ALPHABETICAL LISTING

 

Guillaume de MACHAUT (c1300-1377) Ma fin est mon commencement...- Rondeau 14 [1'40] Moulte sui de bonne heure nee -Virelai 37 [2'25] Dame, mon cuer m'emportes -Virelai 32 [1'38] Sanz couer m'en vois -Ballade 17 [1'45] Ha! Fortune -Motet 8 [1'34] Guillaume DUFAY (c1400-1474) Se la face ay pale [1'52] Ce jour l'an voudray joye mener [1'43] Bon jour, bon mois, bon an et bonne estraine [1'39] Par droit je puis bien complaindre et gemir [2'00] Craindre vous vueil, doulce dame de pris [1'24] Adieu ces bons vins de Lannoys [3'05] J'attendray tant qu'il vous playra [1'32] Adieu m'amour, adieu ma joye [4'07] Malheureulx couer, que vieulx tu faire? [3'49] Alma redemptoris Mater [2'58]
Vergena bella, che di sol vestita [3'26] Josquin DES PRES (c1450-1521) De profundis clavami [6'30] Gloria (Missa Pange Lingua) [4'18] Sanctus (Missa Hercules dux Ferrarie) [5'22] Louis Thiry, organ Rec. Chapelle de l'hopital Charles-Nicolle de Rouen, May-June 2004 DDD EDITIONS HORTUS 035 [52'47] [CB]

Original and idiosyncratically effective. I have to recommend it although 52 minutes of music seems rather stingy, ... see Full Review
This hard-to-find recording may be purchased from MusicWeb

Albéric MAGNARD (1865-1914) String Quartet in E minor Op.16 (1902/3) [40:74] Gabriel FAURÉ (1845-1924) String Quartet Op.121 (1923/4) [22:39] Quatuor Ysaÿe Recorded: Dortoir des moines, Abbaye de l’Epau, September 2004 (Magnard) and June 2004 (Fauré) AEON AECD 0426 [64:42][HC]

A grand masterpiece ... sheer expressive strength, powerfully propulsive energy and generous if rugged lyricism (Magnard). Warm lyricism, a remarkable lightness of touch (Fauré) ... see Full Review

Gustav MAHLER (1860-1911) Lieder und Gesänge aus der Jugendzeit Erinnerung [2.29] Scheiden und Meiden [2.18] Nicht wiedersehen [3.29] Ich ging mit Lust durch einen grunen Wald [3.13] Ablösung im Sommer [1.18] Hans und Grete [1.45] Frühlingsmorgen [1.32] Starke Einbildungskraft [1.03] Symphony No. 5 Part 1: Trauermarsch. In gemessenem Schritt. Streng. Wie ein Kondukt [11.47] Stürmisch bewegt. Mit größter Vehemenz [12.32] Part II: Scherzo. Kräftig, nicht zu schnell [15.03] Part III: Adagietto. Sehr Langsam [7.38] Rondo-Finale. Allegro [13.52] Philharmonic-Symphony Orchestra of New York, Bruno Walter. Desi Halban (soprano), Bruno Walter (piano)
Tracks 1-8 recorded 16 December, 1947 in Los Angeles, Tracks 9-13 recorded 10^th February, 1947 in the Carnegie Hall, New York ADD NAXOS HISTORICAL 8.110896 [77.59] [EM]

This authentic and stunning disc is a must-have for any Mahler lover. ... see Full Review

RECORDING OF THE MONTH Gustav MAHLER (1860-1911)
Symphony No. 8 in E flat Christine Brewer (soprano); Magna Peccatrix; Soile Isokoski (soprano) Una Poenitentiam; Juliane Banse (soprano) Mater Gloriosa; Birgit Remmert (mezzo-soprano) Mulier Samaritana; Jane Henschel (mezzo-soprano) Maria Aegyptiaca; Jon Villars (tenor) Doctor Marianus; David Wilson-Johnson (baritone) Pater Ecstaticus; John Relyea (bass) Pater Profundus City of Birmingham Symphony Chorus; London Symphony Chorus; City of Birmingham Symphony Youth Chorus; Toronto Children’s Chorus City of Birmingham Symphony Orchestra/Sir Simon Rattle
Recorded live at Symphony Hall, Birmingham: 5, 8, 9 June 2004 DDD EMI CLASSICS 7243 5 57945 2 9 [77’38"] [JQ][TD]

Superbly performed by all concerned and expertly recorded by EMI’s engineers, I recommend this CD with great enthusiasm. [John Quinn]
Lean and direct ... intent on clarity and sense of direction ... an apparent lack of some grandeur and sense of occasion. I was not especially moved or inspired. ... absorbing and different and very refreshing . [Tony Duggan] ...see Full Review

