Recommendations

[Click here for the most recent reviews (last five days)]
Click for alphabetical listings by composer:
[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]

RECORDINGS OF THE MONTH

RECORDING OF THE MONTH Ludwig van BEETHOVEN (1770 – 1827) The Nine Symphonies CD 1 Symphony No. 1 in C Major, Op.21 (1800) [26.56] Symphony No. 3 in E Flat, Op. 55, Eroica (1803) [49.34] CD 2 Symphony No. 5 in C Minor, Op.67 (1807) [31.10] Symphony No. 7 in A, Op.92 (1812) [38.55] CD 3 Symphony No. 2 in D Major, Op.36 (1801) [31.02] Symphony No. 4 in B Flat, Op. 60 (1806) [33.05] CD 4 Symphony No. 6 in F, Op.68, Pastoral (1808) [36.57] Symphony No. 8 in F, Op.93 (1812) [25.39] CD 5 Symphony No. 9 in D Minor, Op.125, Choral (1824) [65.45] Angela Denoke (soprano); Marianna Tarasova (mezzo); Endrik Wottrich (tenor); Matthias Goerne (baritone) Moscow State Chamber Choir Russian National Orchestra/Mikhail Pletnev rec. Moscow, State Conservatory, June-July 2007 DEUTSCHE GRAMMOPHON 477 6409 [5 CDs: 76.37 + 70.16 + 64.15 + 62.47 + 62.27][DC]

Incredibly, it does almost everything it says on the tin. ... see Full Review

RECORDING OF THE MONTH Dietrich BUXTEHUDE (1637–1707) Eine Lübecker Abendmusik Benedicam Dominum (BuxWV 113) [11:42] Gott hilf mir (BuxWV 34) [13:34] Wie wird erneuet, wie wird erfreuet (BuxWV 110) [11:18] Wo soll ich fliehen hin? (BuxWV 112) [15:03] Mein Gemüt erfreuet sich (BuxWV 72) [07:54] Herr, ich lasse dich nicht (BuxWV 36) [07:36] Ihr lieben Christen, freut euch nun (BuxWV 51) [10:37] La Capella Ducale Musica Fiata/Roland Wilson rec. 20–22 November 2006, St. Nikolaus- und Ulrichskirche, Nürnberg-Mögeldorf, Germany. DDD CPO 777 318-2 [78:18] [JV]

The best recording of Buxtehude's sacred music ever made ... see Full Review

RECORDING OF THE MONTH Ludwig van BEETHOVEN (1770-1827) Piano Concerto No. 5 in E flat, Op. 73, “Emperor”^a (1810) [38:18] Piano Sonata No. 28 in A, Op. 101^b (1816) [20:58] Hélène Grimaud (piano) ^aStaatskapelle Dresden/Vladimir Jurowski. rec. ^aLukaskirche, Dresden, December 2006; ^bSiemens-Villa, Berlin, July 2007. DDD Includes promotional DVD DEUTSCHE GRAMMOPHON 477 7149 [59:16][CC]

Grimaud remains one of the most individual – and hence unclassifiable – pianists of today. ... see Full Review

RECORDING OF THE MONTH Johannes BRAHMS (1833-1897) Double Concerto in A minor Op.102 (1887) [34:25] Clarinet Quintet in B Minor Op.115 (1891) [37:56]* Renaud Capuçon (violin), Gautier Capuçon (cello), Gustav Mahler Jugendorchester/Myung-Whun Chung; Paul Meyer (clarinet), Capuçon Quartet rec. Osterfestspiele - Grosses Festspielhaus (Salzburg, Austria), Grazer Kongress – Stefaniensaal (Graz, Austria), Wiener Musikverein (Vienna, Austria), 8-10 April 2007; Paris, Eglise du Bon Secours, 9-10 July 2007*. DDD VIRGIN CLASSICS 3951472 [72:21] [TP]

One of the essential purchases of 2007 ... see Full Review

RECORDING OF THE MONTH Frédéric CHOPIN (1810-1849) 24 Preludes op. 28 [39:15] Prelude in A flat major [00:50] Prelude in C sharp minor op. 45 [04:36] 2 Nocturnes op. 62 [13:13] Rafał Blechacz (piano) rec. July 2007, Hamburg-Harburg, Friedrich-Ebert-Halle DEUTSCHE GRAMMOPHON 477 6592 [58:08] [CH]

The tiny group of living great pianists is now a little larger. ... see Full Review

RECORDING OF THE MONTH Antonín DVOŘÁK (1841-1907) Stabat Mater Op. 58 (1876-77) Yvonne Kenny (soprano); Eva Randová (mezzo); Wieslaw Ochmann (tenor); Ján Galla (bass) Prague Philharmonic Chorus Czech Philharmonic Orchestra/Vaclav Neumann. rec. Vladislav Hall, Hradčany, Prague, 1989. PCM Stereo; 4:3 DVD 9; NTSC ARTHAUS MUSIC 102109 [87:00] [CC]

