RECORDINGS OF THE MONTH

 

RECORDING OF THE MONTH Johann Sebastian BACH (1685 - 1750) Sonatas and Partitas for solo violin, BWV 1001-1006 (1720) [150.00] Julia Fischer, Guadagnini violin, 1750. Recorded, Polyhymnia, Doopsgezinde Singelkerk, Amsterdam, Netherlands, December 2004. DSD Notes in Deutsch, English, Français. Photos of artists. Packaged with PTC 5186 075, Region 0 NTSC 4:3 DVD Including: Julia Fischer, Artist interview and Session Impression [11.50] PENTATONE SACD 5186 072 (PTC 5186 073 + 074) [73.08 + 76.52] [PSh]

One of the finest, maybe the finest, set of these works, with just the merest hint of impatience in a couple of places; excellently recorded. ... see Full Review

RECORDING OF THE MONTH Gerald FINZI (1901-1956) Oh Fair to see: I say "I’ll seek her side"; Oh fair to see; As I lay in the early sun; Only the Wanderer; To Joy; Harvest; Since we have loved. Til Earth Outwears : Let me enjoy the earth; In years defaced; The market-girl; I look into my glass; It never looks like summer here; At a lunar eclipse; Life laughs onwards. A Young Man’s Exhortation: A Young man’s exhortation; Ditty; Budmouth dears; Her temple; The comet at Yell’ham; Shortening Days; The sigh; Former Beauties; Transformations; The dance continued. James Gilchrist (tenor); Anna Tilbrook (piano) rec. Christ’s Hospital School, Horsham, March 2004 HDCD LINN RECORDS CKD 253 [63'15"] [AO]

A breathtakingly good recording, performance wise and sound wise – without doubt the top recommendation for Finzi tenor songs. ... see Full Review

RECORDING OF THE MONTH William HURLSTONE (1876-1906) Piano Quartet in E minor op. 43 (1904) [24:31] Roger QUILTER (1877-1953) Gipsy Life (1935) [5:24] Thomas DUNHILL (1877-1946) Piano Quartet in B minor op. 16 (1903) [31:58] Arnold BAX (1883-1953) Piano Quartet in One Movement (1922) [11:26] The Primrose Piano Quartet: Susanne Stanzeleit (violin); Susie Mézáros (viola); Bernard Gregor-Smith (cello); John Thwaites (piano) rec. 5-7 September 2003. DDD MERIDIAN CDE 84519 [73:15] [RB]

A classic and generous collection of rare English chamber music. ... see Full Review

 

RECORDING OF THE MONTH Kenneth LEIGHTON (1929-1988) Complete solo piano works CD 1: Five Studies Op.22 (1952) [13:09] Sonatina No 1 Op.1a (1946) [7:34] Variations Op.30 (1955) [16:19] Sonata No 1 Op.2 (1948) [18:55] Six Studies (Study-Variations) Op.56 (1969) [18:38] CD 2: Sonata No 2 Op.17 (1953) [19:48] Conflicts (Fantasy on Two Themes) Op.51 (1967) [19:46] Four Romantic Pieces Op.95 (1986) [22:42] Fantasia Contrappuntistica (Homage to Bach) Op.24 (1956) [14:46] CD 3: Sonatina No 2 Op.1b (1947) [7:16] Nine Variations Op.36 (1959) [13:01] Sonata Op.64 (1972) [20:57] Household Pets Op.86 (1981) [12:07] Jack-in-the-Box (1959) [0:44] Study (1965) [0:59] Lazy-bones (1965) [1:40] Pieces for Angela Op.47 (1966) [10:04] Five Preludes (1988) [10:53] Angela Brownridge (piano) rec. Reid Concert Hall, University of Edinburgh, 16-18 March, 6-7 April, 2-4 July 2004. DDD DELPHIAN DCD34301-3 [74:56+74:20+77:59] [PCW]{RB]

Anyone interested in the composer will need to have this set …[PCW]
Leightonites must have this and those who have any interest in the piano music of the 20th century will be generously rewarded when they buy this set. ... see Full Review [RB]

