ALPHABETICAL LISTING

Elliott CARTER (b 1908) The Music of Elliott Carter Volume Five; nine compositions 1994-2002 1 Sleep Steps (2001) - 2 Two Diversions (1999) - 3 Oboe Quartet (2001) - 4 Figment No 2 (Remembering Mr Ives) (2001) - 5 Au Quai (2002) - 6 Of Challenge and of Love (1994) - 7 Figment No 1 (1994) - 8 Retrouvailles (2000) - 9 Hiyoku (2001) Virgil Blackwell (bass clarinet) – 1 - Charles Rosen (piano) 2, 8 - Speculum Musicae – 3 - Fred Sherry (cello) – 4, 7 - Maureen Gallagher (viola) and Peter Kolkay (bassoon)– 5 - Tony Arnold (soprano) and Jacob Greenberg (piano) – 6 - Charles Neidrich and Ayako Oshima (clarinet) – 9 - Recorded KAS Studio, Astoria, New York in 2001 and 2002 BRIDGE 9128 [64.22] [JW]

Displays all Carter’s life-affirming complexity. … see Full Review

RECORDING OF THE MONTH John CASKEN (b.1949) Darting the Skiff (1993) [18’19] - Maharal Dreaming (1991) [12’33] - Cello Concerto (1991) [20’13] - Vaganza (1985) [27’06] Heinrich Schiff (cello/director) - Northern Sinfonia/John Casken (conductor) - Recorded at St. Nicholas Hospital, Gosforth, Newcastle-on-Tyne, August 1992 (concerto) and 3-6 September 1994 NMC ANCORA D086 [78’11] [TH]

Truly inventive and stimulating music … should be snapped up by anyone who cares about the modern British music scene. … see Full Review

Daniel CATÁN (b.1949) Florencia en el Amazonas (1996) - An opera in two acts and seventeen scenes to a libretto by Marcela Fuentes-Berain - Mark S Doss - Riolobo; Ana Maria Martinez - Rosalba; Suzanna Guzmán - Paula; Hector Vasquez - Alvaro; Oren Gradus - Capitán; Patricia Schuman - Florencia; Chad Shelton - Arcadio; Houston Grand Opera Chorus Houston Grand Opera Orchestra/Patrick Summers - rec. Houston, live performances ALBANY TROY531/32 [2CDs: 55.44+43.08] [RB]

Potently Puccinian … mystery, grandeur and emotional staying power ... see Full Review

Gustave CHARPENTIER (1860 - 1956) Louise (abridged) Louise - Ninon Vallin (soprano) - Julien - Georges Thill (tenor) - Le Père - André Pernet (baritone) - La Mère - Aimée Lecouvreur (mezzo-soprano) - Irma - Christiane Gaudel - Le Choeurs Raugel and Orchestra Paris/ Eugène Bigot - Recorded 28/10/1935 - 13/11/1935 - Specifically abridged for this recording with the cooperation and consent of the composer Gustave CHARPENTIER (1860 - 1956) - La voix de la nuit (Julien) - Maurice Dutreix (tenor) NAXOS 8.110225 [74.38] [RH]

An abridged version of the opera in a highly atmospheric recording with a fine French cast … see Full Review

Fryderyk CHOPIN (1810-1849) Four Rondos Rondo in C minor Op. 1 (1825) - Rondo à la Mazur in F minor Op. 5 (1827) - Rondo in E flat Op. 16 (1834) - Rondo in C major Op. 73 (1828) - Four Ballades Ballade in G minor Op. 23 (1836) - Ballade in F minor Op. 38 (1840) - Ballade in A flat Op. 47 (1842) - Ballade in F minor Op. 52 (1843) Joyce Hatto (piano) - Recorded Concert Artist Studios, June 1992 and January 1998 CONCERT ARTIST/FIDELIO RECORDINGS CACD 9038-2 [71.10] [JW]

Directness, straightforwardness, a distillation of experience entirely at the service of the music. A real achievement. … see Full Review

Frédéric CHOPIN (1810-1849) 24 Preludes, Op. 28 (complete) - 7 Etudes: Op. 25, No. 1 in A flat major; No. 2 in F minor; No. 6 in G sharp minor; No. 12 in C minor - Op. 10, No. 6 in E flat minor; No. 4 in C sharp minor; No. 5 in G flat major Dame Moura Lympany, piano - Recorded at Abbey Road Studios, London, March 1995 WARNER/APEX 2564 60158-2 [60:32] [DS]

Lympany’s natural poetry combined with superb detail and projection of inner voices makes for an attractive addition to one’s Chopin library. … see Full Review

Frederic CHOPIN (1810-1849) Preludes, Op. 28 (complete) [41:54] - Etudes, Op. 25 - No. 1 in A-flat [2:55] - No. 2 in f minor [1:35] - No. 6 in g-sharp minor [2:24] - No. 12 in c minor [2:45] - Etudes, Op. 10 - No. 6 in e-flat minor [3:46] - No. 4 in c-sharp minor [2:16] - No. 5 in G-flat [1:53] Dame Moura Lympany, piano - DDD APEX 2564 60158 2 [60:32] [KS]

Definitely a top choice if this is your first go at these works. If you already own them by someone else, this is worth the duplication. First rate. Highly recommended. … see Full Review

Fryderik CHOPIN (1810 - 1849) Ballade #1 in g, Op 23 (1835) [5.36] - Ballade #2 in F, Op 38 (1839) [8.24] - Ballade #3 in Ab, Op 47 (1841) [9.40] - Ballade #4 in f, Op 52 (1842) [4.59] - Anita Chang, piano Recorded at the Zipper Auditorium, Los Angeles, California, USA, 31 August 2000 - Video track and four audio tracks: MLP 5.1 Surround, Dolby Digital 5.1 "Audience" Mix, DTS "Stage" Mix, PCM Stereo - Printed technical notes and comments on performer in English - On screen biography, session photographs, and commentary on Chopin by Dr - (University of Texas) Chang as well as complete video of the performance - www.aixrecords.com - Mark Waldrep: producer, recording and mastering engineer and artistic direction - playable on DVD players and DVD-Audio players. Not playable on CD players AIX/IMAGE ENTERTAINMENT DVD-AUDIO/VIDEO AIX 80014 [28.39] [PS]

A fine version of the Ballades, in four high resolution audio versions, all of them stunning sound, and a video track to boot … see Full Review

