|
 RECORDINGS
OF THE MONTH
Johann Sebastian BACH (1685-1750) Sonatas for Violin and Harpsichord 1-6 -
Yehudi Menuhin (violin) George Malcolm (harpsichord) Ambrose Gauntlett (viola da gamba)
rec. 1961 FORGOTTEN RECORDS FR753/4 [48:02 + 52:47] [SG] One of the most important historic violin releases of recent times.
Johann Nepomuk
DAVID (1895-1977) Symphonies 1 & 6 - ORF Radio SO
Vienna/Johannes Wildner rec. 2011 CPO 777 741-2 [59.54]
[GH] Having heard these symphonies I wanted to play them again straightaway
which is a rare feeling.
Claude
DEBUSSY (1862-1918) String Quartet, Danses
Sacrée et Profane André CAPLET (1878-1925) Les Prières, Conte Fantastique - Marielle Nordmann (harp) Francoise
Masset (soprano) Yann Dubost (double-bass) Quatuor Debussy rec. 2012 TIMPANI 1C1207 [62:50] [SG] Two French composers,
inextricably linked, in compelling performances.
Per NØRGÅRD (b. 1932) Symphonies 1 & 8 - Vienna PO/Sakari
Oramo rec. 2013 DACAPO 6.220574 SACD [57:09]
[DM] Two very different works, supremely well played, conducted and
recorded; surely one of the year's finest symphonic releases thus far.
Sergei
PROKOFIEV (1891-1953) Ivan the Terrible - Olga
Borodina (mezzo) Ildar Abdrazakov (bass) Rundfunkchor Berlin, Staats-
und Domchor Berlin, Deutsches SO Berlin/Tugan Sokhiev
rec. 2013 SONY CLASSICAL 88843 028942 [68:43] [MC] Magnificently
conducted, played and sung, this live performance makes a stunning impression.
Serge
PROKOFIEV (1891-1953) Sonatas for Violin and Piano, Melodies - Alina Ibragimova (violin) Steven Osborne (piano)
rec. 2013 HYPERION CDA67514 [60:45] [LW] A new
first choice for Prokofiev violin and piano
works.
Franz SCHUBERT (1797-1828) Octet Mario WIEGAND (b. 1970) Dunkle Lichter East Side Oktett, with Sung Kwon You (bassoon) rec. 2010/2014 ES DUR ES2051 [66:09] [GPJ] A brilliant and musically satisfying account of one of Schubert’s most lovable works from this exciting new Berlin-based ensemble.
Sergey TANEYEV (1856-1915) Piano Quintet, Piano Quartet, Piano Trio -
Anna Zassimova (piano) Albrecht Breuninger, Stefan Krznaric (violin) Julien Heichelbech (viola) Bernhard Lörcher (cello) rec. 2011 CPO 777 793-2 [44:09 + 75:46] [JQ] A terrific set of chamber works.
Ralph VAUGHAN
WILLIAMS (1872-1958) Symphony 9 - London PO/Sir Adrian
Boult rec. 1958 EVEREST SBDR 3006 [35:01] [JF] Everything
about this CD is perfect.
Sir William WALTON (1902-1983) Troilus and Cressida - Judith Howarth (soprano) Arthur Davies (tenor) Ch Opera North, English Northern
Phil/Richard Hickox rec. 1995 CHANDOS
CHAN241-50 [70:08 + 63:04] This
mordant yet touching Hickox and Opera North
recording of the original version has the ruddiest
of blood running through its veins [RB] More firmly than
ever at the top of the pile [BW]
Mieczyslaw WEINBERG (1919-1996) Polish Tunes,
Symphony 21 -
Veronika Bartenyeva (soprano) Siberian SO/Dmitry Vasilyev
rec. 2013 TOCCATA CLASSICS TOCC0193 [67:28] [MC] This important release comprising first recordings of Weinberg’s orchestral music has exceptional appeal.
Alexander
ZEMLINSKY (1871-1942) String
Quartets Vol. 2 - Escher String Qt rec. 2012 NAXOS 8.573088 [74:54]
[NB] Remarkable expressive
and musical range achieved with a technical
security and near perfect ensemble that transcends
any criticism.
Paul O’Dette (lute) My Favourite Dowland rec.
2012 HARMONIA MUNDI HMU907515 [75:23] [JW] Altogether the loveliest imaginable salute from interpreter to revered
composer. |
Isaac ALBÉNIZ (1860-1909) Ibéria -
Peter Schaaf (piano)
rec. 2013 THE VICTOR ELMALEH COLLECTION VEC 101 [79:54] [TB] Fits the whole of Ibéria - well-played too - onto a single CD.
Eugen d’ALBERT (1864-1932) Preludes and Overtures; Aschenputtel suite; Das Seejungfräulein - MDR Leipzig Radio Symphony Orchestra/Jun Märkl rec. 2011 NAXOS 8.573110 [75:11] [RMay] Too much effort accumulating all those wives ... better spent establishing a more readily identifiable musical personality.
John
ANTILL (1904-1986) Corroboree Suite Alberto
GINASTERA (1916-1983) Panambi Suite - London SO/Sir
Eugene Goossens rec. 1958 EVEREST SDBR 3003 [37:24]
[JF] The conducting is masterly and the playing superb.
Malcolm ARNOLD (1921-2006) Four Scottish Dances, Symphony 3 - London PO/Malcolm
Arnold rec. 1958 EVEREST SBDR 3021 [45:29] [JF] I am
coming to understand that this symphony is one of the composer’s
masterpieces.
Carl Philipp Emanuel BACH (1714-1788) Spiritual Songs -
Norbert Meyn (tenor), Terence Charlston (clavichord)
rec. 2012 TOCCATA CLASSICS TOCC0248 [55:41] [JV] Music to be enjoyed in private, as it will have been performed in Bach's time: a couple of songs at a time, and then at full length.
Carl
Philipp Emanuel BACH (1714-1788) Die Letzten Leiden
des Erlösers - RIAS Kammerchor &
O CPE Bach/Hartmut Haenchen rec. 2014 BERLIN
CLASSICS 0300575BC [46:56 + 47:07] [MS] Presents
one of CPE’s lesser known and previously
unrecorded choral works with great style and
to great effect.
Johann Sebastian BACH (1685-1750) The French Suites -
Alessandra Artifoni (harpsichord)
rec. 2012 DYNAMIC CDS 757/1-2 [45:08 + 45:36] [JV] The interpretation leaves me unsatisfied.
Johann Sebastian
BACH (1685-1750) Goldberg Variations - Marco Salcito
(guitar) rec. 2014 DYNAMIC RECORDS CDS 7699/1-2 [52:14
+ 58:11] [KM] It's rare that I hear a recording that is this
lugubrious and disappointing.
Johann Sebastian BACH (1685-1750) The Art of Fugue Johann PACHELBEL (1653-1706) Canon; Chaconnes; Chorale Preludes -
Barbara Harbach (organ) rec. 1983/1990 MSR CLASSICS MS 1442 [70:00 + 78:53] [DC] Dutiful, but not much more.
Johann
Sebastian BACH (1685-1750) Transcriptions by Busoni & others - Holger Groschopp (piano)
rec. 2011 CAPRICCIO C5198 [63:20
+ 50:55] [NB] Very
capable and dedicated but this unsmiling approach
to the organ transcriptions means a qualified
recommendation.
Sir
Granville BANTOCK (1868-1946) A Pageant of Human
Life - Saint Louis
Chamber Ch/Philip Barnes rec. 2008 REGENT
REGCD310 [77:26] [JQ] An
excellent addition to the Bantock discography.
No Bantock enthusiast should be without it.
Bela
BARTOK (1881-1945) Chamber works for violin Vol. 3 - James
Ehnes, Amy Schwartz Moretti (violin) Michael Collins (clarinet) Andrew
Armstrong (piano) rec. 2012/13 CHANDOS CHAN10820 [68:33]
[PCG] Performances absolutely immaculate even in the face of the most
ferocious difficulties and boredom never sets in.
Sir Arnold
BAX (1883-1953) Four Orchestral Pieces, Phantasy, Overture, Elegy, and Rondo - Philip Dukes (viola) BBC Philharmonic/Sir Andrew Davis rec. 2014 CHANDOS
CHAN10829 [72:23] [RB] Sensational recordings and performances
that are never less than splendid.
Ludwig van
BEETHOVEN (1770-1827) 'Archduke' Trio, Kakadu variations, Trio movement - Boulanger
Trio rec. 2012 PROFIL EDITION PH14015 [61:36] [MC] Undoubtedly the Boulanger players know this Beethoven territory well.
