Classical CD Review Archive - May 2006 part 3 C-L:Classical MusicWeb (UK]

Emmanuel CHABRIER (1841-1894) Impromptu (1873) [7:11] Ronde champêtre (ca. 1870) [3:53] Dix pièces pittoresques (1881) [42:25] (Paysage [5:49]; Mélancolie [2:39]; ourbillon [1:31]; Sous-bois [4:30]; Mauresque [3:21]; Idylle [3:51]; Danse villageoise [4:36]; Improvisation [5:20]; Menuet pompeux [6:10]; Scherzo-valse [4:33]) Aubade (1883) [4:45] Ballabile (pub. 1897)[1:33] Caprice (pub. 1897) [2:49] Feuillet d�album (pub. 1897) [2:13] Habanera (1885) [4:35] Bourrée fantasque (1891) [6:38]

Angela Hewitt (piano)rec. Das Kulturzentrum Grand Hotel, Dobbiaco, Italy, 19-22 June 2004. HYPERION CDA67515 [76:06] [BB]

In terms of recording, performance, and production, another success for the Hewitt-Hyperion collaboration. ... see Full Review

Cécile CHAMINADE (1857-1944) Arlequine Op. 53 [3:01] Pièce romantique Op. 7 No. 1 [2:42] Chanson bretonne, (No. 5 of Romances sans paroles Op. 76) [2:09] Divertissement Op. 105 [2:16] Consolation, (No. 5 of Pièces humoristiques Op. 87) [4:50] Passacaille Op. 130 [3:14] Nocturne Op. 165 [4:37] Scherzo-valse Op. 148 (d�après Op. 126 No. 6) [2:49] Sous bois (No. 2 of Pièces Humoristiques Op. 87) [3:13] Étude symphonique Op. 28 [5:24] Élégie Op 98 (Feuillets d�album No. 3) [3:04] Gigue Op. 43 [3:31] Au pays dévasté Op. 155 [6:31] Pastorale Op. 114 [4:49] Libellules Op. 24 [2:19] Valse tendre Op. 119 [3:46] Tristesse Op. 104 [3:55] Impromptu (No. 5 of Études de concert Op. 35) [3:51] Tarantelle (No. 6 of Études de concert Op. 35) [4:35] Peter Jacobs (piano) rec. 3-4 November 1993, All Saints, Durham Road, East Finchley, London. DDD HYPERION HELIOS CDH55198 [72:41] [ABi]

Depth of imagination, a broad range of mood and styles, keen lyricism and a constantly successful and pleasing domestic style. ... see Full Review

Aaron COPLAND (1900-1990) Billy the Kid: Suite (1938) [20:10] Billy the Kid: Waltz (1938) [4:09] Rodeo: Suite (1942) [21:10] Ferde GROF� (1892-1972) Grand Canyon Suite (1929-1931) [32:20]

Morton Gould and His Orchestra rec. Manhattan Center, New York City, 1-2 October 1957 (Copland), 19 February 1960 (Grof�) RCA RED SEAL (SONY BMG) SACD 82876 679042 [78:10] [EB]

A superb recording which brings verve to Copland�s ballet scores and more than a touch of the big screen to the Grof� ... see Full Review

Muzio CLEMENTI (1752-1832) Piano Sonatas: Sonata in G minor, Op. 34 No. 2 (1795) [22:23]; Sonata in A, Op. 50, No. 1 (1821) [22:38]; Sonata in E-flat, Op. 41 (1804) [17:34]

Tanya Bannister (piano) rec. 13-15 August 2004, The Performing Arts Center, The Country Day School, King City, Ontario, Canada NAXOS 8.557453 [62:36][DB]

Reason to wish that Naxos continue to release more Clementi. Highly competent and assured performances. ... see Full Review

David DIAMOND (1915-2005) Trio for violin, cello and piano (1951) [25:12] Quartet for piano and string trio (1936 rev. 1967) [26:37] Trio in G major for violin, viola and cello (1937) [17:52]

Notre Dame String Trio (Carolyn Plummer (violin); Christine Rutledge (viola); Karen Buranskas (cello)) Ralph Votapek (piano) rec. 29-30 June 1998, WFMT Studios, Chicago (Piano Trio; Piano Quartet); June 1996, Masonic Temple, South Bend, Indiana (String Trio). DDD CENTAUR CRC 2437 [69:58] [RB]

Vivacious music-making and must not be overlooked in the present crop of discs ... see Full Review

