ALPHABETICAL LISTING

Eighteenth Century Harpsichord Music by Women Composers Volume 2 ANONYMOUS ["A Lady"] (fl c18) Lesson VI in D major Cecilia Maria BARTHELEMON (c 1770-?) Sonata in G major Op. 3 (c 1794) Maria Hester PARK (1775-1822) Concerto in E flat major (c. 1795) Sonata in C major Op. 7 (c. 1796) Elizabeth TURNER (fl 1750) Lesson 1 in G minor Lesson 2 in G major Barbara Harbach (harpsichord) Recorded c. 1990 GASPARO GSCD 281 [62.35] [JW]

Style, grace and character. Recommended to inquisitive explorers of the repertoire. … see Full Review

Choral Music From The Late 20^th Century John VAN BUREN (b.1952) Gloria (1996) Hans SCHANDERL (b.1960) Psalm 90 (1996) Knut NYSTEDT (b.1915) Ave Maria (1986)^a Peter Michael HAMEL (b.1947) Oh, Erde... (1995) Wilfried HILLER (b.1941) Sappho (1997)^b Eckhart Hermann (violin)^a; Vera Becker (flute)^b; Andreas Suttner (cello)^b; via-nova-chor München; Kurt Suttner Recorded: (live) Evangelische Kirche Hl. Kreuz, Augsburg, April 2002 (Van Buren); (live) Kirche ‘Maria unterm Kreuz’, Königsbrunn, November 2002 (Schanderl); Studio 1 BR, München, December 2001 (Nystedt) and March 1999 (Hamel); (live) Hochschule für Musik und Theater, München, July 2000 (Hiller) CARUS CV 83.160 [63:43] [HC]

This is a most interesting, varied and rewarding collection of choral works composed in the last fifteen years or so of the 20^th century by composers from various stylistic horizons. … see Full Review

American Ballet Theatre at the Met Frédéric CHOPIN (1810 - 1849) Les Sylphides (2 Preludes, 3 waltzes, 2 mazurkas, 1 nocturne orchestrated 1908 by Taneyev, Glazunov, et al.) [29.36] Danced by Mikhail Baryshnikov, Cynthia Harvey, Marianna Tcherkassy, Cheryl Yager, and the Corps. Choreographed by Mikhail Fokine. Conducted by Paul Connelly Léo DELIBES (1836 - 1891) Sylvia: Pas de Deux (1876) [15.05] Danced by Martine van Hemel and Patrick Bissell. Choreographed by George Balanchine. Conducted by Alan Barker Sergei PROKOFIEV (1891 - 1953) Triad (Violin Concerto #1 in D, Op 19) (1913) [25.34] Danced by Amanda McKerrow, Robert La Fosse, Johan Renvall, and three Corps. Violin Solo: Dennis Cleveland Choreographed by Kenneth Macmillan. Conducted by Alan Barker. Ludwig MINKUS (1826 - 1917) Paquita: Grand Pas (1846) [28.42] Danced by Cynthia Gregory, Fernando Bujones, and the Corps. Choreographed by Natalia Makarova after Petipa. Conducted by Paul Connelly American Ballet Theatre Orchestra Recorded at the Metropolitan Opera House, New York, New York, USA, on June 11, 1984. Timings include curtain calls. NTSC colour 4:3 Dolby Digital 2.0 stereo. Video Direction by Brian Large Region Code: 2, 3, 4, 5, 6 [Region Code 1 NTSC version available from Kultur] WARNER MUSIC VISION NVC ARTS 3984-26555-2 [100.00] [PSh]

Perhaps a last look, but a spectacular look, at the passé art of classical ballet … see Full Review

Simon Rattle: Americana Leonard BERNSTEIN Wonderful Town - Overture George GERSHWIN Rhapsody in Blue Felix BERNARD Dardanella Walter DONALDSON Makin’ Whoopee! Lindsay McPHAIL San Leonard BERNSTEIN Prelude, Fugue and Riffs Igor STRAVINSKY Ebony Concerto Bill STRAYHORN, arr. and orch. Luther HENDERSON Take the ‘A’ Train Duke ELLINGTON etc. Sophisticated Lady, That Doo-wah Thing George GERSHWIN Summertime John ADAMS Short Ride in a Fast Machine Birmingham Contemporary Music Group, London Sinfonietta, City of Birmingham Symphony Orchestra, The Glyndebourne Chorus, The London Philharmonic, Harvey and the Wallbangers, Michael Collins, clarinet, Clark Terry, trumpet, Bobby Watson, alto saxophone, Joe Lovano, tenor saxophone, Regina Carter, violin, Geri Allen, piano, Lewis Nash, drums, Peter Washington, bass, Hardyn Blackwell, soprano, Damon Evans, tenor/Sir Simon Rattle Recorded at various venues between 1987 and 1999 EMI CLASSICS 7243 5 57691 [77:31] [GPJ]

