Great Violinists: Yehudi Menuhin Johannes BRAHMS (1833-1897) Violin Sonata No. 1 in G major Op. 78 (1878-79) Violin Sonata No. 3 in D minor Op. 108 (1886-88) Robert SCHUMANN (1810-1856) Violin Sonata No. 2 in D minor Op. 121 (1851) Yehudi Menuhin (violin) Hephzibah Menuhin (piano) Recorded London, Australia and Paris, 1934-40 [but see text below] NAXOS 8.110771 [74.42] [JW]

Menuhin’s bewitching, sometimes meaty vibrato is fully in evidence as are his abundant portamenti and charismatic phraseology. … see Full Review

GREAT VIOLINISTS: Milstein Antonín DVOŘÁK (1841-1904) Violin Concerto in A minor, Op. 53^a (1880) [29’47]. Wolfgang Amadeus MOZART (1756-1791) Adagio in E, K261^b (1776) [7’26]. Rondo in C, K373^b (1781) [4’57]. Alexander GLAZUNOV (1865-1936) Violin Concerto in A minor, Op. 82^c (1904) [18’23]. Nathan Milstein (violin) ^aMinneapolis Symphony Orchestra/Antal Doráti; RCA Victor Symphony Orchestra/^bVladimir Golschmann, ^cWilliam Steinberg. From RCA Victor ^aLM-1147, ^bLM-1064, 49-0500-02; rec. at ^aNorthrop Auditorium, Minneapolis on March 4^th, 1951, Manhattan Center, New York on ^bMarch 29^th, 1950 and ^cFebruary 19^th, 1949. ADD NAXOS HISTORICAL 8.110975 [59’46] [CC]

Very highly recommended indeed from all angles. … see Full Review
AND
Great Violinists Nathan Milstein (violin) Antonín DVOŘÁK (1841-1904) Violin Concerto in A minor Op. 53 (1880) Minneapolis Symphony Orchestra/Antal Dorati, recorded 1951 Wolfgang Amadeus MOZART (1756-1791) Adagio in E major K261 (1776) Rondo in C major K373 (1781) RCA Victor Symphony Orchestra/Vladimir Golschmann, recorded 1950 Alexander GLAZUNOV (1865-1936) Violin Concerto in A minor Op 82 (1904) RCA Victor Symphony Orchestra/William Steinberg, recorded 1949 NAXOS 8.110975 [59.46] [JW]

Never as glamorously personalised as Heifetz’s playing yet marvellously fluent and aristocratic … see Full Review

RECORDING OF THE MONTH Great Conductors of the Twentieth Century: Dimitri Mitropoulos Gustav MAHLER (1860-1911): Symphony No 6 in A minor* [74’39"] Hector BERLIOZ (1803-1869): Roméo et Juliette. Symphonie Dramatique; Op. 17 - Excerpts ** [46’28"]: Introduction; Roméo Seul; Scène d’amour; La reine Mab, ou la fée des songes; Roméo au tombeau des Capulets Claude DEBUSSY (1862-1918): La Mer*** [22’36"] Richard STRAUSS (1864-1949): Salome: Dance of the Seven Veils**** [8’49"] *WDR Sinfonieorchester Köln (Kölner Rundfunk-Sinfonie-Orchester) New York Philharmonic Orchestra Conducted by Dimitri Mitropoulos Rec. *Klaus-von-Bismark Saal, WDR, Cologne, 31 August 1959; 30^th Street Studios, New York, **22 October 1952; ***27 November 1950; *****3 November 1956. ADD EMI CLASSICS GREAT CONDUCTORS OF THE TWENTIETH CENTURY 7243 5 75471 2 3 [74’42"+78’18"] [JQ]

Mahler 6 is the highlight but the whole offers great, inspirational conducting. Music making that demands to be heard. Recommended with the greatest possible enthusiasm. … see Full Review

Music from the Ratsschulbibliothek Zwickau Johann STOLLE (c1566-1614) Si mihi quae debes (Dialogus nuptialis a 8) [03:22] Eusebius BOHEMUS (1592-1631) Wem ein tugendsames Weib bescheret ist, motet a 8 [02:54] anon Sehet an, die zwei verliebten Herzen, motet a 6 [04:31] Johann Hermann SCHEIN (1586-1630) Beati omnes, qui timent Dominum, motet a 8 [08:31] David KÖLER (before 1532-1565) Eile, Gott, mich zu erretten, motet a 6 [05:44] Johann LÖHNER (1645-1705) Zerfliesset in ein Tränentauen, song for solo voice, 3 violas and bc [06:19] Heinrich SCHÜTZ (1585-1672) Fürstliche Gnade zu Wasser und Lande, song for solo voice, 2 treble instruments and bc (SWV 368) [03:42] Miximilian HEILAND (16th century) Te Deum a 8 [14:21] Luca MARENZIO (1553-1599) Jubilate Deo a 8 [04:03] Philipp DULICHIUS (1562-1631) Exaltabo te Deus a 8 [03:31] Constanze Backes, Birte Kulawik (soprano), Alexander Schneider, Alan Dornak (alto), Albrecht Sack, Michael Schaffrath (tenor), Reinhard Decker, Thomas Pfitzner (bass) Ensemble "Alte Musik Dresden"
Dir: Norbert Schuster Recorded at 19 May, 2001 in the Katharinenkirche, Zwickau, Germany. DDD MBM – VKJK 0315 [57:14] [JV]

An interesting release with music with mostly unknown music, well worth hearing and well performed ... see Full Review

