American Concertos Benjamin LEES (b.1924) Violin Concerto (1958) [24.21] Robert STARER (b.1924) Concerto for Viola, Strings and Percussion (1958) [24.26] Meyer KUPFERMAN (b.1926) Concerto for Cello, Tape and Orchestra (1974) [26.43] Michael COLGRASS (b.1932) Concertmasters for Three Violins and Orchestra (1977) [22.09] Lou HARRISON (b.1917) Concerto for Violin and Percussion Orchestra (1940, 1959) [15.49] Walter PISTON (1894-1976) Concertino for Piano and Chamber Orchestra (1937) [13.39] William BERGSMA (b.1921) Violin Concerto (1965) [22.25] Lees: Ruggiero Ricci (violin), American S.O./Kazuyoshi Akiyama (rec. 1976) Starer: Melvin Berger (viola), English Chamber Orchestra/John Snashall (rec. 1965, first release on Pye LP) Kupferman: Laszlo Varga (cello), Music for Westchester S.O./Siegfried Landau (rec. 1975) Colgrass: Robert Rudie (violin), Masako Yanagita (violin), Ronald Oakland (violin), American S.O./Kazuyoshi Akiyama (rec. 1977) Harrison: Carroll Glenn (violin), Members of Percussion Ensemble of Eastman School of Music/John Beck (rec. 1972) Piston: Gary Steigerwalt (piano), Philharmonia Virtuosi of New York/Richard Kapp (rec. 1976) Bergsma: Edward Statkiewicz (violin), Polish Radio and Television Orchestra/Zdzislav Szostak (rec. 1969) VOXBOX CDX 5158 [2CDs: 76.11+74.17] [RB]

A generous and extremely economical selection of twentieth century American concertos from the traditional to the extreme outer rim ... see Full Review

AURORA: Music of the Northern Lights Edvard GRIEG (1843-1907) from "Peer Gynt": Morning Mood [4.15]; Anitra's Dance [3.43]; Solveig's Song [5.11]; The Death of Åse [3.51]; In the Hall of the Mountain King [2.60 ] Cow-Call - Peasant Dance (Nordic Melody op. 63 no.2) [5.12] Praeludium from "Holberg Suite" [2.58] Norwegian Dance op. 35 no.2 [2.30] Concerto for Piano and Orchestra in A minor: Adagio [6.22] Lilya Zilberstein, piano Homage March from "Sigurd Jorsalfar" [8.47 ] Last Spring (Elegiac Melody op. 34 no.2) [4.45] Hugo ALFVÉN (1872-1960) Midsummer Vigil (Swedish Rhapsody no.1) [12.46] Jean SIBELIUS (1865-1957) from "Karelia Suite": Intermezzo [4.08]; Alla marcia [4.43]; Valse triste [5.38] from "Four Legends from the Kalevala": Lemminkäinen's Return [6.22]; The Swan of Tuonela [7.35] Björn Bohlin, English horn (cor anglais) Finlandia [9.06] Andante festivo [5.05] Johan HALVORSEN (1864-1935) Entry March of the Boyars* [4.32] Armas JÄRNEFELT (1869-1958) Berceuse* [3.05] Christer Thorvaldsson, violin solo, Claes Gunnarsson, violoncello solo Praeludium* [2.54] Wilhelm STENHAMMAR (1871-1927) Notturno from Serenade in F major op. 31 [6.24] Interlude* from the cantata "The Song" [4.26] Carl NIELSEN (1865-1931) Negro Dance from "Aladdin Suite" [4.29] Overture to "Maskarade" [4.23] Dag WIREN (1905-1986) Marcia* from Serenade Op.11 [4.33] Lars-Erik LARSSON (1908-1986) Romance* from "Pastoral Suite" Op.19 [4.48] Einojuhani RAUTAVAARA (b.1928) The Bog* from "Cantus arcticus" [7.38] Hans Christian LUMBYE (1810-1874) Copenhagen Steam Railway Galop* [3.35] Gothenburg Symphony Orchestra/Neeme Järvi *Newly recorded for this issue. The other selections have been previously released. Notes in English, Deutsch, and Français. Photos of the artists. DG 471 747-2 [2 CDs: 77.06+79.39] [PSh]

A well played, well recorded collection of varied music by Scandinavian composers if you can deal with the inconvenient layout and kitchy presentation. ... see Full Review

Baltic Voices 1 Cyrillus KREEK (1889-1962) Psalms of David (1923) [10.49] Sven-David SANDSTRØM (b.1942) Hear my prayer, O Lord (1986) after Purcell [6.29]; Es ist Genug (1986) [10.34] Einojuhani RAUTAVAARA (b.1928) Lorca Suite Op. 72 (1973) [6.33] Veljo TORMIS (b.1930) Latvian Bourdon Songs (1982) * [17.11] Arvo PÄRT (b.1935) ... which was the son of ... (2000) * [7.86] Pēteris VASKS (b.1946) Dona nobis pacem (1996) *† [15.16] Tallinn Chamber Orchestra † Estonian Philharmonic Chamber Choir/Paul Hillier * world premiere rec. 18-24 July 2002, Tallinn Methodist Church, Tallinn, Estonia. DDD HARMONIA MUNDI HMU 907311 [74.26] [RB]

Lyrical yet challenging ... not in any sense ivory tower products ... they welcome the listener with open arms. ... see Full Review

