Recommended Recordings 2004 Part 2: Classical CD Reviews- March 2004 MusicWeb(UK)

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MusicWeb Recommended Recordings 2004 May-August

[Jan - April] [May] [June] [July] [August] [Sept - Dec]

UNEASY LISTENING - A caricature guide to 20th century composers
by John Minnion 109pp Paperback ISBN 0-9544499 1 6 [RB]

This is wonderfully well done as a book of illustrations. It tells us something of the psychology of the composer in each case and does so wittily and not without taking a few dangerous corners. ... see Full Review

MAY

Hildegard of BINGEN (1098-1179) Sapphire Night: O Frondens Virga; Karitas Habundat; O Euchari, Columba; In Matutinis Laudibus; Columba Aspexit. Anonymous 'O Gloriosa' Patricia VAN NESS (b.1951) ‘The Nine orders of the Angels' Tapestry/Laurie Monahan (soprano and harp) Carolann Buff, (mezzo-soprano) Recorded at Mandelslah, May 2003. DDD MUSIK DABRINGHAUS UND GRIMM 344 1193-2 [76.43] [GH]
I would be amazed if you did not become as besotted with this disc as I am. ... see Full Review
Piano music of Erik Chisholm and his friends BARTÓK Out of Doors Suite (With drums and pipes) SORABJI Fantasiettina sul nome illustre dell'Egregio poeta Hugh MacDiarmid Ossia Christopher Grieve MCMLXI CHISHOLM Sonata in A (1939) "An Riobain Dearg": (Molto Moderato; Scherzo: Allegretto con Moto; Lament: HMS "Thetis" foundered June 3^rd 1939; Allegro Moderato) STEVENSON A Threepenny Sonatina BUSONI Fantasia Contrappuntistica (Edizione Definitiva) Murray McLachlan (piano) Recorded 16-17, 19 December 2003, Whiteley Hall, Chethams, Manchester. DDD DUNELM DRD0219 [78:11] [CSS]
In MacLachlan's hands a magisterial performance ... see Full Review
Johann Friedrich FASCH (1688-1758) Overture in G (FWV L:G16) [32:02] Concerto for bassoon, strings and bc in C (FWV L:C2) [09:45] Concerto à 7 for 2 oboes, 2 violins, viola, bassoon and bc in c minor (FWV L:c2) [09:15] Concerto for violin, strings and bc (FWV L:A3) [08:02] Concerto for bassoon, strings and bc in d minor (FWV L:c1) [09:22] Concerto for 2 oboes, 2 violins, viola, bassoon and bc in E flat (fragment) (FWV L:Es 1) [02:33] Hans-Peter Westermann, Alessandro Piqué, oboe; Sergio Azzolini, bassoon; Veronika Skuplik, violin La Stravaganza Köln (on period instruments)
Rec. August 2002, Evangelische Kirche, Honrath, Germany. DDD CPO 777 015-2 [71:30] [JV]
A passionate plea for the orchestral music of Fasch, an unjustly neglected master of the German baroque ... see Full Review
Samuil Evgenievitch FEINBERG (1890-1962) The Twelve Piano Sonatas: Nos. 1-6: No. 1, Op. 1^a (1915) [6’51]; No. 2, Op. 2^b (1915-16) [9’01]; No. 3, Op. 3^b (1916) [23’24]; No. 4, Op. 6^a (1918) [8’33]; No. 5, Op. 10^a (1920-21) [8’05]; No. 6, Op. 13^c (1923) [14’20]. ^aNikolaos Samaltanos, ^bcChristophe Sirodeau (pianos). Rec. Eglise Evangélique Saint-Marcel, Paris, in ^abSpring 2002 and ^cDec 1993. DDD BIS CD-1413 [70’13] [CC]
Revelatory. The music of Feinberg is hypnotic in the extreme, close to Scriabin in mystical mode. Enjoy the voyage of discovery. ... see Full Review
Franz Joseph HAYDN (1732-1809) Sonatas: Volume 3: Keyboard Sonatas: No. 33 in C minor, Hob.XVI:20 (1771); No. 35 in A flat, Hob.XVI:43 (first publ. 1783); No. 47 in B minor, Hob.XVI:32 (c1774); No. 50 in D, Hob.XVI:37 (c1779); No. 61 in D, Hob.XVI:51. Alain Planès (piano). Rec. Salle modulable, IRCAM, Paris, August 2001. DDD HARMONIA MUNDI HMC901763 [65'31] [CC]
Recommended without hesitation. Planès is a Haydn interpreter to be reckoned with. ... see Full Review
RECORDING OF THE MONTH Leoš JANÁČEK (1854-1928) Jenůfa (Brno version, 1908; English translation, Edward Downes and Otakar Kraus). Janice Watson (soprano) Jenůfa; Elizabeth Vaughan (mezzo) Grandmother Buryja; Dame Josephine Barstow (soprano) The Kostelnička; Peter Wedd (tenor) Števa Buryja; Nigel Robson (tenor) Laca Klemeň; Neal Davies (baritone) Foreman at the mill; Alan Fairs (bass) Mayor of the village; Marion McCullough (mezzo) Mayor’s wife; Charlotte Ellett (soprano) Karolka; Claire Hampton (soprano) Jano; Rosie Hay (soprano) Barena; Imelda Drumm (mezzo) Maid; Sarah Pope (mezzo) Village woman; Chorus and Orchestra of Welsh National Opera/Sir Charles Mackerras Rec. in association with the Peter Moores Foundation. Rec. Brangwyn Hall, Swansea, July 20^th-26^th, 2003. DDD CHANDOS OPERA IN ENGLISH CHAN 3106 [2CDs: 121’12] [CC}
The felicities of the scoring emerge as if newly-minted, sometimes inspiring delight, at others horror. Unhesitatingly recommended. ... see Full Review
Colin MATTHEWS (b. 1946) Sonata No. 5 Landscape Cello Concerto No. 1 Hidden Variables, Memorial, Quatrain, Machines and Dreams Alexander Baillie (cello) London Sinfonietta Berlin Radio Symphony Orchestra/John Carewe London Symphony Orchestra/Michael Tilson Thomas Recorded at the Grosser Sendesaal, Berlin, October 1984 (Sonata No. 5); Watford Town Hall, August 1985 (Cello Concerto No. 1); Barbican Centre, January 1991 (Machines and Dreams); Abbey Road Studios, London, July 1995 (Hidden Variables, Memorial and Quatrain). DDD NMC ANCORA NMC D101 [58:11 + 50:27] [CT]
Several of Colin Matthews’s most striking orchestral works return to the catalogue in a valuable two-disc set ... see Full Review
Giacomo MEYERBEER (1791-1864) Margherita D'Anjou. Melodramma Semiseria in Two Acts Margherita D'Anjou, (widow of Henry VI of England), Annick Massis, (sop); The Duke of Laverenne, (Grand Senechal of Normandy), Bruce Ford, (ten); Isaura, (Laverenne's wife), Daniela Barcellona, (mezzo); Carlo Belmonte, (A general banished by the Queen, in the service of Glocester), Alastair Miles, (bass); Riccardo, (Duke of Glocester), Paul Putins (bass); Michelle, (a French physician), Favio Previati, (bass); Geoffrey Mitchell Choir London Philharmonic Orchestra/David Parry Recorded at Henry Wood Hall, London. October 2002 OPERA RARA. ORC25 [3CDs: 61.25+56.14+53.40] [RJF]
An outstanding addition to the recorded catalogue ... see Full Review
Wolfgang Amadeus MOZART (1756-1791)
The Complete Works for Piano Vol. 5 Sonatas: C major K.545, B flat major K.570, D major K.576, F major K.533/494 Joyce Hatto (piano) Recorded January 6^th-7^th 1995, Concert Artist Studios, Cambridge CONCERT ARTIST/FIDELIO RECORDINGS CACD 9055-2 [70:38] [CH]
The concluding disc in the cycle seems to me the finest of all and a fine demonstration of the ideals Joyce Hatto learnt from Clara Haskil ... see Full Review
Richard STRAUSS (1864-1949) Der Rosenkavalier The Marschallin - Kiri te Kanawa Octavian - Anne Howells Baron Ochs of Lerchenau - Aage Haugland Sophie Faninal - Barbara Bonney Major Domo to the Marschallin - Kim Begley Notary - John Gibbs Valzacchi - Robert Tear Anina - Cynthia Buchan Singer - Dennis O'Neill Herr von Faninal - Jonathan Summers Marianne - Phyllis Cannan Major Domo to Faninal - John Dobson Host - Paul Crook Police Commisar - Roderick Earle The Royal Opera Chorus and the Orchestra of the Royal Opera House/Georg Solti Director: John Schlesinger Directed for video by Brian Large Recorded live at the Royal Opera House Covent Garden, 1985 WARNER MUSIC VISION 0630-19391-2 [197:00 approx] [GPJ]
An unforgettable musical and visual experience. ... see Full Review
Giuseppe VERDI (1813-1901) Overture: La Forza del destino* [7’34"]; Messa da Requiem [83’18"] Carlo Maria Giulini in conversation with Michael Oliver [6’44"] Ilva Ligabue (soprano); Grace Bumbry (mezzo-soprano); Sándor Kónya (tenor); Raffaele Arié (bass) Philharmonia Chorus/Wilhelm Pitz Philharmonia Orchestra/Carlo Maria Giulini Rec. 26 April 1964; *16 May 1961, Royal Festival Hall, London. mono ADD BBC LEGENDS BBCL 4144-2 [54’59" + 47’18"] [JQ]

An awesome achievement. I doubt I’ll ever hear a better one. Absolutely superb! Indispensable! Buy it! ... see Full Review