Musical Renegades Ralph VAUGHAN WILLIAMS (1872-1958) The Lark Ascending (1914-20) Astor PIAZZOLLA (1921-1992) Allegro from Aconcagua (1979) James Crabb (classical accordion) Tamara Anna Cislowska (piano) Jean SIBELIUS (1865-1957) Paavali’s Song from Kuolema (1903) Teddy Tahu Rhodes (baritone) Edvard GRIEG (1843-1907) The Mountain Thrall Op. 32 (1877) Teddy Tahu Rhodes (baritone) Ludwig van BEETHOVEN (1770-1827) Overture from The creatures of Prometheus Op. 43 (1800-01) Joseph HAYDN (1732-1809) Adagio-Allegro from Symphony No. 104 in D (1795) Elena KATS-CHERNIN (b 1957) Torque (2002) James Crabb (classical accordion) Tamara Anna Cislowska (piano) György LIGETI (b 1923) Praeludium; Vivacissimo luminoso from the Violin Concerto (1990-93) Franz SCHUBERT (1797-1828) String Quintet in C major D956 (1828) Richard Tognetti and Helena Rathbone (violins) Caroline Henbest (viola) Emma-Jane Murphy and Melissa Barnard (cellos) Australian Chamber Orchestra/Richard Tognetti (violin and artistic director)/Roland Peelman (conductor) in the Vaughan Williams and Ligeti with other musicians noted as above Recorded Sydney February, March and July 2002 ABC CLASSICS 476 102-6 [2 CDs: 67.48 and 55.23] [JW]

Encapsulates some of the qualities of the Australian Chamber Orchestra and its collaborative artists across a broad spectrum of music. … see Full Review

 

The Naxos Book of Carols Tonus Peregrinus/Antony Pitts
Recorded at the Church of St. Jude- on-the-Hill, Hampstead Garden Suburb, London, 28^th-29^th July 2003 DDD NAXOS 8.557330 [78:59] [CT]

Arrangements of variable quality but finely sung by a young eight part vocal ensemble. … see Full Review

Original Anne HENSHAW In the Licorice Fields at Pontefract, Nights Are Dawning^a, Triple Bill^b Bob CHILCOTT (b.1953) Friends, Can You Hear Me? Laugh, Kookaburra! Eric BOSWELL Take Me Up The Tyne (arr. A. Woods and R. Wilding) Pookie HUDSON Goodnight Sweetheart (arr. A. Henshaw) John LENNON/Paul McCARTNEY I Will (arr. Simmons) Asikha Thali – Zulu Freedom Song (arr. M. Brewer) All My Trials – Spiritual (arr. R. Wilding) Eleanor Spencer (cello)^ab; Laurence Barker (trumpet)^a; Anna Scott (violin)^b; Sara Woodhead (flute)^b; Helen Issitt (piano); Anne Henshaw (director) ACKWORTH YOUTH CHOIR AYC3CD [47:16] [HC]

A delightful release to be relished for all it is worth, enjoyable from first to last, and a marvellous tribute to these young singers’ commitment and conviction. … see Full Review

Jane Parker-Smith at The Goll Organ of St. Martin Memmigen: Romantic and Virtuoso Works for Organ Vol. 1 Marcel LANQUETUIT (1894-1985) Toccata Joseph BOULNOIS (1884-1918) Choral in F sharp minor Henri MULET (1878-1967) Rosace (Esquisses Byzantines) Joseph JONGEN (1873-1953) Sonata Eroïca, Op 94 Percy WHITLOCK (1903-1946) Fantasie Choral No. 1 Jeanne DEMESSIEUX (1921-1968) Répons pour le Temps de Pâques York BOWEN (1884-1961) Melody in G minor Wilhelm MIDDELSCHULTE (1863-1943) Passacaglia in D minor Jane Parker-Smith (organ)Rec. Goll Organ of St. Martin Memmingen, 6-8 August 2003. DDD AVIE AV0034 [71:35] [PG]

Music carefully chosen and incredibly well executed … a joy to listen to … see Full Review

William Primrose Georg Frideric HANDEL (1685-1759) attributed, actually Henri CASEDESUS Concerto in B minor Victor Symphony Orchestra/Frieder Weissmann recorded May 1946 Wilhelm Friedemann BACH (1710-1784) attributed, probably Johann Gottlieb GRAUN Sonata in C minor Yella Pessl (harpsichord) recorded November 1938 Roy HARRIS (1898-1979) Soliloquy and Dance (1938) Johanna Harris (piano) recorded January 1942 Arthur BENJAMIN (1893-1960) Elegy, Waltz and Toccata (1945) Jamaican Rhumba (1938) Matty Rag Cookie From San Domingo (1945) Vladimir Sokoloff (piano) recorded May 1945 BIDDULPH LAB 146 [64.28] [JW]

Primrose shows varieties of tonal and bowing responses in a nobly patrician readings. … see Full Review

Quintessence Saxophone Quintet: Best of 10 Years - Live Uli LETTERMAN (b. 1967) Prelude [5:44] Ludwig van BEETHOVEN (1770-1827), Letterman (b. 1967) The Fifth, first set [5:48] J.S. BACH (1685-1750), Letterman (b. 1967) Wachet auf, ruft uns die Stimme [3:55] Chick COREA (b. 1941), Letterman (b. 1967) La Fiesta [5:50] J.S. BACH (1685-1750), Letterman (b. 1967) Jazzentials [6:57] G.F. HANDEL (1685-1759), Letterman (b. 1967) Hallelujah [6:52] Ludwig van BEETHOVEN (1770-1827), Letterman (b. 1967) Overture Coriolan J.S. BACH (1685-1750), Letterman (b. 1967) Fudge Fugue in G minor J.A.P. SCHULTZ (1747-1800), Letterman (b. 1967) Der Mond ist aufgegangen Uli Lttermann, soprano and alto saxophone Hartmut Salzlmann, alto saxophone Tom Göstenmeier, tenor saxophone Andreas Menzal, tenor saxophone Bernd Stich, baritone saxophone Recorded at Westdeutscher Rundfunk Köln, Landesstudio des WDR, Bielefeld, 12 June 2003 DDD CPO 999 990-2 [9:59] [PG]

