Marc Antoine CHARPENTIER (1643 - 1704) Te Deum, H. 146
Dixit Dominus, H. 204 Messe de Minuit pour Noel, H. 9 Jane Archibald (soprano)
Michele de Boer (soprano) Anne L’Esperance (soprano) Marion Newman (alto) Nancy Reynolds (alto) Colin Ainsworth (tenor) James McLennan (tenor) David Nortman (tenor) Giles Tomkins (tenor) Esteban Cambre (bass) Aradia Ensemble/Kevin Mallon Recorded 3–6 January 2003, Grace Church on the Hill, Toronto, Canada NAXOS 8.557229 [59.50] [RH]

Two of Charpentier’s most well-known works in attractive and affordable performances. … see Full Review

Marc-Antoine CHARPENTIER (1643-1704) Salve Regina à trois chśurs [6’27"] Messe à quatre chśurs [37’15"] Salut de la veille des ‘O’ [16’26"] Le reniement de St Pierre [12’11"] Ex Cathedra/Jeffrey Skidmore Recording: St. Jude-on-the-Hill, Hampstead, London 31 Jan-1 Feb 2003 DDD HYPERION CDA67435 [73’12"] [JQ]

An outstanding disc in every way, which I recommend with enthusiasm. … see Full Review

Frédéric CHOPIN (1810-1849) Mazurkas, Op. 59, Nos. 1-3 Mazurkas, Op. 63, Nos. 1-3 Ballade No. 3 in A flat major, Op. 47 Ballade No. 4 in F minor, Op. 52 Polonaise No. 5 in F sharp minor, Op. 44 Polonaise No. 6 in A flat major, Op. 53 "Heroic" Mazurka No.4 in F minor, Op. 68 Piotr Anderszewski (piano) Recorded at Air Lyndhurst Studios, England, June 2003 VIRGIN CLASSICS 45620 [60:27] [DS]

Excellently recorded … has much in its favor in terms of pianism and an exceptional account of the F minor Ballade even if his Mazurkas miss the essential characteristics … see Full Review

Muzio CLEMENTI (1752-1832) Preludio alla Haydn in C major, Sonata in F minor (c. 1778), Capriccio in B flat major (1787), Sonata in G minor (1795), Preludio alla Mozart in A major, Sonata in F major (1794), Fantasy with Variations on ‘Au Clair de la Lune’ Andreas Saier, fortepiano Recorded February 1999, Studio Deutschland Radio, Köln WARNER ELATUS 256460676-2 [67.25] [TB]

Well worth acquiring by anyone interested in exploring interesting byways of the Classical Period. Clementi in his time was a major figure; hearing this makes it easy to understand why. … see Full Review

Luigi DALLAPICCOLA (1904-1975) Ulisse: opera in a prologue and two acts (1968) Claudio Desderi (Ulisse); Gwynn Cornell (Circe, Melanto); William Workman (Antinoo); Denise Boitard (Nausicaa); Stan Unruh (Demodocus, Tiresias); Schuyler Hamilton (Eumeo); Colette Herzog (Calypso, Penelope); Jean-Pierre Chevalier (Eurimaco); Louis Hagen-Williams (King Alcinous); Paul Guigue (Pisandre); Christopher Wells (Telemacus); Nicole Oxombre (Prima Ancella); Nicole Robin (Seconda Ancella); Marjorie Wright (Anticlea). Chśur de Radio France Orchestre Philharmonique de Radio France/Ernest Bour Rec: "Grand Auditorium de Radio France", Paris, 6 May 1975 NAÏVE/RADIO FRANCE V 4960 [2 CDs: 75:28+74:48] [LF]

A rewarding serial epic … incredibly complex with a jewel-like lustre and a quite beautiful surface allure … see Full Review

Frederick DELIUS (1862-1934) Marche Caprice (1889) Three Small Tone Poems (1888-90): Summer Evening; Winter Night (Sleigh Ride); Spring Morning, American Rhapsody (1896) The Walk to the Paradise Garden (‘A Village Romeo and Juliet’) (1898-1901) Two Pieces for Small Orchestra (1911-12): On Hearing the First Cuckoo in Spring; Summer Night on the River, A Song Before Sunrise (1918) Fantastic Dance (first performed 1934) Royal Scottish National Orchestra/David Lloyd-Jones Recorded at the Henry Wood Hall, Glasgow 21^st-22^nd August 2002 NAXOS 8.557143 [63:38] [IL]