Perhaps a CD not to listen to too closely, but certainly highly entertaining. … see Full Review

Compilation: Après Un Rêve Gabriel FAURĖ (1845-1924) Après Un Rève * Váša PŘİHODA (1900-1960) Capriccio + Ländler in A major * Paul Joseph HILLEMACHER 1852-1933) Gavotte tender * Luigi BOCCHERINI (1724-1805) Adagio from Cello Concerto in B flat major * Franco NOVELLO (1929-1993) Malinconia + Daniel Van GOENS (1858-1904) Scherzo Op. 12 * Edouard LALO (1823-1892) Lento (Chants russes) from Cello Concerto in D major * Giuseppe TARTINI (1692-1770) Grave from Cello Concerto in D major * Aaron COPLAND (1900-1990) Two Pieces for Violin and Piano: Notturno and Ukelele Serenade + Nicolo PAGANINI (1782-1840) Adagio from Violin Concerto + Isaac ALBĖNIZ (1860-1909) Tango + Antonín DVOŘÁK (1841-1904) Melodia from Largo (New World Symphony) + Charles-Camille SAINT-SAËNS (1835-1921) Le Cygne from Carnival des animeaux * Gheorghe (Grigoras) DINICU (1889-1949) Hora Staccato + Franco Novello (violin) and Maria Gachet (piano) (recorded in 1956) * Giuseppe Ferrari (cello) and Roberto Cognazzo (piano) (recorded in 1969) WARNER FONIT 5050466-0081-2-1 [65:23] [IL]

For the most part recognisable salon music pieces. Performances vary; like the curate’s egg, good in parts. … see Full Review

The Australian Trio Johann Nepomuk HUMMEL (1778-1837) Piano Trio No. 1 in E flat Op. 12 (pub 1802) Piano Trio No. 4 in G Op. 65 (1814-15) Camille SAINT-SAËNS (1835-1921) Piano Trio No. 1 in F Op. 18 (1863) Bedřich SMETANA (1824-1884) Piano Trio in G minor Op. 15 (1855) Claude DEBUSSY (1862-1918) Piano Trio No. 1 in G (1880) Anton ARENSKY (1861-1906) Piano Trio No. 1 in D minor Op. 32 (1894) The Australian Trio Recorded in the Eugene Goossens Hall of ABC’s Ultimo Centre ABC CLASSICS 476 123-1 [2 CDs 150.54] [JW]

The Australian Trio will win friends with this handy double. … see Full Review

Sir Thomas Beecham conducts Sibelius, Arnell and Berners Jean SIBELIUS (1865-1957) The Tempest (1926) Richard ARNELL (b 1917) Punch and the Child (1948) Lord BERNERS (1883-1950) The Triumph of Neptune (1926) Royal Philharmonic Orchestra/Sir Thomas Beecham Recorded 1950-54 SONY CLASSICAL SMK93009 [76.00] [JW]

Another splendid entrant in the uniform Beecham series from Sony. … see Full Review

The Betws-yn-Rhos Male Choir Bryniau aur fy ngwlad Traditional, arr. Edwards Nid wy’n gofyn bywyd moethus Boublil, Schonberg, Kretzmer Do you hear the people sing Schubert (1797-1828) Sanctus Adam, Dwight, arr. Williams O Holy Night Davies Bryniau aur fy ngwlad Traditional, arr. James Paid â deud Traditional, arr. Hood When the saints go marching in Temple The prayer of St. Francis Sontonga, arr. Eric Jones and E. Olwen Jones Gweddi Affricanaidd John Jones, arr. Owain Gethin Davies and Gwilym Hiraethog PD Dyma gariad fel y mororedd Weatherly O Danny Boy Edwards, Hand Take me home Boublil, Schonberg, Kretzmer, Natel, translated Edwynfed Williams Breuddwydio wnes Willy Richter The Creation Rhys Jones, Leslie Harries O Gymru The Betws-yn-Rhos Male Choir Nerys Jones Gwenno Mererid, Accompanist Sioned Wyn Jones, Keyboards Daniel James, Drums J. Glyn Roberts, Organ Recorded at Sain Studios, December 2002. DDD SAIN SCD2343 [62:23] [PG]

If you are interested in seeing just how far an amateur choir can go, this will give you a solid idea. … see Full Review

Jussi BJÖRLING (tenor) 1911-1960 - Opera Arias and Duets 1936-1944 - Collection, vol. 3 Jussi Björling (tenor) with Hjördis Schymberg (soprano) Studio Orchestra /Nils Grevillius, conductor Stefan Lindstrom, Restoration Engineer NAXOS 8.110754 [65.34] [JL]

