Farhad BADALBEYLI - My Piano - CD1 - Alexander SCRIABIN -Preludes: Op. 11 No. 2; Op. 15 No. 1; Op. 16 Nos. 4 and 5 [4.05] - Sergei RACHMANINOV - Etudes-Tableaux: Op. 33 Nos 3 and 6 [6.21] - Gara GARAYEV - From 24 Preludes: Nos 2, 5, 7, 15, 16, 18-23 [21.03] - Gara GARAYEV - Violin Sonata [17.00] - Azer RZAYEV - Violin Sonata [20.45] - CD2 - Jovdet HAJIYEV - Ballada [3.42] - Arif MELIKOV - Fading Visions [3.14] - Ismayil HAJIBEYOV - Jangi - Rapsodiya for piano with orchestra [6.45] - Gotfrid HASANOV - Piano Concerto [27.40] - George GERSHWIN - Piano Concerto [31.19] Farhad Badalbeyli (piano) - BP&TV SO/Ramiz Melik-Aslanov (Hajibeyov; Hasanov) - Moscow State SO/Veronika Dudarova (Gershwin) - no recording information supplied FARHAD BADALBEYLI 280674 [2CDs: 70.23+72.47] [RB]

A provocative collection of far from avant-garde piano music. Deserves a place on the international stage. I urge any young pianist seeking novelties for concert hall and competition to track this disc down ... see Full Review

The Organ of Ripon Cathedral played by Graham Barber - Symphonic organ music from the Edwardian era Charles Villiers STANFORD (1852 - 1924) Fantasia and Fugue in D minor. Op.103 (1907) [11’19] Edwin LEMARE (1865 - 1934) Nocturne in B minor (1901) [9’21] Cyril Badley ROOTHAM (1875 - 1938) Epinikion (Song of Victory) (1906) [8’28] Elegiac Rhapsody on an Old Church Melody [8’08] Ernest Bristow FARRAR (1885 - 1918) Fantasy-Prelude Op.5 (1908) [6’23] Walter Gilpin ALCOCK (1861 - 1947)
Impromptu in G (1908) [6’26] Postlude (1911) [6’11] Edward Cuthbert BAIRSTOW (1874 - 1946) Legend in A flat (1907) [8’56] Charles Villiers STANFORD (1852 - 1924) Installation March. Op.108 (1908) [10’41] Graham Barber (organ) Recorded in Ripon Cathedral, 6 - 7 November 2000 Great European Organs No. 66 PRIORY PRCD769 [76’49"] [JPo]

For organ enthusiasts. The ordinary listener may well find it hard going. … see Full Review

Bassoon Power Henri DUTILLEUX (b.1916) Sarabande et Cortège Paul CHIHARA (b.1938) Fleeting Shadows, Still Reflection Paul CHIHARA (b.1938) The Beauty of the Rose is in its Passing (with harp) Gernot WOLFGANG (b.1957) Moody Blues Vincent PERSICHETTI (1915-1982) Parable for Solo Bassoon Alexandre TANSMAN (1897-1986) Suite pour Bassoon Zdenek SESTAK (b.1925) Five virtuoso Inventions David Breidenthal (bassoon) Gloria Cheng (piano) Lou Anne Neill (harp); William Lane, Ralph Pyle (horns); Mitchell Peters (percussion) (Chihara) Chihara: Recorded 2001-2; Recorded in 1978. CRYSTAL RECORDS CD842 [61.07] [GH]

Probably a disc for woodwind enthusiasts or aficionados of the bassoon. … see Full Review

Teresa BERGANZA, soprano Manuel de FALLA (1876-1946) Siete canciones populares españolas El paño moruno, Seguidilla murciana, Asturiana, Jota, Nana, Canción, Polo [12:12] Gerald Moore, piano Filmed in London, 7 June 1960 - Xavier MONTSALVATGE Cinco canciones negras Numbers 2-5: Punto de Habanera, Chévere, Cancíon de cuna para dormia a un negrito, Canto Negro [7:58] - Fernando OBRADORS (1912-2002) Aquel sombrero de monte [2:24] Con amores, la mi madre [1:49] Coplas de Curro Dulce [1:34] - Jesús GURIDI (1886-1961) From Seis canciones castellanas Number 6: Mañanita de San Juan [3:37] Number 3: Llámale con el pañuelo [2:00] - Franz SCHUBERT (1797-1828) Die Post [2:31] - Gaetano DONIZETTI (1797-1848) Scena e Cavatina: "Ne ornerá la bruna chioma" [5:06] Felix Lavilla, piano Filmed at the Festival d’Aix-en-Provence, 18 July 1964 - Wolfgang Amadeus MOZART (1756-1791) Non so piu cosa son [3:34] Voi che sapete [3:23] - Gioachino ROSSINI (1792-1868) Nacqui all’affanno [6:21] Orchestre National de la RTF/Eugen Jochum Filmed at the Salle Pleyel, Paris, 9 April 1964 - Wolfgang Amadeus MOZART (1756-1791) Parto ma tu ben mio [5:51] Orchestre Philharmonique da l’ORTF/Serge Baudo Filmed at the Salle Pleyel, Paris, 2 May 1967 Bonus Tracks - Franz SCHUBERT (1797-1828) Geheimnis [1:40] DietrichFischer-Dieskau, baritone Gerald Moore, piano Filmed in London, 14 May 1959 - Richard STRAUSS (1864-1949) Zueignung [1:33] - Johann STRAUSS (1825-1899) Nur für Natur [2:47] Julius Patzak, tenor Gerald Moore, piano Filmed in London 18 June 1959 Robert SCHUMANN (1810-1856) Die beiden Grenadiere [3:34] Hans Hotter, baritone Gerald Moore, piano Filmed in London, 27 October 1959 - Richard STRAUSS (1864-1949) Schlechtes Wetter [2:15] - Hugo WOLF (1860-1903) Als ich auf dem Euphrat Schiffte [1:35] - Franz SCHUBERT (1797-1828) Der Tod und das Mädchen [2:38] - Richard STRAUSS (1864-1949) Cäcilie [2:26] Christa Ludwig, mezzo-soprano Gerald Moore, piano Filmed in London, 22 February 1962 EMI CLASSIC ARCHIVES Vol. 14 DVD 7423 4 90118 9 2 [81:49] [KS]

Spirited and charming … every ounce of the poised and refined artist … see Full Review