Not an entirely successful album but at Naxos’s super bargain price one can cherry pick and the sound is very good. … see Full Review

 

Frederick DELIUS (1862-1934) Arranged for piano four hands by Peter WARLOCK (Philip Heseltine) (1894-1934) On hearing the first Cuckoo in spring (1911/12, arr. 1913/14) [5.42] Summer Night on the River (1911/12, arr. 1913.14) [5.29] n a Summer Garden (1908/11, arr. 1912/13) [11.02] A Song before Sunrise (1918, arr. 1921) [4.33] North Country Sketches (1913/14, arr. 1921) [25.46] Dance Rhapsody No. 1 (1908, arr. 1913) [11.13] Dance Rhapsody No. 2 (1916, arr. 1921) [7.27] Noriko Ogawa and Kathryn Stott, piano Rec. October 2002, Danderyd Grammar School, Sweden. DDD BIS-CD-1347 [71.12] [CTu]

Careful attention to detail by Heseltine and the aggressive musical drive by Ogawa and Stott make this album a must-buy. … see Full Review

RECORDING OF THE MONTH Antonín DVOŘÁK (1841 - 1904) Violin Concerto in A Minor, Op. 53 (1884) Romance in F Minor Op. 11 (1877) Joseph SUK (1874 - 1935) Fantasia for Violin and Orchestra, Op. 24 (1902) Josef Suk (violin) Czech Philharmonic Orchestra/Karel Ančerl Part of the Karel Ančerl Gold Edition remastered in 24 bit sound Rec. Rudolfinum Hall, Prague, August 1961. ADD SUPRAPHON SU 3668-2 [69:16] [JPh]

Drama and delicacy balanced perfectly … the wonderful acoustic of the Rudolfinum, enhances the performances, making listening an absolute joy. … see Full Review

Antonín DVOŘÁK (1841-1904) Piano Trio No. 2 in G minor, Op. 26/B56 (1876) [33’19]. Anton ARENSKY (1861-1906) Piano Trio in D minor, Op.32 (1894) [28’19]. The Yuval Trio (Jonathan Zak, piano; Uri Pianka, violin; Simca Heled, cello). Rec. 1986. DDD RELIEF CR900-012 [57’28] [CC]

Fascinating listening, then. The Dvořák will certainly not displace any library recordings, but the Arensky may make for a happy discovery. … see Full Review

Graham FITKIN (b. 1963) Kaplan (2003) [62:39] Ruth Wall and Graham Fitkin, keyboards and electronic production. Recorded at Stoke Cottage, April 2003 DDD BLACK BOX BBM1086 [62:39] [KS]

Want something quite different than the latest Beethoven rehash? Pick this one up. It cannot hurt you, and you may be turned on to some new and interesting sounds. Recommended for the adventuresome … see Full Review

John FOULDS (1880-1939) Le Cabaret, Op. 72a (1921) [3’31]. April – England, Op. 48 No. 1. Hellas, A Suite of Ancient Greece, Op. 45 (1932) [18’03]. Three Mantras, Op. 61b (1919-1930) [25’49]. London Philharmonic Orchestra/Barry Wordsworth. No rec. information given. DDD LYRITA SRCD212 [61’07] [CC]

A remarkable disc, and an essential introduction to a composer whose music cries out for greater recognition … For the Mantras alone, this disc deserves the highest recommendation possible. … see Full Review

Ulrich GASSER (b.1950) Vision Stephani - oder wie der heilige Stephanus zu Tode kam (1999-2000) Bernhard Bichler (bar) Claud Biegert (organ) rec. 30 Sept 2000, Kirche St Stephan Konstanz. DDD MGB MUSIKSZENE SCHWEIZ MGB CD 6189 [62.45] [RB]

A sober and sombre Jeremiad of a piece - reverential and accusing ... see Full Review

