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Kalevi
AHO
(b. 1949) Piano Concerto, Symphony 13 
Antti Siirala (piano) Lahti SO/Osmo Vänskä rec. 2004/5
BIS-CD-1316 [68:49] [NB]
A
disc to which I will return in the expectation of greater understanding.
Isaac
ALBÉNIZ (1860-1909) Piano Music - Vol. 6
Rapsodia Española, Navarra, Piano Sonata 5,
Troisième Suite ancienne, Azulejos, Piano
Concerto 1
Miguel Baselga (piano) Tenerife SO/Lü Jia rec. 2007/9
BIS BIS-CD-1743 [75:43] 
[DM]
Alicia
De Larrocha may just have met her match.
Tomaso
ALBINONI (1671-1751) Concerti Op.10
Collegium Musicum 90/Simon Standage rec. 2007
CHANDOS CHAN0769 [69:15] 
[J-PJ]
All
nine concertos bristle with dynamism and unbounded energy.
BARGAIN
OF THE MONTH Robert
Livingston ALDRIDGE (b.1954) Clarinet Concerto, Samba
Aaron COPLAND (1900-1990) Clarinet
Concerto
David Singer (clarinet) A Far Cry O, Shanghai Qt rec. 2008/9
NAXOS 8.559667 [49:44] 
[BR]
An
enjoyable new concerto and an old favorite, played with love and wit
David
ALPHER American
Reflections
David Alpher (piano) Jonathan Cohler (clarinet) Maureen Gallagher (viola)
Robert Honeysucker (baritone) Myron Lutzke (cello) Robert Lynam (string
bass) Martha Moor (harp) Jean Newton (harpsichord) Kenneth Radnofsky
(tenor saxophone) rec. 1998
ONGAKU 024-112 [70:38]
[RB]
To
date this is the only all-Alpher CD. I feel there will be more. There
deserves to be more.
William
ALWYN (1905-1985) Clarinet Sonata, Oboe Sonata, Viola
Sonata, Suite for Oboe & Harp, String Trio, Conversations
Robert Plane (clarinet) Lucy Gould (violin) Sarah Francis (oboe) Sarah
Jane Bradley (viola) Lucy Wakeford (harp) Sophia Rahman (piano) Hermitage
String Trio, rec. 2009
NAXOS 8.572425 [75:53]
[JF]
A
good insight to the composer’s musical development
RECORDING
OF THE MONTH Johann Sebastian BACH
(1685-1750)
Orgel-Büchlein
Helmut Walcha (organ) rec. 1950/2
PRISTINE AUDIO PAKM036 [52:06 + 46:03]
[MS]
It's
good to have these classic and interpretatively superb recordings of
one of Bach's most compelling organ works available. The transfer quality
is almost as satisfying as the performance.
Johann
Sebastian BACH (1685-1750) Partitas for solo violin
(arr. guitar)
Timo Korhonen (guitar) rec. 2009
ONDINE ODE 1164-2D [62:16 + 21-07]
[ST]
Certainly
worth exploring if you're willing to try the partitas on a guitar.
Johann
Sebastian BACH (1685-1750)
Great Choral Works
Wiener Singakademiechor; Stuttgarter Hymnus-Chor; Lübecker Kantorei;
Stuttgarter Kammerorchester/Karl Münchinger rec. 1964-74
NEWTON CLASSICS 8802001 [9 CDs: 627:05]
[MC]
This
set will disappoint very few and delight many.
Johann
Sebastian BACH (1685-1750)
The Well-Tempered Clavier Books 1 and 2
Andrei Gavrilov, Joanna McGregor, Nikolai Demidenko, Angela Hewitt rec.
2000
EUROARTS 2050308 
[2 DVDs: 121:00 + 139:00] 
[KM]
A
unique visual presentation of an iconic work.
Johann
Sebastian BACH (1685-1750) Music for Lute-Harpsichord
Elizabeth
Farr (lute-harpsichord) rec. 2007
NAXOS 8.570470-71 [77:33 + 70:55]
[JV]
This
interesting programme of lesser-known pieces by Bach is marred by inadequate
recording and interpretative shortcomings.
Johann
Sebastian BACH (1685-1750) Keyboard Concerto 1, Partitas
5 & 6, Fugues
Glenn Gould (piano), Columbia SO/Leonard Bernstein rec. 1957
NAXOS HISTORICAL 8.112049 [65:09]
[JW]
Gould’s
clarity and sense of rhythmic energy, that inner dynamo that was his
Bachian motor.