It is Neumann’s evident passion for every note of the score that shines through most. This is a very special DVD that deserves every success ... 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] [JW]

This will look good on your shelves next to the Boult-Lyrita disc of Finzi miniatures … one of those “ah, yes” moments one sometimes gets with Finzi when everything seems so utterly right ... see Full Review

RECORDING OF THE MONTH Gustav MAHLER (1860-1911) Symphony No. 8 (1908) Twyla Robinson (soprano); Erin Wall (soprano); Adriane Quieroz (soprano); Michelle De Young (contralto); Soimone Schröder (contralto); Johan Botha (tenor); Hanno Müller-Bracchmann (baritone); Robert Holl (bass); Tobias Berndt (organ) Chor der Deutschen Staatsoper Berlin; Rundfunkchor Berlin; Aurelius Sängerknaben Calw; Staatskapelle Berlin/Pierre Boulez rec. Jesus-Christus Kirche, Berlin, April 2007 DEUTSCHE GRAMMOPHON 4776597 [23:44 + 61:32] [AOz]

A truly amazing performance and recording, exceptionally vivid and life-affirming ... see Full Review

RECORDING OF THE MONTH Ottorino RESPIGHI (1879-1936) Fontane di Roma (1914-16) [17:05] Pini di Roma (1924) [23:07] Il tramonto (1918) [15:46]* Roman Festivals (1929) [24:27] Christine Rice (mezzo)* Orchestra dell'Accademia Nazionale di Santa Cecilia/Antonio Pappano rec. concert and sessions 11-23 January 2007, Sala Santa Cecilia, Auditorium Parco della Musica, Rome. DDD Text of Il tramonto in German, Italian, English and French; liner notes in English, German and French. EMI CLASSICS 3944292 [80:41] [TP]

With incredible music-making, Pappano deserves to do very well with this release... see Full Review

RECORDING OF THE MONTH Gioachino ROSSINI (1792-1868) Torvaldo e Dorliska Dramma semiseria in two acts (1815) Torvaldo - Francesco Meli (ten); Dorliska, Torvaldo’s wife - Darina Takova (sop); Giorgio, custodian of the Duke of Ordow’s castle - Bruno Pratico (bass); Duca d’Ordow - Michele Pertusi (buffo bass); Ormondo, Captain of the Duke’s Guard - Simone Alberghini (bass-bar); Carlotta, Giorgio’s sister - Jeanette Fischer (sop) Prague Chamber Choir Orchestra Haydn di Bolzano e Trento/Víctor Pablo Pérez rec. live, Teatro Rossini, Pesaro Festival, Italy, August 2006 Performed in the Critical Edition by Francesco Paolo Russo for the Rossini Foundation in collaboration with Casa Ricordi Director: Marioi Martone; Sets: Sergio Tramonti; Costumes: Lubomír Mátl; Video Director: Tiziano Mancini Filmed in High Definition. Presented in dts digital surround sound, PCM 2.0. Vision 16:9 Colour. NTSC Menu language English. Subtitles in Italian (original language), English, German, French, Spanish and Chinese. Notes and synopsis in Italian, English, German, and French DYNAMIC 33528 [2 DVDs: 157:00][RJF]

This superb Pesaro staging and performance of Rossini’s rarely performed opera is even better when seen than merely heard. It will not readily be surpassed ... see Full Review

RECORDING OF THE MONTH MA Sicong (1912-1987) Music for Violin and Piano Dragon Lantern Dance (1953) [3.34] Mountain Song (1953) [4:16] Madrigal (1944) [3:37] Inner Mongolia Suite (1937) [15:47] Lullaby (1935) [4:59] Lantern Dance Festival (1952) [4:58] Amei Suite (1981) [7:27] Rondo No. 1 (1937) [5:37] Tone Poem of Tibet (1941) [22:54] Ku Hsiao-mei, (violin); Lu Ning (piano) rec. Salt Lake City, Utah, November 2006 NAXOS CHINESE CLASSICS 8.570600 [71:05] [AOz]

What we hear on this recording is a highly subtle creation based on western form but completely in keeping with the fundamental spirit of Chinese chamber music ... see Full Review

RECORDING OF THE MONTH Dmitri SHOSTAKOVICH (1906-1975) Symphony No.10 in e minor, Op.93 (1953) [52:25] Detlev GLANERT (b.1960) Theatrum bestiarum (A Theatrical Bestiary) Songs and Dances for Large Orchestra (2005) [22:25] WDR Symphonie-Orchester Köln/Semyon Bychkov rec. 12-17 April 2005 (Shostakovich), 21 December2006 (Glanert), Kölner Philharmonie, Cologne, Germany. DDD/DSD Booklet with notes in German, English and French. AVIE AV2137 [75:06] [BW]

