MusicWeb Recommendations for recordings from 2007 MusicWeb-International

RECORDING OF THE MONTH Sir Malcolm ARNOLD (1921-2006) Wind Chamber Music Wind Quintet, Op.2 (1943) [12:01] Duo for 2 clarinets, Op. 135, Divertimento (1988) : (I. Allegro energico [1:40] II. Allegretto [0:48] III. Vivace [0:53] IV. Lento [1:51] V. Vivace [1:19] VI. Adagio [1:33])* Dream City (1938) (arr. Paul Harris for wind quintet) [2:58] Hobson's Choice: Overture (1953) (arr. Uwe Radok for wind octet) [3:30] Grand Fantasia for flute, clarinet and piano (1940) [10:03] Overture (1940) (arr. Uwe Radok for wind octet) [3:22] Suite Bourgeoise for flute, clarinet and piano (c. 1939) [12:05] Scherzetto (arr. for clarinet and piano from film score You Know What Sailors Are) (1953) [2:44] Fantasy for solo clarinet, Op. 87 (1966) [4:05] Fantasy for flute and clarinet (c. 1960s) [1:30] Divertimento for flute, oboe and clarinet, Op. 37 (c. 1952) [9:05] 3 Shanties for wind quintet, Op. 4 (1943) [6:57]

East Winds: (Judith Treggor (flute); Joseph Sanders (oboe); Victoria Soames Samek (clarinet); Jonathan Hassan (French horn); Lizbeth Elliott (bassoon)) Paul Chilvers (piano); Veda Lin (second oboe); Allison Rosser (second clarinet); Duncan Fuller (second French horn); Lauren Barr (second bassoon) rec. 22-23 June 2006, Potton Hall, Suffolk, England. DDD *op. 135 movements are separated and alternate with successive works NAXOS 8.570294 [76:24] [MC]

On this Naxos release Sir Malcolm is in his element with these excellently performed wind chamber scores and I was with him all the way. ... see Full Review

RECORDING OF THE MONTH Johann Sebastian BACH (1685-1750) Cello Suites CD 1 No. 1 in G major BWV 1007 [16:11] No. 2 in D minor BWV 1008 [17:27] No. 3 in C major BWV 1009 [19:46] No. 4 in E flat major BWV 1010 [21:35] CD 2 No. 5 in C minor BWV 1011 [24:06] No. 6 in D major BWV 1012 [27:26] The Song of the Birds (arr. Sally Beamish) [2:44] Prelude from Cello Suite No.1 (Anna Magdalena manuscript) [2:24] Prelude from Cello Suite No.1 (Johann Peter Kellner manuscript) [2:21] Prelude from Cello Suite No.1 (Johann Christoph Westphal collection) [2:29]

Steven Isserlis (cello) rec. Henry Wood Hall, London 4-8 December 2005 (CD1, CD2 Song, Preludes), and 17-19 July 2006 (CD2 Suites 5, 6) HYPERION CDA67541/2 [75.10 + 61:58] [DC]

Something like being presented with the St. Matthew Passion on a single instrument … the best of the best in this most personal of all possible worlds ... see Full Review

HISTORICAL RECORDING OF THE MONTH Ludwig van BEETHOVEN (1770-1827) Symphony No.3 in E flat major Op.55 Eroica (1804) [52:05] Alexander GLAZUNOV (1865-1936) Stenka Razin – symphonic poem in B minor Op.13 (1886) [18:52]

Vienna Philharmonic Orchestra/Wilhelm Furtwängler – Beethoven [Berlin Philharmonic Orchestra/Leo Borchard] – Glazunov; claimed to be Vienna Philharmonic Orchestra/Wilhelm Furtwängler rec.16 December 1944 (Beethoven) and (2 February 1945 - Glazunov) MELODIYA MEL CD 10 01106 [70:57] [JW]

Furtwängler’s Eroica - the most dramatic and the most intense. ... see Full Review

RECORDING OF THE MONTH Ludwig van BEETHOVEN (1770-1827) Symphony No. 8 in F major, Op. 93 (1812) [23:13] König Stephan, Op.117 (1811): Overture [6:24], Siegesmarch [3:01], Geistlicher marsch [1:21] Ruins of Athens, Op. 113 (1811): Overture [4:17], Turkish March [1:52] Fidelio Overture, Op. 72b (1814) [5:58] Tarpeja, WoO2 (1813): Introduction to Act 2 [1:56], Triumphal March [2:20] Namensfeier Overture, Op. 115 (1814-15) [6:27] Wellington’s Victory, Op. 91 (1813) [14:55] Swedish Chamber Orchestra Örebro/Thomas Dausgaard rec. Örebro Concert Hall, October 2002, September 2003, September 2004, September 2005. DDD SIMAX PSC 1282 [71:44][MG]

An enlightening CD of fresh performances and stimulating contrasts, through which you discover an unexpected masterpiece. … see Full Review

RECORDING OF THE MONTH Claude DEBUSSY (1862-1918) La Mer: trois esquisses symphoniques (1903-05) [24:51] Claude DEBUSSY arranged for orchestra by Colin MATTHEWS (b. 1946) Préludes (1910-1912, arrs, 2001-06):- Brouillards (Book II No. 1) [4:03] Ce qu’a vu le vent d’Ouest (Book I, No. 7) [3:10] Minstrels (Book I No 12) [2:39] Canope (Book II No 10) [2:57] Les sons et les parfums tournent dans l’air du soir (Book I No 4) [3:53] La Puerta del Vino (Book II No 3) [3:38] Général Lavine – eccentric (Book II No. 6) [3:15] Feuilles mortes (Book II No 2) [3:36] Les tierces alternées (Book II No. 11) [3:12] La danse de Puck (Book I No 11) [3:03] Le vent dans la plaine (Book I No 3) [2:55] La fille aux cheveux de lin (Book I No 8)*[5:00]

Hallé Orchestra/Mark Elder rec. 14–16 July 2006; *2 August 2006, BBC Studio 7, New Broadcasting House, Manchester. DDD HALLÉ CD HLL 7513 [67:24][JQ]

RECORDING OF THE MONTH Claudio MONTEVERDI (1567-1643) Madrigali guerrieri et amorosi: libro ottavo (1638) 1. Combattimento di Tancredi e Clorinda [22:03] 2. Il Ballo delle ingrate [36:10] 3. Sinfonia a doi violini e una viola di brazzo [0:45] 4. Altri canti d’amor, tenero arciero, a sei voci con quattro viole e doi violini [9:52] 5. Lamento de la Ninfa [4:43] 6. Vago augelletto, che cantando vai, a sei e sette voci con doi violini e un contrabasso [5:42] 7. Perchè t’ en fuggi, o fillide? A tre (alto, tenore e basso) [5:59] 8. Altri canti di marte, a sei voci et doi violini [8:59] 9. Ogni amante è guerrier [14:18] 10. Hor che ’l ciel e la terra e ’l vento tace, a sei voci con doi violini [10:46] 11. Gira il nemico, insidioso amore [5:43] 12. Dolcissimo uscignolo, a cinque voci, cantato a voce piena, alla francese [3:42] 13. Ardo, ardo, avvampo, mi struggo, a otto voci con doi violini [4:16] 14. Introduzione e ballo [9:40] 15. Se vittoria sì belle, a doi tenori [2:39] 16. Su, su, su, pastorelli vezzosi, a tre, doi canti e alto [2:33] 17. Ardo e scoprir, ahi lasso, io non ardisco, a doi tenori [3:30] 18. Chi vol aver felice e lieto il core, a cinque voci, cantato a voce piena, alla francese [2:06] 19. Armato il cor d’adamantina fede, a doi tenore [2:20] 20. Non partir ritrosetta, a tre, doi alti e basso [4:17] 21. O sia tranquillo il mare, a doi tenori [4:20] 22. Mentre vaga angiolwtta, a doi tenori [9:31] 23. Ninfa che, scalza il piede [5:19]