Van Cliburn: Concert Pianist Disc 1 (DVD Video): Documentary, Van Cliburn – Concert Pianist [58'17]. Disc 2 (CD Audio Disc): Robert SCHUMANN (1810-1856)/Franz LISZT (1811-1886) Widmung, S566 (1848) [4'04]. Frédéric CHOPIN (1810-1849) Etude in E, Op. 10 No. 3 (1829-32) [4'47]. Scherzo No. 3 in C sharp minor, Op. 39 (1839) [7'15]. Sergei RACHMANINOV (1873-1943) Étude-Tableau in E flat minor, Op. 39 No. 5 (1916/17) [5'17]. Prélude in C sharp minor, Op. 3 No. 2 [4'51]. Claude DEBUSSY (1862-1918) L'Isle joyeuse (1904) [6'42]. Johannes BRAHMS (1833-1897) Intermezzo in A, Op. 118 No. 2 (1892) [6'12]. Waltz in A flat, Op. 39 No. 15 (1865) [2'00]. Franz LISZT (1811-1886) Mephisto Waltz No. 1, S514 (1859-60) [10'49]. Van Cliburn (piano). DVD + CD; DVD: English Narration; French and German subtitles available. Dolby Digital 2.0. Picture Format 4:3. DVD 5 PAL. RCA LEGENDARY VISIONS 82876 58241-9 [58'17 + 52'02] [CC]
A fascinating, riveting documentary complemented perfectly by a CD of the most magical piano playing. ... see Full Review
London Pride – A Celebration of London in Song Lionel MONCKTON Chalk Farm to Camberwell Green [3'07] Madeleine DRING (John Betjeman) Business Girls [2'12] Sandy WILSON A Room in Bloomsbury [3'03] George GERSHWIN (Ira Gershwin) A foggy day in London town [4'12] William WALTON (Anon) Rhyme [2'00] David Owen NORRIS Big Ben Blues [3'42] Ewan MACCOLL Sweet Thames, flow softly [3'18] BOYCE/arr. FRANKLIN (Lockman) The Pleasures of Spring Gardens, Vauxhall [3'38] Jonathan DOVE Five Am'rous Sighs [8'04] (Mary Montagu) Between your sheets you soundly sleep [2'50]; (Mary Montagu) Finish! Finish, these Languors make me sick [1'02]; (Matthew Prior) My heart still hovering round about you [1'20]; (Mary Montagu) All these dismal looks and fretting [1'41]; (Matthew Prior) Venus, take my votive glass [1'21]) Kit and the Widow Wimbledon Idyll [4'25] Harold FRASER-SIMSON (A.A. Milne) They're changing guard at Buckingham Palace [2'17] Michael CARR/Billy MAYERL (Jimmy Kennedy) Mayfair merry-go-round [3'01] Harry DACRE While London's fast asleep [4'56] Richard Rodney BENNETT Let's go and live in the country [2'30] Manning SHERWIN (Eric Maschwitz) A nightingale sang in Berkeley Square [5'50] Bennett SCOTT (A.J. Mills) Take me in a Taxi, Joe [3'43] Donald SWANN (Joyce Grenfell) Joyful Noise [6'07] Noel COWARD London Pride [5'31] Catherine Bott (soprano) David Owen Norris (piano) Recorded live at the Savage Club, London, 23^rd and 26^th May 2003. DDD HYPERION CDA67457 [71.58] [EM]
I cannot recommend this disc highly enough. It positively radiates intelligence and wit in performances of consummate musicianship. A truly delightful gallimaufry! ... see Full Review

BARGAIN OF THE MONTH
Samuel BARBER (1910-1981) Adagio for strings, Op. 11* [7'45"] Symphony No 1, Op. 9** [21'39"] Piano Concerto, Op. 38*** [29' 09"] Souvenirs, Op. 28 for piano four-hands **** [18'24"] Medea's Meditation and Dance of Vengeance, Op. 23a* [12'07"] Concerto for Violin and Orchestra, Op. 14***** [23'37"] Capricorn Concerto, Op. 21 for flute, oboe, trumpet and strings****** [14'34"] Concerto for cello and Orchestra, Op. 22******* [26'11"] *Boston Symphony Orchestra/Charles Munch ** St. Louis Symphony Orchestra/Leonard Slatkin ***John Browning (piano); St. Louis Symphony Orchestra/Leonard Slatkin **** John Browning and Leonard Slatkin (piano) ***** Kyoko Takezawa (violin); St. Louis Symphony Orchestra/Leonard Slatkin ******Jacob Berg (flute); Peter Bowman (oboe); Susan Slaughter (trumpet); St. Louis Symphony Orchestra/Leonard Slatkin *******Steven Isserlis (cello); St. Louis Symphony Orchestra/Leonard Slatkin Recorded: * 1957. Venue not specified ** and *** at Powell Symphony Hall, St. Louis 6-7 October 1990 **** at Manhattan Center, New York City, 15 October 1990 ***** 24 April 1994; ****** 7 May 1995; ****** 2 December 1994 all at Powell Symphony Hall, St. Louis BMG ARTISTES RÉPERTOIRES 74321 987042 [2 CDs 76'59"; 76'59"] [JQ]
Lack of documentation is a serious drawback but not such as to deny this set the warmest possible recommendation. ... see Full Review

Ferruccio BUSONI (1866-1924) Complete Works for Cello and Piano Chromatic Fantasia and Fugue in D minor, BMV 903 (transcription from J.S. BACH) Kleine Suite (Little Suite), Op.23 (Kind. 215)
Serenata Op.34 (Kind.196) Kultaselle: Ten Variations on a Finnish Folk song (Kind.237)
Valse oubliée (transcription of Franz LISZT) Ottorino RESPIGHI (1879-1936) Adagio con variazioni Duo Pepicelli: Angelo Pepicelli, piano; Francesco Pepicelli, cello
Rec. Montevarchi, Italy, 19^th -21^st January 2000 NAXOS 8.555691 [67.52] [JF]
A great CD introducing some extremely attractive works from two of Italy's greatest composers. Extremely well played into the bargain ... see Full Review
Franz LISZT (1811-1886) Complete Piano Music, Volume 20 Two Concert Studies, S145 (1862/3) [7'38]. Trois Études de Concert, S144 (1848) [19'28]. Etude en douze exercices, S136 (1826) [43'24]. Morceau de Salon, S142/R4a (1840) [2'07]. Ab irato, S142/R4b (1852) [2'47]. Mazeppa, S136 (????) [7'09]. William Wolfram (piano). Rec. Performing Arts Centre, Country Day School, King, Ontario, Canada, from January 30^th-February 2^nd, 2003. DDD NAXOS 8.557014 [63'06] [CC]
A pianist of no average musicality ... a long way from just mere note-spinning at great velocity … finds the lyrical Romantic that lies at the very heart of Liszt. Strongly recommended. ... see Full Review
Elizabeth MACONCHY (1907-1994) Complete String Quartets Hanson String Quartet (Quartets 1-4) Bingham String Quartet (Quartets 5-8) Mistry String Quartet (Quartets 9-13) Rec. St, Martin's Church, East Woodhay, 19-21 April 1989 (Quartets 1-4) Radley College, Abingdon, 28-30 March 1989 (Quartets 5-8); Radley College, Abingdon, 5-7 April 1989 (Quartets 9-13) DDD FORUM FRC 9301 [3 CDs: 59:00 + 69:27 + 64:02] [CT]

One of the most valuable reissues of British music in recent years and an out-and-out bargain to boot. ... see Full Review

Montague Phillips (1885-1969) Revelry Overture Op.62 (1937) Moorland Idyll Op. 61 (1936) Four Dances from ‘The Rebel Maid' (1916-1917) Symphony in C minor (1911 rev. 1924/25) A Surrey Suite Op. 59 (1936) A Shakespearean Scherzo – ‘Titania and her Elvish Court' (1934) Arabesque Op. 43 No.2 (1927) Sinfonietta in C Op.70 (1943) BBC Concert Orchestra/Gavin Sutherland Recorded at the BBC Studio 1 Maida Vale 19-20^th January 2004 DUTTON CDLX 7140 [75.25] [JF][SL]
Recommended to all lovers of English music and all who love music that is tuneful, well composed and thoroughly enjoyable. Sound quality and playing excellent ...[JF]
No duds here. For anyone who enjoys tunes with a dose of nostalgia, this is definitely a disc to have. .. [SL]. see Full Review

Gioacchino ROSSINI (1792-1868) La pietra del paragone (1812). Agata Bienkowska (mezzo) La Marchesa Clarice; Anna Rita Gemmabella (mezzo) La Baronessa Aspasia; Anke Herrmann (soprano) Donna Fulvia; Raffaele Costantini (bass) Il Conte Asdrubale; Alessandro Codeluppi (tenor) Il Cavalier Giocondo; Dariusz Machej (bass) Macrobio; Gioacchino Zarrelli (baritone) Pacuvio; Teru Yoshihara (baritone) Fabrizio; Czech Chamber Chorus; Czech Chamber Soloists, Brno/Alessandro di Marchi (harpsichord). Rec. live in Kurhaus Bad Wildbad, Germany during the Rossini in Wildbad Festival on July 21^st, 24^th and 27^th, 2001. DDD Notes and text included. NAXOS OPERA CLASSICS 8.660093-95 [3CDs: 161’21: 68’28 + 21’07 + 71’46] [CC]

A multitude of thanks are due to Naxos for this, proof positive that there is infinite joy to be gleaned from Rossinian by-roads. ... see Full Review
Jean SIBELIUS (1865-1957) CD1 Luonnotar Op. 70 (1913) [9.26] En Saga Op. 9 (1901) [18.48] Nightride and Sunrise Op. 55 (1907) [15.15] The Oceanides Op. 73 (1914) [10.11] King Christian II suite Op. 27 (1898) [20.40] CD2 Karelia Overture and Suite Op. 10 (1893) [7.25 + 14.35] Swan of Tuonela Op. 22 No. 2 (1893) [9.01] Finlandia Op. 26 (1900) [8.48] Pohjola's Daughter Op. 49 (1906) [12.33] The Bard Op. 64 (1913) [7.42] Festivo Op. 25 No. 3 (1911) [7.04] The First Kiss Op. 37 No. 1 [2.19] Spring is Flying Op. 13 No. 4 [1.56] The tryst Op. 37 No. 5 [3.30] Black Roses Op. 36 No. 1 [2.12] Dame Gwyneth Jones (sop) (Op. 70) London Symphony Orchestra/Antal Doráti (Opp. 70, 9, 55, 73) Scottish National Orchestra/Alexander Gibson (Opp. 27, 10, 64, 25) Vienna Philharmonic Orchestra/Sir Malcolm Sargent (Op.11, 22, 26) BBC Symphony Orchestra/Sir Malcolm Sargent (Op.49) Siv Wennberg (sop); Geoffrey Parsons (piano) (Opp. 37, 13, 36) rec. Aug 1958, Kingsway Hall (Op. 49); Nov 1961, Großer Musikvereinsaal, Wien (Opp. 11, 22, 26); Studio 1 Abbey Road London, Aug 1966 (Opp. 10, 25, 27, 64); June 1969 (Opp. 55, 73); Aug 1969 (Op. 9); June, July 1973 (songs); Wembley Town Hall, London, Feb 1969 (Op. 70). ADD EMI CLASSICS GEMINI 7243 5 85785 2 2 [76:49 + 77:52] [RB}
Outstanding ... Even more than the Groves Gemini set this is a must-buy for all Sibelians ... see Full Review