Probably the best version of Shostakovich 10 now on the market. The Glanert coupling is a bonus for those who like it but can easily be ignored by those who don’t ... see Full Review

RECORDING OF THE MONTH Erkki-Sven TÜÜR (b. 1959) Symphony No.4 “Magma” (2002)^a [31:06] Inquiétude du fini (1992)^b [18:29] Igavik (2006)^c [4:37] The Path and the Traces (2005) [12:36] Evelyn Glennie (percussion)^a; Estonian Philharmonic Chamber Choir^bc; Estonian National Male Choir^c; Estonian National Symphony Orchestra; Paavo Järvi rec. Estonia Concert Hall, Tallinn, June 2006 Texts and translations included VIRGIN CLASSICS 3857852 [67:23] [HC]

These impeccable performances are a pure joy from first to last ... see Full Review

RECORDING OF THE MONTH Giuseppe VERDI (1813–1901) Il trovatore (1853) Stella Roman (soprano) – Leonora; Leonard Warren (baritone) – Il Conte di Luna; Margaret Harshaw (mezzo) – Azucena; Jussi Björling (tenor) – Manrico; Giacomo Vaghi (bass) – Ferrando; Lodovico Oliviero (tenor) – Ruiz; Inge Manski (soprano) – Inez; John Baker (bass) – Gypsy Metropolitan Opera Orchestra and Chorus/Emil Cooper rec. live broadcast, Metropolitan Opera, New York, 27 December 1947 Audio restoration by Ward Marston WEST HILL RADIO ARCHIVES WHRA-6010 [68:57 + 61:25][GF]

One of the most sensational historical ‘finds’ for many a moon ... see Full Review

RECORDING OF THE MONTH Giuseppe VERDI (1813–1901) Presenting Aprile Millo - Verdi Arias Ernani: 1. Sorta è la notte … Ernani, involami [5:05] Il trovatore: 2. Tacea la notte [4:15] Macbeth: 3. Una macchia è qui tuttora! [7:32] Otello: 4. Mi parea … Piangea cantando … Ave Maria [17:28] La forza del destino: 5. Pace, pace mio Dio [6:20] Un ballo in maschera: 6. Morró, ma prima in grazia [4:52] Don Carlo: 7. Tu che le vanità [11:53] Aida: 8. Ritorna vincitor … L’insana parola … I sacri nomi [6:48] 9. Qui Radames verrà … O patria mia [7:20] Aprile Millo (soprano) London Philharmonic Orchestra/Giuseppe Patanè rec. St. Barnabas Church, Woodside Park, London. publ. 1986 Texts and translations included EMI CLASSICS 47396 [71:41] [GF]

One of the finest Verdi recitals from the final quarter of the 20th century … should be in every opera collection. Super! ... see Full Review

RECORDING OF THE MONTH 20th Century Piano Sonatas Alban BERG (1885-1935) Piano Sonata Op.1 (1908) [10:46] Paul HINDEMITH (1895-1963) Piano Sonata No. 2 (1936) [12:17] (Maessig schnell [3:01]; Lebhaft [2:04]; Sehr langsam – Rondo: Bewegt [7:11]) Arnold SCHOENBERG (1874-1951) Three Piano Pieces (1894) [10:21] (Andantino [3:27]; Andantino grazioso [3:50]; Presto [2:58]) Karl Amadeus HARTMANN (1905-1963) Piano Sonata ’27 April 1945’ [31:16 including alternative finales] (Bewegt [4:45]; Scherzo: Presto assai [3:50]; Marcia Funebra: Lento [10:26]; Allegro risoluto (1^st version) [6:28]; Allegro furioso (2^nd version) [5:41]) Allison Brewster Franzetti (Blüthner concert grand piano) rec. California, USA 15-16 November 2004; Engineer Leslie Ann Jones NAXOS 8.570401 [64:55][SH]

A brilliant musician with academic knowledge as well as sensitivity is rare ... see Full Review

RECORDING OF THE MONTH Grandes Pièces Symphoniques: Ian Tracey plays French Organ Works Charles Tournemire (1870-1939) Improvisation sur le Te Deum (1930) (edited by Maurice Duruflé, 1958) [6:50] Joseph Bonnet (1884-1944) from Douze Pièces; Elves, Op. 7 (No. 11) [3:53] Lamento, Op. 5 (No. 2) [4:08] Camille Saint-Saëns (1835-1921) from Sept Improvisations, Op. 150; Allegro giocoso (No. 7) [3:39] César Franck (1822-1890) Grande pièce symphonique, Op. 17 (1860-2) [23:44] Andante serioso – Allegro non troppo e maestoso – Andante – Allegro – Andante – Andante serioso – Allegro Eugene Gigout (1844-1925) from Dix Pièces; Scherzo (No. 8) [4:17] Charles-Marie Widor (1844-1937) Symphonie, Op. 13 No. 4 (1872) [26:22] I Toccata; II Fugue Moderato assai; III Andante cantabile, Dolce; IV Scherzo Allegro vivace; V Adagio; VI Finale Moderato Ian Tracey (organ) rec. Liverpool Anglican Cathedral, 27 June 2006. DDD/DSD Booklet with notes in English, French and German CHANDOS CHSA5056 [73:52][BW]