Gaetano DONIZETTI (1797-1848) Don Pasquale - dramma buffo in three acts (1843) Libretto by Giovanni Ruffini and Gaetano Donizetti. First performed: Th��tre Italien, Paris, 3 January 1843 Don Pasquale, an elderly well-off bachelor, Alfredo Mariotti (bass); Ernesto, ardent but impecunious suitor of Norina, Ugo Benelli (ten); Norina, an impulsive, but sensitive, young widow, Anna Maccianti (sop); Doctor Malatesta, extremely resourceful and jocular doctor, friend of Pasquale and closer friend of Ernesto, Mario Basiola (bar) Chorus and orchestra of the Maggio Musicale, Florence, Italy/Ettore Gracis rec. Teatro Communale, Florence, Italy. October 1964 Il campanello di notte - comic operas in one act (1836). Libretto by the composer Don Annibale Pistacchio, an apothecary, Alfredo Mariotti (bass); Serafina, Annibale�s bride, Emma Bruno de Sanctis (sop); Madama Rosa, Serafina�s mother and Enrico�s aunt, Flora Raffanelli (mezzo); Enrico, a gay young blood, Alberto Rinaldi (bar); Spiridione, Annibale�s servant, Mario Guggio (ten) Chorus and orchestra of the Teatro La Fenice, Venice, Italy/Ettore Gracis rec. La Teatro Fenice, Venice. October 1964 DEUTSCHE GRAMMOPHON OPERA HOUSE SERIES 477 5631 [81.03 + 77.16][[RJF]

A good introduction to two of Donizetti�s lighter compositions and at bargain price. ... see Full Review

Antonin DVOŘ�K (1841-1904) Symphony No.7 in D minor, Op.70 (1885) [38:48] The Wild Dove (1896) [19:46]

Royal Concertgebouw Orchestra/Nikolaus Harnoncourt rec. Concertgebouw, Amsterdam, March 1998 �live� (symphony), Dec 1997

WARNER CLASSICS 3984 21278-2 [58:49][TH]

A successful performance of The Wild Dove and a relatively ordinary one of the symphony ... makes it hard to completely recommend. ... see Full Review

Anton�n DVOŘ�K (1841-1904) Piano Concerto in G minor, op. 33 (1876) [39:19] The Golden Spinning Wheel, op. 109 (1896) [28:21]

Pierre-Laurent Aimard (piano) Royal Concertgebouw Orchestra/Nikolaus Harnoncourt rec. Het Concertgebouw, 20-26 October 2001; Piano Concerto recorded live. DDD WARNER CLASSICS LC 04281 8573876302 [67:52] [JuW]

Strong performances by world-class players. However, there are good reasons why lesser-known works are less-known. Dvoř�k has written better stuff than this ... see Full Review

Anton�n DVOŘ�K (1841-1904) Violin Concerto op.53 (1879) [33:01] (I: Allegro ma non troppo [10:20]; 2. II: Adagio ma non troppo [11:39]; 3. III: Finale � Allegro giocoso, ma non troppo [11:02]) Samuel BARBER (1910-1981) Violin Concerto, op.14 (1939) [22:45] (I: Allegro [10:37]; II: Andante [8:18]; III: Presto in moto perpetuo [3:50]) Martin Válek (violin) Prague Radio Symphony Orchestra/Vladimir Válek Czech Radio recording (no further details available) CESKY ROZHLAS UP0082-2 231 [55:58] [GPJ]

If the coupling of these two lovely concertos is for you, then you won�t go far wrong with this issue... see Full Review

Anton�n DVOŘ�K (1841-1904) Trio No. 1 for Violin, Cello and Piano in B-flat Major Op. 21, B 51 (1875) [37:13] Trio No. 2 in G-minor Op 26, B56 (1876) [33:54] Trio No. 3 in F-minor Op 65, B130 (1883) [43:29] Trio No. 4 �Dumky�in E-minor Op 90, B166 (1891) [32:35]

Dumky Trio: Pierre-Olivier Queyras (violin), V�ronique Marin (cello), Fr�d�ric Lagarde (piano) rec. Church of Saint Marcel, Paris, August 2003 ETCETERA KTC 1303 2CD [71:07 + 76:04] [WK]

A certain neo-classical restraint ... but this set contains wonderful ensemble playing and lots of energy, as well as solo work that is truly inspired. ... see Full Review

Anton�n DVOŘ�K (1841-1904) Symphonic Poems The Golden Spinning Wheel B. 197, Op. 109 (1896)* [28:24] The Noon Witch B. 196, Op. 108 (1896)* [14:17] The Water Goblin B. 195, Op. 107 (1896) [21:20] The Wild Dove B. 198, Op. 110 (1896) [19:56]