Concerto Italiano/Rinasso Alessandrini rec. (1-3) January 1998, Centro Giovanni XXIII, Frascati, Italy; (4-13) February 1997, Salone della Musica, Villa Medici, Ora Giulini, Briosco, Italy; (14-23) December 2005, Palazzo Farnese, Rome, Italy. OPUS 111 OP30435 [3 CDs: 58:24 + 75:11 + 46:22] [GPu]

A glorious, theatrical recording of Monteverdi’s final collection of madrigals, vivid, energetic, full of contrast and power, subtlety and rhythmic vitality … see Full Review

RECORDING OF THE MONTH Francis George SCOTT (1880-1958) Moonstruck – The Songs of F G Scott 1. Milkwort and Bog-cotton [2.32]; 2. Crowdiknowe [1.36]; 3. Moonstruck [2.37]; 4. The Eemis Stane [2.03]; 5. The Sauchs in the Reuch Heuch Hauch [1.12]; 6. Ay Waukin, O [3.52]; 7. Amang the Trees [1.26]; 8. The Discreet Hint [1.36]; 9. Je descendis dans mon jardin [2.22]; 10. Florine [1.46]; 11. Lourd on my hert [1.22]; 12. The Watergaw [2.26]; 13. Country Life [1.14]; 14. Wheesht, Wheest [1.31]; 15. O, wha my babie-clouts will buy? [2.04]; 16. My wife's a wanton we thing [1.33]; 17. The Inumerable Christ [3.06]; 18. I wha aince in Heavens' Heicht [1.24]; 19. An Apprentice Angel [2.08]; 20. Hungry Waters [1.49]; 21. Te Deil o'Bogie [2.48]; 22. To a Lady [2.32]; 23. Cupid and Venus [2.33]; 24. The Old Fisherman [2.24]; 25. Im Tiroler Wirsthaus [1.02]; 26. In Time of Tumult [2.05]; 27. The Man in the Moon [2.07]; 28. First Love [1.46]; 29. Empty Vessel [1.13]; 30. The Wren's Nest [1.09]; 31. Love of Alba [1.53]; 32. The Wee Man [1.10]; Total running time: [62.26]

Lisa Milne (soprano) Roderick Williams (baritone) Iain Burnside (piano) rec. The Warehouse, London 13-14 March, 15-16 July 2006. DDD

SIGNUM CLASSICS SIGCD 096 [62:26][CSS]

HISTORICAL RECORDING OF THE MONTH Jean SIBELIUS (1865-1957) Violin Concerto Op. 47 (1903 rev. 1905) [30:37] En Saga, Op.9 (1892/1902) [20:08] Ludwig van BEETHOVEN (1770-1827) Coriolan Overture Op.62 (1807) [9:00]

Georg Kulenkampff (violin) Berlin Philharmonic Orchestra/Wilhelm Furtwängler rec. Berlin 7 February 1942; 27 June 1943 (Coriolan) MELODIYA MEL CD 10 01109 [59:49] [JW]

Adherents of the concerto should have this Kulenkampff, along with the Ignatius, Wicks, Neveu and Heifetz. Others should get it anyway in whichever incarnation they may find it. ... see Full Review

RECORDING OF THE MONTH Richard STRAUSS (1864–1949) Salome, Op. 54 (1905) Final Scene 1. Ah! Du wolltest mich nicht deinen Mund küssen lassen, Jochanaan! [15:56] Capriccio, Op. 85 (1942) Final Scene 2. Interlude: Mondscheinmusik [3:14] 3. Morgen mittag um elf! [15:51]Vier letzte Lieder Op. posth. (1948) 4. Frühling [3:10] 5. September [4:42] 6. Beim Schlafengehen [5:11] 7. Im Abendrot [7:35]

Nina Stemme (soprano) Gerhard Siegel (tenor) (1), Liora Grodnikaite (mezzo) (1), Jeremy White (bass) (2), Richard Clews (horn solo) (5), Peter Manning (violin solo) (6) Orchestra of the Royal Opera House, Covent Garden/Antonio Pappano rec. Studio No. 1, Abbey Road, London, on 1-2, 4-5, 11 September 2006 EMI CLASSICS 3787972 [56:22] [GF]

This is a disc that should find a place in every Strauss lover’s collection ... see Full Review

RECORDING OF THE MONTH British Horn Concertos Gordon JACOB (1895-1984) Concerto for Horn and Strings (1950s) [20:35] Malcolm ARNOLD (1921-2006) Concerto No. 2 for Horn and Strings, Op. 58 (1956) [14:03] York BOWEN (1884-1961) Concerto for Horn, string orchestra and timpani (1956) [16:27] Ruth GIPPS (1921-1999) Horn Concerto, Op. 58 (1968) [17:11] Gilbert VINTER (1909-1969) Hunter’s Moon (1943) [6:22]

David Pyatt (horn) London Philharmonic Orchestra/Nicholas Braithwaite rec. Watford Town Hall, 10-21 Jan 1994 (Jacob, Bowen, Arnold); Henry Wood Hall, London, 8-9 Feb 1994 (Gipps, Vinter). DDD LYRITA SRCD.316 [74:42] [JQ]

For sheer listening pleasure this is one of the best discs to have come my way for a long time. ... see Full Review

BARGAIN OF THE MONTH Benjamin BRITTEN (1913-1976) The Complete Purcell Realizations CD 1: Songs from Orpheus Britannicus The knotting song (1939, publ. 1994) [2:04] JB Seven songs (1947): Fairest Isle [2:20] FL; If music be the food of love [4:10] JMA; Turn then thine eyes [1:34] JMA; Music for a while [3:14] SW; Pious Celinda [1:25] IB; I:ll sail upon the Dog-star [1:23] RJ; On the brow of Richmond Hill [1:50] ARJ Six songs (1948): Mad Bess [5:23] SW; If music be the food of love [2:08] FL; There:s not a swain of the plain [0:52] IB; Not all my torments [2:41] JB; Man is for the Woman made [1:07] ARJ; Sweeter than roses [3:42] FL O Solitude (1955) [6:28] JMA Five songs (1960): I attempt from Love:s sickness to fly [2:12] SG; I take no pleasure [1:44] IB; Hark the ech:ing air! [2:28] FL; Take not a woman:s anger ill [1:28] JMA; How blest are Shepherds [3:29] JMA Celemene (1946, publ. 1994) [3:52] SG, IB Six duets (1961): Sound the Trumpet [2:24] ARJ, JMA; I spy Celia [4:05] IB, RJ; Lost is my quiet [3:18] SG, SW; What can we poor females do? [1:12] SG, SW; No, Resistance is but vain [5:35] SW, RJ; Shepherd, leave decoying [1:17] SG, SW CD 2: Songs from Harmonia Sacra The Queen's Epicedium (1946) [7:24] IB The Blessed Virgin:s Expostulation (1947) [7:25] FL Saul and the witch at Endor (1947) [11:46] SW, JMA, SK Three divine hymns (1947): Lord, what is man? [6:09] FL; We sing to him [1:54] JB; Evening hymn [4:35] FL Job's Curse (1950) [5:08] SK Two divine hymns and Alleluia (1960) [9:41] ARJ Dulcibella (1971, publ. 1994) [2:09] IB, RJ When Myra sings (1971, publ. 1994) [2:45] IB, RJ Let the dreadful engines of eternal will (1971) [7:57] SK Felicity Lott, Susan Gritton (sopranos); Sarah Walker (mezzo); James Bowman (counter-tenor); John Mark Ainsley, Ian Bostridge, Anthony Rolfe Johnson (tenors); Richard Jackson, Simon Keenlyside (baritone); Graham Johnson (piano) rec. Rosslyn Hill Unitarian Chapel, London, 5–10 January 1995. DDD. HYPERION DYAD CDD22058 [70:17 + 73:20][ED]