Eugen D'ALBERT (1864-1932) Die Toten Augen (1912-13) - Drama in one act with a prelude and a postlude by Hanns Heinz Ewers after Marc Henry - Dagmar Schellenberger (sop) - Myrtocle, wife of Arcesius - Hartmut Welker (bar) - Arcesius, Roam ambassador in Jerusalem - Norbert Orth (ten) - Galba, a Roman captain, friend of Arcesius - Margaret Chalker (sop) - Arsinoe, Myrtocle's slave woman - Anne Gjevang (alto) - Maria von Magdala - Eberhard Büchner (ten) - Ktesiphar, an Egyptian miracle healer Philharmonischer Chor Dresden - Dresdner Philharmoniker/Ralf Weikert - rec. 1-2 Mar 1997, Konzertante Opernaufführung, Dresden Kulturpalast CPO 999 692-2 [2CDs: 63.50+44.02] [RB]

For devotees of glorious verismo bathed in Hollywood radiance. You will want to luxuriate in this fine score. ... see Full Review

Claude DEBUSSY (1862-1918) Pelléas et Mélisande Pelléas – Camille Maurane (tenor) - Mélisande – Erna Spoorenberg (soprano) - Golaud – George London (baritone) - Arkel – Guus Hoekman (bass) - Geneviève – Josephine Veasey (mezzo soprano) - Yniold – Rosine Brédy (soprano) - Le Médecin– John Shirley-Quirk (bass-baritone) - Un Berger – Gregore Kubrack (bass) Choir of the Grand Theatre Geneva - L’Orchestre de la Suisse Romande/Ernest Ansermet - Recorded at the Grand Theatre, Geneva, August 1964 DECCA 473351-2 [2 CDs 153.39] [JW]

Spoorenberg –exceptionally adept and impressive. … see Full Review

  Frederick DELIUS (1862-1934) North Country Sketches (1914) - In a Summer Garden – Rhapsody (1908) - Appalachia (1902) Royal Philharmonic Orchestra, conducted by Sir Thomas Beecham - Recorded EMI Studio No. 1, Abbey Road, 1941 (North Country Sketches, recorded on 78s); 1951 (In a Summer Garden); 1952 (Appalachia) SONY CLASSICAL SMK89429 [75.59] [WH]

This disc is an obvious recommendation for Delius enthusiasts. … see Full Review

Frederick DELIUS (1862-1934) Eventyr (Once upon a time) (1917) - Arabesque for baritone, chorus and orchestra (1911) - Hassan – Incidental music (1920-1923) - Koanga (Closing Scene) (1897) Einar Nørby, baritone; Lesley Fry, baritone; Stanley Riley, bass; Arthur Leavins, violin; Frederick Riddle, viola; BBC Chorus - Royal Philharmonic Orchestra/Sir Thomas Beecham - Recorded EMI Studio No. 3, Abbey Road, 1951 (Eventyr) and 1956 (Koanga, Hassan - Serenade) and at Walthamstow Town Hall, 1955 (Arabesque, Hassan – rest) SONY CLASSICAL SMK87966 [66.07] [WH]

Another admirable volume in Sony’s reissued series of Beecham Delius recordings … see Full Review

Frederick DELIUS (1862-1934) Over the Hills and Far Away – Fantasy Overture (1897) - Sea Drift (1904) - Paris (The Song of a Great City) (1899) - Bruce Boyce, baritone; BBC Chorus Royal Philharmonic Orchestra/Sir Thomas Beecham - Recorded EMI Studio No. 3, Abbey Road, 1950 (Over the Hills and Far Away) and 1955 (Paris) and at Walthamstow Town Hall, 1954 (Sea Drift) SONY CLASSICAL SMK89430 [61.03] [WH]

Given the more than acceptable sound and the special status of these performances. Beecham, in a class of his own, is not to be missed. … see Full Review

Gaetano DONIZETTI (1797-1848) L’Elisir D’Amore (The Elixir of Love) Comic Opera in Two Acts - First performed in Milan on 12 May 1832 - Adina - Valeria Esposito - Nemorino - Aquiles Machado - Belcore - Enrico Marrucci - Dulcamara - Erwin Schrott - Gianetta - Roberta Canzian - Coro Lirico Marchigiano "V. Bellini" Orchestra Filarmonica Marchigiana/Niels Muus - Recorded at the Arena Sferisterio, Macerata, July 2002 TDK DV-OPELAMOR [2DVDs: opera: 136 mins; features: 37 mins] [IL]

A joyous, sparkling, imaginative production that will appeal to admirers of Donizetti - and the additional ‘behind the scenes’ documentaries are above average too. … see Full Review

Richard DUBUGNON (b.1968) Chamber Music Piano Quartet (1998) Viv McLean, Piano; Illka Lehtonen, Violin, Julia Knight, viola, Matthew Sharp, Cello ‘Incantatio’ for Cello and piano (1996/2000) Matthew Sharp, cello and Dominic Harlan, piano ‘Trois evocations finlandaises’ (1991) for solo double bass played by Richard Dubugnon ‘Cinq Masques’ (1994-5) for solo oboe – Nicholas Daniel, oboe Canonic Verses for oboe, cor anglais and oboe d’amore (1997) Nicholas Daniel, Emma Fielding, Cor Anglais and Sai Kai, Oboe d’amore Frenglish Suite for wind quintet - Royal Academy Wind soloists Recorded at St.Paul’s Church, Southgate, London, February/June 2001 NAXOS 8.555778 [76.42] [GH]

A sort of ‘carde de visite’ for the young composer, stretching across the first ten years of his fully creative life. … see Full Review

Jacques DUPHLY (1715-1789) Harpsichord Works La de Vaucanson La Forqueray - Menuet - La de Drummond - Chaconne - Médée - Rondeau - La Victoire - La Félix - La de Redemond - La Pothouin Jos van Immerseel (harpsichord) - Recorded October 1974, no location given ADD - Joseph Bodin de BOISMORTIER (1689-1755) Harpsichord Works La Caverneuse - La Marguillère - La Transalpine - La Valétudinaire - La Décharnée - Laurence Boulay (harpsichord) - Recorded December 1976, no location given ADD WARNER CLASSICS APEX 2564 60372 2 [58:04] [MC]

An appealing and most melodic selection, expertly performed with a very decent sound. Highly recommendable listening. … see Full Review

RECORDING OF THE MONTH - Pascal DUSAPIN (b.1955) Watt (1994)^a - Galim (1998)^b - Celo (1996)^c - Sonia Wieder-Atherton (cello)^c; Juliette Hurel (flute)^b; Alain Trudel (trombone)^a Orchestre National de Montpellier/Pascal Rophé - Recorded: Corum Hall, Montpellier, September 2002 MONTAIGNE MO 782153 [49:51] [HC]

