PART 5
S-Z

Detailed listing (last five 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]
[Recommended recordings]

Camille SAINT-SAËNS (1835-1921) Cello Concerto No. 1 in A Minor Op. 33 (1872) [19:57] Cello Concerto No. 2 in D Minor Op. 119 (1902) [18:05] “The Swan” from “The Carnival of the Animals” (1886) [2:55] Jules MASSENET (1842-1912) Meditation from “Thaïs” (1893) [5:30] Zuill Bailey (cello) Roanoke Symphony Orchestra/David Wiley rec. live, Roanoke Performing Arts Theatre, 17 October 2005 DELOS DE 3378 [46:27][JS]

A great pity that a far from well known combination of soloist and orchestra together with playing time that is far from generous are likely greatly to reduce the number of people attracted by this disc. ... see Full Review

Domenico SCARLATTI (1685-1757) The Complete Sonatas, Volume V CD 1 - Venice XII (1757) K484-498 CD 2 - Venice XII (1757) K499-4513 CD 3 - Venice XIII (1757) K514-29 CD 4 - Venice XIII (1757) K530-43 CD 5 - The Continuo Sonatas K78, 88-91 Alessandro SCARLATTI (1660-1725) * Sinfonia in C minor Largo,  [1:56] Sinfonia in C minor Allegro,  [1:15] Sinfonia in C minor Sarabande,  [1:45] Sinfonia in C minor Allegro,  [1:07] George Frideric HANDEL (1685-1759) * Sonata in F major Allegro, HWV405 [2:03] Sonata in F major Grave, HWV405 [1:43] Sonata in F major Allegro, HWV405 [2:05] Richard Lester (harpsichord and fortepiano) Academia Musicali*: Elizabeth Lester (treble recorder); Nerys Evans (descant and treble recorder) rec: October, 2004, Wisteria Lodge, Cirencester, Gloucestershire, England. DDD NIMBUS RECORDS NI1729 [5 CDs: 70:25 + 61:45 + 64:28 + 62:04 + 46:34] [MS]

Volume V in this extensive and ambitious series is every bit as welcome, enjoyable and stimulating as the previous four. A vast range of moods, styles, approaches, sounds and themes in a unique oeuvre is expertly played by Lester – this time with some help … see Full Review

Domenico SCARLATTI (1685-1757) The Complete Sonatas, Volume VI Venice XIV (1742) see review for details Richard Lester (harpsichord and fortepiano) rec. Summer 2005, Wisteria Lodge, Cirencester, Gloucestershire, England. DDD NIMBUS RECORDS NI 1730 [6 CDs: 65:20 + 72:24 + 70:50 + 71:59 + 73:05 + 69:29] [MS]

Volume VI is played with excitement, aplomb and entirely appropriate and genuinely convincing ranges. Full of variety, clarity and highly approachable … see Full Review

Christoph SCHAFFRATH (1709-1763) Trios and Sonatas Trio for violin, oboe and bc in g minor [15:01] Sonata for cello and harpsichord in C [15:35] Sonata for oboe and bc in d minor [10:16] Sonata for viola da gamba and harpsichord in G [17:24] Trio for violin, bassoon and bc in B flat [11:13] Epoca Barocca (Alessandro Piqué (oboe); Sergio Azzolini (bassoon); Margarete Adorf (violin); Ilze Grudele (cello); Hartwig Groth (viola da gamba); Christoph Lehmann (harpsichord)) rec. October, November 2003, October 2005, Studio of Deutschlandfunk, Cologne, Germany. DDD CPO 777 116-2 [69:49] [JV]

Schaffrath was colleague of the Graun brothers, Quantz and CPE Bach in Berlin, but is mostly ignored - unjustly, as this disc shows ... see Full Review

Florent SCHMITT (1870-1958) Psaume XLVII Op. 38 (1904)* [30:19] Suite dans l’esprit de suite Op. 89 (1937) [17:49] La tragédie de Salomé Op. 50 (1909)** [30:09] Christine Buffle (soprano), Jennifer Walker (soprano)* BBC National Chorus of Wales** Charles Humphries (organ)* BBC National Orchestra of Wales/Thierry Fischer rec. 24-25 October 2006, Brangwyn Hall, Guildhall, Swansea DDD French texts and English translations included HYPERION CDA67599 [78:19] [JQ]