Ludwig van BEETHOVEN (1770-1827) Complete Fortepiano Concertos -
Arthur Schoonderwoerd (fortepiano)
Cristofori
rec. 2004-08 ALPHA 820 [3 CDs: 201:13] [KM] You may love this set, or you may hate it, but do approach this set with an open mind. You might be surprised.
Ludwig
van BEETHOVEN (1770-1827) Piano Concertos 2 & 4 - Mahler
CO/Leif Ove Andsnes (piano/director) rec.
2013 SONY CLASSICAL 88883
705482 [63:43] [MC] Excellent
... can rub shoulders with the finest in the
catalogue.
Ludwig
van BEETHOVEN (1770-1827) Symphonies 3-7 & 9, Coriolan
and Leonora 3 overtures - Berlin PO, Vienna PO/Wilhelm Furtwängler MUSIC & ARTS
CD-4049 [4 CDs: 299:31] [JQ] Intense,
deeply considered wartime performances by a giant among Beethoven conductors.
Ludwig van BEETHOVEN (1770-1827) Missa Solemnis London PO/Sir Georg Solti rec. 1982 LONDON PHILHARMONIC ORCHESTRA LPO0077 [79:57] [JS] Not as memorable as might have been expected but the conviction of the singing of the chorus is nothing short of astonishing.
Ludwig
van BEETHOVEN (1770-1827) Diabelli Variations - Christina
Bjørkoe (piano) rec. 2013 DANACORD DACOCD747 [72:31] [JF] Bjørkoe gives a commanding and memorable recital.
Ludwig
van BEETHOVEN (1770-1827) Symphonies 1-9 - Berlin PO/Herbert
von Karajan rec. 1961/62 DEUTSCHE
GRAMMOPHON 479 3442 [5 CDs + BD-A:
332:45] [JQ] Karajan’s
1963 Beethoven cycle still deserves to be highly
regarded in 2014.
Angelo BERARDI (1630-1694) Sinfonie a violino solo -
Fabrizio Longo (violino barocco), Anna Clemente (clavicembalo)
rec. 2013 TACTUS TC 630201 [45:49] [BBa] Will suit anyone with an ear for the period or who craves well-elaborated yet straightforward music out of the mainstream.
Hector BERLIOZ (1803-1869) Harold in Italy, Roman Carnival Overture, Reverie and Caprice, Benvenuto Cellini: Overture
- Lise Berthaud (viola) Giovanni Radivo (violin) Lyon Ntl O/Leonard
Slatkin rec. 2013 NAXOS 8.573297 [70:31] [PCG] Applause
would have been well deserved.
Harrison
BIRTWISTLE (b.1934) Trio, Bogenstrich, 9 Settings of Lorine Niedecker
- Amy Freston (soprano) Roderick Williams (baritone)
Lisa Batiashvili (violin) Adrian Brendel (cello)
Till Fellner (piano) rec. 2011 ECM NEW
SERIES 2253 (4765050) [65:34] [GM] A fine addition to
the Birtwistle discography for his eightieth
birthday.
Georges
BIZET (1838-1875) L’Arlésienne Suites
1 & 2 Gabriel FAURÉ (1845-1924) Masques
et Bergamasques Charles GOUNOD (1818-1893) Faust ballet music - Suisse Romande O/Kazuki
Yamada rec.2013 PENTATONE PTC5186358 SACD [69:56] [DM] Gorgeous playing
and a fine recording; alas, the performances lack character.
Johannes BRAHMS (1833-1897) Double Concerto,
Piano Concerto 1 -
Jiří Vodička (violin), Jan Páleniček (cello), Jitka Čechová (piano)
Hradec Králové PO/Ondřey Kukal
rec. 2013 TRIART TR005 [33:09 + 50:16] [GPJ] Magnificent playing from these talented Czech soloists. A pity that the orchestra’s contribution is not quite in the same bracket.
Benjamin
BRITTEN (1913-1976) Violin Concerto Mieczysław
WEINBERG (1919-1996) Violin Concerto - Linus Roth (violin)
Deutsches SO Berlin/Mihkel Kütson rec. 2013 CHALLENGE
CLASSICS CC72627 SACD [62:50] [NB] A disc that further
enhances the reputations of both concertos without becoming a first
choice in either.
Anton
BRUCKNER (1824-1896) Complete Symphonies
- Leipzig Gewandhaus O/Václav Neumann,
Kurt Sanderling Berlin RSO/Heinz Rögner,
Franz Konwitschny rec. 1951-85 BRILLIANT
CLASSICS 94686 [9 CDs: 9:07:20] [RMo] What a bargain - what
a revelation.
Ferruccio
BUSONI (1866-1924) Bach and Brahms Transcriptions - David Theodor Schmidt (piano) rec. 2013 PROFIL
EDITION PH14005 [59:37] [SG] A valuable and enjoyable musical
experience.
William BYRD (1539/40–1623) The Three Masses - Westminster
Cathedral Ch/Martin Baker rec. 2013 HYPERION CDA68038 [71:30] [BW] One of the
best recordings of this wonderful music.
John CASKEN (b.1949) Violin Concerto, Concerto for Orchestra, Orion Over Farne - Sophia Jaffé (violin) Hallé
O/Markus Stenz rec. 2013 NMC RECORDINGS NMC D189 [74:40]
[RB] Another piece of elite advocacy for a contemporary composer who
still allows house room to imagination. Fascinating generally but the
Violin Concerto stands out in this company.
Frédéric CHOPIN (1810-1849)
Scherzi 1-4,
Fantaisie -
Yuri Boukoff (piano)
rec. 1957 FORGOTTEN RECORDS FR973 [48:53] [SG] A valuable reissue of music-making by an outstanding and long-since forgotten pianist - thrilling.
Frédéric CHOPIN (1810-1849)
Piano Concerto 1,
Piano Sonata 3 -
Guiomar Novaes (piano)
Bamberg SO/Ionel Perlea
rec. 1952/57 FORGOTTEN RECORDS FR976 [67:55] [SG] Chopin playing of impeccable refinement.
Aaron COPLAND (1900-1990) Billy the Kid suite, Statements for Orchestra -
London SO/Aaron Copland rec. 1958 EVEREST SDBR3015 [36.53] Symphony 3 - London SO/Aaron Copland rec. 1958 EVEREST SDBR3018 [40.20] [IL] Welcome returns in excellent sound. Not over-generous but worth every
dollar.
Arcangelo CORELLI (1653-1713) Sonatas da chiesa, Op. 1 & 3 -
Avison Ensemble/Pavlo Beznosiuk rec. 2011/12 LINN CKD414 [71.05 + 76.48] [GH] The players understand every strain of these simple, direct but perfect ideas.
Marco DALL’AQUILA (c.1480-1538) Music for Lute - Sandro Volta (six-course lute)
rec. 2013 BRILLIANT CLASSICS 94805 [49:09] [GH] Not
an overlooked master but the music is pleasing and the performances
are immaculate.
Claude DEBUSSY (1862-1918) La Mer Maurice RAVEL (1875-1937) La Valse; Pavane pour une infante défunte; Boléro; Daphnis et Chloé, Valses Nobles et sentimentales - Gunnar Idenstam (organ) rec. 2013 BIS BIS-2049 SACD [73:46] [DC] Fancy Debussy’s symphonic sketches on organ?
Alfred
DESENCLOS (1912-1971) Requiem Francis POULENC (1899-1963) Litanies à la Vierge noire Pierre
VILLETTE (1926-1998) Motets - Ch King’s
College, London/David Trendell
rec. 2013 DELPHIAN DCD34136 [69:30] [GH] This is well
worth searching out.
Erno DOHNÁNYI (1877-1960) Symphony 2, Two Songs - Evan Thomas Jones
(baritone) Florida State U SO/Alexander Jiménez rec. 2013 NAXOS 8.573008 [65:44] [JWh] Lovers of lush romanticism
will be more than happy to come across this disc.
Gaetano
DONIZETTI (1797-1848) Don Pasquale - Alessandro Corbelli (bass) Alek Shrader
(tenor) Danielle de Niesse (soprano) Nikolay
Borchev (baritone) Glyndebourne Ch, London PO/Enrique
Mazzola rec. 2013 OPUS ARTE DVD OA1134D [128:00 + 23:00 (bonus)] [RJF] Despite
the director adding to Donizetti’s story,
a worthwhile standard of singing and acting
is achieved.
Gaetano
DONIZETTI (1797-1848) Aristea - Andrea
Lauren Brown (soprano) Cornel Frey (tenor) Andreas Burkhart (bass) Bavarian
State Opera Ch, Simon Mayr Ch & Ens/Franz Hauk rec. 2012 NAXOS
8.573360 [59:15] [JS] Should be in the collection of any Donizetti
enthusiast.