Major works by a most distinguished composer whose often gripping music will never leave you unmoved or indifferent. … see Full Review

Henri DUTILLEUX (b. 1916) Symphony No. 1 (1951) [29.25] Symphony No. 2 Le Double (1959) [28.27] Orchestre de Paris cond. Daniel Barenboim rec. Jan-Feb 1987, Salle Pleyel, Paris. DDD WARNER CLASSICS ELATUS 2564-60334-2 [58.15] [RB]

A tranced commitment unlikely to be bettered elsewhere. ... see Full Review

Antonín DVOŘÁK (1841-1904) String Quartet in F, Op. 96, ‘American’ (1893) [25’44] Johannes BRAHMS (1833-97) String Quartet in C minor, Op. 51 No. 1 (1865-73) [31’04] Škampa String Quartet (Pavel Fischer, Jana Lukášova, violins; Radim Sedmidunský, viola; Jonáš Krejčí, cello) - Rec Domovina Studio, Prague, on April 30^th and June 28^th-29^th, 1998 DDD SUPRAPHON SU3380-2 [56’54] [CC]

The Škampa Quartet is quite an ensemble … Unhesitatingly recommended. ...see Full Review

Antonín DVOŘÁK (1841-1904) Rusalka (1901) The Watersprite - Richard Novák (bass) - Rusalka - Gabriela Benacková (soprano) - Jezibaba, the witch - Vera Soukupova (contralto) - The Prince - Wieslaw Ochman (tenor) - The Foreign Princess - Drahomíra Drobkov (mezzo soprano) - 1st Dryad - Jana Jonásova (soprano) - 2nd Dryad - Daniela Sounová-Broukov (soprano) - 3rd Dryad - Anna Barov (contralto) - The Gamekeeper - Jindrich Jindrák (baritone) - The Turnspit - Jinna Markov (soprano) - The Hunter - Rená Tucek (baritone) - Prague Philharmonic Chorus - Czech Philharmonic Orchestra/Vaclav Neumann - Rec 25 August-9 September 1982, 23-24 August 1983, Rudolfinum, Prague SUPRAPHON 3718-2 633 [3CDs: 55.19, 45.53, 56.03] [TB]

An excellent version though it must, by a shading, give way to the Fleming/Mackerras version on Decca … see Full Review

Antonín DVOŘÁK (1841-1904) Symphonic Poems The Water Sprite, Opus 107 (1896) The Noonday Witch, Opus 108 (1896) The Golden Spinning Wheel, Opus 109 (1896) The Wild Dove, Opus 110 (1896) Royal Concertgebouw Orchestra/ Nikolaus Harnoncourt Rec December 1997 (Wild Dove), December 1998 (Noonday Witch), October 1999 (Water Sprite), October 2001 (Golden Spinning Wheel), Concertgebouw, Amsterdam TELDEC 2564 60221-2 [2CDs: 42.42, 41.03] [TB]

Harnoncourt's pointing of rhythm and shaping of phrase generates an excellent balance and cogency … see Full Review

Antonín DVOŘÁK (1841-1904) Rusalka - opera in three Acts (sung in German) (1900) - Rusalka, Elfride Trotschel (sop); Prince, Helmut Schindler (ten); Princess, Ruth Lange (m.sop); Vodnik, Gottlob Frick (bass); Jezibaba, Helena Rott (m.sop); Kitchen boy, Lisa Otto (sop) Chorus and Orchestra of the Staatskapelle, Dresden/Joseph Keilberth - Recorded Radiosender Dresden, December 1948 RELIEF CR 1903 [2CDs: 52.11+71.39] [RJF]

This issue will be of interest to those wanting the opera in German, or hearing particular singers, notably Gottlob Frick … see Full Review

George DYSON (1883-1964) St Paul's Voyage to Melita for tenor, chorus and orchestra (1933) [30.03] Agincourt for chorus and orchestra (1956) [25.03] - Nocturne from Quo Vadis for tenor, solo viola, strings, harp and organ (1939) [10.29] Neil Mackie (ten) - Osian Ellis (harp) - Jane Watts (organ) - RCM Chamber Choir - Royal Philharmonic Orchestra/Sir David Willcocks - Bournemouth Symphony Orchestra and Chorus/Vernon Handley (Agincourt; Melita) - rec. 1985-87, London (Nocturne); 25-26 May 2002, Poole Arts Centre (Agincourt; Melita) SOMM SOMMCD234 [65.58] [RB]

Vintage splendour from Dyson the magnificent ... see Full Review

Edward ELGAR (1857-1934) David Owen Norris plays Elgar: Vol. 1 Solo Piano Music Five Improvisations (1929): No. 1 in G major; No. 2 in G minor; No. 3 in G major; No. 4 in D major; No. 5 in D minor - A flat major - Skizze (1901) - Presto (1889) - Enina: valse (1886) - Chantant (1872) - Griffinesque (1884) - Sonatina (1889 rev.1930) - Imperial March (1897) - In Smyrna (1905) - Three Bavarian Dances (1895-1897) - Serenade (1932) - Concert Allegro Op. 46 (1901) - Adieu (1932) David Owen Norris (piano) - Recorded at the Turner Sims Concert Hall, Southampton on 9-10 November 2002 - DDD ELGAR EDITIONS EECD002 [77:18] [MC] [LF]

An illuminating disc for all Elgarians. It will surely appeal to a far greater audience. Highly recommendable [MC]
Intelligent, idiomatic playing, sympathetic eminently realistic recorded sound … could not be better. Recommended [LF]… see Full Review

George ENESCU (1881-1955) Piano Quintet, Op.29 (1940?) [35:12] - Piano Quartet, No.2, Op.30 (1944) [27:47] The Solomon Ensemble: Anne Solomon (Violin), Andrew Roberts (Violin II), Ralf Ehlers (Viola), Rebecca Gilliver (Cello) and Dominic Saunders (Piano) - Recorded at Potton Hall, Suffolk, England (22-24 September, 2001) NAXOS 8.557159 [62:58] [SA]

The Solomon Ensemble is a clearly committed advocate of this music and that makes for powerfully felt performances. … see Full Review

Andrei ESHPAI (1925-) vol. 1. Symphonic Dances on Mari Themes (1952) * Violin Concerto No. 4 (1993) ** Symphony No. 2 Praise To Light (1962) *** * All Union Radio and TV SO/Leonid Nikolaeyev - rec. Moscow 1980 ** Jennifer Koh (violin)/St Petersburg Cappella SO/Vladislav Chernushenko - rec. Moscow 20/4/1994 MONO *** USSR Large SO/Konstantin Ivanov - rec. Moscow 1964 ALBANY RECORDS TROY 286 [54.56] [RB]