This CD marks a most auspicious debut on CD for the partnership of Thierry Fischer and the BBC NOW ... see Full Review

Arnold SCHOENBERG (1874-1951) Herzgewächse, Op.2 (1911) [3:31] Pierrot Lunaire, Op.21 (1912) [36:30] Four Orchestral Songs, Op.22 (1916) [13:32] Chamber Symphony No.1, Op.9 (1906) [20:20] Eileen Hulse (sop) (op. 2); Anja Silja (sprechtstimme) (op. 21); Catherine Wyn-Rogers (mezzo) (op. 22) Members of the London Symphony Orchestra (op. 2); Twentieth Century Classics Ensemble (opp. 9 & 21); Philharmonia Orchestra (op. 22)/Robert Craft rec. American Academy of Letters and Arts, 1997 (op. 21), SUNY Purchase, NY, 1998 (op. 9) and Abbey Road Studios, London, 1994 (op. 2) and 1998 (op. 22) NAXOS 8.557523 [73:53] [TH]

A well-nigh ideal introduction to Schoenberg’s Expressionist period ... see Full Review

Arnold SCHOENBERG (1874-1951) String Quartet No.4 Op.37 (1936) [31:35] Anton von WEBERN (1883-1945) Langsamer Satz M78 (1905) [10:59] Alban BERG (1885-1935) Lyric Suite (1926) [27:13] Psophos Quartet rec. November 2005, March 2006, l’Église de Bonsecours, Paris ZIG-ZAG TERRITOIRES ZZT070502 [69:47] [SH]

This performance by the Psophos Quartet is music at its best ... see Full Review

Franz SCHUBERT (1787-1828) Piano Trio No.1 in B flat, D898 (1827) [35:39] Piano Trio No.2 in E flat, D929 (1827) [41:22] Adagio in E flat, D897 ‘Notturno’ (1827) [13:01] Piano Trio movement in B flat, D28 ‘Sonata’ [8:21] Piano Quintet in A, D667 ‘Trout’ (1819-20?) [35:40] Adagio and Rondo Concertante for piano, violin, viola and cello in F, D487 (1816) [13:23] Beaux Arts Trio (Menahem Pressler (piano); Daniel Guilet (violin); Bernard Greenhouse (cello)) (D28, 897, 898, 929) Melos Ensemble of London (Lamar Crowson (piano); Emanuel Hurwitz (violin); Cecil Aronowitz (viola); Terence Weil (cello); Adrian Beers (double-bass)) (D487, 667) rec. Abbey Road Studio No.1, London, February 1966 (Beaux); November (D667); December 1966 (D487) PHILIPS ELOQUENCE 442 9375 [77:09 + 70:44] [BW]

A very competent Trout Quintet but, for me, the excellent, if slightly dryly recorded, versions of the Piano Trios are the selling point of this desirable bargain reissue … see Full Review

Franz SCHUBERT (1797–1828) Die schöne Müllerin Op. 25, D795 (1823) Paul Rowe (baritone), Martha Fischer (piano) rec. no date or venue supplied Texts and translations not provided. SCHOOL OF MUSIC UNIVERSITY OF WISCONSIN-MADISON ISBN 193156913-4 [66:17] [GF]

Many fine insights but the singing as such is too compromised to make this a competitive recording in a crowded market ... see Full Review

Robert SCHUMANN (1810-1856) Das Paradies und die Peri (Paradise and the Peri) - oratorio for Soloists, Choir and Orchestra, Op. 50 (1843-44) [95:55] Margaret Price; Oliviera Miljakovic (sopranos); Marjorie Wright (mezzo); Anne Howells (contralto); Werner Hollweg; Carlo Gaifa (tenors); Wolfgang Brendel (baritone); Robert Amis el Hage (bass) Coro RAI di Rome/Gianni Lazzari Orchestra Sinfonica RAI di Rome/Carlo Maria Giulini rec. 9 February 1974, Auditorium RAI, Rome, Italy. ARTS ARCHIVES 43076-2 [58:50 + 37:05] [MC]