Gustav MAHLER (1860-1911) Symphony No. 8 in E flat Major ("Symphony of A Thousand") (1907) (I Hymnus: Veni, Creator Spiritus [23:18]; II Final Scene from Faust [56:07]) Deborah Voigt, Soprano I – Magna Peccatrix Margaret Jane Wray, Soprano II – Una Poenitentium Heidi Grant, Soprano – Mater Gloriosa Delores Ziegler, Mezzo-soprano I – Mulier Samaritana Marietta Simpson, Mezzo-soprano II – Maria Aegyptiaca Michael Sylvester, Tenor – Doctor Marianus William Stone, Baritone – Pater Ecstaticus Kenneth Cox, Bass – Pater Profundus Atlanta Boy Choir/Fletcher Wolfe Ohio State University/Maurice Casey Ohio State University Symphonic Choir/James Gallagher Master Chorale of Tampa Bay Members of the University of South Florida Chorus/Robert Summer Atlanta Symphony Orchestra and Chorus/Robert Shawrec. Woodruff Memorial Arts Center, Atlanta, Georgia, USA, 27-29 April, 1991 DDD TELARC CD-80267 [79:39] [PG]

A wonderful performance of Mahler’s true masterpiece ... see Full Review

Heinrich August MARSCHNER (1795-1861) Der Vampyr (1827) Romantic opera in two acts Martin Engel (bar) ... Sir Humphrey Davenaut; Carol Farley (mezzo) ... Malwin; Josef Protschka ( ten) ... Edgar Aubry; Siegmund Nimsgern (bar) ... Lord Ruthven; Wolfgang Lenz (bass) ... Sir Berkley; Galina Pisarenko (sop) ... Janthe Chorus and Orchestra Sinfonica of Radio Italiana/Günter Neuhold Live recording at the Auditorio del Foro Italico, Rome, Italy, 26 January 1980 HOMMAGE 7001834-HOM [64:14 + 66:43] [RW]

A considerable bargain ... see Full Review

Yoritsune MATSUDAIRA (1907-2001) Theme and Variations for Piano and Orchestra* (1951) [17:10] Bugaku (Dance Suite): Danza Rituale e Finale (Enbou) (1959) [6:40] Sa-Mai (1958) [21:26] U-Mai (1957) [14:20] Danza Rituale e Finale (Chogeishi) (1959) [10:37] *Ichiro Nodaira (piano) Osaka Century Orchestra/Ken Takaseki Rec. Century Orchestra House, Osaka in July and August 2001. DDD NAXOS 8.555882 [70:43] [PCW]

After an opener which admirers of Milhaud should enjoy, this music is not for the faint-hearted ... see Full Review

Rytis MAŽULIS (b. 1961) Canon solus (1998) [5:20] Sybilla (1996) [6:59] Cum essem parvulus (2001) [8:39] Ajapajapam (2002)^a [35:49] Latvian Radio Chamber Choir; Chordos Quartet^a; Kaspar Putniņş Recorded: Studio 1, Latvian Radio, December 2003 MEGADISC MDC 7810 [56:48] [HC]

Not easy stuff ... thought-provoking ... overtly provocative ... well worth trying. Mažulis’s music inhabits a world entirely of its own. ... see Full Review

Cecilia McDOWALL (b. 1951) Ave maris stella (2001)^a [11:47] Magnificat (2003)^b [25:17] Christus natus est (2002, revised 2003)^c [15:05] A Fancy of Folksongs (2003)^d [11:24] Rachel Nicholls (soprano)^abcd; Frances Bourne (mezzo-soprano)^b; Sally Price (harp)^d; Canterbury Chamber Choir; Parmiter’s Senior Singers; Orchestra Nova^abc; George Vass Recorded: St Giles Church, Cripplegate, London, May 2004 DUTTON EPOCH CDLX 7146 [64:18] [HC]

This most engaging and rewarding release should not be missed, for the music is just too good to be bluntly dismissed ... see Full Review

George Frederick MCKAY (1899-1970) Concerto for Violin and Orchestra (1940) [26:01] Suite on Sixteenth Century Hymn Tunes (1962) [20:32] Sinfonietta No. 4 (1942) [17:46] Song Over the Great Plains (1953) [13:59] Brian Reagin, violin Ludmilla Kovaleva, piano National Radio Symphony Orchestra of Ukraine/John McLaughlin Williams, conductor Recorded 15-20 June and 29-31 October 2003 at the Large Concert Studio of the National Radio Company of Ukraine. NAXOS 8.559225 [78:18] [KS]

