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PART 6
Misc. A-L

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[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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ALPHABETICAL LISTING

 

Nineteenth Century Organ and Choral Music Theophil FORCHHAMER (1847-1923) Sonate Nr.2 in e-Moll, op.15 ‘Zur Todtenfeier’ (pub. 1886) [25:04] Aus Acht Choralbearbeitungen, op.11 (pub. 1887) Es ist gewisslich an der Zeit [2:00] Jesus meine Zuversicht [2:33] Theodor KIRCHNER (1823-1903) Aus Orgelkompositionen, op.89 (pub. 1890) [14:33] Benedict JUCKER (1811-1876) Aus Neun Choral-Vorspiele, op.7 (1867) Mein Jesu den die Seraphinen [2:43] O’ wie so gar sanftmüthig [2:03] Ach bleib mit deiner Gnade [2:22] Josef Gabriel RHEINBERGER (1839-1901) Messe in f-Moll, op.159 für Chor und Orgel (1889) [22:04] Ursina Caflisch (organ) Cantus Firmus/Clau Scherrer Rec. Katholische Pfarrkirche, Ilanz, 27-31 October 2004 GUILD GMCD 7290 [74:36] [WK]

A successful anthology of lesser-known Swiss Nineteenth Century Organ and Choral Music ... see Full Review

7 ORGANS Samuel SCHEIDT (1587-1654) Cantico Belgica [6'10] Fantasia super Io son ferito lasso [10'25] Heinrich SCHEIDEMANN (1596-1663) Galliarda ex D [4'29] Johann KRIEGER (1652-1735) Ricercar in e [2'26] Adagio [1'36] J.S. BACH (1685-1750) Praeludium et Fuga in d BWV 539 [7'17] Wilhelm Friedemann BACH (1710-1785) Fuga in g [1'48] Fuga in c [4'16] W.A. MOZART (1756-1791) Andante in F [6'35] J.G. KREBS (1713-1780) from Clavierubung: Jesu Meine Freude [3'49] Christ Lag in Todesbanden [4'02] Meinem Jesum lass ich nicht [3'07] Naoko Imai, organs rec. historic instruments in Sweden: Skokloster (1667), Morlanda (1604/1715), Tjallmo (1710), Leufsta Bruk (1728), Jonsered (1783), Yttergran (1776), Borstil (1783), 21 July-1 August 2003. DDD MUSICA REDIVIVA MRACD 011 [57'56] [CB]

Warmly recommended for fabulous presentation, good playing, and wonderful organs and music. Buy it and be inspired to find out more about these remarkable survivals. ... see Full Review

Abendlied: 19th-century Romantic German part-songs and motets Josef RHEINBERGER (1839-1901) Abendlied [2:52] Johannes BRAHMS (1833-1897) Warum ist das Licht gegeben [9:20]; Geistliches Lied [4:52] * Felix MENDELSSOHN (1809-1847) Sechs Sprüche, Op 79 (1841) [11:20]: Weihnachten (Christmas) ; Am Neujahrstage (New Year's Day); Am Himmelfahrtstage (Ascension Day); In der Passionszeit (Passiontide); Im Advent (Advent); Am Charfreitage (Whitsunday) Anton BRUCKNER (1824-1896) Christus factus est [5:20]; Ave Maria [3:09] Max REGER (1873-1916) Drei sechsstimme Chöre, Op 39 [13:36]: Schweigen (Silence); Abendlied (Evening song); Frühlingsblick (Springtime) Richard WAGNER (1813-1883) An Webers Grabe [4:02] Hugo WOLF (1860-1903) Sechs geistliche Lieder (1881) [13:50]: Aufblick (Looking Upwards); Einklang (Harmony); Resignation (Resignation); Letzte Bitte (Last Prayer); Ergebung (Submission); Erhebung (Exaltation) Richard STRAUSS (1864-1949) Der Abend (1897) [10:36] ** The Rodolfus Choir/Ralph Allwood and Ben Parry ** Tom Winpenny (organ) * rec. Eton College Chapel, December 2002. DDD. HERALD HAVPCD 289 [79:40][ED]

Singing of distinctive refinement, well paced, evenly blended ... the altos are rich-toned, the sopranos float their lines with melting ease. The recording is beautifully atmospheric ... see Full Review

Bandstand in the Park Recordings re-mastered from a variety of recorded sources GUILD GLCD 5117 [76:52]

Pick a few tracks and sit back with an ice cream or real lemonade and think of days gone past that somehow seemed simpler and summers that were almost certainly warmer and sunnier. ... see Full Review

Bird’s Eye Sergei PROKOFIEV (1891-1953) Pensées, Op. 62 No. 1 (1936) [12:17] Fugitive Vision No. 1, Op 22 (1915) [1:22] Alexander WUSTIN (b. 1948) Lamento (1984) [2:58] Three Songs from Toropets (1972) [5:27] Ivan SOKOLOV (b. 1960) In the Clouds [4:49]; Evening Birds [7:42] Nikolaj KORNDORF (1947-2001) Yarilo (1981) [25:23] Ivan Sokolov (piano) rec. August 2004, Moscow Radio House, Russia MEGADISC MDC 7804 [63:19] [DB]

An intensely atmospheric and carefully chosen program, sensitively and provocatively played. ... see Full Review

Julian Bream – Music of Spain Luis de MILÁN (c.1500-1561) From El Maestro Pavana 1 [1.40]; Pavana V [1.25]; Pavana VI [2.14]; Fantasia XX11 [2.41]; Fantasia VIII [3.05]; Fantasia IX [2.04]; Tento I [7.25]; Pavana IV [1.48];Fantasia XVI [3.07] Luys de NAVÁEZ From Los seys libros del Delphin de Musica Book 1 – Fantasia V [2.14]; Book II – Fantasia V [1.11]; Book III – La Cancion del Emperador [3.24]; Book II – Fantasia VI [0.59]; Book V – Arde coracon arde [1.18]; Book V – Ya se asiente el Rey Ramiro [1.57]; Book IV – O gloriosa Domina (seys diferencias) [7.18]; Book VI – Conde claros [2.35]; Book VI – Guardame las vacas [2.49]; Book VI – Tres diferencias por otra parte [2.27]; Book VI – Baxa de contrapunto [1.15] Alonso MUDARRA (c.1510-1580) Fantasia [2.01] Fernando SOR (1778-1839) Fantasie Op.30 [13.40]; Fantasie Op.7 [19.55]; Variations on a Theme by Mozart Op.9 [9.29] Dionisio AGUADO (1784-1849) Pieces for Guitar Op.2 [22.01] Enrique GRANADOS (1867-1916) Dedicatoria – from Cuentos para la juventud [1.41]; La Maja de Goya (Tonadilla) [4.42]; Danzas españolas for piano Op.37 – Villanesca [6.27]; Danzas españolas for piano Op.37 – Andaluza [4.14]; Valses Poeticos [12.26] Isaac ALBENIZ (1860-1909) Mallorca Op.202 [7.16]; Suite Espanola Op.47 [17.23]; Cantos de Espana for piano Op.232 No.4 – Cordoba [7.16] Francisco TÁRREGA (1852-1909) Mazurka in G [2.48]; Etude in A [1.57]; Marieta [2.28]; Capricho arabe [5.22]; Prelude in A minor [1.42]; Recuerdos de la Alhambra [3.49] Joaquin MALATS (1872-1912) Serenata [3.51] Emilio PUJOL (1886-1980) Tango espagnol [3.45]; Guajira [4.23] Miguel LLOBET (1878-1938) Canciónes populares catalanas [16.38] Joaquín TURINA (1882-1949) Fandanguillo Op.36 [4.50]; Sevillana Op.29 [5.17]; Homanaje a Tarrega Op.69 [4.06] Alonso MUDARRA (c.1510-1580) Fantasia XIV [1.56] Luis de MILÁN (c.1500-1561) Fantasia XXII [2.27] Luys de NAVÁEZ Book III – La Cancion del Emperador [3.24]; Book VI – Conde claros [2.39] Alonso MUDARRA (c.1510-1580) Fantasia X [1.50] Santiago de MURCIA Prelude and Allegro [2.16] Luigi BOCCHERINI (1743 - 1805) Guitar Quintet G448 in D – Fandango [4.22] Fernando SOR (1778-1839) Grand Solo Op.14 [10.10] Dionisio AGUADO (1784-1849) Rondo Op.2 No.3 in A minor [6.11] Fernando SOR (1778-1839) Variations on a Theme by Mozart Op.9 [8.37]; Fantasie Op.7 – Fantasie only [6.51]; Minuet from Sonata Op.25 [2.53] Joaquin RODRIGO (1901-1999) Concierto de Aranjuez [21.16]; Tres piezas Españolas [14.26]; Invocation and Dance (Hommage a Manuel de Falla) [8.56]; Fantasia para un gentilhombre [23.19] Julian Bream (guitar, lute) The Chamber Orchestra of Europe/John Eliot Gardiner (Concierto de Aranjuez) RCA Victor Chamber Orchestra/Leo Brouwer (Fantasia para un gentilhombre) Recorded 1962-84 BMG-RCA RED SEAL 82876 67889-2 [6 CDs: 56.46 + 64.39 + 62.35 + 62.50 + 54.50 + 68.54][JW]

