BARGAIN
OF THE MONTH John CASKEN
(b.1949)
Golem (1989) - opera in 2 parts: Prelude an Legend (libretto
by the composer and Pierre Audi) 
Maharal – Adrian Clarke (baritone) Golem – John Hall (bass-baritone)
Miriam – Patricia Rozario (soprano) Ometh – Christopher
Robson (counter-tenor) Stoikus – Paul Wilson (tenor) Jadek
– Richard Morris (baritone) Stump – Paul Harrhy (tenor) Gerty
– Mary Thomas (mezzo) Music Projects London/Richard Bernas Recorded
at Golders Green Hippodrome, London, July 1989
NMC ANCORA D113 [50’36 + 48’39][TH]
Music
that is richly lyrical, in a craggy, post-2nd
Viennese way ... deserves success, and no-one
interested in British opera should miss it.
... see Full
Review
Niccolò
CASTIGLIONI
(1932-1996) Music
for Piano: Cangianti (1959) [10:56] Tre Pezzi (1978)
[18:16] Come io passo l’estate (1983) [9:31] Dulce Refrigerium
(Sechs Geistliche Lieder) (1984) [9:28] Sonatina (1984) [7:21]
HE (1990) [4:04]
Sarah Nicolls (piano) rec. 13 June, 25 July 2004, Vestry Hall, London.
DDD. METIER MSV CD92089
[59:50][ED]
Music
that is a touch hard going ... I preferred to take individual works
in isolation. However many will find this richly rewarding ... see
Full Review
Francesco
CAVALLI (1602-1676)
Arias and Duets Didone
(1641): excerpts from Acts I, II and III [18:14] Egisto (1643):
excerpts from Acts II and III [16:38] Ormindo (1644): excerpts
from Acts I and III [07:15] Giasone (1649): excerpts from Acts
I, II and III [20:36] Calisto (1651): excerpts from Acts I, II
and III [13:46]
Rosita Frisani, soprano; Gloria Banditelli, mezzo; Gianluca Belfiori
Doro, alto; Mario Cecchetti, tenor; Roberto Abbondanza, baritone Meditarraneo
Concento/Sergio Vartolo Recorded in November 2003 at Chiesa Vecchia
di San Zeno, Cavalo, Verona, Italy DDD
NAXOS 8.557746 [76:34] [JV]
Despite
the shortcomings in interpretation this disc
demonstrates that Cavalli's music for the
theatre is well worth exploring ...see Full
Review
Frédéric
CHOPIN
(1810-1849) Polonaise
No.11 in G minor [2’01] Polonaise No.12
in B flat major [2’51] Polonaise No.13
in A flat major [3’52] Polonaise No.14
in G sharp minor [3’34] Polonaise No.
15 in B flat minor [4’56] Polonaise
No.16 in G flat major [6’56] Polonaise-Fantasy
in A flat major Op.61 [14’19] Bolero
in A minor, Op.19 [7’35] Berceuse in
D flat major, Op.57 [4’18] Tarantella
in A flat major, Op.43 [2’56] Allegro
de concert in A major, Op.46 [11’32]
Nikolai Demidenko (piano) Recorded at St.
George’s, Brandon Hill, Bristol, 21-22 Feb
1992
HYPERION HELIOS CDH55183 [65’51] [TH]
A
bit of a mixed bag perhaps to be sampled first
... see Full
Review
James
COOK
(b. 1963) The Way to Heaven When
death cuts asunder (1996-7) [1’26"] That which we call death is
not death (2000) [3’28"] The lap of eternity (2000-1) [1’48"]
O lovely heaven! (2001) [2’38"] All loves excelling (2001)[4’33"]
He was most lovely (2001) [4’00"] Christ’s matchless love (2001)
[2’45"] In the primrose of my days (2001) [4’00"] I give to
thee eternal life (2001)[3’46"] Christ’s blood is heaven’s key
(2002) [7’22"] Run sweet babe (2003) [1’57"] If this be dying
(2003) [1’16"] Death is my best friend (2003) [1’45"] We shall
meet in comfort at our journey’s end (2003) [4’20"] The way to
heaven (2003)[6’31"] Beyond the movable heavens (2003) [4’53"]
Heavenly death (2004) [3’31"]
Voces Oxonienses/Rufus Frowde Iestyn Evans (organ) Recorded at St. Jude-on-the-Hill,
Hampstead Garden Suburb, London, 27 August 2003 and 26 February 2004
DDD THE DIVINE ART 25027
[60’05"] [JQ]
Much
to admire and enjoy in this collection of
pieces and in the exemplary performances that
they receive ... see Full
Review
John
CORIGLIANO (b.