First rate performances of fascinating and worthy compositions by a master composer whose work lies sadly unrecognized in our very midst. Real delights. ... see Full Review

Felix MENDELSSOHN (1809-1847) Vocal Duets: 6 Vocal Duets op.63 [12:47], 3 Vocal Duets op.77 [06:47], Sonntagsmorgen [03:15], Abendlied [02:05], Wasserfahrt [01:24], Denn in seiner Hand ist (from Psalm 95, op.46) [03:26], Ich harrete des Herrn (from Lobgesang op.52) [03:54], Zion streckt ihre Hände aus (from Elias op.70) [02:53], Wohin habt ihr ihn getragen? (from Surrexit pastor op.39/3) [03:15], O wie selig ist das Kind (from Athalie op.74) [03:25] (all sung in Swedish) Organ Music: Nachspiel [06:12], Allegro [03:30], Fugue in F minor [06:34], Andante [05:51], Praeludium [03:39] Anneli and Lilian Druve (sopranos), Steffan Holm (piano, organ) Recorded in the Sofia Kyrka, Stockholm, 10^th-11^th March 1997 (duets) and in the Vårfrukykan, Enköping (organ music), 3^rd March 1997 NOSAG CD 019 [70:40] [CH]

Moderately recommended for those who wish to hear Mendelssohn sung in Swedish. ... see Full Review

Claudio MONTEVERDI (1567-1643) Vespro della Beata Vergine (published 1610) Roberta Invernizzi, Monica Piccinini, Anna Simboli (sopranos); Sara Mingardo (contralto), Francesco Ghelardini (alto); Vincenzo di Donato, Luca Dordolo, Gianluca Ferranini (tenors); Pietro Spagnoli, Furio Zanasi (baritones); Antonio Abete, Daniele Carnovich (basses) Concerto Italiano/Renato Alessandrini Recorded in the Farnese Palace, Rome in April 2004 NAÏVE OP.111 OP30403 [50’11 + 45’23][TH]

So many details teased out by Alessandrini make this new version very compelling indeed. ... see Full Review

Wolfgang Amadeus MOZART (1756-1791) Symphonies: No. 40 in G minor, K550^a (1788) [28'33]; No. 31 in D, K297^b (1778) [19'23]. ^aStuttgart Radio Symphony Orchestra/Gianluigi Gelmetti; ^bSalzburg Mozarteum Orchestra/Jeffrey Tate. Rec Rokokotheater Schloss Schwetzingen, 1991 and Mozarteum, Salzburg, as part of the 1999 Salzburg Festival. PCM Stereo. 4:3. Region Code 0. Director: Jànos Darvas. ARTHAUS 100 073 [56'00][CC]

Difficult to recommend this with only one symphony out of two fully up to scratch. But if you get a chance to see the Tate, do. ... see Full Review

Wolfgang Amadeus MOZART (1756 - 1791) Keyboard Concertos: Volume 7 Piano Concerto No. 9 in Eb K.271 (1777) [31.43] Piano Concerto No. 17 in G, K.453 (1784) [29.47] Matthias Kirschnereit, piano Bamberg Symphony Orchestra - Bavarian State Philharmonic Orchestra/Frank Beermann Recorded at Sinfonie an der Regnitz, Bamberg, Germany, 21 July 2004 Notes in Deustch and English. Photos of artists. Sponsored by Miele ARTE NOVA 82876 64008 2 [61.32] [PSh]

The excellent beginning of what may be a landmark series of Mozart concerti. ... see Full Review

Wolfgang Amadeus MOZART (1756-91) Piano Concerto No. 19 in F major, K459 (1784) [26:19] Piano Concerto No. 23 in A major, K488 (1786) [25:11] Rondo in A major for piano and orchestra, K386 (1782) [8:17] John O’Conor (piano) Scottish Chamber Orchestra/Sir Charles Mackerras recorded in the Usher Hall, Edinburgh, 4-5 September 1990 TELARC CD-80285 [59:47][PL]

O’Conor - a perfect grasp of idiom. ... see Full Review

Wolfgang Amadeus MOZART (1756-91) Piano Concerto No. 20 in D minor, K466^a (1785) [32’30]. Ludwig van BEETHOVEN (1770-1827) Piano Sonata No. 3 in C, Op. 2 No. 3^b (1795) [26’02]. Arturo Benedetti Michelangeli (piano) ^aStuttgart Philharmonic Orchestra/Karl Münchinger. Broadcast recordings from ^aLiederhalle, Stuttgart, on November 22^nd, 1967 and ^bSalle Pleyel, Paris, on November 11^th, 1975. ADD MUSIC & ARTS CD-1147 [58’38] [CC]