Johann
Sebastian BACH (1685-1750) Cantatas for the Complete
Liturgical Year Vol.10
Siri Thornhill (sop.) Petra Noskaiová (alto) Christoph Genz (ten.) Jan
Van Crabben (bar.) La Petite Bande/Sigiswald Kuijken, rec. 2008
ACCENT ACC 25310 [73:21] 
[GD]
May
not be the last word on Bach, but close to the last word on Kuijken's
Bach.
Johann
Sebastian BACH (1685-1750) Cantatas for the Complete
Liturgical Year Vol.11
Gerinde Sämann (sop.) Petra Noskaiová (alto) Christoph Genz (ten.) Jan
Van Crabben (bar.) La Petite Bande/Sigiswald Kuijken, rec. 2008
ACCENT ACC25311 [55:30]
[GD]
Kuijken
and his ever-changing forces are certainly capable of far better things
than this.
Bach
and Friends A reflection on the power and genius of Bach's
music
MICHAEL LAWRENCE FILMS no number [1:56:00 + 1:26:00]
[MS]
An
effort to popularise Bach to non-specialist listeners. Some perceptive
sequences make this worth a look - despite being rather overpriced.
Krzysztof
BACULEWSKI (b.1950) Works for Orchestra
Jadwiga Rappé, Podlasie Opera and Philharmonic O (Bialystok)/Szymon
Bywalec rec. 2009
DUX 0725 [31:18]
[JW]
Impressively
controlled and powerfully conveyed … a fine disc
Henk
BADINGS (1907-1987)
Concerto for Two Violins, Symphony 3
Herman Krebbers (violin); Theo Olof (violin) Hague PO/Willem van Otterloo
rec. 1955
PRISTINE AUDIO PASC 230 [53:07]
[RB]
A
well carried through revival of two contrasted Badings works from a
1950s LP.
Samuel
BARBER (1910-1981) Complete Orchestral Works
Royal Scottish Ntl O/Marin Alsop rec. 1999-2004
NAXOS AMERICAN CLASSICS 8.506021 [6 CDs: 370:30]
[RB]
The
RSNO positively glows in this extremely welcome and romantically rewarding
set.
Béla
BARTÓK (1881-1945)
Duke Bluebeard’s Castle
Robert Lloyd, Elizabeth Laurence, London PO/Adam Fischer rec. 1988
NVC
ARTS 505186705222
[63:00]
[J-PJ]
Dramatic
punch and visual variety make this compulsive viewing.
RECORDING OF THE MONTH
Arnold BAX (1883 - 1953) Legend-Sonata
see BRIDGE
Franz
Ignaz BECK (1734-1809) Sinfonias
Toronto CO/Kevin Mallon rec. 2009
NAXOS 8.570799 [66:20]
[J-PJ]
A
distinctive voice exploring a range of tonalities. Full of rhythmic
and melodic contrast.
Ludwig
van BEETHOVEN
(1770-1827) String Quintets
Fine Arts Qt, Gil Sharon (viola) rec. 2008
NAXOS 8.572221 [72:44]
[TB]
The
relatively neglected Quintet Op. 29 finds Beethoven at the top of his
form, in music at once bold and imaginative, and the Fine Arts Quartet
with Gil Sharon respond with confidence and aplomb.
Ludwig
van BEETHOVEN (1770-1827) Leonore Overture 3, Egmont
Overture, Symphony 7
Los Angeles PO; Israel PO/Zubin Mehta rec. 1974/82
DECCA ELOQUENCE 480 1136 [62:40]
[MSJ]
Familiar
interpretive paths, but run with vigor.
BARGAIN
OF THE MONTH Ludwig van
BEETHOVEN (1770–1827) Piano Concerto 5, Symphony 4
Edwin Fischer (piano), Philharmonia O, Vienna PO/Wilhelm Furtwängler
rec. 1950/51
NAXOS 8.112025 [75:38]
[BBr]
Genius
is the word.
RECORDING OF THE MONTH Ludwig van BEETHOVEN
(1770-1827) Violin Sonatas 9 & 10
Edward Dusinberre (violin) David Korevaar (piano) rec. 2009
DECCA 476 3898 [65:13]
[GD]
Could
easily become the benchmark for a generation to come.
Ludwig
van BEETHOVEN (1770–1827) Egmont
Overture, Symphony 6
Carl Maria von WEBER (1786–1826)
Overtures: Euryanthe, Abu Hassan Robert
SCHUMANN (1810–1856) Manfred Overture, Alpenkuhreigen
& Zwischenaktmusik
Berlin State Opera O/Max von Schillings rec. 1928-9
PRISTINE AUDIO PASC 228 [77:59]
[BBr]
Not
to be missed by anyone interested in the art of orchestral performance
Ludwig
van BEETHOVEN (1770-1827) Piano Sonatas 6, 12, 14 &
27 Angela
Hewitt (piano) rec. 2009
HYPERION CDA67797 [63:54]
[CC]
This
is characteristically thought-provoking playing, although none of the
four performances topple any of the greats in this repertoire.