David DUBERY (b.1948) Observations: Seventeen Songs and a String Quartet -
James Gilchrist (tenor) Adrienne Murray (mezzo) Michael Cox (flute) David Dubery (piano) Cavaleri Qt rec. 2013 METIER MSV28548 [71:13] [JF] In the trajectory of all that is best in English song.
Antonín DVOŘÁK (1841-1904) String Quartet in E flat,
Bagatelles,
Violin Sonatina -
Vlach Qt, Miroslav Kampelsheimer (harmonium)
Ladislav Jásek (violin) Zorha Lochmanová (piano)
rec. Prague 1955/62 FORGOTTEN RECORDS FR937 [70:03] [JW] This is a disc for lovers of the Vlach Quartet – treat the Sonatina as a curio.
Antonín DVOŘÁK (1841-1904) Symphony 8 Leoš JANÁČEK (1854-1938) Symphonic Suite Jenůfa - Pittsburgh SO/Manfred Honeck rec. 2014 REFERENCE RECORDINGS SACD FR-710 [62:04] [MC] Stunningly played and recorded this winning release deserves significant praise.
Antonín
DVOŘÁK (1841-1904) Legends, Symphony 8 - Bournemouth
SO/José Serebrier rec. 2014 WARNER
CLASSICS 2564 628787 [72:42] [MC] A
captivating Eighth.
Antonín
DVOŘÁK (1841-1904) Violin Sonatina Ludwig
van BEETHOVEN (1770-1827) Violin Sonata
5 Franz SCHUBERT (1797-1828) Violin Sonata - Siegfried Borries (violin) Michael
Raucheisen (piano) rec. 1943-1944 MELOCLASSIC
MC2010 [66:23] [JW] Borries
well deserves his place in this series especially
in such sympathetic restorations.
Bechara
EL-KHOURY (b. 1957) Violin Concerto 1, Horn Concerto, Clarinet
Concerto - Sarah Nemtanu (violin) David Guerrier (horn) Patrick Messina
(clarinet) O Ntl de France/Kurt Masur, Jean-Claude Casadesus, Paris CO/Olari Elts rec. 2006/10 NAXOS 8.572773 [73:13]
[RB] El-Khoury is not about harsh modernity ... reflective tendencies
predominate.
George ENESCU (1881-1955) Isis, Symphony 5 - Marius Vlad (tenor)
NDR Chor, Deutsche Radio Philharmonie, Saarbrucken Kaiserslautern/Peter
Ruzicka rec. 2012 CPO 777 823-2 [60:39] [RB] Resolutely
serious, well integrated and not lacking in poetic beauty.
August
ENNA (1859-1939) Cleopatra, Violin Concerto,
Symphonic Fantasy - Kathrin Rabus (violin) NDR
Radiophil/Herman Baumer rec. 2011 CPO
777 674-2 [63:40] [RB] Low-key
Tchaikovskian delights from this Danish romantic.
Gabriel FAURÉ (1845-1924) Piano Quartet 2; Romances sans paroles; Piano Trio -
Kungsbacka Piano Trio; Philip Dukes (viola); Richard Hosford (clarinet) rec. 2013 NAXOS 8.573223 [62:07] [CF] Chamber music played at its highest level.
Gabriel FAURÉ (1845-1924) Piano Quartet 2, Clarinet Trio, Trois romances sans paroles - Kungsbacka Piano Trio,
Philip Dukes (viola) Richard Hosford (clarinet) rec. 2013 NAXOS
8.573223 [62:07] [IL] Another beguiling album of Fauré
chamber music.
Zdeněk FIBICH (1850-1900) Orchestral Works Vol. 3 -
Czech Ntl SO/Marek Štilec rec. 2013 NAXOS 8.573197 [72:27] [RB] All who are already friends of Ma Vlast and the Dvorak late tone-poems will want to hear this and can expect to find new friends.
Hans GÁL (1890-1987) Symphony 1 Robert SCHUMANN (1810-1856) Symphony 1 - O of the Swan/Kenneth Woods rec. 2013 AVIE AV2233 [61:07] [SA] If you’d like a really good recording of the Schumann
and you don’t know the Gàl then this disc is a win-win.
George
GERSHWIN (1898-1937) Rhapsody
in Blue, An American in Paris,
Piano Concerto - Eugene List (piano) Columbia SO/New York PO/Leonard
Bernstein, Eastman-Rochester
O/Howard Hanson, Frederick Fennell rec. 1957-1960 ALTO ALC1247 [76:12] [BW] Whatever
other recordings of these works you have this
budget-price reissue is well worth adding.
Christoph
Willibald GLUCK (1714-1787) 300 Years - Orfeo ed Euridice, Alceste, Iphigénie en Tauride rec. 1991-2006 ARTHAUS MUSIK 107540 [3 DVDs: 83:00 + 165:00 + 108:00]
[TB] Well-intentioned but ultimately disappointing.
Edvard
GRIEG (1843-1907) Piano Concerto Sergei PROKOFIEV (1891-1953) Piano Concerto 3 - Nikolai Lugansky (piano)
Deutsches SO Berlin/Kent Nagano rec. 2013 AMBROISIE
AM210 [59:19] [TB] Lugansky's sensitively drawn phrasing
and touch beautifully captured.
Sofia
GUBAIDULINA (b. 1931) Repentance, Serenade, Piano Sonata, Sotto voce - Franz Halász, Jacob
Kellermann, Lucas Brar (guitars) Wen-Sinn Yang (cello) Hariolf Schlichtig
(viola) Philipp Stubenrauch (double bass) Débora Halász
(piano) rec. 2013 BIS BIS-2056 SACD [70:07] [DM] Gubaidulina
fans will want this one; newbies should process with caution, though.
Joseph HAYDN (1732-1809) Symphonies 92, 93 & 97-99 - London SO/Sir Colin Davis
rec. 2010/11 LSO LIVE LSO0702 SACD [76:49 + 56:05] Two hours listening to late Haydn symphonies under the perceptive
guidance of Sir Colin Davis is time very well spent [JQ] As fine a set as you could wish – it’s just a shame that Davis didn’t live to complete the series [BW].
Joseph
HAYDN (1732-1809) Die
Jahreszeiten - Christina Landshamer
(soprano) Maximilian Schmitt (tenor) Florian
Boesch (bass) Collegium Vocale Ghent/O Champs-Elysées/Philippe
Herreweghe rec. 2013 PHI LPH013 [65:40 + 63:37] [JQ] A
richly enjoyable account of Die Jahreszeiten.
Joseph HAYDN (1732-1809) Die Schöpfung - Camilla Tilling (soprano) Mark Padmore (tenor) Hanno Müller-Brachmann
(bass-baritone) Bavarian RSO & Ch/Bernard
Haitink rec. 2013 BR KLASSIK 900125 [37:46 + 63:31]
[MC] An excellent live account ... beautifully shaped and vividly radiating
reverence.
Joseph HAYDN (1732-1809) Anne Hunter’s Salon - Dorothee
Mields (soprano) Les Amis de Philippe rec. 2013 CPO 777 824-2 [62:16] [JS] All in all, delightful music performed with understanding
and imagination.
Josef HAYDN (1732-1809) Fortepiano sonatas, Adagio & Variations - Bobby Mitchell (pianoforte) rec. 2014 ALPHA 196 [75:37] [DC] Highly diverting.
Franz Joseph HAYDN (1732-1809) Nelson Mass - Ch New College Oxford, New Century Baroque/Edward Higginbottom rec. 2011 NOVUM NCR1385 [48:43] [JV] A very good recording of one of Haydn's masterworks.
Jake
HEGGIE (b. 1961) Natural Selection,
Songs and Sonnets to Ophelia, Eve-Song - Regina Zona (soprano) Kathleen Tagg (piano)
rec. 2013 NAXOS AMERICAN CLASSICS 8.559764 [58.49] [PCG] Very
beautiful and very effective music.
Heinrich
von HERZOGENBERG (1843-1900) Totenfeier, Begräbnisgesang, Requiem - Monteverdichor Würzburg,
Thüringen Philharmonie Gotha/Matthias Beckert rec. 2013 CPO 777755-2 SACD [48:38 + 54:07] [RB] A
German romantic composer who thinks and grieves in long expressive paragraphs.
Paul
HINDEMITH (1895-1963) Nobilissima Visione, Five
Pieces for String Orchestra - Seattle Symphony/Gerard Schwarz rec.