Royal Concertgebouw Orchestra/Nikolaus Harnoncourt rec. Concertgebouw, Amsterdam, Holland, 24-26 October 2001 (Op. 109), December 1998 (Op. 108), October 1999 (Op. 107), December 1997 (Op. 110) Live recording* DDD WARNER CLASSICS 2564 60221-2 [42:44 + 41:03] [MC]

Quite superb throughout ... open-hearted and spontaneous playing ... highly impressive. ... see Full Review

Anton�n DVOŘ�K (1841-1904) Pro (mlad�) klav�risty [Music for (young) pianists] Intermezzo Op.52 No.2 [2.07] Mazurka in B minor Op.56 No.3 [2.15] Album Leaves B109 (1880-88) 1. F sharp minor [0.57] 2. G minor [0.30] E flat major [0.47] Piano Piece in G major [2.01] Legend [1.59] Theme [1.10] Two Little Pearls B156 (1887) 3.46] Polka in E major B3 (1860) [2.08] Silhouettes Op.8 B98 (1879) Nos.1, 2, 4 ,6 ,8 ,9 and 11 [13.18] Humoresque B138 (1884) [2.41] Eight Humoresques Op.101 B187 � No.7 in G flat major (1892-95) [2.39] Poetic Tone Pictures Op.85 B161 (1889) Nos.4, 6, 9 and 13 [16.51] Tempo di Marcia [2.46] Presto in E flat major [1.09] Lullaby [3.06] Minuets Op.28 B58 (1876-77) [5.05] Eight Waltzes Op.54 B101 (1880) - No.1 [3.26] Four Eclogues Op.56 B103 (1880) � E major No.4 [5.31] Presto in E minor [1.32] Polka - Forget Me Not (1854) [1.05] Tom� V�ek (piano) rec. Municipal Theatre, Turnov, Czech Republic, January, February 2005 ROSA CLASSIC RD 1318 [77.39][JW]

A most rewarding single disc selection for those unwilling to commit to the complete works on disc ... see Full Review

Edward ELGAR (1857-1934) The Dream of Gerontius Op.38 (1900) Heddle Nash (tenor) Gladys Ripley (contralto) Dennis Noble (baritone) Norman Walker (bass) Huddersfield Choral Society Liverpool Philharmonic Orchestra/ Malcolm Sargent rec. Liverpool, 1945 PRISTINE AUDIO PACO009 [55.00 + 35.08] [JW]

The lower to mid frequency response tends to predominate and the upper frequencies are dampened in the interest of shellac suppression. ... see Full Review

Edward ELGAR (1857-1934) Edward Elgar conducts Edward Elgar
Overture Cockaigne (In London Town) � Concert Overture, Op. 40 [13.39]

BBC Symphony Orchestra/Elgar rec. 11 April, 1933, EMI Abbey Road Studio No. 1, London Variations on an Original Theme (Enigma), Op. 36 [27:12]: (Theme [1.49]; C.A.E. (the composer's wife) [1:54]; H.D.S.-P. (Hew David Steuart-Powell) [0.44]; R.B.T. (Richard Baxter Townshend) [1.25]; W.M.B. (William Meath Baker) [0.29]; R.P.A. (Richard Penrose Arnold) [1.54]; Ysobel (Isabel Fitton) [1.22]; Troyte (Troyte Griffith) [0.53]; W.N. (Winifred Norbury) [1.38]; Nimrod (A J. Jaeger) [2.53]; Intermezzo: Dorabella (Dora Penny) [2.32]; G.R.S. (George Robertson Sinclair) [0.48]; B.G.N. (Basil G. Nevinson) [2.15]; Romanza: *** (Lady Mary Lygon) [2.03]; Finale: E.D.U. (the composer) [4.31]) Royal Albert Hall Orchestra/Elgar rec. 28 April, 30 August 1926, Queen�s Hall, London Pomp and Circumstance Marches: No. l in D major [4.25] Royal Albert Hall Orchestra/Elgar rec. 27 April 1926, Queen�s Hall, London No.2 in A minor [4.03] Royal Albert Hall Orchestra/Elgar rec. 27 April 1926, Queen�s Hall, London No.3 in C minor [4.35] London Symphony Orchestra/Elgar rec. 15 July, 1927, Queen�s Hall, London No.4 in G major [4.34] London Symphony Orchestra/Elgar rec. 15 July, 1927, Queen�s Hall, London No.5 in C major [4.15] London Symphony Orchestra/Elgar rec. 18 September, 1930, Kingsway Hall, London Side 3 of the Cockaigne Overture in "Accidental Stereo� [4.52] BBC Symphony Orchestra/Elgar rec. 11 April 1933, EMI Abbey Road Studio No. 1, London NAXOS HISTORICAL AAD 8.111022 [67.35] [EM]