The Very Best of Jussi BJÖRLING (tenor) 1911-1960 - CD 1. : Giuseppe VERDI (1813-1901) Rigoletto, ‘Questa o quella’ Rigoletto, La donna e mobile’ Il Trovatore, ‘Ah si, ben mio’ Il Trovatore, ‘Di quella pira’ Un ballo in Maschera, ‘Di tu se fedele’,.’Forse la soglia… Ma se m’é’. Aida, ‘Se quell guerrier io fossi!…Celeste Aida’. Requiem, ‘Ingemisco’. - Gioachino ROSSINI (1792-1868) Stabat Mater, ‘Cujus animan’. - Gaetano DONIZETTI (1797-1868) L’Elisir d’amore, ‘Una furtive lagrima’. - Amilcare PONCHIELLI (1834-1886) La Gioconda, ‘Cielo e mar!’ - Umberto GIORDANO (1867-1948) Fedora, ‘Amor ti vieta’. Andrea Chenier, ‘ Come un bel di maggio’. - Francesco CILEA (1866-1950) L’arlesiana, ‘E la solita storia’.- Giacomo PUCCINI (1858-1924) Manon Lescaut, ‘Donna’ non vidi mai’ ‘Ah, Manon, mi tradisce’. La boheme, ‘Che gelida manina’La fanciulla del West, ‘Ch’ella mi creda’. La boheme, ‘In un coupe?..O Mimi, tu piu non torni’ Tosca, ‘Dammi I colori…Rencondita armonia’. Tosca, ‘E lucevan le stelle’ Turandot, ‘Nessun dorma’. - Pietro MASCAGNI (1863-1945) Cavalleria rusticana, ‘Mamma! Quell vino e generoso’ - Ruggero LEONCAVALLO (1858-1919) Pagliacci, ‘Vesti la giubba’. Pagliacci, ‘No! Pagliaccio non son’ CD 2 : Giacomo MEYERBEER (1791-1864) L’Africaine, ‘Mi batte il cor..O paradiso’. - Georges Charles GOUNOD (1818-1893) Faust, ‘Salut! Demeure chaste et pure’. Romeo et Juliette, ‘Ange adorable’ Romeo et Juliette, ‘Ah! Lève-toi, soleil’. - Jules MASSENET (1842-1912) Manon, ‘Instant charmant..En ferment les yeux’ Manon, ‘ Je suis seul!…Ah, fuyez, douce image’. - Georges BIZET (1838-1875) Carmen, ‘La fleur que tu m’avais jéter’. Les Pecheurs de perles, ‘Je crois entendre encore’.- Ludwig Van BEETHOVEN (1770-1827) ‘Adelaide’ - Richard STRAUSS (1864-1949) ‘Morgen’ and ‘Cecile’ - Sergei RACHMANINOV (1873-1943) ‘In the Silence of Night’ and ‘Lilacs’ - Francesco Paolo TOSTI (1846-1916) ‘Ideale’ - Eduardo Di CAPUA (1865-1917) ‘O sole mio’ - Ruggero LEONCAVALLO (1858-1919) ‘Mattinata’. - Guyd’HARDELOT (1858-1926) ‘Because’ - Rudolf FRIML (1879-1972) ‘Only a Rose’. - Henry Ernest GEEHL (1881-1961) ‘For You Alone’ - Jaques OFFENBACH (1819-1875) ‘Au mont de trois dessées’ (sung in Swedish).- Carl MILLOCKER (1842-1899) ‘Ich hab’ kein Geld’ (sung in Swedish). - Adolphe ADAM (1803-1856) ‘Cantique de Noel’. (sung in Swedish). Various orchestras and conductors. Recorded between 1936 and 1956. Bargain Price. EMI CLASSICS 7243 5 75900 2 [2CDs: 78.19+75.46] [RJF]

I recommend its purchase to all lovers of singing as an outstanding bargain to be cherished. … see Full Review

BRAZILIAN MOSAIC Francisco MIGNONE (1897-1986) Fantasia Brasileira No. 3 (1935) [13’05]. Heitor VILLA-LOBOS (1887-1959) Bachianas Brasileiras No. 9 (1944) [9’04]. As Três Marias (1939) [4’29]. Barrozo NETTO (1881-1941) Minha Terra [1’55]. Edino KRIEGER (b. 1928) Sonatina (1957) [6’01]. Ronaldo MIRANDA (b. 1948) Concertino (1986) [16’48]. Marlos NOBRE (b. 1939) Concertante do Imaginário, Op. 74 (1989) [19’03]. Clélia Iruzun (piano) Lontano/Odaline de la Martinez. Rec. July 2^nd-3^rd, 2002 at St Paul’s Church, London. DDD LORELT LNT115 [70’26] [CC]

Clélia Iruzun, kaleidoscopic dynamism, sheer infectious joie-de-vivre. As Três Marias: little treasures; really delicate, a real Brazilian music-box and the real highlight of the disc. … see Full Review

CANTICUM NOVUM: Sacred Vocal Music from the Late 20^th Century Mario LAVISTA (b. 1943) Missa ad consolationis dominam nostram (1995) [28:01] Cary BOYCE (b. 1995) By the Waters (2000) [4:10] John EATON (b. 1942) Mass (1970, rev. 1996) [21:29] Menachem ZUR (b. 1942) Alleluia-Psalm 150 (1998) [6:00] Aguavá New Music Ensemble/Carmen Helena Téllez Recording dates and venues not listed except for Psalm 150, which was recorded live in Tel Aviv at the Tempus Fugit Festival, March 2000. DDD AGUAVÁ 2001-1-CD-T [59:41] [KS]

The musicians on this recording are without question of immense talent and skill … see Full Review

CARNIVAL: MUSIC FROM BRAZIL AND THE U.S Ricardo TACUCHIAN (born 1939) Toccata Urbana (1999)^a - Wayne PETERSON (born 1927) Janus (1991/2)^a - Christopher JAMES (born 1951) In frostiger Nacht (1999)^b - Raoul PLESKOW (born 1931) - Chamber Setting with Voice (1992)^c - Gilberto MENDES (born 1922) Ulysses in Copacabana Surfing with James Joyce and Dorothy Lamour (1988)^a Elizabeth Farnum (soprano)^c; Joseph Kubera (piano)^b; North/South Chamber Orchestra^ab; North/South Consonance Ensemble^c/Max Lifchitz Recorded: Recital Hall of the Performing Arts Centre of Purchase College, September 2001 NORTH/SOUTH RECORDINGS R 1028 [63:28] [HC]

An enjoyable collection of accessible works. Excellent performances and very fine recording. … see Full Review