Performances are consistently elevated, the music-making revealing technically impeccable command, and colourful expressivity lends distinction to everything Bream plays. ... see Full Review

British Trumpet Concertos John CARMICHAEL (b.1930) Trumpet Concerto (1972) [21:51] (I Andante maestoso; II Lento; III Allegro vivace) Iain HAMILTON (1922-2000) Concerto for jazz trumpet, Op.37 (1958) [12:50] (I Medium blues; II Allegro: Quick bounce; III Lento; IV Allegro) Rutland BOUGHTON (1878-1960) Trumpet Concerto (1943) [20:33] (I Poco adagio; Allegretto; Allegro; Largo sostenuto; Allegro; II Lento espressivo; Allegro spiritoso; Largo)Tony HEWITT-JONES (1926-1989) Concerto for trumpet and strings (1986) [18:18] (I Fanfare and Scherzo; II Air and Variations; III Moto perpetuo) John Wallace (trumpet) BBC Scottish Symphony Orchestra/Simon Wright World premiere recordings apart from Carmichael rec. no details given. WHITE LINE CD CDWHL2159 [73:55] [RB]

Four extremely accessible concertos full of mercurial moodiness and dazzle, succulent jazziness, clarion delight and emotional gravitas. The best of the Sanctuary concerto collections ... see Full Review

The 5 Browns Nikolai RIMSKY-KORSAKOV (1844-1908) Flight of the Bumble Bee [1:24] Leonard BERNSTEIN (1918-1990) Scenes from West Side Story [7:04] Paul DUKAS (1865-1935) The Sorcerer’s Apprentice [8:38] Maurice RAVEL (1875-1937) La Valse (poème choréographique) [11:26] Ignaz FRIEDMAN (1882-1948) Tabatière á Musique, Op. 33, No. 3 [2:46] Sergei RACHMANINOV (1873-1943) Moments Musicaux Op. 1, No. 4 [2:56] Elégie from Morceaux de fantasies, Op. 3 [6:03] Claude DEBUSSY (1862-1918) L’Isle Joyeuse [5:31] Sergei PROKOFIEV (1891-1953) Sonata No. 3 in A minor, Op. 28 [7:21] York BOWEN (1884-1961) Toccata Op. 15 [4:16] Edvard GRIEG (1843-1907) In the Hall of the Mountain King from Peer Gynt, Op. 23 [2:25] The Five Browns: Desirae, Deondra, Gregory, Melody, Ryan (pianos) Rec. 23-27 Aug 2004, Right Track Studio, New York City. DDD RCA RED SEAL (SONY BMG) 82876 66008 2 [59:58] [ABi]

Despite some minor faults this is a disc that I would wholly recommend. I look forward to hearing much more from this group in the future. ... see Full Review

Original Works and Classics for Cello and Double Bass Ignaz Joseph PLEYEL (1757-1831) Rondeau in C major [2:34] Theme and Variations in G major [8:41] Franz BENDA (1709-1786) Sonata in F major [5:38] Luigi BOCCHERINI (1743-1805) 3 Fugues [6:20] Jules MASSENET (1842-1912) Duo in D major [1:26] Giorgio ANTONIOTTI (1692-1776) Sonata No. 9 in C minor [9:55] Georg Philipp TELEMANN (1681-1767) 2 Canons in F major [3:19] Johann Michael HAYDN (1737-1806) Polonaise in C major [3:35] Joseph HAYDN (1732-1809) Andantine and Tempo di minuetto [9:06] Anton KRAFT (1749-1820) Sonata No. 1 in B flat major* (14:16) Jean Louis DUPORT (1749-1819) Adagio in E flat major* [5:42] Joseph HAYDN (1732-1809) Divertimento in D major* [7:19] Luigi BOCCHERINI (1743-1805) Sonata No.3 in G major* [9:31] Gotthelf Heinrich KUMMER (1774-1857) Variations in C major, Op. 12* [7:36] Franz Christoph NEUBAUER (1750-1795) Sonata No.1 in C major* [8:58] Jörg Baumann (cello), Klaus Stoll (double bass) rec. Teldec Studio, Berlin, 25-28 February 1980; 8-10 October 1984. WARNER APEX 2564 62298-2 [50:45 + 54:25][GPu]

A historically fascinating survey of rare repertoire, most of which is musically rewarding and all of which is well played ... see Full Review

Classical Music in the Forties: Instruments of the Orchestra The Crown Film Unit’s film of Sir Malcolm Sargent (1895-1967) conducting the London Symphony Orchestra in a performance of the Benjamin BRITTEN (1913-1976) The Young Person’s Guide to the Orchestra (Variations and Fugue on a Theme of Purcell) (1946) Steps of the Ballet Robert Helpmann (1909-1986) goes through the steps of creating a ballet to music by Arthur BENJAMIN (b. 1960) Dame Myra Hess (1890-1965) performs the first movement of Ludwig van BEETHOVEN (1770-1827) Appassionata (Sonata in F minor, Op 57) (1894-5) and an extract from Wolfgang Amadeus MOZART (1756-1791) Piano Concerto No 17 in G K453 (1784). Dennis Brain (1921-1957) explains his instrument, the French Horn, and plays excerpts from Ludvig van BEETHOVEN’s Sonata in F for horn and piano with Denis Matthews (1919-1988) Performances recorded on film in the 1940s – no specific dates given. BEULAH DVD YB35 [75:00] [IL]

An absorbing nostalgic trip back to the 1940s; but more than that it is a very good tutorial for newcomers to orchestral music and to the ballet ... see Full Review

Larry Combs (clarinet) Miklós RÓZSA (1907-1995) Sonata for Clarinet Solo* (1986) [15:18] Sonatina for Clarinet Solo (1951) [9:27] George ROCHBERG (1918-2005) Trio for Clarinet, Horn and Piano (1980) [19:27] Gunther SCHULLER (b.1925) Romantic Sonata for Clarinet, Horn and Piano (1983) Larry Combs (clarinet), Gail Williams (horn), Mary Ann Covert (piano) Recorded: 1986 and *2004 CRYSTAL RECORDS CD731 [55:07][GPu]

A valuable and largely enjoyable programme, with striking music for solo clarinet by Rózsa and a subtle trio piece by Schuller … see Full Review

Concertos for Four Horns Robert SCHUMANN (1810-1856) Konzertstück for Four Horns and Orchestra, Op. 86 (1849) [17'12]. George Frederic HANDEL (1685-1759) Concerto in F (c1746) [6'16]. Georg Philipp TELEMANN (1681-1767) Overture in F (1725) [23'46]. Franz Joseph HAYDN (1732-1809) Symphony No. 31 in D, Hornsignal (1765) [28'07]. American Horn Quartet (Kerry Turner, Charles Putnam, David Johnson, Geoffrey Winter) Sinfonia Varsovia/Dariusz Wisniewski. rec. Polish Studios, Warsaw, Poland, 18-20 July 2003. DDD NAXOS 8.557747 [75'40] [CC]

An interesting record, although perhaps of greatest interest to horn players despite the programmer's attempts at variety. ... see Full Review

Dance of the Hours Wolfgang Amadeus MOZART (1756-1791) Overture from Le Nozze di Figaro (1786) [4:26] Camille SAINT-SAËNS (1835-1921) Bacchanale from Samson et Dalila (1877) [7:32] Pyotr TCHAIKOVSKY (1840-1893) Pas de deux from The Nutcracker (1891) [5:32] Jules MASSENET (1842-1912) The Last Sleep of the Virgin from La Vierge (1880) [4:49] Amilcare PONCHIELLI (1834-1886) Dance of the Hours from La Gioconda (1876) [9:16] Giuseppe VERDI (1813-1901) Ballet Music from Aida (1871) [4:47] Prelude to Act I from La Traviata (1853) [3:59] Overture from La Force du Destin (1862) [8:05] Gioachino ROSSINI (1792-1868) Overture from La Cenerentola (1817) [7:54] Pietro MASCAGNI (1863-1945) Intermezzo from Cavalleria Rusticana (1890) [3:39] Wolfgang Amadeus MOZART (1756-1791) Overture from Der Schauspieldirektor (1786) [4:31] Jean-Philippe RAMEAU (1683-1764) Overture from Naïs (1749) (arranged by Divall) [3:54] Orchestra Victoria/Richard Divall Recorded South Melbourne Town Hall, October 2001 ABC CLASSICS 476 8366 [68:24][GPu]

An enjoyable, well-recorded anthology of familiar theatrical music in accomplished, but unspectacular, performances … see Full Review