No-one who loves the modern Russian romantics will want to miss this disc … and there are three other Eshpai volumes to explore. ...see Full Review

Andrei ESHPAI (1925-) vol. 2 Concerto for Orchestra with Solo Trumpet, Piano, Vibraphone and Double Bass (1966) [13.22] Anatoly Maksimenko (trumpet) Piotr Meshaninov (piano) Boris Stepanov (vibraphone) Rodion Azarhin (double bass) USSR State Large Symphony Orchestra/Evgeny Svetlanov Moscow 1974 Concerto No. 2 for Piano and Orchestra (1972) [16.13] Andrei Eshpai (piano) USSR State Large Symphony Orchestra/Evgeny Svetlanov Grand Hall, Moscow Conservatory, 18 Sept 1972, premiere. mono Symphony No. 7 (1992) [33.19] USSR State Large Symphony Orchestra/Evgeny Svetlanov Grand Hall, Moscow Conservatory, 30 Jan 1992, premiere ALBANY RECORDS TROY 341[62.51] [RB]

If you like dramatic, driven and neon-lit music this is for you. ... see Full Review

Andrei ESHPAI (1925-) vol. 3 Concerto for Flute and Orchestra (1992) [18.01] Vitaly Shapkin, flute Chaikovsky Large Symphony Orchestra/Alexander Vedernikov, conductor Re. Grand Hall, Moscow Conservatory, 4 Nov 1994, premiere Songs of the Mountain and Meadow Mari (1983) [15.28] USSR State Large Symphony Orchestra/Vasily Sinaisky Rec. Moscow 1983 Concerto for Double Bass and String Orchestra (1994-95) [15.41] Rifat Komachkov, double bass Moscow Conservatory Orchestra/Gennady Cherkasov Rec. Moscow 1996 Symphony No. 1 (1959) [16.53] USSR State Large Symphony Orchestra/Konstantin Ivanov Rec. Moscow 1961 ALBANY RECORDS TROY 367 [66.05] [RB]

The brilliant early symphony which helped make his name together with three works from the 1980s and 1990s ... see Full Review

Andrei ESHPAI (1925-) vol. 4 The Circle – Apocalypse - A ballet-symphony (1970) All-Union TV and Radio Symphony Orchestra/Emin Khachaturian ADD ALBANY RECORDS TROY 425 [70.43] [RB]

A startling and enigmatic work which may disconcert Western listeners. A far from subtle recording of a far from subtle work. ... see Full Review

Manuel de FALLA (1876 - 1946) El Sombrero de tres picos (3 exc.) (1908) [9.59] El Amor Brujo (5 exc.) [16.23] Homenaje ‘Le tombeau de Claude Debussy’ (1920) [3.01] Homenaje ‘Pour le tombeau de Paul Dukas’ (1935) [3.48] (4) Obras Españolas (1908) [15.16] Fantasía Bética (1919) [13.02] Tres Obras de Juventud (1898) [12.01] Jean-François Heisser, piano Notes in English, Deutsch, and French. Recorded at the Salle Adyar, Paris, France September 1989 WARNER APEX 2564 60157 2 [74.27] [PSh]

A well played and recorded single disk anthology of Falla’s piano pieces including some unfamiliar and worthwhile works as well as many of the Greatest Hits … see Full Review

Ernest FANELLI (1860-1917) Symphonic Pictures: ‘The Romance of the Mummy’ (1883/86) [49:44]:- I Thebes1. In front of the Tahoser palace * 2. On the Nile 3. Triumphant return of the Pharaoh II. Festivities at the Pharaoh’s Palace 1. In a room at the palace - Naked jugglers 2. Grotesque dance of the Egyptian jesters 3. Triumphant hymns - Orgy Louis-Albert BOURGAULT-DUCOUDRAY (1840-1910) Cambodian Rhapsody: Khnenh Preavossa ‘The Feast of Water’ (1882) [17:09] 1 Introduction - The tale 2 The Feast of Water Lydia Drahosova, (Mezzo-Soprano) *
Slovak Radio Symphony Orchestra/Adriano Recorded at the Slovak Radio Concert Hall, Bratislava, May 2000; January 2001. DDD MARCO POLO 8.225234 [69:09] [MC]

Well worth buying for this fascinating and influential Fanelli work alone. Essential listening. … see Full Review

Antoine FORQUERAY (1672-1745) Suite #2 in G (1745) [20.21) Suite #4 in g (1745) [30.12) - from Suite #1 in d (1745): I La Laborde, Allemande [4.59] - from Suite #3 in D (1745): VII La Morangis ou la Plissay [7.31] - from Suite #5 in c (1745): I La Rameau [3.46] II La Guignon [4.43] III La Léon, Sarabande [4.34] Luc Beauséjour, harpsichord - Notes in English, Français, Deutsch. Performer photo and biography in English - Recorded Church of Saint-Alphonse-Rodriguez, Quebec, Canada, 5 June 1996 - Harpsichord Suites Volume 2 NAXOS 8.553717 [76.06] [PS]

Excellent performances of unfamiliar harpsichord music … see Full Review

Lukas FOSS (1922 - 1987) Time Cycle (1960) [31.03] Adele Addison, soprano - THE IMPROVISATION CHAMBER ENSEMBLE: Lukas Foss, piano; Howard D. Colf, cello; Richard Dufallo, clarinet; Charles deLancey, vibraphone - Columbia Symphony Orchestra - Recorded at Manhattan Center, New York, USA, 22 November 1960 - and at Hollywood California, USA, 26 January 1961 - Song of Songs (1947) [25.49] - Jenny Tourel, mezzo-soprano - Recorded at St. George Hotel, Brooklyn, New York, USA, 27 January 1958 - Phorion (1966) [10.04] - Recorded at Philharmonic Hall, Lincoln Center, New York, USA, 20 May 1967 - New York Philharmonic Orchestra - Leonard Bernstein, conductor - Notes in English, Deutsch, and Français. Photos of conductor - The Bernstein Century series SONY SMK 63164 [68.00] [PS]

An excellent memoir of one of the 20th Century’s prominent musical figures … see Full Review

Alexander GLAZUNOV (1865-1936) Orchestral Works Volume 17 Triumphal March, Op. 40 (1892) - Serenade No.1 Op. 7 (1883) - Overture No. 1 on Three Greek Themes, Op. 3 (1881-1884) -Serenade No. 2 Op. 11 (1884) - Overture No. 2 on Three Greek Themes, Op.6 (circa.1884) - Chopiniana Op. 46 (1892) Moscow Symphony Orchestra/Vladimir Ziva - Recorded at Mosfilm Studios Moscow, Russia, Feb. 2000 DDD NAXOS 8.555048 [70:33] [MC]