2011 NAXOS 8.572763 [58:37] Hindemith’s complete Nobilissima Visione in a fine performance [LW] Hindemith done
with utter conviction and apposite style [RB].
Herbert HOWELLS (1892-1983) Stabat Mater, Te Deum, Sine nomine -
Benjamin Hulett (tenor) Alison Hill (soprano)
Bach Ch,
Bournemouth SO/David Hill
rec. 2013 NAXOS 8.573176 [70:24] [RB] The emotional furnace of Stabat Mater superbly stoked and heard alongside two other succulent Howells rarities.
Tobias HUME (d.1645) Captain Tobias Hume - A Scottish Soldier - Concerto Caledonia/David McGuinness rec. 2012 DELPHIAN DCD34140 [57:22] [JV] This is a most delightful disc which will give any listener about an hour of first-class musical entertainment.
Engelbert
HUMPERDINCK (1854-1921) Hänsel und Gretel - Sayaka Shigeshima (mezzo) Elisabeth Wimmer (soprano) Staatskapelle Weimar/Martin
Hoff rec. 2013 MUSIKPRODUKTION DABRINGHAUS UND GRIMM 90918376
SACD [57:26 + 40:56] [NB] Enjoyable as a good representation
of the high quality collaborative productions still being produced in
regional German opera houses.
Maurice JARRE (1924-2009) Notre-Dame de Paris Natalia Osipova, Roberto Bolle, la Scala/Paul Connell rec. 2013 OPUS ARTE Blu-ray OABD7146D [95:00+15:00] [IL] An extraordinary and often riveting modern ballet with some very telling if uncomfortable Petit choreography.
John
JENKINS (1592-1678) Fantasias, Pavans
and Airs in four parts - The Spirit
of Gambo rec. 2012 MUSICA FICTA MF8019 [60:27] [JW] First-class
performances sensitively recorded.
Karl
JENKINS (b.1944) Motets - Polyphony/Stephen Layton DEUTSCHE
GRAMMOPHON 479 3232 [74:08] [GH] Emotionally
charged, warm-hearted and communicative.
Daniel JONES (1912-1993) Bagatelles Sets I-III Béla BARTOK (1881-1945) Fourteen Bagatelles -
Llŷr Williams (piano) TY CERDD [61.11] [PCG] A complete disc of bagatelles but Jones use the form to say something rather more serious.
Dmitri KABALEVSKY (1904-1987) Piano Pieces for Children Young and Old -
A Recital of Concert Pieces
Kirsten Johnson (piano)
rec. 2014 NIMBUS ALLIANCE NI 6282/83 [72:38 & 77:29] [SA] Johnson plays everything in a committed way that shows her love for the music.
Aram
Il'yich KHACHATURIAN (1903-1978) The Battle of Stalingrad Suite, Othello Suite - Viktor Simcisko (violin) Jana Valaskova
(soprano) Slovak Phil Ch/Slovak Radio SO/Adriano
rec. 1989-1992 NAXOS FILM MUSIC CLASSICS
8.573389 [63:14] [RB] Two
very welcome substantial suites from the world
of Khachaturian’s film music.
Jerome KITZKE (b. 1955) The Green Automobile; The Paha Sapa Give-Back; Winter Count - Jerome Kitzke, The Mad Coyote, Jennifer Kathryn Marshall, Barbara Merjan, ETHEL rec. 2012/13 INNOVA 891 [61:02] [DC] Kitzke has something to say, and he says it very well indeed.
Robert KURKA (1921-1957) Julius Caesar; Symphony 2; Music for Orchestra; Serenade -
Grant Park O/Carlos Kalmar rec. 2003 CEDILLE CDR 90000077 [63:58] [RB] Kurka's music is outstanding and well worth your time.
Elisabeth
KUYPER (1877-1953) Violin Sonata,
Violin Concerto - Aleksandra Maslovaric (violin)
Tamara Rumiantsev (piano) Brno PO/Mikel Toms FEMINAE RECORDS CD1401 [54:32]
[NB] A second recording
of this rewarding music is urgently required.
Lars-Erik
LARSSON (1908-1986) Orchestral Works Vol. 1 - Helsingborg
SO/Andrew Manze rec. 2011 CPO 7776712 SACD [76:06]
[NB] Excellent in every respect and leaves me impatiently for Volume
2.
Orlando di LASSO (1532-1594) Cantiones Duarum Vocum -
Paolo Tognon; Claudio Verh (dulcians)
Gruppo Vocale Armoniosoincanto/Franco Radicchia (vocal)
rec. 2009/11 TACTUS TC531202 [59.34] [GH] Beautifully done with immaculate tuning and phrasing. Even so it may over-stretch your patience a little.
Orlandus
LASSUS (c.1531 - 1594) Biographie musicale
Vol. 3 - Egidius Kwartet and College
rec. 2013 MUSIQUE EN WALLONIE MEW 1369 [73:06] [JV] A wide
array of pieces, sacred and secular, in various
languages and with different subjects, all in
high-quality performances.
Fernando LOPES-GRAÇA (1906 – 1994) Nove Danças Breves,Variações sobre um tema popular portuguê, Piano Sonata 2, Ao Fio dos Anos e das Horas - Artur Pizarro (piano) rec. 2012 CAPRICCIO C5196 [79:13] [HC] If Lopes-Graça's music is new to you there cannot be a better place to begin.
Fernando LOPES-GRAÇA (1906–1994) Canto de Amor et de Morte,
String Quartet 1,
Suite Rústica No. 2 -
Olga Prats (piano) Quarteto Lopes-Graça
rec. 2013 TOCCATA CLASSICS TOCC0253 [54:05] [HC] Three works from Lopes-Graça's most productive decade in fine performances and recordings.
Albert
LORTZING (1801–1851) Regina - Johanna Stojkovic (soprano) Theresa Holzhauser
(mezzo) Jean Broekhuizen (mezzo) Daniel Kirch
(tenor) Prague Phil Ch, Munich Rundfunk O/Ulf
Schirmer rec. 2011 CPO 777 710-2 [67:53 + 68:46] [GF] Not
the unknown masterpiece we always hope for but
pleasant enough.
Jacques LOUSSIER (b. 1934) Violin concertos 1 & 2 Ignacy Jan PADEREWSKI (1860-1941) Violin sonata - Adam Kostecki (violin) Piotr Iwicki (percussion) Gunther Hauer (piano) Polish Philharmonic CO/Adam Kostecki rec. 2004/11 NAXOS 8.573200 [65:14] [SA] The disc is interesting to say the least and full of exciting as well as beautiful music.
Leevi MADETOJA (1887-1947) Symphonies 1 & 3, Okon Fuoko Suite
- Helsinki PO/John Storgårds rec. 2013 ONDINE ODE 1211-2 [66:39]
[JQ] Unfailingly attractive music in expert performances.
Albéric MAGNARD (1865-1914) Cello Sonata, En Dieu, Trois Pièces, Promenades -
Alain Meunier (cello)
Philippe Guilhon-Herbert (piano) HORTUS 701 [70:37] [MC] Splendid playing ... stylish and warm musicianship.
Gustav MAHLER (1860-1911) Symphony 1 - London PO/Sir Adrian Boult rec. 1958 EVEREST SDBR 3005 [46:06] [RMo] This is Boult just
getting on with it and it still sounds terrific.
Gustav MAHLER (1860-1911) Symphony 2 -
Ileana Cotrubas (soprano) Christa Ludwig (contralto) Vienna PO/Zubin Mehta rec. 1975 DECCA BD-A 478 5030 [81:11] [JQ] A very good version indeed, both sonically and as a performance.
Gustav MAHLER (1860-1911) Symphony 8 - Vienna
State Opera Ch, Vienna Singverein, Vienna Boys’ Ch, Chicago SO/Sir
Georg Solti rec. 1971 DECCA 4785006 BD-A [79:46] [PCG] Really something pretty special.
Gustav MAHLER (1860-1911) Symphonies 9 & 10 Adagio -
Gürzenich O Köln/Markus Stenz rec. 2011/14 OEHMS CLASSICS OC654 SACD [78:12 + 23:21] [JQ] The final instalment in Markus Stenz’s Mahler cycle does not disappoint.
Frank
MARTIN (1890-1974) Requiem Arthur
HONEGGER (1892-1955) La Danse des Morts
- Jürgen Henschen (organ) Kantorei St.
Nikolai, Hamburger Camerata/Matthias Hoffmann-Borggrefe
rec. 2010 TROUBADISC TRO-CD 01441 [73:48] [JQ] Interesting
and rarely-heard repertoire in strongly committed
performances.