This recording of a live performance is a valuable contribution to Schumann’s recorded legacy. ... see Full Review

Cyril SCOTT (1879-1970) Piano Concerto No. 1 in C (1913-14) [39:32] Early One Morning - Poem for Piano and Orchestra (1931, rev.1962) [14:47] Piano Concerto No. 2 (1958) [25:12] John Ogdon (piano) London Philharmonic Orchestra/Bernard Herrmann rec. 1970s. ADD LYRITA SRCD.251 [79:44] [JQ]

This disc contains fine, committed performances, splendidly recorded ... I’m just sorry that I can’t be more enthusiastic about the music ... see Full Review

RECORDING OF THE MONTH Dmitri SHOSTAKOVICH (1906-1975) Piano Quintet Op.57 (1940) [31:48] 4 Waltzes for Flute, Clarinet and Piano (1955) [9:46] Piano Trio No.2 (1944) [28:04] Nash Ensemble (Marcia Crayford, Elizabeth Layton (violins); Roger Chase (viola); Christopher van Kampen (cello); Michael Collins (clarinet); Philippa Davies (flute); Ian Brown (piano)) rec. Henry Wood Hall, London, 1990 VIRGIN CLASSICS 3913372 [69:54] [DC]

Top-notch Shostakovich ... see Full Review

Louis SPOHR (1784–1859) Grand Concert Overture in F major WoO1 (1819) [6:31] Symphony No 1 in E flat major Op 20 (1811) [36:36] Symphony No 2 in D minor Op 49 (1820) [30:48] Orchestra della Svizzera Italiana/Howard Shelley rec. Auditorio Stelio Molo, Lugano, Switzerland, 11-15 September 2006. DDD HYPERION CDA67616 [74:04] [RB]

Spohr was feted in his time yet his music sank deeper than plummet’s plunge after his death. It was an undeserved fate ... see Full Review

RECORDING OF THE MONTH Charles Villiers STANFORD (1852-1924) Cello Concerto in D minor (1879-1880) [27:36] Piano Concerto No.3 in Eb, Op.171 (orch. Geoffrey Bush) (1919) [37:43] Alexander Baillie (cello); Malcolm Binns (piano) Royal Philharmonic Orchestra/Nicolas Braithwaite rec. details not given LYRITA SRCD 321 [65:23] [JF]

This CD is a must for all enthusiasts of Stanford’s music... see Full Review

Ronald STEVENSON (b. 1928) Rhapsody Three Lyric Pieces (1947–50) [16:33]Three Nativity Pieces (1949) [15.00]Symphonic Elegy for Liszt (1986) [14:15]A Carlyle Suite (1995) [19.13]Scottish Folk Music Settings for piano (c.1959-65) [13.17] Sheena Nicoll (piano) rec. The Whiteley Hall, Chethams School of Music, Manchester, 19-20 April 2006 DUNELM RECORDS DRD0268 [78:18] [DHJ]

A welcome release displaying the gentler side of Ronald Stevenson’s art ... see Full Review

RECORDING OF THE MONTH Richard STRAUSS (1864-1949) Ein Heldenleben (1899) [44:23]* Metamorphosen (1945) [28:55] Raymond Kobler (violin)*; David Krehbiel (horn)* San Francisco Symphony/Herbert Blomstedt rec. 1994. DDD DECCA LONDON 436 596-2 [73:28] [TP]

If you like your Richard Strauss vigorous and in full technicolour sound  - as it is scored - then you will want to hear this performance ... see Full Review

Sir Arthur SULLIVAN (1842-1900) Pineapple Poll Ballet Suite (arr. Sir Charles Mackerras, 1951) [29:53] Giuseppe VERDI (1813-1901) The Lady and the Fool Ballet Suite (arr. Mackerras, 1954) [29:58] London Philharmonic Orchestra/Sir Charles Mackerras rec. Henry Wood Hall, Southwark, March 1977 CLASSICS FOR PLEASURE 3932312 [60:01] [JS]

