (1883) [16'01]; Three Miniatures,
Op. 42 (1893) [9'02]; Valse de salon, Op. 43 (1893) [6'56]; Grande
valse de concert, Op. 41 (1891) [8'03]; Waltzes on the theme
SABELA, Op. 23 (1890-1893) [3'17]; Petite valse (1892) [2'53];
Piano Sonata No. 1 in B flat minor, Op. 74 (1900) [23'42];
Stephen Coombs (piano). rec. Rosslyn Hill Unitarian Chapel, Hampstead,
London, 16-17 October 1994. DDD
HYPERION HELIOS CDH55221 [71'01][CC]
A
tremendous disc. The fertility of Glazunov's imagination never fails
to astound me, and by the end of the disc Stephen Coombs' take on this
composer had completely won me around, too. ... see Full
Review
Morton
GOULD (1913-1996) Jekyll and Hyde Variations (1957) [21:20] Fall River Legend (1948)
[52:28] James F. Neal (narrator)
Nashville Symphony Orchestra/Kenneth Schermerhorn Recorded at Ingram
Hall, Nashville, Tennessee, USA, 5-6 December 2004. DDD
NAXOS 8.559242 [73:48][PG]
A
very good album of works that are not “old
chestnuts”. Well worth your listening time.
... see Full
Review
Edvard GRIEG
(1843-1907)
Piano
Concerto in A Op. 16 (1868) [30.07]Robert SCHUMANN
(1810-1856) Piano Concerto in a Op. 54 (1841-45) [31.55]
Henry LITOLFF (1818-1891) Concerto
Symphonique No. 4 in D minor Op.102 (1852) – Scherzo [7.21]
Joyce Hatto (piano) National Philharmonic-Symphony Orchestra/René
Köhler rec. Concert Artist Studios, Cambridge, March 1997 (Schumann
and Litolff) and February 1999 (Grieg)
CONCERT ARTIST/FIDELIO RECORDINGS CACD 9089-2 [69.51] [JW]
When
prosaic pianistic chops were handed out Joyce
Hatto was not around. ... see Full
Review
George
Frideric HANDEL
(1685 – 1759) Concerti
Grossi Op. 3 (1734) Concerti Grossi
Op. 6 (1739)
Haydn and Handel Society/Christopher Hogwood
Recorded March 1988 (Op. 3), March/May 1991
(Op. 6.), Methuen Memorial Hall, Boston, Massachusetts.
DDD
AVIE AV2065 [3 CDs: 72.34 + 76.12 + 69.14]
[RH]
I
enjoyed these performances immensely ... they
provide a nice contrast to my existing favourites.
It is enterprising of Avie to rescue them
from Decca’s vaults. ... see Full
Review
George
Frideric HANDEL
(1685-1759) Agrippina – opera in
three acts (1709) [154:00]
Claudio: Gunter von Kannen (bass) Agrippina: Barbara Daniels (soprano)
Nerone: David Kuebler (tenor) Poppea: Janice Hall (soprano) Ottone:
Claudio Nicolai (baritone) Pallante: Ulrich Hielscher (baritone) Narciso:
Eberhard Katz (tenor) Lesbo: Carlos Feller (baritone) Chorus of the
Oper der Stadt Koln London Baroque/Arnold Ostman Directed and adapted
by Michael Hampe Stage Design by Mauro Pagano Directed for TV by Thomas
Olofsson A stage production of the Oper der Stadt Koln rec. live, Rokotheater
Schwetzingen, Germany, 1-4 May 1985.