The Very Best of José Carreras - Giuseppe VERDI (1813 - 1901) Aida (excerpts) Se qul guerrier io fossi!… Celeste Aida - Pur ti riveggo, mia dolce Aida - La fata pietra sovra me si chiuse - Aida - Mirella Freni (soprano); Amneris - Agnes Baltsa (mezzo-soprano); Radames - Jose Carreras (tenor); Amonasro - Pierror Cappuccilli (baritone); Ramfis - Ruggero Raimondi (bass); Chorus of the Vienna State Opera - Vienna Philharmonic/Herbert von Karajan - Recorded 1980 - Giuseppe VERDI (1813 - 1901) O figli, o figli miei! .. Ah, la paterna mano (Macbeth) Jose Carreras (tenor) - New Philharmonia Orchestra/Riccardo Muti - Recorded 1976 - Pietro MASCAGNI (1863 - 1945) Cavalleria rusticana (excerpts) Tu qui, Santuzza? - Instanto, amici…Viv il vino spumeggiante - Mamma, quel vino e generoso - Santuzza - Montserrat Caballe (soprano); Lola - Julia Hamari (mezzo-soprano); Mamma Lucia - Astrid Varnay (soprano); Turiddu - Jose Carreras (tenor); Ambrosian Opera Chorus - New Philharmonia Orchestra/Ricardo Muti - Recorded 1980 - Ruggero LEONCAVALLO (1858-1919) Pagliacci (excerpts) - Un grande spettacolo..Un tal gioco, ceredetemi - Recitar!… Vesti la giubba - No, Pagliaccio non son - Nedda - Renata Scotto (soprano); Canio - Jose Carreras (tenor); Beppe - Ugo Benelli (tenor); Tonio - Kari Murmela (baritone); Silvio - Thomas Allen (baritone); Ambrosian Opera Chorus - New Philharmonia Orchestra/Ricardo Muti - Recorded 1980 - Giacomo PUCCINI (1858-1924) Turandot (excerpts) Non piangere, Liu - Nessun Dorma - Liu - Mirella Freni (soprano); Calaf - Jose Carreras (tenor); Timur - Paul Plishka (bass); Rhine Opera Chorus - Strasbourg Philharmonic Orchestra/Alain Lombard - Recorded 1978 - Giuseppe VERDI (1813 - 1901) Don Carlo (excerpts) Io l'ho perduta …Io la vidi - Dio che nell'alma infondere - Perduto ben mio sol tesor - Elisabeth - Mirella Freni (soprano); Carlos - Jose Carreras (tenor); Rodrigo - Piero Cappuccilli (baritone); Monk - Jose van Dam (bass); Choir of the German State Opera, Berlin; Berlin Philharmonic/Herbert von Karajan; Recorded 1979 - Georges BIZET (1839 - 1875) La fleur que tu m'avais jetée (Carmen) - Charles GOUNOD (1818 - 1893) Quel trouble inconnu me pénètre…Salu! demeure chaste e pure (Faust) - L'amour, l'amour…Ah! lève-toi, soleil (Roméo et Juliette) - Source délicieuse (Polyeucte) - Jules MASSENET (1842-1912) Ah! tout est bien fini…Ô Souverain, ô juge, ô pêre. (Le Cid) - Ce monde que je vois..Ah! qu'il est loin mon pays (Sappho) - Ne pouvant réprimer les élans…Adieu donc, vains objects (Hérodiade) - Jacques -François HALÉVY (1799-1862) Rachel! quan du Seigneur (La Juive) - Giacomo MEYERBEER (1791 - 1864) Pays merveilleux… Ô paradis (L'Africaine) - Edouard LALO (1823 - 1892) Puisque'on ne peur fléchir…Vainement, ma bien-aimée (Le Roi d'Ys) - Jose Carreras (tenor) - Orchestra of the Royal Opera House, Covent Garden/Jacques Delacôte - Recorded 1985 - Jacques OFFENBACH (1819 - 1880) La Périchole (excerpts) Le conquérant dit à la jeune Indienne - Vous a t'on dit souvent - Et là maintenant que no somme seuls - On me proposait d'être infâme - Teresa Berganza (mezzo-soprano) - Jose Carreras (tenor) - Toulouse Capitole Orchestra/Michel Plasson - Recorded 1982 EMI CLASSICS 7243 5 75903 2 7 [2CDs: 77.27+77.45] [RH]

A slightly strange selection of items, but a welcome survey of Carreras's art nonetheless … see Full Review

Christ ist geboren: Festive Christmas with the Boys choir ‘capella vocalis’ Carl THIEL (1862-1939) Es sungen drei Engel [02:20] - Der Morgenstern ist aufgedrungen [01:22] - Johann Heinrich LÜTZEL (1823-1899) Machet die Tore weit [02:09] - Hermann RUCK (1897-1983) Maria durch ein’ Dornwald ging [03:25] - Siegfried STROHBACH (b. 1929) O Heiland, reiss die Himmel auf [02:04] - Nun komm, der Heiden Heiland [01:53] - Es kommt ein Schiff geladen [01:42] - Michael PRAETORIUS (1571-1621) Es ist ein Ros’ entsprungen [02:11] - Felix MENDELSSOHN-BARTHOLDY (1809-1847) Gott sei Dank durch alle Welt [01:58] - W. HERRMANN (1868-?) O schlafe, schlafe, göttlicher Knabe [03:02] - Franz GRUBER (1787-1848), arr. Hanns MIESSNER (1877-1940) Stille Nacht, heilige Nacht [03:01] - trad., arr. Arnold MÖLLER Kolenden (Polish Christmas carols, in German translation):- In stiller Mittnacht [03:26] - Christus ist geboren [02:22] - Triumphe [01:44] -
Gestern abend, Brüder [01:54] - Hirten zogen mit Gesang [02:22] - Einsamkeit hüllet [02:15] - Luleise, Jesulein [02:11] - Lasst uns alle ziehn [01:20] - In der Krippe [01:20] - Hirten bleibet doch steh’n [02:08] - In Bethlehem heut [02:01] - Jesus, kleiner Knabe [01:47] - An dem Tag [02:42] - Neujahr zieht her [02:53] Capella Vocalis/Eckhard Weyand - Recorded in February 2001 at Peter- und Paulkirche, Mössingen, Germany.
HÄNSSLER CD 98.433 [55:02] [JvV]

A good choir, although a little bland … too rigid and serious in most of the Christmas carols sung here … see Full Review

Collection "The Romantic Harp" - CD 1: Camille SAINT-SAËNS (1835 - 1921) The Swan, from "Carnaval des Animaux" - Morceau de concert - Jaques OFFENBACH (1819 - 1880) Barcarolle - Robert SCHUMANN (1810 - 1856) Träumerei - August DURAND (1830 - 1909) Chaconne - Luigi BOCCHERINI (1743 - 1805) Menuet - Anon. Sakura, Sakura [a Japanese folksong] - Johannes BRAHMS (1833 - 1897) Waltz in A flat major - Johann STRAUSS (1825 - 1899) Pizzicato Polka - Isaac ALBENIZ (1860 - 1909) Granada - Malagueña No. 1 - Malagueña No. 2 - Edvard GRIEG (1843 - 1907) Anitra’s Dance, from "Peer Gynt" - Frigyes HIDAS (1928 -) Hungarian Folksongs - Enrique GRANADOS (1867 - 1916) Danza Española No. 5 - New York Harp Ensemble Aristid von Würtzler (director and soloist) - CD 2: Marcel GRANDJANY (1891 - 1975) Rhapsodie - Germaine TAILLEFERRE (1892 - 1983) Sonate - Gabriel FAURÉ (1845 - 1924) Une Chatelaine en sa Tour - Après une Rêve - Albert ROUSSEL (1869 - 1937) Impromptu - Gabriel PIERNÉ (1863 - 1937) Impromptu caprice - Claude DEBUSSY (1862 - 1918) Clair de Lune - Aram KHACHATURIAN (1903 - 1978) Oriental Dance - Toccata - Jean-Michel DAMASE (1928 -) Sicilienne variée - Carlos SALZÉDO (1885 - 1961) Variations sur un Thème dans le Style Ancien Ieuan Jones (harp) Brilliant Classics 5425 (2 CD), licenced from Hungaroton (CD 1) and ASV (CD 2) [117'54][PS]

The big box would have been better if it contained a booklet, one or two of the arrangements are eminently uninspiring, but in and amongst these swine there are some absolute pearls ...See Full Review