Electric Cello Carl VINE (b. 1954) Inner World for cello and sampled cello (1994) [13:03] Roger SMALLEY (b. 1943) Echo II for cello and two digital delays (1978) [9:18] Martin WESLEY-SMITH (b. 1945) Welcome to the Hotel Turismo for cello and CD (2000) [13:00] Andrew FORD (b. 1957) Memorial for solo cello with digital delay (1994) [10:22] igel WESTLAKE (b. 1958) Onomatopoeia for solo cello and delay (1984) [9:11] David Pereira (cello) Christo Curtis (sound engineer) Rec. May-June 2005, Tapitallee West Studio, Kangaroo Valley TALL POPPIES TP180 [54:04] [DC]

The freshness and energy of this production leap at you from your loudspeakers. ... see Full Review

RECORDING OF THE MONTH Echoes of the East John WILLIAMS arr. Christian JENKINS Olympic Spirit (1998) [2:55] Karl JENKINS arr. Tony SMALL The Armed Man – A Mass for Peace [20:07] * Traditional arr. John IVESON Londonderry Air [2:56] # Vittorio MONTI arr. Steve YORK Czardas [3:46] + Martin BUNCE arr. Steve BRODIE Marianne [3:12] §
Herman BELLSTEDT arr. Robert CHILDS
Napoli [5:47] * Rodney NEWTON Echoes of the East [12:41] Jim WEBB arr. Barrie FORGIE MacArthur Park [9:04] Traditional arr. Barrie FORGIE Scarborough Fair [4:24] Harry JAMES arr. Bill GELDARD Trumpet Blues and Cantabile [2:36] Igor STRAVINSKY arr. Ray FARR Infernal Dance and Finale from The Firebird (1910) [7:35] David Childs (euphonium) * Chris Thomas (trombone) #
Owen Farr. (tenor horn) +, Joanne Deane (flugel horn) §. Buy As You View Band/Dr Robert Childs Rec. St Teilo Arts Centre, Wales, 17 July 2005. DDD DOYEN DOYCD195 [75:51] [TP]

All in all a splendid disc of light brass band fare. Buy and enjoy. ... see Full Review

Esperar Sentir Morir - Songs and Dances from the Hispanic Baroque Juan HIDALGO (1612-1685) Esperar, sentir, morir [4:31] Kah-Ming NG and Clara SANABRAS Quiero, y no saben que quiero [9:06] Lucas Ruiz de RIBAYAZ (b. 1626) Espanoletas [4:58] Sebastian DURON (1660-1716) Corazon, causeteneis [4:32] Francisco ESCALADA (17th century) Canten dos jilguerillos [2:18] ANONYMOUS Solo, triste y ausente [5:00] Differenzias sobre la Gayta [3:38] Clemente IMANA (17th century) Filis yo tengo [3:32] ANONYMOUS Ay, mi Dios! Que fuera de mi sin vos? [3:59] Chacona [2:24] Juan BARTER (1648-1706) Hazo, Anton! [8:29] ANONYMOUS San Juan de Lima [6:43] Francisco de SANTIAGO (1578-1644) Que se ausenta [4:25] Francesc VALLS (1671-1747) Gilguerillo que el ayre [7:57] ANONYMOUS Tarambote para duas charamelinhas [2:39] Kah-Ming NG Canarios [4:30] Charivari Agréable: Clara Sanabras (soprano), Rodrigo del Pozo (tenor), Kah-Ming Ng (director) rec. St Andrew’s Church, Toddington, Gloucestershire, 22-24 September 2004. DDD SIGNUM CLASSICS SIGCD069 [78.42][EM]

This is delightful music, well performed, and the disc comes well-recommended. ... see Full Review

Every Violinist’s Guide - Thirty Four Traditional Caprices, Etudes and Studies Rudolf KREUTZER (1766-1831) Etude No. 2 Op. 16 [0.46] Etude No. 35 Op. 16 [2.49] Etude No. 8 Op. 16 [1.16] Pierre RODE (1774-1830) Caprice No. 21 Op. 22 [2.58] Caprice No. 17 Op. 22 [1.39] Caprice No. 2 Op. 22 [1.30] Caprice No. 8 Op. 22 [1.53] Federigo FIORILLO (1755-1823) Caprice No. 14 Op 3 [1.54] Caprice No. 28 Op. 3 [1.58] Caprice No. 3 Op. 3 [1.08] Niccolo PAGANINI (1782-1840) Caprice No. 19 Op. 1 [2.38] Caprice No. 9 Op. 1 [2.36] Caprice No. 14 Op. 1 [1.06] Caprice No. 16 Op. 1 [1.25] Caprice No. 21 Op. 1 [3.20] Caprice No. 20 Op. 1 [3.05] Caprice No. 5 Op. 1 [2.18] Caprice No. 24 Op. 1 [4.38] Henryk WIENIAWSKI (1835-1880) Etude No. 7 Op. 10 [4.10] Etude No. 1 Op. 10 [0.36] Etude No. 5 Op. 10 [1.43] Jakob DONT (1815-1888) Caprice No. 2 Op. 35 [1.28] E. POLO (1869-1953) 30 Double Stops Studies No. 4 [1.19] Otakar SEVCIK (1852-1934) Variation Nos 21-24 Op. 2 Part 2 [2.14] Variation No. 34 Op. 3 [0.37] Charles DANCLA (1817-1902) Caprice Mo.9 Op. 52 [1.06] Caprice No. 16 Op. 52 [1.35] J.F. MAZAS (1782-1849) Study No. 8 Op. 36 [2.30] H.E. KAYSER (1815-1888) Study No. 4 Op. 20 [1.09] Franz SCHUBERT (1808-1878) L’Abeille (The Bee) No. 9 Op. 13 [1.09] Pietro LOCATELLI (1695-17640 Caprice No. 2 Op. 3 [3.29] Caprice No. 20 Op. 3 [1.56] Caprice No,23 Op. 3 [3.35] H. SCHRADIECK (1846-1918) Section 3 No. 12 [1.11] Steven Staryk (violin) Recorded in 1963, 1969 and 2003 CENTAUR CRC 2744 [69.54] [JW]

A master class in "how it’s done" and a fine resource for the young player; let’s just hope it doesn’t put them off. ... see Full Review

Amelia Farrugia: Joie de vivre! Charles-François GOUNOD (1811-1893) Ah! Je veux vivre! from Roméo et Juliette [3.25] Jacques OFFENBACH (1819-1880) Conduisez-moi vers celui que j'adore from Robinson Crusoe [3.44] Ambroise THOMAS (1811-1896) Oui, pour ce soir je suis reine ... Je suis Titania from Mignon [5.41] Jules MASSENET (1842-1912) Suis-je gentille ainsi? ... Obeissons   quand leur voix appelle (Gavotte) from Manon [5.13] Charles-François GOUNOD (1811-1893) O Dieu! que de bijoux! ... Ah! je ris de me voir! from Faust [4.35] Giacomo MEYERBEER (1791-1864) Ombre légère from Dinorah [7.04] Daniel-François-Esprit AUBER (1782- 1871) C'est l'histoire amoureuse from Manon Lescaut [4.09] Giacomo PUCCINI (1858-1924) Quando m'en vo from La bohème [2.31] Giacomo PUCCINI (1858-1924) Ore dolci e divine from La Rondine [4.48] Johann STRAUSS II (1825-1899) Tales from the Vienna Woods [4.38] Carl ZELLER (1842-1898) Schenkt man sich Rosen in Tirol from Der Vogelhandler [2.38] Johann STRAUSS II (1825-1899) Mein Herr Marquis from Die Fledermaus [3.21] Johann STRAUSS II (1825-1899) Voices of Spring [6.46] Ivor NOVELLO (1893-1951) Waltz of My Heart from The Dancing Years [2.42] Richard MILLS (1949-) Love's Coming [3.19] ANON. (arr. MILLS) Until We Meet Again [2.24] Amelia Farrugia (soprano) BBC Symphony Orchestra/Alexander Briger rec. BBC Maida Vale Studios, London; 26, 27, 29 September 2005. DDD. DECCA 987 5237 [67.47] [ED]

It pains me to say it but this disc is a total artistic disaster. ... see Full Review