EUROARTS 2054538
[154:00][KS]
I
enjoyed viewing Agrippina rather than just listening to it. Just bear
in mind this isn’t quite as Handel originally envisaged. ... see Full
Review
Joseph
HAYDN (1732-1809)
Symphonies:
No.1 in D [13:46], No.2 in C [09:35], No.3 in G [16:43], No.4 in D [13:46],
No.5 in A [17:47] Sinfonia
Finlandia/Pattrick Gallois rec. 26-28 May 2004, Suolahti Hall, Finland
NAXOS 8.557571 [71:38]
[CH]
If
you only have late Haydn symphonies in your
collection and have the idea that anything
below about no.50 is not worth your consideration,
spend a few pounds on this and you’ll get
quite a surprise. ... see
Full Review
Franz
Joseph HAYDN
(1732-1809) Symphony
No. 80 in D. Minor* (1783/4) [23:12] Symphony No. 87 in A* (1785) [24:35]
Symphony No. 89 in F* (1787) [21:07] Symphony No. 83 in G minor** (1785)
[22:49] Symphony No. 84 in E flat** (1786) [22:46] Symphony No. 88 in
G** (?1787) [20:19] London
Mozart Players/Jane Glover rec.* St. Peter’s Church, Morden, 18-19 July
1988; ** St. Peter’s Church, Morden, January 1989
SANCTUARY RSB 203 [69:42 + 67:01] [GPu]
Enjoyable
performances of marvellous music, if not the
very best recordings to be had … see Full
Review
Franz
Joseph HAYDN
(1732-1809) Trios
Haydn Trio Eisenstadt:
Harald Kosik (piano), Verena Stourzh (violin), Hannes Gradwohl (cello)
Recorded Haydnsaal, Schloss Esterházy, Eisenstadt: (a) November
1998; (b) April 2002; (c) April 2003; (d) April 2004
CAPRICCIO 49 489 [72:21 + 73:24 + 79:04 + 79:41] [GPu]
Treasure
trove! Intelligent, affectionate and subtle
performances of marvellous music – and at
a bargain price ... see Full
Review
Johann
Nepomuk HUMMEL
(1778-1837) Piano
Quartet in G major, Op. posth. (published
1839) (01. I. Andante cantabile [05:32]; 02.
II. Allegro con spirito [11:45]) Micaela Comberti,
violin; Jane Rogers, viola; Pal Banda, cello;
Susan Alexander-Max, fortepiano Piano Trio
in G major, Op. 35 (1811) (03. I. Allegro
con brio [07:39]; 04. II. Tempo di Menuetto
[03:38]; 05. III. Rondo: Vivace e scherzando
[03:55]} Micaela Comberti, violin; Pal Banda,
cello; Susan Alexander-Max, fortepiano Cello
Sonata in A major, Op. 104 (1826) (06.
I. Allegro amabile e grazioso [11:13]; 07.
II. Romanza: Un poco Adagio e con espressione
[05:48]; 08. III. Rondo: Allegro vivace un
poco [06:24]) Pal Banda, cello; Susan Alexander-Max,
fortepiano Piano Trio in F major, Op.
22 (1807) (09. I. Allegro moderato [05:26];
10. II. Andante con Variazioni [04:14]; 11.
III. Rondo: Alla Turca: Vivace [03:45])
Simon Standage, violin; Pal Banda, cello;
Susan Alexander-Max, fortepiano rec. Weston
Parish Church, Weston, Hertfordshire, June
2002 and March 2003
NAXOS 8.557694 [69.22] [JW]
Spirited
and lyrical, though not invariably convincing,
this is another feather in the Naxos Hummel
cap. ... see Full
Review
Akira
IFUKUBE (b.
1914) Sinfonia
Tapkaara (1954, rev. 1979) [25:57] Ritmica Ostinata for piano
and orchestra* (1961, rev. 1972) [21:33] Symphonic Fantasia No.1
(1983) [13:15] Ekaterina
Saranceva (piano)* Russian Philharmonic Orchestra/Dmitry Yablonsky Rec.