Given the quality of the performances and recording this remains a worthwhile purchase – but don’t be surprised if you want to go out and buy a complete version of the ballets. ... see Full Review

Franz von SUPPÉ (1819-1895) Die Schöne Galathée (The Beautiful Galathea) - a mythological satire in one Act (1865) Jörg Dürmüller (tenor) … Pygmalion; Marianne Beate Killand (mezzo) … Ganymede; Klaus Häger (baritone) … Mydas; Eleonore Marguerre (soprano) … Galathea; Christian Brückner … Narrator ChorWerkRuhr, Capella Coloniensis/Bruno Weil rec. Kulturzentrum, Herne, Germany, 13-14 November 2005 Notes in German, English, French. CAPRICCIO 60134 [71:22] [RW]

Pleasantly lyrical and pure-toned. Weil conducts with much care and sensitivity, and teases out some nice subtleties ... see Full Review

Alexandre TANSMAN (1897-1986) Chamber Music with Clarinet Musique for clarinet and string quartet (1982) [10:07] Musique à Six for clarinet, string quartet, and piano (1977) [19:57] Trois Pieces for clarinet, harp, and string quartet (1970) [8:27] Triptyque for string quartet (1930) [16:06] Jean-Marc Fessard (clarinet; bass clarinet) Eliane Reyes (piano) Francis Pierre (harp) Quatuor Elysée rec. Studio de Meudon, Paris, France, 20-23 April 2006 NAXOS 8.570235 [54:44][DB]

French-influenced pieces excellently recorded and performed. … see Full Review

John TAVERNER (c.1490-1545) Missa Gloria Tibi Trinitas (1526-9?) [42.47] Cantus firmus: Gloria tibi trinitas [0.41] Kyrie: Deus creator omnium [2.16] Mater Christi [6.22] Dum transisset Sabbatum (I) [6.54] O Wilhelme pastor bone [3.40] The Choir of Christ Church Cathedral, Oxford/Stephen Darlington rec. Chapel of Merton College, Oxford, 15-17 November 2006 AVIE AV2123 [63.02] [GH]

If you love this music then you should not hesitate to get this disc and if Taverner is new to you, then this great masterwork of the early 16^th Century is as good a place to start as any. This recording gives the music every chance to be at its best. ... see Full Review

Peter Ilyich TCHAIKOVSKY (1840-1893) Eugene Onegin (1879) Polonaise [4:38] Valse [6:19] Écossaise [2:00] The Maid of Orléans (1881) Entr’acte [3:19] Danse des bohémiens [6:54] Danse de polichinelles et des histrions [4:05] Oprichnik (1872) Danses [5:45] The Sorceress (1887) Introduction [6:14] Danse des histrions et scène [3:35] Cherevichki (Oxana’s Caprices) (1875, 1887) (originally Vakula The Smith) Introduction [3:18] Danse russe [3:32] Danse des cosaques [3:16] Orchestra of the Royal Opera House, Covent Garden/Sir Colin Davis rec. London, December 1977. ADD PHILIPS ELOQUENCE 442 8933 [53:37][RB]

An unhackneyed sample of the operatic-balletic Tchaikovsky culled from the well known and the neglected – brilliantly performed and recorded. ... see Full Review

Georg Philipp TELEMANN (1681-1767) Virtuoso traveller – duet and trio sonatas Trio Sonata for recorder, violin and bc in d minor (TWV 42,d10) [08:33] Trio Sonata for oboe, violin and bc in g minor (TWV 42,g5) [11:19] Trio Sonata for recorder, harpsichord and bc in B flat (TWV 42,B4) [08:08] Sonata for cello and bc in D (TWV 41,D6) [08:09] Trio Sonata for oboe, harpsichord and bc in E flat (TWV 42,Es3) [10:37] Trio Sonata for recorder, violin and bc in a minor (TWV 42,a4) [10:29] Amarillis: (Héloïse Gaillard (recorder, oboe); David Plantier (violin); Emmanuel Jacques (cello); Laura Monica Pustilnik (archlute); Violaine Cochard (harpsichord)) rec. March 2006, Château de Juigné-sur-Sarthe, France. DDD AMBROISIE AM 112 [57:19] [JV]