Favourite German Opera Choruses Carl Maria von WEBER (1786-1826) Der Freischütz: Was gleicht wohl auf Erden (Huntsmen’s Chorus) Act III; Otto NICOLAI (1810-1849) Die lustigen Weiber von Windsor (The Merry Wives of Windsor): O süsser Mond (Moon Chorus) Act III; Wolfgang Amadeus MOZART (1756-1791) Die Zauberflöte (The Magic Flute): O Isis und Osiris (Chorus of the Priests) Act II; Ludwig van BEETHOVEN (1770-1827) Fidelio: O welche Lust (Chorus of the Prisoners) Act I; Richard WAGNER (1813-1883) Der fliegende Holländer (The Flying Dutchman): Summ und brumm (Spinning Chorus) Act II; Steuermann! Lass die Wacht! (Sailors’ Chorus) Act III; Die Meistersinger von Nürnberg (The Mastersingers of Nuremberg): Wach auf, es nahet gen den Tag (Awake Chorus) – Ehrt eure deutschen Meister (final chorus) Act III; Tannhäuser: Freudig begrüssen wir (Entry of the Guests) Act II; Beglückt darf nun dich (Pilgrims’ Chorus) – Der Gnade heil’ (final chorus) Act III; Lohengrin: Treulich geführt (Bridal Chorus) Act III; Gesegnet soll sie schreiten (Procession to the Cathedral) Act II; Parsifal: Wein und Brot (Grail Chorus) Act I Leipzig Radio Chorus, Dresdner Kapellknaben (Parsifal) Staatskapelle Dresden/Silvio Varviso Recorded in Lukaskirche, Dresden, Germany in November 1988 PHILIPS ELOQUENCE 464 645-2 [62:20][GF]

The whole recital gave me a lot of pleasure and with some twiddling of the knobs I was able to tame the wide dynamics. ... see Full Review

Figs, Fiddles and fine play – a musical taste of the 14th century ALFONSO X (c.1280) Quen polo amor (Cantiga de Santa Maria, nr 203) [3:13] Muito faz grand’ero (CSM 209) [2:56] ANONYMOUS (c.1350) Sia laudato san Francesco [4:11] ANONYMOUS (c.1380) Istampitta Ghaetta [4:25] ALFONSO X (c.1280) Como Deus fez (CSM 23) / A Virgen (CSM 8) [3:59] Guillaume de MACHAUT (1300-1377) Je vivroie liement [3:30] Liement me deport [2.12] Dame, a vous sans retollir, Danse Real [3.53] Francesco LANDINI (1325-1397) Ne la piu cara parte [2.02] ANONYMOUS (c.1280) Questa fanciulla amour [2.48] ALFONSO X (c.1280) Laudar vollio per amore [5.54] Prijon forte (CSM 106) / Tan beeyta (Cantiga de Fiestras nr 5) [2.38] Ali u a pedanca [4.07] En a que Deus [3.01] Falsobordone: Erik Ask-Upmark (harp, bagpipes, organetto, voice), Anna Rynefors (rebec, bagpipes, harp, percussion, voice), Sven Jansson (percussion), Stefan Wikstrom (trombone), Karin Strinnholm Lagergren (voice), Anders Adin (hurdy-gurdy, lute), Goran Hallmarken (hurdy-gurdy, percussion) rec. Bosarps Kyrka, 8-10 March 2003. DDD FALSOBORDONE ACACD 0043 [49.20][EM]

Extremely well-performed ... pleasantly raucous and riotous. ... see Full Review

Tormod Flaten - Norwegian Euphonium David GILLINGHAM
Vintage
Edvard GRIEG arr. Aamodt Ved Rundarne Frode THINGNÆS Daydream Craig FARR Sonata de Camera Traditional/Knut BUEN arr. Giske I Himmelen Martin ELLERBY Euphonium Concerto Sigvart DAGSLAND arr. Rydland Michelangelo Ermanno PICCHI / Simone MANTIA arr. Antrobus Fantaisie Originale Tormod Flaten (euphonium) Eikanger-Bjørsvik Bands/Reid Gilje Bergen Symphonic Band/Martin Winter rec. St. Pauls, Huddersfield, 22-23 March 2005 and Biskopshavn Kirke, Bergen, 23-24 September 2005. DDD DOYEN DOY CD190 [72:38] [CT]

A fascinating and varied disc of music showcasing the talents of Norwegian euphonium virtuoso Tormod Flaten. ... see Full Review

Flute Agréable Philip LASSER (b.1963) Sonata* (1986) [14:51] Henri DUTILLEUX (b.1916) Sonatine (1943) [9:41] Jean FRANÇAIX (1912-1997) Sonata (1996) [14:52] Pierre SANCAN (b.1916) Sonatine* (1946) [9:59] Eugene BOZZA (1905-1991) Agrestide (1942) April Clayton (flute) J.Y. Song (piano); Philip Lasser (piano)* rec. American Academy of Arts and Letters, New York, 8-9 June 2004. DDD CRYSTAL RECORDS CD714 [58:16] [GPu]

A well-chosen, well-played programme, featuring a good flautist and two excellent pianists. Recommended to all who like the modern French repertoire for the flute ... see Full Review

Sounds of Fotheringhay Christian RITTER (c.1648-1717) Sonatina in d [4’59] John STANLEY (1712-1786) Voluntary in D [6’46] John TRAVERS (c.1703-1758) Voluntary in C [3’08] Francois COUPERIN (1688-1733) From Messe pour les Couvents: Plein jeu [1’16] Fugue sur la Trompette [1’40] Elevation, (Tierce en Taille) [3’28] Dialogue sur les grands jeux [1’47] Jan Pieterszoon SWEELINCK (1562-1621) Unter der Linden Grűne [5’43] Dietrich BUXTEHUDE (c.1637-1707) Ciaccona in e [5’39] Chorale Prelude, Ein Feste Burg [3’50] Chorale Prelude, Komm, Heiliger Geist, Herre Gott [4’23] Johann Sebastian BACH (1685-1750) Fugue in G BWV 577 [3’25] Chorale Prelude, ‘O Mensch bewein’ [6’00] Prelude and Fugue in Eb – St Anne (sic) [14’34] Malcolm Archer, organ, rec. St Mary and All Saints Church, Fotheringhay, 26 July 2005. DDD LAMMAS LAMM 191D [66’44][CB]

In general the surprisingly fine organ makes this an interesting release, and Archer’s playing, whatever my small gripes, presents it well enough ... see Full Review

Frottole Marco CARA (1470-1525) Ostinato vo seguire [3.19]; Per fuggir d’amor le punte [2.45]; Io non compro piu speranze [2.23] Bartolomeo Tromboncio ( 1470-1535) Su, su leva, alza le ciglia [ 3.24]; per dolor me bagno el viso [4.20]; Ave Maria [ 1.43]; Vegene bella [5.39]; Filippo AZZAIOLO (d. 1569) Chi passa par ‘sts strada [1.56} Antonio STRINGARI (XVI century) Non piu saetta Amor (1.55); Antonio CAPRIOLI (XVI century) Sotto un verde e alto cipresso (4.34); Guido MORINI (b.1959) ‘Per dolor- instrumental (1.51); Jacobo FOGLIANO (1468-1548) L’amor donna, ch’io te porto [1.47]; Orlando LASSUS (1532-1594) Madonna mia pieta [5.45]; Guglielmo il GIUGGIOLA (fl. c.1515) Canto di Lantze Pellegrino [2.48]; Paolo SCOTO (XVI c) Capra moza sonemus et cantemus [1.05}; Gio. Ambrogio DALZA (d.1508) Saltarello e piva [ 5.35]; Filippo de LURANO (1475-1520) Se m’e grato eltuo tomare [2.44]; Pietro BORRONO (c.1490-c.1563) Pavana e salterello " della Millanese"[2.33}; Marco BEASLEY (b. 1957) Tu dormi [2.58]; ANON (c.1500) Pan de miglio caldo [ 2.50]; Pavan e gagliardo " della Traditora" [3.50]; Staralla ben cusi [1.39] Marco Beasley (tenor); Guido Morini, organ; Stefano Rocco, lute and renaissance guitar; Franco Pavan, lute; Fabio accuro lute "a plettro"; Bruce Dickey, cornetto rec. Tibor Varga Foundation Studio, Sion, Switzerland, 28 April-1 May 2005 CYPRES CYP 1643 [69.03] [GH]

Bruce Dickey makes a haunting contribution but the other instrumentalists are equally superb in ensemble skills, ornamentation and balance created also by the very natural recording. ... see Full Review