3-12 May 2005, Studio 5 of the Russian State TV & Radio Company
KULTURA, Moscow. NAXOS
8.557587 [60:45] [DC]
Will
bring a smile every time, but the more I listen
the more I find my ear teased by an unstoppably
fertile creative mind ... see Full
Review
Charles
IVES
(1874-1954) A Song – For Anything - Songs by Charles
Ives Feldeinsamkeit
(1897) The Things Our Fathers Loved (1917) Memories: (A) Very Pleasant;
(B) Rather Sad (1897) The Housatonic at Stockbridge (1921) Swimmers
(1921) The Cage (1906) The Greatest Man (1921) General William Booth
Enters into Heaven (1914) Remembrance (1921) Berceuse (1903) West London
(1921) Tom Sails Away (1917) When the Stars are in the Quiet Skies (1891)
Weil’ auf mir (1902) Ich grolle nicht (1898) Du alte Mutter (1900) Where
the Eagle (1900) Walking (1902) Yellow Leaves (1923) The Side Show (1921)
Élégie (1901) The New River (1921) Like a Sick Eagle (1920)
Ann Street (1921) Slugging a Vampire (1902) Thoreau (1915) Serenity
(1919) Tolerance (c.1906) Charlie Rutlage (after 1920) ‘1, 2, 3’ (1921)
A Song – For Anything (1892)
Gerald Finley (baritone) Julius Drake (piano) rec. 10-12 November
2004, All Saints Church, East Finchley, London. DDD
HYPERION CDA67516 [70:30] [SM]
I
enthusiastically recommend it to all who are
interested in Charles Ives or art song in
general. ... see Full
Review
Gabriel JACKSON
(b. 1962) Edinburgh
Mass (2001) [13:35] O Sacrum Convivium (1990)
[6:35] Creator of the Stars of Night (2000)
[4:16] Ane Sang of the Birth of Christ (2002)
[4:13] A Prayer of King Henry VI (2002) [2:54]
Preces (2003) [1:11] Psalm 112: Laudate Pueri
(2004) [9:49] Magnificat (Truro Service) (2001)
[4:16] Nunc Dimittis (Truro Service) (2001)
[2:16] Responses (2003) [5:32] Salve Regina
(2000) [5:41] Dismissal (2003) [0:28] St Asaph
Toccata (2003) [8:34] Michael Bonaventure
(organ, Psalm 112, Toccata) Susan Hamilton
(soprano, Psalm 112) Simon Nieminski
(organ, Creator, Ane Sang)
The Choir of St Mary’s Episcopal Cathedral,
Edinburgh/Matthew Owens Rec. St Mary’s Episcopal
Cathedral, Edinburgh, 23-24 Feb, 21 Dec 2004,
4 Jan 2005. DDD
DELPHIAN DCD34027 [70:22] [DC]
Those
who love sounds which can trace their ancestry
back through Howells, Purcell, Elizabethan
and even Medieval work will be refreshed and
fortified by the music on this disc. ... see
Full Review
Elizabeth-Claude
JACQUET DE LA GUERRE
(c.1665-1729) Suites Nos: 1 in D minor (1687) [24:26];
2 in G minor (1687) [19:09]; 3 in A minor (1687) [21:36]; 4 in F major
(1687) [18:55]; No. 5 in D minor (1707) [43:29]; No. 6 in G major (1707)
[15:14] Elizabeth Farr,
harpsichord. Recorded Orum Hall, Valparaiso, USA, 3-6 August 2004. DDD
NAXOS 8.557654-55
[65:11 + 77:39][GPu]
Convincingly
idiomatic and thoroughly enjoyable performances which should appeal
to all who love the French harpsichord tradition ... see Full
Review
RECORDING
OF THE MONTH André
JOLIVET (1905-1974)
Piano Music: Volume 1 Cosmogonie (1938) [10:19]; Sarabande sur le
nom d’Erik Satie (1925) [3:57]; Mana (1934) [13:03]; Etude sur les modes
antiques (1944) [3:43]; Deux mouvements (1930) [15:50]; Romance barbare
(1920) [3:39]; From Bom Bo (1935) [1:16]; Tango (1927) [3:10]; Algeria
– Tango (1934) [2:19]; El viejo camello (1935) [1:37]; Danses pour Zizou
(1934) [1:01]; Madia (1935) [0:54]; Sidi Ya Ya (1934) [6:54]
Pascal Gallet (piano) rec. Salle Jeanne d’Albret, St-Germain en Laye,
June 2003 MAGUELONE
MAG 111.136 [68:58] André JOLIVET (1905-1974)
Piano Music: Volume 2 Danses rituelles (1939) [28:21]; Trois temps
(1930) [7:40]; Deuxième sonate (1957) [18:36]; Berceuse dans un hamac
(1951) [2:18]; Danse caraïbe (1963) [0:20]; Danse roumaine (1949) [1:31];
Chansons naïves (1951) [15:23]
Pascal Gallet (piano) rec. Salle Jeanne d’Albret, St-Germain en Laye,
September 2004 MAGUELONE
MAG 111.137 [70:16][HC]
An
absolute must for all the Jolivet admirers but many other will derive
much pleasure from the shorter, more accessible pieces before facing
the demanding, but ultimately rewarding challenges of the bigger works.