1938) Clarinet
Concerto (1977)a [28:51] ZHOU
Long (b. 1953) The Immortal
(2004)b [12:51] Kaija
SAARIAHO (b. 1952) Orion (2002)c
[23:07]
Michael Collins (clarinet)a BBC
Symphony Orchestra/Leonard Slatkinab,
Jukka-Pekka Sarastec Rec. (live)
Royal Albert Hall, July 2004 (Zhou Long);
Sept 2004 (Corigliano, Saariaho)
WARNER CLASSICS 2564 61952-2 [64:51] [HC]
Excellent
performances making up an attractive and varied
programme of accessible music that fully repays
repeat hearings. ... see Full
Review
Peeter CORNET
(c.1560-1633) Keyboard Music Toccata
Noni toni (1) [3.24] Fantasia Primi toni (2)
[10.27] Courante (13) [1.37] Courante (12)
[6.30] Fantasia Octavi toni (5) [3.43] Fantasia
Octavi toni (6) [2.24] Fantasia Secundi toni
(3) [10.03] Fantasia Octavi toni (7) [6.14]
Tantum Ergo (11) [3.00] Salve Regina (10)
[12.06]* Fantasia Noni toni (8) [10.33] Fantasia
Quinti toni sopra Ut Re Mi Fa Sol La (fragment)
(4) [4.17]
James Johnstone (harpsichord and organ)
The Cardinall’s Musick/Andrew Carwood* Recorded
in St Martin’s Church, East Woodhay, February
2002 (tracks 1-5), Sint Martinuskerk, Cuijk,
September 2002 (tracks 6-12) and the Fitzalan
Chapel, Arundel Castle, November 2002
GAUDEAMUS CD GAU 335 [74.18] [JW]
This
is a fine piece of reclamation of a composer
whose name is more footnote than performed,
more tangential than solid. ... see Full
Review
Claude
DEBUSSY
(1862-1918) L’Enfant
Prodigue (1884) [33.01]* Arthur HONEGGER
(1892-1955) Symphonie Liturgique (1946) [28.54]
*Jeanine Micheau (soprano), Michel Sénéchal (tenor),
Pierre Mollet (bass) Turin Radio Symphony Orchestra and Chorus/André
Cluytens rec. 30 April 1962 (Debussy), 4th May 1962 (Honegger),
Auditorio RAI Torino
ARTS ARCHIVES 43059 2 [63.54] [TB]
Performances
are distinguished by corporate and individual
flair and possessing real intensity and vision.
... see Full
Review
Gaetano
DONIZETTI (1797-1848)
Maria
Stuarda (1835) (sung in English)
Janet Baker (mezzo) Mary Stuart; Rosalind
Plowright (soprano) Queen Elizabeth I; David
Rendall (tenor) Robert Dudley, Earl of Leicester;
John Tomlinson (bass) George Talbot, Earl
of Shrewsbury; Alan Opie (baritone) Sir William
Cecil; Angela Bostock (soprano) Hannah Kennedy;
Leigh Maurice (singer) Garter King at Arms
Chorus and Orchestra of English National
Opera/Charles Mackerras. Rec. London Coliseum
in 1982. Producer John Copley. NTSC. 4:3.
WARNER
MUSIC VISION 504678028-2 [138'00] [CC]
If
there is anyone out there who doubts that
Donizetti can be a composer of real depth,
buy this. It will change your mind. ... see
Full
Review
Antonín DVOŘÁK
(1841-1904) Piano Concerto in G minor, Op. 33
(B. 63) (1876) [39:20]* Violin Concerto in A minor, Op. 53 (B. 96) (1879,
revised 1882-83) [31:04]†
Rustem Hayroudinoff, piano* James Ehnes, violin† BBC Philharmonic
Orchestra/Gianandrea Noseda Recorded at the Studio 7, New Broadcasting
House, Manchester, England on 2 October (Violin Concerto) and 16 December
(Piano Concerto) 2004. DDD
CHANDOS CHAN10309 [70:29][MC]
These
are well performed recordings from Chandos that do not disappoint even
if they are not my preferred version of each work. ... see Full
Review
Antonín
DVOŘÁK (1841-1906) Complete
Works For Piano Duet: Slavonic Dances – Op. 46 (1878) [35'07];
Op. 72 (1886) [34'10]; Legends, Op. 59 (1881) [37'34]; From
the Bohemian Forest, Op. 68 (1884) [25'51]
Ingryd Thorson; Julian Thurber (piano duet). Rec. Ski Church Hall, Oslo,
Norway, in December 1989 and January 1990. DDD From Olympia originals.
BRILLIANT
CLASSICS 92274 [69:17 + 63:25][CC]
A
real bargain. Played with evident affection, great sense of ensemble,
clean articulation and not a small amount of fun. Very strongly recommended.