DISCOVERY OF THE MONTH Gösta Nystroem (1890-1966) Prelude to The Tempest (1934) [12:31] Songs by the Sea (1942-43) [17:54] Symphony No.3 Sinfonia del Mare (1947-48) [40:38] Charlotte Hellekant, mezzo Women’s Choir from the Swedish Radio Choir (Prelude) Swedish Radio Symphony Orchestra/Evgeny Svetlanov rec. Berwaldhallen, Stockholm, 4-5 Dec 1997 (Symphony); 10 Jan 2000 (Tempest); 13-14 Jan 2000 (Songs) MUSICA SVECIAE PSCD 709 [71:20] [JF]

A fantastic CD by a composer who is little known outside Sweden. Sea music portrayed in a great fusion of romanticism and modernism. ... see Full Review

RECORDING OF THE MONTH Francis POULENC (1899-1963) Piano Music: Les Soirées de Nazelles (1930-1936) [22:06] Napoli: Suite (1922-1925) [10:45] Mélancolie (1940) [6:09] Trois Novelettes (1927; 1959) [7:08] 15 Improvisations (1932-1959) [26:53] Charles Owen (piano) Rec. Walthen Hall, St Paul’s School, London SW13, 6-7 September 2003 SOMM CD 035 [73:24] [IL]

Delicacy and brilliant insouciance. An album to cherish and one that will undoubtedly figure highly in my recital discs of 2005. ... see Full Review

RECORDING OF THE MONTH Hilding ROSENBERG (1892 – 1985) Lycksalighetens ö (The Isle of Bliss) (1945) - opera in four acts. Patrik Forsman (tenor) – Astolf; Agneta Eichenholz (soprano) – Felicia; Lisa Gustafsson (soprano) – Zephyr; Susanna Levonen (contralto) – Anemotis, Nyx; Peter Kadiev (baritone) - Time; Håkan Starkenberg (tenor) – Young Florio, East Wind, Mopsus; Lars Martinsson (bass) – Hunter, North Wind, Old Florio; Dietmar Keitz (bass) – Hunter, North Wind, Priest; Anna Bergendahl Sjöberg (mezzo-soprano) – Peribanou; Anna Axelson (soprano) – Nightingale, Ervina; Helena Martinsson (contralto) – Laura; Symphony Orchestra of the Norrlands Opera, Children’s Chorus and Chorus of the Norrlands Opera, Chorus Master: Kjell Oscarsson/Kristjan Järvi Recorded live at the Norrlands Opera, Umeå, March 2^nd, 8^th, 9^th and 12^th, 2002 PHONO SUECIA PSCD 722 (1-2) [62:44 + 56:21] [GF]

Highly approachable music ... any lover of late-romantic opera will feel at home. I recommend this with the highest possible enthusiasm. ... see Full Review

RECORDING OF THE MONTH Camille SAINT-SAËNS (1835–1921) Chamber Music CD 1 Septet in E flat major for piano, trumpet, two violins, viola, cello and double bass, Op 65 (1880) [16'34] Tarantelle in A minor for flute, clarinet and piano, Op 6 (1857) [6'22] Bassoon Sonata in G major, Op 168 (1921) [12'04] Piano Quartet in B flat major, Op 41 (1875) [29'51] CD 2 Piano Quintet in A minor, Op 14 (1855) [30'32] Oboe Sonata in D major, Op 166 (1921) [11'05] Clarinet Sonata in E flat major, Op 167 (1921) [15'57] Caprice sur des airs danois et russes for piano, flute, oboe and clarinet, Op 79 (1887) [10'51] The Nash Ensemble Septet: Ian Brown (piano); Mark David (trumpet) Marianne Thorsen (violin); David Adams (violin); Lawrence Power (viola); Paul Watkins (cello); Duncan McTier (double bass) Tarantelle: Philippa Davies (flute); Richard Hosford (clarinet); Ian Brown (piano) Bassoon Sonata: Ursula Leveaux (bassoon); Ian Brown (piano); Piano Quartet: Ian Brown (piano); Marianne Thorsen (violin); Lawrence Power (viola); Paul Watkins (cello) Piano Quintet: Ian Brown (piano); Marianne Thorsen (violin); Benjamin Nabarro (violin); Lawrence Power (viola); Paul Watkins (cello); Benjamin Nabarro (violin); Oboe Sonata: Gareth Hulse (oboe); Ian Brown (piano) Clarinet Sonata: Richard Hosford (clarinet); Ian Brown (piano); Caprice: Ian Brown (piano); Philippa Davies (flute); Richard Hosford (clarinet); Ian Brown (piano); Gareth Hulse (oboe) Recorded in Henry Wood Hall, London, on 15–17 and 28–30 July 2004 HYPERION CDA67431-2 [65'04 + 68'40][MC]