... see Full Review
Jouni
KAIPAINEN (b.
1956) Horn
Concerto, Op. 61 (2000-2001) [27:53] (Allegro maestoso - Cadenza
[10:06]; 2. Larghetto [11:01]; 3. Vivace [6:47]) Cello Concerto No.
1, Op. 65 (2002) [36:44] (Andante febbrile; possibilmente rubato
- Allegro con brio [17:38]; Largo - Cadenza attacca [13:20]; Allegretto
[5:47]) Esa Tapani (horn)
Marko Ylönen, (cello) Finnish Radio Symphony Orchestra/Hannu Lintu
rec. House of Culture, Helsinki, 3-4 Jan 2005 (Horn); 5, 7 Jan 2005
(Cello). DDD ONDINE
ODE 1062-2 [64:48] [RB]
Two
grippingly unruly and imaginative concertos
stunningly recorded and annotated ... see
Full Review
Sigfrid
KARG-ELERT (1877-1933) Symphonic Chorale “Ach
bleib mit deiner Gnade” op 87 No 1 (1911) [7’11] Völlige
Hingabe op 66 No 1 (1906) [3’35] Sphärenmusik op 66 No 2 [5’48]
Ich steh an deiner Krippe hier op 66 no 3 [3’50] Sanctus op 48B
No 1 (1908) [3’43] Pastorale op 48B No 2 [8’40] Abendstern
op 98 No 1 (c1914) [4’39] Nun Danket alle Gott op 65 no 59 (1909)
[4’03] Vom Himmel hoch op 65 no 10 [2’53] Vom Himmel hoch
op 78 no 20 (1912) [3’55] Symphonic Chorale “Nun ruhen alle
Wälder op 87 No 3 (1911) [15’48]
Rupert
Gough, organ Rachel Gough, violin Natalie Clifton-Griffith, soprano
rec. Downside Abbey, 4, 6 April 2005. DDD
LAMMAS
LAMM 186D [64’55][CB]
This
recording of Karg-Elert’s so-called Symphonic
Canzonas is a triumph for all concerned. ...
see Full
Review
Jozef
KOFFLER (1896-1943/4)
Piano Works: Volume One Musique
Quasi una Sonata, Op. 8 [8:39] Sonatina
Op. 12 Mojej zonie [8:04] Forty
Polish Folksongs [34:57]
Elzbieta Sternlicht (piano) rec. 4-7 January
2005, Ballhaus Naunynstrasse, Berlin. DDD
ACTE PRÉALABLE APO 122 [52:08]
[DB]
An
unknown proponent of 12 tone music in able
and well-recorded performances. ... see Full
Review
Jozef
KOFFLER (1896-1943/4)
Piano Works: Volume Two Musique
de Ballet, Op. 7 [9:41] Quinze Variations
d’après une suite de douze sons Op.