Twenty Years of BBC Singer of the World in Cardiff DVD: Competition Winners 1983: Karita Mattila ‘Donna Anna’s Aria’ from Don Giovanni- Mozart [2’43"] - ‘Leise, Leise’ from Der Freischütz – Weber [8’30"] - Award presentation [0’38"] - BBC Welsh Symphony Orchestra conducted by Richard Armstrong - 1985: David Mallis ‘E ‘un sogno’ [Ford’s Monologue} from Falstaff – Verdi [4’39"] - ‘Largo al factotum’ from The Barber of Seville – Rossini [4’45"] - Award presentation [1’07"] - BBC Welsh Symphony Orchestra conducted by Richard Armstrong - 1987: Valeria Esposito ‘Comme autrefois’ from The Pearl Fishers – Bizet [6’37"] - ‘Chi il bel sogno di Doretta’ from La Rondine – Puccini [2’59"] - ‘Qui la voce sua soave’ from I Puritani – Bellini [6’09"] - Award presentation [1’07"] - BBC Welsh Symphony Orchestra conducted by Richard Armstrong - Julian Smith (accompanist) 1989: Dmitri Hvorostovsky ‘Eri tu che macchiavi’ from Un Ballo in Maschera – Verdi [6’17"] - ‘Jeletzky’s Aria’ from Queen of Spades – Tchaikovsky [5’09"] - ‘Rodrigo’s Aria’ from Don Carlos – Verdi [4’55"] - ‘The death of Rodrigo’ from Don Carlos – Verdi [3’50"] - Award presentation [1’01"] - BBC Welsh Symphony Orchestra conducted by Richard Armstrong - 1991: Lisa Gasteen ‘Dich, tuere Halle’ from Tannhaüser – Wagner [3’36"] - ‘Schlafst du, Gast?’ from Die Walküre – Wagner [5’49"] - ‘Pace, pace, mio Dio’ from La Forza Del Destino – Verdi [5’35"] - Award presentation [1’08"] - BBC Welsh Symphony Orchestra conducted by Guido Ajmone-Marsan - 1993: Inger Dam-Jensen ‘Amor’ from Six Songs (Brentano-Lieder), Op.68, No 5 – R. Strauss [3’11"] - ‘Misera, dove son? Ah, non son io che parlo’ K369 – Mozart [6’46"] - ‘Let the bright Seraphim’ from Samson – Handel [5’29"] - Award presentation [1’22"] - BBC Welsh Symphony Orchestra conducted by Guido Ajmone-Marsan - Christen Stubbe (accompanist) -1995: Katarina Karnéus ‘Ging heuf morgen über’s Feld’ from Lieder eines fahrenden Gesellen – Mahler [4’23"] - Seguidilla: ‘Près des remparts de Séville’ [2’17"] - ‘Heart, we will forget him’ from Twelve Poems of Emily Dickinson – Copland [2’19"] - ‘Why do they shut me out of heaven?’ from Twelve Poems of Emily Dickinson Copland [2’03"] - ‘Nacqui all’affanno/Non piu mesta’ from La Cenerentola – Rossini [6’20"] - Award presentation [1’09"] - BBC National Orchestra of Wales conducted by Carlo Rizzi - Ingrid Surgenor (accompanist) - 1997: Guang Yang ‘Connais-tu la pays?’ from Mignon – Thomas [5’22"] - ‘Nacht und Träume’ Op. 43, No. 2 – Schubert [4’05"] - ‘Der Tod und das Mädchen’ Op. 7, No. 3 – Schubert [3’00"] - ‘Nacqui all’affanno/Non piu mesta’ from La Cenerentola – Rossini [6’20"] - Award presentation [0’47"] - BBC National Orchestra of Wales conducted by Carlo Rizzi - Ingrid Surgenor (accompanist) - 1999: Anja Harteros ‘Temerari…Come scoglio’ from Cosi fan tutte – Mozart [5’56"] - ‘Am Sonntag Morgen’ Op. 49, No. 1 – Brahms [1’22"] - Was will die einsame Träne?’ Op. 25, No.21 – Schumann [3’05"] - ‘E Strano…sempre libera’ from La Traviata – Verdi [7’36"] - Award presentation [1’00"] - BBC National Orchestra of Wales conducted by Carlo Rizzi - Wolfgang Kastorp (accompanist) - 2001: Marius Brenciu ‘Cielo e mar!’ from La Gioconda – Ponchielli [5’01"] - ‘Die nacht’ Op.10, No. 3 – R Strauss [3’04"] - ‘Changeons propos’ from Sept Chansons de Clement Marot Op.5, No.6 – Enescu [2’23"] - ‘Lensky’s Aria’ from Eugene Onegin – Tchaikovsky [7’12"] - Award presentation [3’07"] - BBC National Orchestra of Wales conducted by Jean-Yves Ossonce - Ingrid Surgenor (accompanist) - DVD 2: Documentary: Twenty Years BBC Singer of the World in Cardiff [33’25"] - Lieder (Song) Prize Winners - 1989: Bryn Terfel ‘In der fremde’ Liederkreis Op. 39 – Schumann [1’57"] - ‘Intermezzo’ Liederkreis Op. 39 – Schumann [1’56"] - ‘Die Stille’ Liederkreis Op. 39 – Schumann [1’36"] - ‘Schöne Fremde’ Liederkreis Op. 39 – Schumann [1’19"] - Bonus: ‘Non piu andrai from The Marriage of Figaro – Mozart [1’57"] - Bonus: ‘The Dutchman’s Aria’ from The Flying Dutchman – Wagner [11’28"] - Award presentation [0’33"] - Malcolm Martineau (accompanist) - 1991: Neal Davies ‘Did you hiccup, Natasha?’ – Rachmaninov [2’07"] - ‘Letter to K. S. Stanislavski’ – Rachmaninov [3’43"] - ‘Erlkönig’ – Schubert [1’24"] - Award presentation [1’01"] - Ingrid Surgenor (accompanist) 1993: Paul Whelan ‘Am Bach im Frühling’ D361 – Schubert [1’52"] - Bonus: ‘Hai gia vinta la causa’ from The Marriage of Figaro – Mozart [1’55"] - Award presentation [0’39"] - Ingrid Surgenor (accompanist) 1995: Kirsi Tiihonen ‘Wehe, so willst du mich wieder’ Op. 32, No. 5 – Brahms [1’57"] - ‘Es traümte mir’ Op. 57, No. 3 – Brahms [3’33"] - ‘Vesnie Vodys’ (‘Spring Waters’) from Twelve Songs – Rachmaninov [2’28"] - Award presentation [0’42"] - Satu Salminen (accompanist) 1997: Christopher Maltman ‘Ständchen’ from Schwanengesang – Schubert [3’47"] - ‘Winter Evening’ Op. 13, No. 1 – Medtner [3’10"] - Award presentation [[1’10"] - Phillip Thomas (accompanist) - 1999: Dea-San No ‘Oh! Mountain’ – Dong-Soo Shin [4’29"] - ‘Nebbie’ – Respighi [1’22"] - Award presentation [1’09"] - Ingrid Surgenor (accompanist) 2001: Marius Brenciu ‘In der fremde’ Liederkreis Op. 39 – Schumann [2’02"] - ‘Intermezzo’ Liederkreis Op. 39 – Schumann [1’45"] - ‘Waldesgesprach’ – Schumann [2’07"] - ‘Die nacht’ Op.10, No. 3 – R Strauss [3’04"] - ‘Changeons propos’ from Sept Chansons de Clement Marot Op.5, No.6 – Enescu [2’23"] - Award presentation [3’07"] - Ingrid Surgenor (accompanist) - The Battle of the Baritones [3’14"] Filmed in St. David’s Hall, Cardiff, Wales - PAL All Regions - 16/9 Anamorphic and 4/3 (Archive material) BBC Opus Arte OA 0880 D [170’00" + 90’00"] [JQ]

A splendid celebration of a major competition and is also a hugely enjoyable compilation of fine singing. I warmly recommend it. … see Full Review

Karen Bentley: Dancing Suite To Suite Ole Pullar SAXE (b 1952) Dance Suite for Solo Violin (1998-2000) [39:03] Johann Sebastian BACH (1685-1750) Partita No. 2 in D minor BWV 1004 (1720) [34:32] Odd BAKKERUD (Dates not given) Fanitullen for Norwegian hardangerfele [2:51] Karen Bentley, violin, viola, hardangerfele Rec. 23-24 October 2001, Skywalker Sound Scoring Stage, San Raphael, California DDD NEPTUNUS/ARIEL VENTURES NEPCD0005 [75:26] [KS]

Bentley’s very able violin playing, lush rich tone and fine intonation.... but nevertheless pass it by… see Full Review

