ALPHABETICAL LISTING

Ruperto CHAPÍ (1851-1909) Margarita la tornera Margarita - Elisabete Matos; Don Juan - Plácido Domingo; Gavilán - Stefano Palatchi; Don Lope - Ángel Ódena; Sirena - Ángeles Blancas; "La tornera" - María Rey-Joly - Orquesta y Coro Sinfónica de Madrid/García Navarro - Rec. live performances at Teatro Real Madrid, 16, 19 December 1999 RTVE MÚSICA 65169 (2-CD) [CW]

A set which anyone interested in Spanish theatre music ought to hear, especially when the performance is so urgent and direct. Don’t expect a revelatory masterpiece, though. … see Full Review

Ruperto CHAPÍ (1851-1909) Complete String Quartets: No.1 in G major (1903), No.2 in F major (1904) - No.3 in D major (1905), No.4 in B flat minor (1907) Brodsky Quartet (Andrew Haveron, Ian Belton (violins), Paul Cassidy - (viola), Jacqueline Thomas (cello)) - Rec. Madrid, location unspecified, c. 2000 AUTOR 701 2-CD [148:57] [CW]

Their virtuosity is impressive … alertness and sensitivity to Chapí's quicksilver moods is unfailing … a freshness which adds greatly to the pleasure of this rediscovery. … see Full Review

Gustave CHARPENTIER (1860-1956) Louise (1900) Louise – Ninon Vallin (soprano) - Julien – Georges Thill (tenor) - Le Père – André Pernet (bass) - La Mère – Aimée Lecouvreur (mezzo soprano) - Irma – Christiane Gaudel (soprano) - Les Choeurs Raugel et Orchestre, Paris/Eugène Bigot - Recorded in Paris October-November 1935 - Appendix; La voix de la nuit from Julien sung by Maurice Dutreix (tenor) in October 1913 NAXOS 8.110225 [74.38] [JW]

An estimably cast and impressively compiled Louise … see Full Review

Pietro CHIARINI (c1717-after 1765) Il Geloso Schernito (attrib. Pergolesi) (1746) Elda Ribetti (soprano) Dorina; Dino Mantovani (baritone) Masacco; I Comedianti in Musica della Cetra; Complesso Strumentale del Teatrino di Villa Olo/Ennio Gerelli - Rec. Como, Italy, in 1956. MONO ADD WARNER FONIT MONO 5050466-3243-2-0 [55’17] [CC]

Whatever drawbacks there may be, this is certainly worth a spin. There is an infectious feel to much of the piece that cannot but fail to brighten one’s day. … see Full Review

BARGAIN OF THE MONTH Léo DELIBES (1836-1891) Coppélia, ballet in 3 acts (1867) (extracts) Orchestra of the Lyon Opera/Kent Nagano - Recorded in the Lyon Opera House, France, June & July 1993 WARNER APEX 2564 60365 2 [74’39] [TH]

Nagano has such an infectious way with this score that makes it very hard to resist, and at super-budget this will be hard to beat. … see Full Review

Antonín DVOŘÁK (1841-1904) Cello Concerto in B minor, Op 104, Symphony no. 7 in D minor, Op 70. Frans Helmerson (cello) Gothenberg SO/ Neeme Järvi (Concerto) Myung-Whun Chung (Symphony) Rec Gothenberg, 1990s DDD BIS-CD-300245 [77'29"] [DW]

A power that is unequalled! Great stuff! But do we buy a recording just for the supremacy of the last 45 seconds? … 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 (Nocturne) - 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] [IL]

Accessible, vividly evocative, programme music. How has this wonderful music escaped the recording studio until now? … see Full Review