A must-hear for Michelangeli fans, and indeed for all lovers of great pianism. Which is what this is, when all is considered. ... see Full Review

Wolfgang Amadeus MOZART (1756-91) Music for Violin and Orchestra CD1 [64:15] Violin Concerto No. 1 in B flat major, K207 (1773) [20:15] Violin Concerto No. 2 in D major, K211 (1775) [19:30] Violin Concerto No. 3 in G major, K216 (1775) [24:24] CD2 [55:05] Violin Concerto No. 4 in D major, K218 (1775) [24:50] Violin Concerto No. 5 in A major, K219 (1775) [30:10] CD3 [60:39] Concertone in C major* for two violins and orchestra, K190 (1773) [28:32] Sinfonia Concertante* in E flat major for violin, viola and orchestra, K364 (1779) [32:03] Shlomo Mintz (violin; viola); English Chamber Orchestra, dir. Shlomo Mintz, with *Hagai Shaham (violin), John Anderson (oboe) and Josephine Knight (cello) Concertos 1, 3, 4, 5 recorded 4-7 June 2004 Concerto 2, Concertone, Sinfonia Concertante recorded 13-17 September 2004 Air Studios, Lyndhurst Hall, London AVIE AV2058 [3 CDs: 3:00:00: 64:15 + 55:05 + 60:39] [PJL]

There’s much to admire here. Enjoyable but intermittently flawed performances. ... see Full Review

Gary NOLAND (b. 1957) 24 Postludes for piano, Op.72 volume 1 nos. 1-12: Philomathetique; Effete Stinkopations; De Rigueur Mortis; Pickthanks and Prickmedainties; Psychonipptions; Frivolization Asserts Itself; Perfessor Xeroxburger's Ravery; Careero-Phlegmatic Blah-Blah; Snake Blossom; Mr. Bighead Goes to Town; Index Dementia; A Ho, Ho and a Coupla Hums Gary Noland (piano) No recording information. DDD NORTH PACIFIC MUSIC NPM LD 018 [71'33] Gary NOLAND (b. 1957) 24 Interludes for piano, Op.71 volume 1 nos. 1-12: Mumbo Gumbo; Gillygalay; Espresso Wagon; Push-Button Fingers; The Tempation of Saint Floyd; Pseudodoes and Crocodilities; Stupersize It!; It Takes Three…; Pterodactyl Dit; Follywood Bubble; Sevenupmanship; Confusion Worse Confounded Gary Noland (piano) No recording information. DDD NORTH PACIFIC MUSIC NPM LD 019 [72'39][RNB]

You can hardly be indifferent to Noland’s music and so I would urge you to try it. ... see Full Review

BARGAIN OF THE MONTH Maurice OHANA (1913 – 1992) Syllabaire pour Phèdre (1966/7)^a Cris (1968/9)^b Messe (1977)^c Llanto por Ignacio Sánchez Mejias (1949/50)^d Cantigas (1953/4)^e Signes (1965)^f Livre des prodiges (1978/9)^g Chiffres de clavecin (1968)^h Anneau du Tamarit (1976)ⁱ Sorôn-Ngô (1969/71)^j Sacral d’Ilx (1975)^k Deux pièces pour clavecin (1982/3)^l Carillons pour les heures du jour et de la nuit (1960)^m Mady Mesplé (soprano)^a; Hanna Schaer (soprano)^c; Isabel Garcisanz (mezzo-soprano)^ce; Michel Jarry (baritone)^d; José Luis Gómez (speaker)^d; Elisabeth Chojnacka (harpsichord)^hklm; Alain Meunier (cello)ⁱ; Geneviève Joy, Jacqueline Robin (piano)^j; Choeur de l’ORTF^abe; Choeur de Radio France^c; Ensemble "Ars Nova"^adef; Orchestra National de France^gi; Nouvel Orchestre Philharmonique de Radio France^h; Marius Constant^af, Marcel Couraud^be, Guy Riebel^c, Theodor Guschlbauer^d, Stanislaw Skrowaczewski^g, Marc Andraeⁱ Recorded: Various venues, 1967, 1973, 1977, 1981, 1983 and 1987 ERATO 2564 61321-2 [77:45 + 70:25 + 70:51 + 63:53] [HC]

A highly personal, sincere and utterly honest composer who painstakingly ploughed his furrow regardless of any current fashion ... see Full Review

Carl ORFF (1895-1982) Carmina Burana (1937) Judith Blegen (soprano) Hakan Hagegard (baritone) William Brown (tenor) Atlanta Boys’ Choir Atlanta Symphony Chorus and Orchestra/Robert Shaw Recorded in Symphony Hall, Atlanta, November 16-18, 1980 TELARC CD 80056 [60’29] [TH]