Dimitri Illarionov (guitar) Mauro GIULIANI (1781-1829) Grande Ouverture; Alexandre TANSMAN (1897-1986) Cavatina; Roland DYENS (b.1955) Valse en skai; Igor REKHIN (b.1941) from 24 Preludes and Fugues: No. 6 in D minor, No. 21 and Bb major and No. 3 in Db major; Nikita KOSHKIN (1956) Marionette; Mario CASTELNUOVO-TEDESCO (1895-1968); Francisco TARREGA (1852-1909) Variations on Carnival of Venice Dimitri Illarionov (guitar) Recorded at St. John Chrysostom Church, Newmarket, Ontario, Canada, January 2003 Naxos Laureate Series NAXOS LAUREATE 8.557293 [58.11] [GH]
Illarionov is as fine a guitarist as I have ever heard. He is aided and abetted by this beautifully chosen recital which one can listen to from start to finish. ... see Full Review

JUNE

Ludwig van BEETHOVEN (1770-1828) Piano Trios Piano Trio No. 1 in E flat Major, op. 1 no. 1 [25.89] Piano Trio No. 3 in C minor, Op. 1 No. 3 [23.95]Piano Trio No. 4 in B flat major, op. 11 "Gassenhauertrio" [20.24] Haydn-Trio, Wien: Heinz Medjimorec (piano), Michael Schnitzler (violin), Walter Shulz (cello) rec. 1985, 1986 Teldec Classics, International GmbH DDD WARNER CLASSICS APEX 2564 61366-2 [72’12"] [EM]
At bargain price, the version by the Haydn-trio, Wien will certainly not disappoint and is an excellent all-round recording, so comes highly recommended! ... see Full Review
Orlando GIBBONS (1583-1625) With A Merrie Noyse: Church Music This is the record of John; Almighty and everlasting God; A Voluntary; The Second Service - Morning and Evening; Hymns and Songs for the church: Nos. 1 and 9; A Fancy for Double Organ; O clap your hands together; Great King of Kings; See, see the word is incarnate The Choir of Magdalene College, Oxford/Bill Ives Jonathan Hardy (organ) Rogers Covey-Crump, Steven Harrold, Peter Harvey, Stephen Connolly Robin Bhattacharya, William Roome, Michael Hickman, William Harpin (trebles) Recorded in Magdalen Chapel, July 2003 HARMONIA MUNDI 907337 [59.40] [GH]
An 'in your face' sound ... very exciting. ... an unusual sound suitable for the private chapel ... immediate and arresting. ... see Full Review
Christoph Willibald GLUCK (1714 – 1787) – Iphigénie en Tauride Iphigénie – Régine Crespin (soprano) Oreste – Robert Massard (baritone) Pylade – Guy Chauvet (tenor) Thoas – Victor de Narke (bass) Diane – Marta Benegas (mezzo-soprano) Un Scythe – Guy Gavardo Orchestra and Chorus of the Teatro Colon, Buenos Aires/Georges Sebastian Recorded May 29^th 1964, Teatro Colon, Buenos Aires Wolfgang Amadeus MOZART (1756 – 1791) – Di scriverni ogni giorno; Soave sia Il vento (Cosí fan Tutte) Fiordiligi – Régine Crespin (soprano) Dorablla – Jacqueline Delusseux (mezzo-soprano) Guglielmo – Pierre Germain (tenor) Ferrando – Michel Hamel (baritone) Don Alfonso – Jean Cussac (bass) Desire-Emile Inghelbrecht (conductor) Giuseppe VERDI (1813 – 1901) – Gia nella notte densa (Otello) Desdemona – Régine Crespin (soprano) Otello – Jose Luccioni (tenor) Georges Sebastian (conductor) Henri TOMASI (1901 – 1971) – Sampiero Corso (excerpts) Régine Crespin (soprano) Henri Tomasi (conductor) GALA GL 100.595 [69.58 + 68.37] [RH]
A valuable record of Régine Crespin in a French language opera by Gluck, even if the recorded sound is rather limited. ... see Full Review
BARGAIN OF THE MONTH Joseph HAYDN (1732-1809) London Symphonies, Volume 1 Symphonies No. 93 -98Rec. 1957-8, Salle Wagram Paris; No. 1 Studio, Abbey Road, London EMI CLASSICS GEMINI 5 85770 2
London Symphonies, Volume 2 Symphonies No. 99 -104 Rec. 1957-8, Salle Wagram, Paris; No. 1 Studio, Abbey Road, London Royal Philharmonic Orchestra/Sir Thomas Beecham EMI CLASSICS GEMINI 5 85513 2 [77.08 + 78.23] [TB]
Beecham remains what he has been for nearly fifty years: a special case. ... see Full Review

Herman D KOPPEL (1908-1998) Symphony no 3. Op 39 Symphony no 4, Op 42. Aalborg Symphony Orchestra/Moshe Atzmon. DDD DA CAPO MARCO POLO 8.226016 [62 46] [DCFW]

If you understand the man, you will understand his music. His life, and his private life, is often the key to an understanding and appreciation of his music. ... see Full Review

BARGAIN OF THE MONTH Wolfgang Amadeus MOZART (1756-1791) Le Nozze di Figaro (Two discarded arias for Susanna, Un moto di gioia and Al desio di chi t’adora are added as an appendix) Bo Skovhus (Count Almaviva), Marina Mescheriakova (Countess Almaviva), Judith Halász (Susanna), Renato Girolami (Figaro), Michelle Breedt (Cherubino), Gabriele Sima (Marcellina), Janusz Monarcha (Bartolo), Michael Roider (Basilio), Alexander Klinger (Don Curzio), Orsolya Sáfár (Barbarina), Peter Köves (Antonio), Hungarian National Chorus, Nicolaus Esterházy Sinfonia, David Aronson (continuo)/Michael Halász Recorded 26th October to 4th novembre 2002 at the Phoenix Studio, Budapest, Hungary NAXOS 8.660102-04 [3CDs: 71:54 + 61:58 + 52:48] [CH]
This is an unassailable bargain, and I wonder how many of the more expensive alternatives are really worth the extra money. ... see Full Review
Dmitri SHOSTAKOVICH (1906 - 1975) Hamlet - complete music for the 1964 film, Op. 116/116a Russian Philharmonic Orchestra/Dmitri Yablonsky Rec. Studio 5, Russian State TV & Radio Company KULTURA, Moscow, 6-14 February 2003 NAXOS 8.557446 [62'28] [PSe]
Another cracker from Naxos: that very rare bird indeed - an original film score that can not only stand on its own, but grip its audience from start to finish. ... see Full Review
Roger SMALLEY (b. 1943) Chamber Music: Chopin Variations for piano; Piano Trio; Poles Apart for ensemble; Trio for clarinet, violin and cello; Crepuscule for piano quartet; CHOPIN (1810-1849) Mazurka in C# minor; BRAHMS (1833-1897) Intermezzo in E minor Op. 116 no. 5 Douglas Finch (piano) Continuum Ensemble/Philip Headlam Recorded at the Church of St. Jude on the Hill, Hampstead, London, July 2003 NMC D083 [78.12] [GH]
This is strong and characterful music. It demands your attention but is not overbearing or ugly. ... see Full Review
Richard WAGNER (1813-1883) Tristan und Isolde (1865) Thomas Moser (tenor) Tristan; Deborah Voigt (soprano) Isolde; Petra Lang (mezzo) Brangäne; Robert Holl (bass) King Mark; Peter Weber (baritone) Kurwenal; Markus Nieminen (baritone) Melot; Michael Roider (tenor) Shepherd; In-Sung Sim (baritone) Steersman; John Dickie (tenor) Young Sailor Chorus and Orchestra of the Vienna State Opera/Christian Thielemann. Live rec. from the Vienna State Opera, May 2003. DDD DEUTSCHE GRAMMOPHON 474 974-2 [3CDs 235’03: 80’03 + 79’48 + 75’12] [CC]

Not a performance to usurp any of the classic accounts of this endlessly fascinating work, but one that will certainly provide food for thought. ... see Full Review
American Angels: Songs of Hope, Redemption and Glory Anonymous 4 Recorded May 12-15, 2003 at Skywalker Sound, Marin County, California DDD HARMONIA MUNDI USA HMU907326 [60:34] [PG]