Maija EINFELDE (b. 1939) Pie zemes tālās… (At the Edge of the Earth) (1966) - Manas bērnības mājas (My Childhood Home) (1999) - Iz senseniem laikiem (From Antiquity) (1992) - Sirēnu sala (Isle of the Sirens) (1998) - Sonata for Violin and Organ (1989) - Psalm 15 (1998) - Ave Maria (1998) Latvian Radio Chamber Singers - Latvian Radio Choir - Latvian Radio Women's Chorus - Kaspars Putniņš, director - Sigvards Kļava, director - Larisa Bulava, organ - Jānis Bulavs, violin - Atis Stepinš, organ - Dagnija Zilgalve, harp - Ints Dālderis, clarinet - Edgars Saksons, bells - Inga Martinsone, soprano - Antra Drege, contralto - Recorded in Riga, Latvia (Church of St. Saviour; Dome Cathedral ², °,*; St. Paul's Church, ª; Cathedral of St. Francis ³; ERB Lutheran Church ¹) (dates not stated, disc originally released in 1999) LATVIJAS RADIO CD 033 [68.01] [NH]

This varied and valuable CD may represent the emergence of another star in the Baltic musical firmament … see Full Review

George ENESCU (1881-1955) Suites for solo piano: No. 1 in G minor Dans le style ancien Op. 3 (1897) [19.40] - No. 2 in D major Op. 10 (1901) [22.21]; No. 3 Pièces Impromptues Op. 18 (1913-16) [36.54] Luiza Borac (piano) - rec. 23-30 March 2003, Stadttheater Lindau, Bodensee. DDD AVIE AV0013 [79.06] [RB]

Runs the gamut from neo-baroque through impressionism and beyond into elusive exotica ... see Full Review

George ENESCU (1881-1955) Suites for solo piano: No. 1 in G minor Dans le style ancien Op. 3 (1897) [19.40] - No. 2 in D major Op. 10 (1901) [22.21]; No. 3 Pièces Impromptues Op. 18 (1913-16) [36.54] Luiza Borac (piano) - rec. 23-30 March 2003, Stadttheater Lindau, Bodensee. DDD AVIE AV0013 [79.06] [KS]

Technique to burn and a passion for the music of her native country … see Full Review

Manuel de FALLA (1876-1946) Piano Music - El Sombrero de tres picos (1919) - Homenaje ‘Le tombeau de Claude Debussy’ (1920) - Obras Españolas (1902-8) - Fantasia Bética (1919) - Homenaje ‘Pour le tombeau de Paul Dukas’ (1935) - Tres Obras de Juventud (1889) - El Amor brujo (1915) Jean-François Heisser (piano) - Rec September 1989, Salle Adyar, Paris APEX 2564 60157 2 [74.27] [TB]

With clear recorded sound and and dedicated performances, this Falla collection has much to commend it. … see Full Review

John FERNSTRÖM (1897-1961) Symphony No. 6 (1938) [47.50] Concertino for flute, with small orchestra and women's choir Op. 52 (1941) [10.10] - The Capricious Troubadour - serenade in four movements (1931) [14.10] Swedish Radio Symphony Orchestra/Mikko Franck, Stefan Solyom - rec. Berwaldhallen, Stockholm, 20-22 Aug 1997 (sym), 15 June 1999 (concertino) - 14 Aug 1998. DDD - Musica Sveciae Modern Classics No. 6 PHONO SUECIA PSCD 706 [72.35] [RB]

The stimulating epic symphony contrast with the lighter magic of the Concertino and Serenade ... see Full Review

RECORDING OF THE MONTH Georg GEBEL d.J. (1709-1753) Johannes Passion (Der leidende. sterbende und begrabene Jesus) Ika Kruse (Ancilla), Dorothee Mields (arias), soprano - Thomas Riede (Petrus), Henning Voss (arias), alto - Mirko Heimerl (Servus), Jan Kobow (Evangelist and arias), tenor - Sebastian Bluth (Jesus), Friedemann Klos (Pilatus), - Klaus Mertens (arias), bass Ensemble inCanto Weimar (Tilo Krause), Weimarer Barock-Ensemble - Director: Ludger Rémy - Recorded 7-15 July 2002 at the Redoute in Weimar DDD CPO 999 894-2 [41:23+61:25] [JVV]