A wonderfully presented release that is highly recommended. One of my records of the year. ... see Full Review

RECORDING OF THE MONTH Esa-Pekka SALONEN (b. 1958) Foreign Bodies (2001) (Part 1: Body Language [9:52]; Part 2: Language [6:03]; Part 3: Dance [3:39]) Wing on Wing (2004) [25:56] Insomnia (2002) [21:14] Anu Komsi; Piia Komsi (sopranos) Finnish Radio Symphony Orchestra/Esa-Pekka Salonen Recorded Kulttuuritalo, Helsinki, Finland, September 2004. DDD DEUTSCHE GRAMMOPHON 00289 477 5375 [66:54] [CT]

Three impressive major works by composer/conductor Salonen in magnificent performances. A triumph all round and highly recommended.... see Full Review

RECORDING OF THE MONTH Dmitri SHOSTAKOVICH (1906-1975) String Quartets 1-15 Taneyev Quartet Recorded in the Glinka Hall, Leningrad, 1968-78 AULOS AMC2 0551/6 [6 CDs: 50.29 + 54.06 + 70.09 + 68.57 + 56.16 + 62.27] [JW]

One of the greatest of all cycles of these quartets ... in many ways its claims on the collector go beyond even that recommendation. Aulos has surpassed itself ... the highest recommendation ... see Full Review

BARGAIN OF THE MONTH

BARGAIN OF THE MONTH Samuel BARBER (1910-1981) Violin Concerto, op.14 (1940) [23:35] Cello Concerto, op.22 (1945) [26:09] Piano Concerto, op.38 (1962) [29:00] Kyoko Takezawa (violin), Steven Isserlis (cello), John Browning (piano), Saint Louis Symphony Orchestra/Leonard Slatkin Recorded April 24^th and December 2^nd 1994 (violin and cello concertos), and October 6^th-7^th 1990 (piano concerto), Powell Symphony Hall, St. Louis BMG-RCA CLASSIC LIBRARY 82876-65832-2 [79:19] [GPJ]

Seventy-nine minutes’ worth of pure musical pleasure – at this price, what more could you want? ... see Full Review

BARGAIN OF THE MONTH Ludwig van BEETHOVEN (1770-1827) Symphony No 2 in D major, Op. 36 (1801-2) [32’16"] Johannes BRAHMS (1833-1897) Symphony No 2 in D major, Op. 73 (1877) [39’46"] Royal Concertgebouw Orchestra/Mariss Jansons rec. live, Concertgebouw, Amsterdam, 27-28 October 2004. DSD RCO LIVE RCD 05002 [71’50"] [JQ]

One of the finest orchestral CDs to have come my way for a very long time. ... see Full Review

BARGAIN OF THE MONTH Aaron COPLAND (1900-1990) Billy the Kid (1938) [21:08] Appalachian Spring (1944) [35:52] Rodeo (1942) [19:15] San Francisco Symphony Orchestra/Michael Tilson Thomas Recorded in Davies Symphony Hall, San Francisco, 19-23 May 1999 BMG CLASSICS (RCA RED SEAL) 82876 65840 2 [76:29] [PL]

This is a superb disc, and - frankly - I can't think of a single (even trivial) disappointment or imperfection with which to detain you. Time to go out and buy! ... see Full Review