Generally good and enjoyable performances of fine pieces from Telemann's chamber music output, but inconsistent and unbalanced in some respects ... see Full Review

RECORDING OF THE MONTH Georg Philipp TELEMANN (1681-1767) Drei sind, die da zuegen im Himmel, TVWV 1:377 (1711) [12:09]* Ich hatte viel Bekümmernis, TVWV 1:843 (1717) [12:10]* Wie liegt die Stadt so wüste, TVWV 1:1629 (1727) [14:27]* Er kam, lobsingt ihm, TVWV 1:377 (1759) [15:05]** Rheinische Kantorei; Das Kleine Konzert (Veronika Winter (soprano)*; Lena Susanne Norin (alto)*; Jan Kobow (tenor)*; Ekkehard Abele (bass)*; Ingrid Schmithüsen (soprano)**; Claudia Schubert (alto)**; Howard Crook (tenor) **; Gotthold Schwarz (bass)**)/ Hermann Max rec. Magdeburg, Germany, 18 March, 2006, DDD*; 25-29 April, 1997. DDD** CPO 777 195-2 [57:08] [MS]

An outstanding collection of high Baroque cantatas sung with conviction, gentle authority and perception by Rheinische Kantorei; Das Kleine Konzert with soloists under Hermann Max. Full of glorious warmth and light … see Full Review

Michael TIPPETT (1905-1998) Divertimento for Chamber Orchestra "Sellinger’s Round" (1953) [19:36] Alan RAWSTHORNE (1905-1971) Divertimento for Chamber Orchestra (1961-62) [11:35] Benjamin BRITTEN (1913-1976) Sinfonietta Op.1 (1932) [14:46] Lennox BERKELEY (1903-1976) Sinfonietta Op.34 (1950) [12:36] Malcolm ARNOLD (1921-2006) Sinfonietta No.1 Op.48 * (1955) [9:53] English Chamber Orchestra/Norman Del Mar * London Symphony Orchestra/Nicholas Braithwaite rec. March 1977, Kingsway Hall (Tippett, Rawsthorne, Britten, Berkeley); 6 September 1978, Watford Town Hall (Arnold). ADD LYRITA SRCD.257 [68:31] [RB]

A typically English reticence about these divertimentos and sinfoniettas - the only exception being the Arnold. Fulsomely recorded and virtuoso performances.... see Full Review

Veljo TORMIS (b. 1930) An aboriginal song (1981) [2:31] Double Dedication (1983) [4:25] Crosswind (1993) [4:13] Our Shadows (1969) [4:39] Forging the Sampo (1997) [7:52] The Bishop and the Pagan (1992) [10:05] Incantation for a Stormy Sea (1996) [7:52] songs 1-3, 5, 7-8 from Men's Songs (1964-65) [16:32] Curse Upon Iron (1972) [10:17] Svanholm Singers/Sofia Soderberg Eberhard Veljo Tormis (shaman drum); Stefan Engstrom (log drums, counter-tenor); Emil Johansen (tenor); Staffan Lindberg (tenor); Johannes Midgren (tenor); Johan Sternby (bass); Martin Sterbvander (whistling); Erik Emilsson (bass). rec. Lomma kyrka, Lomme, Skåne, 9-11 October, 6, 8 November 2006. Texts and translations into English are provided; notes in English, German, French, Estonian TOCCATA CLASSICS TOCC 0073 [67:49] [RB]

Superbly recorded and performed - a composer desperately neglected on the world stage – here is a grainy roughness essential to the nature, wildness and gothic terror that sustains Tormis’s inspiration ... see Full Review
Sound Sample: Opening of Song of the Turkish War
Sound samples are removed after two months

Erkki-Sven TÜÜR (b. 1959) Symphony No. 4 Magma for solo percussion and symphony orchestra (2002) [31:06] Inquiétude du fini for chamber choir and orchestra (1992) [4:37] Igavik (Eternity) for male choir and orchestra (2006) [4:37] The Path and the Traces for strings (2005) [12:36] Dame Evelyn Glennie (percussion) Estonian Philharmonic Choir Estonian National Male Choir Estonian National Symphony Orchestra/Paavo Järvi rec. Estonia Concert Hall, Tallinn, Estonia, 7-11 June 2006 VIRGIN CLASSICS 0946 3 85785 2 9 [67:23][RB]