Philippe GAUBERT (1879 – 1941) Madrigal; Trois aquarelles; Divertissement grèc; Soir païen; Tarantelle; Pièce romantique; Médailles antiques; Suite Fenwick Smith (flute)
Sally Pinkas (piano) Jayne West (soprano) Andrew Pearce (cello) Jacques Zoon (flute) Ann Hobson Pilot (harp) John Ferillo (oboe) Malcolm Lowe (violin) Rec. Sonic Temple, Roslindale, Massachusetts, 17 Dec 2001; 3-4 Feb 2002; 26 Jan 2003; Seiji Ozawa Hall, Tanglewood, Lenox, Massachusetts, 16 Aug 2001 NAXOS 8.557305 [61.10] [RH]

A charming disc of chamber music miniatures by a French composer much inspired by Franck, Debussy and Ravel. … see Full Review

Leopold GODOWSKY (1870-1938) Piano Music, Volume 6: Schubert Transcriptions, Arrangements and Paraphrases Passacaglia [19’10]. Song Transcriptions: Die schöne Müllerin – No. 1, Das Wandern [2’25]; No. 7, Ungeduld [3’00]; No. 8, Morgengrüss [3’34]; No. 18, Trockne Blumen [3’28]; Winterreise - No. 1, Gute Nacht [4’48]. Heidenröslein [1’56]. Schwanengesang - Am Meer [3’09]. Liebesbotschaft [3’09]. An Mignon [3’56]. Die Forelle [2’03]. Wiegenlied [2’39]. Wohin? [2’27]. Die junge Nonne [3’32]. Litanei [4’42]. Ballet Music from ‘Rosamunde’ [3’30]. Moment musical, Op. 94 No. 3 [2’06]. Konstantin Scherbakov (piano). Rec. Potton Hall, Suffolk, on December 3^rd-4^th, 2002. DDD MARCO POLO 8.225187 [69’34] [CC]

Highly praiseworthy … rest assured there is nothing significant here to make one regret the outlay. … see Full Review

Charles GOUNOD (1818-1893) Faust - opera in five acts Faust - Raoul Jobin (tenor) Méphistophélès - Ezio Pinza (bass) Valentin - Martial Singer (baritone) Marguerite - Licia Albanese (soprano) Siébel -Lucielle Browning (soprano) Marthe - Thelma Votipka (mezzo-soprano) Wagner - John Baker (baritone) Chorus and Orchestra of the Metropolitan Opera, New York/Sir Thomas Beecham GUILD HISTORICAL IMMORTAL PERFORMANCE SERIES GHCD 2258-59 [2CDs: 75.35+74.41] [JW]

Pinza is magnificent and Jobin matches him for much of the time … Beecham’s rhythmic underpinning is sure, his conception as a whole splendidly realised. … see Full Review

Charles GOUNOD (1818-1893) Roméo et Juliette Ivan Kozlovsky (tenor) – Roméo Yelizaveta Shumskaya (soprano) – Juliette Ivan Burlak (bass) – Mercutio N. Sokolova (soprano) – Stéphano Maxim Mikhailov (bass) – Frère Laurent Ivan Petrov (bass) – Capulet G. Pasechnik (tenor) – Tybalt Nina Ostrumova (mezzo soprano) – Gertrude Sergei Koltypin (baritone) – Gregorio Fyodor Godovkin (tenor) – Benvolio Bolshoi Theatre Chorus and Orchestra/Alexander Orlov Recorded 1947 Roméo et Juliette Act I Scene IV Ange adorable
Ivan Kozlovsky (tenor) Antonina Nezhdanova (soprano) Nikolai Golovanov (piano) Recorded April 1939 GUILD GMCD 2264/65 [2 CDs: 136.17] [JW]

Everything is in favour of this well-merited retrieval of a distinguished set … a noble and frequently fascinating recording. … see Full Review

Charles Tomlinson GRIFFES (1884-1920) The White Peacock (1915) [5.37] Three Poems of Fiona McLeod: The Lament of Ian the Proud; The Dark Eyes to Mine; The Rose of the Night (1918) [10.33] * Bacchanale (1912-1919) [3.59] Clouds (1916-1919) [4.08] Three Tone Pictures: The Lake at Evening; The Vale of Dreams; The Night Winds (1915) [8.27] Poem for Flute and Orchestra (1918) [9.58] ** The Pleasure Dome of Kubla Khan (1912-16) [12.29] Barbara Quintiliani (sop) * Carol Wincenc (flute) ** Buffalo Philharmonic Orchestra/JoAnn Falletta rec. Kleinhans Music Hall. Buffalo, NY, Feb 2002. NAXOS 8.559164 [56.08] [RB]