I hoped for better things. It’s ultimately all a bit too po-faced and polite but the choral singing is predictably superb and the recording deep and refined ... see Full Review

Katharine PARKER (1886-1971) Down Longford Way Piano solos: A Water Colour (1925); Nocturne (1925); Four Musical Sketches (One Summer Day; A Patchwork for Shadows; Red Admiral; Down Longford Way) (1928); Arc-en-Ciel: Valse (1936); Ballet; Brushing up the leaves Songs: Six Songs (Yellow’s the robe for honour; I am disquieted; The night’s before us yet; The willows by the Eastern gate; I wait my Lord; You’ve two score, three score years before you yet) (1928); As a star (1913); Love ships (1914); The light of the lotus: love songs of Japan (My little Samisen; Lotus lanterns; The little dwarf tree) (1922); The road to love (1922); Désirée (1924); I don't care (1927); Come, my love Jane Edwards (soprano); Ian Munro (piano) rec. ABC Sydney, Studio 200, 7 July 2004 (songs); 13 June 2004 (piano solos). DDD CD funded by the Tasmanian Bicentenary TALL POPPIES TP 174 [54:30] [RB]

Fragile sentimental blossoms brought back to bloom in stylish and sensitive performances. ... see Full Review

Harry PARTCH (1901 - 1974) "Enclosure 4" - Two Films Delusion of the Fury: A Ritual of Dream and Delusion (1971) [75'] The Music of Harry Partch (1968) [28'] VHS tape, NTSC format*, monaural sound INNOVA 404 [103'] [PSe]

Try to ignore the obvious technical constraints, and savour a unique record of a unique and fascinating artistic event, a combination of visionary cinematography and a musico-dramatic world that is totally unlike any other. ... see Full Review

Martin PEERSON (1572-1651) Latin Motets: Deus omnipotens; Redemptor mundi; Pater fili paraclete; Levavi oculus meos; Ecce non dormitabit; Mulieres secentes;Christus factus est; Hora nona; Latus eius; O rex gloriae; Quid vobis videtur; O domine Jesu Christe; Laboravi in gemitu meo; Nolite ulta lagella peccatoris. Ex Cathedra/Jeffrey Skidmore Recorded at St. Paul’s Church, New Southgate, London, January 2004 HYPERION CDA 67490 [65.33][GH]

A unique disc which is well worth investigating ... see Full Review

Krzysztof PENDERECKI (b. 1933) A Polish Requiem (1980/4) Izabella Klosínska (soprano); Jadwiga Rappé (alto); Ryszard Minkiewicz (tenor); Piotr Nowacki (bass); Warsaw National Philharmonic Choir; Warsaw National Philharmonic Orchestra/Antoni Wit Recorded: Warsaw Philharmonic Hall, May-June 2003 NAXOS 8.557386-87 [53:43 + 45:45] [HC]

A fine and assured performance ... committed and convincing singing and playing ... strongly recommended. ... see Full Review

Astor PIAZZOLLA (1921 – 1992) Tangata (1968) [7:04] Escualo (1978/9) [3:23] Libertango (1973)^a [5:03] Concierto para quinteto (1971)^a [9:03] Adiós Nonino (1959) [8:19] Verano Porteño (1965) [7:29] Mumuki (1980s)^a [9:01] Michelangelo 70 (1970)^a [3:22] La muerte del ángel (1962)^a [3:38] Soledad (1975)^a [7:38] Quatuor Caliente (Guillaume Hodeau, bandoneon; Cédric Lorel, piano; Michel Berrier, violin; Nicolas Marty, double bass); Vincent Maillard (vibraphone) Recorded: Espace de projection de l’IRCAM, Paris, April 2004 AEON AECD 0424 [64:10] [HC]

Fine performances recorded live ... the perfect complement to Dutoit’s Decca recording .... well worth having. ... see Full Review

Stephen PLEWS (b.1961) Extracts From Infinity: God’s Mates Revisited, Industrial Language, Theme – Highland Clearance, Lament For Synesios, King’s Casualties, Five Études, On The Street Where You Died (In Memoriam), Mourning The Death Of An Illusion Parts 1 & 4, Interrogation – A Quick Sketch, March Of Disorder/Inner Migration, Echoe’s Bones, Evolution Robert Bellatalla (double bass); Bill Eyden (drums); Mike Walker (guitar); Steve Berry (double bass); Iain Dixon (bass clarinet); Jeff Clyne (double bass); Trevor Tomkins (drums); Peter Fairclough (drums); Duncan MacKay (trumpet); Roger Heaton (clarinet); Stephen Pruslin (piano); Stuart Death (piano); Andrew Long (violin); Ed Jones (saxophone); Phil Clarke (drums); David Jones (piano); Stephen Plews (piano and keyboards) No recording information. DDD CAMPION CAMEO 2029 [64'20] [RNB]