I have been listening to these two generously filled discs, searching for reasons not to buy them. I have not thought of a single one. ... see Full Review

BARGAIN OF THE MONTH Wolfgang Amadeus MOZART (1756-1791) Concertos for Horn and Orchestra^a – No. 1 in D, K386b (1791?) [8:16]; No. 2 in E flat, K417 (1783) [13:44]; No. 3 in E flat, K447 (1784-87) [15:53]; No. 4 in E flat, K495 (1786) [16:05]. Quintet for Piano and wind Instruments, K452^b (1784)[21:30]. ^aDennis Brain (horn); ^bWalter Gieseking (piano); ^aPhilharmonia Orchestra/Herbert von Karajan; ^bPhilharmonia Wind Ensemble (Sidney Sutcliffe (oboe); Bernard Walton (clarinet); Dennis Brain (horn); Cecil James, (bassoon)) rec. ^aKingsway Hall, London, 12-13, 23 November 1953; ^bEMI Abbey Road Studio No. 1, London, 15 April 1955. ADD

NAXOS HISTORICAL 8.111070 [75:16][CC]

This disc is pure joy. At the price, it is almost a crime not to snap it up. This is as near to flawless horn playing as we can expect this side of the veil. ... see Full Review

BARGAIN OF THE MONTH Sergei RACHMANINOV (1873-1943) Complete Songs

Joan Rodgers (soprano), Maria Popescu (mezzo-soprano), Alexandre Naoumenko (tenor), Sergei Leiferkus (bass) Howard Shelley (piano) rec. St. Michael’s Church, Highgate, London 1994-95 BRILLIANT CLASSICS 8531 [3 CDs: 76:01 + 71:54 + 68:00] [JW]

These decade-old recordings have stood the test of time. The set is something of a steal. ... see Full Review

BARGAIN OF THE MONTH Karol SZYMANOWSKI (1882-1937) Violin Concerto No.1 Op.35 (1916) [26:09] Violin Concerto No.2 Op.61 (1932-33) [22:13] Nocturne and Tarantella Op.28 (1915) orch. Grzegorz Fitelberg [11:51] Ilya Kaler (violin) Warsaw Philharmonic Orchestra/Antoni Wit rec. Philharmonic Hall, Warsaw, September 2006 NAXOS 8.557981 [60:12][JW]

Excellent sound, intelligently argued performances and instrumental finesse - a handsome bargain at whatever price bracket. ... see Full Review

BARGAIN OF THE MONTH American Choral Music Vincent PERSICHETTI (1915-1987) Flower Songs, Op. 157 (1983) [19:25] Charles IVES (1874-1954) Psalm 90 (1923-24) [11:06] John CORIGLIANO (b. 1938) Fern Hill* (1960) [15:33] Lukas FOSS (b. 1922) Behold, I build an House (1950) [10:05] Aaron COPLAND (1900-1990) In the Beginning* (1947) [16:02]

Suzanne Mentzer (mezzo)* The University of Texas Chamber Singers and Chamber Orchestra/James Morrow rec. 21-22 January 2006, Bates Recital Hall, School of Music, University of Texas, Austin. DDD

NAXOS AMERICAN CLASSICS 8.559299 [72:11][JQ]

A very stimulating collection of fine performances of mainly unfamiliar repertoire ... see Full Review

BARGAIN OF THE MONTH The British Light Music Collection 1 CD1 Sir Malcolm ARNOLD (1921-2006) The Roots Of Heaven – Overture (1958) [5:03] William ALWYN (1905-1985) Suite of Scottish Dances (The Indian Queen; A Trip to Italy; Colonel Thornton's Strathspey; The Perthshire Hunt – Reel; Loch Earn – Reel; Carleton House; Miss Ann Carnegie's Hornpipe) (1946) [6:37] Sir Malcolm SARGENT (1895-1967) An Impression on a Windy Day (1927) [7:14] Clifton PARKER (1905-1989) The Glass Slipper – Overture [3:37] James LANGLEY (1927-1994) The Coloured Counties [5:52] Gordon JACOB (1895-1984) The Barber of Seville Goes to the Devil Overture [4:29] Maurice JOHNSTONE (1900-1976) Tarn Hows - A Cumbrian Rhapsody (1949) [13:56] Alan LANGFORD (b.1928) Two Worlds - Overture [5:11] Sir Richard Rodney BENNETT (b.1936) Little Suite (The Bird's Lament; The Widow Bird; The Ladybird; Glow-worms; The Lark) (1965) [9:49] David LYON (b.1938) Joie De Vivre - Overture (1972) [6:50] CD2 Malcolm ARNOLD (1921-2006) Little Suite No.4, Op.80a (orch. Lane) (Prelude; Siciliano; Rondo) (1963) [7:30] William BLEZARD (b. 1921) The River (1969) [6:11]Adrian CRUFT (1921-1987) Traditional Hornpipe Suite (Newcastle and Navvie; Irish; Del Caro's; Oak Hill; Fisher's; Billy Bones) [7:04] Eric FENBY (1906-1997) Rossini On Ilkla Moor - Overture (1938) [6:35] Raymond WARREN (b.1928) Wexford Bells - Suite on Old Irish Tunes (1970) (Shepherds' Dance'; Lute Book Lullaby; Christmas Jig; Wexford Bells) [10:30] Arthur BUTTERWORTH (b.1923) The Path Across The Moors (1958) [6:39] Anthony HEDGES (b. 1931) An Ayrshire Serenade, Op.42 (1971) (Allegro moderato; Andantino; Molto vivace) [10:08] Paul LEWIS (b.1943) An English Overture (1971) [5:25] Philip LANE (b.1950) Suite of Cotswold Folk Dances (1978) (Wheatly Processional; Constant Billy; Brighton Camp; Jockie to the Fair; Ladies of Pleasure; Princess Royal) [11:40] Royal Ballet Sinfonia/Kenneth Alwyn; Gavin Sutherland rec. Whitfield Street Studios, London, 1-2 April 1998; 24 June, 15 September 1999. DDD RESONANCE CDRSB205 [70:11 + 74:08] [RB]

Light music of euphoria and contentment ... see Full Review

JUNE 2007

RECORDINGS OF THE MONTH

RECORDING OF THE MONTH Frank BRIDGE (1879-1941) Dance Rhapsody (1908) [18:22] Dance Poem (1913) [15:38] Two Jefferies Poems: (1) The Open Air; (2) The Story of My Heart (1916) [7:44; 4:25] Overture Rebus (1940) [10:38] Allegro Moderato for string orchestra (1941) [14:47] London Philharmonic Orchestra/Nicholas Braithwaite rec. 1979. ADD LYRITA SRCD.243 [71:38] [RB]

Handsomely presenting the early Tchaikovskian-sumptuous Bridge, the transitional Bridge and the subtle and finely dissonant post-Great War Bridge (Rebus). … see Full Review

RECORDING OF THE MONTH Jan CARLSTEDT (1926–2004) String Quartet No.1 in D minor Op.2 (1951/2) [19:18] String Quartet No.2 Op.22 (1966) [26:34] String Quartet No.3 Op.23 (1967) [20:08] Lysell Quartet rec. Eklidens skolas aula, Nacka, Sweden, July 1993 and October 1995 ACOUSTICA ACCD-1013 [66:46] String Quartet No.4 Op.31 (1972) [25:21] String Quartet No.5 Op.32 (1977) [22:24] String Quartet No.6 Op.60 (1998) [25:01] Lysell Quartet rec. Eklidens skolas aula, Nacka, October 1995 and Dala-Järna kyrka, January 2004 ACOUSTICA ACCD-1015 [72:57] [HC]