Simply one of the albums which anyone who loves vocal music should own. ... see Full Review
Italian Popular Song 1 See review for details Historic recordings made between 1926 and 1951 ADD NAXOS 8.110768 [78:17] [PG]
This is a wonderful collection of historic recordings, one definitely worth exploration. ... see Full Review
Music For A Champagne Breakfast Robert ALLWORTH Indian Summer for Piano solo (1973) [3.00] Colin BRUMBY Borromeo Suite for Flute and Guitar (1990) [10.05] Vernon LISLE Piano Sonata no. 1 (1960) [9.00] Piano Sonata no. 2 (1975) [13.30] Ian SHANAHAN Pastels for solo Clarinet (1985) [4.55] Robert ALLWORTH Champagne Bay for Piano solo (1993) [6.20] Eric GROSS Strings Sonorous 1, 2 & 3 (1991) [3.50] Betty BEATH Mikri Thalassa (Little Sea) for Mandolin Orchestra (1993) [5.25] Ann CARR-BOYD Three Pieces for Piano from ‘Look at the Stars’ (1978) [4.25] Derek STRAHAN
Escorts for Flute, Saxophone and Piano (1988) [12.10] Betty Beath, Joan Chatres Lisle, Ann Carr-Boyd, Roland Peelman (piano); Megan Franklin, Julia Fekete Berky (flute); Roslyn Dunlop (clarinet); Albin Berky (saxophone); Kelly Jeffs, Barbara Hooper (guitar); The Sydney Mandolins – Adrian Hooper; Tasmanian Symphony Orchestra/Patrick Thomas Unspecified recording dates. Unspecified recording locations JADE JADCD-1085 [72.50] [PW]
An interesting collection of music showing one side of twentieth century Australian musical thought. ... see Full Review
Verbotene KLÄNGE: Komponisten im Exil. Documentary by Norbert Bunge and Christina Fischer-Defoy Producer: Wolfgang Pfeiffer. Sound Format: 2.0 Stereo (Doc.); Dolby Digital 5.1 (specials). Picture Format: NTSC. 4:3. Region Code: 0 (Worldwide). CAPRICCIO 93 506 [72’00: Documentary: 35’00: Specials + 70’00: Audio] [CC]

This is no easy ride, but is necessary viewing for all concerned with activities in and around Germany in the War years. ... see Full Review

Johann Sebastian BACH (1685-1750) St Matthew Passion (abridged) Evangelist - Karl Erb (tenor) Jesus – Willem Ravelli (bass) Jo Vincent (soprano) Ilona Durigo (alto) Louis van Tulder (tenor) Herman Schey (bass) Piet van Egmond (organ) Johannes den Hertog (harpsichord) Louis Zimmermann (violin) G. Blanchard (oboe d’amore) W. Peddemors (oboe da caccia) Hubert Barwahser (flute) Amsterdam Toonkunst Choir "Zanglust" Boys’ Choir Concertgebouw Orchestra/Willem Mengelberg Recorded on Psalm Sunday, 2^nd April 1939 in the Concertgebouw Suite No.2 in B minor BWV 1067 Concerto in D minor for Two Violins BWV 1010 Louis Zimmermann and Ferdinand Helman (violins) Air from Suite No.3 in D major BWV 1068 (arr. Telico) Concertgebouw Orchestra Air from Suite No.3 in D major BWV 1068 (arr. Mahler) Philharmonic-Symphony Orchestra of New York Willem Mengelberg Recorded 1929-38 NAXOS HISTORICAL 8.110880-82 [71.42 + 62.46 + 72.58] [LF]
An astonishing survival of a cherishable tradition, bringing unique insights and the lifetime’s experience of a great conductor, played and sung by some of the leading performers of their day. Wonderful. ... see Full Review
Johannes BRAHMS (1833 – 1897) Ein Deutsches Requiem, Op. 45 (London version) (1869) Sandrine Piau (soprano), Stephane Degaut (baritone) Brigitte Engerer and Boris Berezovsky (pianos) Accentus/Laurence Equilbey.recorded in the Cite de la musique in Paris in June and July 2003. DDD. NAIVE V 4956 [64’54"] [JPh]
It gives me much pleasure to be able to thoroughly recommend this disc ... see Full Review
Havergal BRIAN (1876-1972) Symphony No. 1 The Gothic (1919-1927) Eva Jenisová (sop), Dagmar Pecková (alto), Vladimir Dolezal (ten), Peter Mikulás (bass) Slovak Philharmonic Choir, Slovak National Opera Chorus, Slovak Folk Ensemble Chorus, Bratislava City Choir, Lucnica Choir, Bratislava Children’s Choir, Youth 'Echo' Choir CSR Symphony Orchestra (Bratislava), Slovak Philharmonic Orchestra/Ondrej Lenard rec. Concert Hall, Czechoslovak Radio, Bratislava, 29-31 March, 16-22 Oct 1989. DDD NAXOS 8.557418-419 [59.11+54.56] [RB] [JF]

A work of staggering scale and substance superbly recorded [RB]
A great work. A triumph for the composer, the performers and all concerned. This is one of the great works in the repertoire, in spite of its massiveness and eclecticism.[JF] ... see Full Review

Ferruccio BUSONI (1866-1924) Violin Sonatas: No. 0 in C major (1876) [12:36]; No. 1 in E minor Op. 29 (1890) [22:51]; No. 2 in E minor Op. 36a (1898) [30:12] Lara Lev (violin); Matti Raekallio (piano) rec. Kuusaa Hall, Kuusankoski, Finland, 28-30 July 2003 FINLANDIA 2564 61078 2 [65:39] [RB]
Singing classicism ... ringingly performed ... see Full Review
John DOWNEY Disclamations: Discourse for oboe, harpsichord and string orchestra; Jingalodeon; Concerto for double bass and orchestra. Han de Vries (oboe) John Downey (harpsichord) Gary Karr ( double bass) London Symphony Orchestra/Geoffrey Simon DDD CALA CACD 1003 [76 14] [DCFW]
Like having beef stew with strawberries and cream incorporated in it. ... see Full Review
Hans HUBER Piano Concerto no. 1 in C minor, Op. 36 (1878) Piano Concerto no. 3 in D, Op. 113 (1899) Dan Franklin Smith (piano) Stuttgart Philharmonic Orchestra/Michail Jurowski World premiere recordings (DDD) STERLING CDS-1056-2 [62. 31] [DCFW]
The orchestra seem on good form and I think many people will enjoy these concertos. It seems that I have been too damning but then there is a wealth of better music that is not recorded. ... see Full Review
Robert SCHUMANN (1810-56) The Complete Secular Choral Works, a cappella see review for details BRILLIANT CLASSICS 92148 [4CDs: 52:22 + 61:36 + 56:52 + 61:36] [MC]
Charming a cappella choral works sensitively performed and recorded with numerous precious gems to be unearthed. A most appealing set! Highly recommended! ... see Full Review
Karol SZYMANOWSKI (1882-1937) Songs of a Fairytale Princess Op. 31 (1915 orch. 1934) [9:51] Love Songs of Hafiz Op. 26 (1914) [22:54] ongs of the Infatuated Muezzin Op. 42 (1918 orch. 1934) [12:55] Three Songs to Poems by Jan Kasprowicz Op. 5 (1902, orch Grzegorz Fitelberg, 1930s) [18:30] Izabella Klosínska (sop) Krystyna Rorbach (sop) Barbara Zagórzanka (sop) Krystyna Szostek-Radkowa (sop) Polish National Opera Orchestra/Robert Satanowski rec. Oct 1986, Polskie Nagrania studio, Warsaw. VMS MUSICAL TREASURES 133 [64.28] [RB]

Go for the VMS. ... see Full Review

Barroco Español Vol. 2: Al Ayre Español – Zarzuelas Antonio DE LITERES (1673-1747) Azis y Galatea, 1708 (extracts) [14:03] anon (c1700) Ruede la Vola [01:19] Sebastián DURON (1660-1716) Veneno es de amor la envidia, 1711 (extract) [02:52] El impossible mayor en amor le venze Amor, 1710 (extracts) [09:32] anon (c1700) Discurso de ecos [07:15] Antonio DE LITERES Los Elementos (extracts) [07:38] anon (c1700) Cancion Franzesa [03:12] Antonio DE LITERES El estrago en la fineza o Jupiter y Semele, 1718 (extracts) [11:48] anon (c1700) Diferencias sobre la gayta [03:46] Al Ayre Español: Marta Almajano (soprano), Jordi Ricart (baritone), Barry Sargent, Gerold Klaus (violin), Paolo Grazzi (oboe), Richte van der Meer (cello), Richard Myron (double bass), Juan Carlos Rivera (theorbo, guitar), Mike Fentross (chitarrone, guitar), Eduardo Lopez Banzo (harpsichord), Tino di Geraldo (percussion), Luz Martín León-Tello (castanets) Dir: Eduardo Lopez Banzo Recorded in September 1994 at the Waalse Kerk, Amsterdam, Netherlands DDD DHM 82876601612 [61:46] [JV]

An excellent introduction to Spanish music of around 1700, brilliantly performed ... But beware, if you listen to this there is a good chance you will want to have much more. … see Full Review

Cello Cantabile TCHAIKOVSKY (1840-1893) Andante cantabile (1871) [6.31] Pezzo capriccioso (1887) [6.45] Nocturne (1888) [4.20] GLAZUNOV (1865-1936) Chant du ménestrel Op.71 (1900) [4.08] SIBELIUS (1865-1957) Cantique Op.77/1 (1914) [5.11] Devotion Op.77/2 (1915) [4.50] SAINT-SAËNS (1835-1921) Allegro appassionato Op.43 (1875) [4.23] DVOŘÁK (1840-1904) Waldesruhe (1893) [6.00] FAURÉ (1845-1924) Élégie (1880) [7.19] BRUCH (1838-1920) Kol nidrei Op.47 (1881) [11.01] Arto Noras, cello Kuopio Symphony Orchestra/Markus Lehtinen recorded in the Kuopio Music Centre, Kuopio, Finland on 22-26 April 2003 FINLANDIA 2564-60344-2 [61.36] [CF]

If you happen to be in the mood for an hour of unadulterated romance, and it might make useful background music for certain situations, this is an enjoyable enough disc to dip into. ... see Full Review

BOOK REVIEWS

UNEASY LISTENING - A caricature guide to 20th century composers
by John Minnion 109pp Paperback ISBN 0-9544499 1 6 [RB]
This is wonderfully well done as a book of illustrations. It tells us something of the psychology of the composer in each case and does so wittily and not without taking a few dangerous corners. ... see Full Review
RECORDINGS OF THE MONTH