The Coming of Christ: A Celebration of Faith in His Nature Alexandre GUILMANT (1837-1911) - Offertoire sur l'hymne: Creator Alme Siderum. Charles Marie WIDOR (1844-1937) Symphonie Gothique, 4^th Movement (Allegro) PLAINCHANT: Responsory: Aspiciens a longe; Rorate caeli desuper; Antiphon: O Emmanuel; Communion: Ecce Virgo; Antiphon: Missus est Gabriel; Antiphon: Ave Maria; Ne Timeas Maria; Dabit ei Dominus; Ecce ancilla Domini; Offertory: Ave Maria; Antiphon and Solemn Benedictus: Puer qui natus est; Invitatory: Christus natus est; Introit: Puer natus est nobis; Alleluia: Dies sanctificatus; Antiphon: Quem vidistis; Antiphon: Genuit puerpera; Antiphon: Angelus ad pastores; Antiphon: Facta est cum Angelo; Antiphon: Parvulus filius; Hymn: Christe Redemptor; Responsory: Verbum caro factum est; Antiphon and Solemn Magnificat: Hodie Christus natus est; Antiphon: Mirabile mysterium; Communion: Responsum; Antiphon: Lumen ad revelationem gentium; Gradual: Omnes de Saba venient; Communion: Vidimus stellam; Antiphon: Admoniti Magi; Antiphon: Herodes iratus; Communion: Tolle puerum; Antiphon: Ex Aegyto; Antiphon: Ibant parentes Jesu; Antiphon: Non invenientes; Antiphon: Fili quid fecisti; Antiphon: Descendit Jesus James Jordan (organ)
David Chalmers (organ) Gloriae Dei Cantores Schola/Dr. Mary Berry Recorded September 2001 and April 2002, Church of the Transfiguration, Orleans, Massachusetts. GLORIAE DEI CANTORES GDCD033 [66.04] [RH]

An imaginatively programmed disc of Gregorian Chant, admirably directed by Dr. Mary Berry. … see Full Review

Portrait Of The Double Bass TRADITIONAL Londonderry Air; Wolfgang Amadeus MOZART Serenade from Eine Kleine Nachtmusik Carl MOLLER Aarhus Tattoo arr. for three double basses Serge KOUSSEVITSKY (1874-1951) Chanson triste Op.2 Joseph LORENZETTI (1740-1789) Gavotte Anton RUBINSTEIN (1829-1899) Melody in F Hans-Christian LUMBYE (1810-1874) arr. Oluf Ring Concert Polka Jules MASSENET (1842-1912) Meditation from Thais Giacomo PUCCINI (1858-1924) O mio babbino caro from Gianni Schicchi Vittorio MONTI (1868-1926) Czardas Enrico TOSELLI (1883-1926) Serenade Op.6 John FIELD (1782-1837) Nocturne No. 5 Robert SCHUMANN (1810-56) Träumerei J.S. BACH/GOUNOD Ave Maria Jorma PANULA (b.1930) Barokki-Polska DRAGONETTI (1763-1846) Concerto in A minor Movement 2 Henry ECCLES (1675-1735) Sonata in G minor Carl MOLLER (1823-1893) Aarhus Tattoo All arrangements by Bent Grosen except where indicated Bent Grosen (double bass)
Kitha Ottosen Grosen (piano) Jens Holm and Poul Erik Jorgensen (double basses) Recorded at the Royal Academy of Music, Aarhus, Denmark, November 2000-April 2002 DANACORD DACOCD 602 [63.38] [GH]

Amiable and great fun … see Full Review

Plainchant The Chants of Easter Propers for Easter Day and the Octave of Easter Gloriae Dei Cantores Schola/Richard J. Pugsley Recorded 1994 GLORIAE DEI CANTORES GDCD15 [73.27] [RH]

Possibly for plainchant enthusiasts only, a well filled disc of all the plainchant Propers for Easter Day and the Octave of Easter. … see Full Review

An Evening Hymn Music for solo trebleJ.F. Lallouette (1651-1728) O Mysterium ineffabile Pelham Humfrey (1647-1674) A Hymne to God the Father Henry Purcell (1659-1695) An Evening Hymn Felix Mendelssohn (1809-1847) Geistliches Lied C.V. Stanford (1852-1924) A Song of Peace - No.1 of Four Biblical Songs Op.113; Magnificat in G Peter Hurford (b.1930) Litany to the Holy Spirit Ralph Vaughan Williams (1872-1958) The Call - No.4 of Five Mystical songs Lili Boulanger (1893-1918) Pie Jesu
Maurice DuruflÉ (1902-1986)Pie Jesu - from Requiem Op.9 Richard Rodney Bennett (b.1936) The Aviary Peter Warlock (1894-1930) Balulalow; The First Mercy; The Birds John Ireland (1879-1962) The Holy Boy W. Denis Browne (1888-1915) Epitaph on Salathiel Pavy Arnold Bax (1883-1953) A Christmas Carol Benjamin Britten (1913-1976) The Plough Boy; O waly waly; Oliver Cromwell George Gershwin (1898-1937) Love Walked in Oliver Lepage-Dean, Treble The Choir of St John's College Cambridge Christopher Witton, Organ Christopher Robinson, Director and Piano. Recorded: St John's College Cambridge February 2002 (Tracks 1-10) ; University Music School Cambridge January 2002 (Tracks 11-25) NAXOS 8.557129 [63.34] [JF]

A well-balanced programme of rare pieces, excellent singing and a fine sound make this a lovely CD. One of the best in its class. … see Full Review