A luxurious impressionistic imagination … grippingly recorded in sound that is both voluptuous and diaphanous ... see Full Review

George Frideric HANDEL (1685 – 1759) Salve Regina; O quails de caelo sonus; Trio Sonata in G minor; Caelestis dum spirat aura; Laudate pueri Emma Kirkby (soprano) London Baroque/Charles Medlam (director) BIS CD-106501 [67.28] [RH]

Kirkby and London Baroque give superb performances that make one wish that all Handel music making could be of this order. … see Full Review

Joseph HAYDN (1732-1809) Operas 1 Armida (1784) La fedeltà premiata (1781) Orlando paladino (1782) La vera costanza (1779) Antal Dorati (harpsichord and conductor) Recorded 1976-78 PHILIPS 473 476-2 [10 CDs 9 hours 55 minutes; 68.54 + 70.29 + 53.57 + 53.10 + 55.22 + 76.27 +63.05 + 27.43 + 62.57 + 63.21] [JW]

At just over two CD boxes in width this ten CD box takes up minimal space and provides maximal enjoyment. … see Full Review

Joseph HAYDN (1732-1809) Operas 2 L’incontro improviso (1775) Tre Arie e Terzetto L’infedeltà delusa (1773) L’isola disabitata (1779) Il mondo della luna (1777) 8 Arie Choeurs de la Radio Suisse Romande Orchestre de Chambere de Lausanne Antal Dorati (harpsichord and conductor) Recorded 1977-81 PHILIPS 473 851-2 [10 CDs 9 hours 57 minutes: 70.55 + 60.36 + 54.26 + 61.17 + 50.21 + 39.48 + 48.20 +74.25 + 77.32 + 59.24] [JW]

Both box sets are notable acquisitions for the shelf. The performances still sound fresh and convincing in most important areas and will repay close scrutiny. … see Full Review

BARGAIN OF THE MONTH Joseph HAYDN (1732-1809) Piano Sonata in G minor, Hob.XVI: 44 Piano Sonata in G major, Hob.XVI: 40 Piano Sonata in E minor, Hob.XVI: 34 Piano Sonata in C major, Hob.XVI: 48 Piano Sonata in C minor, Hob.XVI: 20 András Schiff (piano) Recorded in Teldec Studio, Berlin, January, 1997 DDD WARNER ELATUS 2564 60677-2 [73’45]

Even in a crowded field, this is almost self-recommending. … see Full Review

Josef HAYDN (1732-1809) Keyboard Sonatas: Sonata in B minor Hob XVI: 32; Variations in D major Hob XVII: 7; Sonata in D major Hob XVI: 24; Sonata in F major Hob XVI: 29; Variations in F minor Hob XVII: 6; Capriccio I G major on the Austrian folksong ‘Acht Sausschneider mussen sein’ Hob XVII:I Derek Adlam (clavichord) Recorded in the North Transept of Worksop Priory, Nottinghamshire, September 2002 GUILD GMCD 7260 [69.23] [GH]

Haydn on the clavichord: Adlam’s interpretations are faultless in speed and ornamentation. He brings out as much as possible of the expressive qualities. … see Full Review

Gustav HOLST (1874-1934) A Fugal Overture, H151 (1922) [5’12]; A Somerset Rhapsody, H87, Op. 21 No. 2 (1906/7) [9’01]; Beni Mora, H107, Op. 29 No. 1 (1909/10) [17’13]; Hammersmith - Prelude and Scherzo for Orchestra, H178, Op. 52 (1931) [13'00]; Scherzo (1933/4) [5’29]; Japanese Suite, Op. 33 (1915) [11’04]. London Philharmonic Orchestra, London Symphony Orchestra (Japanese Suite)/Sir Adrian Boult. Original rec. of Fugal Overture made in association with the RVW Trust. ADD LYRITA SRCD222 [61’48] [CC]