The Golden Age of Light Music – Buried Treasures Kenneth ESSEX (real name Rufus Isaacs) Castles In The Air [2:32] Celebrity Symphony Orchestra, 1952 Robert FARNON Swing-Hoe [2:34] Danish State Radio Orchestra/Robert Farnon, 1951 Stanford ROBINSON Valse Serenade [4:30] BBC Theatre Orchestra (leader Alfred Barker)/Stanford Robinson, 1946 Larry COLEMAN, Alfredo CORENZO Venezuela [2:30] Wally Stott and his orchestra, 1954 Ray MARTIN Parlour Game [2:59] Harmonic Orchestra/Wal-Berg, 1950 Leroy ANDERSON Penny Whistle Song [2:25] Sidney Torch and his orchestra, 1953 George MELACHRINO London - March [4:27] Melachrino Orchestra/George Melachrino, 1947 Philip GREEN Song of Soho: Rhapsody for Piano and Orchestra [6:27] – from the film "Murder Without Crime". Associated British Picture Corporation Orchestra/Philip Green; pianist William McGuffie, 1950 John HOLLIDAY Dickon O'Devon [2:15] Queen's Hall Light Orchestra/Charles Williams, 1946 Edward WHITE Effervescence [2:49] Dolf van der Linden and his orchestra, 1954 Malcolm LOCKYER Pizzicato Rag [3:01] Malcolm Lockyer and his orchestra, 1954 Trevor DUNCAN Rhythm For Romance [2:42] New Concert Orchestra/Frederic Curzon , 1953 Leighton LUCAS Target For Tonight - Theme from the Film [2:18] Leighton Lucas and his orchestra, 1947 Hugo de GROOT Automation [2:11]
Celebrity Symphony Orchestra/Hugo De Groot , 1953 arr. George MELACHRINO There Is A Tavern In The Town – Juke Box Fantasy [4:03] Melachrino Orchestra/George Melachrino, 1947 William HILL-BOWEN The Girl From Cuba [2:51] William Hill-Bowen and his orchestra, 1953 Anita MISHELL Serbian Sunset [3:56] Mischa Michaeloff and his orchestra, 1951 Edward STANELLI, real name Edward Stanley de GROOT Atlantis [8:22] Sidney Torch and his orchestra, 1948 Charles ANCLIFFE Secrets [3:07] Harry Davidson and his orchestra, 1952 Lambert WILLIAMSON This Is The Business [2.26] Queen's Hall Light Orchestra/Sidney Torch, 1948 Robert STOLZ Selection of Popular Melodies: Don't Ask Me Why, Springtime In Vienna, White Horse Inn, Hallo! Sweet Fairy Doll, Hallo You, The Woods Of Vienna Are Calling, White Horse Inn, Little Melody From Vienna, Spring Parade. [8:12] The Tonhalle Orchestra, Zurich/Robert Stolz, 1949 GUILD GLCD 5118 [77.44] [RW]

Generally dreamy background music interspersed with lively numbers. Much of it meanders but then one comes across something really attractive, scintillating and rhythmic - try De Groot, Ancliffe and Holliday and Melachrino. ... see Full Review

The Great Mass - a Ballet by Uwe Scholz. Wolfgang Amadeus MOZART (1756-1791) Mass in C minor, K427/K417a, 'Great Mass' (1782/83) [56'25]; Adagio and Fugue in C minor, K546 (1788) [10'03]; Ave verum corpus in D, K618 (1791) [4'14] ANONYMOUS Gregorian Chant: Gaudeamus omnes; Credo in unum Deum (Mass for the Feast of St Thomas of Canterbury) [3'54]. Thomas JAHN (b. 1940) Orte und Zeiten – No. 2, Zeit und Zeiten [2'41]; Interludium: Viele Länder durchfuhr ich [5'04]. Gyorgy KURTÁG (b. 1926) Flowers we are, mere flowers [1'01]. Aus tiefer Not schrei ich zu dir, BWV687 (Bach, arr. Kurtag) [5'23]; Play with overtones [0'50]; ... and once more: Flower we are ... [0'40]; Beating – Quarreling [1'04]; Gottes Zeit ist die allerbeste Zeit, BWV106 (Bach, arr. Kurtag) [2'20]; Furious Chorale [0'50]; Palm Stroke [0'32]; Aus der Ferne [2'12]. Arvo PÄRT (b. 1935) Credo (1968) [12'39]. Leipzig Ballet; Eunyee You, Marie-Claude Chappuis (sopranos); Werner Güra (tenor); Friedemann Röhlig (bass); Chorus of the Leipzig Opera; Leipzig Gewandhaus Orchestra/Balázs Kocsár. Includes readings of Paul Celan. Rec. live at Leipzig Opera on June 28th, 2005.
Director Hans Hulscher. Producers Günter Attein and Paul Smaczny. NTSC. 16:9. PCM Stereo. Dolby Digital 5.1. DTS 5.1. Region Code: 0. DVD 9. EUROARTS 2054608 [130'00] [CC]

Massively thought-provoking, no greater tribute to Uwe Scholz could be envisaged. ... see Full Review

Guildhall Horn Soloists Richard BISSILL (b.1960) Corpendium 1, for six horns (2004-05?) [3:16] Guildhall School Horn Ensemble: Timothy Thorpe (principal), Elizabeth Chell, Angela Barnes, Andrew Budden, Michael Bailey, Eleanor Reed, directed by Hugh Seenan Robert SCHUMANN (1810-1856) Adagio and Allegro, for horn and piano (1849) [8:33]
Jeffrey Bryant (horn), Robin Bowman (piano) Richard BISSILL (b.1960) Lone Hall Call and Charge (1994) [3:21] Richard Bissill (horn) Camille SAINT-SAËNS (1835-1921)
Romance in E, for horn and piano (arranged from Cello Suite, Op. 16) (1866) [6:42]
Jeffrey Bryant (horn), Caroline Palmer (piano) Gioacchino ROSSINI (1792-1868)
Le Rendezvous de Chasse (1828) [4:51] Guildhall School Natural Horn Ensemble: Ursuala Monberg (soloist), Paul Cott, Elizabeth Chell, Stephen Nicholls, Alastair Rycroft, Heather Swinney, Heidi Martinsen, Michael Bailey, directed by Andrew Clark Luigi CHERUBINI (1760-1842) Sonata No. 2, for horn and piano [6:55] Andrew Clark (natural horn), Caroline Palmer (piano) Johann Sebastian BACH (1685-1750) Bourrée 1 and 2, from Cello Suite No. 3 [3:11] Paul DUKAS (1865-1935) Villanelle, for horn and piano (1906) [6:06] Hugh Seenan (horn), Robin Bowman (piano) Richard BISSILL (b.1960) Time and Space, for 2 horns and piano (2001) [8:42] David Pyatt, Hugh Seenan (horns), Richard Bissill (piano) Eugene BOZZA (1905-1991) En Forêt, for horn and piano (1941) [6:32] Richard Bissill (horn), Caroline Palmer (piano) Richard BISSILL (b.1960) Three Portraits, for 8 horns Guildhall School Horn Ensemble: Angela Barnes (soloist), Rebecca Hill, Timothy Thorpe, Alastair Rycroft, Charlotte Lines, Christopher Lund, Andrew Budden, Eleanor Reed, directed by Richard Bissill
Recorded: The Guildhall School of Music & Drama Music Hall, March-April 2004, March-April 2005, June-July 2005 CALA CACD1036 [71:28] [GPu]

A thoroughly enjoyable, well-programmed CD, more various than might have been expected ... see Full Review

Music for Hammers and Sticks Alex SHAPIRO (b. 1962) At the Abyss [14:00] Alvin SINGLETON (b. 1940) Greed Machine [6:46] Steve MACKEY (b.1956) Busted [7:47] Belinda REYNOLDS (no birth-date given) Play [6:43] Joseph HARCHANKO (no birth-date given) Heavy Circles [6:37] Zhou LONG (no birth-date given) Wu Ji (1987 rev. 1991) [10:29] Teresa McCollough, piano Peggy Benkeser and Tom Burritt, percussion rec. July 2004, Santa Clara, CA and Corpus Christi, TX. INNOVA 630 [52:04][KS]

Highly recommended to both the adventuresome and the timid alike. Take the plunge and check this one out. ... see Full Review

Harmonia Caelestis - A ray of sunshine piercing the shadows Gregorio STROZZI (c1615-c1687)/arr. Kah-Ming Ng Mascara sonata e ballata da più Cavalieri Napolitani nel Regio Palazzo [02:11] Kah-Ming NG Ciaccona mosaica - A pastiche of ciaccone by Antonio  Bertali, Andrea Falconieri, Girolamo Frescobaldi, Tarquinio Merula and Claudio Monteverdi [05:49] Carlo Francesco POLLAROLO (c.1653-1723) Toccata in g minor [01:39] Alessandro STRADELLA (1639-1682) Sinfonia No 22 in d minor [08:15] Carlo FARINA (c.1604-1639) Balletto primo à 3 [02:30] Giovanni Paolo CIMA (c.1570-1630) Sonata a tre per cornetto, violino and basso continuo [03:25] Alessandro PICCININI (1566-c.1638)/arr. Lynda Sayce Chiaccona Cappona alla vera Spagnola [04:00] Francesco CAVALLI (1602-1676) Canzon à 3 in a minor [00:51] Giulio MUSSI (1589-1623) Canzona l'Amaltea per sonar 'a doi Canti in ecco' [03:32] Carlo FARINA Sinfonia per sonare con doi violini over cornetti à 3 [01:43] Giovanni Antonio TERZI (fl. c.1580-1600) Contraponto sopra Vestiva i colli per sonar a duoi liutti in quarta o in concerto [05:39] Giovanni PICCHI (fl. 1600-1625)/arr. Kah-Ming Ng Ballo alla Polacha [04:54] Giovanni BASSANO (1561-1617) Diminuzioni per basso and canto sopra Veni, veni, dilecte mi da G.P. da Palestrina [04:22] Kah-Ming NG Ciaccona mosaica - A pastiche of bergamasche by Girolamo Frescobaldi, Bernardo Gianoncelli, Bernardo Pasquini, Salamone Rossi, Giovanni Salvatore and Giovanni Battista Vitali Charivari Agréable: Jamie Savan (cornett, cornetto muto), Oliver Webber (violin, viola), Susanne Heinrich (treble viol, bass viol, violone), Lynda Sayce (lute, bass lute, guitar, chitarrone), Kah-Ming Ng (harpsichord, organ) rec. May 2004, St Andrew's Church, Toddington, Gloucestershire, UK. DDD SIGNUM SIGCD049 [60:11][JV]