This provides keen competition to many of the Björling "best of" discs around. Crammed full of old favourites … see Full Review

Bostock Live: 2000-2002 Stephen MELILLO Wait of the World Percy GRAINGER The Power of Rome and the Christian Heart Guy WOOLFENDEN Gallimaufry for Concert Band Edward GREGSON The Kings Go Forth Percy GRAINGER Country Gardens Tokyo Kosei Wind Orchestra/Douglas Bostock Recorded live at Tokyo Metropolitan Art Space, December 2000-October 2002 KOSEI PUBLISHING COMPANY KOCD-3316 [CT]

Four contrasting major works for symphonic wind band, played with panache by Bostock’s Japanese players … see Full Review

CANTOLOPERA Baritono: Great Arias for the Baritone Voice and to be Experienced as a Protagonist CANTOLOPERA 95035 CANTOLOPERA 95040 CANTOLOPERA 95050 [RF]

These recordings in this innovative series are recommended for opera buffs as well as potential, or hopeful, opera singers. … see Full Review

Shura Cherkassky. The Historic 1940s Recordings Camille SAINT-SAËNS (1835-1921) Prelude and Fugue in F minor Sergei RACHMANINOV (1873-1943) Polka de W.R. Francis POULENC (1899-1963) Toccata from Trois Pièces Cecile CHAMINADE (1857-1944) Autrefois, from Six Pieces Humoristiques Johannes BRAHMS (1833-1897) Sonata in F minor Franz LISZT (1811-1886) Liebestraum No. 3 Concert Etude No. 2 – Gnomenreigen Four Hungarian Rhapsodies Hungarian Rhapsody No. 5 Hungarian Rhapsody No. 6 Hungarian Rhapsody No. 11 Hungarian Rhapsody No. 15 Aram KHACHATURIAN (1903-1978) Toccata (1932) Nicolai MEDTNER (1880-1951) Fairy Tale in E minor, Op. 34, No. 2 Sergei PROKOFIEV (1891-1953) Suggestion Diabolique Anatoly LIADOV (1855-1914) Music Box, Op. 32 Mikhail GLINKA (1804-1857) Tarantella in A minor Dimitri SHOSTAKOVICH (1906-1975) Prelude in C sharp minor Prelude in D minor Alexander SCRIABIN (1872-1915) Prelude for the Left-Hand Alone Pyotr Ilyich TCHAIKOVSKY (1840-1893) October: Autumn Song Vladimir REBIKOV (1866-1920) Waltz from The Christmas Tree, Op.21 Morton GOULD (1913-1996) Prelude and Toccata
Boogie Woogie Etude Fryderyk CHOPIN (1810-1849) Polonaise in A-flat Major, Op. 53
Mazurka in C Major, Op. 68, No. 1 Mazurka in D Major, Op. 33, No. 3 Impromptu No. 2 in F-sharp Major, Op. 36 Fantasie-Impromptu in C-sharp minor, Op. 66 Fantasie in F minor, Op. 49 Etude in C minor, Op. 10, No. 12 Etude in C-sharp minor, Op. 10, No. 4 Shura Cherkassky (piano) Recorded 1940s and 1950s – see review IVORY CLASSICS 72003 [2 CDs 73.23 and 67.42] [JW]

His vivacity and sheer downright unusualness. … see Full Review

Shura Cherkassky. The 1982 San Francisco Recital Jean Baptiste LULLY (1632-1687) Suite de pièces: Allemande; Air tendre; Courante; Sarabande; Gigue Felix MENDELSSOHN (1809-1847) Scherzo e Capriccio in F-sharp minor Pyotr Ilyich TCHAIKOVSKY (1840-1893) Grand Sonata in G, Op. 37 Fryderyk CHOPIN (1810-1849)
Polonaise Fantaisie, Op. 61 Waltz in A-flat Major, Op. 42 Josef HOFMANN (1876-1957)
Kaleidoskop, Op. 40 Shura Cherkassky (piano) Recorded Davies Symphony Hall, San Francisco, April 1982 IVORY CLASSICS 70904 [72.43] [JW]

Cherkassky: incapable of being dull, ever mercurial. The Puckish characteristics of an unpredictable lion of the piano. … see Full Review