First-class performances and recording make this the ideal CD for beginners and aficionados of the French organ repertoire alike: very strongly recommended … see Full Review

RECORDING OF THE MONTH Mady Mesplé - Airs d'Operettes Victor MASSÉ (1822–1884) Les Noces de Jeanette: 1. Air du Rossignol: Au bord du chemin qui passe à ma porte [9:24] André MESSAGER (1853–1929) Madame Chrysanthème: 2. Écoutez, c’est la chant des cigales [4:19] Oscar STRAUS (1870–1954) Trois valses: 3. La valse interrompue (1900): Je t’aime quand meme [3:40] 4. La valse du destin (1937): Mais c’est le destin peut-être [3:29] 5. La valse du destin (1937) e ne suis pas ce que l’on pense [2:34] Franz LEHÁR (1870–1948) Das Land des Lächelns: 6. Entrée de Lisa: Merci pour ce charmant accueil [3:19] Die lustige Witwe: 7. Chanson de Vilya: Là-bas dans nos rudes vallées [6:05] Jacques OFFENBACH (1819–1880) Pomme d’Api: 8. Couplets de Catherine: Bonjour Monsieur, je suis la bonne [3:05] Reynaldo HAHN (1875–1947) Ciboulette: 9. Moi j’m’appelle Ciboulette [2:07] Charles LECOCQ (1832–1918) La petite mariée: 10. Je tenais Monsieur mon Époux [2:11] 11. Pour vous sauver, on se dévoue [2:08] Les cent vierges: 12. O Paris, gai séjour [6:02] Mady Mesplé (soprano) Orchestre Philharmonique de Monte-Carlo/Pierre Dervaux rec. Salle Garnier, Monte-Carlo, 9-13 June 1980. ADD EMI CLASSICS 47545 [48:57] [GF]

The programme is wholly attractive and Mady Mesplé’s by turns warm and glittering singing makes this one of the loveliest operetta recitals I have come across ... see Full Review

RECORDING OF THE MONTH Noël Nouvelet Felix MENDELSSOHN (1809-1847) Frohlocket ihr Völker auf Erden [1:22] Michael HEAD (1900-1976) The Little Road to Bethlehem [3:08] Bob CHILCOTT (b. 1955) Shepherd’s Carol [2:56] German 14^th Century arr. John RUTTER (b. 1945) Quem pastores Laudavere [1:42] John RUTTER Mary’s Lullaby* [3:34] Kenneth LEIGHTON (1929-1988) Coventry Carol [3:06] Jonathan RATHBONE (b. 1957) Corpus Christi Carol [4:25] Judith WEIR (b. 1954) Illuminare Jerusalem* [2:43] Morten LAURIDSEN (b. 1943) O magnum mysterium [6:02]  French trad. arr. Stephen JACKSON (b. 1951) Noël Nouvelet*[4:15] Naji HAKIM (b. 1955) Ding dong! Merrily on high [2:14] Humphrey CLUCAS (b. 1941) Love came down at Christmas* [2:04] Paul EDWARDS (b. 1956) No small wonder* [2:38] Franz GRUBER arr. Jonathan RATHBONE Silent Night [3:55] John GARDNER (b. 1917) Tomorrow shall be my dancing day*[1:51]Arr. Nigel SHORT (b. 1953) Away in a manger* [3:09] Arr. Malcolm SARGENT (1895-1967) Hawaiian Lullaby [2:14] Mel TORMÉ arr. Ward SWINGLE (b. 1927) Christmas Song [3:20] English trad. arr. Andrew CARTER (b. 1939) The Twelve Days of Christmas [5:17] Vasari Singers/Jeremy Backhouse *Jeremy Filsell (organ) rec. St. Jude’s, Hampstead Garden Suburb, London, 10-12 November 2006 texts and translations included GUILD GMCD7314 [60:06] [JQ]

Offhand, I can’t think of a better disc of Christmas music for you to find under your tree on December 25^th ... see Full Review

RECORDING OF THE MONTH Kate Royal: DEBUSSY L’Enfant prodigue - Air de Lia; DELIBES Les Filles de Cadix - Chanson espagnole; CANTELOUBE Chants d‘Auvergne: Baïlèro; Malurous qu’o uno fenno; La delaïssádo; RAVEL Vocalise en forme de habanera (orch; Hoerée); STRAVINSKY The Rake’s Progress: No word from Tom; My father! Can I desert him; I go, I go to him; ORFF Carmina Burana: In trutina; R. STRAUSS Wiegenlied, Op. 41/1; Morgen!, Op; 27/4; Ich wollt’ ein Strãusslein binden, Op. 68/2; GRANADOS Goyescas: Queyas, o la maja y el ruiseňor; RODRIGO Cuatro Madrigales amatorios; TRADITIONAL The Sprig of Thyme Kate Royal (soprano) Academy of St. Martin in the Fields/Edward Gardner. rec. Abbey Road Studios, London, no date supplied EMI CLASSICS 394419-2 [65:14] [CC]