Will satisfy any music-lover who is interested in hearing a composer�s interpretation of his own music. ... see Full Review

Sir Edward ELGAR (1857-1934) Cockaigne Overture, op. 40 (1900-1) [13:09] Cello Concerto in E minor, op. 85* (1919) [26:33] The Wand of Youth, Suite no. 1, op. 1a (1907) [19:08] The Wand of Youth, Suite no. 2, op. 1b (1908) [14:46] Elegy, op. 58 (1909) [03:45]

Anthony Pini (cello) London Philharmonic Orchestra/ Eduard van Beinum rec. 13 May 1949 (op. 40, op. 58), 14 May 1949 and 12 April 1950 (op. 85), 5 February 1949 (op. 1a), 13 February 1950 (op. 1b), Kingsway Hall, London, produced by Victor Olof, engineered by Kenneth Wilkinson BEULAH 2PD15 [77:31] [CH]

Those interested in the history of Elgar on record will be rewarded with very fine, totally idiomatic �basic Elgar�.� ... see Full Review

George ENESCU (1881-1955) Oedipe, Op. 23 - Trag�die lyrique en 4 actes et 6 tableaux (1936) Libretto in French by Edmond Fleg.

Monte Pederson (bass-baritone) � Oedipe, Egils Silins (bass) � Tir�sias, Davide Damiani (baritone) � Cr�on, Michael Roider (tenor) - Le berger (The Shepherd), Goran Simić (bass) - Le grand pr�tre (The High Priest), Peter K�ves (bass) � Phorbas, Walter Fink (bass) - Le veilleur (The Watchman), Yu Chen (baritone) � Th�s�e, Josef Hopferwieser (tenor) � La�os, Marjana Lipov�ek (mezzo) - Jocaste/La Sphinge (The Sphinx), Ruxandra Donose (soprano) � Antigone, Mihaela Ungureanu (mezzo) - M�rope, Chorus of the Vienna State Opera, Vienna Boys Choir, Orchestra of the Vienna State Opera, Stage Orchestra of the Austrian Federal Theatres/Michael Gielen rec. live, Vienna State Opera, 29 May 1997. DDD NAXOS 8.660163-64 [63:53 + 64:33] [ED]

When all�s said and done Naxos provides a decent starting point. ... see Full Review

Philipp Heinrich ERLEBACH (1657-1714) VI Sonate � Violino e Viola da Gamba col suo Basso Continuo (1694) Sonata I in D [11:03] Sonata V in B flat [09:57] Sonata II in e minor [11:04] Sonata IV in C [11:17] Sonata VI in F [12:08] Sonata III in A [14:31]

Rodolfo Richter (violin); Alison McGillivray (viola da gamba); Peter McCarthy (violone); Eligio Quinteiro (theorbo); Silas Standage (harpsichord (organ) rec. November 2001, St Michael's Church, Highgate, London, UK. DDD LINN RECORDS CKD270 [70:59] [JV]

Six fine trio sonatas by Erlebach, a contemporary of Buxtehude - recommended even though the performance does not fully explore their qualities ... see Full Review

Joseph EYBLER (1765-1846) String Trio, Op. 2 (?1798) [26:12] String Quintet, Op. 6, No. 1* (1803) [31:27] Deutsches Streichtrio: Hans Kalafusz (violin); J�rgen Weber (viola); ReinerGinzel (cello); * Roland Metzger (viola); Heinrich Braun (double bass) rec. 9-12 March 2004, Kammermusikstudio des SWR Stuttgart. DDD CPO 777 025-2 [57:48][GPu]

Part of the rehabilitation of Eyber�s achievements as a composer, anyone interested in the chamber music of the Viennese classical tradition will get much pleasure from this CD ... see Full Review

Gabriel FAUR� (1845-1924) Violin Sonata No.1 in A major Op.13 (1875-77) [21.27]

Jascha Heifetz (violin) Emanuel Bay (piano) rec. 1936 PRISTINE AUDIO PACM026 [21.27] [JW]