Chriesibaum im Jahresring: Eine Wanderung durch alpine Klangwelten mit Gedichten von Georg Thürer Winter – Im wysse Manel [10:55] Fasnacht [2:50] Frühlingstanz – Eichebüehler Gaarte-Kaländer [4:30] Alpklang [4:23] Berggeister [3:31] Sommerfest [5:47] Abend – Summerabed (Jetzt stelt der Tag sis Chrääzli aab) [1:54] Alpsegen [4:00] Herbstlied – Das roaggig Lied (Ich ha-n-e Öpfel funde) [6:41] Reihe – Gschwätz [3:57] Winterbluescht [5:00]
Recorded at Radiostudio Zurich on 10-12 December, 2001 DDD MGB CD 6192[53:35] [PG]

A vacation through a year in the Alps … interesting and inviting music. … see Full Review

Claremont Duo – Divertimento Astor PIAZZOLLA (1921-1992) Oblivion,
La Evasion Antonin KRAFT (1749-1820) Divertimento Gabriel FAURÉ (1845-1924)
Sicilienne Op. 78 Après un rêve, Papillon Op. 77 Wolfgang Amadeus MOZART (1756-1791) Divertimento K439a, Allen COHEN (b 1951) Duo-Partita (2001) Egberto GISMONTI (b 1947) Agua e vinho Maxine Neuman (cello) Peter Ernst (guitar) Recorded at Kurhaus Bad Münder July 2001 ARTEK AR 0015-2 [63.43] [JW]

Diverts by showing contemporary works, such as the Cohen and Gismonti’s swaying Agua e vinho … see Full Review

‘Dark Harpsichord Music’ [Prelude – evening] [01:03] Jean Henri D’ANGLEBERT (1628-1691) Prelude in g minor [02:02] Armand-Louis COUPERIN (1725-1789) Allemande in G [09:35] Johann MATTHESON (1681-1764) Air in g minor (from 12 Suites, 1714) [02:08] Louis COUPERIN (c1626-1661) Prelude in F [03:07] Carl Philipp Emanuel BACH (1714-1788) Sonata in F (W 62,6): andante [03:29] Jean Henri D’ANGLEBERT Prelude in d minor [04:33] Johann Sebastian BACH (1685-1750) Partita for violin solo in d minor (BWV 1004) : chaconne, transposed to a minor [12:39] François COUPERIN (1668-1733) Prelude in A (from L’Art de Toucher le Clavecin) [02:56] Louis ANDRIESSEN (b 1939) Overture to Orpheus (1981-82) [12:56] Louis COUPERIN
Passacaille in g minor [05:12] [Postlude – towards night] [01:44] Colin Booth, harpsichord
Recorded in July 2003 at Westbury sub Mendip, England DDD SOUNDBOARD SBCD203 [62:16] [JV]

Colin Booth wants to explore a "mood of subtly varied introspection" – the concept may be dubious, but music and performance are excellent … see Full Review

The Dutch National Ballet Ludwig van BEETHOVEN (1770 - 1827) "7th Symphony" in A, Op 92 (1812) [38.11] Royal Concertgebouw Orchestra/Bernard Haitink Choreographed by Toer van Schayk, 1989 "Grosse Fugue" Op. 133 (Quartet #13, Op 130: Cavatina appended) (1826) [27.29] QUARTETTO ITALIANO: Paolo Borciani, Elisa Pegreffi,vv; Piero Farulli, vla; Franco Rossi, vc. Choreographed by Hans van Manen, 1984 "Piano Variations 2, 3, & 4," the three numbers of which are: Serge PROKOFIEV (1891 - 1953) Sarcasms (5), Op 17 (1914): [11.30]; Erik SATIE (1866 - 1925) Trois Gnossiennes (1890) [7.33]; Claude DEBUSSY (1862 - 1918) "Pose" consisting of Etudes 12, 2, & 4 (1915) [12.36] Paul Patton, piano Choreographed by Hans van Manen, 1983 Notes in Deutsch, English and Français Lecture in English by Hans van Manen [25.41] explaining the genesis of "Pose." Menu and subtitle languages: English, Deutsch, Français, and Castellano.
Picture format 4:3 PAL DVD format 9. Region Code, 2, 5. Stereo PCM 2.0 [no region 1 NTSC version currently available] ARTHAUS Musik RM Arts 100 282 [97 minutes] [PSh]

An apt and energetic abstract ballet to the Beethoven, with works in similar style to the other music … see Full Review

Mischa Elman Johann Sebastian BACH (1685-1750) Violin Concerto No. 2 in E BWV 1042 (1717/23) Partita for Violin No. 3 in E – Prelude Georg Frideric HANDEL (1685-1750) Serse – Ombra mai fu (Largo) Suite No. 14 in G – Gavotte Violin Sonata No. 1 in A Op. 1 No. 3 Violin Sonata No. 4 in D Op. 1 No. 13 Violin Sonata No. 6 in E Op. 1 No. 15 Mischa Elman (violin) Orchestra conducted by Lawrence Collingwood, recorded in 1932 (Concerto) Herbert Dawson (organ) recorded in 1932 (Serse – Ombra mai fu) Wolfgang Rosé (piano) recorded in 1949 (Sonatas – Gavotte recorded in 1950) Recorded 1932-50 BIDDULPH 80206-2 [69.44] [JW]