9 [9:08] Four Pieces for Children [3:36]
Variations sur une valse de Johann Strauss,
Op. 23 [15:34] Chanson slave [2:09]
Elzbieta Sternlicht (Piano) rec. 4-7 January
2005 at Ballhaus Naunynstrasse, Berlin
ACTE PREALABLE APO 123 [40:30] [DB]
A
well-recorded performances of music by an
under-appreciated composer. ... see Full
Review
Leopold KOZELUCH
(1747-1818) Piano
Concerto in D major [30.43] Wolfgang Amadeus
MOZART (1756-1791) Piano Concerto No.21 in C major K467 (1785)
[28.45] Felicja
Blumental (piano) The Mozarteum Orchestra of Salzburg/Leopold Hager,
recorded 1970 (Kozeluch) Prague New Chamber Orchestra/Alberto Zedda,
recorded 1968 (Mozart)
BRANA BR0027 [59.27][JW]
It’s
for the Kozeluch that this is most interesting though really this is
another disc very much for Blumental’s admirers. ... see Full
Review
Max
KUHN (1896-1994)
Instrumental
Music and Songs Introduktion und Allegro für Oboe und Klavier
[8:28] Shiffern und Kapitänen von Albert Ehrismann 6 Lieder
für Alto (oder Bariton) und Klavier [13:58] Gedicht aus der Chinesischen
Flöte von Hans Bethge [4:33] Nachdichtungen der Lieder des Hafis,
Hans Bethge [2:20] Gedicht von R. G. Binding [2:16] Text
von A. Ehrismann [2:25] Suite für Oboe Solo [8:25] 3 Préludes
für Klavier [5:53] Drei Klavierstücke [7:42]
John Anderson (oboe) Jeanette Ager (mezzo) Sophia Rahman (piano) rec.
12-13 June 2004, St Paul’s Boys’ School, Hammersmith, London. DDD
GUILD GMCD 7284 [57:42][ABi]
Overall
a valuable introduction to Kuhn and his music ... see Full
Review
Elodie
LAUTEN (b. 1950) Variations
on the Orange Cycle (1991) [39:04] Crossroads,
aka Variations in Search of a Theme (2004) [12:42] Sonate Ordinaire (1986) [23:28]
Elodie
Lauten, piano Recorded 1991, 2004, 1987, New York.
4TAY 4031 [75:14][KS]
Would
find a favorably disposed audience amongst
the coffee house set if generously seasoned
with some poetry readings and good coffee.
I wish that I could find more to praise in
this disc ... see Full
Review
Ernesto LECUONA
(1895
– 1963) Suite
Andalucia (1927) (Córdoba; Andalucia;
Alhambra; Gitanerias; Guadalquivir; Malagueña);
Ante el Escorial; Vals apasionado; Vals romántico;
Canción de luna; Siempre en mi corazón;
Ernestina LECUONA
(b. 1882) No lo dudes; Cierra,
cierra los ojos; Ernesto
LECUONA María la O; Danzas
Afro-Cubanas (La conga de media noche; Danza
negra; ¡Y la negra bailaba!; Danza le los
ñáñigos; Danza Lucumi;
La comparsa
Clélia Iruzun (piano) Recorded at the
Hurstwood Farm Studios. No recording dates
given.
LORELT LNT 119 [71:03] [GF]
A
disc that I have already played for pleasure
several times ... see Full
Review
Jean Xavier Lefèvre
(1763-1829) Concerto
for Clarinet and Orchestra No. 4, in B flat
major (c. 1797) [25:52] Concerto for Clarinet
and Orchestra No. 3, in E flat major (c. 1797)
[19:19] Concerto for Clarinet and Orchestra
No. 6, in B flat major (c. 1803) [18:39]
Eduard Brunner (clarinet) Münchener
Kammerorchester/Reinhard Goebel rec. Bavaria
Musikstudio, Munich, 24-26 April 2001. DDD
TUDOR 7098 [63:09] [GPu]
These
concertos are historically important and,
more importantly, sensitively played on this
very enjoyable CD ... see Full
Review
Franz LEHÁR
(1870
– 1948) Highlights (in French) Le
Tsarévitch (Der Zarewitsch)
(1927) [8:34] Introduction; Chanson de la
Volga; Un beau rêve; Giuditta
(1934) [13:39] Oh, signora, oh signora; Sur
mes lèvres; Oh, ma belle étoile;
Frédérique (Friederike)
(1928) [10:20] Overture; Chantez, oiseaux;
Quatuor des étudiants; Duo de la belle
Alsacienne; Ah, pourquoi m’as-tu pris mon
coeur?; Le Comte de Luxembourg (Der
Graf von Luxemburg) (1909) [25:12] Entrée
du comte; Entrée de Suzanne; Duo Suzanne
– Fernand; Suzanne; Duo Basil – Juliette;
Duo Suzanne – Fernand; Romance de Suzanne
et Brissard; Duo Suzanne – Fernand; Finale;
La danse de libellules (Libellentanz)
(1922) [12:26] Lina Dachary, Anita Ammersfeld
(sopranos), Remi Corazza, Alain Vanzo, Henri
Legay (tenors), Aimé Doniat, André
Dran (baritones)
Chorus and Orchestre Lyrique of the ORTF/Adolphe
Sibert rec. studios, ORTF, Radio France, Paris,
1966 (La danse des libellules), 1970 and 1980
(Giuditta) and 1971
NAXOS 8.111010 [70:11] [GF]
Lehár
excerpts - live recordings and enthusiastic
performances, occasionally over-sentimental
but generally lively and high-spirited ...