... see Full Review
Sir
George DYSON (1883-1964)
At
the Tabard Inn – Overture (1943) [11:13], Concerto da Chiesa
for String Orchestra (1949) [19:06], Symphony in G major (1937)
[42:14] Bournemouth Symphony Orchestra/David Lloyd-Jones Recorded 1st-2nd
November 2004 at the Concert Hall, Lighthouse, Poole, UK
NAXOS 8.557720 [72:33] [CH]
Dyson’s
darkest utterance – the Concerto – together
with a symphony which explorers of post-romantic
tonal symphonies will wish to know. ... see
Full
Review
Ross EDWARDS
(b.
1943) Oboe
Concerto (2002)a [17:54] Yanada
(1998) [3:53] Ulpirra (1993) [1:31]
Diana Doherty (oboe) Melbourne Symphony Orchestraa/Arvo
Volmera Recorded: Robert Blackwood
Hall, Monash University, Melbourne, June 2004
(Oboe Concerto); other items previously released
on ABC Classics 465 7822 (no date)
ABC CLASSICS 476 7173 [23:34] [HC]
Doherty
plays beautifully throughout and obviously
enjoys every note. A pity that this really
lovely disc is all over much too quickly.
... see Full
Review
Manuel
de FALLA (1876
– 1946) El
Amor Brujo* (Love, the Magician) Second version, (1924); El Sombrero
de Tres Picos **(The Three-Cornered Hat) Ballet in two acts (1917 –
19); Danza from La Vida Breve (1914)
María José Martos (soprano)**, Alicia Nafé
(mezzo-soprano)*, Asturias Symphony Orchestra (OSPA)/Maximiano Valdés
rec. Auditorio Principe Felipe, Oviedo, Asturias, 13–15 Feb, 12–14 Oct
(Vida Breve), 2002 NAXOS
8.557800 [68:00] [GF]
Commendable
... see Full
Review
Gabriel
FAURÉ (1845-1924)
The Complete Songs – 3 Chanson d’amour: Love
song
John Mark Ainsley (tenor) , Stephen Varcoe
(baritone) , Jean-Paul Fouchécourt
(tenor) , Dame Felicity Lott (soprano), Christopher
Maltman (baritone) , Jennifer Smith (soprano)
, Graham Johnson (piano), with Ronan O’Hora
(piano) Recorded on various dates in 2002,
2003 and 2004, venue(s) not given
HYPERION CDA67335 [72 :42] [CH]
Some
doubts as to whether this is the best way
to put across Fauré’s important song
output. ... see Full
Review
Gerald
FINZI (1901-1956)
I
said to love, Let us Garlands Bring, Before
and After Summer
Roderick Williams (baritone) Ian Burnside (piano) Potton Hall, Suffolk,
12-14 August 2004. DDD
NAXOS 8.557644 [61'19"] [EM]
A
lovely rich, velvety tone, gorgeous in the
lower register, great sensitivity to both
text and music, enunciation excellent, and
good pacing. Strongly recommended ... see
Full Review
and
for a different view
Gerald
FINZI (1901-1956)
I
Said to Love op.19b [13:34], Let us
Garlands Bring op.18 [15:02], Before
and After Summer op.16 [32:43]
Roderick Williams (baritone), Iain Burnside
(piano) Recorded at Potton Hall, Suffolk,
UK, 13th-14th August
2004
NAXOS 8.557644 [61:19] [CH]
Songs
for those who like that sort of thing sung
by somebody who evidently likes that sort
of thing. ... see Full
Review
François-Joseph
GOSSEC (1734-1829)
Messe
des Morts (1760)
Eva Csapó soprano; Hidegard Laurich
alto; Alessandro Corbelli baritone WDR Rundfunkchor
Köln Capella Coloniensis/Herbert Schernus
rec: Wuppertal, Immanuelskirche, 1980. SACD
CAPRICCIO 71 043 [65:49] [ZT]
This
new SACD format of Gossec’s Requiem on the
Capriccio label can be confidently recommended.