They may not have the sophistication of Bartók’s quartets nor the all-embracing concerns of Shostakovich, but they represent their composer at his best. They are just too fine to be ignored ... see Full Review

RECORDING OF THE MONTH Gerald FINZI (1901-1956)
Clarinet Concerto Op. 31 (1949) [29:19] Cello Concerto Op.40 (1956) [41:06] John Denman (clarinet) Yo-Yo Ma (cello) New Philharmonia Orchestra/Vernon Handley (clarinet concerto) Royal Philharmonic Orchestra/Vernon Handley (cello concerto) rec. 1977, 1979. ADD LYRITA SRCD.236 [70:28] [RB]

The pastoral mystic at prayer – ecstatic in soliloquy and in irrepressible delight … see Full Review

RECORDING OF THE MONTH Santiago de MURCIA (1682-1732) La Guitarra Española Folias Españolas [3:11] Prelude [1:40] Passacalles por la E [7:59] Suite (after Gaspar Sanz, 1675, arr. Carter) [7:17] * Zarambeques, o Muecas [2:33] * Canarios [3:45] Passacalles por la B [5:09] Cumbees [4:14] * Passacalles por la D [9:44] Marionas por la B [4:13] Preludio Grabe de Coreli [2:55] * Giga de Coreli [3:02] * Gaitas [4:04] William Carter (baroque guitar); Susanne Heinrich (bass viol) * rec. 17-19 September 2006, St. Andrews Church, Toddington (Gloucestershire) LINN CKD 288 [60:23] [GPu]

A fascinating, beautifully played recital of the music of one of the great Spanish guitar masters … see Full Review

RECORDING OF THE MONTH Franz SCHUBERT (1797-1828) Piano Trio No.1 in B flat D.898 (1827) [39:46] Piano Trio No.2 in E flat D.929 (1827) [42:52] Notturno in E flat D.897 (1827) [8:40] Sonatensatz D.28 (1812) [7:16] Frank Braley (piano); Renaud Capuçon (violin); Gautier Capuçon (cello) rec. MC2 Maison de la Culture de Grenoble, 10-12 Sept. 2006 VIRGIN CLASSICS 00946 365476 2 [47:11 + 51:40][TH]

Goes straight to the top for my recommendations of these wonderful works ... see Full Review

RECORDING OF THE MONTH Peter SCULTHORPE (b. 1929) CD1 Requiem (2004)^a [42:15] CD2 My Country Childhood (1999)^b [15:54] Earth Cry (1999)^b [5:57] Great Sandy Island (1998)^b [22:47] New Norcia (2000)^b [5:07] Quamby (2000)^b [23:26] Adelaide Chamber Singers^a; William Barton (didjeridu)^a Adelaide Symphony Orchestra/Arvo Volmer^a, James Judd^b rec. Adelaide Town Hall, November 2005 (Requiem) and June 2000 (CD2) ABC CLASSICS 476 5692 [42:15 + 73:16] [HC]

A magnificent release that may be safely recommended to all Sculthorpe admirers. A fine introduction to this endearing composer’s sound-world. Not to be missed. ... see Full Review

RECORDING OF THE MONTH Dmitri SHOSTAKOVICH (1906-75) Cello Concerto No.1 in E flat major Op.107 (1959) [28:06] Cello Concerto No.2 in G major Op.126 (1966) [35:21] Rafał Kwiatkowski (cello) Polish Radio Orchestra/Wojciech Rajska rec. Witold Lutosławski Studio of Polish Radio in Warsaw, 1999-2000 DUX 0549 [63:27][DC]
Sound Sample Opening of Cello Concerto No 1: iv Allegro con moto
Sound samples are removed after two months

These recordings are ones with which you will be reluctant to part. ... see Full Review

RECORDING OF THE MONTH William WALTON (1902-1983) Viola Concerto (original version) (1928-9) [24:51] Edmund RUBBRA (1901-1986) Meditations on a Byzantine Hymn Op.117 (1962) [11:15] Viola Concerto in A major Op.75 (1952) [25:05] Lawrence Power (viola) BBC Scottish Symphony Orchestra/Ilan Volkov rec. City Hall, Glasgow, 16-17 September 2006 (concertos); Henry Wood Hall, London, 27 September 2006 (Meditations) HYPERION CDA67587 [61:13] [DC]

Well nigh irresistible ... see Full Review

RECORDING OF THE MONTH Sabine Meyer French clarinet works Camille SAINT-SAËNS (1835–1921) Sonata for clarinet and piano in E flat major, Op. 167 (1921) [15:26] Francis POULENC (1899-1963) Sonata for clarinet and piano, Op. 184 (1959-62) [14:03] François DEVIENNE (1759-1803) Sonata No. 1 in C major for clarinet and piano, (c. 1790s) [16:50] Darius MILHAUD (1892-1974) Scaramouche (arranged for clarinet and piano in 1941) [9:52] Sabine Meyer (clarinet), Oleg Maisenberg (piano) rec. 26-28 September 2006, Potton Hall, Suffolk. DDD EMI CLASSICS 3 79787 2 [56:12] [MC]

This EMI Classics release of French works for clarinet and piano is an outstanding achievement ... see Full Review

RECORDING OF THE MONTH Willem Van Otterloo and Residentie Orkest The Original Recordings 1950-1960
Hector BERLIOZ Symphonie fantastique Carl Maria von WEBER orch. BERLIOZ Aufforderung zum Tanz Johan WAGENAARDe Getemde Feeks Op. 25 (Overture) Cyrano de Bergerac Op. 23 (Overture) Max REGER Variations and Fugue on a Theme of Mozart Eine romantische Suite Alphons DIEPENBROCK Music to Sophocles’ Tragedy Electra Maurice RAVEL Valses nobles et sentimentales,Daphnis et Chloé Suites1and 2 Modest MOUSSORGSKY orch. RAVEL Pictures at an ExhibitionJoseph HAYDN Symphony No. 45 ‘Farewell’ symphony No. 55 ‘The Schoolmaster’Symphony No. 92 Robert SCHUMANN Overture Manfred Franz SCHUBERT Symphony No. 8 in B minor, ‘Unfinished’, From: Rosamunde, Entr’acte No. 3 ; Balletmusic No. 2 Gustav MAHLER Kindertotenlieder Herman Schey (baritone) Symphony No. 4 Teresa Stich-Randall (soprano) Sergei RACHMANINOV Rhapsody on a Theme of Paganini Abbey Simon (piano) Anton BRUCKNER Symphony No. 4 Overture in G minor Maurice RAVEL Pavane pour une infante défunte Manuel DE FALLA Three dances from El sombrero de tres picos : The Neighbours’ dance; Dance of the miller ; Final dance Morton GOULD Interplay ‘American Concertette’, Spirituals Sergey PROKOFIEV Concerto No. 3 for piano and orchestra Alexander Uninsky (piano)Léon ORTHEL Symphony No. 2 ‘Piccola sinfonia’ Sem DRESDEN Dansflitsen Hendrik ANDRIESSEN Variations and Fugue on a Theme of Kuhnau, Ricercare Henk BADINGS Symphony No. 3 Edvard GRIEG 4 Norwegische Tänze Ludwig van BEETHOVEN Der Geschöpfe des Prometheus Symphony No. 8 Overture: Die Weihe des Hauses Johannes BRAHMS Symphony No. 1 Tragische Ouvertüre Ludwig van BEETHOVEN Symphony No. 9 Erna Spoorenberg (soprano); Maria von Ilosvay (alto); Frans Vroons (tenor); Herman Schey (bass); Toonkunstkoor Amsterdam Symphony No 4 Pyotr Il’yich TCHAIKOVSKY Symphony No 4 Residentie Orkest, The Hague/Willem van Otterloo All recordings made in Amsterdam, Concertgebouw unless otherwise stated. Mono/*Stereo CD contents detailed listing at end of review CHALLENGE CLASSICS CC 72142 [13 CDs: 75:39 + 76:31 + 74:39 + 77:46 + 61:04 + 75:35 + 74:31 + 76:11 + 79:16 + 74:55 + 81:16 + 79:18 + 71:50] [JQ]