Elman’s admirers – and I’m one – shouldn’t hesitate.… see Full Review

Ensemble Neue Horizonte Bern  Historiche Aufnahmen 1968-1998 Disc 1 [74:18] Earle BROWN Folio, daraus: December (1952) [5:06] Matthias BRUPPACHER Eigenaufnahme 17 IV 92, Fragment 1 (1992) [0:34] John CAGE Variations 2 (1961) [3:04] Tzie M ELGNA Ahre (1988) [6:10] Morton FELDMAN Durations 2 (1960) [4:32] Jürg FREY Lachen und Lächein (1978) [0:34] Karel GOEYVAERTS Zum Kern hin (1969) [8:26] Rudolf KOMOROUS Die süisse Königin (1964) [3:07] Pierre MARIETAN MF-MP Communication instrumentale et radiophonique (1970) [4:00] Roland MOSER Abhängigkeiten (1968/1972) [4:49] Eduardo POLONIO AI (1971) [3:37] Erika RADERMACHER Musenkonzept (1990) [5:38] Frederic RZEWSKI Now or Never (1976/1981) [3:51] Frederic RZEWSKI Composition for two Players (1964) [1:28] Urs Peter SCHNEIDER Mit Dank an Mendelssohn, daraus: Wald (1981) [5:20] Hansjürgen WALDELE W für Fünf (1992) [6:26] Christian WOLFF Prose Collection, daraus: Play (1968) [7:04] La Monte YOUNG Composition 7 (1960) [0:21] Disc 2 [72:03] Matthias BRUPPACHER Mathias Brupacher (1992) [0:34] John CAGE Song Books (1970) [7:43] Cornelius CARDEW Treatise daraus: One single page (1967) [3:37] Franco EVANGELISTI Proporzioni (1958) [3:41] Jürg FREY Lachen und Lächein (1978) [0:33] Jürg FREY Sachen, daraus: Teil 6 (1980) [0:42] Hans Joachim HESPOS Anregung –Z (1969) [6:16] Pierre MARIETAN Initiatives, daraus: Matriochka (1968) [6:37] Philippe MICOL Dritte Studie zur Metrik (1993) [5:51] Roland MOSER Heinelieder, daraus: Weltauf (1978) [0:29] Henri POUSSEUR Devise suivi d’lcare apprenti (1970) [5:56] Erika RADENMACHER Sieben Rosen spatter, daraus: Leuchten (1981) [1:52] Frederic RZEWSKI Composition for two Players (1964) [3:37] Urs Peter SCHNEIDER Raritäten für Interpreten (1959/1971) [8:34] Peter STREIFF Sechs Partikel (1970/1972) [5:55] Christian WOLFF Duo for Pianists 1 (1957) [4:02] La Monte YOUNG Composition 7 (1960) [0:33] Istvân ZELENKA Die Rheintöchter sind hier gänzlich verschwunden (1971) [5:21] Recorded at Schweizer Radio DRS2, RSR-Espace 2 and RSI Rete Due MGB CTS-M 76 [146:21] DDD [PG]

An excellent example of the very best of the exploratory music of the late 20^th century. … see Full Review

RECORDING OF THE MONTH MY LOVE Malena Ernman (mezzo-soprano) Gioacchino ROSSINI (1792-1868) Il Barbiere di Siviglia: Una voce poco fa Georges BIZET (1838-1875) Carmen: L’amour est un oiseau rebelle (Habanera), Près des remparts de Séville (Seguidilla) Maurice RAVEL (1875-1937) Vocalise-étude en forme de Habanera Michel LEGRAND (b. 1932) The summer knows Wolfgang Amadeus MOZART (1756-1791) Le Nozze di Figaro: Non sò più cosa son, cosa faccio, Voi che sapete, Abendempfindung an Laura Franz SCHUBERT (1797-1828) Die Sterne, D.939, Im Frühling, D.882, Heidenröslein, D.257, Litanei, D.343 Duke ELLINGTON (1899-1974) Heaven*, Come Sunday*, Almighty God, My Love Nils LINDBERG (b.1933) Shall I compare thee to a summer’s day? Bo NILSSON (b.1937) Vals i mejram, Röda höst, Det finns ju faktiskt telefon* Malena Ernman (mezzo-soprano), Mats Bergström (guitar), with *Magnus Lindgren clarinet/flute) and Hans Backenroth (double bass) All works arranged by Mats Bergström, the first two Bo Nilsson pieces after arrangements by Stefan Nilsson Recorded April and June 2002 at Länna Church, Sweden BIS-NL-CD-5020 [67:45] [CH]