A totally forgotten Passion of an unknown German composer of the 18th century – a splendid work, moving and enthralling – strongly recommended … see Full Review

Enrique GRANADOS (1867-1916) Danzas Españolas Op.37 (1892-1900): Villanesca; Andalusa; Mazurca; Oriental; Minuetto; Valenciana; Zambra; Zarabanda; Arabesca; Asturiana; Danza triste; Rondalla Aragonesa Anders Miolin (ten-stringed guitar) - Recorded May 2000 at Länna Church, Sweden BIS-CD-1116 [73.05] [RB]

One misses the virile rhythms in these dances… I fear that their choreographic qualities are sometimes missing … see Full Review

Edvard Hagerup GRIEG (1843-1907) Norwegian Dances Op.35 (1881) Orchestrated by Hans Sitt (1888) - Symphonic Dances Op.64 (1896/1898) - Lyric Suite Op.54 (1889-1891) Bergen Philharmonic Orchestra/Ole Kristian Ruud - recorded February and June 2002 and February 2003 in the Grieg Hall, Bergen, Norway - Direct Stream Digital recording - Playable on all CD and SACD players. Hybrid - Stereo/Multichannel (reviewed in multichannel) BIS SACD 1291 [71.05] [DB]

An audio event. The engineers achieve the finest orchestral recording I have ever heard. Gorgeous music directed with loving care… his fine band play at their very best. Very satisfying. … see Full Review

Alf HAMBE Till undrans land - Dance, my song, in the wind Arrangements by Martin BAGGE Songs: Då fåglarna spelade; Visa i Molom; Vragavisa; Vad viskar den vadrande vinden; Mellan regn och sol; Oktobervisa; Gröne griven; Kajsas udde; Här är den vita staden; Standkväde; Trädet; Glöm-Ström II; Odysseus; Himlasprång; Glöm-Ström I; Ros i sno; Blåaltaberg och Molomstrand; Din vackraste visa. Alf Hambe (singer) Hvitfeldtska Musikgymnasiet Brunnsbro Musikklasser, Göteborg Mölndals Vokalensemble Martin Bagge (director) rec. 1999-2000, Sweden. DDD PROPRIUS PRCD 2006 [65.24] [RB]

Hambe the troubadour with his freshly blooming folk-based music deserves a stage well beyond his native Sweden ... see Full Review

Georg Friedrich HANDEL (1685-1759) Theodora HWV 68 Theodora, Sophie Daneman - Didymus, David Taylor - Valens, Nathan Berg - Septimius, Richard Croft - Irene, Juliette Galstein - Messenger, Laurent Slaars - Les Arts Florissants/William Christie - Rec: May 2000, IRCAM, Paris, France ERATO 0927 43181-2 [178.10] [KME]

A very good recording of this fine work by Handel. While there are weaknesses among some of the soloists, the result is delightful. … see Full Review

Joseph HAYDN (1732-1809) Piano Sonatas:- Sonata No. 53 in E minor, Hob.XVI/34 - Sonata No. 54 in G major, Hob.XVI/40 - Sonata No. 55 in B flat major, Hob.XVI/41 - Sonata No. 56 in D major, Hob.XVI/42 - Sonata No. 57 in F major, Hob.XVI/47 - Sonata No. 58 in C major, Hob.XVI/48 Ronald Brautigam, fortepiano - Recorded at Länna Church, Sweden, August 1998 - 30^th Anniversary Edition BIS - CD-300993 [74:23] [DS]

Lively performances from Brautigam … see Full Review

Franz Joseph HAYDN (1732-1809) Symphonies, Volume 27: No. 50 in C (1773) [18’53]; No. 51 in B flat (1771-3) - [20’22]; No. 52 in C minor (1771-3) [24’18] Swedish Chamber Orchestra/Béla Drahos. DDD - Rec. Örebro Concerto Hall, Sweden, on August 23^rd-25^th, 2000 NAXOS 8.555324 [63’33] [CC]