A revelatory set which does a great deal to restore the reputation of a seriously undervalued conductor. ... see Full Review

RECORDING OF THE MONTH Alexander ZEMLINSKY (1871-1942) Six Songs (lyrics: Maurice Maeterlinck) [21:20]: (i. Die drei. schwestern, op. 13 [4:15]; ii. Die mädchen mit den verbundenen augen, op. 13 [3:17]; iii. Lied der jungfrau, op. 13 [2:56]; iv. Als ihr geliebter schied, op. 13 [2:35]; v. Und kehrt er einst heim, op. 13 [3:10]; vi. Sie kam zum schloss gegangen, op. 13 [ 5:07]) Erwin SCHULHOFF (1894-1942) Menschheit (lyrics: Theodor Däubler): (Der Dudelsack, op. 28 [5:15]; ii. Flügellahmer versuch, op. 28 [8:10]; iii. Oft einfach, op. 28 [2:44]; iv. Dämmerung, op. 28 [4:15]; v. Einblick, op. 28 [8:12]) Landschaften, (lyrics: Theodor Kuhlemann): (Die Türen Sind Zugeweht, op. 26 [2:43]; ii. Alle Frauen Weinen, op. 26 [3:12]; iii. Demut Faltet Den Raum, op. 26 [3:55]; iv. Viele Wege Sind Kleine, Vergangene, op. 26 [2:20]; v. Die Goldnen Winde, op. 26 [3:34]) Randi Stene (mezzo) Trondheim Symphony Orchestra/Muhai Tang rec. 14-18 June 2004. Olavshallen, Trondheim, Norway. DDD SIMAX PSC 1249 [65:41] [RB]

Randi Stene and the orchestra are magnificent in these gloriously emotion saturated songs. ... see Full Review

BARGAINS OF THE MONTH

BARGAIN OF THE MONTH Johannes BRAHMS (1833-1897) Symphony no. 1 in C minor op. 68 [43:08] Symphony no. 2 in D major op. 73 [46:19]* Symphony no. 3 in F major op. 90 [33:26] Symphony no. 4 in E minor op. 98 [38:50] 11 Chorale-Preludes op. 122, arr. Henk de Vlieger [28:18]* Netherlands Philharmonic Orchestra, Amsterdam/Jaap van Zweden Radio Filharmonisch Orkest Holland*/Jaap van Zweden rec. April 1999, MCO Studio Hilversum*, June-August 2002, Beurs van Berlage, Amsterdam BRILLIANT CLASSICS 99946 [3 CDs: 43:08 + 74:37 + 72:09] [CH]

If you want just one set of Brahms symphonies, at last I can recommend one that’s equally good all through. ... see Full Review

BARGAIN OF THE MONTH Franz LISZT (1811-1886) Complete Piano Music, Vol. 24 Four Mephisto Waltzes (1856-85) [36:04]: (No. 1, (1856-61) S514 [12:05]; No. 2, S515 (1878/79-81) [11:12]; No. 3, S216 (1883) [9:48]; No. 4, S696 (1885) [2:59] ) Two Elegies (1874-78) [10:58]: (No. 1, S196 (1874) [5:45]; No. 2, S197 (1878) [5:13]) Grosses Konzertsolo, S176 (1849-50) [23:08] Giuseppe Andaloro, piano rec. 8-9 March 2005, Potton Hall, Westleton, Saxmundham, Suffolk. DDD NAXOS 8.557814 [70:10] [MC]

For Naxos Andaloro makes an inspired choice as soloist. One senses his complete involvement with the significant demands of Liszt’s challenging music ... see Full Review

BARGAIN OF THE MONTH Serge PROKOFIEV (1891-1953) Sinfonia concertante in E minor, Op. 125 (1952) [38:24] Nikolai MIASKOVSKY (1881-1950) Cello Concerto in C minor, Op. 66 (1944) [28:01]Sergei RACHMANINOV (1873-1943)Vocalise, Op. 34 No. 14 (1915, arr. cello and piano) [6:52] Mstislav Rostropovich (cello); Alexander Dedyukhin (piano) Royal Philharmonic Orchestra, Philharmonia Orchestra/Sir Malcolm Sargent. rec. Abbey Road, London 15 April 1957 (P), 5 March 1956 (M), 27 April 1957 (mono) (R). ADD. EMI GREAT RECORDINGS OF THE CENTURY 3800132 [73:29] [CC]

Stunning. Those of us lucky enough to hear Slava live can only be grateful that we experienced the overwhelming musicality, charisma and generosity. A fitting memorial ... see Full Review

BARGAIN OF THE MONTH Sergei RACHMANINOFF (1873-1943) CD 1 [73:05] Symphonic Dances, op. 45 (1940) [37:08] The Bells, op.35 (1912) [35:45] CD 2 [79:42] The Rock - Symphonic poem after A. Chekhov op. 7 (1893) [14:50] Prince Rostislav - Symphonic poem after A.K. Tolstoy (1891) [18:18] Scherzo in D minor [5:30] Caprice bohémien, op. 12 (1893) [18:33] The Isle of the Dead, Symphonic poem after A. Böcklin op. 29 (1907) [22:03] Olga Lutsiv-Ternovskaya (soprano); Leonid Bomstein (tenor); Vyacheslav Pochapsky (bass) (op. 35) Russian State Symphonic Cappella Russian State Symphony Orchestra/Valeri Polyansky rec. Moscow Conservatoire, 1998 (CD1); 2001 (CD2) CD1 first issued as Chandos CHAN9759; CD2 first issued as Chandos CHAN BRILLIANT CLASSICS 8532 [73:05 + 79:42] [RB]

You simply cannot go wrong with this. A budget price item with all the merits of a premium production and packed close to maximum playing time. ... see Full Review

BARGAIN OF THE MONTH Albert ROUSSEL (1869-1937) Symphony No. 3 in G minor, Op. 42 (1929) [25:31] Bacchus et Ariane, Op. 43 (1930) [37:37] Royal Scottish National Orchestra/Stéphane Denève rec. Henry Wood Hall, Glasgow, 17-18 October 2006 (Symphony); 2-4 May 2006 (Bacchus). DDD NAXOS 8.570245 [63:08] [CC]

Although Martinon on Erato couples Bacchus with the equally apposite Aeneas this new Naxos carves a niche firmly for itself on any serious record collector's shelves. The recording is fabulous with plenty of depth and definition ... see Full Review

BARGAIN OF THE MONTH Bedřich SMETANA (1824-1884) Má Vlast – a cycle of symphonic poems (1874-1879) Czech Philharmonic Orchestra/Václav Talich rec. Dvořák Hall, Rudolfinum, Prague, June and July 1954. ADD NAXOS HISTORICAL 8.111237 [75:22] [JW]

For the Talich collector this 1954 set is glorious and the one that remains the most generally recommendable. ... see Full Review

BARGAIN OF THE MONTH Igor STRAVINSKY (1882-1971) Le Sacre du Printemps (The Rite of Spring) (1911-1913) [35:02] L’Oiseau de Feu (The Firebird) (1945 version) [31:23] Royal Philharmonic Orchestra/Yuri Simonov rec. CTS Studio, London, March 1993. DDD REGIS RRC 1276 [66:25][PC]

An admirable Firebird and The Rite is about as good as I’ve heard lately. ... see Full Review