Boni Pueri – Czech Boys Choir ANON Pueri hebraeorum - Orlando di LASSO (1532-1594) O la o che bon eccho - Lara HOGGARD Personent hodie - César FRANCK (1822-1890) Panis Angelicus - G.F.HANDEL (1685-1759) Hallelujah (from Messiah) - J.C.F.FISCHER (C.1670-1746) Kyrie, Gloria (from Missa inventionis Sanctae Crucis) - P.V. VEJVANOVSKY (1639-1693) Confitebur (Psalm 111) - J.D.ZELENKA (1679-1745) Vos oriens adoret (from Sub olea pacis et palma virtutis) - Antonín DVOŘÁK (1841-1904) Goin’ Home (from Symphony no.9 from the New World) - Bedrich SMETANA (1824-1884) Proc bychom se netesili (from The Bartered Bride) - TRAD. O Lasko, Lasko (Moravian) - TRAD. Mikulecka Dedina (Moravian) - TRAD. Waltzing Matilda (Australia) - TRAD. Buenos Aires no fuera asi (Argentina) - TRAD. Sakura (Japan) - TRAD. Siyahamba (Zulu spiritual) - BROADWAY MEDLEY (WARREN, ARLEN, GERSHWIN, BERNSTEIN) Czech Boys Choir/Pavel Horák, Jakub Martinec, Marek Strynel, Martin - Fila,piano, František Varucek, organ, with Anna Hlavenkova, soprano, Noemi - Kiss,soprano, Lukas Sadovsky, soprano, Markus Forster, countertenor, Martin - Ptacek, countertenor, Jaroslav Brezina, tenor, Adam Zdunikowski, tenor, Mikal - Pospisil, bass, Ales Prochaska, tenor, Musica Aeterna, Ensemble Philidor, Musica - florea - Recorded in the City Music hall, Hradec Králové October 2000, March 2002, in the Tothmayer Hall of Prague Castle, July 2000, and the Bailica of the assumption of the Virgin Mary, Strahov,. Prague, July and September 2001 SUPRAPHON SU 3764-2231 [62:47] [GPJ]

A handful of numbers that are quite wonderful. A mixed bag in every sense but one with plenty of lovely things in it. … see Full Review

Pierre BOULEZ – in Rehearsal - Alban BERG (1885 – 1935) Three Orchestral Pieces Op.6 (1915) - Pierre BOULEZ (b. 1925) Notations 1 – 4 (1978) Vienna Philharmonic Orchestra rehearsed and conducted in the Musikverein, Vienna, by Pierre Boulez - recorded in 1998, (DVD) Arthaus 100 290 [57 minutes] [JP]

I would recommend this disc to anyone who wants to learn a bit more about contemporary orchestral music; contemporary? … nearly a century has elapsed since the Berg was originally composed. … see Full Review

British Music - Green and Pleasant Land : Ernest John MOERAN (1894-1950) - Symphony in G minor: Vivace Bournemouth Symphony Orchestra/David Lloyd Jones - from Naxos 8.555837 Gerald FINZI (1901 - 1956) - Clear and Gentle Stream Choir of St. John's College, Cambridge/Christopher Robinson - Christopher Whitton (organ) - from Naxos 8.555792 Arthur SOMERVELL (1863 - 1937) - The Shropshire Lad: Loveliest of trees Christopher Maltman (baritone) - Graham Johnson (piano) - The Duke Quartet - from Naxos 8.557113 Frederick DELIUS (1862 - 1934) - Two Aquarelles: Gaily but not quick Northern Sinfonia/David Lloyd-Jones Arnold BAX (1883 - 1953) - Summer Music Royal Scottish National Orchestra/David Lloyd-Jones - from Naxos 8.557144 Arthur BLISS (1891 - 1975) - Conversations: In the Wood: Adagio Maggini Quartet - Nicholas Daniel (oboe) - Michael Cox (flute) - from Naxos 8.557108 Edward ELGAR (1857 - 1934) - Sospiri English Northern Philharmonia/David Lloyd-Jones William WALTON (1902 - 1983) As You Like It: Under the Greenwood Tree RTE Concert Orchestra/Andrew Penny - from Naxos 8.553344 Gustav HOLST (1874 - 1934) - Egdon Heath Royal Scottish National Orchestra/David Lloyd-Jones - from Naxos 8.553696 Ralph VAUGHAN WILLIAMS (1872 - 1958) - On Wenlock Edge Anthony Rolfe Johnson (tenor) - Graham Johnson (piano) - Duke Quartet - from Naxos 8.557114 Herbert HOWELLS (1892 - 1983) - Like as the Hart Choir of St. John's College, Cambridge/Christopher Robinson - Ian Farrington (organ) - from Naxos 8.554659 Benjamin BRITTEN (1913 - 1976) - Alla Marcia Maggini Quartet - from Naxos 8.554360 Charles Wilfrid ORR (1893 - 1976) - A Cotswold Hill Tune Royal Ballet Sinfonia/David Lloyd-Jones - from Naxos 8.554186 Malcolm ARNOLD (1921 - ) - Four Cornish Dances Queensland Symphony Orchestra/Andrew Penny - from Naxos 8.553526 NAXOS 8.557320 [72.52] [RH]

A fine selection from Naxos’s enterprising catalogue British music which includes a judicious mix of the familiar and the more unusual … see Full Review

BARGAIN OF THE MONTH CARMINA BURANA: Medieval Poems and Songs Ensemble Unicorn, Michael Posch, director; Ensemble Oni Wytars, Marco Ambrosini, director; Bernhard Landauer, countertenor; Eric Mentzel, tenor; Peter Rabanser, tradioual style tenor, bagpipes, mandola; Marco Ambrosini, fiddle, chorus; Thomas Wimmer, fiddle, lute, chorus; Riccardo Delfino, harp, hurdy-gurdy, chorus; Michael Posch, recorder, chorus; Katharina Dustmann. Framedrums, Landknechtstrommel, tambourine, chours; Wolfgang Reithofer, Landknechttrommel, tamourine, xylophone, bells. Recorded at the Karthaus Mauerbach, 18-21 May 1997 DDD NAXOS 8.554837 [59:08] [KS]

Everything is played with a life and energy that left me dancing around the room by disc’s end. … see Full Review

Caruso Great Opera Arias Giacomo PUCCINI (1858-1924) Recondita Armonia; E lucevan le stelle (Tosca) - Che gelida manina (La Bohème); Donna non vidi mai (Manon Lescaut) Giuseppe VERDI (1813-1901) Ora per sempre addio (Otello) - O tu che in seno agl’ angeli (La forza del destino) - Questa e quella; Ella mi fu rapita (Rigoletto) Umberto GIORDANO (1867-1948) Amor ti vieta (Fedora) - Un di all’ azurro spazio (Andrea Chenier) Ruggero LEONCAVALLO (1857-1919) No! Pagliaccio non son (I Pagliacci) Mattinata Charles GOUNOD (1818-1893) Salut, demeure chaste et pure (Faust) Gaetano DONIZETTI (1797-1848) Una furtiva lagrima (L’Elisir d’amore) Georges BIZET (1838-1875) La fleur que tu m’avais jetée (Carmen) Arrigo BOITO (1842-1918) Dai campi, dai prate (Mefistofele) Enrico Caruso (tenor) - Austrian Radio Symphony Orchestra/Gottfried Rabl - Vocals recorded 1902-1913 in Milan, Camden and New York; orchestra recorded in Vienna, April 2002 AAD/DDD BMG CLASSICS 74321 98651 2 [56’07] [TH]