BARGAIN OF THE MONTH Fryderyck CHOPIN (1810-1849) Scherzos, opp.20 [10:32], 31 [09:49], 39 [07:32], E [11:38], Preludes, op. 28: nos. 4-10, 13, 19, 11, 2, 23, 21 [20:46] Sviatoslav Richter (piano) Scherzi recorded 1977 by Ariola-Eurodisc for Mezhdunarodnaya KNIGA, Preludes recorded live at Kanagwa Kenmin Hall, Japan, 20^th March 1979 REGIS RRC 1199 [60:17] [CH]

Simply stunning. ... see Full Review

BARGAIN OF THE MONTH Edward ELGAR (1857-1934) Introduction and Allegro for string quartet and string orchestra Op. 47 (1904-5) [15:24] Enigma Variations Op. 36 (1896-99) [32:08] Benjamin BRITTEN (1913-1976) Our Hunting Fathers op. 8 (1936) [27:28] Heather Harper (soprano) Quartet: David Nolan (violin); Dermot Crehan (violin); Rusen Gunes (viola); Mark Jackson (cello). London Philharmonic Orchestra/Bernard Haitink rec. Royal Festival Hall, London, 27 Nov 1984 (Intro and Allegro), Royal Albert Hall, London, 14 Aug 1979 (Britten); 28 Aug 1986 (Enigma) LONDON PHILHARMONIC ORCHESTRA LPO-0002 [75:18] [RB]

Life enhancing music-making. Essential supplementary listening for devotees of Elgar and Britten. Harper and Haitink add nitro-glycerine to Britten's early masterpiece. ... see Full Review

 

BARGAIN OF THE MONTH Eugene GOOSSENS (1893-1962)
Orchestral Works CD1 [79.55] Symphony No. 1 (1940) [42.02] Oboe Concerto (1927) [12.22] Tam O’Shanter (1919) [3.10] Concert Piece for two harps, oboe (doubling cor anglais) and orchestra (1958) [22.00] West Australian Symphony Orchestra/Vernon Handley CD2 [61.57] Symphony No 2 (1944) Concertino (1927) Fantasy for Nine Winds (1924) Sydney Symphony Orchestra/Vernon Handley. CD 3 [76.12] Divertissement (1959-60) 18.37 Variations on a Chinese Theme (1911-12) [27.18] The Eternal Rhythm (1913) [20.24] Kaleidoscope (1917, 1933) [9.50] Melbourne Symphony Orchestra/Vernon Handley rec. March; Nov 1996 Perth Concert Hall (CD1); Concert Hall, Sydney Opera House 19-20 Nov 1993, 30 Nov 1993 (Symphony 2, Concertino); Eugene Goossens Hall, ABC Ultimo Center, Sydney, 30 Nov 1993 (Fantasy); Oct 1995 Melbourne Concert Hall (CD3). DDD ABC CLASSICS 476 7632 [3 CDs: 79.55 + 61.57 + 76.12] [RB]

This set is most warmly recommended. If you enjoy Bax, Bridge, Szymanowski, Scriabin, Schmitt and the French voluptuaries this is for you. Glorious! ... see Full Review

BARGAIN OF THE MONTH Engelbert HUMPERDINCK (1854-1921) Hänsel und Gretel [106’40"] Hänsel: Elisabeth Grümmer (soprano) Gretel: Elisabeth Schwarzkopf (soprano) Peter: Josef Metternich (baritone) Getrud: Maria von Ilosvay (soprano) The Witch: Else Schürhoff (contralto) The Sandman: Amy Felbermayer (soprano) The Dew Fairy: Amy Felbermayer (soprano) Loughton High School for Girls Choir; Bancroft’s School Choir Philharmonia Orchestra/Herbert von Karajan Recorded 27, 29, 30 June, 1, 2 July, 1953, Kingsway Hall, London Appendix: Highlights from Hänsel und Gretel. Historical Recordings 1928-1937 All ADD NAXOS 8.110897-98 [62’45" + 64’36"] [JQ]

This is an unmissable bargain, which I cannot recommend highly enough. ... see Full Review