Joseph MARX (1882-1964) Trio-Phantasie,
Lieder -
Hyperion Trio, Simone Nold (soprano) Christopher Renz (flute) Felix Schwartz (viola)
rec. 2012/3 CPO 777 857-2 [62:06] [WK] This disc has real attractions and not just for fans of Marx.
Peter MAXWELL
DAVIES (b. 1934) The Lighthouse - Neil Mackie
(tenor) Christopher Keyte (baritone) Ian Comboy (bass) Members of the
BBC Philharmonic/Peter Maxwell Davies rec. 1994 NAXOS 8.660354 [72:29] [MS] An excellent interpretation of a compelling modern opera;
fully satisfying in every way.
Felix MENDELSSOHN (1809-1847) Symphonies 1 & 3 -
Netherlands SO/Jan Willem de Vriend rec. 2012/13 CHALLENGE CLASSICS CC72641 [69:50] [DC] Full of character and strong on detail.
Olivier MESSIAEN (1908-1992) Turangalîla-Symphonie - Angela Hewitt (piano) Valérie Hartmann-Claverie (ondes martenot) Finnish RSO/Hannu Lintu rec. 2013 ONDINE ODE1251-5 SACD [75:08] [BW] Worth considering for fans of SACD but there are better versions to be had on CD.
Kirill
MOLCHANOV (1922-1982) The dawns here are
quiet - Artur Eisen (bass) Nina
Grigorieva (mezzo) Galina Borisova (mezzo) Ch
& O USSR Bolshoi Theatre/Alexander Lazarev
rec. Moscow, 1976 MELODIYA MELCD1002247 [57.30 + 53.46] [PCG] Should
appeal only to those who understand Russian
and can therefore follow the text.
Claudio
MONTEVERDI (1567-1643) Vespro della Beata
Vergine - Choeur de Chambre de
Namur, Antiennes grégoriennes/Lionel
Desmeules, Cappella Mediterranea/Leonardo García
Alarcón rec. 2013 AMBRONAY AMY
041 [41:29 + 46:07] [GPJ] An
exceptional version of this great choral masterpiece,
capturing its unique vocal and instrumental
beauties.
Xavier
MONTSALVATGE (1912-2002) Complete Works for Violin and
Piano - Eva Léon (violin) José Ramos Santana (piano) Sibylle
Johner (cello) rec. 2011 NAXOS SPANISH CLASSICS 8.572621 [56:46] [PCG] Those with an appetite for exploration may well find this
Naxos disc attractive.
Wolfgang
Amadeus MOZART (1756-1791) Die Entführung
aus dem Serail - Tobias Moretti,
Desirée Rancatore (soprano) Salzburg Bach
Ch, Camerata Salzburg/Hans Graf rec. 2013 ARTHAUS
MUSIK Blu-ray 108102 [125:00 + 27:00
(bonus)] [RJF] This
must go down as the ultimate modernist, concept
production of this opera or any other. If that
appeals then buy it, whilst Mozart lovers may
look elsewhere, there is plenty of choice.
Wolfgang Amadeus MOZART (1756-1791) Symphony 41 Johann Michael
HAYDN (1737-1806) Six Minuets Joseph HAYDN (1732-1809) Sinfonia Concertante - Concilium musicum Wien/Paul Angerer rec. 2013 GRAMOLA 99017 [66.15] [MMB] Sit back and
enjoy.
Wolfgang
Amadeus MOZART (1756-1791) Piano Concertos 18 & 19 - Cleveland O/Mitsuko
Uchida (piano) rec. 2014 DECCA 478 6763 [60:48] [RMo] Testifies
further to Uchida’s art and Mozart’s
genius.
Wolfgang
Amadeus MOZART (1756-1791) Symphonies 31, 35 & 36 - Royal PO, Beecham SO/Sir Thomas Beecham rec. 1915-53 PRISTINE
AUDIO PASC409 [79:54] [GH] Ample
evidence what a fine Mozart conductor Beecham
was ... also illuminating bonus tracks.
Wolfgang Amadeus MOZART (1756-1791) Violin sonatas -
Arthur Grumiaux (violin)
Clara Haskil (piano)
rec. 1956 MELOCLASSIC MC2000 [74:15] [JW] This splendidly preserved recital takes its rightful place in the pantheon of authoritative and sensitive live performances.
Pietro NARDINI (1722 - 1793) Complete String Quartets -
Quartetto Eleusi rec. 2012 BRILLIANT CLASSICS 94438 [68:40] [JV] The Quartetto Eleusi playing on period instruments bring out all the qualities of Nardini's quartets.
Andrzej PANUFNIK (1914-1991) Twelve Miniature Studies,
Hommage à Chopin,
Pentasonata,
Modlitwa,
Reflections Roxanna PANUFNIK (b.1968) Second Home -
Clare Hammond (piano)
rec. 2013 BIS BIS-2003 SACD [71:29] [RB] Genuine music that ranges from instantly gratifying to something more iron-clad requiring time and repetition.
Sir C. Hubert H. PARRY (1848-1918) An English Suite Felix MENDELSSOHN-BARTHOLDY (1809-1847) String Symphony 10 Pyotr Ilyich TCHAIKOVSKY (1840-1893) Souvenir de Florence -
Deutsche Streicherphilharmonie/Michael Sanderling rec. 2009/11 GENUIN GEN13277 [76:52] [JWh] An exceptional young string orchestra in full flow.
Sergei
PROKOFIEV (1891-1953) Suites from Romeo and Juliet & Cinderella - Ludmilla Berlinskaya, Arthur Ancelle (pianos)
rec. 2013 MELODIYA MELCD1002207 [70:24] [DC] What’s
this ... a brand new recording from Melodiya?
Giacomo
PUCCINI (1858-1924) Turandot - Lise Lindstrom (soprano) Marco Berti (tenor)
Eri Nakamura (soprano) Dionysios Sourbis (baritone)
O & Ch Royal Opera House/Henrik Nánási
rec. 2013 OPUS ARTE Blu-ray OABD7142D [125:00 + 12:00] [BW] Aurally
and visually very convincing.
Sergei RACHMANINOV (1875-1943) Preludes; Piano Sonatas 1 & 2; Transcriptions -
Sergio Fiorentino (piano) rec. 1962-95 PIANO CLASSICS PCLD0065 [75:35 + 73:12] [SG] Admirers of great pianism will want this.
Maurice RAVEL (1875-1937) String Quartet Pyotr Ilyich TCHAIKOVSKY (1840-1893) String Quartet 1 Sergei RACHMANINOV (1873-1943) Romance from String Quartet 1 -
Puertas Qt
rec. 2011 ATOLL RECORDS ACD214 [64:10] [SA] Played with a real feeling of love and respect for the music and its composers.
Jean-Fery REBEL (1666-1747) François REBEL (1701-1775) & François FRANCOEUR (1698-1787) Rebel de pere en fils - Ensemble Les Surprises/Juliette
Guignard, Louis-Noël Bestion de Camboulas rec. 2013 AMBRONAY AMY303 [72:32] [JV] This is the
debut disc of the Ensemble Les Surprises and it is a very good one.
Jean-Féry REBEL (1666-1747) Les Élémens Suite Jean-Philippe RAMEAU (1683-1764) Castor et Pollux Suite -
L’Orfeo Barockorchester/Michi Gaigg rec. 2007 CPO 777 914-2 [54:39] [DC] Gather a few friends; turn up the volume, and …
Nikolai
RIMSKY-KORSAKOV (1844-1908) Symphonic Works - USSR State
Academic SO/Yevgeny Svetlanov rec. 1969-1984 MELODIYA MELCD1002130 [4 CDs: 264:09] [DM] Svetlanov groupies will want this
set; Rimsky fans might want to look elsewhere.
Nikolai
RIMSKY-KORSAKOV (1844-1908) Scheherazade Mily BALAKIREV
(1837-1910) Islamey Mikhail IPPOLITOV-IVANOV (1859-1935) Caucasian sketches suite 1 Ulvi Cemal ERKIN
(1906-1972) Köçekçe – Pelin Halkaci
Akin (violin) Borusan Istanbul PO/Sascha Goetzel rec. 2014 ONYX
4124 [77:13] [RMay] Falls between two stools.
Gioachino
ROSSINI (1792-1868) Piano Music Vol. 6:
Péchés de vieillesse - Alessandro
Marangoni (piano) rec. 2012 NAXOS 8.573107 [70:27] [JWh] Presented
with style, good humour and no mean virtuosity.
Gioachino
ROSSINI (1792-1868) Maometto
II - Darren Jeffrey (bass) Caitlin Hulcup
(mezzo) Siân Davies (mezzo) Paul Nilon
(tenor) Ch & O Garsington Opera/David Parry
rec. 2013 AVIE AV2312 [3 CDs:
168:17] [RJF] A
well presented recording of the British premiere
of Rossini’s thirty-first opera.