My suggestion is to congratulate Quintessence on ten years of good music and to look forward to their next release. … see Full Review

Raimi plays Raimi, Schoenfield and Kuss Max RAIMI Eyn Mol; theme with nine variations Mark KUSS Ten American Folksongs Paul SCHOENFIELD (b.1947) Six British Folk Songs (1985) Fred Raimi (cello) Jane Hawkins (piano) except Mark Kuss (piano) in the Ten American Folksongs Recorded Baldwin Auditorium, Duke University, January 2003 GASPARO GSCD 359 [56.07] [JW]

Fine performances all round enhance this collection of unusual pieces. Most are slight but they are certainly not whimsical or lacking in incidental depth. … see Full Review

Tilman Riemenschneider (c.1460-1531) -The Music of His Time
ANONYMOUS Mein Herz in Freuden sich erquicket; Basse Danse ‘La Magdalena’; Tourdion; Basse Danse ‘La gatta’; Zenner, greiner, wie gefelt dir das?; Groß Sehnen ich im Herzen trag; Ich tät mir auserwählen; Der gestreifft Dantz – Gassenhaur; Se hyn mein hercz; Ich spring an diesem ringe; Wir zogen in das Feld; Es solt ein man kein mole farn; Der wallt hat sich entlaubet; Ich sachs eins mals; Elselein; Der Vöglein Art; Katzenpfote; Alle furf; Canto dei lanzi allegri; Es wolt ein Jäger jagen; Alma redemptoris mater Jean MOUTON (before 1459-1522) / Jamais Heinrich FINCK (1444/5-1527) / Greiner, zanner Paul HOFHAIMER (1459-1537) / Greyner, zanner, eifrer Johann WALTER (1496-1570) / Aus tiefer Not Thomas STOLTZER (c. 1480-1526) Ich klag den Tag; Entlaubet ist der Walde Heinrich ISAAC (c. 1450-1517) / Innsbruc, ich muß dich lassen Erasmus LAPICIDA (c. 1440-1547) / Tanderlanken Jacob OBRECHT (c. 1457/8 – 1505) Rompeltier (Rumfeltiere, Rumfeldare); Missa Caput: Kyrie
Johannes OCKEGHEM (c. 1410-1497) Alma redemptoris mater; Venit ad Petrum Il Curioso: Melanie Bogisch – recorder, flute, crumhorn, bombarde, rauschpfeife; Johanna Klinger – recorder, flute, crumhorn, bombarde, percussion; Nadine Merzbacher – recorder, crumhorn, shawm, percussion; Bernhard Böhm – recorder, flute, crumhorn, rauschpfeife, shawm; Martin Hummel - baritone; Bernhard Böhm, Director Hedos Ensemble: Harmut Hein – baritone; Bernhard Böhm – recorder, transverse flutes, bagpipe, rauschpfeife; Jürgen Hübscher – renaissance lutes, vihuela, percussion (spoons); Michael Spengler – viola da gamba;
Recorded at Kloster Bronnbach, and Mainfränkisches Museum, Würzburg, 28-30 September 2002 DDD NAXOS 8558145 [74:54] [PG]

Innovative use of polyphony, creating beautiful sounds that must make angels cry. … see Full Review

Romantic Mandolin Moments Astor PIAZZOLLA (1921-1992) Histoire du Tango Niccolo PAGANINI (1782-1840) From Centone di Sonata: Sonate IV Valdo PREEMA (b.1969) Sincerely Enrico MARUCELLI (1877-1907) Capriiccio Zingaresco
Valtzer Fantastico Raimo KANGRO (1859-1911) Alla sincerone Carlo MUNIER (1859-1911) Concerto Op. 163 Aria Variata Lepo SUMERA (1950-2000) For BBB and his friend J.S. BACH (1685-1750) arr. Zoltan KODALY (1882-1967) Prelude in C minor - Kantilene J. REVAUX, C. FRANCOIS, G. THIBAUT My Way Detlef Tewes (mandolin) Boris-Bjorn Bagger (guitar) HÄNSSLER CD98.453 [73.44] [RB]

Lively mix. Superb Piazzolla suite. Freshly inventive in the case of the modern pieces but not without sentimentality ... see Full Review

Romantic Rarities for Oboe and Harp Gaetano DONIZETTI (1797–1848) Andante Sostenuto for Oboe and Harp Robert Nicholas Charles BOCHSA (1789–1856) Nocturne opus 50 no. 3 Henri BROD (1801–1838) Nocturne opus 20 no. 2 Antonio PASCULLI (1842–1924) Omaggio a Bellini for Cor Anglais and Harp Lajos Lencses (oboe and Cor Anglais) Rachel Talitman (harp) Rec. March 1983 DDD AUDITE 91.402 [33.23] [RH]

A charming record of rather slight musical material, admirers of the genre or this combination of instruments should not hesitate. … see Full Review