Any one of these three symphonies will bring pleasure. … see Full Review

Joseph HAYDN (1842-1900) Symphony No. 95 in C minor (1792) - Symphony No. 97 in C major (1792) - Symphony No. 98 in B flat major (1792) Royal Concertgebouw Orchestra/Nikolaus Harnoncourt - Recorded at Concertgebouw, Amsterdam, Holland Feb. 1990/1992 ELATUS 2564 60438-2 [73.11] [RJW]

Good readings but not a lot to set these performances above previous equally good recordings. … see Full Review

RECORDING OF THE MONTH Paul HINDEMITH (1895 - 1963) Die Harmonie der Welt, Opera in 5 acts (1957) [161.09] Libretto by the composer François Le Roux; Arutyun Kochinian; Robert Wörle; Christian Elsner; Reinhard - Hagen; Sophia Larson; Michelle Breedt; Tatjana Korovina. (all sing multiple roles) - Berlin Radio Symphony Orchestra and Chorus - Marek Janowski, conductor - 260 pages of notes incl. parallel text translations in Deutsch, English, and Français - Recorded at Jesus-Christus-Kirche, Berlin, 27 March 2000 WERGO WER 6642/3/4-2 3 CD [33.41 + 73.18 + 54.28] [PS]

An excellent performance and recording of this magnificent, all but unknown opera … see Full Review

Hans HOLEWA Tre preludier (1936-37) [7.27] Sonatine (1943) [16.54] Fyra pianostycken (1944) [11.14] Liten Svit (1947) [13.15] Inventioni (1970) [9.37] Marianne Facht-Ribbing (piano) rec. 29 June 1991, studio 3, Swedish Radio, Stockholm PROPRIUS PRCD 9064 [63.21] [RB]

Holewa - faithful to Schoenberg's emotional range and language. ... see Full Review

Daniel JEISLER (1877-1959) Swedish composer in Paris Introduction, Chorale and Variations for organ (1918) [17.45] Cello Sonata No. 1 (1921) [26.46] Songs: Under rönn och syren; Par ce soir pluvieux; Les Barques; Rafales d'automne; L'Ile de la mort (1912-21) [11.14] Adagio for string orchestra (1947) [8.48] Erik Mohlin (organ) Kerstin Elmqvist-Gornall (cello); Kent Sjöberg (piano) Kristina Furbacken (sop); Kent Sjöberg (piano) French Radio Chamber Orchestra/Pierre Capdevielle rec. 1992, except Adagio (11 Feb 1957) PROPRIUS PRCD 9111 [66.06] [RB]

Jeisler's Franckian Cello Sonata and the very different brooding anger of the Adagio are highlights of this collection ... see Full Review

Florence Foster Jenkins and Friends Murder on the High Cs (recordings 1937-1951) Queen of the Night, aria from The Magic Flute, Mozart Serenata Mexicana, Cosme McMoon Musical Snuff Box, Liadov Like a Bird, words by Jenkins (composer unknown) Bell Song, from Lakmé, Léo Delibes Charmant Oiseau, from Perle du Brésil, Felicien David Adele's Laughing Song from Die Fledermaus, Johann Strauss II Biassy, Bach Valse Caressante, Cosme McMoon All the above performed by Florence Foster Jenkins, with Cosme McMoon (piano) Little Jack Horner, sung by Alexander Kipnis (bass) Sing A Song of Sixpence, John Charles Thomas (bar) The Blue Danube, Josephine Tumminia (sop) The Little Old State of Texas, Ezio Pinza (bass) The Fireman's Bride, Jeanette MacDonald (sop) and Robert Merrill (bar) The Song's gotta come from the Heart, Jimmy Durante assisted by Helen Traubel (sop) A Real Piano Player, Helen Traubel (sop) assisted by Jimmy Durante Please Don't Say No, Lauritz Melchior NAXOS NOSTALGIA 8.120711 [60.55] [RW]