This really is worth investigating, even for curiosity value. And that voice … see Full Review

RECORDING OF THE MONTH Celtic Magic - Chamber music and songs by Peter Crossley-Holland and his circle Peter CROSSLEY-HOLLAND (1916-2001) The Nightingales (1945) - Ode to Mananan (1999) - The Weather the Cuckoo Likes; The Piper (1945) - Two Songs (1996) - Lullaby (1943/2001) - Trio (1940) ^- Twilight it is (1944) - John MANDUELL (b. 1928) "C-H" Recitative and Aria (2002) - Edmund RUBBRA (1901-1986) Oboe Sonata in C, Op. 100 (1958) - Julius HARRISON (1885-1963) Philomel (1938); I Know a Bank (1928) - John IRELAND (1879-1962) The Holy Boy (1919) - David COX (1916-1997) The Magical Island (1996) - Benjamin BRITTEN (1913-1976) Six Metamorphoses after Ovid, Op. 49 (1951) Lesley-Jane Richards, soprano John Turner, recorder - Richard Simpson, oboe - Keith Swallow, piano - Richard Howarth, violin - Tom Dunn, viola ^- Recorded at Manchester University Department of Music, 28^th and 29^th August 2002 CAMPION CAMEO 2026 [79.26] [NH]

John Turner's musical Midas touch pays further dividends with a disc full of superb British "byways" … see Full Review

20^th Century Concerti John WILLIAMS (b.1932) Tuba Concerto (1985)
Germaine TAILLEFERRE (1892 –1983) Harp Concertino (1928) Henri TOMASI (1901 – 1971) Saxophone Concerto (1949) Toshirō MAYUZUMI (1929 – 1997) Xylophone Concertino (1965) Soloists; 1. Marc Easener, tuba 2. Gabriella Dall’olio, harp 3. Duncan Ashby, saxophone 4. Joanne May, xylophone - Foundation Philharmonic Orchestra/David Snell - Recorded in Air Lyndhurst Studios, London (no date) ASV CD DCA 1126 [66:83] [GPJ]

Has the feeling of a project foundered for lack of time; a couple more hours of orchestral rehearsal would have made a tremendous difference. … See Full Review

Plainchant The Chants of Christmas Christmas Masses and The Marian Antiphons Ad Missam in Vigila, Introit: Hodie scietis, Gradual: Hodie scietis, Alleluia: Crastina die, Offertory: Tollite portas, Communion: Revelabitur, Ad Missam in Nocte Introit: Dominus dixit, Gradual: Tecum principium, Alleluia: Dominus dixit, Offertory: Laetentur caeli, Communion: In splendoribus, Ad Missam in Aurora Introit: Lux fulgebit, Gradual: Benedictus qui venit, Alleluia: Dominus regnavit, Offertory: Deus enim firmavit, Communion: Exsulta filia Sion, Ad Missam in Die Introit: Puer natus est nobis, Gradual: Viderunt omnes, Alleluia: Dies sanctificatus, Offertory: Tui sunt coeli, Communion: Viderunt omnes, Alma redemptoris mater, Ave regina coelorum, Regina coeli, Salve Regina, Gloriae Dei Cantores Schola/Richard J. Pugsley Recorded 1992 GLORIAE DEI CANTORES GDCD 005 [72.03] [RH]

Includes all the Propers for the masses for Christmas Day, along with the Marian Antiphons using both Solemn and Simple Tones ... see Full Review

Delectable Pieces: The Volkert-Walther String Trio Robert SCHUMANN (1810-1956): Trio (after the Sonata for Piano Op. 118, No. 3) Peter TCHAIKOVSKY (1840-1893): Three Pieces, String Quartet No.3 Bohemian Dance Op.39 No.14 Humoresque Op.10 No.2 Edward MACDOWELL (1861-1908): Woodland Sketches Op. 51, To a Wild Rose, By Fireside, By a Meadow Brook, At an Old Place, From Uncle Remus, Fritz KREISLER (1875-1962): Rondino on a theme of Beethoven, Toy Soldiers March, Victor HERBERT (1859-1924) Four Selections for String Trio, Always do as People say You should ("The Fortune Teller") Italian Street Song ("Naughty Marietta") Kiss Me Again ("Mlle. Modiste") Czardas ("The Fortune Teller") Mark Volkert violin, Geraldine Walther viola, Jan Volkert cello Arrangements by Mark Volkert Recorded at Hallcraft Studios, Pleasant Hill, CA, USA, 2003
CON BRIO CBR233 [49:15] [RW]

Volkert's arrangements are attractive and are played with good pace that gives a fresh appeal to the pieces. … see Full Review

English Cello Sonatas: Première Recordings John FOULDS (1880-1939) Sonata for cello and piano, Op.6 (1905, rev. 1927) Ernest WALKER (1870-1949) Sonata in F minor for cello and piano, Op.41 (1914) York BOWEN (1884-1961) Sonata in A major for cello and piano, Op.64 (1921) Jo Cole (cello) John Talbot (piano) Rec. Bishopsgate Hall, London, 25 Oct, 29 Nov, 6 Dec 1997. DDD BRITISH MUSIC SOCIETY BMS423CD [81.10] [MC]

Collectors of English chamber works are urged to hear these interesting works; especially the Bowen. … see Full Review