The Romantic Violin 2CD compliation BRILLIANT CLASSICS 92025 [CD1: 44'30, CD2: 70'09] [PSe]

A musical bran-tub that shoots at many targets, and manages to miss them all. … see Full Review

Artur RUBINSTEIN Ludwig van BEETHOVEN (1770-1827): Piano Concerto No.5 in E flat major, Op. 73 "Emperor"* [37’50] Johannes BRAHMS (1833-1897): Rhapsody in G minor, Op. 79 No. 2 [6’29"]; Intermezzo in B flat minor, Op. 117 No. 2 [4’31"]; Capriccio in B minor, Op. 76 No. 2 [3’33"] Franz SCHUBERT (1797-1828): Impromptu in G flat minor, D899, No 3 [5’27"]; Impromptu in A flat major, D899, No 4 [6’32"] Frédéric CHOPIN (1810-1849): Nocturne in F sharp major, Op. 15 No. 2 [3’50"]; Étude in C sharp minor, Op. 10 No. 4 [2’01"]; Polonaise in A flat major, Op. 53 [6’58"] Artur Rubinstein (piano) *Philharmonia Orchestra conducted by Eugene Ormandy Recorded in BBC Studios, Maida Vale, London, 29 November 1958 and *Royal Festival Hall, London, 14 June 1963 ADD BBC LEGENDS BBCL 4130-2 [78’16"] [JQ]

Shows clearly why Rubinstein was held in such high regard … give us a glimpse of the "Rubinstein magic" … see Full Review

Salon Orchestral favourites: Volume 3 Julius FUČÍK (1872-1916) Florentiner Marsch (1907) Benjamin GODARD (1849-1895) Berceuse from the opera Jocelyn (1888) Oscar STRAUSS (1870-1895) Liese, ganz leise klingt’s durch den Raum from A Waltz Dream (1907) Franz von SUPPÉ (1819-1895) Teufelsmarsch (Devil’s March) Richard HEUBERGER (1850-1914) In chamber séparée, Intermezzo from the operetta The Opera Ball (1898) Sir Edward ELGAR (1857-1934) Salut d’amour (1888) Chanson de nuit (1897) Chanson de matin (1899) Emmerich KÁLMÁN (1882-1953) Potpourri from Die Csárdásfürstin (1915) Anton DVOŘÁK (1841-1904) Humoresque (1894) Joseph STRAUSS (1827-1870) Die Libelle (The Dragon Fly) Polka Mazurka Karel KOMZÁK (1850-1905) Storm Gallop Fritz KREISLER (1875-1962) Liebeslied Liebesfreud Jules MASSENET (1842-1912) Méditation from the opera Thaïs (1892-3) Salonorchester Schwanen/George Huber recorded in the Clara-Wieck-Auditorium, Sandhausen, 15-17 November 2002 NAXOS 8.557048 [63:45] [IL]

An entrancing hour of salon favourites played in the unashamed old sentimental style with élan and enthusiasm. … see Full Review

Floating Senses: Sanctuary: "Refuge" Canterbury [5.30]; 2 Refuge [5.57]; Introduction to Antiphon [1.03]; Antiphon [3.21]; Adoro Te [3.41]; Lament [4.35]; Passio [8.41]; Vigil [6.28]; Blue in Green (Miles Davis) [3.16]; Surrender [5.00]; Introduction [0.47]; When I Fall in Love (Ed Heyman) [2.57] Sanctuary: Peter Togni, organ; Christoph Both, cello; Jeff Reilly, bass clarinet Recorded at St. Mary’s basilica, Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada, June 2003 Notes in Deutsch, English, Français, Castellano. Colour photos of Iona Abbey, Scotland HÄNSSLER CLASSIC CD 98.451 [51.12] [PSh]

Very dreamy, very steady mood music for a quiet, solemn day … see Full Review

Great Conductors of the 20th Century: Hermann Scherchen Ludwig van BEETHOVEN (1770 - 1827) Coriolan Overture, Op 62: (1807) [8.05] Vienna State Opera Orchestra (June 1954) Symphony #8 in F, Op 93 (1812) [23.20] Royal Philharmonic Orchestra (mono 30 Sept 1954) Igor STRAVINSKY (1882 - 1971) L’Oiseau de Feu (1910): Suite (1919) [19.50] Royal Philharmonic Orchestra (mono September 1954) Arnold SCHOENBERG (1874 - 1951) Suite in the Old Style (G Major) for Strings (1935) [17.43] Berlin Radio Symphony Orchestra (stereo 1 September 1959) William BYRD (1543 - 1623) "The Bells" arranged and orchestrated by Carl ORFF (1895 - 1982) as "Entrata" (1940) [8.35] Vienna State Opera Orchestra (stereo 17 November 1960) Emil Nikolaus von REZINCEK (1860 - 1945) Donna Diana: Overture (1894) [5.38] Vienna State Opera Orchestra (stereo June 1957) Franz Joseph HAYDN (1732 - 1809) Symphony in G, Hob 1:100 "Military" (1794) [23.06] Vienna State Opera Orchestra (stereo July 1958) Johannes BRAHMS (1833 - 1897) Symphony #1 in c, Op 68 (1876) [44.14] Vienna State Opera Orchestra (mono October 1952) Vienna Recordings made in the Mozart-Sall, Konzerthaus, Vienna, Austria. (1952-60) British recordings made in the Walthamstow Town Hall, London, UK (1954) German radio recording made in Lankwitz Studio, Berlin, September 1959. Hermann Scherchen conducting Recordings are monophonic except the Schoenberg, Byrd/Orff, Reznicek and Haydn. AAD EMI CLASSICS IMG ARTISTS 7243 5 75956 2 9 [78.26 + 73.23] [PSh]