This disc gives some idea of the variety in the performance practice of music in 17th-century Italy - even though some arrangements are not entirely convincing, the ensemble gives excellent performances ... see Full Review

THE ITALIAN DRAMATIC LAMENT Claudio MONTEVERDI (1567 - 1643) Lamento d’Arianna [10.47]; Si dolce e il tormento [4.25] Jacopo PERI (1561 - 1633) Al fonte al prato [1.44]; Lungi dal vostro lume [2.54]; Se tu parti da me [4.14]; Uccidimi dolore [9.38] Giovanni Girolamo KAPSBERGER (c.1575 – c.1661) Sferraina (from Libro Quarto) [3.37]; Capona (from Libro Quarto) [3.21]; Passacaglia (from Libro Quarto) [9.13] Giulio CACCINI (1545 - 1618) Vedro ‘l mio sol [4.01]; Amarilli [3.16]; Amor ch’attendi [1.56] Richardo ROGNIONO (died c.1620) – Ancor che partire [2.56]
The Catacoustic Consort: Annalisa Pappano (lirone and treble viola da gamba), Artistic Director; Catherine Webster (soprano); Michael Leopold (theorbo); Becky Baxter (baroque triple harp) rec. St. John Chrysostom Church, Newmarket, Ontario, Canada, 28 Apr–2 May 2004 NAXOS 8.557538 [62.03] [RH]

The Catacoustic Consort display a fine sense of spontaneity and they convey a fine sense of four artists playing chamber music in a responsive manner. I hope to hear more of them... see Full Review

Jerusalem: British Choral Classics Sir Charles Hubert Hastings PARRY (1848-1918) I was Glad [7:28] Long since in Egypt’s plenteous Land [4:27] Blest Pair of Sirens [10:45] Jerusalem [2:52] Sir Edward BAIRSTOW (1874-1946) Blessed City, Heavenly Salem [8:18] Sir Edward ELGAR (1857-1934) Great is the Lord [10:04] O hearken Thou [4:07] Give unto the Lord [9:28] Sir Charles Villiers STANFORD (1852-1924) Te Deum in B-flat [6:11] Magnificat in B-flat [3:10] Nunc dimittis in B-flat [3:14] Patrick HADLEY (1848-1918) My Beloved Spake [3:33] Choir of Winchester Cathedral Waynflete Singers Bournemouth Symphony Orchestra/David Hill Recorded in Winchester Cathedral, June 1990 DECCA ELOQUENCE 4762443 [74:29][KS]

In all, a nice representation some of the core Anglican repertoire but these ears would have appreciated much more variety ... see Full Review

Kinga! plays flute music George ENESCU (1881 – 1955) Cantabile et Presto [6:07]; César FRANCK (1822 – 1890) Sonate (transcription of Sonata in A major for violin and piano) [28:14]; Samuel BARBER (1910 – 1981) Canzone [3:28]; Franz DOPPLER (1821 – 1883) Fantasie Pastorale Hongroise [12:17]; Jules Auguste Edouard DEMERSSEMANN (1833 – 1866) Solo de Concert #6 [12:22] Kinga Práda (flute) Ilona Jánky Práda (piano) rec. Lilla Akademien, Stockholm, 14 Oct 1999; Studio 2 Swedish Radio, Stockholm, 9 March 2003 (Barber) NOSAG RECORDS CD 082 [62:36] [GF]

The main reason for acquiring this disc is the superb playing. Some of the repertoire is rather lightweight but interesting for readers on the look-out for musical byways. ... see Full Review

RECORDING OF THE MONTH The King's Singers - From Byrd to the Beatles William BYRD (1543-1623) Haec dies; O Lord make thy servant Elizabeth our Queen Thomas WEELKES (1576-1623) As Vesta was from Latmos Hill Descending Orlando DI LASSO (1532-1594) arr. MASON Dessus le Marche d'Arras Pierre PASSEREAU Il est bel et bon Carlo GESUALDO (c 1561-1613) Luci serene e chiare Claudio MONTEVERDI (1567-1643) Si ch'io vorrei morire Zoltán KODÁLY (1882-1967) Esti dal Cyrillus KREEK Õnnis on inimene; Psalm 121 Max REGER (1873-1916) Agnus Dei Traditional arr. Philip LAWSON Down to the River to Pray Paul MCCARTNEY/John LENNON arr. HART Honey Pie Paul MCCARTNEY/John LENNON arr. RUNSWICK Blackbird Duke ELLINGTON arr. KUHN Creole Love Call Freddie MERCURY arr. HART Seaside Rendezvous Billy JOEL arr. Philip LAWSON Lullabye (Goodnight my Angel) Gioachino ROSSINI (1792-1868) arr RUNSWICK Overture to the Barber of Seville Traditional arr. Fred WEATHERLEY Danny Boy Thomas TALLIS (c 1505-1585) Spem in Alium Paul DRAYTON Masterpiece The King's Singers rec. live in Cadogan Hall, London, 2005. ARTHAUS MUSIK DVD 101 248 [93:00][TP]

A fabulous DVD and one that will please and entertain all. Fans of the group will be delighted and new initiates will be entertained, no matter what their musical background. ... see Full Review

Maria Kliegel: Virtuoso Cello Encores Gaspar CASSADÓ (1897-1966) Dance of the Green Devil [4:04] David POPPER (1843-1913) Fantasy on Little Russian Songs [11:38] Serenade Op.54 No.2 [3:58] Johann Sebastian BACH (1685-1750) Air from Suite No.3 (transcribed by Leonard Rose) [5:28] Franz SCHUBERT (1797-1828) Ständchen (transcribed by Henri Marteau) [4:07] Franz SCHUBERT (1808-1878) Die Biene (transcribed by Werner Thomas-Mifune) [1:17] Enrique GRANADOS (1867-1916) Intermezzo from Goyescas (transcribed by Gaspar Cassadó) [4:57] Dmitry SHOSTAKOVICH (1906-1975) Tarantella from The Gadfly Op.97b (transcribed by Jusas Tschelkauskas) [3:04] Maurice RAVEL (1875-1937) Habanera (transcribed by Paul Bazelaire) [2:58] Claude DEBUSSY (1862-1918) The Girl with Flaxen Hair (transcribed by L-R. Feuillard) [2:24] Jean Baptiste SENAILLÉ (1687-1730) Allegro spiritoso (transcribed by J. Salmon) [2:29] Henri VIEUXTEMPS (1820-1881) Cantilena (transcribed by Jénö Hubay) [6:36] Siegfried BARCHET (1918-1982) Boulevard de Garavan [1:37] Jacques OFFENBACH (1819-1880) Danse bohémienne Op.28 [10:19] Sergey RACHMANINOV (1873-1943) Vocalise Op.34 No.14 (transcribed by Leonard Rose) [6:53] George GERSHWIN (1898-1937) Short Story (transcribed by Samuel Dushkin) [2:59] Maria Kliegel (cello); Raimund Havenith (piano) Rec. Tonstudio van Geest, Heidelberg, Germany in November 1990 DDD NAXOS 8.557943 [75:14][PCW]

A disc for lovers of the cello and amateur cellists learning the repertoire ... see Full Review

Knots Fraser TRAINER (b. 1967) Knots for solo violin and ensemble (2003)* [25:38] BETWEEN THE NOTES Tangerine Dance (1997) [7:57] Fraser TRAINER (b. 1967) ID (2001) [16:14] BETWEEN THE NOTES Lucky (2001-4) [15:09] Philip OAKEY/Ian BURDEN – (THE HUMAN LEAGUE) Love Action (1981) (arr. Trainer, 2003, for solo violin and ensemble)* [5:27] Viktoria Mullova (violin)* Between the Notes: Matthew Barley (cello and director); Paul Griffiths (guitar); Fraser Trainer (keyboards); Sam Walton (percussion); Peter Whyman (clarinet, saxophone) rec. 7-8 February 2005 (Knots and Love Action) and 2-4 October 2004 (Tangerine Dance, ID and Lucky), The Music Room, Champs Hill, Pulborough, Sussex. DDD BLACK BOX BBM1095 [70:28][AB]

An intimate and clear recorded sound makes this disc an eclectic triumph that is definitely worth a listen ... see Full Review