The combination of superficially diverse styles unified by a consistent feeling provides interesting listening. Recommend to the musically adventurous. ... see Full Review

Francis POULENC (1899-1963) Concerto in G minor for organ, string orchestra and timpani [20:25] Maurice DURUFLÉ (1902-1986) Prélude et fugue sur le nom d’Alain, op.7 [12:10] Jehan ALAIN (1911-1940) Sarabande for organ, string quintet and timpani [11:42] Maurice DURUFLÉ Three Dances for Orchestra, op.6 (1938) [20:42] Marie-Claire Alain (organ) Bamberger Symphoniker/Jean-Jacques Kantorow Recorded in the Sinfonie an den Regnitz, Bamberg, 10^th-12^th November 1997 WARNER APEX 2564 61912-2 [65:44] [GPJ]

Quite a CD this ... an imaginatively planned programme, performed with dedication and total accomplishment. ... see Full Review

Sergei PROKOFIEV (1891-1953) The Five Piano Concertos Piano Concerto No.1 in D flat major Op.10 (1911-12) [15.29] Piano Concerto No.2 in G minor Op.16 (1913 revised 1923) [31.34] Piano Concerto No.3 in C major Op.26 (1917-21) [27.17] Piano Concerto No.4 in B flat major for the left hand Op.53 (1931) [23.12] Piano Concerto No.5 in G major Op.55 (1932) [22.57] Abdel Rahman El Bacha (piano) The Monnaie Symphony Orchestra/Kazushi Ono Recorded live in the Palace of Fine Arts, Brussels, 24-26 September 2004 FUGA LIBERA FUG 505 [54.28 + 66.08] [JW]

Gimlet precision ... forthright introspection, dramatic flourishes and considerable panache; an accomplished set, one to be admired. ... see Full Review

Einojuhani RAUTAVAARA (b.1928) Violin Concerto (1977) [24:10] Isle of Bliss (1995) [11:20] Angels and Visitations (1978) [19:16] Elmar Oliveira (violin) Helsinki Philharmonic Orchestra/Leif Segerstam Rec. Finlandia Hall, March 1996; May 1996 (Isle) ONDINE ODE 881-2 [55:05] [RB]

Shortish playing time but the artistic journey is powerful . The commitment and sympathetic insights of engineers, conductor and orchestra are patent. ... see Full Review

Joachim RAFF (1822-1882) String Quartet No. 6 in C minor, Op. 192 No. 1 (1876) [31.20] String Quartet No. 7 in D major. Op. 192 No. 2 (1876) [32.20] Mannheim String Quartet Rec 18-20 March 2003, Hans Rosbaud Studio, Baden Baden CPO 777 003-2 [63.54][TB]

A talented and wholly convincing composer, able to adapt classical principles and romantic ends. The next volume in the series can be eagerly awaited. ... see Full Review

Alan RAWSTHORNE (1905-1971) Symphony No. 1 (1950): (Allegro tempestuoso [7.08]; Allegro [7.55]; Allegro non troppo [3.35]; Poco maestoso – Allegro risoluto [6.01]) Symphony No. 2 A Pastoral Symphony (1959): (Allegro piacevole [6.30]; Poco lento e liberamente [5.24]; Country Dance: Allegro giocoso [3.09]; Andante [4.44]) Symphony No. 3 (1964): (Allegro [8.05]; Alla sarabanda: Andantino [8.24]; Scherzo: Allegro molto [4.29]; Allegro risoluto [9.45]) Charlotte Ellett (soprano) Bournemouth Symphony Orchestra/David Lloyd-Jones Recorded in the Concert Hall, Lighthouse, Poole, UK, 6-8 January 2004. DDD NAXOS 8.557480 [75.10] [EM]

Wonderful to see Naxos resurrecting these demanding and emotionally draining works. High standards of performance and masterly conducting ... see Full Review

Ottorino RESPIGHI (1879-1936) Sonata in D minor for violin and piano P15 (1897) [19.56] Six Pieces for violin and piano P31 (1902-05) [22.42] Violin Sonata in B minor P110 (1917) [27.46] Ingolf Turban (violin) Katia Nemirovitch-Dantchenko (piano) Recorded at the Hochschule für Musik und Darstellende Kunst, Stuttgart, May, July and September 2001 CLAVES 50-2109 [70.34] [JW]