This disc bodes well for a singer of clear and huge talent. ... see Full Review

---

BARGAINS OF THE MONTH

BARGAIN OF THE MONTH Luigi BOCCHERINI (1743-1805) String Quintet in A Minor Op. 25 No. 6 [23:48] String Quintet in C Op. 25 No. 4 [19:52] String Quintet in D Minor Op. 25 No. 1 [15:55] String Quintet in E Op. 11 No. 5 – Minuetto [3:40] Europa Galante (Fabio Biondi, Enrico Casazza (violins); Ernesto Braucher (viola); Maurizio Naddeo, Antonio Fantonuoli (cellos)) rec. Montevarchi (Toscare), Italy, 5-8 December 1999 VIRGIN CLASSICS 50999 503 4082 8 [59:97][JS]

Quite simply the most enjoyable recording of the music of Boccherini that I have ever heard ... see Full Review

BARGAIN OF THE MONTH Johannes BRAHMS (1833-1897) Symphony No.4 in E minor Op.98 (1885) [41.48] Hungarian Dances Nos. 2, 4-9 (1868) [22.51] London Philharmonic Orchestra/Marin Alsop rec. Blackheath Concert Hall, London, 21-22 March 2005 (Symphony); Colosseum, Town Hall, Watford, 22-23 April 2006. NAXOS 8.570233 [64:39][DC]

Top Brahms! ... see Full Review

BARGAIN OF THE MONTH Antonín DVOŘÁK (1841-1904) CD1 Symphony No. 5 in F major Op. 76 (1875) [37:47] Othello Overture Op. 93 (1891) [13:42] Scherzo Capriccioso Op. 66 (1883) [12:41] CD2 Symphony No. 7 in D minor Op. 70 (1885) [37:03] Symphony No. 8 in G major Op. 88 (1889) [36:42] CD3 Symphony No. 9 in E minor Op. 76 “From the New World” (1893) [40:24] Bedrich SMETANA (1824-1884) Vltava from Ma Vlast (1874) [12:04] Oslo Philharmonic Orchestra/Mariss Jansons rec. Konserthuset, Oslo, Norway, 1988-1992. DDD EMI CLASSICS TRIPLE 5008782 [3 CDs: 64:20 + 73:45 + 52:28] [TP]

Mariss Jansons has a wonderful way with Dvořák. Exuberant performances, fresh and exciting, keenly attentive to intricacies and united in purpose and attack. You will not hear tighter Dvořák playing anywhere ... see Full Review

BARGAIN OF THE MONTH Gustav HOLST (1874-1934) The Planets, H125 Op. 32 (1914-16) [49:15] St Paul's Suite, H118 Op. 29 (1913) [12:38] Brook Green Suite (1933) [7:14] Ambrosian Singers/John McCarthy Royal Philharmonic Orchestra/Vernon Handley Royal Philharmonic Orchestra/Barry Wordsworth (Brook Green) rec. St Augustine’s Church, Kilburn, London, October 1993 (Planets; St Paul’s); CTS Studio, London, August 1994. DDD originally issued in 1994 as Tring International CD TRP007 ALTO ALC 1013 [69:26] [RB]

An extremely fine Holst disc. Handley’s Planets ablaze with character and grippingly recorded, a big band St Paul’s, all generously coupled with the Wordsworth Brook Green. ... see Full Review

BARGAIN OF THE MONTH Nikolai MEDTNER (1880-1951) Complete Works for Violin and Piano: Vol.1 Violin Sonata No.3 in E Minor, Op.57 "Epica" (1938) [46:34] Three Nocturnes, Op.16 (1909) [13:50] Fairy Tale, Op.20, No.1 in B flat minor (arr. Jasha Heifetz) (1909) [3:14] Laurence Kayaleh (violin), Paul Stewart (piano). rec. Pollack Hall, Schulich School of Music, McGill University, Montreal, Quebec, Canada, 18-20 December 2006. DDD NAXOS 8.570298 [63:47][TP]

This disc will kindle within you an affection for this neglected composer ... Bring on volume 2! ... see Full Review