Its musical virtues more than compensate for
the unfortunate abridgements. ... see Full
Review
HISTORICAL
BARGAIN OF THE MONTH Charles
GOUNOD 1818
– 1893) Faust, opera in (4) 5 Acts
(1859) Jussi
Björling (tenor) – Faust; Cesare Siepi
(bass) – Méphistophélès;
Frank Guarrera (baritone) – Valentin; Lawrence
Davidson (bass) – Wagner; Anne Bollinger (soprano)
– Siebel; Dorothy Kirsten (soprano) – Marguerite;
Thelma Votipka (mezzo) – Martha
Orchestra and Chorus of the Metropolitan Opera/Fausto
Cleva Broadcast from the Metropolitan Opera,
N.Y. on 23rd December 1950 Appendix
Songs and Arias sung by Jussi Björling
Franz SCHUBERT (1797
– 1828) Ständchen Victor
HERBERT (1859 – 1924) Princess
Pat - Neapolitan Love Song Orchestra/Donald
Voorhees Telephone Hour broadcast, N.Y., recorded
on 4th April 1949 Giacomo
PUCCINI (1858 – 1924) La bohème,
Che gelida manina; O soave fanciulla (with
Anna-Lisa Björling (soprano)) Charles
GOUNOD Roméo et Juliette,
Ange adorable (with Anna-Lisa Björling)
Hollywood Bowl Symphony Orchestra/Izler Solomon
Symphonies Under the Stars broadcast, Recorded
at Hollywood Bowl on 23rd August
1949 Gaetano DONIZETTI
(1797 – 1848) L’elisir d’amore, Una furtive
lagrima Pietro MASCAGNI
(1863 – 1945) Cavalleria rusticana,
Mamma! ... Quel vino Richard
WAGNER (1813 – 1883) Lohengrin,
In fernem Land Jean
SIBELIUS (1865 – 1957) Var det
en dröm? Op. 37 No. 4; Svarta rosor Op.
36 No. 1; Säv, säv, susa Op. 36
No. 4 Swedish Radio Symphony Orchestra/Sten
Frykberg Pre-recorded broadcast, recorded
in Stockholm on 3rd October 1952
Archivist and Restoration Producer Ward Marston
NAXOS HISTORICAL 8.111083 – 85 [3 CDs:
74:34 + 56:53 + 73:18] [GF]
The
appendix alone is worth the price of the whole set. And since the opera
has so much to offer you won’t regret the purchase.... see Full
Review
Charles
GOUNOD
(1818-1893) Faust (highlights) Act I: Vin
ou bière; Avant de quitter ces lieux; Le veau d’or; Ne permettrez-vous
pas Act II: Quel trouble inconnu ... Salut! demeure chaste et pure;
Les grands seigneurs ... Un bouquet ... Ah! Je ris de me voir; Il se
fait tard Act III: Il ne revient pas; Ecoutez! Déposons les armes!;
Gloire immortelle; Qu’attendez-vous encore?; Vous qui faites l’endormie;
Ecoute-moi bien, Marguerite! Act IV: Dans les bruyères; Arrête!; Minuit!
Minuit!; Que ton ivresse; Alerte! Alerte! Appendix: Ballet music: I:
Allegretto; VI: Allegretto; VII: Allegro vivo
Jerry Hadley (tenor) – Faust; Cecilia Gasdia (soprano) – Marguerite;
Samuel Ramey (bass) – Méphistophéles; Alexandru Agache (baritone) –
Valentin; Susanne Mentzer (mezzo-soprano) – Siébel; Brigitte Fassbaender
(mezzo-soprano) – Marthe; Philippe Fourcade (bass) – Wagner. Chorus
and Orchestra of Welsh National Opera/Carlo Rizzi Recorded in Brangwyn
Hall, Swansea, in July 1993
WARNER APEX 2564 61515-2 [75:41][GF]
Not
a first recommendation but still worth anyone’s money for some distinguished
singing. Hadley’s idiosyncratic Cavatina demands to be heard. ... see
Full Review
Enrique
GRANADOS (1867-1916)
Piano
Music – Volume 8 Carezza-Vals, DLR VII:3 (Caress Waltz) [6:32] Dolora,
DLR III:7 [2:15] Clotilde, DLR III:3 [2:15] La sirena, DLR VII:2 (The
Mermaid) [3:37] Dans le bois, DLR III:11 (In the Forest) [1:48] Marcha
Real, DLR III:22 (Royal March) [3:26] Soldados de carton, DLR III:21
(Cardboard Soldiers) [2:47] Elvira, DLR III:2 [3:52] Álbum de
melodías, París, 1888, DLR III:1 [43:28]
Douglas Riva, Piano Recorded St. Martin’s Church, East Woodhay, Hampshire,
August 2002 NAXOS 8.557142
[70:00] [JL]
Naxos’
Vol 8 of Granados’ piano music consists of
youthful pieces, most never recorded before.