Given these caveats I would suggest alternative recordings. The recording level is a basic concern and the playing never really gets to the heart of the matter. ... see Full Review

Emil Nikolaus von REZNIČEK (1860-1945) Donna Diana - opera in three acts (1888) Max Wittges (bass) ... Don Diego; Manuela Uhl (sop) ... Donna Diana; Heike Wittlieb (sop) ... Donna Laura; Roman Sadnik (ten) ... Don Cesar; Hans-Jurgen Schöpflin (ten) ... Don Louis; Matthias Klein (bass) ... Don Gaston; Simon Pauly (bar) ... Perin; Anne-Carolyn Schlütter (mezzo) ... Floretta Kiel Opera Chorus and Philharmonic Orchestra/Ulrich Windfuhr Rec. Kiel Opera House, Germany, Kiel, May 2003. CPO 999 991-2 [38:41 + 73:03] [RW]

Bright and comic touches ... catchy rhythms ... vibrant ... emotionally uplifting. ... see Full Review

Nikolai RIMSKY-KORSAKOV (1844-1908) Scheherazade * (1888) (44:30) Igor STRAVINSKY (1882-1971) Song of the Nightingale ? (1917) (22:17) Chicago Symphony Orchestra/Fritz Reiner * Recorded in Chicago February 8 1960. ◙ Recorded November 3 1956 BMG RCA RED SEAL SACD 82876 66377-2 [66:51] [IL]

Reiner’s reading is sumptuous, exciting and wonderfully sensuous. ... see Full Review

Joaquin RODRIGO (1901-1999) Concierto de Aranjuez (I Allegro con spirito [6:09]; II Adagio [11:19]; III Allegro gentile [5:17]) Heitor VILLA-LOBOS (1887-1959) Guitar Concerto (I Allegro preciso [5:22]; II Andantino e andante [8:12]; III Allegretto non troppo [4:56]) Manuel PONCE (1882-1948) Concierto del Sur (I Allegretto [12:48]; II Andante [6:54]; III Allegro moderato e festivo [6:02]) Sharon Isbin (guitar) New York Philharmonic Orchestra/José Serebrier Recorded Right Track Studios, New York, 28-30^th June 2004 WARNER CLASSICS 2564 60296-2 [67:12][ZT]

While not the best on offer this is a treasured programme with fabulous orchestral backing, excellent sonic properties. ... see Full Review

Joaquín RODRIGO (1901–1999): Piano Music 1 A l’ombre de Torre Bermeja (In the Shadow of the Crimson Tower); Cuatro piezas papa piano (Four Piano Pieces): Caleseras – Fandango del ventorrillo – Plegaria de la Infanta de Castilla – Danza valenciana; Pastoral; Preludio de añoranza (Nostalgic Prelude); Deux Berceuses (Two Lullabies): Berceuse de Printemps – Berceuse d’Automne; Bagatela (Bagalette); Cuatro estampas andaluzas (Four Andalusian Pictures): El vendedor de chanquetes – Crepúsculo sobre el Guadalquivir – Seguidillas del diabolo – Barquitos de Cádiz; Sonada de adios (Sounding of Farewell); Serenata española (Spanish Serenade); Air de ballet sur le nom d’une jeune fille (Ballet Theme on a Young Girl’s Namne); Zarabanda lejana (Distant Sarabande); Cinco piezas del siglo XVI (Five Pieces of the Sixteenth Century): Diferencias sobre ‘El Canto del Caballero’ (Cabezón) – Pavana (Luis de Milán) – Pavana (Luis Milán) – Pavana (Enriquez de Valderrábano); Fantasía que contrahace la harpa de Ludovico (Alonso Mudarra)(Fantasia in the Style of Ludovico’s Harp) Artur Pizarro (piano) Recorded at Potton Hall, Suffolk, UK, 3-5 February, 2003 NAXOS 8.557272 [69:27][GF]

Fascinating ... I am already looking forward to Vol. 2. ... see Full Review

Gioachino ROSSINI (1792-1868) Bianca e Falliero - operatic melodrama in two acts (1819) Libretto by Felice Romani on a play by Antoine Arnault First performed at Teatro ala Scala, Milan, 26 December 1819 Bianca, the daughter of Contareno, Majella Cullagh (sop); Falliero, a Venetian general, Jennifer Larmore (mez); Contareno, a Venetian senator, Barry Banks (ten); Capellio, a Venetian senator in love with Bianca, Ildebrando D'Arcangelo (bass); Costanza, Bianca’s nurse, Gabriella Colecchia (mez); Priuli, Doge of Venice, Simon Bailey (bass); Pisani, a member of The Council of Three, Ryland Davies (ten); Geoffrey Mitchell Choir; London Philharmonic Orchestra/David Parry Recorded at Henry Wood Hall, London. November 2000 OPERA RARA ORC20 [3 CDs: 62.18 + 42.32 + 75.20][RJF]