Overdue recognition for a "Great Conductor"...and a generous and effective sampling of his art … see Full Review

A Songbook for Isabella: Music from the Circle of Isabella d’Este c. 1500 Antoine BUSNOIS (d.1492) Fortuna desperate a 4; Johannes OCKEGHEM (d.1497) Prenez sur moy a 4; Firminus CARON (c.1480) Helas que pera ad venire a 3; Alexander AGRICOLA (d.1506) Si dedero a 3, a 4; Josquin des PREZ (d.1525) In te Domine speravi a 4; Iannis PLICE (?) A la pesca a 4; Heinrich ISAAC (d.1517) La Mi a 4; Benedictus; Absque verbis a 3; Gratis acceptistis a 4; La Mora a3, a 4; Bartolemeo TROMBONCINO (c.1500) Or che son di pregion a 4; ANON. Or su corere a 4; Facia ognon in fin che po a 4; (Gagliarda) Peschatore; A la cazza a 4; Galliardo; Kyrie Eleison a 4; Columba senza fielle; Pavana regia; Ave Maris stella a 3; La mi sol la mi gia vol a 4; O triumphale diamante a 4; Tene alora a 4; Verbum caro factus est a 3; Ne la digna stella a 2; Recerchar di Benedictus; (Salterello) Zorzi, Giorgio; Forte cosa e la speranza a 5. Musica Antiqua of London/Philip Thorby Clare Wilkinson (mezzo-soprano)Recorded at the National Centre for Early Music, York, September 2002 SIGNUM SIGCD039 [75.26] [MC]

75 minutes of late-fifteenth century music … pleasurable and abundant discoveries await the adventurous listener … see Full Review

Songs of Heaven And Earth Ralph VAUGHAN WILLIAMS (1872 – 1958) Heart’s Music (1954) Valiant-for-truth (1940) Three Choral Hymns (1930)^a Brian BROCKLESS (1926 – 1995) Christ is now rysen agayne (1958) Now blessed be Thou, Christ Jesu (1959) Come Holy Spirite (1976, rev. 1985) There is a garden in her face (1953) Benjamin BRITTEN (1913 – 1976) Festival Te Deum Op.32 (1944)^a Five Flower Songs Op.47 (1950) Jonathan HARVEY (b.1939) Come, Holy Ghost (1984) I Love the Lord (1976) Howard SKEMPTON (b.1947) Two Poems of Edward Thomas (1996)^b The Choir of Queen’s College, Cambridge; Samuel Hayes (organ)^a; Matthew Steynor (director), James Weeks (director)^b Recorded: Queen’s College Chapel, Cambridge, June 2001 and June 2000 (Skempton) GUILD GMCD 7265 [67:50] [HC]

I enjoyed the present release enormously which may be safely recommended both for the unfamiliar works on offer and for the overall quality of the singing. … see Full Review

Sounds Inspirational. Organ Music for Pentecost Carl RÜTTI (b. 1949): Veni Creator Spiritus [5’43"] Franz TUNDER (1614-1667): Komm, heiliger Geist, Herr Gott [6’23"] Dietrich BUXTEHUDE (c.1637-1707): Komm, heiliger Geist, Herr Gott, BuxWV 199 [3’45"] Johann Sebastian BACH (1685-1750): Fantasia super Komm, Heiliger Geist, BWV 651 [6’08"] Olivier MESSIAEN (1908-1992): Messe de la Pentecôte: Communion [5’31"]; Sortie [3’33"] Nicholas de GRIGNY (1672-1703): Veni Creator Spiritus: En taille à 5 [2’34"]; Fugue à 5 [2’13"]; Duo [3’18"]; Récit de Cromorne [3’07"]; Dialogue sur les Grands Jeux [3’58"] Dietrich BUXTEHUDE: Nun bitten wir den Heiligen Geist, BuxWV 209 [2’34"]
Johann Sebastian BACH: Komm, Gott, Schöpfer, Heiliger Geist, BWV 667 [2’09"] Maurice DURUFLÉ (1902-1986): Prélude, Adagio et Choral Varié sur la thème du Veni Creator [19’54"] Greg Morris (organ) Recorded: Blackburn Cathedral 5, 6 and 20 November 2002 DDD LAMMAS LAMM 159D [70’47"] [JQ]

A most auspicious debut recital. The recorded sound is extremely good, capturing the organ clearly and realistically within a believable sound picture … see Full Review

Spanish Night II: Concertos for Panpipes, Guitars and Orchestra Gerald Garcia (b.1949) Lorca Concerto for 2 guitars and orchestra (2000) Gheorghe ZAMFIR (b.1941) Concierto de Barcelona for panpipes and guitar duo (2002) Joaquin RODRIGO (1901 - 1999) Fantasia para un Gentilhombre, Concerto for guitar and orchestra (1954) Horst-Hans BÄCKER (b.1959) Rhapsodia Mallorquina (2002) [15.18] Amadeus Guitar Duo: Dale Kavanagh and Thomas Kirchoff, guitars Gheorghe Zamfir, panpipes; Dale Kavanagh, solo guitar Statsphilharmonie Arad/Horst-Hans Bäcker Recorded at Kulturpalais, Arad, Romania, 25 June 2003 Notes in Deutsch and English. Photos of the artists. HÄNSSLER CLASSIC CD 98.441 [78.43] [PSh]