A must to play over coffee to lighten a dinner party … see Full Review

Sven-Eric JOHANSON Fancies for choir and piano (1974) [13.34] Tyinnat Silke (1978) [2.51] Ten Epigrams (1952) [4.59] Piano Sonata No. 2 (1956) [9.49] Variations on Korsfararsang fran 1100-talet (1988) [13.56] Sonata for solo flute (1955) [9.19.] Symphony No. 12 Sinfonia da Camera [15.38] Skaraborgs Vokalkvartett Lars Hägglund (piano) Henrik Löwenmark (piano) Blåsarkvintetten Arion Bo Nyberg (flute) Musik i Västs Kammarensemble/Petter Sundkvist rec. Sept and Dec 1994, Göteborg, Sweden. DDD PROPRIUS PRCD 9122 [70.46] [RB]

A switch-back ride through the wildly varied realms of a Swedish composer ... see Full Review

Josef JONSSON (1887-1969) Symphony No. 1 Op. 23 Nordland (1919-22) [49.53] - Symphony No. 2 Op. 34 in D minor (1928-30) [20.28] Norrköping Symphony Orchestra/Lü Jia - rec. De Geer Hall, Norrköping, 14-15 Sept 2001 (1), 17-18 Sept 2001 (2) DDD - Musica Sveciae Modern Classics No. 20 PHONO SUECIA PSCD 720 [70.21] [RB]

Jonsson's personable though garrulous First Symphony is well worth seeking out if you are partial to Gade and Raff with a Scandinavian flavour. ... see Full Review

Ernst JOSEPHSON (1851-1906): Näckens polska; Folkvisa; Melodistycke; Blåsten; Fjorton år; Ingeborgs klagan; Visa; Saga; Serenad; Vaggvisa; Aldrig en iris; Pianostycke; Lilla blomma do år; Pianostycke; EcortenseFjärran han dröjer; Näktergals klagan; Barcarole; Mazurka; Segersång; Visa; Kärlekssång; Piano stycke (2); Skogslåt; Barnlek; Pianosång; Pianstcke; Morgonstiernan Jakob Adolf HÄGG (1850-1928): Sång utan ord; Vaggvisa; Liten visa; Gitarren; Grazioso; Binda kransar; Nordisk sång; Humoresk; Höstsång; Granen; Gullvivan; Scherzino; Vals; Gotlandspolska Rolf Lindblom (piano) rec. 14-15 Aug 1990, studio 3, Swedish Radio, Stockholm PROPRIUS PRCD 9053 [63.21] [RB]

Josephson and Hägg - gentle and genteel nature poets of the Swedish soil ... see Full Review

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

If your fancy leads you to the fringes of the Romantic repertoire you will find Klughardt congenial company. … see Full Review

Erland Von KOCH (b.1910) Nordiskt Capriccio Op. 26 (1943) [6.43] - Symphony No. 2 Sinfonia Dalecarlica (1945) [31.10] - Viola Concerto Op. 33 (1946 rev. 1966) [19.26] - Suite No. 1 from the music for the ballet Askungen (Cinderella) Op. 24 (1942) [15.12] Johanna Persson (viola) - Swedish Radio Symphony Orchestra/B. Tommy Andersson - rec. Berwaldhallen, Stockholm, 5 June 1998 (Capriccio); 30 Aug-1 Sept 1999 (sym) - 30-31 Mar 2000 (cto); 15 Aug 2000 (Askungen). DDD - Musica Sveciae Modern Classics No. 10 PHONO SUECIA PSCD 710 [72.41] [RB]

"Spontaneous brightly singing melodies. He really sings when he has something to say which he frequently has."... see Full Review