Exceptional and patently sincere new music only failing to convince this listener in the display sections of the symphony. ... see Full Review

Ralph VAUGHAN WILLIAMS (1872-1958) Fantasia on a Theme by Thomas Tallis (1910) [16:17]² Symphony No. 5 in D major (1943)³Serenade to Music (1938)⁴ Thomas TALLIS (1505-1585)Why fum’th in fight? (1567) [0:54]^{1 4}Jessica Rivera (soprano); ⁴Kelley O’Connor (mezzo); ⁴Thomas Studebaker (tenor); ⁴Nmon Ford (baritone);  ^1,4Atlanta Chamber Chorus;  ²Cecylia Arzewski (violin 1); ²David Arenz (violin 2); ²Reid Harris (viola); ²Christopher Rex (cello); ^2-4Atlanta Symphony Orchestra/Robert Spano rec. Woodruff Arts Center, Symphony Hall, Atlanta, 25 September, 1, 3 October 2006. DDD TELARC SACD-60676 [70:32] [MG]

A well balanced programme of perceptive performances, at its best very convincing … see Full Review

Giuseppe VERDI (1813-1901) I Vespri Siciliani - grand opera in five acts (1855) Guido di Montforte, Governor of Sicily – Vladimir Stoyanov (bar); Duchess Elèna, sister of Duke Frederic of Austria – Amarilli Nizza (sop); Arrigo, a young Sicilian in love with Eléna, - Renzo Zilian (ten); Giovanni da Procida, a Sicilian doctor – Orlin Anastassov (bass); Bethune, a French officer – Cesare Lana (bass); Vaudemont, A French officer – Lorenzo Muzi  (bass); Ninetta, Elèna maid – Tiziana Carraro (mezzo) Orchestra and Chorus of the Fondazione Arturo Toscanini/Stefano Ranzani rec. Teatro Verdi, Busseto, February 2003. Director, set and costumes designer. Pier Luigi Pizzi Dolby Digital 2.0; Vision: 16:9; Colour: NTSC. Sung in Italian. Subtitles in Italian (original language), English, German, French, Spanish. Notes and synopsis in Italian, English, German, French DYNAMIC 33551 [159:00][RJF]

The staging and handling of this Grand Opera in a generally well sung performance in the small Teatro Verdi in the composer’s home town should be watched by opera producers as well as Verdi lovers. ... see Full Review

Johann VIERDANCK (c.1605-1646) Capricci, Canzoni und Sonaten Rostock, 1641 Canzona in C (No. 21) [04:30] Capriccio in d minor (No. 11) [00:49] Capriccio in a minor (No. 17) [04:11] Capriccio in a minor (No. 2) [01:33] Canzona in G (No. 23) [03:32] Capriccio in a minor (No. 8) [02:26] Passamezzo in a minor (No. 15) [07:23]La sua Gagliarda in a minor (No. 16) [01:54] Capriccio in d minor (No. 3) [02:45] Capriccio in a minor (No. 20) [04:41] Capriccio in d minor (No. 10) [01:50] Capriccio in d minor (No. 18) [03:27] Sonata in d minor (No. 4) [04:11] Canzona in g minor (No. 22) [03:34] Capriccio in d minor (No. 9) [01:01] Capriccio in g minor (No. 19) [03:35] Capriccio in d minor (No. 1) [01:34] Canzona in a minor (No. 24) [05:45] Capriccio in a minor (No. 7) [01:12] Capriccio 'auff Quodlibethische Art' in C (No. 25) [06:20] Parnassi musici: (Margaret MacDuffie; Matthias Fischer; Wolfgang Greser (violin); Stephan Schroder (cello); Sergio Azzolini (bassoon); France Beaudry-Wichmann (double bass); Hubert Hoffmann (archlute); Martin Lutz (harpsichord; organ)) rec. July 2005, Hans Rosbaud Studio Baden-Baden, Germany. DDD CPO 777 205-2 [67:22] [JV]