Heifetz�s lithe and scintillating 1936 spin on the Faur� sonata occupies its own warm niche. ... see Full Review

Gabriel FAUR� (1845-1924) Seven Piano Pieces: Impromptu No.2 in F minor Op.31 (1883) [3.41] Nocturne No.6 in D flat major Op.63 (1894) [7.04] Barcarolle No.2 in G major Op.41 (1885) [5.55] Nocturne No.13 in B minor Op.119 (1921) [6.40] Barcarolle No.1 in A minor Op.26 (c.1880) [4.37] Nocturne No.4 in E flat major Op.36 (1884) [5.57] Th�me and Variations in C sharp minor Op.73 (1895) [12.28]

Kathleen Long (piano) rec. London, 1951. ADD PRISTINE AUDIO PAKM015 [46.23] [JW]

Long�s view was consistent and entertaining one even if she tends to play the blunt outspoken guest; rushing rather than wryly amused. ... see Full Review

Brian FERNEYHOUGH (b. 1943) Shadowtime (2003-4) Nicolas Hodges (piano, speaker); Mats Scheidegger (guitar) Neue Vocalsolisten Stuttgart; Nieuw Ensemble/Jurjen Hempel rec. live, English National Opera, London Coliseum, July 2005 NMC D123 [64:42 + 62:02] [HC]

A major release of a major work, but be prepared to face something quite unusual. ... see Full Review

Gerald FINZI (1901-1956) Intimations of Immortality op. 29 (1949-50) [38:58] For Saint Cecilia op. 30 (1947) [16:37] James Gilchrist (tenor) Bournemouth Symphony Chorus/Greg Beardsell Bournemouth Symphony Orchestra/David Hill rec. The Concert Hall, The Lighthouse, Poole, 4-5 June 2005. DDD NAXOS 8.557863 [55:35] [RB]

A warm and richly detailed recording of one of Finzi's most ambitious works as well as one of his most enjoyably celebratory pieces. ... see Full Review

Josef Bohuslav Foerster (1859-1951) Festive Overture. Op. 70 (1907) [09:26] Meine Jugend (My Youth) Symphonic Poem, Op.44 (c.1905) [15:50] Symphony No.4 Easter Eve Op.54 (c.1904) [47:08]

Slovak Radio Symphony Orchestra/Lance Friedel rec. Slovak Radio (Bratislava), 8-15 September 2004. DDD NAXOS 8.557776 [72:33] [JF]

All those who love the works of Mahler and Dvoř�k and Bruckner will relate to much in these three works. ... see Full Review

RECORDING OF THE MONTH John FOULDS (1880-1939) Dynamic Triptych for piano and orchestra Op. 88 (1927-29) [25:38] April - England (Impressions of Time and Place No. 1) for orchestra Op. 48 No. 1 (1926 orch. 1932) [7:56] Music-Pictures Group III op. 33 (1912) [19:06] The Song of Ram Dass (1935) [3:13] Keltic Lament Op. 29 No. 2 (Keltic Suite) (1911) [4:38] Peter Donohoe (piano) City of Birmingham Symphony Orchestra/Sakari Oramo rec. Symphony Hall, Birmingham, 11, 13, 15-16 Jan 2006. DDD WARNER CLASSICS 2564 62999-2 [61:05] [RB]

The delightfully relentless tread of the Foulds Edition ... a disc not just for British music buffs but for anyone who values music of stunning originality and otherworldly beauty. ... see Full Review

BARGAIN OF THE MONTH C�sar FRANCK (1822-1890) Symphony in D Minor (1888) [39:00]* Igor STRAVINSKY (1882-1971) Petrouchka (1911) [34:48]# Chicago Symphony Orchestra*/Boston Symphony Orchestra#/Pierre Monteux rec. Orchestra Hall, Chicago, 7 January 1961 *; Symphony Hall, Boston, 25, 26, 28 January 1959 #. ADD BMG-RCA LIVING STEREO SACD 82876 678972

[74:08][TP]

In sum, an unsurpassed Franck D Minor and an excellent Petrouchka into the bargain. Highly recommended. ... see Full Review

Alexander GLAZUNOV (1865-1936) The Complete Solo Piano Music: vol. 2: Three Etudes, Op. 31 (1891) [11:34]; Two Pieces, Op. 22 (1889) [7:39]; Trois Morceaux, Op. 49 (1894) [9:46]; Nocturne, Op. 37 (1889) [5:38]; Miniature in C (1883) [1:25]; Easy Sonata (1880?) [1:33]; Sonatine (1880?) [1:45]; Two Prelude-Improvisations (1918) [9:52]; Theme and Variations, Op. 72 (1900) [17:57] Stephen Coombs (piano) rec. 26-27 February 1995. DDD HYPERION HELIOS CDH55222 [68:45] [CC]