JULY 2007

RECORDINGS OF THE MONTH

RECORDING OF THE MONTH Ludwig van BEETHOVEN (1770-1827) 33 Variations in C major on a Waltz by Anton Diabelli, op.120 (1822-23) [49:01] 12 Variations in A major on the Russian Dance from Paul Wranitzky’s Ballet Das Waldmädchen.WoO 71 (1796) [10:55] Vladimir Ashkenazy (piano) rec. 29 July-2 August 2006, Potton Hall, Suffolk, England DECCA 475 8401 [59.59][DC]

I have the feeling Beethoven would have liked it ... see Full Review

RECORDING OF THE MONTH Frédéric CHOPIN (1810-1849) Piano Sonata No. 2 in B flat minor, Op. 35 (1839) [25:46]; Scherzos: No. 1 in B flat minor, Op. 20 (1831-32) [10:54]; No. 2 in B flat minor, Op. 31 (1837) [9:47]; No. 3 in C sharp minor, Op. 39 (1839) [7:14]; No. 4 in E, Op. 54 (1842) [11:08] Simon Trpčeski (piano). rec. Potton Hall, Suffolk, 26-29 July 2006. DDD EMI CLASSICS 3 75586 2 [65:00][CC]

This stunning disc runs high on my list of Discs of the Year .. This is a must-hear experience. ... see Full Review

RECORDING OF THE MONTH Sir Edward ELGAR (1857-1934) Symphony No.1, Op.55 (1908) [51:57] Sonata for Organ, Op.26 (transcr. for orchestra by Gordon Jacob (1895-1984)) (1895) [26:05] BBC National Orchestra of Wales/Richard Hickox rec. Brangwyn Hall, Swansea, 22-23 May 2006 CHANDOS CHSA 5049 [78:12][DC]

A wonderful thing to have on your shelf or in your pocket. ... see Full Review

RECORDING OF THE MONTH Hans GÁL (1890-1987) The Complete String Quartets String Quartets, Vol. 1 Quartet No.1 in F minor, Op. 16 (1916) [27:29]Quartet No. 4 in B flat major, Op. 99 (1970) [28:12]Improvisation, Variations and Finale on a theme by Mozart, Op. 60b (1934) [15:58] The Edinburgh Quartet: (Charles Mutter (violin); Philip Burrin (violin); Michael Beeston (viola); Mark Bailey (cello)) rec. 24-26 November 2003, Broughton St Mary's Parish Church, Edinburgh, Scotland. DDD MERIDIAN CDE 84530 [71:39] Hans GÁL (1890-1987) The Complete String Quartets String Quartets, Vol. 2 Quartet No. 2 in A minor, Op. 35 (1929) [26:26]Quartet No. 3 in B minor, Op. 95 (1969) [28:34]5 Intermezzi, Op. 10 (1914) [17:05] The Edinburgh Quartet: (Charles Mutter (violin); Philip Burrin (violin); Michael Beeston (viola); Mark Bailey (cello)) rec. 1-4 September, 2004, Broughton St Mary's Parish Church, Edinburgh, Scotland. DDD MERIDIAN CDE 84531 [72:11] 2CD set in slipcase: MERIDIAN CDE84557 [MC]

These are satisfying and accessible string quartets from Hans Gál that always have something to say. Lovers of rare chamber music will be in their element with this splendid set. ... see Full Review

RECORDING OF THE MONTH Edvard GRIEG (1843-1907) Olav Trygvason, opera fragment, Op. 50 (Text: Bjørnstjerne Bjørnson) [34:10] 1. Scene 1 [7:46]; 2. Scene 2 [14:59]; 3. Scene 3 [11:22] 4. Foran Sydens Kloster (At the Cloister Gate) Op. 20 (Text: Bjørnstjerne Bjørnson) [10:15] Six Songs with Orchestra [29:03] 5. I. Solveigs Sang (Solveig’s Song), Op. 23 No. 19 (Henrik Ibsen) [5:27] 6. II. Solveigs Vuggevise (Solveig’s Cradle Song), Op. 23 No. 26 (Henrik Ibsen) [4:00] 7. III. Fra Monte Pincio (From Monte Pincio), Op. 39 No. 1 (Bjørnstjerne Bjørnson) [4:58] 8. IV. En Svane (A Swan), Op. 25 No. 2 (Henrik Ibsen) [2:21] 9. V. Våren (The Last Spring), Op. 33 No. 2 (A. O. Vinje) [8:17] 10. VI. Henrik Wergeland Op. 58 No. 3 (John Paulsen) [3:30] 11. Ved Rondane (In the Hills), Op. 33 No. 9 (A. O. Vinje) (arr. Johan Halvorsen) [3:03] Solveig Kringelborn (soprano) (1, 4), Ingebjørg Kosmo (mezzo) (2, 4), Trond Halstein Moe (baritone) (1, 2), Marita Solberg (soprano) (5–11) Bergen Philharmonic Choir (1–3), Kor Vest (Bergen Vocal Ensemble) (1–3), Voci Nobili (4); Bergen Philharmonic Orchestra/Ole Kristian Ruud rec. Grieg Hall, Bergen, Norway, November 2005 (1–4), June 2004 (5–11) BIS SACD-1531 [77:38][AOz]

An excellent recording which gives a lot of insight into Grieg’s music ... see Full Review

RECORDING OF THE MONTH Franz LISZT (1811-1886) Complete Piano Music, Vol. 25 Verdi Concert Paraphrases and Transcriptions Rigoletto: Paraphrase de concert, S434 (1859) [7:38] Aida: Danza sacra e duetto final, S436 (1871-79) [11:38] Il Trovatore: Miserere, S433 (1859) [8:39] I Lombardi: Salve Maria de Jerusalem, S431 (1848) [6:48] Don Carlos: Coro di festa e marcia funebre, S435 (1867-68) [7:07] Reminiscences de Boccanegra, S438 (1882) [11:17] Ernani: Paraphrase de concert, S432 (1849) [8:49] Alexandre Dossin (piano) rec. 9-12 August 2005, Performing Arts Centre, Country Day School, King City, Ontario, Canada. DDD NAXOS 8.557904 [61:56][MC]

Naxos enter the winner’s enclosure yet again with this assured recital of highly attractive repertoire. Eminently enjoyable ... see Full Review

RECORDING OF THE MONTH Wolfgang Amadeus MOZART (1756-1791) Cosi fan Tutte - Dramma giocosa in two acts, libretto by Lorenzo da Ponte (1789) Fiordiligi (soprano) – Miah Persson; Dorabella (mezzo) – Anke Vondung; Ferrando (tenor) – Topi Lehtipuu; Guglielmo (baritone) – Luca Pisaroni; Despina (soprano) – Ainhoa Garmendia; Don Alfonso (bass-baritone) – Nicolas Riveno Glyndebourne Chorus Orchestra of the Age of Enlightenment/Ivan Fischer Directed for the stage by Nicholas Hytner Directed for TV by Francesca Kemp rec. Glyndebourne Festival Theatre, 19 May 2006 OPUS ARTE OA0970D [2 DVDs: 210:00] [TH]

If you’re in the market for stimulating theatre that will survive trends and fads, this has to be on your shortlist ... see Full Review

RECORDING OF THE MONTH Gioachino ROSSINI (1792-1868) La donna del lago - opera in two acts (1819) Giacomo, James V, King of Scotland, under the name of Uberto - Kenneth Tarver (ten); Elena - Carmen Giannattasio (sop); Douglas d'Angus, Elena’s father - Robert Gleadow (bass); Rodrigo di Dhu, rebel leader - Gregory Kunde (ten); Malcolm Groeme - Patricia Bardon (mezzo); Serano, Douglas’s retainer - Mark Wilde (ten) Albina, Elena’s confident -Francesca Sassu (mez) Scottish Chamber Orchestra and Edinburgh Festival Chorus/Maurizio Benini rec. live, Usher Hall, Edinburgh, 18 August 2006, Edinburgh International Festival OPERA RARA ORC 34 [3CDs: 39.31 + 56.40 + 63.30][RJF]