The Very Best of Dietrich Fischer-Dieskau - Franz SCHUBERT (1797 - 1828) - Die schöne Müllerin D795 (excerpts) (b) - Recorded 1951 - Das Lied im Grünen D917 (b) - Recorded 1965 - Der Tod und das Mädchen D531 (b) - Recorded 1965 - Heidenröslein D257 (b) - Recorded 1965 - Die Forelle D550 (b) - Recorded 1965 - Ständchen D957 (b) - Recorded 1958 - Du bist die Ruh' D776 (b) - Recorded 1952 - Erlkönig D328 (b) - Recorded 1951 - Winterreise D911 (excerpts) (b) - Recorded 1955 - Johannes BRAHMS (1833 - 1897) - Von ewiger Liebe Op. 43/1 (c) - Recorded 1974 - Die Mainacht Op. 43/2 (c) - Recorded 1974 - Wiegenlied Op. 49/4 (c) - Recorded 1974 - Hugo WOLF (1860 - 1903) - Auch keine Dinge (Italienisches Liederbuch) (b) - Recorded 1969 - Fussreise (b) - Recorded 1958 - Gebet (b) - Recorded 1958 - Die Gärtner (b) - Recorded 1958 - Lebewohl (b) - Recorded 1958 - Richard STRAUSS (1864 - 1949) - Morgen! Op. 27 (b) - Recorded 1970 - Freundliche Vision Op. 48 (b) - Recorded 1970 - Mit deinen blauen Augen Op.56 (b) - Recorded 1970 - Gustav MAHLER (1860 - 1911) - Des Antonius von Padua Fishpredigt (Des Knaben Wunderhorn) (g), (h) - Recorded 1968 - Johann Sebastian BACH (1685 - 1750) - Grosser Herr, o starker König (Christmas Oratorio) (i), (j) - Recorded 1977 - Erleucht' auch meine finstre Sinnen (Christmas Oratorio) (i), (j) - Recorded 1977 - George Frideric HANDEL (1685 - 1759) - Cara sposa, amante cara (Rinaldo) (d), (e), (f) - Recorded 1973 - Richard WAGNER (1813 - 1883) - Die Frist is um (Der fliegende Holländer) (k), (l) - Recorded 1978 - Leb' Wohl (Die Walküre) (k), (l) - Recorded 1978 - Giuseppe VERDI (1813 - 1901) - Il balen (Il Trovatore) (m), (n) - Recorded 1960 - Cortigiani (Rigoletto) (m), (n) - Recorded 1960 - Per me giunto e il di supremo (Don Carlo) (m), (n) - Recorded 1960 - Alzati! … Eri tu (Un ballo in maschera) (m), (n) - Recorded 1960 - Vanne…Credo in un Dio crudel (Otello) (o), (p) - Recorded 1970 - Era la notte…Si, pel ciel (Otello) (a), (o), (p) - Recorded 1970 - Dietrich Fischer-Dieskau (baritone) - James McCracken (tenor) (a) - Gerald Moore (piano) (b) - Wolfgang Sawallisch (piano) (c) - Jean Pierre Rampal (flute) (d) - Jacques Neilz (cello) (e) - Robert Veyron-Lacroix (harpsichord) (f) - London Symphony Orchestra (g) - George Szell (conductor) (h) -
Academy of St. Martin in the Fields (i) - Philip Ledger (conductor) (j) - Bavarian Radio Symphony Orchestra (k) - Raphael Kubelik (conductor) (l) - Berlin Philharmonic Orchestra (m) - Alberto Erede (conductor) (n) - New Philharmonia Orchestra (o) -
Sir John Barbirolli (conductor) (p) - Recorded 1951 - 1978 - EMI CLASSICS 7234 5 75922 2 2 [2CDs: 77.32+73.25] [RH]

A highly recommendable survey of Fischer-Dieskau's not inconsiderable art … see Full Review

DIVERSIONS Russell WOOLLEN (1923 – 1994) Berceuse et Petit Rondo (1993) Irving FINE (1914 – 1962) Diversions (1942, 1958, 1959) Harry BULOW (born 1952) Suite for Piano (1997) Nancy BLOOMER DEUSSEN (born 1938) Piano prelude (1988) Amber Waves (1966) Cascades (1988) Mark ALBURGER (born 1957) The Twelve Fingers (1978) Max Lifchitz (piano) Recorded: University at Albany’s Main Theatre, August 1998 NORTH/SOUTH RECORDINGS R 1026 [66:22] [HC]

No great masterpieces, here, but a hugely attractive programme of enjoyable piano works, all superbly crafted and played with obvious relish. Well worth investigating. … see Full Review

The Very Best of Placido DOMINGO (tenor) (b.1941) Various orchestras and conductors. Recorded between 1971 and 2001. EMI CLASSICS 7243 5 75906 2. (2CDs:75.02+73.55 min). [RF]

A mixed blessing that does not reflect the artistry, as distinct from the versatility, of this truly great singer … a poor effort. … see Full Review

‘Dream Suite I, II, and III’ Don Jackson conducting the London Philharmonic Orchestra and the London Symphony Orchestra SILVERLINE 86002-9 [49.45] 81007-9 [47.03] SILVERLINE 86015-9 [47.32] [PS]

A definitive collection of lovely music for people who don’t want to read about it, accompanied by visuals you don’t want to look at too closely. … see Full Review

L’Ecole Franco-Belge De Violon - Volume 1 - Edouard LALO (1823-1892) - Symphonie espagnole Op. 21 (1873) - Gabriel PIERNÉ (1863-1937) - Impressions de Music-Hall - Edouard LALO (1823-1892) - Concerto Russe Op. 29 (1879) – Intermezzo - Marcel DELANNOY (1898-1962) - Serenade Concertante - La Pantoufle de vair, ballet – Danse des négrillons - Lola Bobesco (violin) with an unnamed orchestra conducted by Eugène Bigot in the Symphonie espagnole and recorded in 1942 - Henri Merckel (violin) with unnamed orchestras conducted by Charles Munch (Delannoy) and Piero Coppola (Lalo Concerto Russe – Intermezzo)and by Mme Pugnet-Caillard (piano) in the Pierné and recorded 1935-46 - MALIBRAN CDRG 131 [73.36] [JW]

Bobesco makes a good companion and the disc pleased me enormously. But then Malibran’s string releases always do. … see Full Review

KATHLEEN FERRIER : Hommage à Kathleen Ferrier - George Frideric HANDEL (1685-1759) Semele – Where e’er you walk Atalanta - Like as the love-lorn turtle - Henry PURCELL (1659-1695) The Fairy Queen - Hark! The echoing air - Claudio MONTEVERDI (1567-1643) Arianna – Lasciatemi morire Antonio LOTTI (c1667-1740) Arminio - Pur dicesti - Christoph Willibald GLUCK (1714-1787) Orfeo – Ah diletta Euridice…. - Franz SCHUBERT (1797-1828) Lachen und Weinen D777 - Johannes BRAHMS (1833-1897) Sonntag Op. 47 No. 3 - Hubert PARRY (1848-1918) Love is a bable Op. 152 No. 3 [English lyrics Set Six] - Charles Villiers STANFORD (1852-1924) The Fairy Lough Op. 77 No. 2 - TRADITIONAL Ca’ the Yowes The Spanish Lady - Johann Sebastian BACH (1685-1750) St Matthew Passion – Four excerpts Du lieber Heiland Erbarme dich, mein Gott Erbarmes Gott Ach Golgotha Kathleen Ferrier (contralto) with Giorgio Favaretto (piano) – all items except Bach, recorded by RAI Milan 6 February 1951 Vienna Symphony Orchestra/Herbert von Karajan (Bach) – recorded live 9 June 1950 TAHRA 462 [70.24] [JW]

Because of the previously unissued items this will be a mandatory purchase for Ferrier admirers. … see Full Review

Late Conversations - American works for cello and piano Robert CUNDICK Cello Sonata - David SARGENT Conversations - Michael HICKS Induction Coil - Reid NIBLEY Cello Sonata Roger Drinkall (cello) - Dian Baker (piano) - rec. no details given TANTARA RECORDS TCD 03960685 [51.01] [RB]

Short playing time. Cundick and Nibley outstanding ... most beautifully performed and recorded. ... see Full Review

Le Flûtiste Et Son Siècle Joseph JONGEN (1873 – 1953) Danse lente Op.56 (1917) - Eugene GOOSSENS (1893 – 1962) Three Pictures Op.55 (1935) - Léon STEKKE (1904 – 1970) Nocturne Op.5 Scherzo - capriccioso Op.19 - Marcel POOT (1901 – 1988) Légende (1959) - Jacques LEDUC (born 1932) Flute Sonata Op.21 (1966) - HAO-FU Zhang (born 1952) Théâtre pour deux (1996) Denis-Pierre Gustin (flute); Carmen-Elena Rotaru (piano) - Recorded: Steurbaut Sound Recording Centre, Gent, 2000 and 2001 CYPRÈS CYP 4615 [75:18] [HC]