The Very Best of English Song CD1 Ralph VAUGHAN WILLIAMS (1872-1958): ‘Linden Lea’ [2’51"] John IRELAND (1879-1962): ‘The Salley Gardens’ (Songs Sacred and Profane, No. 4) [2’14"] Sir Hubert PARRY (1848-1918): ‘O mistress mine’ (English Lyrics Set II, No. 1) [2’14"] Roger QUILTER (1877-1953): ‘Love’s Philosophy’, Op. 3, No. 1 [1’27"] Dame Janet Baker (mezzo soprano); Gerald Moore (piano) Roger QUILTER: ‘Now sleeps the crimson petal’, Op. 3, No. 2 [2’11"] Graham PEEL (1877-1937): ‘Bredon Hill’ [3’44"] Sir Thomas Allen (baritone); Geoffrey Parsons (piano) George BUTTERWORTH (1865-1918): ‘Loveliest of trees’ (A Shropshire Lad, No. 1) [2’51"] Ivor GURNEY (1890-1937): ‘Down by the Salley Gardens’ [2’34"]; ‘Black Stitchel’ [2’10"] Peter WARLOCK (1894-1930): ‘My Own Country’ [2’34"]; ‘Passing By’ [2’30"]; ‘Pretty Ring Time’ [1’11"] Anthony Rolfe Johnson (tenor); David Willison (piano)
Ralph VAUGHAN WILLIAMS: ‘The Lamb’* [2’16"]; ‘The Shepherd’ [0’49"] (Ten Blake Songs Nos. 5 and 6) Ian Partridge (tenor); *Janet Craxton (oboe) Ralph VAUGHAN WILLIAMS ‘Silent Noon’ (The House of Life No. 2) [4’16"] Roger QUILTER ‘Come away, death’ [3’02"] Gerald FINZI (1901-1956): ‘Since we loved’ (O fair to see No. 7) [1’12"] Ian Bostridge (tenor); Julius Drake (piano) Gerald FINZI: ‘Rollicum-rorum’ (Earth and Air and Rain No.6) [2’01"] John IRELAND: ‘Sea Fever’ [2’11"] Frederick KEEL (1871-1954): ‘Trade Winds’ (Salt-Water Ballads No. 2) [2’19"] Jonathan Lemalu (bass-baritone); Roger Vignoles (piano) Sir Charles Villiers STANFORD (1852-1924): ‘Drake’s Drum’ [2’43"] ‘The Old Superb’ [3’23"] (Songs of the Sea, Nos. 1 and 5)
Robert Lloyd (bass); Nina Walker (piano) Amy WOODFORDE-FINDEN (1860-1919): ‘Kashmiri Song’ (Four Indian Love-Lyrics No. 3) [2’54"] Frederick Harvey (baritone); Jack Byfield (piano) May BRAHE (1884-1956): ‘Bless this House’ [3’16"] Peter WARLOCK: ‘Balulalow’ [1’45"] Dame Janet Baker (mezzo-soprano); Sir Philip Ledger (organ) Charles DIBDIN (1745-1814): ‘Tom Bowling’ [4’19] Henry R. BISHOP (1786-1855): ‘Home! Sweet home’ [3’37] Michael William BALFE (1808-1870): ‘Come into the garden, Maud’ [4’06"] Robert Tear (tenor); André Previn (piano) Arr. Benjamin BRITTEN (1913-1976): ‘The Foggy, Foggy Dew’ [2’24’]; ‘The Plough Boy’ [1’44"] Robert Tear (tenor); Sir Philip Ledger (piano) Sir William WALTON (1902-1983): ‘Popular Song’ (Façade No 19) [2’00"] Michael Flanders (reciter); members of the Academy of St. Martin-in-the-Field directed by Sir Neville Marriner CD2 Trad. English ‘Greensleeves’ [2’11"] Thomas MORLEY (1557/8 – 1602): ‘It was a lover and his lass’ [3’10"] Attrib. MORLEY: ‘O mistress mine’ [1’39"] Anon. (17^th Century): ‘The Willow Song’ [4’16"] Robert JOHNSON (c1583-1633); ‘Where the bee sucks’ [1’14"]; ‘Full fathom five’ [2’06"] Alfred Deller (counter-tenor); Desmond Dupré (lute) William BYRD (c1540-1623): ‘Lullaby, my sweet little baby’ [5’59"]; ‘Elegy on the death of Thomas Tallis: Ye sacred muses’ [4’04"] Michael Chance (countertenor); Fretwork John DOWLAND (1563-1626): ‘Sorrow, stay!’ (Second Book of Songs) [3’04"]; ‘Can she excuse my wrongs? (First Book of Songs) [2’32"] ‘Awake, sweet love’ (First Book of Songs) [2’48"]
‘Woeful heart’* (Second Book of Songs) [2’51"] Emma Kirkby (soprano); Anthony Rooley (lute and *orpharion) John DOWLAND: ‘Shall I sue?’ [2’37"] (Second Book of Songs); ‘Me, me and none but me’ (Third and Last Book of Songs) [2’11"]; ‘Flow, my tears’ (Second Book of Songs) [3’51"] Charles Daniels (tenor); David Miller (lute) Henry PURCELL (1659-1695): ‘Fairest Isle’* [2’36"]; ‘Music for a while’** [3’55"]; ‘I attempt from love’s sickness’*** [2’02"]; ‘If music be the food of love’ Z379 ****[2’06"]; ‘An Evening Hymn: Now that the sun hath veiled his light’ Z193 ***** [5’17"] Nancy Argenta (soprano); * Nigel North (archlute); **John Toll (harpsichord); *** Paul Nicholson (harpsichord); **** John Toll (harpsichord), Richard Boothby (gamba); ***** Paul Nicholson (chamber organ) Peter WARLOCK: ‘Yarmouth Fair’ [1’37"]
Charles G. MORTIMER (1880-1957): The Smuggler’s Song’* [3’33"] Owen Brannigan (bass); Ernest Lush (piano); *Gerald Moore (piano) Sidney CARTER (b. 1915): ‘Down Below’ [2’41"] Donald SWANN (1923-1994): ‘A Transport of Delight’ [2’34"]; ‘The Wart Hog’ [3’43"] Ian Wallace (baritone); Donald Swann (piano) Donald SWANN: ‘The Hippopotamus Song’ [4’02"] Michael Flanders and Donald Swann (recorded live at the Fortune Theatre, London, 2 May 1959) EMI CLASSICS 7243 5 75926 2 8 [79’13" + 79’23"] [JQ]

I envy anyone coming new to these songs … fine performances. Could have been an outstanding anthology rather than just useful. Worthwhile nonetheless. … see Full Review

Evensong and Vespers from King’s ATTWOOD/BEALE Psalm 50 [6:36] -
George DYSON Magnificat and Nunc Dimittis in D [6:48] - Edward BAIRSTOW Lord, Thou has been our Refuge [7:49] - Sebastian de VIVANCO Magnificat octavi toni [11:33] - Francesco CAVALLI Salve Regina [6:25] - ANTIPHON Dum esset Rex - Psalm: Dixit Dominus - Antiphon: Laeva ejus - Psalm: Laudate Pueri Dominum The Choir of King’s College, Cambridge/Stephen Cleobury - Recorded in the Chapel of King’s College, Cambridge, no dates given BRILLIANT CLASSICS DVD 6469 [39:20] [KS]

Elegant construction, superb and mellifluous counterpoint, magnificent harmony … stellar performance … see Full Review

La Folia 1490-1701 ANONYME Folia: Rodrigo Martinez, 1490; Improvisations d’après le villancico du CMP Diego ORTIZ (1510 - 1570) Recercada Quarta sobre la Folia, 1553 Antonio de CABEZÓN Folia: Para quien crié cabellos, 1557 - D’après Venegas de Henestrosa; Recercada Ottava sobre la Folia, 1553 Juan del ENZINA (1468- c.1530) Folia: Hoy comamos y bebamos, vers 1520 - Improvisations d’après le villancico de Juan del Enzina Antonio Martìn y Coll Madrid Bibl. Nacional (1706-1709) D’après le Mss. Flores de Músia,1357-60 Arcangelo CORELLI (1653-1713) Op. 5 Roma 1700 MS. VM7 6308 Paris Bibl. Nationale Marin MARAIS Second Livre de Pièces de Viole, Paris 1701 Jordi Savall, violes de gambe - Rolf Lislevand, vihuela, guitare et théorbe - Michael Behringer, clavecin, organo di legno et claviorganum - Arianna Savall, harpe triple - Bruno Cocset, basse de violon - Pedro Estevan, percussionAdela Gonzalez-Campa, castagnettes et grelots (cascabeles) - "Hybrid Stereo" - playable on a CD player and an SACD player but only stereo in both formats - Rec. 7-8 Sept 1998, Tibor Varga Studio, Switzerland and St Hippolyte à Castres, France ALIA VOX SACD AVSA 9805 [54:50] [DB]