Superb, in a word. The two volumes of Glazunov Piano Music should be mandatory purchases for all pianists and all lovers of the Russian Romantics. ... see Full Review

Nicolas GOMBERT (c.1495-c.1560) Tulerunt Dominum meum [5:44]
Magnificat primi toni [11:38] Credo in unum Deum [13:21] Super flumina Babylonis [7:15] Media vita in morte sumus [7:11] Salve regina (plainchant mode 1) [3:00] Salve regina (diversi diversa orant) [6:34] Epitaphium (in Josquinium a Prato) [7:36]

Oxford Camerata/Jeremy Summerly rec. 17-18 March 2005, Chapel of Hertford College, Oxford. DDD NAXOS 8.557732 [62:19] [GPu]

This is one of the best of all of Oxford Camerata�s recordings for Naxos, and any admirer of Renaissance polyphony needs to add it to his or her collection ... see Full Review

Eugene GOOSSENS (1893-1962) The Complete Piano Music [137:27] CD 1 Kaleidoscope, Op. 18 (Good Morning; Promenade; The Hurdy-Gurdy Man; March of the Wooden Soldier; The Rocking Horse; The Punch & Judy Show; A Ghost Story; The Old Musical Box; The Clockwork Dancer; Lament to a Departed Doll; A Merry Party; Good Night) (1917) [15:09] Four Conceits, Op. 20 (Gargoyle; Dance Memories; Walking Tune; Marionette Show) (1917) [6:09] Ships - three preludes for piano, Op. 42 (The Tug, The Tramp; The Liner) (1924) [8:20] Two Studies, Op. 38 (Folk Tune; Scherzo) (1923) [5:42] Homage to Paderewski (1941) [2:28] Hommage � Debussy, Op. 28 (1937) [2:39] Two Pieces, Op. 56 (Bonzo�s Dance; Pikki �s Lament) (1938) [3:23] Capriccio (1960) [2:33] Concert Study, Op. 10 (1914) [2:39] Nature Poems, Op. 25 (Awakening; Pastorale; Bacchanal) (1919) [17:22] CD 2 (Bach arr. Goossens) Andante from Brandenburg Concerto No. 2 (1932) [4:09] Rhythmic Dance for two pianos, Op.30 (1920) [3:44] Forlane and Toccata (1960) [4:46] East of Suez � suite for piano, Op.33 (1922) [25:50] L�Ecole en Crinoline � ballet, Op.29 (1921-22) [31:20] Antony Gray (piano) rec. CD1: 2-3 Oct 1995, 4 Sept 1996, Whitfield St Studios, London; CD2: 3-5, 10 March 1998, Eugene Goossens Hall, ABC Ultimo Centre, Sydney. DDD CD1 previously issued as ABC Classics 462 015-2 ABC CLASSICS 476 7636 [66:24 + 70:03][RB]

Another required acquisition for British music enthusiasts or anyone wanting to track the path of imaginative piano music during the first half of the last century. ... see Full Review

Enrique GRANADOS (1867-1916) Complete Piano Works Disc 1
Goyescas, El pelele Disc 2 Twelve Spanish Dances, Op. 37 Disc 3 Allegro di Concierto, Valses Poeticos , Capricho Espa�ol, op. 39, Rapsodia Aragonesa, Carezza-Vals, op. 38, Oriental, Dos Impromptus Disc 4 Moresque y Arabe, Cuentos de la juventud, op. 1, Sardana Bocetos Mazurka, op. 2, Barcarola, op. 45, Los Soldados de Cart�n, A la Pradera, Danza caracteristica, A la Cubana, Op. 36, Escenas Poeticas, book 2 Disc 5 Escenas Romanticas, Seis piezas sobre cantos populares Espa�oles, Danza lenta, Aparici�n, Cartas se amor, valses intimos, op. 44, Libro de Horas Disc 6 Impromptu, Op. 39, Seis estudios expressivos, Marche militaire, Estudio, Op. Posth., Elisenda, Paisaje, op. 35, Dos Marchas Militares, Escenas Poeticas, book 1 Thomas Rajna (piano) Recorded 1976. ADD BRILLIANT CLASSICS 92283 [6 CDs: 66.35 + 55.37 + 60.06 + 75.32 + 74.27 + 54.04] [JW]