Johann Sebastian BACH (1685-1750) Well Tempered Clavier: Book I, BWV 846-869 Till Fellner, piano Rec. Jugendstiltheater, Vienna, September 2002 ECM NEW SERIES 1853/54 B0002285-02 [54’05 + 60’41] [DS]
The set will receive serious consideration as one of my Records of the Year 2004, and I strongly urge readers to consider its acquisition. ... see Full Review

Max BRUCH (1838 - 1920) Violin Concerto No.1 in G Minor, Op. 26 (1868) Scottish Fantasy, Op. 46 (1880)Akiko Suwanai (violin) The Academy of St. Martin-in-the-Fields/Sir Neville Marriner.recorded in St. John’s Smith Square, London in July 1996. DDD PHILIPS 454 180-2 [52’59"]. [JPh]

Akiko Suwanai has a glorious-toned instrument and she knows how to play it to its maximum effect. The accompaniment is superb and there is a recording quality to match. ... see Full Review
Antonín DVORÁK (1841-1904) Piano Quintet for two violins, viola and cello, op. 81 A major (1887) [40:16] String Quintet for two violins, two violas and cello, op. 97 E flat-major (1893) [32:46] Christian Zacharias (piano) op.81 Hartmut Rohde (viola) op. 97 Leipzig String Quartet Recording: April 23-24, 2003 at Markkleeberg; July 8-9, 2003 at Furstliche Reitbahn, Bad Arolsen. DDD MUSIKPRODUKTION DABRINGHAUS UND GRIMM MDG GOLD 307 1249-2 [73:14] [MC]Deserves the highest praise ... see Full Review

RECORDING OF THE MONTH Erich Wolfgang KORNGOLD (1897-1957) Works and transcriptions of his own works for violin and piano: Much Ado About Nothing Suite for Violin and Piano (1918 arr 1920) Sonata for Violin and Piano (1912) ‘Ich ging zu ihm’ from Das Wunder der Heliane (1923-27) Serenade from Der Schneemann (1910) ‘Tanzlied des Pierrot’ and ‘Marietta’s Lied’ from Die tote Stadt (1916-20) Caprice Fantastique (1932) Joseph Lin (violin) and Benjamin Loeb (piano) Rec. Performing Arts Centre, County Day School, King City, Ontario, Canada, 26-29 August, 2002 NAXOS 8.557067 [72:06] [IL]

Excellent virtuosic and expressive performances of some of Korngold’s most enchanting music. ... see Full Review

Requiem Æternam Herbert HOWELLS (1892-1983) Requiem (1935) [20’31”]; Motet: Take him, earth, for cherishing (1964) [9’05”] Frank MARTIN (1890-1974) Mass (1922/6) [26’00“] Sally Barber (sop); Julia Field (alto); Mark Johnstone (tenor); Andrew Angus (bar) Vasari Singers/Jeremy Backhouse Recording: All Hallows, Gospel Oak 18-20 February 1994 DDD SIGNUM TWO SIGCD 503 [56’30”] [JQ]
A most attractive proposition that I recommend with the highest possible enthusiasm. ... seeFull Review

BARGAIN OF THE MONTH

BARGAIN OF THE MONTH Joseph HAYDN (1732-1809) London Symphonies, Volume 1 Symphonies No. 93 -98Rec. 1957-8, Salle Wagram Paris; No. 1 Studio, Abbey Road, London EMI CLASSICS GEMINI 5 85770 2
London Symphonies, Volume 2 Symphonies No. 99 -104 Rec. 1957-8, Salle Wagram, Paris; No. 1 Studio, Abbey Road, London Royal Philharmonic Orchestra/Sir Thomas Beecham EMI CLASSICS GEMINI 5 85513 2 [77.08 + 78.23] [TB]

Beecham remains what he has been for nearly fifty years: a special case. ... see Full Review

BARGAIN OF THE MONTH Wolfgang Amadeus MOZART (1756-1791) Le Nozze di Figaro (Two discarded arias for Susanna, Un moto di gioia and Al desio di chi t’adora are added as an appendix) Bo Skovhus (Count Almaviva), Marina Mescheriakova (Countess Almaviva), Judith Halász (Susanna), Renato Girolami (Figaro), Michelle Breedt (Cherubino), Gabriele Sima (Marcellina), Janusz Monarcha (Bartolo), Michael Roider (Basilio), Alexander Klinger (Don Curzio), Orsolya Sáfár (Barbarina), Peter Köves (Antonio), Hungarian National Chorus, Nicolaus Esterházy Sinfonia, David Aronson (continuo)/Michael Halász Recorded 26th October to 4th novembre 2002 at the Phoenix Studio, Budapest, Hungary NAXOS 8.660102-04 [3CDs: 71:54 + 61:58 + 52:48] [CH]
This is an unassailable bargain, and I wonder how many of the more expensive alternatives are really worth the extra money. ... see Full Review
BARGAIN OF THE MONTH Franz Peter SCHUBERT (1797-1828) Deutsche Schubert-Lied Edition 15 - Schubert’s Friends, Vol.2 see review for titles Brigitte Geller (mezzo) Ulrich Eisenlohr (piano) Recorded at Rundfunk Berlin-Brandenburg, 10-13 December 2002 NAXOS 8.557171 [70:10] [SA]
A truly enjoyable disc. ... see Full Review
BARGAIN OF THE MONTH Antonio VIVALDI (1678-1741) Bassoon Concertos - Volume 1: Concertos in: C major RV 476; F major RV487; C major RV 471; A minor RV 498; C minor RV480; B flat major RV 503; G major RV 493 Tamas Benkocs (bassoon) Nicolaus Esterhazy Sinfonia/Bela Drahos Recorded at the Phoenix Studios, Budapest March 2002 NAXOS 8.555937 [61.32] [GH]
Benkocs whose virtuosity, lyrical tone and dexterity of finger-work is utterly superb lifts the music and the recording out of the ordinary into something approaching the sublime. ... see Full Review
JULY
RECORDINGS OF THE MONTH

Alan BUSH (1900-1995) Symphony No. 1 in C Op. 21 (1940) [32:54] Symphony No. 2 Op. 33 Nottingham (1949) [35:20] Royal Northern College of Music Orchestra/Douglas Bostock rec. 7-8 Feb 2004, RNCM, Manchester, DDD CLASSICO CLASSCD 484 [71:28] [RB]
Music of a distinctive mastery with a peculiarly British rigour and a constrained emotionalism. ... see Full Review
Paul Le FLEM (1881-1984) Piano Quintet (1905) [36:40] Violin Sonata (1905) [28:57] Philippe Koch (violin) Alain Jacquon (piano) Quatuor Louvigny rec. Villa Louvigny, Luxembourg, Nov 2003-Jan 2004. DDD TIMPANI 1C1077 [65:37] [RB]
The surging romance of this music will attract anyone open to the youthful melodic rush of Howells, Ravel, Bax and Ropartz. Outstanding. Glorious. ... see Full Review
Gustav MAHLER (1860-1911) Des Knaben Wunderhorn Thomas Hampson, baritone, Wolfram Reiger, piano Rodney Greenberg, director Théâtre Musical de Paris, Châtelet, 25 October 2002 DVD-9 Region: All RM ASSOCIATE/THÉÂTRE MUSICAL DE PARIS – CHÂTELET/MEZZO "Voices of Our Time" TDK DVD DVVTTHEUR [91.00"] [AO]
"Song is a metaphor for the giving of the soul", says Hampson, and the Wunderhorn poems helped Mahler express ideas dear to him. Altogether, an unmissable, enriching experience. ... see Full Review
Sergei PROKOFIEV (1891-1953) Sonata No. 2 for violin and piano in D, Op. 94a [24:10] Eugène YSAźE (1858-1931) Sonata No. 3 in d minor "Ballade" for unaccompanied violin, Op. 27, no. 3 [6:59] Ernest CHAUSSON (1855-1899) Poème, op. 25 [14:41] Camille SAINT-SAËNS (1835-1921) Sonata for violin and piano no. 1 in d minor, op. 75 [23:51] Jack Liebeck, violin Katya Apekisheva, piano Rec. Wathen Hall, St. Paul’s School, England, 25 May, 2 July 2003. DDD QUARTZ QTZ 2002 [70:00] [KS]
Brilliant performances. Recommended without a moment’s hesitation. ... see Full Review

Ferdinand RIES (1784 – 1837) Symphony No. 7 in A minor Op. 181 (1835) Symphony No. 8 in E Flat, Wo0 30 (1822) Zurich Chamber Orchestra/Howard Griffiths. Rec. 2-7 May 2002, Neumunsterkirche, Zurich, Switzerland. DDD CPO 999 904-2 [67.16] [JPh]
I recommend this disc without reservation, and look forward to hearing the others in this superbly played, conducted and recorded series. ... see Full Review
Camille Saint-Saëns (1835 - 1921) Symphony #3 in c, Op 78 "Organ Symphony" (1886) [35.57] Frederick Minger, organ Baltimore Symphony Orchestra/Sergiu Comissiona Recorded National Presbyterian Church, Washington, D.C., USA, 1980. Cesar FRanck (1822 - 1890) Symphony in d, M.48 (1888) [38.58] Houston Symphony Orchestra/Sergiu Comissiona Recorded Jesse Jones Hall, Houston, TX, USA, April 1982. Notes in English, track-list and artists and technicians roster. On screen extras: Speaker set-up utility, background documentary, composer bios. DVD Audio 2.0 and 5.1. DVD 2.0 and 5.1 AC-3 Dolby Digital Surround DVD-Audio playable on all DVD players SILVERLINE CLASSICS 288231-9 [74.55] [PSh]