Erich Wolfgang KORNGOLD (1897-1957) Arias from: Der Ring Des Polykrates (1913); Das Wunder Der Heliane (1922-1927); Die Kathrin (1933-1937) Much Ado About Nothing: Festmusik; Trauermusik; Schlusstanz (1918-1919) Cello Concerto (1946) Der Sturm (1913) Waltz from Der Schneemann (1908-1909) Wendy Nielsen (soprano) Zuill Bailey (cello) Konzertvereinigung Linzer Theaterchor Bruckner Orchester Linz/Caspar Richter Rec. Bruckner Hall, Linz, Austria, 2-8 January 2003 ASV CD DCA 1146 [58:20] [IL]

Another important ASV album …Korngold’s colourfully dramatic non-film music with seascape, Der Sturm, receiving its first ever performance. … see Full Review

Meyer KUPFERMAN (b.1926) Lyric Symphony [22.36] Variations for Orchestra [12.28] Ostinato Burlesco [8.25] Concerto for Cello and Jazz Band [25.25] Japan Philharmonic/Akeo Watanabe David Wells (cello) Hartt Jazz Ensemble/Donald Mattran rec. ADD from LPs Serenus 1200 and 1281 The Orchestral Music of Meyer Kupferman Vol. 1 SOUNDSPELLS CD 111 [69.13] [RB]

Attractive introduction though the vintage sound now shows its age. The disc should also appeal to jazz enthusiasts. ... see Full Review

Meyer KUPFERMAN (b.1926) Elegy for the Vanished for guitar and orchestra (1999) [35.49] Icon Symphony (2000) [25.36] Double Concerto for Two Clarinets and Orchestra (1991 rev. 2000) [25.25] Brass Quintet (1970) [10.41] Chamber Concerto in one movement (1955) [26.22] Roberto Limón (guitar) Czech National Symphony Orchestra/Meyer Kupferman (Elegy) Czech National Symphony Orchestra/Paul Freeman (Symphony; Double Concerto) American Brass Quintet
Samuel Baron (fl); Gilbert Kalish (pf); Isidore Cohen (vn); Jeanne Benjamin (vn); Harry Zaratzian (va); Mikhail Rudiakov (vc) rec. ICN Polyart, Prague, 5-7 June 2000. DDD The Orchestral Music Vol. 14 SOUNDSPELLS CD 133 [2CDs: 61.04+55.33] [RB]

Kupferman old and new - chamber and orchestral guise. Both the Elegy and the Chamber Concerto are superb pieces that will speak to directly to anyone once given the chance ... see Full Review

Meyer KUPFERMAN (b.1926) Violin Concerto The Voyager (2001) [26.39] New Space for oboe, violin and guitar (1998) [20.08] Quantum Symphony (2000) [23.02] Piano Concerto No. 3 Foxfire (2002) [28.40] Sonata Occulta (1979) [15.52] Gregory Fulkerson (violin) Czech National Symphony Orchestra/Paul Freeman (Voyager; Quantum; Foxfire) Cygnus Ensemble (New Space)
Christopher Vassiliades (piano) rec. 5-7 June 2002. ICN Polyart, Prague. DDD The Orchestral Music Vol. 15 SOUNDSPELLS CD 134 [2CDs: 71.01+44.45] [RB]

From the ultra-atonality of the Quantum Symphony and Third Piano Concerto to the quintessential romanticism of the Violin Concerto and New Space. ... see Full Review

RECORDING OF THE MONTH Edouard LALO (1823-92) Complete Piano Trios Piano Trio No.1, in C minor Op.7 (c.1850-52) Piano Trio No.2, in B minor, Op.2 (c.1850-52) Piano Trio No.3, in A minor, Op.26 (1880) Trio Parnassus: Chia Chou (piano); Wolf-Dieter Steicher (violin); Michael Gross (cello) Recorded at Furstliche Reitbahn Bad Arolsen, Germany December 1992 DDD MUSIKPRODUKTION DABRINGHAUS UND GRIMM MDG 303 0482-2 [77:59] [MC]

This is a most beautiful and appealing release, guaranteed to please chamber music lovers. … see Full Review