Sets the gold standard for recorded performances of Rossini’s opera seria composed for Naples. This cast on DVD, in the Pesaro production, would be manna from heaven in the dreams of Rossini enthusiasts ... see Full Review

RECORDING OF THE MONTH Jean SIBELIUS (1865–1957) Songs 1. Svarta rosor, Op. 36, No. 1 (Ivar Hellman) [1:49] 2. Säv, säv, suda, Op. 36, No. 4 (Ivar Hellman) [2:32] 3. Demanten på marssnön, Op. 36, No. 6 (Ivar Hellman) [2:21] 4. På verandan vid havet, Op. 38, No. 2 [3:28] 5. Under strandens granar, Op. 13, No. 1 (Jussi Jalas) [4:45] 6. Våren flyktar hastigt, Op. 13, No. 4 [1.40] 7. Kom nu hit, död, Op. 60, No. 1 [2:35] 8. Var det en dröm? Op. 37, No. 4 (Jussi Jalas) [2:04] 9. Flickan kom ifrån sin älsklings möte, Op. 37, No. 5 (Ernst Pingoud) [2:57] 10. Im Feld ein Mädchen singt, Op. 50, No. 3 (Simon Parmet) [2:51] 11. Die stille Stadt, Op. 50, No. 5 (Leif Segerstam) [2:52] 12. Aus banger Brust, Op. 50, No. 4 (Leif Segerstam) [2:21] 13. Koskenlaskijan morsiamet, Op. 33 [9:06] 14. Lastu lainehilla, Op. 17, No. 7 (Ernst Pingoud) [1:13] 15. Illalle, Op. 17, No. 6 (Jussi Jalas) [1:27] 16. Souda, souda, sinisorsa (Jussi Jalas) [1:15] 17. Kaiutar, Op. 72, No. 4 (Jussi Jalas) [2:58] 18. Laulu ristilukista, Op. 27, No. 4 [4:09] (arranger in parenthesis) Jorma Hynninen (baritone) Tampere Philharmonic Orchestra/Leif Segerstam rec. Tampere Hall, March 1994 ONDINE ODE 823-2 [53:49][GF]

Hynninen’s singing is on such a high level, vocally and interpretatively, that it is hard to believe that anyone could challenge him ... see Full Review

RECORDING OF THE MONTH Richard STRAUSS (1864-1949) The Complete Songs – Vol. 2 Die Nacht Op.10 No.3 (1885) [3:08] Geduld Op.10 No.5 (1885) [4:36] Mein Herz ist stumm Op.19 No.6 (1888) [3:13] All: mein Gedanken Op.21 No.1 (1889) [1:08] Du meines Herzens Krönelein Op.21 No.2 (1889) [2:21] Ach Lieb, ich muß nun scheiden Op.21 No.3 (1889) [1:53] O wärst du mein! Op.26 No.2 (1891) [2:47] Ruhe, meine Seele! Op.27 No.1 (1894) [3:37] Traum durch die Dämmerung Op.29 No.1 (1895) [2:46] Schlagende Herzen Op.29 No.2 (1895) [2:35] Nachtgang Op.29 No.3 (1895) [3:02] Blauer Sommer Op.31 No.1 (1895) [2:16] Weißer Jasmin Op.31 No.3 (1895) [2:29] Das Rosenband Op.36 No.1 (1897-8) [3:06] Waldseligkeit Op.49 No.1 (1901) [3:02] In goldener Fülle Op.49 No.2 (1901) [2:25] Wiegenliedchen Op.49 No.3 (1901) [2:05] Wer lieben will, muß leiden Op.49 No.7 (1901) [2:36] Ach, was Kummer, Qual und Schmerzen Op.49 No.8 (1901) [2:21] Blindenklage Op.56 No.2 (1906) [5:01] Drei Lieder der Ophelia Op.67 (1918) [8:06] 1.Wie erkenn’ ich mein Treulieb? [2:46] 2.Guten Morgen, ’s ist Sankt Valentinstag [1:26] 3.Sie trugen ihn auf der Bahre bloß [3:43]

Anne Schwanewilms (soprano); Roger Vignoles (piano) rec. All Saints Church, East Finchley, London, 22-24 August 2006. DDD

HYPERION CDA67588 [66:27][JQ]

This fine CD is a worthy successor to Volume One in the series and an essential purchase for all lovers of Strauss lieder ... see Full Review

RECORDING OF THE MONTH Arleen Augér (soprano) Robert SCHUMANN (1810–1856) 1. Widmung, Op. 25, No. 1 [2:29] 2. Röselein, Röselein!, Op. 89, No. 6 [2:44] 3. Er ist’s, Op. 79, No. 24 [1:29] 4. Des Sennen Abschied, Op. 79, No. 23 [1:46] 5. Mignon (“Kennst du das Land”), Op. 79, No. 29 [4:07] 6. Singet nicht in Trauertönen, Op. 98a, No. 7 [2:16] Franz SCHUBERT (1797–1828) 7. Frühlingsglaube, D686 [3:25] 8. Der Schmetterling, D633 [1:27] 9. Nacht und Träume, D827 [4:05] 10. Ariette: Liebe schwärmt auf allen Wegen, D239, No. 6 (From the unfinished Singspiel “Claudine von Villa Bella”)[1:23] 11. Erster Verlust, D226 [2:01] 12. Gretchen am Spinnrade, D118 [3:58] Arnold SCHÖNBERG (1874–1951) Vier Lieder, Op. 2 13. No. 4: Waldsonne [3:48] 14. No. 1: Erwartung [3:53] 15. No. 2: Schenk mir deinen goldenen Kamm [3:55] 16. No. 3: Erhebung [1:13] Richard STRAUSS (1864–1949) 17. Das Rosenband, Op. 36, No. 1 [3:08] 18. Mohnblumen, Op. 10, No. 7 [1:28] 19. Die Zeitlose, Op. 10, No. 7 [2:12] 20. Efeu, Op. 22, No. 3 [3:52] 21. Freundliche Vision, Op. 48, No. 1 [2:58] 22. Herr Lenz, Op. 37, No. 5 [1:20] Encores Franz SCHUBERT 23. Heidenröslein, D257 [2:14] Lee HOIBY (b. 1926) 24. The Serpent [4:17] Arleen Augér (soprano), Dalton Baldwin (piano) rec. live, BBC Studios, Pebble Mill, Birmingham, 2 January 1987 BBC LEGENDS BBCL 4214-2 [66:01][GF]

One of the most satisfying song recitals I have heard for a long time. This disc will, I am sure, figure high on my list of favourite recordings of 2007. ... see Full Review

RECORDING OF THE MONTH The Long Day Closes - English Romantic Partsongs Robert Pearsall (1795-1856) Lay a Garland on her Hearse [2:51]; Who shall have my Lady Fair? [1:46] Joseph Barnby (1838-1896) Sweet and Low [2:43] Samuel Wesley (1766-1837) O Sing unto my roundelay [3:29] Thomas F. Walmisley (1783-1866) Music, all powerful [5:48] George Macfarren (1813-1887) When daisies pied [2:14] Samuel Coleridge-Taylor (1875-1912) Summer is gone [3:20] Arthur Sullivan (1842-1900) Echoes [2:16] The long day closes [4:27] Charles Villiers Stanford (1852-1924) Heraclitus [2:27]; The Blue Bird [3:02] Charles Wood (1866-1926) Full fathom five [1:28] Edward Elgar (1857-1934) As torrents in summer [2:19]; My love dwelt in a Northern Land [4:38]; Go, song of mine [4:53] Charles Hubert Hastings Parry (1848-1918) My soul, there is a country [3:31]; O love they wrong thee much [2:40]; You gentle nymphs [1:23]; Love is a sickness [1:42]; Music, when soft voices die [2:46]; My delight and thy delight [2:21]