Another bargain from Brilliant Classics. Performances, documentation and recording quality are all impressive. There�s no real reason to hesitate. ... see Full Review

Alexander GRECHANINOV (1864-1956) String Quartets: Volume 2 Quartet Op.75 (1915) [37.06] Quartet Op.124 (1929) [31.24]

Utrecht String Quartet rec. Delft, March and October 2005

MUSIK DABRINGHAUS UND GRIMM MDG 603 1388-2 [68.40][JW]

For a recommendable traversal of the four quartets the Utrecht performances will take some beating. ... see Full Review

RECORDING OF THE MONTH Sofia GUBAIDULINA (b. 1931) The Deceitful Face of Hope and of Despair - concerto for flute and large orchestra (2005) [29:55] Sieben Worte (Seven Words) for cello, bayan (accordion) and strings (1982) [31:24]

Sharon Bezaly (flute); Torleif Thed�en (cello); Mie Miki (accordion) Gothenburg Symphony Orchestra/Mario Venzago rec. Gothenburg Concert Hall, Sweden, May 2005 (flute concerto); August 2004 (Sieben Worte) BIS SACD 1449

[61:19] [JuW]

For those with a serious interest in Gubaidulina and her contemporaries this is a must ... see Full Review

George Frideric HANDEL (1685�1759) Vedo il ciel; Piangete; Naufragando (La Resurrezione) Overture (Hercules) Oh Mirror; Return; With might endued/The Holy One of Israel (Samson) Overture (Jephta) He was despised; O thou that tellest; But who may abide (Messiah)

Lydia Vierlinger (alto) Wiener Motettenchor Capella Leopoldina/J�rg Zwicker rec. April 2004, Hofmusikkapelle, Vienna. DDD UNIVERSAL CD 476 300 0 [60.04] [RH]

I can recommend this disc for its musicality and feel for Handel�s music, but must warn off those for whom good English is a sine qua non of Handel performance. ... see Full Review

Georg Friedrich HANDEL (1685-1759) Giulio Cesare (1724) [223:00] Cesare: Sarah Connolly Cornelia: Patricia Bardon Sesto: Angelika Kirchschlager Cleopatra: Danielle de Niese Tolomeo: Christophe Dumaux Achilla: Christopher Maltman Nireno: Rachid Ben Abdeslam The Glyndebourne Chorus Orchestra of the Age of Enlightenment/William Christie Stage Director: David McVicar rec: August, 2005, Glyndebourne Opera House Entertainment is not a Dirty Word - documentary about the opera including interviews with William Christie, David McVicar and the cast [50:00] Danielle de Niese and the Glyndebourne experience - an informal portrait of Danielle de Niese in her first-ever Glyndebourne season [22:00] Sound format: DTS Surround, LPCM stereo Subtitle languages: EN, FR, DE, ES, IT Picture format: 16:9 Picture standard: PAL Region code: 0 (all regions) OPUS ARTE OA 0950 D [295:00][KM]

George Frideric HANDEL (1685�1759) Messiah (1742, revised 1750s)

Arleen Aug�r (soprano) Anne Sofie von Otter (contralto) Michael Chance (counter-tenor) Howard Crook (tenor) John Tomlinson (bass) English Concert Choir, English Concert/Trevor Pinnock rec. Abbey Road Studios, London, January 1988 DEUTSCHE GRAMMMOPHON ARCHIV 00289 477 5904 [73.52 + 76.14] [RH]

You can�t go wrong with this Messiah. It should have a firm place at the centre of the library shelves. ... see Full Review

Roy HARRIS (1898-1979) Symphony No. 3 (1938) [17:59] Symphony No. 4 Folk Song Symphony for orchestra and chorus of mixed voices (1939)* [40:48] (The Girl I Left Behind Me [3:51]; Western Cowboy [10:25]; Interlude: Dance Tunes for Strings and Percussion [3:04]; Mountaineer Love Song [7:44]; Interlude: Dance Tunes for Full Orchestra [3:06]; Negro Fantasy [9:20]; Johnny Comes Marching Home [3:17]) Colorado Symphony Chorus (4) Colorado Symphony Orchestra/Marin Alsop rec. concert performances, Performing Arts Center, Denver, Colorado, USA, 22-23 January 2005. DDD NAXOS AMERICAN CLASSICS 8.559227 [58:47][JQ]

Collectors need not hesitate. It�s a pleasure to recommend this excellent disc. ... see Full Review