The amazing Jordi Savall and friends perform a variety of pieces all derived from the 14^th century Portuguese dance-song "La Folia". A beautiful disc. … see Full Review

Dusolina GIANNINI (soprano) (1902-1986) Arias and Duets San Francisco Opera Orchestra. Cond. Gaetano Merola. Broadcast excerpts: War Memorial Opera House, San Francisco. 19^th September 1943 and 30^th January 1944 Los Angeles Philharmonic Orchestra. Cond. Pietro Cinini. Broadcast excerpts: Hollywood Bowl, Los Angeles. 15^th August 1943 NAXOS HISTORICAL 8.110145 [50.24] [RF]

A dramatic spinto from a period when such voices were commonplace. The name may be new to many, but Giannini was a considerable artist well worth hearing. … see Full Review

GIULINI AND MITROPOULOS - The first CETRA recordings CD1 Contemporary Music for chamber orchestra Chamber Orchestra of Rome, Carlo Mario Giulini, recorded 9 July 1949 G.F. MALIPIERO Mondi celesti with Magda Laszlo ( soprano) - MILHAUD L'Apotheose de Moliere - PETRASSI Sonata da camera with Egida Giordani Sartori ( harpsichord) - VLAD Divertimento for 11 instruments - Chamber Orchestra of Rome/Carlo Maria Giulin - Recorded July 1949 - CD2 Turin SO/Dmitri Mitropoulos MALIPIERO Sinfonia no. 7 della canzoni - CASELLA Ciacona after Bach - Recorded 2 June 1950 WARNER FONIT 5050466-3127-2-3 [2CDs] [DCFW]

The Giulini disc is worth having for many reasons, but I am not so sure about the Mitropoulos disc! … see Full Review

GONDWANA VOICES: New Light New Hope Stephen LEEK (b. 1959) ‘A New Gondwana’ Paul JARMAN (b. 1971) Turn on the Open Sea, ‘The Sea of Berries’, Shackleton’, ‘Volto do mar Largo’ Ronald CORP (b. 1951) ‘Cornucopia’ Elena KATS-CHERNIN (b. 1957) ‘Memorial Rag’ Lydia ADAMS (b. 1953) ‘Mi’Kmaq Honour Song’ Harri WESSMAN (b. 1949) ‘Vesi väsy lumen alle’ Srul Irving GLICK (b. 1934) ‘Psalm Trilogy’ Lyn WILLIAMS (b. 1963) ‘Ferry Me Across the Water’ John RUTTER (b. 1945)
‘For the Beauty of the Earth’ Zoltán KODÁLY (1882-1967) ‘Tancnota’ (Dancing-song) Pablo CASALS (1876-1973) ‘Nigra sum’ (I am black) Traditional: Torres Straight Island ‘Islands Songs’ Traditional: English ‘The Water of Tyne’ Traditional: Finnish ‘On suuri rantas autius’
Traditional: Basque ‘The Angel Gabriel’ Gondwana Voices/Lyn Williams and Mark O’Leary Recorded 16^th-18^th and 22^nd-24^th January 2002. Woolangong Town Hall, New South Wales, Australia ABC CLASSICS ABC 478-822-2 [73.17] [RF]

Children singing a wide selection of pieces, many outside the usual repertoire … much to enjoy here. … see Full Review

The Great Singers CD 1 : Giacomo PUCCINI (1858-1924) Turandot, ‘Nessun dorma’ (Jussi Björling. tenor) Giuseppe VERDI (1813-1901) Il Trovatore, ‘Mira d’acerbe lagrime’ (Rosa Ponselle. soprano) Achille-Claude DEBUSSY (1862-1918) ‘Trois Chansons de Bilitis’ (Dame Maggie Teyte. soprano) Gaetano DONIZETTI (1797-1868) L’Elisir d’amore, ‘Una furtiva lagrima’ (Enrico Caruso tenor) Ambroise THOMAS (1811-1896) Mignon, ‘Leb’wohn a Mignon ihre Unschuld’ (Richard Tauber. tenor) Jules MASSENET (1842-1912) Manon, Manon, ‘Il faut nous séparer’ (Ferruccio Tagliavini, tenor, and Pia Tassinari, soprano) Ruggiero LEONCAVALLO (1858-1919) Pagliacci, ‘Un tal gioco, credetemi’ (Beniamino Gigli. tenor) Modest MUSSORGSKY (1839-1881) ‘Serenade’ Jennie Tourel (mezzo-soprano) George Frideric HANDEL (1685-1759) Il Penseroso ‘Sweet bird’ (Dame Nellie Melba. contralto) Gustav MAHLER (1901-1973) Das Lied von der Erde ‘Von der Schönheit’ Richard WAGNER (1813-1883) Tristan und Isolde ‘Mild und liese’ – Liebestod. (Kirsten Flagstad. soprano) CD 2 : Giacomo PUCCINI (1858-1924) La Boheme, ‘Sí Mi chiamano Mimi’ (Licia Albanese, soprano, and Giuseppe di Stefano, tenor) La Boheme, ‘O soave fanciulla’ (Renata Tebaldi. soprano) Giuseppe VERDI (1813-1901) Requiem, ‘Confutatis’ ((Ezio Pinza. bass) Richard WAGNER (1813-1883) Die Meistersinger, ‘Morgenlied leuchtend’ (Set Svanholm. tenor) Parsifal, ‘Ich sah’das Kind’ (Kirsten Flagstad, soprano and Lauritz Melchior, tenor) Ludwig Van BEETHOVEN (1770-1827) Fidelio, ‘Abscheulicher, wo eilst du hin?’ (Frieda Leider. soprano) Jules MASSENET (1842-1912) Don Quichotte, ‘Oh mon maitre..Oui!, Je fus le chef’ (Feodor Chaliapin. bass) Franz SCHUBERT (1797-1828) ‘Der Hirt auf dem Felsen’ (Elisabeth Schumann. soprano) Wolfgang Amadeus MOZART (1756-1791) Die Entfuhrung, Die Entfuhrung, ‘Martern aller Arten’ (Erna Berger. soprano) Giacomo OREFICE (1865-1922) Chopin, ‘Grand Aria’ (Pia Yassinari. soprano) Erich Wolfgang KORNGOLD (1897-1957) Die tote Stadt, ‘Gluck das mir verbliech’ (Lotte Lehmann, soprano and Richard Tauber, tenor) Friedrich von FLOTOW (1812-1883) Martha, ‘M’appari’ (Ferruccio Tagliavini. tenor) Various Orchestras and Conductors. Recorded 1902-1951 NAXOS HISTORICAL 8.110781-82 [2CDs: 65.54+76.06] [RJF]

A serious temptation to wile away a couple of hours listening to all-time-great singers. Pity there’s no Toto Schipa though. … see Full Review