Lars-Erik LARSSON (1908-1986) Concert Overture No. 2 Op. 13 (1934) [6.38] A Fiddler's Last Journey Op. 1 - Ballad for baritone and orchestra (1927) [10.56] - Sinfonietta for String Orchestra Op. 10 (1932) [20.02] - The Bright Country - cantata for soloists, chorus and orchestra Op. 11 (1932) [24.55] Karl-Magnus Fredriksson (bar) - Lena Hoel (sop) - Swedish Radio Choir - Sami Sinfonietta/Stefan Parkman - rec. Studio 2, Radiohuset, 24-28 Oct 2000 DDD - Musica Sveciae Modern Classics No. 14 PHONO SUECIA PSCD 714 [62.31] [RB]

For Scandinavian music enthusiasts and choral societies interested in trying an example of smooth Nordic romanticism. ... see Full Review

Jacques LEDUC (b.1932) Fantaisie sur un thème de Mozart Op.73 (1990) Hommage à Debussy Op.46 (1975) - Exercices en forme de sonates Op.69 (1985) - Quelques danses anciennes Op.36 (1971) - Quatre miniatures Op.67 (1981) - Six pièces faciles Op.53 (1975) - Impressions Op.51 (1975)^a - Scherzino Op.72 (1986) - Contrastes Op.24 (1967) - Fileuse Op.55 (1975) - Trois impromptus Op.16 (1964)^b - Apostrophes Op.35 (1971) - Prélude, variations et fugato Op.19 (1965) - Quatre pièces brèves Op.18 (1965) - Pochades Op.58 (1977) Olivier De Spiegeleir (piano); Francette Bartholomée (harp)^b; Duo Dürrüoglu - Demiriz/Martens (pianos)^a - Recorded: Studio The Right Place, Brussels, September 2002 and Studio 1 Flagey, Brussels, October 2002 (Trois impromptus) CYPRES CYP 4618 [57:30 + 61:40] [HC]

You will find much to enjoy … a tribute to Leduc’s impeccable craftsmanship was long overdue. … see Full Review

Benjamin LEES (b.1924) Horn Concerto (1991) [24.12] Leonardo BALADA (b.1933) Music for Oboe and Orchestra: Lament from the Cradle of the Earth (1993) [20.42] Ellen Taaffe ZWILICH (b.1939) Bassoon Concerto (1993) [16.54] William Caballero (horn) Cynthia Koledo DeAlmeida (oboe) Nancy Goeres (bassoon) Pittsburgh Symphony Orchestra/Lorin Maazel rec. 10-12 May 1996, Heinz Hall for the Performing Arts, Pittsburgh, PA, USA NEW WORLD RECORDS 80503-2 [61.48] [RB]

Lees: one of the finest concertos of the 20th century languishing in the self-effacing New World catalogue. The Balada and Zwilich give up their secrets more reluctantly. ... see Full Review

Benjamin LEES (b.1924) Piano Sonata No. 4 (1963) [25.38] Mirrors - In Six Section (1992) [17.23] Fantasy Variations (1984) [20.16] Ian Hobson (piano) rec. 1995, DDD ALBANY TROY 227 [65.15] [RB]

These Lisztian piano solos are eerie, threatening, virtuosic for certain and often coldly angular.... see Full Review

American Contrasts Benjamin LEES (b.1924) Passacaglia for Orchestra (1976) [11.37] Vincent PERSICHETTI (1915-1987) Symphony No. 4 (1942) [26.02] Michael DAUGHERTY (b.1954) Philadelphia Stories for Orchestra: (1) Sundown on South Street (2000) [7.26] (2) Hell's Angels* (2000) [16.20] Bassoon Brothers * Oregon Symphony Orchestra/James DePreist rec. 2000. DDD DELOS DE 3291 [61.24] [RB]

American Contrasts about sums it up - considerable variety here ... see Full Review