A must for Granados fans but Douglas Riva’s
respectful renderings make it enjoyable disc
in its own right. ... see Full
Review
George
Frideric HANDEL
(1685-1750) The Trio Sonatas
Op.5 Sonata
No.1 in A major [8.16] Sonata No.2 in D major
[7.39] Sonata No.3 in E minor [9.20] Sonata
No.4 in G major [13.59] Sonata No.5 in G minor
[11.04] Sonata No.6 in F major [12.33] Sonata
No.7 in B flat major [9.21]
The Brook Street Band Recorded at Raveningham
Church, Raveningham, Norfolk, March-April
2005
AVIE AV2068 [71.30] [JW]
Intoxicating,
sometimes quixotic, but always entertaining
... see Full
Review
Georg
Frideric HANDEL
(1685-1759) Seven
Trio Sonatas Op.5 Sonata No.1 in A major
HWV396 [8.20] Sonata No.2 in D major HWV397
[8.06] Sonata No.3 in E minor HWV398 [11.40]
Sonata No.4 in G major HWV399 [13.38] Sonata
No.5 in G minor HWV400 [11.37] Sonata No.6
in F major HWV401 [15.03] Sonata No.7 in B
flat major HWV402 [9.21]
London Handel Players Recorded at St Mary’s
Church, Walthamstow, January 2005
SOMM CD044 [78.38] [JW]
If
you prefer a more patrician and easy going
geniality the London Handel Players, recorded
well in a Walthamstow church, will give pleasure
... see Full
Review
Joseph
HAYDN (1732-1809) Die Jahreszeiten (The
Seasons) (1801)
Angela Maria Blasi (soprano) – Hanne Josef Protschka (tenor) – Lucas
Robert Holl (bass) – Simon Arnold Schönberg-Chor Wiener Symphoniker/Nicolaus
Harnoncourt Recorded live 11-12 January 1987, Konzerthaus, Vienna
WARNER APEX 2564 62086-2 [73:51 + 71:14][GF]
You
can’t go far wrong, whichever version you choose and Harnoncourt, recorded
live in good sound and very few extraneous noises, is on two well-filled
budget-priced discs ... see Full
Review
Henri
Herz (1803-1888)
Piano Concerto No. 1 in A major Op. 34 (1828) [25:46] Piano Concerto
No. 7 in B minor Op. 207 (1864) [17:50] Piano Concerto No. 8 in A flat
major Op. 218 (1873) [14:14]
Howard Shelley (piano and conductor) Tasmanian Symphony Orchestra rec.
Federation Concert Hall, Hobart, Tasmania, 9-12 September 2003. DDD
The Romantic Piano Concerto series: Volume 35
HYPERION CDA67465 [58:06] [JF]
Once
again thanks to Hyperion for introducing us
to this lovely, interesting and well wrought
music. Herz may not be the most profound of
composers but he is most certainly enjoyable!
... see Full
Review
Gustav
HOLST (1874-1934)
The
Planets (1914) With additional movement
Pluto, composed by Colin
Matthews. Film images directed
by Rhodri Huw.
BBC National Orchestra of Wales/David
Atherton BBCTV 2004 Region 0 - playable in
all regions
OPUS ARTE DVD OA 0916 D [59:00] [KS]
Might
not appeal to die-hards or those who do not
appreciate the mixing of media, but on the
whole, I found this a most satisfactory rendition,
amply enhanced by some fantastic photography.
... see Full
Review
Jacques
Martin HOTTETERRE 'le Romain' (1673-1763)
La Flûte du Roy - Preludes, Suittes
et Sonates en Trio 3e
Suite in G (1er Livre, 1708/1715) [10:32]
3e Sonate en trio in d, op. 3,3 (1712) [06:28]
Prélude en G. Re, Sol, 3ce Mineur (L'Art
de Préluder, 1719) [03:10] Rochers,
vous êtes sourds (Airs et Brunettes,
1721) [05:25] 2e Suite in c minor (2e Livre,
1715) Prélude en D. La, Re, 3ce Majeure
(L'Art de Préluder, 1719) [03:33] De
mes Supires de ma langueur (Airs et Brunettes,
1721) [04:02] 4e Suite in e minor (1er Livre,
1708/1715) [14:48] 6e Sonate en trio, op.