Malena Ernman is second to none among today’s mezzos and the originality of her programme planning ensures that each disc is a special event. … see Full Review

Explorations. British 20^th/21^st Century Music for One and Two Pianos Kenneth LEIGHTON (1929-1988) Prelude, Hymn and Toccata Op. 96 (1987) Anthony HEDGES (b 1931) Three Explorations Op. 145 (2002) + Sonata Op. 53 (1974) * Five Aphorisms Op. 113 (1990) + Gustav HOLST (1874-1934) Japanese Suite Op. 33 (1915) arr. Vally LASKER (1885-1978) Ronald STEVENSON (b 1928) Two Chinese Folk-Songs (1966) Anthony Goldstone * and Caroline Clemmow (piano duet, unless otherwise marked) Recorded in the Church of St John the Baptist. Alkborough, North Lincs, 2003 THE DIVINE ART 25024 [76.51] [JW]

There are significant things here – not always easily prised open, it’s true, but all the more valuable for that very reason. … see Full Review

French Concertos for Harp Gabriel PIERNÉ (1863-1937) Concert Piece in G flat major Op. 30 (1901) [13.14] François-Adrien BOÏELDIEU (1775-1834) Harp Concerto in C major Op. 82 (1795) [21.10] Camille SAINT-SAËNS (1835-1921) Concert Piece in G major Op. 154 (1919) [12.55] Henriette RENIÉ (1875-1956) Harp Concerto in C minor (1901) [20.10] Xavier de Maistre (harp) Staatsorchester Rheinische Philharmonie/Shao-Chia Lü rec. 27 Nov - 1 Dec 2001, Görreshaus. DDD CLAVES CD 50-2206 [67.33] [RB]

Not pretty-pretty or vacuously elegant ... Boieldieu's Mozartian profundity ... real rarity in Renie ... French concert pieces showing sensitivity to Russian and Impressionist voices ... see Full Review

Jennifer Frautschi – Solo Vision Fritz KREISLER (1875-1962) Recitativo and Scherzo Caprice Op 6 Eugène YSAŸE (1858-1931) Sonata for solo violin in E minor Op 27 No 4 Béla BARTÓK (1881-1945) Sonata for solo violin BB 124 (1944) Mario DAVIDOVSKY (b 1934) Synchronisms No 9 for violin and electronic sounds John HARBISON (b 1938) Four Songs of Solitude (1985) Jennifer Frautschi (violin) Recorded at Loho Studios in New York City [? 2003] ARTEK AR 0016-2 [65.58] [JW]

Frautschi proves a commendably communicative exponent of this repertoire. … see Full Review

GREAT JOY: Renaissance and Baroque Christmas Music for Brass George Frideric HANDEL (1685-1759) arr. Hans-Joachim Dreschler Tochter Zion, freue dich (brass, organ, timpani) Michael PRAETORIUS (1571-1621) Nun komm, der Heiden Heiland à 8 (brass) Giovanni GABRIELI (c. 1556-1612) Canzon à 8 (brass) Friedrich Wilhelm ZACHOW (1663-1712) Choralpartita: Nun komm, der Heiden Heiland (organ) Pavel Josef VEJVANOVSKÝ (c. 1640-1693) arr. Dreschler Sonata Natalis in C (brass) Johannes KUHLO (1856-1941) arr. Kuhlo/Dreschler Kommet, ihr Hirten (brass) Erasmus WIDMANN (1572-1634) Cantzon "Auff den Schfferstantz" (brass) PRAETORIUS arr. Dreschler Den die Hirten lobeten sehre (brass) Johann CRÜGER (1598-1663) Von Himmel hoch da komm ich her (2 trumpets, organ) Johann HEUSCHKEL (c. 1700) Von Himmel hoch da komm ich her (organ) Gaetano Maria SCHIASSI (1698-1754) arr. Dreschler Pastorale per il Santissimo Natale di nostro Signor Jesù, op. 1 CRÜGER Jauchzt Gott mit Herzenfreud (In dulci jubilo) (2 horns, organ) Johan PEZEL (1639-1694) arr. Dreschler Sonata 1 (brass) PRAETORIUS Es ist ein Ros’ entsprungen (brass) Michel CORRETTE (1709-1795) Variations on the French Christmas Carol "Bon Joseph écoute moy" (organ) CRÜGER Im finstern Stall o Wunder gross (brass) Johann Sebastian BACH (1685-1750) O Jesulein süss, o Jesulein mild (horn, organ) CORRETTE arr. Dreschler Concerto V – "Noël allemand" in E flat (brass) BACH Three chorale settings of "Gelobet seist du, Jesu Christ", BWV 604, 697, 722 (organ) Andreas HAMMERSCHMIDT (1611-1675) Freude, Freude, grosse Freude à 6 (brass) BACH Lass uns das Jahr vollbringen, from BWV 190 (brass, organ, timpani) Schweriner Blechbläser-Collegium with Jan Ernst (organ) Recorded in Schwerin Cathedral, 1, 4, 11, 12, 17, 20, 22, 26, 28 October 2002 and 2, 3, 5-10, 13-16, 18, 19, 21, 23-25, 27 June 2003 HÄNSSLER CLASSIC CD 98.444 [66.13] [CH]