Nils LINDBERG The sky, the flower and a lark Vi ska ställa te’ en roliger dans
Om sommaren Sköna,Näckens polska, Allt under Himmelsns fäste, En gång I bredd med mig , Kristallen den fina, Domaredansen, As you are, A love supreme, Marits visa, Lärkan, Sommaren, Ett vårstycke, Men når hon vilar, Skyn, blomman och en lärka, Vocalise, Handkarta, Höga visan Gustaf Sjökvist Chamber Choir rec. 1, 5 July 1999, Järna Kyrk, Dala Järna; live concert 3 Dec 1999, 28 Sept 2001, Storkyrkan, Stockholm. DDD PROPRIUS PRCD 2011 [69.50] [RB]

Sweet choral music, suave and warming. Not bland. Eminently attractive. Superbly recorded. ... see Full Review

Franz LISZT (1811-1886) Piano Sonata in B minor (1853) - La Campanella (1851) - Widmung (d’après Schumann) (1848) - Liebesträume No.3 (1850) - Tarantella (1859) - "Rigoletto" paraphrase (1859) Yundi Li (piano) - Recorded 10/2002: Berlin, Teldex-Studio DG 471 585-2 [58’41] [MM]

A fine choice for those who enjoy their Liszt stirred, not shaken … see Full Review

Antonio de LITERES (1673-1747) Júpiter y Semele Jupiter - Marta Almajano; Virginia Ardid - Semele; Cupido - Lola Casariego; Juno - Soledad Cardoso; Enarreta - Marina Pardo; Jordi Ricart - Cadmo, Sátiro; Jose Hernández - Ydaspes - Al ayre español/Eduardo López Banzo - Rec. live, Teatro Municipal de Artà, Mallorca, February 2003 HARMONIA MUNDI HMI 987036.37 [2-CD] [CW]

An unbuttoned urgency here which makes this Banzo’s and Al Ayre Español’s most rewarding zarzuela performance yet. … see Full Review

Charles Martin LOEFFLER (1861-1935) Music for Four Stringed Instruments (1917) [25.33] - String Quartet in A minor (1889) [25.36] - Quintet in One Movement for three violins, viola and cello (1894) [14.47] DaVinci Quartet with Cora Cooper (violin) in Quintet - rec. Margaret Foote Hall, Lamont School of Music, Denver, Colorado, 13-16 Dec 1999 NAXOS AMERICAN CLASSICS 8.559077 [66.46] [RB]

Loeffler is more at ease in the romantic grand gesture than in the 'wild man' antics of Cowell and Ornstein. ... see Full Review

Charles Martin LOEFFLER (1861 - 1935) Music for Four Stringed Instruments (1917) [25.33] - String Quartet in a (1889) [25.36] - Quintet in One Movement for 3 Violins, Viola and Cello (1894) [14.47] DaVinci Quartet: Jerilyn Jorgensen, Wendolyn Olson, vv.; Margaret Miller, va.; Katharine Knight, vc. Cora Cooper, violin, assisting artist in the quintet - Notes in English, Deutsch, and Français - Recorded at Margaret Foote Hall, Denver, Colorado, USA, 16 December 1999 NAXOS 8.559077 [66.46] [PS]

A must for students and collectors of the 20th century string quartet and American chamber music … see Full Review

Carl LOEWE (1796-1869) Lieder, volume 18:- Brautkranzlied - Des Glockenthürmers Töchterlein, Opus 112 - Canzonette - Paria, Opus 58 - Abendgesang, Opus 10 No. 6 - Die Herzensrose, Opus 130 No. 2 - Frühlingsankunft, Opus 130 No. 5 - Jerusalems Zerstörung, Opus 14 No. 5 - Thränen und Lächeln, Opus 4 No. 6 - Der Papagei, Opus 111 - Der große Kurfüst, Opus 7 No. 1 - Der Stürm von Alhama, Opus 54 - Der Hist auf der Brucke, Opus 130 No. 4 - Das Schifflein Jan Kobow (tenor) - Cord Garben (piano) - Rec 21-23 February 2001, Kammermusikstudio, SWR Stuttgart CPO 999 806-2 [60.34] [TB]

A collection well worth our time and attention … 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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