I recommend all lovers of Rossini’s operas to go out and buy this set as soon as funds allow. It will provide musical pleasure and a feast of good singing ... see Full Review

Gioachino ROSSINI (1792-1868) Alternative Arias Il barbiere di Siviglia, Ma forse, ahime Lindoro... Ah, se e ver che in tal momento (Aria, Rosina) Tancredi, O sospirato lido!...Dolci d'amor parole. (Recit. and Cavatina, Tancredi) La gazza ladra, Deh! Lasciate ch'io pur di gioia esulti... Beviam, tocchiamo a gara. (Recit. and Cavatina, Pippo) Zelmira, Da te spero, o ciel clemente. (Zelmira) Tancredi, Qual suon? Che miro!...Va, palese e troppo omai. (March and aria, Tancredi). (with chorus of Turin Radio) Il barbiere di Siviglia, La mia pace, la mia calma. (Aria, Rosina) Maometto II, Non tener: d'un basso affetto (Aria, Calbo) Marilyn Horne (mezzo) Orchestra Sinfonica di Torino della RAI/Alberto Zedda Recorded at the Auditorium RAI, Turin, December 1982. WARNER FONIT 8573 82247-5 [50.10] [RJF]

A must for all lovers of Rossini’s writing and of Marilyn Horne’s formidable vocal skills and abilities ... see Full Review

Gioachino ROSSINI (1792-1868) Petite Messe Solenelle (Orchestra version)* [76’01"] Giuseppe VERDI (1813-1901) Un Ballo in Maschera, Act III: Eri Tu?** [5’06"] Charles GOUNOD (1818-1893) Ring Out, Wild Bells (Tennyson)** [3’46"] Camille SAINT-SAËNS (1835-1921) Samson et Dalila: Mon Coeur s’ouvre à ta voix*** [5’48"] Richard WAGNER (1813-1883) Parsifal: Grail Scene, Act 1 (incomplete)**** [24’58"] Richard STRAUSS (1864-1949) Lieder: Verführung***** [7’09"]; Gesang der Apolloprieterin***** [4’46"]; Salomé: Final Scene***** [15’55"] *Ria Ginster (soprano); Bruna Castagna (mezzo); Charles Kullman (tenor); Leonard Warren (baritone) ** Lawrence Tibbett (baritone); *** Kathryn Meisle (mezzo); **** Norman Cordon (bass); Richard Bonelli (baritone); ***** Rose Pauly (soprano) New York Philharmonic Symphony Orchestra/John Barbirolli; ** and *** Detroit Symphony Orchestra/John Barbirolli; *Westminster Choir Recordings made in Carnegie Hall, New York except ** and *** (venue unknown) Recording dates: *9 April 1939; **29 December 1940; *** 6 June 1938; **** 17 April 1938; ***** 24 February 1938 AAD GUILD HISTORICAL GHCD 2254/5 [76’01" + 69’37"] [JQ]

I’m thrilled to have heard the Strauss. The Rossini is an interesting addition to Barbirolli’s discography but sound quality is an issue ... see Full Review

Nino ROTA (1911-1979) Ballet Suite: La strada (1966) (from the 1954 film) [28:05] Concerto Soirée (1962) [20:35] Dances for the film: Il gattopardo (The Leopard) 1962) [15:35] Benedetto Lupo (piano) Orquesta Ciudad de Granada/Josep Pons Rec. July 2004, Auditorium Manuel de Falla, Granada, Spain. DDD HARMONIA MUNDI HMC 901864 [64:15][IL]

Sparkling performances of Rota magic. Recommended. ... see Full Review

Alec ROWLEY (1892-1958) Concerto in D major for piano, strings and percussion Op. 49 (1938) [15:10] Christian DARNTON (1905-1981) Concerto in C major for piano and string orchestra (1948) [16:35] Roberto GERHARD (1896-1970) Concerto for piano and strings (1961) [22:17] Howard FERGUSON (1908-1999) Concerto for piano and string orchestra Op. 12 (1951) [24:10] Peter Donohoe (piano and conductor) Northern Sinfonia
rec. Jubilee Hall, Gosforth, UK, 25-27 Nov 2003 British Piano Concertos series NAXOS 8.557290 [78:12] [JF]

A great recording. Four British piano concertos all ‘hard to get.’ Every one of them is worthy of our attention and all deserve to be in the repertoire. ... 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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