Hans ROTT (1858-1884) Symphony, Balder ruhest du auch! - Michael Volle
(baritone) Munich SO/Hansjörg Albrecht rec. 2013 OEHMS CLASSICS OC1803 [74:30] [RMay] The accomplished
playing of the orchestra and the conductor’s consistently expert
direction make this release well worth consideration.
Lionel
SAINSBURY (b.1958) Piano Music
- Lionel Sainsbury (piano) NAVONA NV5951 [70:12] [RB] Virtuosic
and passionate oratory expressed through the
piano and sharpened and softened by sultry accents.
Camille
SAINT-SAËNS (1835-1921) Symphony 3 Maurice RAVEL (1875-1937) Alborada del gracioso, Pavane pour
une infante défunte, Rapsodie espagnole -
Seattle SO/Ludovic Morlot rec. 2013 SEATTLE SYMPHONY MEDIA SSM1002 [64.23] [CF] Alternately blazing or sombre.
Philip SAWYERS (b.1951) Symphony 1, Symphonic Music for Strings and Brass, The Gale of Life -
Grand Rapids Symphony/David Lockington
rec. 2002-08 NIMBUS ALLIANCE NI 6129 [63:38] [JF] A fine CD that deserves detailed listening and study.
Philip SAWYERS (b.1951) Cello Concerto,
Symphony 2,
Concertante for violin & piano -
Maja Bogdanovic (cello)
Louisa Stonehill (violin) Nicholas Burns (piano)
Orchestra of the Swan/Kenneth Woods
rec. 2013 NIMBUS ALLIANCE NI 6281 [59:42] Highly rewarding and thoroughly infectious [SA] Tuneful modern music with instant appeal. Hugely impressive [JWh].
Arnold SCHOENBERG (1874-1951) Complete Piano Works -
Pina Napolitano (piano) rec. 2011 ODRADEK ODRCD300 [55:09] [GM] Effectively conveys the expressive and romantic force of Schoenberg’s music but there are equally recommendable alternatives.
Robert SCHUMANN (1810-1856) Cello concerto, Fünf Stücke im Volkston, Romanzen, Phantasiestücke, Adagio und Allegro -
Raphael Wallfisch (cello) John York (piano)
Südwestdeutsches CO Pforzheim/Niklas Willén
rec. 2013/14 NIMBUS NI5916 [75:09] [BW] Lyrical and intimate performances, commended to all except those who like the Cello Concerto to sound more intense.
Alexander SCRIABIN (1872-1915) Piano Sonatas 3-5, Scriabiniana –
Boris Bekhterev (piano)
Mario Ancillotti (flute) CAMERATA CMCD-28304 [60:02] [SS] For those who are not yet familiar with Scriabin’s music this disc offers an excellent starting place.
Alexander
SCRIABIN (1871-1915) The Poem
of Ecstasy Fikret Dzhamil AMIROV
(b. 1922) Azerbaijan Mugam - Houston SO/Leopold Stokowski rec. 1959 EVEREST
SDBR3032 [32.56] [IL] Short
measure again from Everest; but very much worth
the investment, especially the Amirov.
Dmitri SHOSTAKOVICH (1906-1975) Symphony 7 -
Hallé O/Mark Elder
rec. 2013 HALLÉ CDHLL 7537 [76:20] [Byz] One of the finest recordings to date.
Dmitri
SHOSTAKOVICH (1906-1975) Symphony
13 Sergei PROKOFIEV (1891-1953) Cantata for the 20th Anniversary of the October Revolution - Vitaly Gromadsky (bass/speaker) Moscow PO/Kirill Kondrashin
rec. 1962/66 PRAGA DIGITALS PRD/DSD
350089 SACD [79:20] [JQ] A
searing performance of Shostakovich’s
Thirteenth Symphony.
Dmitri
SHOSTAKOVICH (1906-1975) The Bolt Suite, Suite
for Variety Orchestra, Jazz Suite No. 1, Tahiti Trot - Russian State SO/Dmitri Yablonsky rec. 2001 2xHD NA2012 [62:00] [DM] A splendid re-master that knocks the CD into a cocked hat; top-notch performances, too.
Dmitri SHOSTAKOVICH (1906-1975) Symphony 1 Ralph VAUGHAN WILLIAMS (1872-1958) Fantasia on a Theme by Thomas Tallis & works by Amirov & Kurka - Phil-SO New York/Leopold
Stokowski rec. 1960-62 GUILD GHCD 2415 [73:08] [RB] Stokowski's virile imagination and enterprising
approach to concert programming.
Jean
SIBELIUS (1865-1957) Symphonies
1 & 5, Pohjola’s Daughter
- BBC SO/Sir Malcolm Sargent rec. 1956-1958 GUILD GHCD2414 [78:49] [JWh] Give Sargent’s
Sibelius a try. This CD is tremendous value
for money.
Jean SIBELIUS (1865-1957) Suites: Pelléas et Mélisande, King Christian II; Music from Swanwhite - Iceland Symphony Orchestra/Petri Sakari rec. 1992 CHANDOS CHAN10828X [79:38] [TB] Orchestral playing of a high order with string sound that is never less than pleasing and some distinguished contributions from the wind players.
Jean
SIBELIUS (1865-1957) Symphonies
1, 2 & 4-6 & orchestral works - Berlin
PO/Herbert von Karajan rec. 1976-81 WARNER CLASSICS 2564 633619 [4 CDs:
264:43] [JWh] Karajan
and the Berliners in some fine Sibelius.
Charles Villiers STANFORD (1852–1924) Violin Concerto 2 Robin MILFORD (1903–1959) Violin Concerto Gustav HOLST (1874–1934) Walt Whitman Overture - Rupert Marshall-Luck (violin) BBC Concert O/Owain Arwel
Hughes rec. 2014 EM RECORDS EMR CD023 [75:46] [MC] Wonderful to have the opportunity of hearing such appealing music so
admirably performed.
Richard STRAUSS (1864-1949) Heimliche Aufforderung - Christiane Karg (soprano) Felix Klieser (horn) Malcolm Martineau (piano) rec. 2013 BERLIN CLASSICS 0300566BC [72:15] [JQ] A delightful disc and a fine tribute to Strauss on the 150th anniversary of his birth.
Richard
STRAUSS (1864-1949) Karl Böhm in Rehearsal and Performance: Don Juan - Vienna PO /Karl Böhm
rec. 1970 EUROARTS Blu-ray 2072184 [74:00] [IL] A fascinating
glimpse into a rehearsal by one of the 20th century’s great conductors.
Richard STRAUSS (1864-1949) Eine Alpensinfonie, Intermezzo interludes - Bavarian RSO/Franz
Welser-Möst rec. 2010/13 BR KLASSIK 900124 [68:45]
[NB] Nothing is wrong here but it would be very hard to favour this
disc in preference to pre-existing versions.
Richard
STRAUSS (1864-1949) Josephs
Legende - Staatskapelle Weimar/Stefan Solyom
rec. 2012 CPO 777902-2 [66:42]
[RB] This is a very
good sounding version of a rare colour-saturated
Strauss score.
Richard STRAUSS (1864-1949) Don Juan, Dance
of the Seven Veils, Till Eulenspiegel's Merry Pranks - Stadium SO of New York/Leopold Stokowski rec. 1958 EVEREST
SDBR 3023 [49:50] [RMo] Worthy but not vintage Stokie.
Richard STRAUSS (1864-1949) Also sprach Zarathustra, Burleske, Till Eulenspiegels lustige Streiche -
Byron Janis (piano)
Chicago SO/Fritz Reiner
rec. 1952-57 PRISTINE AUDIO PASC411 [67:28] [JQ] A very tempting package of Strauss performances by one of his noted interpreters in excellent new transfers.
Richard
STRAUSS (1864-1949) Elektra - Birgit Nilsson (soprano) Wolfgang Windgassen (tenor)
O & Ch Wiener Staatsoper/Karl Böhm
rec. 1965 ORFEO C886142I [60:31
+ 38:09] [RMo] The
extra intensity and charge that comes with which
the atmosphere of a live performance.
Richard
STRAUSS (1864-1949) Don Juan, Ein Heldenleben - London PO/Bernard Haitink rec. 1986/92 LONDON PHILHARMONIC
ORCHESTRA LPO-0079 [65:23] [JQ] Two excellent live Strauss
recordings by Bernard Haitink. Admirers of this greatly distinguished
conductor should not hesitate.