3,6 [05:03] Jean-Henry
D'ANGLEBERT (1635-1691) Passacaille
for harpsichord [04:55]
Michael Form, recorder; Rebeka Rusó,
treble and bass viol; Dolores Costoyas, theorbo;
Dirk Börner, harpsichord Recorded September
2002 at the Church Alt-Leisnig in Polditz
(Germany) DDD
RAUMKLANG RK 2207 [73:25] [JV]
An
exciting recording of chamber music by Hotteterre,
which is based on a careful study of historical
sources regarding tempo and ornamentation
... see Full
Review
RECORDING OF THE
MONTH Herbert
HOWELLS (1892-1983)
Choral Music A Sequence for St. Michael
(1961) [10’48"] A Hymn for St. Cecilia
(1961) [3’11"] O pray for the peace of
Jerusalem (1941) No. I of Four Anthems
[7’08"] Te Deum ‘St. George’s, Windsor’
(1952) [10’42"] Benedictus ‘St. George’s,
Windsor’ (1952) [6’28"] I love all beauteous
things (1977) [6’24"] Salve Regina (1915)
No. 4 of Four Anthems of the Blessed Virgin
Mary [4’35"] Magnificat ‘New College,
Oxford’ (1949) [6’12"] Nunc dimittis
‘New College, Oxford’ (1949) [3’04"]
A Spotless Rose (1919) No.2 of Three Carol-Anthems
[3’04"] Sing lullaby (1920) No. 3 of
Three Carol-Anthems [3’23"] Here
is the little door (1918) No. 1 of Three
Carol-Anthems [3’43"] Magnificat
‘Collegium Regale’ (1945) [5’12"] Nunc
dimittis ‘Collegium Regale’ (1945) [4’06"]
The Choir of Wells Cathedral/Malcolm Archer
Rupert Gough (organ) rec. Wells Cathedral,
Somerset, 21-24 June 2004
HYPERION CDA67494 [79’34"] [JQ]
An
outstanding disc. Presents a most useful single-disc
survey of part of Howells’ enormous contribution
to the music of the English church. ... see
Full
Review
RECORDING
OF THE MONTH Margaret HUBICKI
(b. 1915) Dedication in Time From the
Isles of the Sea (1950s) (flute and piano) [7:41] Piano Sonata (1934)
[19:44] Full Fathom Five (1935) (mezzo-soprano and piano) [2:04]
Theme and Variations (1939) (for string quartet) [11:32] Irish Fantasy
(1935) (Four Sketches for piano) [9:09] Lonely Mere and Rigaudon
(1935) (cello and piano) [8:35] Svolgimento (1939) (violin and
piano) [6:46] Goladon Suite* (1957) (for piano duet) [7:37]
Daniel Pailthorpe (flute) James Kirby (piano) Annemarie Sand (mezzo-soprano)
Bochmann Quartet Robert Max (cello) Michael Bochmann (violin) *Frederick
Stocken (piano) rec. Henry Wood Hall, London in July 2004
CHANDOS CHAN10322 [73:10][PCW]
A
heart-warming disc ... see Full
Review
Jacques
IBERT (1890-1962)
Film Music Classics: Macbeth - Golgotha - Don Quichotte
Slovak Radio Symphony Orchestra (Bratislava)/Adriano Henry Kiichli
(bass) Don Quichotte; Jacques Tchamkerten (ondes martenot) on
Golgotha Recorded at the Concert Hall of Slovak Radio in Bratislava,
Slovak Republic, 5-6 July 1989 (Golgotha), 15 January 1990 (Don Quichotte)
and 17-19 January 1990 (Macbeth). DDD
NAXOS 8.557607 [77:19]
A
disc that will appeal to Ibert devotees and
serious collectors of film music. ... see
Full Review
Charles IVES
(1874-1954) A Continuum
Portrait 3: Piano, Chamber, and Vocal Works
The
Housatonic at Stockbridge (1908) [3:24]
Soliloquy, or a Study in 7ths and Other
Things (c. 1916-17) [0:49] On
the Antipodes (c. 1922-23) [2:37]
Victoria Villamil (soprano); Cheryl Seltzer,
Joel Sachs (pianos); ensemble The Gong
on the Hook and Ladder (original version)
(c. 1912) [1:28] Hallowe’en
(c. 1914) [2:33] In Re Con Moto et al
(c. 1915-16) [3:02] Various members of the
ensemble Sunrise (1926) [5:35]
Sheila Schonbrun (soprano); Mia Wu (violin);
Cheryl Seltzer (piano) Remembrance
(1921) [1:01] Sheila Schonbrun (soprano);
Eva Gruesser (violin); Cheryl Seltzer (piano)
Aeschylus and Sophocles (1922-
c. 1924) [4:10] Sheila Schonbrun, Victoria
Villamil (sopranos); ensemble Five Take
Offs (c. 1906-09) [12:54] Joel Sachs
(piano) Three Quarter-Tone Pieces (1923-24)
[11:22]
Joel Sachs, Cheryl Seltzer (pianos) Continuum/Cheryl
Seltzer; Joel Sachs (Directors) Recorded at
Madison Avenue Presbyterian Church, NYC in
June 1986 and Middle Tennessee State University,
Murfreesboro, TN in September 1987
NAXOS AMERICAN CLASSICS 8.559194 [48:52]
[SM]
A
compelling listening experience, and recommended
to all those who are interested in Ives’ music
or twentieth century music in general. ...
see Full Review
Johan
JEVERUD (b.