BARGAIN OF THE MONTH Franz SCHUBERT (1797–1828) Die schöne Müllerin, D795 (1823) [65:13]; Schwanengesang, D957 (1828) [52:40] Lieder, Op. 80 (1826): No. 1 Der Wanderer an den Mond [2:35]; No. 2 Das Zügenglöcklein [5:26]; No. 3 Im Freien [5:32] Winterreise, D911 (1827) [75:16] Olaf Bär (baritone), Geoffrey Parsons (piano) rec. 16-20 June 1986, Lukaskirche, Dresden (Die schöne Müllerin); August 1989, No. 1 Studio, Abbey Road, London (Schwanengesang; Lieder Op. 80); December 1988 (Winterreise). DDD EMI CLASSICS 5009342 [3 CDs: 66:13 + 66:11 + 75:16] [GF]

There are few better readings of these song-cycles available at any price ... see Full Review

BARGAIN OF THE MONTH A Portrait of Thomas Tallis Thomas TALLIS (1505-1585) CD1 Ave Dei Patris Filia [15:33] Salve Intemerata [15:51] Sancte Deus [5:58] Hear the Voice and Prayer [3:15] If Ye Love me [2:13] A New Commandment [2:50] Gaude Gloriosa [17:11] Loquebantur variis Linguis [4:15] Magnificat for Four Voices [11:56] CD2 Te lucis ante terminum (festal) [2:07] Christ Rising Again [4:39] O Lord, Give Thy Holy Spirit [2:05] Purge me, O Lord [1:48] Verily, Verily I Say unto You [1:42] Remember Not, O Lord God [4:34] O Lord, in Thee Is All My Trust [2:42] Tunes for Archbishop Parker’s Psalter [8:36] Salvator Mundi, Salva Nos 1 [2:19] O Sacrum Convivium [3:15] In Manus Tuas [1:51] Absterge Domine [5:31] Miserere Nostri [2:18] Salvator Mundi, Salva Nos 2 [2:21] Spem in Alium [10:03] Lamentations of Jeremiah I [7:48] Lamentations of Jeremiah II [12:20] Blessed Are Those That Be Undefiled [4:16] Chapelle du Roi/Alistair Dixon From Signum SIGCD001 and SIGCD002, rec. St Augustine’s Church, Kilburn, London, 23-25 October 1996, 10-13 February 1997; SIGCD003, SIGCD010, SIGCD016, SIGCD022, SIGCD029, rec St Jude’s Church, Hampstead, London, 28-30 May 1997, July 1998, 12-14 October 1998, 24-26 July 2000, 13-15 November 2000; SIGCD036, rec. All Hallows Church, Gospel Oak, London 24-27 September 2002.  DDD. Booklet with notes in English but no texts. PORTRAIT CLASSICS PCL2101 [79:07 + 79:45][BW]

This 2-CD distillation of a highly-recommended 9-CD series is very welcome at its new bargain price.  Go out and buy it or the complete set on Signum ... see Full Review

BARGAIN OF THE MONTH Peter Ilyich TCHAIKOVSKY (1840-1893) Swan Lake op.20 – Highlights Introduction [02:58] Act I: 1. Scène [02:17], 2. Valse [04:28], 8. Danse des coupes [03:44] Act II: 10. Scène [02:50], 11. Scène [04:36], 13d. Danses des cygnes [01:19], 13e. Pas d’action [06:14] Act III: 20. Danse hongroise [02:46], 5b. Pas de deux [02:55], 24. Scène [02:15] Act IV: 27. Danses des petits cygnes [03:40], 29. Scène final [06:01] Steven Staryk (violin); Tibor de Machula (violoncello) Concertgebouw Orchestra/Anatole Fistoulari rec. February 1961, Concertgebouw, Amsterdam DECCA ELOQUENCE 442 9032 [46:10] [CH]

Whatever the ultimate judgement on Fistoulari, he made a great record here. ... see Full Review

BARGAIN OF THE MONTH Soprano Duets Elisabeth Schwarzkopf and Irmgard Seefried - Claudio MONTEVERDI (1567–1643) 1. Io son pur vezzosetta pastorella [3:06] 2. Ardo scoprir [3:33] 3. Baci cari [3:07] 4. Dialogo di ninfa e pastore [4:08] Giacomo CARISSIMI (1605–1674) 5. Detesta la cativa sorte in amore [4:10] 6. Lungi omai [2:31] 7. Il mio core [3:31] 8. A piè d’un verde alloro [3:10] Antonin DVOŘÁK (1841–1904) Moravian Duets, Op. 32, Nos. 1-13: 9. Ich schwimm’ dir davon [2:17] 10. Fliege, Vöglein [2:41] 11. Wenn die Sense [1:09] 12. Freundlich lass uns scheiden [1:00] 13. Der kleine Acker [1:04] 14. Die Taube auf dem Ahorn [1:21] 15. Wasser und Weinen [2:30] 16. Die Bescheidene [1:38] 17. Der Ring [2:07] 18. Grüne, du Gras! [3:12] 19. Die Gefangene [2:07] 20. Der Trost [3:23] 21. Wilde Rose [2:43] Engelbert HUMPERDINCK (1854–1921) Hansel und Gretel: 22. Suse, Liebe, Suse … Brüderchen, komm, tanz mit mir [9:38] Richard STRAUSS (1864–1949) Der Rosenkavalier: 23. Herrgott im Himmel! (Presentation of the Silver Rose) [11:26] Elisabeth Schwarzkopf and Irmgard Seefried (soprano) Gerald Moore (piano) (1-21), Philharmonia Orchestra/Josef Krips (22); Wiener Philharmoniker/Herbert von Karajan (23) rec. No. 1 Studio, Abbey Road, London, 25-27 May, 1955 (1-21), 26-27 September, 1947 (22); Musikvereinsaal, Vienna, 9 December 1947 Texts and translations included EMI CLASSICS GREAT RECORDINGS OF THE CENTURY 3 92057 2 [75:56][GF]