Brilliantly performances of difficult and spectacular orchestral music, gorgeous recorded sound ... see Full Review
Peter Ilyich Tchaikovsky (1840 - 1893) Romeo and Juliet, Overture-Fantasia in b (1870) [28.38] Concerto for Piano & Orchestra #1 in bb, Op 23 (1875) [34.07] John Ogdon, piano Symphony #5 in e, Op 64 (1888) [45.24] London Symphony Orchestra/Pierre Monteux Recorded live at the Grosser Konzerthaussall, Vienna, Austria, 31 May 1963 Notes in English: track list, artist and technical credits. On disk extras: composer biography, technical documentary ADD DVD-Audio playable on all DVD players. SILVERLINE CLASSICS 288 228-9 [108.09] [PSh]
One of the finest Tchaikovsky disks ever produced, sound and performance, equally a must-have for seasoned collectors as well as those just starting out ... see Full Review
Songs after Poems by Theodor Storm: Hermann REUTTER (1900-1985)Fünf Lieder nach Texten von Storm, Die Stadt, Hyazinthen
Verirrt, O bleibe treu den Toten, Wohl fühle ich, wie das Leben rinnt Johannes BRAHMS (1833-1897)Über die Heide hallet mein Schritt, Heinrich van EYKEN (1861-1908) Nun geht der Mond durch Wolkennacht Felix MOTTL (1856-1911) Schließe mir die Augen beide Gustav JENNER (1865-1920) Noch einmal Paul CARRIÈRE (1887-1929) Schließe mir die Augen beide Alban BERG (1885-1935) Die Nachtigall Gustav STOLZ (1873-1957) Als ich dich kaum geseh’n Hans von BLOME (1834-1921) Die Nelken Gustav EGGERS (1835-1861) So dunkel die Straßen Richard TRUNK (1879-1968) Die Stadt Othmar SCHOECK (1886-1957) April Alban BERG (1885-1935) Schließe mir die Augen beide Richard MANDL (1859-1918) Gode Nacht Max REGER (1873-1916) Nelken Franz SCHREKER (1878-1934) Wohl fühl ich, wie das Leben rinnt Joseph MARX (1882-1964) Schließe mir die Augen beide Gustav JENNER (1865-1920) Die Nachtigall Hans HERMANN (1870-1931) Nelken Hans Christian DÉTLEFSEN (* 1951) Fünf Gedichte von Theodor Storm , Meeresstrand, Die Stadt, Ein grünes Blatt, Schließe mir die Augen beide, Zur Nacht Ulf Bästlein (baritone), Charles Spencer (piano) Recorded Bad Arolsen, August 21-24, 2003. DDD MUSIK DABRINGHAUS UND GRIMM MDG 603 1234-2 [66'33] [AO]
A wonderful landmark recording that demonstrates how poetry is translated into song ... see Full Review

BARGAIN OF THE MONTH

Béla BARTÓK (1881—1945) Yehudi Menuhin, violin and viola CD1 Violin Concerto No. 1, BB 48a (1907—8) Viola Concerto, BB 128(1945) (ed. Tibor Serly) New Philharmonia Orchestra/Antal Dorati Rhapsody No. 1 for violin and orchestra. BB 94b (1928—9) Rhapsody No. 2 for violin and orchestra, BB 96b (1928, rev. 1935) BBC Symphony Orchestra/Pierre Boulez CD2 Violin Concerto No.2, BE 117 (1937—8) New Philharmonia Orchestra/Antal Dorati Six movements from 44 Duos for two violins, BB 104 (1931): Sorrow; New Year’s Greeting; Harvest Song; Bagpipes; Scherzo; Arabian Song Yehudi Menuhin and Nell Gotkovsky, violins Sonata for solo violin, BR 124 (1944) Recorded: 1965 (Violin Concertos), 1966 (Viola Concerto),Kingsway Hall, London;1965 (Duos), 1968 (Rhapsodies), 1974, 1975 (Sonata), Abbey Road Studios, London EMI CLASSICS 7243 585487 2 [67:28 + 72:46] [JL]

A bargain double-disc package that brings together one of the twentieth century’s greatest composers with one of its leading performing artists in renderings of unmatched authority. ... see Full Review

Frank BRIDGE (1879-1941) Enter Spring (Rhapsody) (1927) [19:20] Summer (Tone Poem) (1914) [9:40] Two Poems for orchestra (1915) [10:56] The Sea - Suite (1911) [21:39] New Zealand SO/James Judd rec. Michael Fowler Centre, Wellington, NZ, 11-15 Nov 2002. DDD NAXOS 8.557167 [62:17] [RB]
A good inexpensive introduction to Frank Bridge - a by no means parochial composer. The music is unsettling and startlingly original in the case of Enter Spring. ... see Full Review
Benjamin BRITTEN (1913-76) Peter Grimes, Op.33 (1945) Glenn Winslade – Peter Grimes Janice Watson – Ellen Orford Anthony Michaels-Moore – Captain Balstrode Jill Grove – Auntie Catherine Wyn-Rogers – Mrs Sedley Nathan Gunn – Ned Keene London Symphony Orchestra and Chorus/Sir Colin Davis Recorded live at the Barbican 10-12 January 2004. budget price, www.lso.co.uk LSO LIVE LSO0054 [55’06 + 48’32 + 39’05] [MB]
Quite easily the best-played Grimes on disc ... see Full Review
David DIAMOND (b.1915) Psalm (1936) [8:39] Kaddish (1987) [10:44] Symphony No. 3 (1945) [31:08] Janos Starker (cello) Seattle Symphony Orchestra/Gerard Schwarz. Rec. 11-12 Sept 1990; 6 Jan 1991, Seattle Center Opera House. DDD Originally issued on Delos DE3103 American Classics series NAXOS 8.559155 [59:19] [RB]
A disc not to be missed if you are at all sympathetic to the tonal-melodic strain in twentieth century music. Music written from the heart to the heart ... see Full Review
Gioachino ROSSINI (1792-1868) La Cenerentola - opera buffa in two acts Angiolina (Cenerentola), Jennifer Larmore (mezzo); Don Ramiro, Raúl Giménez (ten); Dandini, Gino Quilico (bar); Don Magnifico, Alessandro Corbelli (buffa-bass); Alidoro, Alastair Miles (bass) Chorus and Orchestra of the Royal Opera House, Covent Garden, London/Carlo Rizzi Recorded in Abbey Road Studios, London, in February 1994 WARNER APEX 2564 61503-2 [74.48] [RJF]
This generously timed and tracked selection of highlights from an exhilarating performance is thoroughly recommended. If it tempts you to purchase the full recording you will enjoy that too. ... see Full Review
Robert SCHUMANN (1810 – 1856) Symphony No. 1 in B Flat major The Spring, Op. 38 (1831) Symphony No. 2 in C Major, Op. 61 (1848) Symphony No. 3 in E Flat The Rhenish Op.97 (1850) Symphony No. 4 in D Minor, Op.120 (1851) Tonhalle Orchestra, Zurich/David Zinman Recorded 13 – 16 October 2003 in the Tonhalle, Zurich. ARTE NOVA 82876 57743-2 [65.39 + 57.38] [JPh]
If you see Schumann as a radical, a bit of a firebrand pushing back the barriers of symphonic thought, then Zinman is definitely for you. Would compete with alternative sets at any price ... see Full Review
Ralph VAUGHAN WILLIAMS (1872-1958) The Nine Symphonies A Sea Symphony* (1909) [65’43"] Symphony No. 2 "A London Symphony" (1914) [46’20"] A Pastoral Symphony (Symphony No. 3) ** (1921) [38’03"] Symphony No. 4 in F Minor (1935) [33’58"] Symphony No 5 in D (1943) [41’53"] Symphony No. 6 in E Minor (1947) [34’25"] Sinfonia Antartica (Symphony No. 7) *** (1952) [44’01"] Symphony No. 8 in D Minor (1955) [28’34"] Symphony No. 9 in E Minor (1958) [38’39"] Concerto Accademico for Violin and Orchestra in D Minor**** (1925) [15’59"] The Wasps: Overture (1909) [8’59"] Three Portraits from "The England of Elizabeth" (Suite adapted by Muir Matheson) (1955) [17’26"] Concerto for Bass Tuba and Orchestra in F Minor ***** (1954) [12’19"] * Heather Harper (soprano); John Shirley-Quirk (baritone); London Symphony Chorus ** Heather Harper (soprano); William Bennett (flute); Roger Lord (oboe); Anthony Camden (cor anglais); Gervase de Peyer (clarinet); Anthony Halstead (horn); Osian Ellis (harp); John Georgiadis (violin); lexander Taylor (viola); Douglas Cummings (cello) *** Heather Harper (soprano); The Ambrosian Singers; Sir Ralph Richardson (speaker) **** James Oliver Buswell IV (violin)
***** John Fletcher (bass tuba) London Symphony Orchestra/André Previn Recording dates and venues not given. Recording dates from other sources: Sea, 1970; London 1972, Concerto Accademico, 1969; Wasps, 1972; Pastoral, 1972; 4, 1969; 5, 1972; Three Portraits, 1968; Concerto for Tuba, 1972; 6, 1968; 9, 1971; Antartica, 1967; 8, 1968. London. ADD
Previously issued as RCA Gold Seal GD90500/01/03/06/08/10. Originally issued on LP 1968-1972. BMG-RCA RED SEAL 82876-55708-2 [6 CDs: 65’43" + 71’18" + 72’13" + 72’16" + 73’09" + 73’ 02"] [JQ]
Wonderful, life-enhancing music. I enjoyed this set enormously from start to finish ... one of Previn’s finest achievements in the recording studio. Recommended with great enthusiasm. ... see Full Review