The Great Singers - Jussi Björling - PUCCINI Nessun dorma (Turandot); Maggie Teyte - DEBUSSY Trois Chansons de Bilitis La flûte de Pan; La chevelure; Le tombeau des Naiades [r. 1936]; Enrico Caruso - DONIZETTI Act II Una furtiva lagrima (L’Elisir d’amore) [r. 1902]; Rosa Ponselle - VERDI Mira d’acerbe lagrime (Il Trovatore) [r. 1920]; Nellie Melba - HANDEL Sweet Bird That Shunn’st the Noise of Folly (Il Penseroso) [r. 1904]; Kathleen Ferrier - MAHLER Von der Schönheit (Das Lied von der Erde) [r. 1948]; Jennie Tourel - MUSSORGSKY Serenade [r. 1950]; Richard Tauber - THOMAS Leb’wohl Mignon and Wie ihre Unschuld (Mignon) [r. 1923]; Ferruccio Tagliavini and Pia Tassinari - MASSENET Il faut nous séparer (Garden Scene, Act II (Werther) [r. 1949]; Beniamino Gigli - LEONCAVALLO Un tal gioco, credetemi (Pagliacci) [r. 1934]; Kirsten Flagstad - WAGNER Mild und leise (Liebestod) (Tristan und Isolde) [r. 1936]; Licia Albanese and Giuseppe di Stefano - PUCCINI O soave fanciulla (La Bohème); Elisabeth Schumann - SCHUBERT Der Hirt auf dem Felsen [r. 1937]; Set Svanholm - WAGNER Morgenlich leuchtend (Preislied) (Die Meistersinger Act III) [r. 1947] Pia Tassinari - OREFICE Grand Aria (Chopin) [r. 1949] Feodor Chaliapin - MASSENET Oh, mon maître Oui! Je fus le chef (Don Quichotte) [r. 1927]; Lotte Lehmann and Richard Tauber - KORNGOLD Gluck das mir verblieb (Die tote Stadt) [r. 1924]; Erna Berger - MOZART Martern aller Arten (Die Entführung aus dem Serail); Frida Leider - BEETHOVEN Abscheulicher, wo eilst du hin? (Fidelio) [r. 1928]; Kirsten Flagstad and Lauritz Melchior - WAGNER Ich sah’ das Kind an seiner Mutter Brust (Parsifal ActII) [r. 1940]; Ferruccio Tagliavini - VON FLOTOW M’appari (Martha) {r. 1949]; Ezio Pinza - VERDI - Confutatis (Requiem) [r. 1939]; Renata Tebaldi - PUCCINI Si, mi chiamano Mimi (La Bohème) [r.1951] NAXOS 8.10781-82 [2CDs: 65.54+76.06] [RB]

Where can one go today to hear the likes of Tourel, Lehmann, Björling? Thank you, Naxos, for coming to the rescue for less than the price of a seat in the gods. … see Full Review

HÉLÈNE GRIMAUD plays CD 1 Sergei RACHMANINOV (1873-1943) Piano Concerto no. 2 in C minor, op. 18 Maurice RAVEL (1875-1937) Piano Concerto in G major Recorded 16th-17th June 1992, Abbey Road Studio, London CD 2 RACHMANINOV Piano Sonata no. 2 in B flat minor, op. 36, Études-Tableaux, op. 33 (1-6 complete, and also the rejected studies in C minor and D minor), Preludes, op. 32: 2 in B flat minor, 12 in G sharp minor Recorded 21st-23rd July 1985, Stadsgehoorzaal Leiden, The Netherlands CD 3 Frédéric CHOPIN (1810-1849) Ballade no. 1 in G minor, op. 23 Franz LISZT (1811-1886) Après une lecture de Dante, Fantasia quasi sonata, from Années de Pélerinage Book 2 Robert SCHUMANN (1810-1856) Piano Sonata no. 1 in F sharp minor, op. 11 Recorded 23rd-25th August 1987, Stadsgehoorzaal Leiden, The Netherlands CD 4 SCHUMANN Kreisleriana, op. 16 Johannes BRAHMS (1833-1897) Piano Sonata no. 2 in F sharp minor, op. 2 Recorded 28th/30th November 1988, Stadsgehoorzaal Leiden, The Netherlands CD 5 BRAHMS Piano Sonata no. 3 in F minor, op. 5, Klavierstücke, op. 118 Recorded 13th-14th December 1991, Stadzgehoorzaal Leiden, The Netherlands Hélène Grimaud (piano) BRILLIANT CLASSICS 92117 [5 CDs: 55:04, 43:56, 553:53, 58:31, 58:24] [CH]

A chance to catch up on the first recordings of a major pianist, and also an attractive collection of romantic piano music, to which Grimaud is an unfailingly musical and sympathetic guide. … see Full Review

Horowitz Rediscovered - CD 1: Robert SCHUMANN (1810-1856) Blumenstück, op. 19, Sonata no. 3, op. 14 – "Concert sans orchestre" - CD 2: Sergei RACHMANINOV (1873-1943) Prelude in G, op. 32/5, Etude-tableau in e flat, op. 39/5 - Franz LISZT (1811-1886) Valse oubliéé no. 1 in F sharp, Au bord d’une source (Années de pélerinage: Ier année, Suisse, no. 4) - Frédéric CHOPIN (1810-1849) Waltz in a, op. 34/2, Scherzo no. 1 in b, op. 20 - Claude DEBUSSY (1862-1918) - Serenade to a Doll (Children’s Corner, no. 3) - SCHUMANN Träumerei (Kinderszenen, op. 15, no. 7) - Moritz MOSZKOWSKI (1854-1925) Etincelles (Morceaux caractéristiques, op. 36, no. 6) - RACHMANINOV Etude-tableau in D, op. 39/9 Vladimir Horowitz (piano) - Recorded live 16th November 1975 at the Carnegie Hall, New York RCA RED SEAL 82876 50754 2 [2CDs: 40:34+45:33] [CH]

A unique chance to hear a complete unedited live recital from one of the greatest of all pianists. … see Full Review

Peter KATIN - Fifty years of music making. BACH Prelude and Fugue in B flat minor (Book 1). Recorded 1948 Southwark Cathedral. MOZART Rondo in A minor K511 Recorded July 1968 Colfe's Grammar School BEETHOVEN Sonata in C sharp minor. Mr Katin's studio 1976 SCHUBERT Impromptus in G flat and E flat from D899. Public peformance late 1950s DEBUSSY Suite Bergamasque. Public performances late 1960s CHOPIN Polonaise-Fanatisie Op 61. Peter Katin (piano)Recorded Bristol 1987 RPMUSIC RP001 [DW]

It is the total lack of eccentricity and personal foibles that endears Katin's performances to the wise musical public. … see Full Review