Ludwig van BEETHOVEN (1770-1827)
Meerestille und Glückliche Fahrt see
SALIERI
George
BENJAMIN
(b. 1960) Shadowlines,
Viola, Viola, Three Studies, Piano Sonata
Pierre-Laurent Aimard, George Benjamin (piano) Tabea Zimmermann, Antoine
Tamestit (viola) rec. 1980-2003
NIMBUS NI5713 [69:46]
[MS]
Features
four of Benjamin’s most exciting and enticing piano and solo string
compositions. Not to be missed
Alban
BERG (1885-1935) Lulu-Suite see HENZE
Alban
BERG (1885-1935) Lulu-Suite see
WEILL
Hector
BERLIOZ
(1803-1869) Symphonie fantastique, La damnation
de Faust (excerpts) Les nuits d’été, Overtures
Régine Crespin (soprano) Suisse Romande O/Ernest Ansermet rec. 1963-7
DECCA
ELOQUENCE 480 0053 [3 CDs: 64:33 + 68:26 + 43:15]
[DM]
Another
worthy addition to the growing list of Ansermet reissues.
Hector
BERLIOZ (1803-1869) Symphonie Fantastique, Les Francs-Juges
overture
London Classical Players/Roger Norrington rec. 1988
VIRGIN CLASSICS 6285792 [64:47]
[GD]
A
historical curiosity is probably the best way to summarise this recording.
Georges
BIZET (1838-1875)
Complete Piano Music
Julia Severus (piano) rec. 2008
NAXOS DIGITAL 8.570831-32 
[71:03 + 61:17]
[BR]
All
of this piano music is pretty, though none of it is great.
Georges
BIZET (1838 – 1875) Carmen
Franco Corelli, Giulietta Simionato, Mirella Freni, Ch & O Teatro
Massimo di Palermo/Pierre Dervaux rec. 1959
ISTITUTO DISCOGRADICO ITALIANO IDIS 6571/72 [73:35 + 69:35]
[GF]
This
issue can hardly have any claims to being a library version though it
has its moments.
Ernest BLOCH (1880-1959) String
Quartet 1 see SHOSTAKOVICH
John
BLOW (1649-1708) I was glad when they said unto me
see Music
for St Paul’s
Luigi
BOCCHERINI (1743-1805)
Symphonies 3, 8 & 21
London Mozart Players/Matthias Bamert rec. 2009
CHANDOS CHAN10604 [65:55]
[J-PJ]
Lilting
melody and gentle pizzicati.
Giovanni
BOTTESINI (1821-1889) Fantasia on themes of Rossini,
Passioni amorose, Gran Duetto 2, Concerto a due Contrabassi
Thomas
Martin, Timothy Cobb (double-bass) Christopher Oldfather (piano) rec.
2007
NAXOS 8.572284 [67:05]
[JS]
Out
of the way but rewarding … strange but characterful sounds resonate
in the memory.
BARGAIN
OF THE MONTH William BOYCE
(1711-1779)
Trio Sonatas
The Parley of Instruments/Peter Holman rec. 1995
HYPERION DYAD CDD22063 [61:07 + 61:51]
[JW]
This
idiomatically played twofer makes renewed demands on lovers of Boyce’s
very individual and engaging works.
William
BOYCE (1711-1779) Lord, thou hast been our refuge
see Music
for St Paul’s
Johannes
BRAHMS (1833-1897) Piano Concerto 2, Klavierstücke
Nicholas Angelich (pno), Frankfurt RSO/Paavo Järvi, rec. 2009
VIRGIN CLASSICS 2663492 [74:37]
[GD]
For
those who like their Brahms measured and precise
Johannes
BRAHMS
(1833-1897) Symphony
3 Jaroslav KRCEK
(b. 1939) Symphony 5
Prague SO/Jiri Kout rec. 2010
FOK 002-2 031 [62:28]
[RB]
Surprising
consonant partners ... see Full Review
Johannes
BRAHMS (1833-1897) Complete Lieder Edition Vol.
9
Iris Vermillion (mezzo); Juliane Banse (soprano); Andreas Schmidt (baritone);
Helmut Deutsch (piano) rec. 1996-9
CPO 999 840-2 [49:04]
[EM]
I
cannot fault the performances of these glorious late songs of Brahms’s
- exquisite songs and singing.