Richard STRAUSS (1864-1949) Don Quixote Ernest BLOCH (1880-1959) Violin Concerto -
Josef Szigeti (violin)
Philharmonic SO New York,
London PO/Sir Thomas Beecham
rec. 1932/39 PRISTINE AUDIO PASC410 [73:32] [JQ] The première recording of Don Quixote in a good new transfer coupled with a real Beecham rarity.
Pyotr Ilyich TCHAIKOVSKY (1840-1893) Excerpts from Swan Lake, The Sleeping Beauty & The Nutcracker - Royal Liverpool PO/Vasily Petrenko rec. 2005-07 AVIE AV2139 [58:02] [SFV] This earns a mixed grade.
Pyotr
Ilyich TCHAIKOVSKY (1840-1893) Marche Slave, Romeo
and Juliet, Theme and Variations from Suite 3, 1812 Overture - Royal
PO, Philharmonia O/Sir Malcolm argent rec. 1955/60 GUILD GHCD2409 [70:59] [SG] A desirable release that provides a ‘Russian’
supplement to the Warner Icon set.
Georg
Philipp TELEMANN (1681 - 1767) Tenor Cantatas
and Recorder Sonatas - Felix Rienth
(tenor) La Tempesta Basel/Muriel Rochat Rienth
(recorder) rec. 2012 ENCHIRIADIS EN
2038 [66:23] [JV] The
way the texts of the cantatas are interpreted
is one of this disc's main assets.
Augusta Read THOMAS (b.1964) Chamber and Piano Works -
Walden Chamber Players, Amy Briggs, Makiko Hirato, Daniel Schlosberg (piano)
Robert Walters (cor anglais) Stefan Hersh, Steve Rose (violins) NIMBUS ALLIANCE NI 6261 [79.56] [GH] Wonderfully prepared performances of Read’s chamber and piano works.
Giuseppe
VERDI (1813 - 1901) Aida - Louis Sgarro (bass) Irene Dalis (mezzo) Gabriella
Tucci (soprano) Franco Corelli (tenor) O &
Ch Met Op House/George Schick rec. 1962 WALHALL WLCD 0382 [74:21 + 67:38] [RMo] I would kill to hear
an Aida cast this well today.
Giuseppe VERDI (1813-1901) All-Verdi War Bonds Concert - Gertrude Ribla (soprano) Nan Merriman (mezzo) Jan Peerce (tenor) Frank Valentino (baritone) Nicola Moscona (bass)
NBC SO/Arturo Toscanini
rec. 1943 PRISTINE AUDIO PACO106 [64:14] [RMo] High-octane performances, stronger on volume than subtlety.
Giuseppe VERDI (1813-1901) Otello - Gregory Kunde, Carmela Remigio, Lucio Gallo, La Fenice/Myung-Whun Chung rec. 2013 C MAJOR Blu-ray 716604 [149:00] [RF] The venue is magnificent, but staging detail loses out.
Giuseppe
VERDI (1813-1901) Il Trovatore - Gaston Rivero
(tenor) Anna Netrebko (soprano) Plácido Domingo (baritone) Ch & O Staatskapelle
Berlin/Daniel Barenboim rec. 2013 DEUTSCHE GRAMMOPHON Blu-ray
0735133 [145:00] [RJF] Three out of five is not good enough
for this work, and that does not take into account the idiosyncrasies
of the staging.
Richard WAGNER (1813-1883) The All-Wagner Concert, 22 February 1941 -
Lauritz Melchior (tenor) Helen Traubel (soprano)
NBC SO/Arturo Toscanini PRISTINE AUDIO PACO105 [55.15 + 73.29] [PCG] Melchior was quite simply the great Wagnerian heldentenor of the twentieth century, and there has been nobody quite like him since.
Richard WAGNER (1813-1883) Der fliegende Holländer - Samuel Youn, Ricarda Merbeth, Franz-Josef Selig, Bayreuth/Christian Thielemann rec. 2013 OPUS ARTE OABD7147D Blu-ray [165.00] [PCG] Generally excellent as a musical performance but ...
Carl
Maria von WEBER (1786-1826) Variations
on an Original Theme, 6 Pieces for Piano Duet,
Piano Sonata 1 - Duncan J Cumming, Christopher
Hogwood (fortepiano) rec. 2010 CENTAUR
CRC 3231 [60:22] [PRB] Something
different and exceedingly well produced all-round.
Amy WOODFORDE-FINDEN (1860-1919) Oriental Song Cycles -
Michael Halliwell (baritone), David Miller (piano)
rec. 2013 TOCCATA CLASSICS TOCC0236 [78:04] [NB] Refined and sanitised for the delicate palate of the Edwardian Salon.
Eugène
YSAŸE (1858 –
1931) Méditation, Harmonies
du soir, Poème élégiaque,
Sérénade, Amitié, Exil - Royal PO de Liège/Jean-Jacques Kantorow
rec. 2012/13 MUSIQUE EN WALLONIE MEW
1472 [74:01] [HC] A
splendid survey of Ysaÿe's orchestral
output.
1917 Works by Debussy, Sibelius & Elgar - Tamsin Waley-Cohen (violin)
Huw Watkins (piano)rec. 2013 SIGNUM CLASSICS SIGCD376 [41:40 + 43:29] [JW] I enjoyed these very much, even if my preferences
ultimately lie elsewhere.
Martha
Argerich and Friends Live from the Lugano Festival 2013 WARNER CLASSICS 2564 631220 [3 CDs: 186:50] [DC] Worth the asking price.
Michèle Auclair (violin) Works by Bartók, Ravel, Schubert, Stravinsky & Telemann - Jacqueline Bonneau, Jean-Claude Ambrosini, Geneviève Joy (piano)
rec. 1958-67 MELOCLASSIC MC2014 [73:32] [JW] Will strongly appeal to admirers of the Gallic violin tradition in post-war years.
Ursula Bagdasarjanz (violin) Violin sonatas by Beethoven, Brahms & Mozart -
Luciano Sgrizzi, Bruno Saladin (piano) rec.
1963/64 GALLO CD-1352 [68:37]
[JW] Bagdasarjanz collectors
will need no prompting from me.
Balkan
Fever Theodosii Spassov (kaval) Vlatko Stefanovski,
Miroslav Tadić (guitar) MDR Leipzig RSO/Kristjan Järvi rec. 2013 NAIVE
V5395 [76.00] [SA] Will
be received enthusiastically by those who enjoy
music from this fascinating, often troubled
corner of Europe.
Jorge Bolet (piano) Ludwig
van BEETHOVEN (1770-1827) Sonata 23 Franz LISZT (1811-1886) Reminiscences de Norma Felix MENDELSSOHN (1809-1847) Preludes and Fugues - rec. 1988 HÄNSSLER
CLASSIC CD93.725 [77:37] [SG] Plenty
to enjoy.
Jorge
Bolet (piano) Frédéric CHOPIN (1809-1849) - A Chopin Recital rec. 1961 EVEREST
SDBR3079 [41:49] Franz LISZT
(1811-1886) Piano Sonata, Funerailles,
Mephisto Waltz 1 rec. 1960 EVEREST SDBR3064 [49:01] Franz LISZT Piano Concerto 1, Hungarian
Fantasy, Mephisto Waltz 1 - Symphony of the
Air/Robert Irving rec. 1960 EVEREST
SDBR3062 [43:57] [SG] Bolet’s
famous Everest recordings make a welcome return.
James Brawn in Recital 1 Works by Bach/Busoni, Liszt, Mussorgsky & Rachmaninov
rec. 2012 MSR CLASSICS MS 1501 [75:46] [BR] An important
pianist, but not exactly a mandatory recital.
Crossing
Waves Works by Arnold, Beamish, Scott,
Watkins, Britten & Young - Keziah Thomas
(harp) rec. 2013 DISCOVERY DMV110 [59:08] [CF] Thomas
has done more than enough here to establish
a reputation with this very fine debut solo
disc.
Czech Contemporary Music for Oboe Works by Krček, Málek,Šestá & Teml -
Gabriela Krčková (oboe, English horn, oboe d’amore), Kateřina Jansová (flute), Hana Jouzová (harp), Daniel Wiesner (piano)
Musica Bohemica Praha/Jaroslav Krček
rec. 1998-2014 ARCODIVA UP 0160-2 321 [65:43] [GPJ] An engaging disc of enjoyable and approachable music with a persuasive and brilliantly accomplished soloist.
Dvořák and America Works by Dvořák, Beckermann, Fisher, Farwell & Horowitz - University of Texas Chamber Singers, PostClassical Ensemble/Angel Gil-Ordóñez rec. 2003/13 NAXOS AMERICAN CLASSICS 8.559777 [76:41] [CF] An interesting concept but will not displace Coleridge Taylor’s Song of Hiawatha let alone Dvořák’s New World.