Music for strings by Johann Vierdanck, an important figure in German music history - Parnassi musici delivers splendid performances of this fine repertoire ... see Full Review

Antonio VIVALDI (1678–1741) L’Estro Armonico, Op. three (1711) [99.28] Stefano Montanari (violin) Fiorenza De Donatis (violin) Paolo Zinzani (violin) Laura Mirri (violin) Accademia Ziantina/Ottavio Dantone rec. Sala del Refettorio, Museo di San Vitale, Ravenna, March 2001 only available separately ARTS 47646-8 SACD Concertos 1-6 [45.26] ARTS 47647-8 SACD Concertos 7-12 [54.02] [RH]

Will not appeal to everyone but their sheer brilliance and rhythmic impetus is her attractive. A very welcome release ... see Full Review

Peter-Jan WAGEMANS (b. 1952) De Zevende Symfonie (1999)^a [54:58] De Stad en de Engel (1996, rev. 1997)^b [14:51] Netherlands Radio Philharmonic Orchestra/Hans Leenders^a; Micha Hamel^b rec. Vredenburg, Utrcht, February 2006 (Symphony) and October 2006 (De Stad en de Engel) ET’CETERA KTC 1347 [69:49] [HC]

Wagemans stands apart from many current musical trends. These fine performances caught in excellent recorded sound serve his colourful music well. ... see Full Review

RECORDING OF THE MONTH Richard WAGNER (1813-1883) Der Ring des Nibelungen (1876) Günter von Kannen (Alberich) John Tomlinson (Wotan) Anne Evans (Brünnhilde) Siegfried Jerusalem (Siegfried) Bayreuth Festival Orchestra/Daniel Barenboim rec. Bayreuth 1991-2 Stage production by Harry Kupfer Region codes: NTSC 2,3,4,5; Picture format 16:9; Sound: LPCM stereo, Dolby digital 5.1 and DTS 5.1 Surround; Subtitles in English, Français, Deutsch, Español, Italiano WARNER CLASSICS 2564 62317-2 [7 DVDs: 154 + 237 + 243 + 270 min.] [PCW]

An obvious one-stop shop for the work … see Full Review

Samuel Sebastian WESLEY (1810–1876) Introduction and Fugue in C sharp minor (revised version) (1869) [7:44] Larghetto in F sharp minor (from Three Pieces for a Chamber Organ, II) (1842-3) [5:52] Voluntary (Grave and Andante) (1872) [5:20] Andante Cantabile in G major (1864) [4:20] Andante in E flat major (from Three Pieces for a Chamber Organ, II) (1842-3) [4:14] Andante in F major (from Three Pieces for a Chamber Organ, I) (1842) [7:55] Andante in C major (1871) from The Musical Standard [4:53] Andante in E minor (1877) [4:31] Holsworthy Church Bells (Air with Variations) [5:26] Choral Song  (from Three Pieces for a Chamber Organ, I) (1842) [7:14] James McVinnie (organ) rec. St. Michael’s Church, Tenbury, Worcestershire, UK, 12 October 2006. DDD NAXOS 8.570410 [57.29] [MK]

For the organ enthusiast keen to fill a gap in the collection. Works that are remarkable for their historical significance but nothing more than pleasant despite stylish and polished playing … see Full Review

Malcolm WILLIAMSON (1931-2003) Concerto for Organ and Orchestra * (1961) [27:02] Piano Concerto No.3 in E flat ** (1962) [32:19] Sonata for Two Pianos *** (1967) [7:36] * Malcolm Williamson (organ) London Philharmonic Orchestra/Sir Adrian Boult ** Malcolm Williamson (piano) London Philharmonic Orchestra/Leonard Dommett *** Malcolm Williamson and Richard Rodney Bennett, (pianos) rec. January 1974, Guildford Cathedral (organ); February 1974, Kingsway Hall (piano). ADD LYRITA SRCD.280 [67:02] [RB]

This disc is essential to any Williamson collection ... see Full Review

 

 

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Detailed listing (last five 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]
[Recommended recordings]

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