Russian music passionately played with boundless energy and bristling with character. … see Full Review

Alexander Konstantinovich GLAZUNOV (1865-1936) Symphony No. 1 in E major, Op. 5 (1881-82) [34’48"] - Symphony No. 6 in C minor, Op. 58, (1896)* [37’27"] BBC National Orchestra of Wales/Tadaaki Otaka - Rec. Brangwyn Hall, Swansea, Wales 8 December 1997 and *22 January 1998 BIS CD-1368 [72’53"] [JQ]

Glazunov’s symphonies may not be out and out masterpieces but these two are very enjoyable and are well served by this release. Recommended … see Full Review

Eugène GOOSSENS (1893-1962) Violin Sonata No. 1 in E minor Op. 21 (1918) [23.40] William HURLSTONE (1876-1906) Violin Sonata in D minor (1896-97) [20.19] Percy TURNBULL (1902-1978) Violin Sonata in E minor (1925) [18.54] Madeleine Mitchell (violin) - Andrew Ball (piano) - rec. 5-7 Aug 2002, Wathen Hall, St Paul's School, London DDD SOMM CÉLESTE SOMMCD031 [65.58] [RB]

Three forthrightly romantic sonatas from the first quarter of the last century ... see Full Review

Eugène GOOSSENS (1893-1962) Sonata No. 1 in E minor for Violin and Piano (1918) - William HURLSTONE (1876-1906) Sonata in D minor for Violin and Piano (1896?) - Percy TURNBULL (1902-1976) Sonata in E minor for Violin and Piano (1925) Madeleine Mitchell (violin); Andrew Ball (piano) - Recorded at Wathen Hall, St Paul’s School, London, 5-7 August 2002 SOMM SOMMCD 031 [63:10] [IL]

Three gorgeously, lyrical, romantic British violin sonatas played with great affection … see Full Review

Georges Charles GOUNOD (1818-1893) Roméo et Juliette, Opera in five Acts Juliette, Eidé Norena (sop); Roméo, Charles Hackett (ten); Stéphano, Gladys Swarthout (m. Sop); Mercutio, Giuseppe de Luca (bar); Tybalt, Angelo Barda (ten); Friar Laurence, Leon Rothier (bass); Paris, Millo Picco - Orchestra and Chorus of the Metropolitan Opera New York/Louis Hasselmans - Recorded 1935. Live broadcast performance NAXOS HISTORICAL 8.110140-41 [2CDs: 79.16+70.02] [RJF]

Those used to recordings of this period will find this issue to be eminently listenable and the performance captivating. … see Full Review

Georges Charles GOUNOD (1818-1893) La Colombe, Opéra Comique in two acts
Horace, Joseph Peyron (ten); Mazet, René Lenoty (bar); Jean, Lucien Lovano (ten); Sylvie, Janine Micheau (sop) Orchestra Radio-lyrique. Conducted Tony Aubin Recorded Radio Concert June 5^th 1947 Janine MICHEAU (soprano) 1914-1976 singing French Operatic Arias Georges Charles GOUNOD (1818-1893) Romeo et Juliette, ‘Je veux vivre’ Mireille, ‘Valse de Mireille’ Georges BIZET (1838-1875) Les Pecheurs de perles, ‘Je crois entendre encore’. Jaques OFFENBACH (1819-1875) Les Contes d’Hoffman, ‘Les oiseaux dans la charmille’. Ambroise THOMAS (1811-1896) Hamlet, ‘Air de la folie’ Gioachino ROSSINI (1792-1868) Il barbiere di Siviglia, ‘Una voce poco fa’ Various orchestras and conductors. Recorded between 1943 and 1949 MALIBRAN-MUSIC CDRG 161 [71.42] [RF]

An intriguing curiosity but not musically commanding … see Full Review

Enrique GRANADOS (1867-1916) 12 Spanish Dances Op. 5 Minueto; Oriental; Zarabanda; Villanesca; Andaluza; Jota (Rondalla Aragonesa; Valenciana; Asturiana; Mazurca; Danza Triste; Zambra; Arabesca Angel and Celedonio Romero (guitars). Recorded in Mission San Luís Rey, California, USA, March and July 1990 Telarc CD-80216 [59.12] [RB]

... It all adds up to a curiously pallid performance from players with so high a reputation for interpreting their country’s music. ...see Full Review

Edvard GRIEG (1843 - 1907) In Autumn Concert Overture Op. 11 - (1866) - Piano Concerto in A Minor Op.16 (1868) - Symphony in C Minor (1864) Noriko Ogawa (piano) - Bergen Philharmonic Orchestra/Ole Kristian Ruud - Rec. Grieg Hall, Bergen, February 2002 (Symphony); June 2002, In Autumn and Piano Concerto. DDD BIS CD-1191 [79’09"] [JP]

This well filled disc will give buyers immense pleasure. If this particular repertoire is required the disc is well worth purchasing. … see Full Review

Pelle GUDMUNDSEN-HOLMGREEN (b.1932) Organ Music - Mirror III (1974) [13.39] - 1. I [5.21] - 2. II [3.07] - 3. III [3.48] - 4. IV [1.22] - Still. Leben (1999) [8.15] - 5. Still [5.28] -6. Leben [2.47] - Countermove I-III (1999) [15.57] - 7. I [6.15] - 8. II [4.54] - 9. III [4.48] - In triplum I-III (1999) [3.53] - 10. I [1.22] - 11. II [1.07] - 12. III [1.24] - 13. Der er så favrt I Jelling at hvile (2000) [7.16] - 14. Arkaisk procession (2002) [2.33] - 15. Spejlkabinet (2002) [7.34] Eva Feldbæk (organ) - Christian Tilma (registration) - Christian Tilma (assistant in Mirror III) - Karina Agerbo, Niels Danielsen, Garten Popp and Christina Tilma (assistants in Cabinet of Mirrors) - Recorded in Vestkirchen, Ballerup, Denmark 7-8 June and 22-23 September 2002 DACAPO 8.224254 [59.55] [CAnt]

Pelle Gudmundsen-Holmgreen’s organ music is original and pushes the organ to its limits … see Full Review