Kreisler plays Kreisler Fritz KREISLER (1879-1951) Caprice Viennois [3:46] Tambourin Chinois [3:29] Liebesfreud [3:15] Liebesleid [3:37] Schön Rosmarin [1:59] La gitana [3:11] Johann Sebastian BACH (1685-1750) (arr. KREISLER) Gavotte (from Partita No.3 in E) [3:18] Wolfgang Amadeus MOZART (1756-1791) (arr. KREISLER) Rondo (from the Haffner Serenade) [7:35] Fritz KREISLER (1879-1951) Rondino on a theme of Beethoven [2:30] Fryderyk CHOPIN (1810-1849) (arr. KREISLER) Mazurka in A minor, Op. 67, No.4 [3:43] Johannes BRAHMS (1833-1897) (arr. HOCHSTEIN) Waltz in A, Op.39, No.15 [2:48] Antonín DVOŘÁK (1841-1904) (arr. KREISLER) Humoresque from Humoresques, Op.101, No.7 [3:43] Pyotr Ilyich TCHAIKOVSKY (1840-1893) (arr. KREISLER) Andante cantabile (from String Quartet No.1) [4:34] Nikolay Andreyevich RIMSKI-KORSAKOV (1844-1908) Hymn to the Sun (from The Golden Cockerel) [4:04] Chant Hindou (from Sadko) [3:17] Manuel de FALLA (1876-1946) (arr. KREISLER) Spanish dance from La vida breve [3:22] Ede POLDINI (1869-1957) (arr. KREISLER) Dancing Doll [2:28] Cyril SCOTT (1879-1970) (arr. KREISLER) Lotus land [4:06] TRADITIONAL (arr. KREISLER) Londonderry Air [3:45] Fritz Kreisler (violin), Franz Rupp (piano) rec. Tracks 1-2, Electrola Studios, Berlin, 28 February 1936; Tracks 3-19, EMI Abbey Road Studios, 14-15 February 1938. ADD NAXOS GREAT VIOLINISTS 8.110992 [67.08] [EM]

Kreisler’s ease and intimacy, and his exceptional charm, intelligence and wit shine through this warm, sensitive playing. An utterly delightful disc. ... see Full Review

L’Ecole Lazare-Lévy François COUPERIN (1668-1733) Pièces pour clavecin 3ème Livre, 13ème ordre Les lis naissans [1.34] Les Rozeaux [2.40] Wolfgang Amadeus MOZART (1756-1791) Sonata No.10 in C K330 [16.25] Sonata No.11 in A K331 [15.22] Ludwig van BEETHOVEN (1770-1827) Piano Sonata in G Op.14 No.2 – First movement [7.48] Piano Sonata in D Op.10 No.3  - Second movement [4.47] Fryderyk CHOPIN (1810-1849) Mazurka Op.7 No.3 [1.56] Mazurka Op.6 No.2 [1.45] Mazurka Op.17 No.4 [3.34] Mazurka Op.50 No.2 [2.29] Nocturne No.13 Op.48 No.1 [6.27] Emmanuel CHABRIER (1841-1894) Pièces pittoresques Sous-bois [3.59] Idylle [3.25] Scherzo-Valse [3.38] Claude DEBUSSY (1862-1918) Estampes Livre II - La soirée dans Grenade [4.31] Robert SCHUMANN (1810-1856) Kreisleriana Op.16 – incomplete [20.25] Paul DUKAS (1865-1935) La plainte au loin, du faune [3.55] Lazare-Levy (piano) Recorded commercially and live, 1931-55 Wolfgang Amadeus MOZART (1756-1791) Piano Concerto No.9 K271 Jeunehomme [30.17] Clara Haskil (piano)/Cologne Radio Symphony Orchestra/Otto Ackermann, recorded 1954 Claude DEBUSSY (1862-1918) Preludes Book 1 No.10 - La cathédrale engloutie [6.44] François COUPERIN (1668-1733) Pièces pour clavencin 3eme Livre, 14eme ordre Le carillon de Cithère [2.30] Domenico SCARLATTI (1685-1757) Sonata L384 [3.20] Deodat de SÉVERAC (1872-1921) Petites pièces romantiques Ou l’on entend une vielle boîte à Musique [1.09] Louis-Claude DAQUIN (1694-1772) Pièces pour clavecin 1er Livre Le coucou [1.53] Johannes BRAHMS (1833-1897) Piano Concerto No.1 Op.15 [45.27]* Solomon (piano) Berlin Philharmonic Orchestra/Eugen Jochum, recorded live November 1954* Béla BARTÓK (1881-1945) Piano Concerto No.3 [24.25] Monique Haas (piano)/Bavarian Radio Symphony Orchestra/Eugen Jochum, recorded live January 1951 TAHRA 556-558 [74.39 + 77.25 + 70.16][JW]

Tahra’s devotion to Lazare-Lévy pays rich rewards. ... see Full Review

Karl Leister: Classic Sonatas for Clarinet Charles BOCHSA (d. 1821) Grand Sonata for Clarinet and Piano** (?1808) [26:52] Johann Baptist VANHAL (1739-1813) Sonata No. 3 in B flat major* (?1801) [14:30] Jean Baptiste Edouard DUPUY (c. 1770-1822) Introduction and Polonaise** (?1810) [5:59] Anton EBERL (1765-1807) Sonata in B flat major, Op.10 No. 2* (1800) [22:09] Karl Leister (clarinet), Ferenc Bognár (piano) rec.: Konservatoriumsaal, Feldkirch, Austria, 8-9 Feb 2003 (*),13-14 Feb 2004 (**). DDD CAMERATA CM-28060 [69:30][GPu]

A valuable historical survey of music which deserves to be better known, excellently played ... see Full Review

Let Go: New Music for Three Guitars Bruce MACCOMBIE Tango Amoroso (2004) [8:05] Ned BENNETT Strange Dreams (2004) [7:48]; Food for Fish (2004) [6:42] Paulo BELLINATI Baião de Gude (1989) [5:26]; Maracatu da Pipa (2004) [7:43] Hayley SAVAGE Storm in a Teacup (2004) [9:20] Benjamin VERDERY (arr. Amanda COOK) Start Now (2004) [2:10]; Let Go (2004) [3:43]; Now You See It, Now You Don’t, Now You Do (2004) [2:10] Gary RYAN Cabaret (Showgirls) (2005) [5:55] Appassionata Guitar Trio (Rebecca Baulch, Amanda Cook, and Hayley Savage) rec. February and April 2005, St. Thomas a Becket Church, Pagham, West Sussex, UK. BGS RECORDS BGS111 [59:05] [BB]

Interested in contemporary music that is easy on the ears and may cause you to tap your feet then I commend this to your attention ... see Full Review