1962) Piano
Quintet (2002) [11:23] Two songs about
the Flight of Time (2000): In a hundred
years; The Genius of Youth [2:39
+ 2:15] Piano Trio (2001) [14:41] Four
songs by night: The crickets; Summer
day II; The Romantic; Spring
night [1:30 + 1:27 + 1:20 + 1:49] String
Trio (1998) [16:11] Three Songs with texts
by Bo Bergman (2003): Masque; Mystery;
Foolish fire and the elf [247 + 2:52
+ 2:57] Music for Bygone Parlours for
piano (2001) [10:52]
Uppsala Chamber Players: (Nils-Erik Sparf
(violin); Patrik Swedrup (violin); Susanne
Magnusson (viola); Lars Frykholm (cello);
Bengt Åke Lundin (piano)) St Jacobs
Chamber Choir/Gary Graden rec. Studio 2 Radiohuset,
Stockholm, 28-31 Aug 2003, (chamber items
and piano solo; 4-5 May 2004 (choral). DDD
PHONO-SUECIA PSCD 152 [72:43] [RB]
A
language that would have been instantly accessible
to composers of the Franckian Belgian or French
19th century schools ... see
Full Review
Josef
JONSSON
(1887-1969) Symphony No. 1 Op.
23, Nordland (1919-22) [49:53]: (I. Allegro energico poco agitato
[10:43] – II. Andante quasi Adagio, poco tranquillo [13:28] – III. Allegretto
pastorale [5:10] – IV. Molto Adagio. Allegro vivace [20:30]) Symphony
No. 2 Op. 34 in D minor (1928-30) [20:28] (I. Allegro energico [6:56]
– II. Scherzo: Vivace non troppo. Adagio. Scherzo [5:57] – III. Allegro
vivace [7:35]) Norrköping
Symphony Orchestra/Lü Jia rec. DeGeer Hall, Norrköping 14–15 Sept 2001
(No. 1); 17–18 Sept 2001 (No. 2)
PHONO SUECIA PSCD 720 [70:21][GF]
The
two works are very different, but each in its own way is outstanding
and it is a pity that this music isn’t played more often. We have
to be grateful, though, that it is available on records at long last.
It is only to be hoped that his third symphony, which Jonsson regarded
as his masterpiece, will also appear some day. ... see Full
Review
Emmerich
(Imre) KÁLMÁN (1882
- 1953) Die
Zigeunerprimas [The Gypsy Violinist ](1912) [101.23]
Juliska – Edith Lienbacher (soprano) Sári – Gabriele Rossmanith
(soprano) Gaston – Zoran Todorovich (tenor) Laczi – Roberto Saccà
(tenor) Graf Estragon - Kay Stiefermann (baritone) Cadeau/Fekete – Klaus
Häger (baritone) Pali Rácz –Wolfgan Bankl (bass) Exzellenz
Musitari - Martin Likier Zwei Zigeuner – Ladislav Hallon, Karol Bernath
Narration – Sunnyi Melles
Children’s Chorus of Bavarian State Opera Slovak Philharmonic Choir
Munich Radio Symphony Orchestra/Claus Peter Flor Recorded Philharmonie
in Gasteig, 25-26 October 2003, Bavarian Radio
CPO 777 058-2 [48.20 + 53.03] [RH]
A
worthwhile set to buy. The narration is a
small price to pay for Kálmán’s
score which mines a vein of romantic melancholy
making this operetta such a delight. ... see
Full Review
Georg Friedrich
KAUFFMANN (1679-1735)
Komm,
heiliger Geist - vivace [1'46]; Alio
modo a 4 [1'50]; Alio modo - allegro [2'40]
Herr Christ, der einig Gottssohn -
andante [2'19] Gottes Sohn ist kommen
- allegro [2'05] Gelobet Seist du, Jesu
Christ - andante [1'49] Wie
schon leuchtet der morgenstern - andante
[2'07]; Alio modo - vivace - Zymbelstern [3'02]
Jesus Christus unser Heiland, der vor
uns - andante [4'25] Herr Gott,
dich loben alle wir -largo [2'22]
Allein Gott in der Hoh' sei ehr
- u poco vivace [1'46] Ein feste Burg
- Fuga, un poco vivace [2'30]; Alio modo -
Choral im Pedal allegro [2'02] Johann
Ludwig KREBS (1713-1780) Ach
Gott, erhor mein Seufzen [3'57] Trio
in C - lento [2'57]
Warum betrubst du dich, mein Hertz -
cantabile [5'09] Gottfried
August HOMILIUS (1714-1785) Trio
in G - allegretto [2'43] Ich
ruf zu dir, Herr Jesu Christ [3'52]
Ach Herr, mich arnem Sunder
[3'18] Allein zu dir, Herr Jesu Christ
[3'21]
Jesus Martin Moro, organ Marc Ecochard, oboe
Rec: November 1999, Saint Etienne de Baignory,
France DDD
EDITIONS HORTUS 019 [57'19] [CB]
Musicological
questions aside, this remains a thoroughly
enjoyable release. ... see Full Review ...