Some competent offerings here, but the disc falls far short of the "Great Joy" it proclaims … see Full Review

Ida Haendel in Recital Ludwig van BEETHOVEN (1770-1827) Violin Sonata No. 7 in C minor Op. 30 No. 2 (1801-02) Johann Sebastian BACH (1685-1750) Partita No. 2 in D minor BWV 1004 – Chaconne (1720) Wolfgang Amadeus MOZART (1756-1791) Sonata in B flat major K378 (1779 or 1781) Antonín DVOŘÁK (1841-1904) Romantic Pieces Op. 75 B 150 (1887) Allegro moderato Allegro maestoso Henryk WIENIAWSKI (1835-1880) Polonaise No. 1 in D major Op. 4 (1853) Ida Haendel (violin) Valentina Lisitsa (piano) Recorded live at the Newport Music Festival, Newport Rhode Island, 23 July 2000 VAI 1219 [70.12] [JW]

There are some strongly personalised performances here, captured in good-ish sound with functional notes. Haendel is always exciting to hear … see Full Review

Historic Saxophone Jules DEMERSSEMAN (1833-1866) Fantasie sur un thème original, Premier Solo (Andante et bolero) Deuxième Solo (Cavatine) Jérôme SAVARI (1819-1870) Fantasie sur des motifs du Freischütz Paul Agricol GENIN (1832-1903) Variations sur un thème espagnol, Solo de concours du Conservatoire Jean-Baptiste SINGELÉE (1812-1875) Caprice, Fantasie, Concerto, Solo de Concert Joseph ARBAN (1825-1889) Caprice et variations Léon CHIC (1819-1916) Solo sur la Tyrolienne Hyacinthe KLOSE (1808-1880) Daniel (Fantasie dramatique d’après E Depas) Claude Delangle (saxophones) Odile Delangle (piano) Recorded Danderyd Grammar School, 1998 and 1999 BIS CD 1270 [64.43] [JW]

The Delangles play with panache and adroit technique. One can sense the excitement with which these composers seized the opportunity to write for the new instrument; some of that vigour still clings to these versatile performances. … see Full Review

CURIOSITY OF THE MONTH Hornroh Zirp Das Alphorn danasch [1:15] Kaamor [4:56] Purup [1:16] Dr’ Schlipfer [4:16] Rothko Room [3:04] Flüchting [2:06] Serpent tacere [4:39] Adieu O(h) W(eh) [2:17] Arb [7:08] Ahjä [3:18] Flugs [3:27] Choral [4:54] Zirp [4:42] Fun Facile [6:41] All compositions written and arranged by Hornroh Recorded in July 2002 at Saalbau Aarau DDD SUISA MGB CD 6195 [54:01] [PG]

If you only buy one recording of new music this year, you wouldn’t go wrong by choosing this one; I cannot recommend it highly enough. … see Full Review

HujGroup: Nöis Alts Traditional Swiss Folk Music HujGroup Recorded on 17, 18, and 23 May 2003 in Tonstudio Braun, Bubikon DDD MUSIQUES SUISSES MGB CD 6209 [54:51] [PG]

Swiss folk music is an export for treasure as well … feel the richer for it. … see Full Review

Elena Kuschnerova Live in Tokyo Domenico SCARLATTI (1685-1757) Sonata in D minor K9 [L413] Sonata in F major K518 [L116] Sonata in E major K531 [l430] Claude DEBUSSY (1862-1918) Pour le piano (1894-1901) Prélude Sarabande Toccata Maurice RAVEL (1875-1937) Pavane pour une infante défunte Sergei PROKOFIEV (1891-1953) Piano Sonata No. 7 in B flat major Op. 83 (1942) Symphony No. 1 in D major Classical – Gavotte – arr. PROKOFIEV The Love For Three Oranges – March – arr. PROKOFIEV (1919 transc 1922) Johann Sebastian BACH (1685-1750) Prelude in B minor [Prelude in E Minor, Well Tempered Clavier Book I] arr. Alexander SILOTI (1863-1945) Elena Kuschnerova (piano) Recorded live in Sumida Triphony Recital Hall, Tokyo, 11^th April 2002 STEINWAY JAPAN [R-02A0076OP] [53.31] [JW]