One of the most magical moments in the world of recorded opera. Go out and buy! ... see Full Review

---

[Click here for the most recent reviews (last five days)]
Click for alphabetical listings by composer:
[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]

---

Membra Jesu nostri BuxWV 75 (?1680) [56:21] Wär Gott nicht mit uns diese Zeit BuxWV 102 [4:07] Walts Gott, mein Werk ich lasse BuxWV 103 [7:44] Christina Kaiser, Astrid Werner, Anja Zügner (soprano); Alexander Schneider (alto); Tobias Hunger (tenor); Matthias Lutze, Marek Rzepka (bass); Daniel Deuter, Margaret Baumgartl (violin); Juliane Laake, Benjamin Dreßler, Katharina Schlegel, Renate Pank (viola da gamba); Matthias Müller (viola da gamba; violone); Michaela Hasselt (organ); Michael Dücker (theorbo); Dresdener Kammerchor/Hans-Christoph Rademann rec. live, 11 February 2007, Lukaskirche, Dresden Texts and translations included CARUS 83.234 [69:01][GPu]

Membra Jesu nostri BuxWV 75 (?1680) [56:21] Wär Gott nicht mit uns diese Zeit BuxWV 102 [4:07] Walts Gott, mein Werk ich lasse BuxWV 103 [7:44] Christina Kaiser, Astrid Werner, Anja Zügner (soprano); Alexander Schneider (alto); Tobias Hunger (tenor); Matthias Lutze, Marek Rzepka (bass); Daniel Deuter, Margaret Baumgartl (violin); Juliane Laake, Benjamin Dreßler, Katharina Schlegel, Renate Pank (viola da gamba); Matthias Müller (viola da gamba; violone); Michaela Hasselt (organ); Michael Dücker (theorbo); Dresdener Kammerchor/Hans-Christoph Rademann rec. live, 11 February 2007, Lukaskirche, Dresden Texts and translations included CARUS 83.234 [69:01][GPu]

Membra Jesu nostri BuxWV 75 (?1680) [56:21] Wär Gott nicht mit uns diese Zeit BuxWV 102 [4:07] Walts Gott, mein Werk ich lasse BuxWV 103 [7:44] Christina Kaiser, Astrid Werner, Anja Zügner (soprano); Alexander Schneider (alto); Tobias Hunger (tenor); Matthias Lutze, Marek Rzepka (bass); Daniel Deuter, Margaret Baumgartl (violin); Juliane Laake, Benjamin Dreßler, Katharina Schlegel, Renate Pank (viola da gamba); Matthias Müller (viola da gamba; violone); Michaela Hasselt (organ); Michael Dücker (theorbo); Dresdener Kammerchor/Hans-Christoph Rademann rec. live, 11 February 2007, Lukaskirche, Dresden Texts and translations included CARUS 83.234 [69:01][GPu]

Membra Jesu nostri BuxWV 75 (?1680) [56:21] Wär Gott nicht mit uns diese Zeit BuxWV 102 [4:07] Walts Gott, mein Werk ich lasse BuxWV 103 [7:44] Christina Kaiser, Astrid Werner, Anja Zügner (soprano); Alexander Schneider (alto); Tobias Hunger (tenor); Matthias Lutze, Marek Rzepka (bass); Daniel Deuter, Margaret Baumgartl (violin); Juliane Laake, Benjamin Dreßler, Katharina Schlegel, Renate Pank (viola da gamba); Matthias Müller (viola da gamba; violone); Michaela Hasselt (organ); Michael Dücker (theorbo); Dresdener Kammerchor/Hans-Christoph Rademann rec. live, 11 February 2007, Lukaskirche, Dresden Texts and translations included CARUS 83.234 [69:01][GPu]