KING’S SINGERS: Renaissance - Disc 1: William BYRD (1543? - 1623): Motet: Haec dies (6vv) [2’04]; Communion Anthem: Beati viscera mariae virginis (5vv) [1’53]; Chant: Ave verum corpus (3vv) (pub.1605) [4’28]; Motet: Vigilate (5vv) (pub.1589) [4’24]; Introit: Viri galilei (5vv) (pub.1607) [2’36]; Anthem: O Lord, make thy servant Elizabeth, our queen (6vv) [3’41]; Anthem: Sing joyfully unto God our strength (6vv) [2’14]; Motet: Laudibus in sanctis (5vv) (pub.1591) [4’39] - Thomas TALLIS (c.1505 - 1585): Hymn: Te lucis ante terminum I (5vv) (pub.1575; incl. in Cantiones Sacrae) [2’13]; Hymn: Te lucis ante terminum II (5vv) (pub.1575) [1’50]; Lamentations of Jeremiah - first lectio: (5vv) [7’42]; Lamentations of Jeremiah - second lectio (5vv) [12’04]; Anthem: If ye love me (4vv) [2’33] - Anonymous SPANISH (fl.1500): Villancico: enemiga le soy, madre [2’05]; Romance: dindirin, dindirin [2’04]; Villancico: rodrigo martinez [1’43]; Villancico: !oh, que bien que baila gil! [2’26] - Francisco GUERRERO (1528 - 1599): Motet: Antes que comais a dios [2’46] - Juan Gutierres de PADILLA (c.1590 - 1664): Lamentatio Jeremiae: aleph, quomodo sedet sola civitas (6vv) [2’42] - Santiago de MURCIA (c.1650) Baile de negros: Zarambeques [2’31] - Disc 2: Josquin DESPREZ (c.1440 - 1521): Motet: Benedicta es, caelorum regina (6vv) [6’15]; Vous l’arez s’il vous plaist (6vv) [1’41]; Vous ne l’arez pas (6vv) [1’43]; A la mort/monstra (3vv) [1‘35]; Motet: O virgo virginum (6vv) [5’59]; Nymphes nappees (6vv) [3’05]; Chanson: En l’ombre d’un buissonet au matinet (3vv) [1’35]; Regretz sans fin (6vv) [6’47]; Chanson: Allegez moy, doulce plaisant brunette (6vv) [1’20]; Absolve quesumus (6vv) [3’41]; Pour souhaiter (6vv) [1’37]; Chanson: Mille regretz (4vv) [1.48]; Si congie prens (6vv) [3’05]; Ce povre/Pauper sum ego (3vv) [1’31]; Motet: O virgo prudentissima (6vv) [8’04]; Chanson: Petite camusette (6vv) [1’05]; Chanson: Nymphes des bois/Requiem (5vv) [5’31]; Chanson: En l’ombre d’un buissonet au matinet (3vv) [1’48]; Chanson: Basies moy (6vv) [1’33]; Chanson: Baises moy (6vv) [1’45]; Pater noster/Ave Maria (6vv) [7’37] The King’s Singers (David Hurley, Nigel Short, Alastair Hume - Counter-tenors, Robert Chilcott, Paul Phoenix - Tenors, Bruce Russell, Philip Lawson, Gabriel Crouch, Simon Carrington - Baritones, Stephen Connolly - Bass) The Harp Consort (in the Spanish repertoire only) (Hille Perl - Viola da gamba, lirone, guitar, maracas; Keith McGovan - Bajon; Steven Player - Guitars, tambor; Lee Santana - Vihuela, guitar, cittern; Michael Metzler - Tambor, pandero, panderetila, darabuka, castanets; Andrew Laurence-King - Director, harp, organ, psaltery) - Recorded in 1994 (English) 1999 (Spanish) 1992 (French) RCA RED SEAL 74321 88686-2 Artistes + Repertoires [2CDs: 69’02+69’36] [JPo]

The Josquin items probably come out best with a very high counter-tenor much involved. If you like the selection, you will enjoy this disc, particularly as a double at single mid-price; but oh! the packaging. … see Full Review

Tenna Kraft. The Danish Soprano of the 20^th Century Tenna Kraft (soprano) with unnamed accompaniments except variously Vilhelm Herold (tenor), Louis Jensen (cello), Folmer Jensen (piano) and conductors Johan Hye-Knudsen, Emil Reesen and Egisto Tango Recorded 1911-1940 DANACORD DACOCD 603 [MC]

Extraordinarily moving. A special quality of ease of vocal production, purity and evenness. An astonishing historic legacy … see Full Review

Lights Out. Songs by Ivor Gurney, Ernest J Moeran, Sulyen Caradon and Others. Samuel WESLEY (1766-1837) Birthday Song 1 Henry PURCELL (1659-1695) If music be the food of love 2 Sulyen CARADON (b 1942) Clouds 2 The Dancer 2 Dorian dirge 1 Lelant 3 Dawn 4 Margaret’s Song 7 O lovely England 5 E J MOERAN (1895-1950) Rosefrail 2 Rahoon 2 Loveliest of trees 2 Six Songs of Seumus O’Sullivan 3 Alison EDGAR Lyonesse 5 Ivor GURNEY (1890-1937) Down by the Salley Gardens 6 All night under the moon 6 Severn Meadows 6 Nine of the clock 6 Lights Out 8 Scents, Bright Clouds, Penny whistle, Will you come? Lights Out, Jeffry WHITTON Little Vagabond 7 Laura SHUR The smile 7 Sarah RODGERS Acacia Tree 7 Ian Partridge (tenor) 6 Georgina Colwell (soprano) 1, 4, 5, 7 Clare Griffel (mezzo) 1, 2, 4, 5 Paul Martyn-West (tenor) 1, 3, 4, 5 Jonathan Wood (baritone) 1, 4, 5, 8 Peter Jacobs – 1, 2, 8 and Nigel Foster – 3, 5, 6, 7 (piano) Richard Carder (saxophone) 5 Patrick Miles (bass clarinet) 5 Recorded live at St Cyprian’s Church, London 6 May 2003 DUNELM RECORDS DRD0200 [75.08] [JW]

A pleasing mix of the known and the new, the established and the under performed. … see Full Review

Janez LOTRIC (tenor) Tenor Arias: ‘Amore, sublime amore’.Giuseppe VERDI (1813-1901) La forza del destino, ‘Qual sangue sparsi’ (St. Petersburg Edition of 1862) Il Trovatore, ‘ Di qual tetra luce….Ah si, ben mio Di quella pira’ (with Yaroslava Poberezhna, sop.) Otello, ‘Datemi ancor l’eburnea mano’; ‘Niun mi tema’ Un ballo in Maschera, ‘Forse la soglia… Ma se m’é’ Mikhail Ivanovich GLINKA (1804-1857) Ivan Susanin, ‘Bratsi! V metel’ (‘Brothers into the snowstorm’) Richard STRAUSS (1864-1949) Der Rosenkavalier, ‘Di rigori armato il seno’ Gioachino ROSSINI (1792-1868) Guglielmo Tell, ‘Prelude, and ‘Ah, non mi lasciar, o speme di vendetta’ (Act 4) Adolphe ADAM (1803-1856) Le postillon de Lonjumeau, ‘Mes amis, écoutez l’histoire’ Umberto GIORDANO (1867-1948) Andrea Chenier, ‘Come un bel di maggio’. Giacomo PUCCINI (1858-1924) Turandot, ‘Nessun dorma’ Kiev Chamber Choir Ukrainian National Opera Symphony Orchestra/Johannes Wildner Recorded at the Grand Concert Studio of the National Radio Company of Ukraine, Kiev. September 5^th – 8^th 2001 NAXOS 8.555920 [62.07] Bargain Price. [RF]

A real opera singer with the vocal capacity to sing some of these roles on stage. The selection is more varied and interesting than many [RF]
A spectacular high tenor voice, the recording does not always do him justice.[RH] … 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]
Revolving notes from clipart.com

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