A magnificent journey of exploration, therefore, into the lesser-known byways of a major composer. A feast of Holst - unhesitatingly recommended. … see Full Review

Gustav HOLST (1874 - 1934) The Planets, Suite for Large Orchestra, Op. 32 (1917) [50.00] The Mystic Trumpeter, Scena for Soprano and Orchestra, Op. 18 (1912) [18.52] Claire Rutter, soprano. Ladies of the RSNO Chorus. Royal Scottish National Orchestra/David Lloyd-Jones Recorded in City Hall, Glasgow, Scotland, UK, 18 February 2001 Notes in English and Deutsch. Text of Op. 18 in English. SACD Tracks in 5.1 surround sound and 2.0 stereo. CD tracks in 2.0 stereo Hybrid SACD playable on SACD players and CD players NAXOS 6.110004 [68.52] [PSh]

Both in sound and performance a great Trumpeter coupled with a so-so Planets. … see Full Review

Janis IVANOVS (1906-83) Symphony No. 8 in B minor (1956) [33.45] Symphony No. 20 in E flat major (1981) [26.25] Moscow Symphony Orchestra/Dmitry Yablonsky rec. Mosfilm Studio, Moscow, Jan 1997. DDD NAXOS 8.555740 [60.10] [RB]

An Eighth full of nationalist Miaskovskian atmosphere and a more knowing Twentieth looking back in vinegary nostalgia at the gracious round dances and greenswards of the 1950s ... see Full Review

André JOLIVET (1905 – 1974) Les Rarissimes de André Jolivet Flute Concerto (1949)^a Trumpet Concerto No.2 (1954)^b Trumpet Concertino (1948)^c Piano Concerto (1949/50)^d Andante (1935)^e Suite française (1957)^f Rapsodie à 7 (1957) Suite delphique (1943)^g Epithalame (1953)^h Lucette Descaves (piano)^d; Fernand Dufrêne (flute)^a; Marcel Delmotte (trumpet)^bc; Ginette Martenot (ondes martenot)^g; Orchestre National de la Radiodiffusion Française^ab; Orchestre du Théâtre des Champs Elysées^cde; Orchestre de l’Association des Concerts Colonne^f; Ensemble ‘Madrigal’ de la Radiodiffusion Française^h; Ernest Bour^cde, André Jolivet^abfgh Recorded: Théâtre des Champs Elysées, March 1955 (Flute Concerto), April 1955 (Trumpet Concerto No.2); Théâtre Apollo, February 1955 (Trumpet Concertino, Piano Concerto, Andante); Salle de la Mutualité, July 1957 (Suite française), November 1957 (Rapsodie), January 1957 (Suite delphique) and February 1957 (Epithalame) EMI CLASSICS 7243 5 85237 2 0 [2CDs: 69:19 + 78:21] [HC]

An unmistakable flavour of authenticity and enthusiastic commitment. Not to be missed. … see Full Review

 

Joseph JONGEN (1873 – 1953) Comala Op.14 (1897)^a Clair de lune Op.33 (1915 – orchestral version)^b Clair de lune Op.33 (1908 – piano)^c Sophie Martin-Degor (soprano)^a; Marc Laho (tenor)^a; Roger Joakim (baritone)^a; Marcelle Mercenier (piano)^c; Choeur symphonique de Namur^a; Orchestre Philharmonique de Liège et de la Communauté Wallonie-Bruxelles^ab/Jean-Pierre Haeck^ab Recorded: Salle Philharmonique, Liège, February 2003 and September 2003; 1973 MUSIQUE EN WALLONIE MEW 0214 [55 :24] [HC]

This is a major release for all Jongen fans; but it should also appeal to any music lover relishing lush romantic music of great beauty and of direct appeal. … see Full Review

La Bella Cantatrice - Cantatas Reinhard KEISER (1674 - 1739) Salvate il mio sposo; La Bella Cantatrice; Il geloso Sprezzante; Von dem Landelben; Uber den 62. Psalm; Von der Musik; Non sa dire; Qual nova crudeltate Suzanne Ryden (soprano) Capella Orlandi Bremen Hille Perl (viola da gamba) Margit Schultheiss (harp) Klaus Eichhorn (organ positive) Thomas Ihlenfeldt (chitarone and baroque guitar) Rec. Ev. Luth Kirche zu Backemoor, November 27 – December 1, 2000 CPO 999 9562 [65.44] [RH]