Exceptional Rodrigo and other Spanish flavoured music very well performed and recorded ... see Full Review

The Stuyvesant String Quartet with Benny Goodman, clarinet Gian Francesco MALIPIERO (1882-1973) String Quartet No. 1 Rispetti e Strambotti (1920) Claude DEBUSSY (1862-1918) String Quartet in G minor Op. 10 (1893) Maurice RAVEL (1875-1937) String Quartet in F major (1902-03) Alan SHULMAN (1915-2002) Rendezvous for Clarinet and String Quartet (1946) * Stuyvesant String Quartet - Sylvan Shulman and Bernard Robbins (violins), Ralph Hersh (viola) and Alan Shulman (cello) Benny Goodman, clarinet * Recorded 1950-51 except Rendezvous for Clarinet and String Quartet which derives from the WEAF broadcast of the première on 19 August 1946 BRIDGE 9137 [79.18] [JW]

A worthy salute to a fine quartet presented with care and concern. … see Full Review

Tango Argentino Astor PIAZZOLLA (1921-1992) The Last Woman; Libertango; Farewell Nonino; Midnight in Buenos Aires; Jacinto Chiclana; Triumphal; Carlos GARDEL (1887-1935) The Day You Love Me; Coming Back. Mariano MORES (b.1922) Military Tap; Julian PLAZA (1928-2003) Melancholic; Nostalgic; Eladia BLAZQUEZ (b.1927) Kite-flying Dream (1957); Carlos MOSCARDINI (b.1959) Milonga of Confusion; For the tilingos; Saul COSENTINO (b.1935) La Recoleta (1995); Pedro LAURENZ (1902-1972) Milonga of My Loves; Lito VITALE (b.1961) Milonga del 71; Anibal Carmelo TROILO (1914-1975) South (1948); Victor Villadangos (guitar) Recorded at St. John Chrysostom Church, Newmarket, Ontario, Canada, from 19-21 April 2001. DDD NAXOS 8.555721[64:57] [MC]

Exceedingly appealing music exceptionally well played. Naxos have a sure-fire winner here. … see Full Review

RECORDING OF THE MONTH Duo Mandala: Tapestry Bill CONNOR Krug: (2002) [8.14] Julian DAWES Three Pieces for Mandolin and Harp: (1994): Waltz [2.30]; Phantasy [3.18]; Toccata [1.54] David SUTTON-ANDERSON Mandalas: (1994-1995) [17.39] Paul MITCHELL-DAVIDSON Tapestry: (1994-1995): Dance of Limewood, Smile of Ash [6.44]; A Joy of Wild Asses [5.20]; Harvest of the Quiet Eye [7.56]; A Full Moon Rising Red [12.11] Alison Stephens (mandolin) Lauren Scott (harp) Recorded at Sennheiser Studio, Liverpool Institute of Performing Arts, 9-11 September 2002 BL

ACK BOX BBM 1088 [65.53] [CF]

A highly attractive disc … masters of their instruments, playing with imaginative flair and technical skill. … see Full Review

Bryn Terfel Sings Favourites Georges BIZET (1838-1875) Toreador Song: ‘Votre Toast, je peux vous le rendre’ from ‘Carmen’; Duet ‘Au fond du Temple Saint’ from ‘The Pearl Fishers’; Wil HOPCYN (1700-1741) Bugeilio’s Gwenith Gwyn; Howard GOODALL (b.1958) The Lord Is My Shepherd; Peggy LEE (1920-2002)/ Sonny BURKE (1914-1980) Bella Notte; Antonín DVOŘÁK (1841-1904) Goin’ Home (theme from ‘New World Symphony’); Henry Rowley BISHOP (1786-1855) Home Sweet Home; Franz SCHUBERT (1797-1828) Ave Maria; James HORNER (b.1953) Theme from ‘Titanic’; Robert LOWRY (1828-1899) At the River; Peter Ilyich TCHAIKOVSKY (1840-1893) None but the Lonely Heart; Alma Bazel ANDROZZO (b.1912) If I Could Help Somebody; Johannes BRAHMS (1833-1897) Wiegenlied; William Henry MONK (1823-1889) Abide With Me; Hoagy CARMICHAEL (1899-1981)/ Johnny MERCER (1909-1976) Lazybones; American traditional – Shenandoah; Swing Low, Sweet Chariot; Irish traditional – Danny Boy. Bryn Terfel (bass-baritone) Andrea Bocelli (tenor); Sissel (soprano) London Voices London Symphony Orchestra/Barry Wordsworth Recorded at Air Lyndhurst, Lyndhurst Hall, London, March 2003 and Phoenix Sound Studio One, Wembley, May 2003 (Pearl Fishers duet) DEUTSCHE GRAMMOPHON 474 438-2 [73’38] [TH]

One for Granny’s birthday present, I think. … see Full Review

Frederick Thurston (1901-1953) Zdeněk FIBICH (1850-1900) Impression Op. 41 No. 17,Impression Op. 44 No. 3, Quintet for clarinet, horn, violin, cello and piano in D Op. 42 (1894) Charles Villiers STANFORD (1852-1924) Concerto for Clarinet in A minor Op. 70 (1904) John IRELAND (1879-1962) Fantasy-Sonata (1943) Frederick Thurston (clarinet) with Lisa Fuchsova (piano) in the Fibich Impressions recorded February 1948 Dennis Brain (horn) Marie Wilson (violin) James Whitehead (cello) Lisa Fuchsova (piano) in the Fibich Quintet recorded (February 1948) BBC Scottish Orchestra/Stanford Robinson in the Stanford Concerto recorded September 1952 John Ireland (piano) in the Ireland Fantasy-Sonata recorded probably in 1948 SYMPOSIUM 1259 [75.42] [JW]