An attractive selection of unfamiliar works for flute and piano, superbly played and warmly recorded … one of the most enjoyable discs I have heard recently. … see Full Review

Etelka Freund (piano) - Johannes BRAHMS (1833-1897) Sonata in F minor Op. 5 - Scherzo in E flat minor Op. 4 - Variations and Fugue on a theme of Handel Op. 35 - Intermezzo in C sharp minor Op. 117 No. 2 - Intermezzo in E flat minor Op. 118 No. 6 - Capriccio in F sharp minor Op. 76 No. 1 - Intermezzo in A minor Op. 116 No. 2 - Johann Sebastian BACH (1685-1750) The Well Tempered Clavier Book I - Prelude in C minor - Fugue in C minor - Prelude in E flat minor - Fugue in D sharp minor - Felix MENDELSSOHN (1809-1847) Fantasia in F sharp minor - Franz LISZT (1811-1886) Funérailles - Valse oubliée - St Francis of Assisi's Sermon to the Birds - Impromptu in F sharp - Zoltán KODÁLY (1882-1967) 9 Piano pieces Op. 3 - No. III Lenon. Andante - No. V (quos ego…) Furioso - Béla BARTÓK (1881-1945) Bagatelle Op. 6 No. 12 - Sketch Op. 98b No. 4 - For Children, part one; Melodies from Hungarian Children's and Folk Songs;Nos XXVI, XXXVII, XXXVIII, XXXIII, XXIV, XIII, XL, XVII - Ten Easy Pieces; Evening in Transylvania Etelka Freund (piano) - Recorded privately and previously unpublished or on Remington LP PEARL GEMM CDS 9193 [2 CDs: 156.39] [JW]

Laced with romanticised depth, notably athletic, reflective. soft-grained in comparison with hyper virtuoso performances such as Horowitz's. … see Full Review

German Romantic Arias - Ludwig van BEETHOVEN (1770-1827) Fidelio (1805/6, rev 1814) - Abscheulicher! . Komm, Hoffnung [8'04]. Ah! Perfido, Op. 65 (1796) [13'12]. Carl Maria von WEBER (1786-1826) - Der Freischütz (1821) - Wie nahte mir der Schlummer . Leise, leise, fromme Weise [8'59]; Und ob die Wolke sie verhülle [5'27]. Oberon (1826) - Ocean! Thou mighty monster [8'10]. Euryanthe (1823) - Schirmende Engelschar [2'35]; So bin ich nun verlassen [7'04]. Felix MENDELSSOHN (1809-1847) Infelice!, Op. 94 (1843) [8'39]. Karita Mattila (soprano) Staatskapelle Dresden/Sir Colin Davis. Rec in the Lukaskirche, Dresden, 9-16 June 2001. DDD - Texts and translations included ERATO DISQUES 0927-42141-2 [62'15] [CC]

Recommended with much enthusiasm. Sometimes Davis could do (as so often) with an injection of fire into his conducting, it is true, but there remains plenty to enjoy from the Dresdeners, and Mattila is simply radiant. … see Full Review

DISC OF THE MONTH - Michael Gielen: Arnold SCHOENBERG (1874-1851) Die Glückliche Hand, drama with music, Op.18 (1910-13) - Alban BERG (1885-1935) Der Wein, concert aria (1929) - Anton WEBERN (1883-1945) Five Pieces for Orchestra Op.10 (1911) - Cantata No.1 Op.29 (1938) - Eduard STEUERMANN (1892-1964) Variations for Orchestra (1958) - Michael GIELEN (b.1927) ‘Pflicht und Neigung’ for ensemble (1988) - John Brocheler (baritone, Die Glückliche Hand),Melanie Diener (soprano, Der Wein), Christiane Oelze (soprano, Cantata) - Berlin Radio Choir (Schoenberg), Anton Webern Choir, Freiburg (Webern) SWR Symphony Orchestra Baden-Baden and Freiburg/Michael Gielen - Recorded in the Konzerthaus, Freiburg and Hans Rosbaud Studio, Baden-Baden, between 1990 and 2000 DDD HÄNSSLER CLASSIC CD 93.060 [78’08] [TH]

Useful and stimulating overview … all beautifully executed … high quality … see Full Review

Rare Léon GOOSSENS Arnold BAX (1883-1953) Oboe Quintet (1922) [16.18] Gabriel PIERNÉ (1863-1937) Aubade Gabriel FAURÉ (1845-1924) Pièce (vocalise, 1914) Benedetto MARCELLO (1686-1739) Oboe Concerto in C minor SCARLATTI arr Bryan Oboe Concerto No. 1 in G BARTHE Passacaille COLIN Concertino for oboe and orchestra Camille SAINT-SAËNS (1835-1921) The Swan Francis THOMÉ (1850-1909) Simple Aveu FIOCCO arr Bent and O'Neill Arioso Trad arr KREISLER Londonderry Air VAN PHILLIPS Nicolette Léon Goossens (oboe) Clarence Raybould (piano) (Fauré, Saint-Saëns, Thomé, Kreisler); Philharmonia/Walter Susskind (Marcello; Scarlatti); Gerald Moore (piano) (Pierné, Fiocco); International Quartet (Bax); London Wind Quintette (Barthe); Van Phillips All-Star Orchestra (Phillips) Rec. 1931-1847. AAD OBOE CLASSICS CC2005 [68.51] [RB]

Woodwind specialists as well as Baxians will want to snap up this lovingly compiled and presented disc. ... see Full Review

Arthur de Greef (piano) - Edvard GRIEG (1843-1907) Piano Concerto in A minor Op. 16 (1868) - Fryderyk CHOPIN (1810-1849) Piano Sonata No 2 in B flat minor Op 35 - Waltz No. 1 in E flat Op. 18 - Waltz No. 5 in A flat Op. 42 - Waltz No. 6 in D flat Op. 64 No 1 - Waltz No. 11 in G flat Op. 70 No1 - Franz SCHUBERT (1797-1828) Soirée de Vienne No. 6 arr. FRANZ LISZT - Moritz MOSZKOWSKI (1854-1925) Serenata in D Op. 15 No. 1 - Etude in G Op. 18 No. 3 - Waltz in E Op. 34 - Arthur de Greef (piano) Royal Albert Hall Orchestra/Landon Ronald, in the Grieg Concerto - Recorded 1926-29 PEARL GEM 0080 [76.36] [JW]

An intensely musical, non-sensationalist, eloquent and impressive musician … see Full Review

Grupo Corpo Companhia de Dança Johann Sebastian BACH (1996) [43.00] Music of J. S. Bach arranged for synthesisers by Marco Antônio Guimarães - O CORPO (2000) (43.00) Original music by Arnoldo Antunes; Costumes, Freusa Zechmeister/Fernando Velloso Choreography, Rodrigo Pederneiras; Lighting and Stage Design, Paulo Pederneiras Special features: ‘Behind the Scenes’ documentary film by Jürgen Wilcke (43.00) RM Associates - ARTHAUS MUSIK DVD 100 356 [129.00] [PS]