James Levine’s 25th Anniversary Metropolitan Opera Gala Wolfgang Amadeus MOZART (1756-1791) Don Giovanni ‘Di molte faci il lume…Sola, in buio loco’ Renée Fleming (Donna Anna), Kiri Te Kanawa (Donna Elvira), Hei-Kyung Hong (Zerlina), Jerry Hadley (Don Ottavio), Bryn Terfel (Leporello) and Julien Robbins (Massetto); ‘In quali eccessi , o numi…Mi tradi quell’alma ingrata’ Kiri Te Kanawa (Donna Elvira) Le Nozze di Figaro – ‘esito dunque…Nemico della patria’ Sherrill Milnes (Gerard); Cosi fan tutte – ‘Sorella, cosa dici?...Prendero quell brunettino’ Carol Vaness (Fiordiligi) and Susanne Mentzer (Dorabella) Giuseppe VERDI (1813-1901) Don Carlo - ‘Restarte!...O Signor, di fiandra arrivo’ Thomas Hampson (Rodrigo) and Roberto Scandiuzzi (Filippo II); ‘Ah, più non vedrò…O don fatale’ Dolora Zajick (Eboli); Luisa Miller - ‘O! Fede negar potessi agl’occhi miei!…Quando lesere al placido’ Carlo Bergonzi (Rodolfo); Un ballo in maschera - ‘Ahime! S’appressa alcun’ Ghena Dimitrova (Amelia), Franco Farina (Riccardo) and Juan Pons (Renato); ‘Morrò, ma prima in grazia’ Aprile Millo (Amelia) Ernani – ‘Cessaro I suoni’ Deborah Voight (Elvira), Placido Domingo (Ernani) and Roberto Scandiuzzi (Silva) I Lombardi – ‘Qui pos ail fianco…Qual voluttà trascorrere’ June Anderson (Giselda), Carlo Bergonzi (Oronte), Ferruccio Furlanetto (Pagano) and Raymond Gniewek (violin solo) Richard WAGNER (1813-1883) Rienzi Overture; Tannhäuser – ‘Dich, teure Halle’ Deborah Voigt (Elisabeth); Tristan und Isolde – ‘Wie lachend sie mir Lieder singen’ Waltraud Meier (Isolde); Götterdämmerung – ‘Starke Scheite schchtet mir dort’ – Jane Eaglen (Brünnhilde); Die Meistersinger von Nürnberg – ‘Wach auf!’ Metropolitan Opera Chorus Jacques OFFENBACH (1819-1880) La Périchole – ‘Ah! Quelle diner je viens de faire’ Frederica Von Stade (Périchole); Les Contes d’Hoffmann – ‘Hélas, mon coeur s’égare encore’ Florence Quivar (Giulietta), Rosalind Elias (Niklausse), Alfredo Krauss (Hoffmann), Charles Anthony (Pitichinaccio), James Courtney (Schlémil), Paul Plishka (Dapartutto) and The Metropolitan Opera Chorus Peter Ilyich TCHAIKOVSKY (1840-1893) Eugene Onegin ‘O! Kalk mnye tyazhelo!’ (Final Scene) Catherine Malfitano (Tatyana) and Dwayne Croft (Onegin). Richard STRAUSS (1864-1949) Der Rosenkavalier ‘Hab mir’s gelobt’ Renée Fleming (Marschallin), Anne Sofie Von Otter (Octavian) and Heidi Grant Murphy (Sophie). Johann STRAUSS II (1825-1899) Die Fledermaus ‘ Dieser Anstand, so manierlich’ Karita Mattila (Rosalinde) and Håkan Hagegård (Eisenstein) Camille SAINT-SAËNS (1835-1921) Samson et Dalila – ‘Mon Coeur s’ouvre à ta voix’ Grace Bumbry (Dalila). Charles GOUNOD (1818-1893) Roméo et Juliette – ‘Je veux vivre dans ce rêve’ Ruth Ann Swenson (Juliette); Faust – Mais ce Dieu, que peut-il pour moi?) Plácido Domingo (Faust) and Samuel Ramey (Méphistophélès) Gustav CHARPENTIER (1860-1956) Louise ‘Depuis le jour où je me suis donnée’ Renée Fleming (Louise) Pietro MASCAGNI (1863-1945) L’Amico Fritz – ‘Suzel, buon di’ Angela Gheorghiu (Suzel) and Roberto Alagna (Fritz) Franz LEHÁR (1870-1948) Giuditta – ‘Ich weiss es selber nicht…Meine Lippen, sie küsseen so heiss’ Ileana Cotrubas (Giuditta); Georges BIZET (1838-1893) Les Pêcheurs de perles – ‘Au fond du temple saint’ Roberto Alagna (Nadir) and Bryn Terfel (Zurga) John CORIGLIANO (b. 1936) The Ghosts of Versailles – ‘Cherubino…’ ‘Now we go back in time’ Hei-Kyung Hong (Rosina), Wendy White (Cherubino), Christine Goerke (Marie Antoinette) and Håkan Hagegård (Beaumarchais); Antonín DVOŘÁK (1841-1904) Rusalka – ‘Song to the moon’ Gabriella Benačková (Rusalka), Gaetano DONIZETTI Don Pasquale – ‘Don Pasquale?...Cheti, cheti immantiente’ Mark Oswald (Malatesta) and Paul Plishka (Pasquale); Umberto GIORDANO (1867-1948) Andrea Chénier – ‘Esito dunque?...Nemico della patria’ Sherrill Milnes (Gérard) PLUS: a Tribute to James Levine by Birgit Nilsson Metropolitan Opera Orchestra and Chorus/James Levine
Bonuses: Picture gallery and an interview with James Levine Rec. live from the Metropolitan Opera House, New York , 27 April 1996 DEUTSCHE GRAMMOPHON 00440 073 2319 [2 DVDs: 142:20 + 151:38][IL]

A Gala of Galas. A host of operatic stars celebrate 25 years of Levine at the Met in grand style. ... see Full Review

Yundi Li: Vienna Recital Domenico SCARLATTI (1685-1757) Sonatas – E, Kk380 [5'18]; G, Kk13 [4'28]. Wolfgang Amadeus MOZART (1756-1791) Piano Sonata in C, K330/K300h (1781/3) [17'57]. Robert SCHUMANN (1810-1856)Carnaval, Op. 9 (1833-1835) [29'43]. Franz LISZT (1811-1886) Rapsodie espagnole, S254 (c1863) [13'58]. Yundi Li (piano) Rec. Grosser Saal, Musikverein, Vienna, June 2005. DDD DEUTSCHE GRAMMOPHON 477 5571 [71'30] [CC]

Not enough to justify a full-price release here. Lavish booklet (fourteen pictures of Li) + Musikverein + excellent recording does not equal rewarding musical experience. ... see Full Review

Love Bade Me Welcome Robert JONES (fl.1597-1615) Though your strangeness [4:06] My complaining is but feigning [1:33] George Herbert (1593-1633) Love* [1:12] Robert JONES (fl.1597-1615) Once did I serve a cruel heart [2:24] Robert JOHNSON (c.1583-c.1633) Lady Hatton’s Almain [1:35] Robert JONES (fl.1597-1615) Sweet Kate [1:42] William SHAKESPEARE (1564-1616) When in disgrace with fortune and men’s eyes* [1:09] Robert JONES (fl.1597-1615) What if I seek for love of thee?¶ [1:55] Sir Walter RALEIGH (c.1554-1618) In the grace of wit, of tongue, and face* [1:20] John DOWLAND (1563-1626) Flow, my tears¶ [3:39] William Shakespeare (1564-1616) When to the sessions of sweet silent thought* [1:13] Robert JONES (fl.1597-1615) Lie down, poor heart¨ [6:26] Ben JONSON (1572-1637) Slow, slow, fresh fount* [1:00] Anonymous Zouch his march [2:14] John DOWLAND (1563-1626) Say love, if ever thou didst find¶ [1:46] Lachrimæ [5:13] Francis QUARLES (1592-1644) Sighs* [7:48] John DOWLAND (1563-1626) Me, me and none but me¨ [3:15] Come again: sweet love¶ [3;43] Thomas CAMPION (1567-1620) Now winter nights enlarge* [1:18] Robert JONES (fl.1597-1615) And is it night?¨ [5:30] Grief of my best love’s absenting¶ [4:49] William SHAKESPEARE (1564-1616) So am I as the rich whose blessed key* [1:11] Robert JOHNSON (?) (c.1583-33) The Second Witches Dance [1:51] Thomas CAMPION (1567-1620) Follow thy fair sun* [1:13] Robert JONES (fl.1597-1615) Hark! Wot ye what? [4:19] Abraham COWLEY (1618-1667) The given heart* [1:23] Theatre of Early Music: James Bowman (counter-tenor, solo on tracks marked ¶), Daniel Taylor (counter-tenor, solo on tracks marked ¨), Frances Kelly (harp), Elizabeth Kenny (lute), Mark Levy (gamba). * Ralph Fiennes (recitation) Recorded St. Silas church, London, February-March 2004 BIS CD-1446 [75:51][GPu]

An interesting miscellany, well-played and sung, especially valuable for the music by Robert Jones, but with too much time is given over to inadequately integrated readings ... see Full Review

Lullabyes and Goodbyes Billy JOEL Lullaby (Goodnight, My Angel) [3:16] Engelbert HUMPERDINCK Evening Prayer* [4:20] Jacques OFFENBACH Barcarolle* [2:47] Richard M. SHERMAN and Robert B. SHERMAN Hushbye Mountain* [2:58]
Johannes BRAHMS Wiegenlied* [2:51] J.R.R. TOLKIEN/Donald SWANN Bilbo’s Last Song* [3:51] George GERSHWIN Lullaby [3:41] Traditional/SCOTT/KAIHAU Haere Rä [1:48] Malcolm SARGENT Hawaiian Lullaby* [2:17] Irving BERLIN Moonshine Lullaby [3:34] Xavier MONTSALVATGE Cancion de Cuna para dormer a un Negrito* [2:47] Traditional/CAMPBELL My Lagan Love [3:23] Hugo WOLF Schlafendes Jesuskind* [3:18] George SHEARING Lullaby of Birdland*[2:54] Claudio MONTEVERDI Oblivion [3:31] Daniel AUBER Discendi, O Sonno Vago [4:30] CANTABILE Lullaby (Hush Macushla)* [2:24] Franz SCHUBERT Nacht und Träume* [3:29] J.R.R. TOLKIEN/Stephen OLIVER Bilbo’s Last Song* 3:02] Richard M. SHERMAN & Robert B. SHERMAN Stay Awake [2:27] Antonín DVOŘÁK Goin’ Home* [6:40] John DANKWORTH Our Revels Now Are Ended* [2:55] David CULLEN Counting Up My Toes [1:52] Cantabile: Richard Bryan (counter-tenor); Robin Green (tenor); Mark Fleming (tenor); Michael Steffan (baritone) *with Malcolm Martineau (piano) Recorded at Angel Studios, London, England, 24-26 February and 28 July 2004 SIGNUM CLASSICS SIGCD055 [74:40] [JQ]

Restful and enjoyable late evening listening, with the fire burning gently and a glass of something warming at your elbow. Something a bit different! ... 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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