Charismatic and full of timbral variety and rhythmic wit … see Full Review

Arturo Toscanini – All American Charles Martin LOEFFLER (1861-1912) Memories of my Childhood (Life in a Russian Village) (1923) Paul CRESTON (1906-1985) Choric Dance No. 2 Op. 17 (1939) Morton GOULD (1913-1996) A Lincoln Legend (1941) George GERSHWIN (1898-1937) Rhapsody in Blue (1924, orch. Grofé 1926 rev. 1942) Piano Concerto in F (1925) Francisco MIGNONE (1897-1986) Festa das igrejas NBC Broadcast commentaries included Earl Wild (piano) and Benny Goodman (clarinet) in the Rhapsody in Blue Oscar Levant (piano) in the Concerto in F Recorded at an NBC concert on 1 November 1942 except the Mignone and the Gershwin Concerto in F which were recorded at an NBC concert on 2 April 1944 GUILD MGHCD 2256/7 [2 CDs: 107.08] [JW]

A fruitful and splendidly enjoyable double from Guild … see Full Review

Trumpet Concertos Johann Nepomuk HUMMEL (1778-1837) Trumpet Concerto in E major s49; Jan Kritiel NERUDA (1707-1780) Trumpet Concerto Bedrich Divis WEBER ( 1766-1842) Variations in F major Joseph HAYDN (1732-1809) Trumpet Concerto in E flat major Hob VII:1 Niklas Eklund (trumpet) Swedish Chamber Orchestra/Roy Goodman Rec. Orebro Concert Hall, Sweden, October 1999 NAXOS 8.554806 [57.15] [GH]

A commended recording of both standard and unusual repertoire. It is well worth investigating. … see Full Review

Miguel Villabella (1892-1954): Les premiers disques (Pathé saphir 1925-27) Ambroise THOMAS Mignon – Elle ne croyait pas Leo DELIBES (1836-1891) Lakmé – Ah! Viens Charles GOUNOD (1818-1893) Mireille – Anges du paradis Faust – Salut, demeure chaste et pure Sérénade – Quand tu chantes MAILLART Les dragons de Villars – Ne parle pas, Rose Giuseppe VERDI (1813-1901) Rigoletto – Comme la plume au vent Jules MASSENET (1842-1912) Werther – Invocation à la nature Manon – La Rêve Manon – Ah! Fuyez douce images Grisélidis – Ouvrez-vous sur mon front Panurge – Chanson de la Touraine Le Jongleur de Notre-Dame – Oh! Liberté Sapho – Qu’il est loin, mon pays André Charles Prosper MESSAGER (1853-1929) Fortunio – J’amais la veille maison grise Jacques OFFENBACH (1819-1880) Les contes d’Hoffmann – Ah! Vivre deux Les contes d’Hoffmann – Oh! Dieu, de quelle ivresse Edouard LALO (1823-1892) Le Roi d’Ys – Aubade PALADILHE Suzanne – Comme un petit oiseaux Gioachino ROSSINI (1792-1868) Le Barbier de Seville – Duo Act 1 D’un metal si précieux with A. Baugé Le Barbier de Seville - Sérénade Osman Perez FRIERE Ay Ay Ay Cancion Andalouza Ruggiero LEONCAVALLO (1858-1919) Serenade française Miguel Villabella (tenor) Unidentified accompaniments Recorded 1925-27 MALIBRAN MR 537 [78.16] [JW]

This lyrically elevated and tonally admirable exponent of a vanished performing style. … see Full Review

Georgi VINOGRADOV (tenor) sings Arias, Duets and Songs GUILD - THE RUSSIAN LEGACY SERIES - GMCD 2250-53 [4CDs:77.08+74.11+64.18+73.33]

Vinogradov’s voice exhibits soft singing from a honeyed chest register, evenly through into an ethereal head tone. … see Full Review

Waldbuhne in Berlin 1998 Latin American Night Maurice RAVEL (1875 – 1937) Bolero (1928) Georges BIZET (1756 – 1791) Carmen Suite No. 1 (1875) Alberto GINASTERA (1916 – 1983) Malambo from Estancia Op. 8. (1940) Ernesto LECUONA (1896 – 1963) La Comparsa Malaguena Horatio SALGAN (20^th Century) A Don Agustin Bardi (1950) Astor PIAZOLLA (1921 – 1992) Adios Nonino Decarissimo Carlos GARDEL (1887 – 1935) El dia que me quieras Gerardo Matos Rodriguez (20^th Century) La Cumparsita Mariano MORES (20^th Century) El Firulette Paul LINCKE Berliner Lufte Berlin Philharmonic Orchestra/Daniel Barenboim Directed by Bob Coles recorded 21^st June 1998 at the Waldebuhne, Berlin (DVD) TDK DV-WBLAT [91 minutes] [JPh]

A constant joy … conductor and audience seem to be thoroughly enjoying themselves … see Full Review

Warsaw Philharmonic Archive – Craft and Stravinsky Igor STRAVINSKY (1882-1971) Variations (1964) Symphony of Psalms (1930) Firebird – Berceuse and Finale only (1910) Warsaw Philharmonic Choir Warsaw Philharmonic Orchestra Robert Craft (Variations) Igor Stravinsky – remainder Recorded in concert at the Warsaw Philharmonic, 28 May 1965 CD ACCORD 116-2 [37.23] [JW]