An homage to energy, youth, and the beauty of the human body in motion ... see Full Review

Vladimir Horowitz : The Original Jacket edition - Frédéric CHOPIN (1810-1849) Sonata No. 2 Op. 35 - Etude Op. 10 No. 5 Black Key - Etude Op. 10 No. 12 Revolutionary - Etude Op. 10 No. 8 - Ballade No. 1 Op. 23 - Op. 25 No. 7 - Scherzo Op. 1 No. 20 - Mazurka Op. 17 No. 4 - Introduction and Rondo Op. 16 - Mazurka Op. 30 No. 4 - Polonaise-Fantasie Op. 61 - Waltz Op. 34 No. 2 - Polonaise Op. 53 - Sergei RACHMANONOV (1873-1943) Etude-Tableau Op. 33 No. 2 Two versions - Etude-Tableau Op. 39 No. 5 Two versions - Etude-Tableau Op. 39 No. 9 - Piano Sonata No. 2 Op. 36 - Prelude Op. 32 No. 12 - Moment musical Op. 16 No. 3 - Robert SCHUMANN (1810-1856) Arabeske Op. 18 - Kinderszenen Op. 15 - Toccata Op. 7 - Fantasy Op. 17 - Encore; Traumerei from Kinderszenen - Variations on a theme by Clara Wieck from Sonata no. 3 Op. 14 - Kreisleriana Op. 16 - Domenico SCARLATTI (1685-1757) Sonata K531 [L430] - Sonata K322 [L483] - Sonata K455 [L209] - Sonata K33 [L424] - Sonata K54 [L241] - Sonata K466 [L118] - Sonata K146 [L349] - Sonata K96 [L465] - Sonata K162 [L465] - Soanta K474 [L203] - Sonata K198 [L22] - Sonata K491 [L164] - Sonata K481 [l187] - Sonata K39 [L391] - Franz SCHUBERT (1797-1828) Impromptu Op. 90 No. 3 - Alexander SCRIABIN (1872-1915) Feuillet d’album Op. 45 No. 1 - Piano Sonata No. 9 Op. 68 - Piano Sonata No. 10 Op. 70 - Two Poemes Op. 69 Vers la flamme (Poème) Op. 72 - Poème Op. 32 No. 1 Two versions - Etude Op. 2 No. 1 Two versions - Etude Op. 8 No. 2 - Etude Op. 8 No. 8 - Etude Op. 8 No. 10 - Etude Op. 8 No. 11 - Etude Op. 8 No. 12 - Etude Op. 42 No. 3 - Etude Op. 42 No. 4 - Etude Op. 42 No. 5 - Moritz MOSZKOWSKI (1854-1925) Etude Op. 72 No. 11 - Ludwig van BEETHOVEN (1770-1827) Sonata No. 8 Op. 13 Pathetique - Claude DEBUSSY (1862-1918) Three Preludes Book 2 - Les fees sont d’exquises danseuses - Bruyères - General Lavine – eccentric Serenade for the Doll No. 3 from Children’s Corner - Franz LISZT (1811-1886) Hungarian Rhapsody No. 19 - Johann Sebastian BACH (1685-1750) Organ Toccata BWV 564 arranged Busoni Recorded 1962-72 SONY SX10K89765 [10 CDs: 427.43] [JW]

I wouldn’t hesitate to recommend this nostalgic, baffling, devastating, beautiful and frequently monstrously self-serving collection. … see Full Review

RECORDING OF THE MONTH Icelandic Spring Poem Thorkell SIGURBJARNSSON / Hannes PETURSSON Beginning Jon THORARINSSON / Bjarni GISSURARSON Poem to the Sun Hildigunnur RUNARSDOTTIR / Hildigunnur HALLDORSDOTTIR Summer Rain Sings Out (soloist: Hallveig Runarsdottir) Snorri Sigfus BIRGISSON / Pall VIDALIN Amor Hrodmar Ingi SIGURBJORNSSON / Jonas HALLGRIMSSON Ah, Who Mourns an Icelander Hrodmar Ingi SIGURBJORNSSON / Jonas HALLGRIMSSON Jouney's End Jon ASGEIRSSON Verses from Viglund's Saga Hjalmar Helgi RAGNARSSON / Stefan Hordur GRIMSSON April Night Song Jon NORDAL / ANAKREON / Sigurdur NORDAL The Dark Earth Drinks Jon NORDAL / Snorri HJARTARSON Autumn Jon NORDAL / Snorri HJARTARSON Silence Jon NORDAL / Snorri HJARTARSON Spring Jon NORDAL / Jon ASKAR Icelandic Spring Poem (percussion: Eggert Palsson) Atli Heimir SVEINSSON Meditation II Thorkell SIGURBJORNSSON Ek wiwar / Runic inscription Thorkell SIGURBJORNSSON / Thorgeir SVEINBJARNARSON Ready to Leave Thorkell SIGURBJORNSSON / TRADITIONAL Old Upbringing Mist THORKELSDOTTIR / Thorsteinn VALDIMARSSON Gryla's Motley Crew Karolina EIRIKSDOTTIR / Sigurdur PALSSON Wild Youth Karolina EIRIKSDOTTIR / Vilborg DAGBJARTSDOTTIR Winter Hildigunnur RUNARSDOTTIR / Hildigunnur HALLDORSDOTTIR Sleepless Night (soloist: Olafur Runarsson) Snorri Sigfus BIRGISSON / Gomul baen - Sleep Now My Darling Thorkell SIGURBJORNSSON / Sigurbjorn EINARSSON Now the Sun Sinks in the Sea Hallveig Runarsdottir (soprano), Olafur Runarsson (baritone), Eggert Palsson (percussion) Hamrahlid College Choir/Thorgerdur Ingolfsdottir Recorded 1994 to 1999 at various venues in Iceland DDD SMEKKLEYSA SMK22 [73:24] [DB]

The Hamralid College choir is extraordinarily fine. This disc has the potential to be another of those unexpected hits. … see Full Review

Rigas Kamermuziki: Music by Latvian Composers of the Twentieth Century - The Nineties Maija EINFELDE (b.1939) Three Sea Songs for oboe, french horn and string orchestra (1995) [16.44] - Peteris PLAKIDIS (b.1947) Songs for the Wind and the Blood for mezzo and string orchestra (1991) [10.51] - Gustavs FRIDRIHSONS (b.1976) Kleine Passion - variations on a ground (1994-96) [26.00] - Rolands KRONLAKS (b.1973) Under Pressure for chamber orchestra (1996) [8.24] Riga Chamber Players/ Normunds Šn - rec. 1997/8, Riga Recording Studio. DDD BRIZE BRCD 001 [64.44] [RB]

Einfelde and Plakidis speaking for the lyrical and imaginative, accessible … Fridrihsons and Kronlaks articulate rites administered by Boulez, Henze and Frankel. ... see Full Review