George Frideric HANDEL (1685 - 1759) Solomon Pharaoh's daughter - Sheila Armstrong (soprano) - First Harlot - Sheila Armstrong (soprano) - Nicaule, Queen of Sheba - Sheila Armstrong (soprano) - Second Harlot - Felicity Palmer (mezzo-soprano) - Zadok, the High Priest - Robert Tear (tenor) - Solomon - Justino Diaz (bass) - A Levite- Michael Rippon (bass) - Amor Artis Chorale - English Chamber Orchestra/Johannes Somary - Brilliant Classics Handel Edition Volumes 6 to 7 BRILLIANT CLASSICS 99777-6/7 [2CDs: 77.3+74.6] [RH]

A rather old-fashioned performance, marred poor choral sound and the misguided transposition of the title role to a bass. … see Full Review

George Frideric HANDEL (1685 - 1759) Concerti Grossi, Opus 3 Franz Liszt Chamber Orchestra/Jànos Rolla Recorded 1984, Hungaroton Concerti a due Cori Neues Bachisches Collegium Musicum/Max Pommer Recorded 1980, Leipzig Brilliant Classics Handel Edition Volumes 30 and 31 BRILLIANT CLASSICS 99777-30/31 [2 CDs: 58.33, 50.55] [RH]

Some of Handel's most infectious music in performances that are more than acceptable if a little old-fashioned. … see Full Review

George Frideric HANDEL (1685 - 1759) Jephtha - oratorio in three acts HWV 790 Jephtha - John Mark Ainsley (tenor) Zebul - Michael George (bass) Storge - Catherine Denley (mezzo-soprano) Iphis - Christiane Oelze (soprano) Hamor - Axel Köhler (counter-tenor) Angel - Julia Gooding RIA Kammerchor Akademie für Alte Musik Berlin/Marcus Creed Recorded 1994 Brilliant Classics Handel Edition: Volumes 1 to 3 BRILLIANT CLASSICS 99777-1/3 [3CDs: 61.54, 56.25, 41.48] [RH]

A welcome addition to the small roster of Jephthas in the catalogue…see Full Review

George Frideric HANDEL (1685 - 1759) Judas Maccabeus Israelite woman - Heather Harper (soprano) Israelite man - Helen Watts (contralto) Judas Maccabaeus - Alexander Young (tenor) Simon - John Shirley-Quirk (baritone) Amor Artis Chorale Wandsworth School Boys Choir English Chamber Orchestra/Johannes Somary Brilliant Classics Handel Edition Volumes 4 to 5 Brilliant Classics 99777-4/5 [2 CDs: 71.29+72.25] [RH]

A rather old-fashioned performance, marred by cuts and poor choral sound but with a superb group of stylish Handelian soloists. … see Full Review

George Frederick HANDEL (1685-1759) Rinaldo (1711) [163’] Opera Seria in Three Acts Handel the Entertainer [54’] Goffredo - David Walker Almirena - Deborah York Rinaldo - David Daniels Eustazio - Alex Köhler Argante - Eglis Silins Armida - Noëmi Nadelmann Bavarian State Orchestra/Harry Bicket Stage Direction by David Alden From the Prinzregententheater, Munich, unspecified date, 2001 ARTHAUS MUSIK 2 DVDs 100 388 [217.00] [PW]

A mixed bag, a recording with good and bad … see Full Review

Joseph HAYDN (1732-1809) Cello Concerto No. 1 in C, Hob. VIIb:1 (c.1765) Cello Concerto No. 2 in D, Hob. VIIb:2 (1783) * Luigi BOCCHERINI (1743-1805) Cello Concerto in B flat (c.1770, arr. Grützmacher in 1895) Jacqueline du Pré, cello English Chamber Orchestra/Daniel Barenboim London Symphony Orchestra/Sir John Barbirolli * Recorded No. 1 Studio, Abbey Road, London, April 1967, December 1967* Great Recordings of the Century series EMI CLASSICS 66896 [78:43] [DS]

Technical wizardry and great passion with a Romantic era orientation. … see Full Review

Franz Joseph HAYDN (1732-1809) Piano Trios – Complete Edition Vol. 5 Trio in D (H XV,24) [12:17] Trio in G (H XV,25) [14:27] Trio in f sharp minor (H XV,26) [17:41] Trio in E flat minor (H XV,31) [12:54] Trio in G (H XV,32) [16:44] Trio 1790: Harald Hoeren, fortepiano; Annette Wehnert, violin; Mercedes Ruiz, cello Rec. March 2000; March 2001, Studio, DeutschlandRadio, Köln. DDD CPO 999 828-2 [74:44] [JV]

A good and commendable recording, which includes the famous ‘Rondo al’Ongharese’ – generally well played but not always as sparkling as Haydn’s music asks for. … see Full Review

Franz Joseph HAYDN (1732-1809) Historical Recordings, 1961-76 - Keyboards Sonatas – C, HobXVI:1 (c1750-55) [7’18] - C, HobXVI:3 (1767) [8’45] - D, HobXVI4 (1766) [5’35] - C, HobXVI:7 (before 1766) [4’43] - G, HobXVI:8 (before 1766) [4’34] - E minor, HobXVI:34 (1780) [10’’45] - D, HobXVI:37 (1780) [9’46] - G minor (1778) [8’26] - A flat, HobXVI:46 (1778) [14’59] Maria Bergman (piano) - Rec. 1961-76 in the Hans Rosbaud-Studio, Baden-Baden, Germany. ADD HÄNSSLER FASZINATION MUSIK CD93.081 [76’03] [CC]

A box of delights, and one can only hope fervently for more Bergmann from Haenssler. … see Full Review

Vagn HOLMBOE (1909-1996) Concerto No. 8 Sinfonia Concertante Op. 38 M.148 (1945) [19.07] Concerto No. 10 Træ Messing og Tarm (Wood, Brass and Gut) Op. 40 M.150 (1945-46) [17.46] Concerto Giocondo e Severo Op. 132 M.288 (1977) [10.40] Den Galsindede Tyrk (The Ill-Tempered Turk) ballet suite Op. 32b M.242 (1944-45) [19.28] Aalborg Symphony Orchestra/Owain Arwel Hughes rec. Aalborghallen, Aalborg, Sweden, May 1998 (Opp. 32b, 132), June 1999 (Opp. 38, 40) DDD BIS-CD-917 [68.16] [RB]

Not necessarily the place to start but those who already like the music of this Danish master will want to add these works to their 'singing in the bath' repertoire. ... see Full Review