A lovely introduction to Keiser’s chamber cantatas, charmingly melodic products of one of German baroque music’s lesser known masters. … see Full Review

Max KELLER (b. 1947) Mondlandschaft for 23 winds and 3 percussion (1998/99) [10.17] Dialogfelder for double bass and percussion (2000) [10.57] Progressionen for flute, clarinet, violin, viola, cello and piano (1981) [8.08] agieren und reagieren for piano and live electronics (1998/99) [14.27] Deformationen for soprano, flute and guitar (1998) [14.21] String Quartet no 2 (1995) [12.22] Tonhalle-Orchester Zürich; David Zinman – Gruppo Musica Insieme di Cremona – Schlesisches Streichquartett – Johannes Nied (double bass) – Victoria Ifrim (percussion) – Susanne Stelzenbach (piano) – Eiko Morikawa (Soprano) – Sarah Hornsby (flute) – Daniel Göritz (guitar) – Ralf Hoyer (live electronics) rec 1986-2002, Swiss Radio DRS2 MGB MUSIQUES SUISSE CTS-M 84 [70.48] [PW]

Intelligent and highly crafted music … demands something of the listener; the careful listener will certainly find something to think about on this disc. … see Full Review

Albert KETÈLBEY (1875-1959) Tangled tunes Men of England (A Short Patriotic Ode) In Holiday Mood,Tangled Tunes Parts 1-4 The Phantom Melody * My Heart Still Clings To You, Silver-Cloud, Wildhawk, A Sunday Afternoon Reverie, Canzonetta, Wonga, Christmas, The Vision of Fuji-San , Knights of England, In a Monastery Garden +, Jean Schwiller (cello) and the composer (piano) * Nellie Walker (contralto) + Orchestras conducted by Albert Ketèlbey, Louis Voss, Claude Ivy, Harry Wood, Gustave Cloëtz and Lt W.J. Dunn Recorded in London and Paris, 1912-33 NAXOS 8.110870 [64.33] [JW]

This is less essential Ketèlbey, with some pot-pourri and potboilers, but there’s quite enough to keep addicts encouraged – and grateful. … see Full Review

Wojciech KILAR (b.1932) Lament for choir a cappella (2003) [14.25] September Symphony (2003) [40.27] Warsaw Philharmonic Choir/Henryk Wojnarowski Warsaw Philharmonic Symphony Orchestra/Antoni Wit rec. 2003. DDD CD ACCORD ACD 130-2 [54.47] [RB]

Two sincere tonal works with aspirations to eternity and with the expressed capacity for eloquence. ... see Full Review £10 postage paid from MusicWeb

Gordon LANGFORD (b.1930) Orchestral Classics 1) Fanfare and Ceremonial Prelude (1981/1995) [4:34] 2) Concertino for Trumpet and Orchestra (1979) [11:37] 3) Four movements for String Orchestra (1965) [16:14] 4) A Song for all seasons - A Fantasie for Piano and Orchestra (1997) [11:48] 5) First Suite of Dances (1973) [14:01) 6) Greenways (1970) [3:30] 7) Spirit of London (overture) (1965) [6:43] 8) The Hippodrome Waltz (1988) [3:10] 9) Pastorale (1996) from Colour Suite [3:08] 10) March (1966) from Colour Suite [3:18] Crispian Steele-Perkins, Trumpet (2) William Stephenson, Piano (4) BBC Concert Orchestra/Rumon Gamba Recorded in BBC Maida Vale Studios, London, 26-27 Feb 2003 CHANDOS CHAN 10115 [79:04] [SA]

Superb playing … a really exhilarating survey of a wonderful English composer’s work. … see Full Review

Franz LISZT (1811-1886) Harmonies Poètiques et Réligieuses (1845-52) complete Steven Osborne, piano Rec. 2003 HYPERION CDA67445 [2CDs: 83.48] [TB]

Osborne provides utmost concentration, satisfying keyboard textures and sonorities, a larger-scale vision and a sense of direction. Top of the list of recommendations … 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]

---

Return to Front page