BBC Legends: kempff Franz Peter SCHUBERT (1797-1828) Piano Sonata in E, D566: [13.14] Impromptu in Ab, D935 #2 [5.28] Johannes BRAHMS (1833-1897)
Ballades (4) for Piano Op.10 [21.29] Romance in F, Op.118 #5 [3.34] Intermezzo in eb Op.118 #6 [4.47] Intermezzo in Bb Op.76 #4 [2.48] Robert SCHUMANN (1686-1750)
Sonata in g, Op.22 [19.16] Wilhelm Kempff (piano) Recorded Queen Elizabeth Hall, London, UK, 1972, exc. Brahms Opp.118 and 76, 1969 Notes in English, Deutsch, and Français. BBC MUSIC BBCL 4114-2 [71.32] [PS]

Fine sound, superb playing in the German romantic style, a piano lover’s treasure. If you love these pieces, you’ll never hear them played any better … see Full Review

Këngë – Albanian Piano Music Feim IBRAHIMI (1935-1997) Tokatë për piano (1963) [4:20] Kozma LARA (b. 1930) Këngë [2:07] March [1:58] Ballade no. 4, ‘Pastorale’ [4:10] Valle: moderato [1:20] Valle: allegro [2:01] Pellumb VORPSI (b. 1957) Variations for Piano (Ballad) on a Popular Theme (1978) [9:29] J. PAPADHIMITRI Nina-Nana (1983) [1:57] A. KOMINO Vallja e fatosave (Children’s Dance) (1983) [1:28] Alberto PAPARISTO (b. 1925) Çiftelia (1967) [2:15] Këngë e lashte (Song of Ancient Times) (1964) [3:16] Humoreska (1976) [2:17] Simon GJONI (1926-1991) Këngë trimërie (Song of Bravery) (1983) [2:17] Ramadan SOKOLI (b. 1920) Nocturne no. 2 [3:37] Çesk ZADEJA (1927-1997) Four Pieces for Piano (1986, 1966, 1989, 1986) Improvizim [2:38] Humoreska [2:06]
Prelud [2:16] Tokata [4:27] Tonin HARAPI (1928-1992) Romance in A b major [3:55] Valle: andante con moto [1:21] Nji dhimb je e vogël (A Little Pain) [1:10] Valle: allegro vivo [0:47] Romanze in A minor [1:09] Moll ’e kuqe top sheqere (A Candied Apple) [1:03] Waltz on a Popular Theme [2:22] Arian AVRAZI Tokkata (1979) [5:20] Kirsten Johnson (piano) Rec. Exeter College, Oxford, 13-15 March 2002 DDD GUILD GMCD 7257 [64:47] [RB]

Delightful, tuneful, folksy and exotic piano music ... see Full Review

Frieda Leider (1888-1975) A Vocal Portrait - Carl Maria WEBER (1786-1826) Oberon; Ozean du Ungeheuer - Richard WAGNER (1813-1883) Rienzi - Gerechter Gott! - Der fliegender Holländer - Senta’s Ballade - Tannhäuser - Dich, teure Halle - Die Walküre - War es so schmählich - Siegfried - Ewig war’ ich - Parsifal - Ich sah’ das Kind - Wesendonck-Lieder: Der Engel - Im Treibhaus - Schmerzen - Träume - Giuseppe VERDI (1813-1901) Il Trovatore - Tacea la notte placida - Il Trovatore - D’amor sull’ali rosee - Aida - Ritorna vincitor - Aida - O patria mia - Don Carlos - O don fatale - Richard STRAUSS (1864-1949) Ariadne auf Naxos; Es gibt ein Reich - Wolfgang Amadeus MOZART (1756-1791) Don Giovanni - Or sai chi l’onore - Christoph Willibald GLUCK (1714-1787) Armide - Ah! Si la liberté - Ludwig van BEETHOVEN (1770-1827) Fidelio - Abscheulicher, wo wilst du hin? - Franz SCHUBERT (1797-1828) Erlkönig - Auf dem Wasser zu singen - Robert SCHUMANN (1810-1856) Widmung - Marienwürmchen - Meine Rose - Richard WAGNER (1813-1883) Tristan und Isolde - Doch nun von Tristan! And Liebesnacht [abridged] - Isolde! Tristan!…Doch es rächte - O sink hernieder - Soll ich lauschen? - Mild und Leise [Isolde’s Liebestod] - Götterdamarung - Act III - Closing scene - Schweigt eures Jammers jauchzended - Starke Scheite schichtet mir dort [Immolation Scene] - O ihr, der Eide, ewige Hüter! - Fliegt heim, ihr Raben! Frieda Leider (soprano) with Lauritz Melchior (tenor) and E Marherr-Wagner (soprano) with Various orchestras conducted by John Barbirolli, Leo Blech and Albert Coates and with Michael Raucheisen (piano) in the Schubert and Schumann Recorded 1921-1943 NAXOS 8.110744-45 [2 CDs 151.07] [JW]

Self-recommending and I’ve not even mentioned "Melchior" and "Tristan Act II". You just don’t need to. … see Full Review

An Introduction to ‘The Life and Works of the Great Composers’ Pyotr Iljich TCHAIKOVSKY (1840-1893) - Johannes BRAHMS (1833-1897) - Ferencz LISZT (1811-1886) - Johann Sebastian BACH (1685-1750) - Frederic CHOPIN (1810-1849) - Wolfgang Amadeus MOZART (1756-1791) - Giuseppe Fortunino Francesco VERDI (1813-1901) - Ludwig van BEETHOVEN (1770-1827) Written and narrated by Jeremy Siepmann - With various actors playing leading roles and musical selections from records in the Naxos catalogue NAXOS 8.558128 [61:47] [SA]

I’ve been well and truly hooked and know absolutely what will be on my wish lists for many birthdays and Christmases to come! … see Full Review

Love Divine - Wesleyan Music Samuel Sebastian WESLEY, (1766-1837): Anthem - Blessed be the God and Father 1-5vv. & organ. (1833-35) [7’10] Wash me throughly from my wickedness (4vv) (pub.1853) [3’59] Anthem - Ascribe unto the Lord (7/4vv & organ) (1849-53) [13’04] . Anthem: Thou wilt keep him in perfect peace (5vv) (pub.1853) [3’44] Anthem: Cast me not away (6vv. & organ) (1848) [4’26] Hymn: O thou who camest from above (pub.1904) [2’39] Anthem: The Wilderness (4vv. & organ) (1832) [13’09] Paderborn Gesangbuch (1765): Hymn - Ye servants of God (4vv) [2’37] William ROWLANDS, (1860 - 1937): Hymn: (tune "Blaenwern") - Love divine, all loves excelling. [3’23] Johann Sebastian BACH, (1685 - 1750): Hymn - Lo! God is here! (from melody by J.H. Schein) (4vv) [1’47] George Frideric HANDEL, (1685 - 1759): Hymn: Rejoice the Lord is King [2’43] Traditional 18th. Century: Hymn: Lo, he comes with clouds descending [4’55] The Choir of Lincoln College, Oxford/Christopher Eastwood Christopher Bucknall (Organ) Rec. Exeter College, Oxford, 13-15 March 2002 GUILD GMCD7256 [64’47"] [JPo]

Balance is good, diction admirably clear. I am sure parents, friends and relatives will purchase it, but all these pieces are recorded elsewhere and by more skilled 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]
Revolving notes from clipart.com

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