Alan HOVHANESS (1911-2000) Symphony No. 2 Mysterious Mountain Op. 132 (1955) [19.23] Symphony No. 50 Mount St Helens Op. 360 (1981) [29.16] Symphony No. 66 Hymn to Glacier Peak Op. 428 (1991) [18.38] Storm on Mount Wildcat Op. 2 No. 2 (1931) [3.37] Royal Liverpool PO/Gerard Schwarz Recorded Philharmonic Hall, Liverpool, UK, 9 August 2002 Notes in English. Photographs of the composer and performers. Booklet cover painting by Alan Hovhaness.
CD stereo and SACD 2.0 stereo and 5.1 surround sound. Hybrid SACD TELARC SACD 60604 [71.45] Plays on SACD players and on CD players. [PSh]

An exceptional performance of the Mysterious Mountain and a very fine Mt. St. Helens Symphonies in SACD surround sound...… see Full Review

Aled JONES ‘Aled’ Éric LEVI ‘I Believe’ Robert PRIZEMAN ‘Vespera’ John RUTTER (b 1945) ‘Pie Jesu’ George Frederick HANDEL (1685-1759) arr. Arthur Somervell ‘Did You Not Hear My Lady’ Franz SCHUBERT (1797-1828) ‘Ave Maria’ N REGENCY and G SHAYNE ‘Did You Hear What I Hear’ César FRANCK (1822-1890) ‘Panis Angelicus’ Geoffrey BURGON (b 1941) ‘Nunc Dimittis’ C.H. PURDY ‘Lead Kindly Light’ Adolphe ADAM (1803-1856) ‘O Holy Night’ TRADITIONAL ‘My Life Flows On’; ‘Suo-Gân’; ‘How Great Thou Art’; ‘All Through The Night’ (Ar Hyd Y Nos) Accompanied by Catrin Finch (Harpist to HRH The Prince of Wales). Libera, Llanelli Male Choir. English Session Orchestra. Director Robert Prizeman - No recording dates or venues given ABC CLASSICS 064-479-2 [52.04] [RJF]

Definitely one for those with long memories who were seduced by a boy soprano from Wales … see Full Review

Viktor KALABIS (b.1923) Concerto for Harpsichord and Strings Op. 42 (1975) [27.25] Concerto for Violin and Orchestra No. 1 Op. 17 (1959) [21.38] Five Romantic Love Songs to words by Rainer Maria Rilke Op. 38 (1974) [15.26] Symphonic Variations for large Orchestra Op. 24 (1964) [13.01] Zuzana Růžičková (harpsichord) Petr Škvor (violin) Ernst Haefliger (ten) Prague Symphony Orchestra/Viktor Kalabis (concertos) Czech Chamber Orchestra/Viktor Kalabis Czech Philharmonic Orchestra/Václav Neumann rec. Rudolfinum, Prague 6 Jan 1980 (harpsichord concerto), 19 Feb 1977 (songs), 9 Feb 1968 (Variations); Czech Radio Studio, Prague 30 Nov 1984 (violin concerto) ADD SUPRAPHON SU 3736-2 911 [77.55] [RB]

Discover Kalabis through this generous collection ... see Full Review

Tikhon KHRENNIKOV (b.1913) Violin Concerto No. 1 in C major Op. 14 (1965) [18.55] Violin Concerto No. 2 in C major Op. 23 (1974) [15.35] Piano Concerto No. 2 in C major Op. 21 (1972) [16.25] Piano Concerto No. 3 in C major Op. 28 (1983) [20.03] Vadim Repin (violin) (1)
Maxim Vengerov (violin) (2) Yevgeny Kissin (piano) (2) Tikhon Khrennikov (piano (3) Moscow Radio Symphony Orchestra/Vladimir Fedoseyev rec. live 1988 ADD RELIEF CR 991058 [70.58] [RB]

Showy but not without tenderness. Tends to be more vinegary than Kabalevsky. Closer to Rawsthorne... see Full Review

August KLUGHARDT (1847-1902) Konzert-Ouverture G-Dur fur Orchester Op. 45 (1884) [11.07] Konzerstück for Oboe und Orchester Op. 18 (1870) [9.13] Cello Concerto in A minor Op. 59 (1894) [18.09] Auf der wanderschaft - Suite for Orchester Op. 67 (1896) [16.56] Rolf-Julius Koch (Konzertstück) Horst Beckedorf (cello) NDR Radiophilharmonie (all except Konzertstück) WDR Rundfunkorchester Köln/Curt Cremer (Konzertstück) conductor: Will Steiner (ov, suite); Curt Cremer (oboe); Hans Herbert Joeris (cello) rec. NDR 17 Apr 1975 (ov), 23 Apr 1980 (cello), 15-16 Apr 1975 (suite); WDR 10 Jan 1979 (oboe). AAD STERLING CDS-1054-2 [55.15] [RB]

Undemanding rural fare with a woodland romantic accent sometimes glancing eastwards towards Bohemia. ... see Full Review

Erich Wolfgang KORNGOLD (1897-1957) The Ring of Polykrates (1914) Opera in one act and ten scenes - a free adaptation of the comic drama of the same name by Heinrich Teweles Endrick Wottrich (ten) - Wilhelm Arndt, court music director Beate Bilandzija (sop) - Laura, his wife Jürgen Sacher (ten) - Florian Döblinger, timpanist and music copyist Kirsten Blanck (sop) - Lieschen in Laura's service Dietrich Henschel (bar) - Peter Vogel, Wilhelm's friend Deutsches Symphonie-Orchester Berlin/Klauspeter Seibel rec. 19-25 Sept 1995, Jesus-Christus-Kirche Dahlem. DDD CPO 999 402-2 [70.10] [RB]

Not essential Korngold unless the lighter Viennese palette appeals in all its frothy caramel. ... see Full Review

Johann Ludwig KREBS (1713-1780) Chorale Preludes; ‘O Ewigheit du Donnerwort ; Herrich habe missgehandelt; Wo sol lich flichen hin; Heut triumphiret Gottes Sohn; Wir glaudben all an einem Gott; Jesu, meine Freude; Praeludium and Charale on ‘Wer nur der lieben Gott lasst walten; Praeludium and Chorale on ‘Auf supra Auf meinen lieben Gott’ (from Clavierübung) Praeludium in C minor; Fuga in C minor; in G minor, in Eb major, in F major; Trio in F; Trio in C minor, Trio in E minor; Fantasia in G and Fantasia sopra ‘Herr Jesu Christ dich zu uns wend’. John Kitchen playing the organ of St. Peter Mancroft, Norwich Recorded September 2001 Complete Organ Works Volume 6 PRIORY PRCD 739 [72.33] [GH]

Recording and general presentation of the disc is exemplary and John Kitchen is an ideal and expert advocate of this little known repertoire. … see Full Review