see Full
Review
Earl
KIM
(1920-1998) Violin
Concerto (1979) [22:21] Dialogues for
piano and orchestra (1959) [9:12] Cornet
for narrator and orchestra (1984) [25:43]
Cecylia Arzewski (violin) William Wolfram
(piano) Robert Kim (narrator) RTE National
SO/Scott Yoo rec. National Concert Hall, Dublin,
31 May-1 June 2004. DDD
NAXOS 8.559226 [57:16] [RB]
Kim’s
Violin Concerto is the real draw here beside
the sterile Dialogues and the passive but
imaginatively illustrative Rilke melodrama.
... see Full
Review
BARGAIN
OF THE MONTH Michel
LEGRAND (b.1932)
His
eyes; her eyes [05:31]; I will say goodbye
[03:08]; Ask yourself why [04:08]; Summer
me; winter me [03:22]; Magic [03:08]; I was
born in love with you [03:56]; A rose in the
snow [03:32]; Blue; green; grey and gone [03:52];
One day [02:56]; Martina [02:11]; Nobody knows
[03:55]; After the rain [03:16]; Little boy
lost [03:24]; Breezy’s song [03:19]; What
are you doing the rest of your life? [05:30];
One at a time [03:53]; The windmills of your
mind [03:29]; Comme elle est longue à
mourir ma jeunesse [03:01]
Kiri Te Kanawa (soprano) Ambrosian Singers
London Studio Orchestra/Michel Legrand Recorded
in Petersham Church, Petersham, Surrey, 13th-20th
February 1992
WARNER CLASSICS 2564 61736-2 [66:08] [CH]
Something
quite unique, recommended to all who are prepared
to open the windmills of their minds. ...
see Full
Review
Franz
LEHÁR (1870-1948)
Die
lustige Witwe (The Merry Widow) (1905) Elisabeth Schwarzkopf
(soprano) – Hanna Glawari; Erich Kunz (baritone) – Count Danilo Danilowitsch;
Nicolaï Gedda (tenor) – Camille de Rosillon; Emmy Loose (soprano)
– Valencienne; Anton Niessner (baritone) – Baron Mirko Zeta; Josef Schmidinger
(bass) – Raoul de Saint-Brioche; Otakar Kraus (baritone) – Vicomte Cascada
Speaking parts: Hella Kurty – Valencienne; André Mattoni – Vicomte
Cascada Philharmonia
Orchestra and Chorus/Otto Ackermann rec. 16–18, 21 April 1953, Kingsway
Hall, London. First issued on Columbia 33CX 1051 and 1052 Reissue Producer
and Audio Restoration Engineer: Mark Obert-Thorn
NAXOS 8.111007 [79:06] [JW]
Stellar
vocal soloists ... names to conjure with.
The sound quality has come up well ... see
Full Review
Kenneth
LEIGHTON
(1929-1988) Cello
Concerto Op. 31 (1955) [32:22] Symphony No. 3 Laudes Musicae Op.
90 () [27:10] Raphael Wallfisch
(cello) Neil Mackie (ten) Scottish National Orchestra/Bryden Thomson
rec. Henry Wood Hall, Glasgow, 23-24 Jan 1989. DDD
CHANDOS CHAN 10307 X [59:44] [HC]
This
is probably one of the most beautiful records
ever devoted to Leighton's music and a significant
tribute to a very distinguished composer.
... see Full
Review
Franz
LISZT
(1811 - 1886) Complete Piano Music Volume 22 Deux
Polonaises, S223/R44 (1851) [20.55] Ballade #1 in Db; "Le
chant du croisé", S170, R15 (1848) [7.37] Ballade #2
in b, S171, R16 (1853) [14.21] Au Bord d’une source, S156/2b, R8 (1836)
[5.08] Trois Morceaux Suisses, S156a (1836-77) [26.28]
Jean Dubé, piano Recorded at Potton Hall, Suffolk, UK, 17
June, 2003 Notes in English, Deutsch, Français. Colour photo
of artist. NAXOS 8.557364
[74.28] [PSh]
Excellent
recording, excellent Liszt playing, at times
verging upon the legendary. Possibly some
real competition for Leslie Howard. ... 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