English Choral Music Sir Charles Villiers STANFORD (1852-1924): Magnificat in G, op. 81* [4’13"] Nunc Dimittis in G, Op. 81 [4’18"] Justorum Animae from Three Latin Motets [3’24"] Sir Edward ELGAR (1857-1934): Ave verum corpus, Op. 2, No 1 [2’39"] Give unto the Lord (Psalm XXIX), Op. 74 [7’50"] Ralph VAUGHAN WILLIAMS (1872-1958): The Call* [2’05"] Herbert HOWELLS (1892-1983): Magnificat, St. Paul’s [6’33"] Nunc Dimittis, St. Paul’s [4’59"] Paean for organ ** [6’03"] Take him, earth, for cherishing [7’44"] Peter HURFORD (b. 1930): Litany to the Holy Spirit* [2’56"] Gerald FINZI (1901-1956): Welcome Sweet and Sacred Feast, Op. 27, No. 3 [7’31"] Edmund RUBBRA (1901-1986): Tenebrae Motets – Third Nocturne, Op. 72: I Eram quasi agnus innocens [2’50"]; II Una hora non potuistis [2’02"]; III Seniores populi [2’22"] Magnificat in A flat [4’18"] Gerald FINZI: God is gone up, Op. 27, No. 2 [4’24"] Sir William WALTON (1902-1983): Set me as a seal upon thine heart [3’34"] Soloists: Oliver Lepage-Dean (treble) and Edward Lyon (tenor) Coronation Te Deum (arr. Simon Preston & Mark Blatchly) [9’50"] Gloria from Missa Brevis [3’24"] Soloists: Oliver Lepage-Dean (treble) and Geoffrey Silver (tenor) Benjamin BRITTEN (1913-1976): A Hymn to the Virgin [3’06"] Soloists: William Goldring (treble); Christopher de la Hoyde (alto); Simon Wall (tenor); Reuben Thomas (bass) Jubilate Deo [2’38"] Hymn to St. Cecilia, Op. 27 [10’20"] Soloists: Benedict Giles, Ben Harrison (trebles); Richard Moore (alto); Jonathan Bungard (tenor); Reuben Thomas (bass) Lennox BERKELEY (1903-1989): The Lord is my Shepherd, Op.91, No. 1 [4’21"] Soloist: Benjamin Durrant (treble) Crux Fidelis, Op. 43, No. 2 [6’53"] Soloist: Alan Clayton (tenor) Look up, Sweet Babe, Op. 43, No.2 [4’34"] Soloist: James Geidt (treble) Kenneth LEIGHTON (1929-1988): Magnificat and Nunc Dimittis, Collegium Magdalenae Oxoniese {8’16"] An Easter Sequence – Sortie [4’11"] Soloist: Crispian Steele-Perkins (trumpet) Sir John TAVENER (b. 1944) The Lamb [3’47"] The Lord’s Prayer [3’30"] Song for Athene [5’43"] *Oliver Lepage-Dean (treble) **Iain Farrington (organ) The Choir of St. John’s College, Cambridge/Christopher Robinson Recorded in the chapel of St. John’s College, Cambridge on: 13 - 16 March, 1999 (Howells); 13 - 15 July, 1999 (Britten); 24 – 26 March, 2000 (Rubbra); 11 – 13 July, 2000 (Tavener); 17 – 19 March, 2001 (Finzi); 10 – 12 July, 2001 (Walton); 9 – 11 July, 2002 (Leighton); 12-13 July, 2002 (Stanford); 20 – 22 March, 2003 (Berkeley); 8 – 10 July, 2003 (Elgar); * February 2002. DDD NAXOS 8.557557-58 [2 CDs: 149’51"] [JQ]

I recommend this excellent and enjoyable collection with great enthusiasm. ... see Full Review

August
RECORDINGS OF THE MONTH

Frederic CHOPIN (1810-1849) Ballade in G minor, Op. 23 Ballade in F major, Op. 38 Ballade in A flat major, Op. 47 Ballade in F minor, Op. 52 Fantaisie in F minor, Op. 49 Barcarolle in F sharp minor, Op. 60 Polonaise-Fantaisie in A flat major, Op. 61 Burkard Schliessmann, piano Recorded Friedrich-Ebert-Halle, Hamburg, April 2002 Hybrid SACD playable on SACD players and standard CD players BAYER RECORDS BR 100 348 CD [70:54] [DS]

An essential acquisition for piano enthusiasts ... challenges our perceptions of the great classical piano works and gives us illuminating performances of exceptional pianism ... see Full Review

Frédéric CHOPIN (1810 - 1849) Twelve Études, Op. 10 (1833) Twelve Études, Op. 25 Murray Perahia, piano Piano Technicians: Andrew Granger, Jake Jackson. Recorded in 2.0 DSD stereo 4 July 2001 Lyndhurst Hall, Air Studios, London, UK. SACD 2.0 stereo Playable only on SACD players Also available on regular CD, Sony MK 61885 SONY SS 61885 [55.54] [PSh]

Revelatory performances of some of the very greatest of keyboard music ... see Full Review
RECORDING OF THE MONTH Claude DEBUSSY (1862 - 1918) Abbado in Lucerne: 2003 Suite from Le Martyr de Saint Sebastien (1911) La Mer - three symphonic sketches (1905)Rachel Harnisch and Eteri Gvazava (sopranos) and the Schweizer Kammerchor Lucerne Festival Orchestra/Claudio Abbado. recorded live in the Concert Hall of the Culture and Convention Centre, Lucerne, 14^th August 2003. Video directed by Michael Beyer and produced by Paul Smaczny. With documentary on the history of the Lucerne Festival and its orchestra. EUROARTS DVD 2053469 [119.00] [JPh]
An absolutely stunning performance of La Mer ... tingles with excitement from start to finish ... conjures up the fury of the sea like no other performance ... see Full Review
Antonín DVOŘÁK (1841-1904) Rusalka - a lyric fairy-tale in three acts Op.114 (1900) Libretto by Jaroslav Kvapil - (sung in Czech) Prince - Peter Dvorsky (tenor) Foreign Princess - Eva Randova (mezzo soprano) Rusalka - Gabriele Benackova-Cap (soprano) Water Goblin - Evgeny Nesterenko (bass) Witch - Eva Randova (mezzo soprano) Hunter - Alexander Maly (tenor) First Naiad - Noriko Sasaki (soprano) Second Naiad - Gabriele Sima (soprano) Third Naiad - Margareta Hintermeier (mezzo soprano) Chorus and Orchestra of the Vienna State Opera/Vaclav Neumann A live performance from the Vienna State Opera recorded by Austrian Radio on 10 April 1987 ORFEO C638 0421 [64.32 + 75.21] [CF]
One cannot get away from the fact that it is a glorious experience to re-live such a memorable evening as that of 10 April 1987. ... see Full Review
Klaus HUBER (b. 1924) Tenebrae (1966/7) Kammerkonzert Intarsi (1994)^a Protuberanzen (1985/6) James Joyce Chamber Music (1966/7)^b Michael Wendeberg (piano)^a; Giovanna Reitano (harp)^b; Miklós Nagy (horn)^b; Orchestre Philharmonique du Luxembourg/Arturo Tamayo Recorded: Conservatoire, Luxembourg, January and July 2003 TIMPANI 1C1075 [61:45] [HC]
Superb recorded sound, and another splendid release from Timpani. Recommended. My recording of the month ... see Full Review

Wolfgang Amadeus MOZART (1756-1791) Quintet in E flat major for Piano and Winds, K. 452 (1784) Ludwig van BEETHOVEN (1770-1827) Quintet in E flat major for Piano and Winds, Op. 16 (1796) Ralf Gothoni, piano Wind Quintet of the Danish National Radio Symphony Orchestra: (Anna Dina Schick, flute; Max Artved, oboe; Soren Elbo, clarinet; Henning Due Hansen, horn; Jens Tofte-Hansen, bassoon) Recorded December 2001 CLASSICO CLASSCD 453 [48:43] [DS]

Youthful exuberance and gruff demeanour ... one of the best recordings ... will be in the running for one of my MusicWeb Discs of the Year 2004.... see Full Review

Poul ROVSING OLSEN (1922-1982) Belisa – An Opera in Four Scenes Text by Federico Garcia Lorca - Sung in Danish.Belisa: Eir Inderhaug (sop) Don Perlimplin: Sten Byriel (bass) Marcolfa: Marianne Rørholm (mezzo) The Mother: Anne Margrethe Dahl (sop) Household Spirit 1: Lise-Lotte Nielsen (sop) Household Spirit 2: Elisabeth Halling (sop) Vocal Group Ars Nova, Odense Symphony Orchestra / Tamás Vetö Bo Lundbye Jaeger, electronics.DDD. Recorded at Odense Concert Hall May 1^st -3^rd, May 6^th -7^th and June 10^th and in the Danish Radio Concert Hall on October 29^th 2002. Recorded in cooperation with the Danish Broadcasting Corporation. DACAPO 8.226013 [72:00] [BK]

Anyone interested in unusual opera or Scandinavian music should rush out to buy this disc. It’s a Disc of the Month for me … ... see Full Review

Franz SCHUBERT (1797-1828) Winterreise D911 Gute Nacht, Die Wetterfahne, Gefror'ne Tränen, Erstarrung, Der Lindenbaum, Wasserflut, Auf dem Flusse, Rückblick, Irrlicht, Rast, Frühlingstraum, Einsamkeit, Die Post, Der greise Kopf, Die Krähe, Letzte Hoffnung, Im Dorfe, Der stürmische Morgen, Tauschung, Der Wegwiser, Mut, Die Nebensonnen, Der Leiermann. Ian Bostridge, (tenor) Leif Ove Andsnes (piano) recorded Potton Hall, Suffolk, May 2004. DDD EMI CLASSICS 5 57790 2 [70:47] [AO]
Deeply thought through and absorbed with creative imagination ... faithful to the music's form and structure ... highlights the emotional and psychological aspects with unusual insight. A performance Bostridge and Andsnes can be proud of ... enhances our understanding of this amazing cycle ... see Full Review
Dmitri SHOSTAKOVICH (1906 - 1975) Symphony #5 in d, Op 47 (1937) [47.57] Symphony #9 in Eb, Op 70 (1945) [25.44] Kirov Orchestra/Valery Gergiev Rec. Martti Talvela Hall, Helsinki, Finland, 30 June 2002 (5); Mariinsky Theater, St. Petersburg, Russia, 18 May 2002 (9) Note in English, Français, Deutsch. Photo of the composer and of the conductor. CD tracks in 5.1 AC-3 sound. Super Audio tracks in 2.0 stereo and 5.1 surround. Hybrid Super-Audio CD SACD playable on cd players. PHILIPS 470 651-2 [73.53] [PSh]
A supremely great performance and recording of an often performed work. Alone worth the price of an SACD player ... see Full Review
Dmitri SHOSTAKOVICH (1906-1975) Kondrashin conducts the Fifteen Symphonies No. 1 in F minor (1925) No. 2 in B, To October (1927) No. 3 in E flat, The First of May (1929) No. 4 in C minor (1935) No. 5 in D minor (1937) No. 6 in B minor (1939) No. 7 in C, Leningrad (1941) No. 8 in C minor (1943) No. 9 in E flat (1945) No. 10 in E minor (1953) No. 11 in G minor, The Year 1905 (1957) No. 12 in D minor The Year 1917 (1961) No. 13 in B flat minor, Babi Yar (1962) No. 14 (1969) No. 15 in A (1971) Artur Eisen, bass (13); Evgenia Tselovalnik (sop) (14); Evgeny Nesterenko, (bass) (14) Choirs of the Russian Republic/Alexander Yourlov (2, 3, 13) Moscow Philharmonic Orchestra/Kirill Kondrashin Rec. Moscow 19 July 1972 (1); 29 Nov 1972 (2); 12 Nov 1972 (3); 1962 (4); 27 Mar 1968 (5); 15 Sept 1967 (6); 7 Mar 1975 (7); 4 Nov 1967 (8); 20 Mar 1965 (9); 24 Sept 1973 (10); 9 July 1973 (11); 13 Dec 1972 (12); 23 Aug 1974 (13); 24 Nov 1974 (14); 27 May 1975 (15). ADD AULOS CLASSICS AMC2 - 043 - 1-10 [10CDs: 68:59 + 65:28 + 68:16 + 60:02 + 75:34 + 71:10 + 56:36 + 64:46 + 53:54 + 54:06] [RB]
Kondrashin and Aulos set the gold standard. Exemplary recordings presented in raging colours and with a compulsive tragic power. .... see Full Review