Plays to her considerable strengths – the Bach-Siloti harkens back to the Russian strain in Bach and she proves adept in Prokofiev as she is in Scriabin. … see Full Review

Elena Kuschnerova plays Johann Sebastian BACH (1685-1750) Italian Concerto in F major BWV 971 French Suite No. 2 in C minor BWV 813 Partita No. 6 in E minor BWV 830 Toccata in E minor BWV 914 Prelude and Fugue in C minor BWV 847 from The Well Tempered Clavier Book I Elena Kuschnerova (piano) Recorded at the Südwestrundfunks Kurhaus, Baden-Baden, March 2000 ORFEO C 547 011A [70.15] [JW]

Playing that is natural and unaffected; no over-emoted gestures cling to her Bach playing. … see Full Review

Elena Kuschnerova plays Modest MUSSORGSKY (1839-1881) Piano Works Pictures at an Exhibition (1874) Souvenir d’enfance No. 3 (1857) Une plaisanterie (1859/60) Souvenir d’enfance No. 1 Niania et moi (1865) Impromptu passionné (1859) La capricieuse (1865) Rêverie (1865) En Crimée – Hoursouff. Notes de voyage (1879) En Crimée – Capriccio (1880) Méditation. Feuillet d’album (1880) Au village (1880) La couturière. Scherzino (1871) Une larme (1880) Porte-enseigne-Polka (1852) Elena Kuschnerova (piano) Recorded by Bayerischer Rundfunk, Munich, December 2000 ORFEO C284021A [72.45] [JW]

An attractive and welcome disc. … see Full Review

Félia Litvinne (1860-1936) Jules MASSENET (1842-1912) Le Cid – Pleurez mes yeux – two versions Giuseppe VERDI (1813-1901) Aida – Les noms sacrés La Trovatore – La nuit calme et sereine La Trovatore – Brise d’amour Robert SCHUMANN (1810-1856) Ich grolle nicht – two versions Giacomo MEYERBEER L’africaine – Sur mes genoux – two versions Piero MASCAGNI (1868-1919) Cavalleria Rusticana – Voi lo sapete Camille SAINT-SAËNS (1835-1921) Samson et Dalila – Mon Coeur s’ouvre à ta voix – two versions Georges BIZET (1838-1875) Carmen – Habañera Richard WAGNER (1813-1883)
Lohengrin – Elsa’s Dream Die Walküre – Ho jo to ho – two versions Tristan und Isolde - Liebestod Gaetano DONIZETI (1797-1848) La Favorite – O mon Fernand Gabriel FAURÉ (1845-1924) Les berceaux Charles GOUNOD (1818-1893) Faust – Signeur daignez permettre Félia Litvinne (soprano) Various accompanists and orchestras, including Alfred Cortot (piano) Recorded 1902-c1906 Additional items Fryderyk CHOPIN (1810-1849) – Félia LITVINNE (1860-1936) (text) Tristesse Sung in two versions by Nina Koshetz and Germaine Lubin in 1930 and 1929 respectively MALIBRAN MR 552 [71.45] [JW]

Twenty-four of the forty sides made by Litvinne preserving in variable states of preservation the voice of a singer of significance. … see Full Review

The London Trumpet Sound - Volume 2 SANDOVAL arr. Tony RICKARD
Mambo Caliente CARILLO arr. Richard PAYNE Dos Gardenias WHITFIELD/STRONG arr. Roger HARVEY I Heard It Through The Grapevine John WILLIAMS arr. Paul SARCICH Superman CARRELL/CLAYTON arr. Daryl RUNSWICK Amazing Grace Leoš JANÁČEK Fanfare from Sinfonietta ARBAN arr. Paul SARCICH The Carnival of Venice G F HANDEL arr. Simon WRIGHT Music for the Royal Fireworks (Ouverture, La Réjouissance, Menuet) Aaron COPLAND arr. Tony RICKARD Hoedown from Rodeo The London Trumpet Sound/Geoffrey Simon Recorded BBC Maida Vale Studio 3, London, 22-23 August 2001 and St. Jude-on-the-Hill, London, 24-25 August, 2001. DDD CALA CACD 0114 [44:38] [CT]

A varied programme showcasing thirty-one of the U.K.’s leading trumpet players … see Full Review

 

 

Detailed listing (last two days)]
[Part 1 New]  [Part 2 A-B] [Part 3 C-L]
[Part 4 M-R]  [Part 5 S-Z]
[Part 6 Misc A-L]  [Part 7 Misc M-Z]

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