Canzonetta Chamber Choir/Jeffrey Wynn Davies rec. Manchester University Department of Music, 4-5 February 1995. DDD SOMM SOMMCD 204 [66:06] [JF]

Memorable and finely judged performances of these beautiful and accomplished minor works of art ... see Full Review

RECORDING OF THE MONTH The Road to Paradise In Ora Mortis Nostrae Thomas TALLIS (c.1505-85) Miserere nostri [3:24] The Pilgrim’s Journey Chant Jacet granum – Clanat pastor [5:37] Robert PARSONS (c.1535-1571/ 2) Ave maria [5:01] Benjamin BRITTEN (1913-1976) A Hymn to the Virgin [3 :53] Media Vita In Morte Sumus William BYRD (c.1540-1623) Christe qui lux es et dies [3:40] John SHEPPARD (c.1515-1558) Media vita in morte sumus [19:16] Requiem Aeternam Richard Rodney BENNETT (b. 1936) A Good-Night (1998) [2:33] John TAVERNER (b. 1944) Song for Athene (1993) [6:28] John SHEPPARD In pace in idipsum [4:27] A Vision Of Paradise Gustav HOLST (1874-1934) Nunc dimittis (1915) [3:12] William H. HARRIS (1883-1973) Bring us, O Lord God [4:15] Herbert HOWELLS (1892-1983) Take him, Earth, for cherishing (1963) [9:37] Chant In paradisum Gabrieli Consort/Paul McCreesh rec. July 2006, The Parish Church of S. Alban the Martyr, Holborn, London. DEUTSCHE GRAMMOPHON 477 6605 [74:11][DC]

Makes you feel as if you have died and gone to heaven ... see Full Review

BARGAINS OF THE MONTH

BARGAIN OF THE MONTH Ludwig van BEETHOVEN (1770-1827) Piano Trio No.1 in E flat Op.1/1 [32:45] Piano Trio No.5 in D Op.70/1 ‘Ghost’ [30:57] Piano Trio No.4 in B flat Op.11 [21:46] Piano Trio No.7 in B flat Op.97 ‘Archduke’ [39:23] Chung Trio (Myung-Whun Chung (piano); Kyung-Wha Chung (violin); Myung-Wha Chung (cello)) rec. Théâtre Impérial, Compiègne, Oise, France, 19-21 November 1991 and American Academy and Institute of Arts and Letters, New York, 3-5 December 1992. DDD EMI CLASSICS GEMINI 3 81751 2 [63:51 + 61:09][BW]

The only reason not to buy this excellent and inexpensive set would be a wish to have all the Piano Trios … see Full Review

BARGAIN OF THE MONTH Hugo WOLF (1860-1903) 62 Lieder 18 Goethe-Lieder (1888/9) [52:54]; Sechs Lieder für eine Frauenstimme (1877-82) [14:24]; Die Zigeunerin (1887) [3:05]; 3 Mörike-Lieder (1888) 12:26]; Spanisches Liederbuch songs (1890) [5:14]; Sechs alte Weisen (1890) [12:23]; Italienisches Liederbuch songs (1890) [39:40]; Sonne der Schlummerlosen (1896) [2:42]; Elisabeth Schwarzkopf (soprano); Gerald Moore (piano) rec. London, 1956-62. 2007 digital remasters. ADD. detailed track-listing below EMI CLASSICS GREAT RECORDINGS OF THE CENTURY 00946 3 80040 2 8 [71:11 + 80:13][AOz]

This isn’t just another recording. It’s a piece of history, and exquisitely beautiful. ... see Full Review

BARGAIN OF THE MONTH The Castle of Fair Welcome: Courtly songs of the later 15th century Robert MORTON (c.1430-c.1479) Le souvenir de vous me tue ^bcdf[3:15] Johannes REGIS (c.1425-c.1496) Puisque ma damme/Je m’en voy ^abcdf[3:06] ANON Las je ne puis nullement durer ^h [1:48] Robert MORTON Que pourroit plus ^bdg[5:20] John BEDYNGHAM (d.1459/60) Myn hertis lust ^hi[1:36] Gilles BINCHOIS (c.1400-1460) Dueil angoisseux ^bcef[8:12] Guillaume DUFAY (c.1400-1474) Ne je ne dors ^bdf[4:52] ANON En amours n’a si non bien ^b[2:14] Johannes VINCENET de BRUECQUET (d.before1480) La pena sin ser sabida ^bdef[2:24] ANON Mi ut re ut (Venise) ⁱ[4:03] Robert MORTON Plus j’ay le monde regardé ^acd[3:26] Walter FRYE (d.1475) So ys emprinted ^hi[1:56] ? CHARLES THE BOLD, Duke of Burgundy (1433-1477) Ma dame, trop vous mesprenés ^acf[1:36] ENRIQUE (d.1488) Pues serviçio vos desplaze ^bcef[1:59] Gothic Voices (Gill Ross (soprano)^a; Margaret Philpot (contralto)^b; Rogers Covey- Crump (tenor)^c; Mark Ainsley (tenor)^d; Leigh Nixon (tenor)^e; Peter Harvey (baritone)^f; Patrick Ardagh-Walter (bass)^g)/Christopher Page (medieval harp)^h; with Christopher Wilson (lute)ⁱ rec. St Jude’s Church, Golders Green, London, 16-17 October 1985. DDD. Booklet with notes in English and French, texts and translations HYPERION HELIOS CDH55274 [47:04][BW]

Another excellent reissue, strongly recommended … see Full Review

BARGAIN OF THE MONTH The Garden of Zephirus - Courtly songs of the early fifteenth century Guillaume DUFAY (c.1400-1474) J’atendray tant qu’i1 vous playra rondeau ^b,c,e [2:22] ANONYMOUS N’a pas long temps que trouvay Zephirus chanson ^c,g [1:52] Anthonello Da CASERTA Amour m’a le cuer mis en tel martire ballade stanza ^b,c,f [3:44] BRIQUET Ma seul amour et ma belle maistresse rondeau ^b,d [3:28] Francesco LANDINI Nessun ponga sperança ballata ^c,d,f [4:05] Guillaume DUFAY Mon cuer me fait tous dis penser rondeau ^a,b,c,e [6:05] Gacien REYNEAU Va t’en, mon cuer, avent mes yeux rondeau ^a,c,d [3:28] Matheus De SANCTO JOHANNE Fortune, faulce, parverse rondeau ^a,b,c,d [4:23] Francus De INSULA Amours n’ont cure de tristresse rondeau ^b,c,f [5:35] (Bartholomeus?) BROLLO Qui le sien vuelt bien maintenir ballade ^b,c,f [3 :28] Francesco LANDINI Giunta vaga biltà ballata ^b,g [3:21] ANONYMOUS Je la remire, la belle rondeau ^b,c,f [2:35] Guillaume DUFAY Adieu ces bons vins de Lannoys: rondeau ^b,c,f [3:57] Gothic Voices (Gill Ross (soprano) ^a; Margaret Philpot (contralto) ^b; Rogers Covey-Crump (tenor) ^c; Andrew King (tenor) ^d; John Mark Ainsley (tenor) ^e; Leigh Nixon (tenor) ^f with Imogen Barford (medieval harp) ^g/Christopher Page (director) rec. St Jude-on-the Hill, Hampstead, London, 28-29 June 1984, DDD. HYPERION HELIOS CDH55289 [49:35][BW]

Go out and buy this CD – and the other Gothic Voices reissues on Helios … see Full Review