Membra Jesu nostri BuxWV 75 (?1680) [56:21] Wär Gott nicht mit uns diese Zeit BuxWV 102 [4:07] Walts Gott, mein Werk ich lasse BuxWV 103 [7:44] Christina Kaiser, Astrid Werner, Anja Zügner (soprano); Alexander Schneider (alto); Tobias Hunger (tenor); Matthias Lutze, Marek Rzepka (bass); Daniel Deuter, Margaret Baumgartl (violin); Juliane Laake, Benjamin Dreßler, Katharina Schlegel, Renate Pank (viola da gamba); Matthias Müller (viola da gamba; violone); Michaela Hasselt (organ); Michael Dücker (theorbo); Dresdener Kammerchor/Hans-Christoph Rademann rec. live, 11 February 2007, Lukaskirche, Dresden Texts and translations included CARUS 83.234 [69:01][GPu]

Membra Jesu nostri BuxWV 75 (?1680) [56:21] Wär Gott nicht mit uns diese Zeit BuxWV 102 [4:07] Walts Gott, mein Werk ich lasse BuxWV 103 [7:44] Christina Kaiser, Astrid Werner, Anja Zügner (soprano); Alexander Schneider (alto); Tobias Hunger (tenor); Matthias Lutze, Marek Rzepka (bass); Daniel Deuter, Margaret Baumgartl (violin); Juliane Laake, Benjamin Dreßler, Katharina Schlegel, Renate Pank (viola da gamba); Matthias Müller (viola da gamba; violone); Michaela Hasselt (organ); Michael Dücker (theorbo); Dresdener Kammerchor/Hans-Christoph Rademann rec. live, 11 February 2007, Lukaskirche, Dresden Texts and translations included CARUS 83.234 [69:01][GPu]

Membra Jesu nostri BuxWV 75 (?1680) [56:21] Wär Gott nicht mit uns diese Zeit BuxWV 102 [4:07] Walts Gott, mein Werk ich lasse BuxWV 103 [7:44] Christina Kaiser, Astrid Werner, Anja Zügner (soprano); Alexander Schneider (alto); Tobias Hunger (tenor); Matthias Lutze, Marek Rzepka (bass); Daniel Deuter, Margaret Baumgartl (violin); Juliane Laake, Benjamin Dreßler, Katharina Schlegel, Renate Pank (viola da gamba); Matthias Müller (viola da gamba; violone); Michaela Hasselt (organ); Michael Dücker (theorbo); Dresdener Kammerchor/Hans-Christoph Rademann rec. live, 11 February 2007, Lukaskirche, Dresden Texts and translations included CARUS 83.234 [69:01][GPu]

Membra Jesu nostri BuxWV 75 (?1680) [56:21] Wär Gott nicht mit uns diese Zeit BuxWV 102 [4:07] Walts Gott, mein Werk ich lasse BuxWV 103 [7:44] Christina Kaiser, Astrid Werner, Anja Zügner (soprano); Alexander Schneider (alto); Tobias Hunger (tenor); Matthias Lutze, Marek Rzepka (bass); Daniel Deuter, Margaret Baumgartl (violin); Juliane Laake, Benjamin Dreßler, Katharina Schlegel, Renate Pank (viola da gamba); Matthias Müller (viola da gamba; violone); Michaela Hasselt (organ); Michael Dücker (theorbo); Dresdener Kammerchor/Hans-Christoph Rademann rec. live, 11 February 2007, Lukaskirche, Dresden Texts and translations included CARUS 83.234 [69:01][GPu]

Membra Jesu nostri BuxWV 75 (?1680) [56:21] Wär Gott nicht mit uns diese Zeit BuxWV 102 [4:07] Walts Gott, mein Werk ich lasse BuxWV 103 [7:44] Christina Kaiser, Astrid Werner, Anja Zügner (soprano); Alexander Schneider (alto); Tobias Hunger (tenor); Matthias Lutze, Marek Rzepka (bass); Daniel Deuter, Margaret Baumgartl (violin); Juliane Laake, Benjamin Dreßler, Katharina Schlegel, Renate Pank (viola da gamba); Matthias Müller (viola da gamba; violone); Michaela Hasselt (organ); Michael Dücker (theorbo); Dresdener Kammerchor/Hans-Christoph Rademann rec. live, 11 February 2007, Lukaskirche, Dresden Texts and translations included CARUS 83.234 [69:01][GPu]

Membra Jesu nostri BuxWV 75 (?1680) [56:21] Wär Gott nicht mit uns diese Zeit BuxWV 102 [4:07] Walts Gott, mein Werk ich lasse BuxWV 103 [7:44] Christina Kaiser, Astrid Werner, Anja Zügner (soprano); Alexander Schneider (alto); Tobias Hunger (tenor); Matthias Lutze, Marek Rzepka (bass); Daniel Deuter, Margaret Baumgartl (violin); Juliane Laake, Benjamin Dreßler, Katharina Schlegel, Renate Pank (viola da gamba); Matthias Müller (viola da gamba; violone); Michaela Hasselt (organ); Michael Dücker (theorbo); Dresdener Kammerchor/Hans-Christoph Rademann rec. live, 11 February 2007, Lukaskirche, Dresden Texts and translations included CARUS 83.234 [69:01][GPu]