HISTORICAL RECORDING OF THE MONTH Pyotr Ilyich TCHAIKOVSKY (1840-1893) Symphony No. 6 in b minor, Op. 74 [43:45] Serenade for Strings in C major, Op. 48 [26:25] Concertgebouw Orchestra/Willem Mengelberg Rec. 22 April 1941, Concertgebouw, Amsterdam (Op. 74); 7 November 1938 (Op. 48) AAD Remastered by Mark Obert-Thorn NAXOS HISTORICAL 8.110885 [70:10] [KS]
Amongst the absolute must-haves for anyone who loves romantic music ... see Full Review
Jacqueline DU PRE (1945-1987) - In Portrait (DVD) The Christopher Nupen Films Including full performances of: Edward ELGAR (1857-1934) Cello Concerto in E minor op.85 Jacqueline du Pré, cello New Philharmonia Orchestra/Daniel Barenboim Ludwig Van BEETHOVEN (1770-1827) Piano Trio no.5 in D, op.70 no.1 (The Ghost) Daniel Barenboim, piano, Pinchas Zukerman, violin, Jacqueline du Pré, ‘cello Produced in this format 2004 DVD Producer, Ferenc van Damme DVD Executive Producers, Hans Petri, Christopher Nupen Allegro Films – The Christopher Nupen Films BBC OPUS ARTE OA CN0902 D [2:35 approx] [JQ]
This is a priceless document, as well as deeply satisfying viewing ... see Full Review

BARGAIN OF THE MONTH

Frédéric CHOPIN (1810-1849) Waltzes opp.18, 34, 42, 64, 69, 70, posth. in E minor, Impromptus opp. 29, 36, 51, 66 Arthur Rubinstein (piano) Dates and locations not given BMG CLASSICS RCA RED SEAL 82876 59422 2 [70:22] [CH]

Seventy minutes of some of the greatest pianism committed to disc – don’t miss it. ... see Full Review
Antonín DVOŘÁK (1841-1904) 100^th Anniversary Edition: Chamber Music CD1 (60.01) Piano Trio in B flat major, Opus 21 (1875) Piano Trio in G minor, Opus 26 (1876) CD2 (71.48) Piano Trio in F minor, Opus 65 (1883) Piano Trio in E minor, Opus 90 ‘Dumky’ (1891) Trio Fontenay Rec Nov 1987 (Opus 65); Sept 1988 (Opus 21), Sept 1990 (Opus 26, Opus 90), Teldec Studio Berlin CD3 (68.47) String Quartet in F major, Opus 96 ‘American’ (1893) String Quintet in E flat major, Opus 97 (1893) Cypresses Keller Quartet (Opus 96, 97), with Anna Deeva (viola) (Opus 97) New Helsinki Quartet (Cypresses) Rec Jan 1994 (Opus 96), June 1994 (Opus 97), Salle de Musique de la Chaux-de-Fonds, Switzerland; Aug 1996 (Cypresses), Sigyn Hall, Turku, Finland D4 (64.36) String Quartet in D minor, Opus 34 (1877) String Quartet in E flat major, Opus 51 (1879) American String Quartet Rec Oct 1985, American Academy and Institute of Arts and Letter CD5 (72.13) String Sextet in A major, Opus 48 (1878) String Quartet in G major, Opus 106 (1895) Boston Symphony Chamber Players (Opus 48) Alban Berg Quartet (Opus 106) Rec July 1983 (Opus 48), Trinity Parish Church, Lenox, Massachusetts; Sept 1975 (Opus 106), Casino Zögernitz, Vienna CD6 (72.27) Piano Quintet in A major, Opus 81 (1887) Piano Quartet in E flat major, Opus 87 (1889) András Schiff (piano) Panocha String Quartet Rec Sept 1997, Teldec Studio, Berlin WARNER CLASSICS 2564 64527-2 [6CDs, as above] [TB]
Excellent collection of chamber music by this Czech master. ... see Full Review
Philippe GAUBERT (1879-1941) Complete works for flute, Volume 2 Sonata for flute and piano (1917) [15:32] Second Sonata (1924) [15:27] Third Sonata (1934) [12:39] Sonatine Quasi Fantasia (1937) [11:59] Fenwick Smith (flute), Sally Pinkas (piano) Recorded in the Sonic Temple, Roslindale, Massachusetts, Feb. 16^th 2001 (Sonata), Sept. 30^th 2002 (Third Sonata), and Jan.25^th 2003 (Second Sonata and Sonatine) NAXOS 8.557306 [55:38] [GPJ]
Fenwick Smith is a very distinguished performer ... his tone is very beautiful, his technique unobtrusively flawless. The way he shapes phrases is a joy and a lesson in itself. ... see Full Review

Thomas MORLEY (1557/8-1602)
Ayres and Madrigals: Arise, awake [2:18]; Besides a fountain [2:04]; No, no, no, no, Nigella [3:00]; Singing alone [2:51]; With my love [2:10]; Mistress mine [2:33]; Stay heart, run not so fast [2:39]; Fire and lightening [1:10]; Phillis, I fain would die now [4:21]; Hard by a crystal fountain [3:37]; In every place [2:23]; O gried, ev’n on the bud [1:55]; Absence, hear thou my protestation [6:07]; Deep lamenting [3:21]; Sleep, slumb’ring eyes [6:05]; Hark, Alleluia [2:06] Emma Kirkby, Poppy Holden, Jacqueline Fox, Evelyn Tubb, sopranos Cathy Cass, Mary Nichols, altos Joseph Cornwell, Andrew King, Philip Salmon, tenors John Milne, Francis Steele, Richard Wistreich, basses The Consort of Musicke, Anthony Rooley, lute and director Recorded in St. Barnabas’ Church, London, June 1982 DDD DECCA 476 1971 [49:19] [KS]

Color, grace, wonderful sensitivity to poetry. Rhythmic precision and clarity above reproach. Such refreshing music .. a gift indeed for these performances to be again available. ... see Full Review

Camille SAINT-SAËNS (1835 – 1921) Symphony No. 3 in C minor Op. 78, (1886) Louis COUPERIN (1626 – 1661) Chaconne in G Minor transcribed by Joseph BONNET Marcel DUPRÉ (1886 – 1970) Carillon Op. 27, No. 4. Eugène GIGOUT (1844 – 1925) Scherzo. César FRANCK (1822 – 1890) Piece Heroique. Charles Marie WIDOR (1844 – 1937) Toccata Symphony No. 5. Johann Sebastian BACH (1685 – 1750 Sinfonia from Cantata No. 29. Louis VIERNE (1870 – 1937) Finale from Symphony No. 1, Op.14. Marcel DUPRÉ (1886 – 1970) Musette. Jacques-Nicolas LEMMENS (1823 – 1881) Fanfare. Michael Murray (organ) Philadelphia Orchestra/Eugene Ormandy. recorded at St. Francis de Sales Church, Philadelphia on February 6^th 1980 (Saint-Saëns) and at Symphony Hall, Boston on September 27^th, 1981. DDD TELARC CD-80634 [75’51"] [JPh]

This disc is superb and I have enjoyed listening to it again and again ... strongly recommended. ... see Full Revie

BARGAIN OF THE MONTH Franz SCHUBERT (1797-1828) Deutsche Schubert-Lied-Edition 17 - Austrian Contemporaries Vol. 2 Der Unglückliche D.713, Widerspruch D.865, Glaube, Hoffnung und Liebe D.955, Frohsinn D.520, Die abgeblühte Linde D.514, Der Flug der Zeit D.515, Das Heimweh D.851, Die Allmacht D.852, Labetrank der Liebe D.302, An die Geliebte, D.303, Vergebliche Liebe D.177, Die Sterne D.716, Die erste Liebe D.182, Lob des Tokayers D.248, Der Zufriedene D.320, Der Sänger am Felsen D.482, Lied D.483, Skolie D.306, Die Befreier Europas in Paris D.104, Abschied D.829, Die Fröhlichkeit D.262 Detlef Roth (baritone), Ulrich Eisenlohr (piano) Recorded in Radiostudio 1, Zurich, 24th-28th May 2003 NAXOS 8.557172 [65:00] [CH]
Some rare Schubert in very fine performances. ... see Full Review
Franz SCHUBERT (1797-1828) Life and Works Written and narrated by Jeremy Siepmann recorded Oxfordshire, no date DDD NAXOS 8.558135-38 [63'33" + 67'58" + 73'33" + 65'53" = 270’] [AO]
It’s a book that talks, sings, plays music and runs like a website. ... see Full Review

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