Johannes
BRAHMS (1833-1897) Nänie, Gesang der Parzen,
Alto Rhapsody, Schicksalslied
Alice Coote (mezzo) Bayerischen Rundfunks Ch, Bamberger SO, Bayerische
Staatsphilharmonie/Robin Ticciati rec. 2009
TUDOR 7167 [48:08]
[JQ]
Very
fine pieces by Brahms, which are well served in these excellent recordings
Johannes
BRAHMS (1833-1897) Piano Sonatas 2 & 3, Intermezzi
Hélène
Grimaud (pno)
REGIS RRC1327 [78:55]
[GD]
A
valuable addition to anybody's Brahms collection.
Johannes
BRAHMS (1833-1897) Violin Sonatas
Anne-Sophie Mutter (violin); Lambert Orkis (piano) rec. 2009
UNITEL CLASSICA/DEUTSCHE GRAMMOPHON 073 4617 [78:00 + 31:00]
[DC]
Essence
of Brahms.
Havergal
BRIAN
(1876-1972)
Overtures: For Valour, Doctor Merryheart, Symphonies 11 &
15 RTÉ
Ntl SO/Tony Rowe, Adrian Leaper rec. 1993/7
NAXOS 8.572014 [77:10]
[JF]
I
always have a major problem when I listen to any Symphony by Havergal
Brian – it immediately becomes my favourite of the series!
RECORDING
OF THE MONTH Frank BRIDGE
(1879
- 1941) Cello Sonata Benjamin BRITTEN
(1913 - 1976) Cello Sonata Arnold BAX
(1883 - 1953) Legend-Sonata
Johannes Moser (cello), Paul Rivinius (piano) rec. 2009
HÄNSSLER CLASSIC CD 93.257 [66:45]
[BBr]
A
very special issue.
Frank
BRIDGE (1879-1940)
Piano quintet, Three Sketches, Phantasie, Pensiero, Allegro
Appassionato, Violin sonata, Spring Song
London Bridge Ens rec. 2009
DUTTON EPOCH CDLX7254 [76:40]
[RB]
A
blend of passionately torrid romance and a lighter emotional hand.
RECORDING OF THE MONTH
Benjamin BRITTEN (1913 - 1976) Cello
Sonata see BRIDGE
Benjamin BRITTEN (1913-1976) Les
Illuminations, Chansons françaises see FINZI
Max
BRUCH (1838-1920) Violin Concerto 1 see
MENDELSSOHN
RECORDING
OF THE MONTH Anton
BRUCKNER (1824-1896) Symphony 4
Minnesota O/Osmo Vänskä rec. 2009,
BIS-SACD-1746
[63:21] [DC]
No
reservations whatsoever.
Anton
BRUCKNER (1824-1896) Symphony 5
Suisse Romande O/Marek Janowski rec. 2009
PENTATONE CLASSICS PTC 5186 351 [73:54]
[MC]
Janowski
demonstrates splendid control of structure.
Anton
BRUCKNER (1824-1896) Symphonies 4 & 7
Munich PO/Christian Thielemann rec. 2006/8
UNITEL CLASSICA/C MAJOR 701908
[RMay]
These
are performances that should be heard by all lovers of Bruckner’s
music
Anton
BRUCKNER (1824-1896) Symphony 7
Staatskapelle Dresden/Herbert Blomstedt rec. 1980
DAL SEGNO DSPRCD046 [67:50]
[NB]
An
impressive interpretation and a superb testament to a great orchestra.
Paul
BURKHARD (1911-1977) Sieben Stufen des Lebens... Hans
SCHAEUBLE (1906-1988) Die Rose & der Schatten
Emmy
Hürlimann (harp), Manfred Preis (clarinet), Martin Suter (organ), Nico
Kaufmann, Hans Schaeuble (pno), Paul Burkhard (conductor), rec. 1959/77
GUILD
GHCD2357 [73:35]
[JW]
As
for a ready market this is for the most particular of Swiss specialists
– an Archive Special
Arthur
BUTTERWORTH (b. 1923) Symphony 5, Three Nocturnes, The
Quiet Tarn, The Green Wind, Coruscations, Gigues
Royal
Scottish Ntl O/Arthur Butterworth rec. 2010
DUTTON EPOCH CDLX 7253 [67:49]
[RB]
Whets
the listener's appetite for more Butterworth.
George
BUTTERWORTH (1885-1916) Songs from A Shropshire Lad,
Folk Songs from Sussex
Roderick Williams (baritone); Iain Burnside (piano) rec. 2010
NAXOS 8.572426 [52:05]
[JW]
I
enjoyed this disc greatly despite my localised reservations. It’s well
recorded, and well balanced too.
BARGAIN
OF THE MONTH Dietrich BUXTEHUDE
(c.1637-1707) Organ Works
Lionel Rogg rec. 1977-78
EMI CLASSICS GEMINI 4563292 [77:24 + 77:57]
[BW]
An
excellent bargain for novices and seasoned collectors alike.
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