Increasingly convincing and cumulatively moving. … a welcome expansion of Stravinsky’s concert discography. … see Full Review

Warsaw Philharmonic Archive- Zecchi and Kletzki Franz SCHUBERT (1797-1828) Symphony No. 8 in C major D944 Great (1825-1828) Wolfgang Amadeus MOZART (1756-1791) Symphony No. 39 in E flat major K543 (1788) Warsaw Philharmonic Orchestra Carlo Zecchi (Schubert, recorded in concert, March 1955) Paul Kletzki (Mozart, recorded in concert, May 1962) CD ACCORD ACD 114-2 [74.11] [JW]

Followers of Zecchi and Kletzki will want to investigate these well-disinterred performances. … see Full Review

Music in the Weimar Republic – Berlin 1929 Felix MENDELSSOHN (1809-1847) The Hebrides Overture Berlin Philharmonic Orchestra/Bruno Walter, recorded c.1923 Anton BRUCKNER (1824-1896) Symphony No. 8 in C minor – Adagio Orchestra of the Staatsoper Berlin/Otto Klemperer, recorded 1924 Johann Sebastian BACH (1685-1750) Prelude and Fugue in E flat major BWV 552 – orch. Schoenberg Berlin Philharmonic Orchestra/Erich Kleiber, recorded 1930 Richard WAGNER (1813-1883) Lohengrin – Prelude to Act I Lucerne Festival Orchestra/Wilhelm Furtwängler, recorded 1947 Giuseppe VERDI (1813-1901) La Traviata - Preludes to Acts I and II Orchestra of La Scala Milan/Arturo Toscanini, recorded 1951 SYMPOSIUM 1340 [68.30] [JW]

Irresistible … powerful nobility … see Full Review

Welte-Mignon Piano Rolls - Volume 1 Content - see review Recorded on Welte-Mignon piano rolls between 1905 and 1927 NAXOS 8.110677 [68.02] [JW]

Mechanical intervention causes insurmountable problems but we should listen to them for any light they may shine on the pianists concerned. … see Full Review

Welte-Mignon Piano Rolls Volume 2 Content see review Recorded on Welte-Mignon Piano Rolls recorded between 1905 and c 1915 NAXOS 8.110678 [69.42] [JW]

For those performers who never recorded these are still valuable tools. For others these are adjuncts to their recorded discography. … see Full Review

 

 

BOOK REVIEWS

All the Stops: The Glorious Pipe Organ and Its American Masters by Craig R. Whitney: Public Affairs Books, a member of the Perseus Books Group 323 pages 9.72 x 6.30 inches. Glossary of organ terminology. About a dozen b/w portraits of the subjects in the text. ISBN 1-58648-173-8 2003

A fascinating look at organ building in North America during the twentieth century by means of biographical essays on the interesting, at times colourful, even heroic, individuals most directly involved … see Full Review

BARBIROLLI : CONDUCTOR LAUREATE - the authorised biography by Michael Kennedy published by the Barbirolli Society ISBN 1-85580-029-2 paperback 412pp. £25.99

A fascinating, absorbing read … Michael Kennedy has improved upon what was already a fine book worthy of the love, admiration and respect he clearly has for his old friend. … see Full Review

Berton Coffin – Coffin’s Sound of Singing – Principles and Applications of Vocal Techniques with Chromatic Vowel Chart First Published 1976 First Paperback Edition 2002 Scarecrow Press, Inc 4720 Boston Way, Lanham, Maryland 20706 4 Pleydell Gardens, Folkstone, Kent CT20 2DN ISBM 0-8108-4418-4 308 pages £26.65

A rather technical vocal production manual rather than an actual singing method. … see Full Review

Sharony Andrews Green Grant Green - rediscovering the forgotten genius of jazz guitar Backbeat Books, San Francisco 274pp illus paperback 087930698X $16.95 [JW]

An act of homage to the father-in-law she never knew … seems to represent a kind of quest for the author. … see Full Review

Music and Society in Lowland Scotland in the 18^th Century By Dr David Johnson Mercat Press 2003 (1972 OUP) 223 pp 10 Coates Crescent Edinburgh EH3 7AL ISBN 184183 0496

Well argued and eminently readable … see Full Review

David Milsom Theory and Practice in Late Nineteenth Century Violin Performance; an examination of style in performance 1850-1900 Ashgate 2003, vi, 287pp, 82 mus exx, 18 graphs and CD [25 tracks] ISBN 0 7546 0756 9 £40

A scholar-performer’s eye and ear applied to matters of treatise and application of precept. An informed awareness not dependent on gestural portamenti but also embracing complex issues of rhythm, vibrato and phrasing … see Full Review

Orchestra, The LSO:A Century of Triumph and Turbulence by Richard Morrison, 306pp, Faber & Faber (2004), £20 (MB)

The Yale Musical Instrument Series: The Flute by Ardal Powell Yale University Press London; and New Haven, CT, USA May 2002 352 pages 20 colour plates 45 b&w illustrations ISBN 0-300-09498-1 (paper) £19.95 US$20.00 9.80 x 6.76 inches ISBN 0-300-09341-1 (hard cover) £35.00 US$35.00 9.96 x 7.04 inches

An indispensable reference and a surprisingly good time to boot … see Full Review

 

Maddalena Lombardini SIRMEN, Eighteenth-Century Composer, Violinist and Businesswoman by Elsie Arnold and Jane Baldauf-Berdes The Scarecrow Press, Inc, 2002 [RH]

This is a charming book which helps illuminate an all but forgotten corner of musical life. … 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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