BARGAIN OF THE MONTH Darius MILHAUD (1892-1974) CD 1 Six Little Symphonies, L'homme et son désir, Piano Concerto No. 2, Suite cisalpine sur des airs populaires piemontais, CD 2 Le boeuf sur le toit, Concerto for percussion and small orchestra, Concerto No. 1 for viola and orchestra, La muse ménagère, Le carnaval d'Aix. Luxembourg Radio Symphony Orchestra/Darius Milhaud , Luxembourg Radio Symphony Orchestra/Bernard Kontarsky /Louis de Froment rec. 1967-68, 1972. ADD. stereo. VOXBOX CDX 5109 [75:25 + 74:59] [RB]

One of classical music’s bargains of all time ... at less than bargain price two and a half hours of engaging music: gritty, jazzy, pastoral, urbane, winsome and witty.... see Full Review

BARGAIN OF THE MONTH Thomas TALLIS (c.1505-1585) Spem in alium [12:14] Salve intemerata [23:10] Missa salve intemerata [28:11] With all our heart [3:15] Discomfort them, O Lord [6:38] I call and cry to thee, O Lord [4:11] Oxford Camerata/Jeremy Summerly Recorded at All Hallows, Gospel Oak, London from 21-23 January 2005. NAXOS 8.557770 [77:19] [KS]

A complete winner. Buy it soon; it is a spiritual experience. ... see Full Review

BARGAIN OF THE MONTH Takács Quartet - A Celebration CD 1 Joseph HAYDN (1732-1809) String Quartet in C major, Op. 76 No. 3 Emperor (1796-1797) Recorded at the Schubertsaal, Konzerthaus, Vienna, Austria in August 1987^a Wolfgang Amadeus MOZART (1756-1791) Serenade for strings (No. 13) in G major, KV 525 Eine kleine Nachtmusik (1787) Recorded at the Reitstadel, Neumarkt, Germany in November 1997^be Ludwig van BEETHOVEN (1770-1827) String Quartet in A major, Op. 18 No. 5 (1798-1800) Recorded at St. Georges Church, Bristol, England in November 2002^b CD 2 Antonín DVOŘÁK (1841-1904) String Quartet in F major, Op. 96 American (1893) Recorded at the Henry Wood Hall, London, England in August 1989^a Bedřich SMETANA (1824-1884) String Quartet No. 1 in E minor From my life (1876) Recorded at the Evangelische Kirche, Honrath, Germany in Nov. to Dec. 1995^b Alexander BORODIN (1833-1887) String Quartet No. 2 in D major (1881) Recorded at the Evangelische Kirche, Honrath, Germany in Nov. to Dec. 1995^b CD 3 Antonín DVOŘÁK (1841-1904) Five Bagatelles, for 2 violins, cello and harmonium, Op. 47 (1878) Recorded at the Henry Wood Hall, London, England in August 1989^af Piano Quintet in A major, Op. 81 (1887) Recorded at the Potton Hall, Dunwich, Suffolk, England in November 1998^bc Hugo WOLF (1860 - 1903) Italian Serenade, for String Quartet in G major (1887) Recorded at the Reitstadel, Neumarkt, Germany in November 1997^b CD 4 Franz Peter SCHUBERT (1797-1828) String Quintet in C major, Op. 163, D.956 (1828) Recorded at the Church Studios, Crouch End, London, England in December 1991^ad Bela BARTÓK (1881-1945) String Quartet No. 4, Sz 91 (1928) Recorded at the Reitstadel, Neumarkt, Germany in August to September 1996^b Takács Quartet (original line-up)^a Gabor Takács-Nagy (violin); Károly Schranz (violin); Gabor Ormai (viola); András Fejér (cello) Takács Quartet (present line-up)^b Edward Dusinberre (violin); Károly Schranz (violin) Roger Tapping (viola); András Fejér (cello) Additional players: Andreas Haefliger (piano)^c; Miklós Perényi (cello)^d; Joseph Carver (double bass)^e; Gabor Ormai (harmonium)^f DECCA 476 2802 [4CDs: 72:00 + 78:30 + 62:29 + 78:13] [MC]

Not a run-of-the-mill compilation. Musical content matched by superb interpretations. A top class release worthy of considerable praise. Would enhance any collection. ... see Full Review

 

 

 

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