Rudolf KUBÍN (1909-1973) String Quartet No. 1 (1927) [15.07] Humoresques for violin, viola, cello and clarinet (1961) [16.47] Concertino for double bass and octet [7.28] Kubín Quartet Valter Vítek (cl); Kětoslav Borovička (double bass) Akademia Quintet rec. DDD ARCO DIVA UP 0051-2 131 [39.34] [RB]

Kubín's language softened from the dissonance of the 1920s to the caramel and salt style of his full maturity ... see Full Review

Friedrich Ludwig Aemilius KUNZEN (1761-1817) Music for Piano - Musical Pastime for the Fair Sex (1798): Variations in F minor from "Erik Ejegod"; Minuet and Two Trios in C major; Poco Adagio in F major; Vivace in F major; Scherzando in G major; Scherzando in C major from "The Mandrake" - Sonata in C sharp minor (1789-1991): (Allegro moderato); Minuet: Allegretto; Adagio; Presto - Musical New Year’s Gift for the Fair Sex (1799): Variations in B flat major from "The Secret"; Variations in A major from "The Wine Harvest"; Minuet and Trio in A major; Vivace in A major; Andante in B flat major; Scherzando in B flat major; Divertimento in A major (1788); Scherzando in G major (1789); Larghetto in G major (1794) Thomas Trondhejm, piano - Recorded at Royal Academy of Music, Århus, May 2002 DACAPO 8.224228 [64:43] [DS]

Trondhejm certainly has his pulse on the music of Kunzen, fully conveying its lift and exuberance. Just don’t expect to hear another Haydn or Mozart … see Full Review

Lars-Erik LARSSON (1908-1986) The Twelve Concertinos (1955-1957) Concertino for flute and orchestra [10.33] Concertino for oboe and string orchestra [8.52] Concertino for clarinet and string orchestra [12.45] Concertino for bassoon and string orchestra [10.03] Concertino for horn and string orchestra [13.03] Concertino for trumpet and string orchestra [10.33] Concertino for trombone and string orchestra [10.33] Concertino for violin and string orchestra [12.53] Concertino for viola and string orchestra [13.11] Concertino for cello and string orchestra [9.42] Concertino for double bass and string orchestra [12.02] Concertino for piano and string orchestra [16.59] Göran Marcusson (flute); Mårten Larsson (oboe); Urban Claesson (clarinet); Anders Engström (bassoon); Per Göran horn); Bengt Danielsson (trumpet); Lars-Göran Carlsson (trombone); Jan Stigmer (violin); Per-Ola Lindberg (viola); Bjørg Værnes (cello); Ingalill Hillerud (double bass); Joakim Kallhed (piano) Camerata Roman rec. Påskallavik Church 1994 INTIM MUSIK IMCD 030 [74.36] vol 1: fl, ob, cl, bn, hn, trumpet, trombone INTIM MUSIK IMCD 031 [65.32] vol 2: vn, va, cello, double bass, piano [RB]

They do not sound like Malcolm Arnold but they are surely similar. Beautifully recorded. Thoroughly recommendable. ... see Full Review

Benjamin LEES (b.1924) Symphony No. 2 (1957) [26.09] - Symphony No. 3 (1968) [28.27] - Symphony No. 5 Kalmar Nyckel (1998) [28.23] - Etudes for piano and orchestra (1974) [23.41] Staatsphilharmonie Rheinland-Pfalz/Stephen Gunzenhauser (symphonies) - James Dick (piano) (Etudes) - Texas Festival Orchestra/Robert Spano (Etudes) - David Jäger (tenor saxophone); Lars Lauer (percussion) (Symphony No. 3) - rec. no dates given for the symphonies; 17 June 2000, live (Etudes) DDD ALBANY TROY564/5 [54.41+47.58] [RB]

Heroically conceived and consummated. Tonal, gritty, lucidly scored, terse, not inclined to long singing lines. The Fifth is an outstanding piece. ... see Full Review

Jón LEIFS (1899-1968) Complete Songs Finnur Bjarnason (tenor) Örn Magnússon (piano) rec. Salurrin, Kópavogur, Dec 2000, Jan 2001, Sept 2001 SMEKKLEYSA SMK 20 [2CDs: 80.46] [RB]

Songs that are restive, angry, volatile, imploring and generally not greatly in touch with the more yielding emotions. ... see Full Review

Franz LISZT (1811-1886) †Hungarian Rhapsody # 6, S 244/f (1853) [7.12] - †Hungarian Rhapsody #15, S 244/o (1871) [4.58] - †Valse Impromptu, S 213 (1852) [5.53] - †Consolation #2, S 172/b (1850) [2.57] - †Consolation #3, S 172/c (1850) [4.21] - †Rigoletto Concert Paraphrase, S 434 (1859) [6.53] - †La Campanella, S 420 (1834) [4.52] - ‡Don Juan Fantasy, S 418 (1843) [17.34] - ‡Polonaise #2 in E, S 223/b (1851) [9.01] - §St. Francis of Paola Striding Upon the Tides, S 175/b (1863) [8.50] - §Paganini Etude #2 in Eb, S 140/b (1838) [4.50] Tamás Vásáry, piano - Recorded Kulturraum, Baumberg, Germany, May 1959 (Stereo) §; Große Musikhalle, Hamburg, Germany, July 1957 (monophonic) †; Beethoven-Saal, Hannover, Germany, May 1961 (stereo) ‡ Program notes in English, Deutsch, Français. Photo of Vásáry. ‘The Originals’ series DEUTSCHE GRAMMOPHON 474 423-2 [77.11] [PS]

An excellent one disk collection of Liszt’s ‘Greatest Hits’ for solo piano very well played, probably very much as they were often heard in Liszt’s lifetime. A must for Liszt specialists and piano students … see Full Review

Albert LORTZING (1801 - 1851) Die Himmelfahrt Jesu Christi (The Ascension of Jesus Christ) Gabriel - Anneli Pfeffer (soprano) Eloa - Hedwigh Fassbender (alto) Christus - Bernhard Schneider (tenor) Christian Hiltz (baritone) Kay Stiefermann (bass) WDR Runkfunkchor Köln WDR Runkfunkorchester Köln/Helmuth Froschauer Recorded 5-9 May 1998, Westdeutscher Runkdfunk Köln (Klaus von Bismark Saal) CPO 999 837-2 [56.35] [RH]

A rare outing for one of Lortzing's non-operatic works in a convincing performance by West German Radio forces. … see Full Review

[Detailed listing (last two days)]
[Part 1 New]  [Part 2 A-B] [Part 3 C-L]
[Part 4 M-R]  [Part 5 S-Z]
[Part 6 Misc A-L]  [Part 7 Misc M-Z]

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