see Full Review
Ulrich
LEYENDECKER (b.
1946) Symphony No. 3 (1990/91) [29:24] Violin
Concerto (1995) [28:19]
Roland Greutter (violin) North German Radio Symphony Orchestra/Johannes
Kalitze rec. 4 November 1994 (Symphony No. 3) and 2 February 1996 (Violin
Concerto), NDR Studio, Hamburg, Germany. DDD
NAXOS 8.557427 [57:43][ABi]
Leyendecker
is more concerned with the relation between
form and orchestration and the importance
of overall structure in the music. ... see
Full
Review
Edvard
LIEBER
(20th century) Music
to PaintingsTwenty-four De Kooning
Preludes, based on paintings by Willem
de Kooning (1978) [21.22]Small Decoy,
based on the painting Small Decoy by Marcelo
Bonevardi (1979) [3.24] * Prelude to
Jackson Pollock’s "Autumn Rhythm"
(1977) [1.00] Homage to Franz
Kline, based on the late paintings
of Franz Kline (1977) [3.10] Sea Wall,
based on the painting Sea Wall by Edvins Strautmanis
(1979) [2.20] Bacchus, based
on the 1976-79 Bacchus paintings by Elaine
de Kooning (1979) [3.07] Tomb of Hasegawa,
based on the late paintings by Saburo Hasegawa
(1979) [9.53] + Edvard
Lieber (piano, * prepared piano, + electronically
altered piano) + Unnamed chorus
and Shoko Tanaka (speaker) rec. 24 August
1983, Recital Hall, State University of New
York, Purchase, NY. ADD.
LABOR LAB 7020-2 [44.33] [ED]
Merits
investigation by those with a serious and
dedicated interest in visual and/or musical
thought. ... see Full
Review
Hans
Christian LUMBYE
(1810-1874) Festival at Tivoli Champagne
Galop (1845) [2:19] Dronning Louise (1869) [5:36] Købehavns Jernbane
Damp Galop (1847) [4:07] Concert Polka for To Violiner (1863) [4:55]
Mon Salut à St. Pétersbourg (1848) [3:09] Petersborgerinden
[2:30] Drømmebilleder (1846) [9:47] Poloniase med Cornet Solo
[4:15] Britta Polka (1864) [2:37] Finale Galop af balletten "Napoli"
(1842) [4:35] Columbine Polka Mazurka (1862) [4:29] Salut for August
Bournonville [1:56] Amélie Vals (1849) [10:45] Finale Galop af
balletten "Livjægerne på Amager" (1871)
[3:31] Petersborg Champagne Galop (1850) [2:52]
Danish National Symphony Orchestra/Gennady Rozhdestvensky rec. Danish
Radio Concert Hall, Copenhagen, February 1993, DDD
CHANDOS CHAN 10354 X [68:27] [PCW]
A
most worthwhile reissue of charm-laden music
which should cheer you up on a cold winter’s
day ... 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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