The Early
Ragtime Works by Turpin, Joplin, Scott & Beiderbecke
- Marco Fumo (piano) rec. 2009 ONCLASSICAL OC41RT [46:27]
[DM] Short measure, but well worth your time; the lack of documentation
is a drawback.
Christian Ferras (violin) Johann Sebastian BACH(1685-1750) Violin sonatas 2 & 3 Giuseppe TARTINI (1692-1770) Violin Sonata ‘Devil’s Trill’ Wolfgang Amadeus MOZART (1756-1791) Violin Sonata K526 -
Pierre Barbizet (piano)
rec. 1956-60 MELOCLASSIC MC 2001 [73:09] [JW] Elegance and brio in equal measure.
Fireworks
and Fables Original works, arrangements and transcriptions
for four harps - 4 Girls 4 Harps rec. 2008 ARTS
IN FUSION AIF06 [59:08] [CF] Highly enjoyable.
Emil Gilels in Ensembles -
Emil Gilels (piano) with Elizaveta Gilels, Dmitri Tsyganov (violin), Yakov Shapiro (horn), Yakov Flier, Yakov Zak (piano), Vadim Borisovsky (viola), Sergei Shirinsky (cello), USSR State Academic SO/Kirill Kondrashin rec. 1946-1959 MELODIYA MELCD1002210 [4 CDs: 244:46] [SG] A worthy tribute in the upcoming centenary of one of Russia's great pianists.
Arthur de Greef
(piano) Solo and Concerto Recordings rec. 1917-31 APR 7401 [4 CDs: 240:25] [SG] A welcome release of the recordings of a pianist
who seems to have gone off the radar.
grist Works by Chatzigiannis, Whitty, Cornford & Dibley - Jos Zwaanenburg (flute)rec. 2010 MÉTIER
RECORDS MSV28542 [76:09] [DC] All grist to the mill of modernity.
Italy’s
‘Generation of 1880’ and its Disciples Luigi DALLAPICCOLA (1904-1975) Tartiniana Seconda Ottorino RESPIGHI
(1879-1936) Violin Sonata Ildebrando
PIZZETTI (1880-1968) Tre Canti -
Kaleidos Duo (Miroslav Hristov (violin) Vladimir
Valjarević (piano) rec. 2013 ROMÉO
RECORDS 7304 [71:44] [JW] I
enjoyed this programme but would look elsewhere
for the Respighi.
Paul van Kempen (conductor) Johannes
BRAHMS (1833-1897) Piano Concerto
2 Pyotr Ilyich TCHAIKOVSKY (1840-1893) Romeo and Juliet Gustav
MAHLER (1860-1911) Symphony 1 - Wilhelm
Kempff (piano) French Ntl O, Concertgebouw O, RAI
O Turin rec. 1951-55 TAHRA
TAH 714-715 [66:54 + 54:54] [SG] This
is a valuable release of recordings of a conductor,
perhaps known mainly to connoisseurs.
Leonid Kogan (violin) Works by Bach, Brahms, Debussy, de Falla, Handel, Ravel & Sarasate - Naum Walter (piano)
rec. 1964 MELOCLASSIC MC2012 [69:31] [JW] The first-ever release of this concert will make immediate claims on the Kogan admirer.
Motherland Khatia Buniatishvili (piano) rec. 2013 SONY CLASSICAL 88885 734622 [63.45] [PCG] Largely for relaxing and chilling out.
The Odeonsplatz Concert 2013 Rolando Villazón (tenor) Thomas Hampson (baritone) Bavarian RSO/Yannick Nézet-Séguin rec. 2013 C MAJOR DVD 716708 [111:00] [RF] A well-balanced concert in a captivating and elegant venue that was new to me.
Pavans and Fantasies from the Age of Dowland -
John Holloway, Monika Baer, Renate Steinmann, Susanna Hefti, Martin Zelle (violins, violas, bass violin) rec. 2013 ECM NEW SERIES 2189 (4810430) [49.28] [GH] I have enjoyed listening to these performances.
Rarities of Piano Music at Schloss vor Husum Volume 25 - Håvard Gimse,
Jean-Frédéric Neuberger,
Henri Sigfridsson,
Ludmil Angelov,
Sofja Gülbadamova,
Cecile Licad,
Artur Pizarro (piano)
rec. 2013 DANACORD DACOCD739 [79:03] [JF] A highly attractive survey of the byways of largely romantic piano music.
Rejoice,
the Lord is king! Great
Hymns from Westminster Abbey -
Westminster Abbey Ch/James O’Donnell, Robert
Quinney (organ) rec. 2012-2013 HYPERION
CDA68013 [68:45] [GF] Anyone
who has ever been in Westminster Abbey should
be overwhelmed by the lifelike sound picture.
Erich Röhn (violin) Max BRUCH (1838-1920) Violin Concerto 1 Ludwig van BEETHOVEN (1770-1827) Violin Romance 2 Antonio VIVALDI (1678-1741) Concerto for 3 violins Franz SCHUBERT (1797-1828) Rondo - rec. 1942/44 MELOCLASSIC MC2017 [58:58] [JW] This well-conceived and executed disc broadens perceptions of Erich Röhn as soloist and chamber player.
The
Romantic Hero Arias by Massenet,
Gounod, Bizet & others - Vittorio Grigòlo
(tenor) Sonya Yoncheva (soprano) Alessandra
Martines (speaker) RAI Natl SO/Evelino Pidò
rec. 2013 SONY 88883 756582 [57.18] [PCG] Notable
for Grigolo’s artistry and evident intelligence
and understanding.
Russian
Gems Sandro Russo (piano) rec. 2012/13 MUSICAL
CONCEPTS MC 150 [68:37] [SA] A
joy to hear.
Saxophone Cinema -
Selmer Saxharmonic/Milan Turković MUSIKPRODUKTION DABRINGHAUS UND GRIMM MDG 610 1852-2 [58:10] [JW] I enjoyed much of this fun and engaging disc.
Oscar
Shumsky (violin)Legendary Treasures rec. 1948-82 DOREMI DHR8031 [3 CDs: 232:40]
[SG] For lovers of
great violin playing, this is well worth exploring.
Vladimir Sofronitsky (piano) Works by Chopin, Schubert, Liszt and Scriabin -
rec. 1946-60 MELODIYA MELCD1002237 [68:43 + 77:25] [SA] These discs are part of recording legacy that should be cherished.
Sounds of Brazil and Argentina Songs by Ginastera, Guarnieri, Guastavino, Mignone & Ripper -
Luciano Botelho (tenor), Elizabeth Marcus (piano)
rec. 2013 MUSIC & MEDIA MMC108 [51:04] [NB] Well worth hearing for the quality of the music and the performances but shame about the packaging.
Stravinsky
in Hollywood A documentary by Marco Capalbo, prod. 2014 C MAJOR Blu-ray 716404 [53:00] [IL] An invaluable resource
covering the last thirty years or so of Stravinsky’s
remarkable career and life.
The
Transcendentalist Works by
Cage, Scriabin, Wollschleger & Feldman -
Ivan Ilić (piano) rec. 2013 HERESY
RECORDS HERESY015 [64:00] [KM] This
should appeal strongly to those who want a piano
disc to make them think.
Other reviews
The Sounds of “All Our Yesterdays” Presented by Brian Inglis CAMEO CLASSICS CC9005CD [57:57] [CF] This CD underscores the futility of war as something we human beings will seemingly never acknowledge, let alone learn.
The Beatles Arrangements by Luboš Krtička for string quartet
-
Wihan Qt
rec. 2000 NIMBUS NI 6272 [43:50] [JW] I enjoyed this a lot. It’s only 43 minutes but then – hey – that’s pretty much LP length.
Articles and Notices
Download News 2014/9 by
Geoffrey Molyneux & Brian Wilson
A survey of Everest reissues by John Whitmore
Harold Schonberg The Last Of The Traditionalist American Music Writers by Frank T. Manheim
All national discographies prepared by Mike Herman are updated and will now be done on a monthly basis.
Elgar and the Great War: The Spirit of England by John Quinn
Forgotten Artists: Franz André by Christopher Howell
William Alwyn's Concerto Grosso No. 3 – A Half Century Retrospective by John France
Download News 2014/10 by
Brian Wilson, Geoffrey Molyneux & Kirk McElhearn
Everest - A Second Round by Rob Barnett
Mieczyslaw Weinberg: Resource page and review indexes
Julius Harrison's Cornish Holiday Sketches by John France