Johann Adolf HASSE (1699-1783) Missa ultima in G (1783)

S�chsisches Vocalensemble Virtuosi Saxoniae/Ludwig G�ttler rec. Frauenkirche, Dresden, November 2005. DDD

CARUS 83.240 [63.30][JW]

A big and imposing work ... shows a debt orientated to Bach and Vivaldi. ... see Full Review

Joseph HAYDN (1732-1809) Divertimenti: No. 1 in D Hob. IV:6 (1784) [7:19]; No. 2 in G Hob. IV:7 (1784) [9:55]; No. 3 in C Hob. IV:8 (1784) [7:44]; No. 4 in G Hob IV:9 (1784) [5:50]; No. 5 in A Hob IV:10 (1784) [7:54]; No. 6 in D Hob IV:11) (1784) [7:59] Paul Meisen (flute) Ern� Sebesty�n (violin) Martin Ostertag (violoncello) rec. Feb-March 1990, Historischer Reitstadel, Neumarkt MUSIK DABRINGHAUS UND GRIMM GOLD MDG 302 0363-2 [48:05][DB]

Joseph HAYDN (1732-1809) String Quartet in C, Op. 54, No. 2 [19:52] Grazyna BACEWICZ (1909-1969) String Quartet No. 4 (1951) [22:40] Anton�n DVOŘ�K (1841-1904) String Quartet No. 14 in A-flat Op 105 [33:23] Szymanowski Quartet (Marek Dumicz, (violin); Grzegorz Kotow (violin); Vladimir Mykytka (viola); Marcin Sieniawski (cello)) rec. 24-27 March 2004, Angelika-Kauffmann-Saal, Schwarzenberg, Austria AVIE AV 2092 [65:58] [DB]

A varied program of the old, not so old, and relatively new, very competently and accessibly presented. ... see Full Review

Joseph HAYDN (1732-1809) String Quartet No. 66 in G major, Op. 77/1 (1799) [23.30] String Quartet No. 67 in F major, Op. 77/2 (1799) [25.10] String Quartet No. 35 in D minor, Op. 42 (1785) [15.57] String Quartet No. 68 in D minor, Op. 103 (1803) [11.12] The Lindsays: (Peter Cropper, violin; Ronald Birks, violin; Robin Ireland, viola; Bernard Gregor-Smith, cello) rec. Holy Trinity Church, Wentworth, England, 20-22 January 2004. DDD ASV GOLD GLD4010 [76.54] [MC]

Commitment and enthusiasm that carries the listener along with the exhilaration of the moment, with appropriate measures of graciousness and melancholy. Genuine musical rapport with the composer. ... see Full Review

Henri HERZ (1803-1888) Piano Concerto No. 3 in D minor Op. 87 (1835) [30:21] Piano Concerto No. 4 in E major Op.131 (1843) [22:40] Piano Concerto No. 5 in F minor Op. 180 (1854) [15:59] Howard Shelley (piano/conductor) Tasmanian Symphony Orchestra rec. Federation Concert Hall, Hobart, Tasmania, 2-4 September 2004. DDD The Romantic Piano Concerto Vo. 40 HYPERION CDA67537 [69:24] [DC]

Herz has a sneaky way of wrong-footing us with something entirely gorgeous then moving on to more standard musical fare, making you want to play the concerto all over again. ... see Full Review

Gustav HOLST (1874-1934) The Planets, op. 32 (1916) [47:12] Sir William WALTON (1902-1983) Crown Imperial � Coronation March (1937) [08:10] Ralph VAUGHAN WILLIAMS (1872-1958) Fantasia on a Theme by Thomas Tallis (1910 rev. 1919) [14:13] BBC Symphony Orchestra/Sir Adrian Boult rec. 2-5 January 1945, Corn Exchange, Bedford (Holst), 16 April 1937, Kingsway Hall, London (Walton), 9 April 1940, Colston Hall, Bristol (Vaughan Williams) BEULAH 2PD12 [69:50] [CH]

These are important historical documents and it is right they should be available. ... see Full Review

Jenö HUBAY (1858-1937) Violin concerto No. 1 in A minor Concerto dramatique Op.21 (1884-1885) [28:23] (Allegro appassionato [11:40]; Andante ma non tanto [8:57]; Allegro con brio - Un poco piu vivo [7:42]) Suite for violin and orchestra Op.5 (1877-1878, revised 1881) [20:07] (Gavotte: Moderato [4:46]; Idylle: Andantino [4:54]; Intermezzo: Allegro assai man non troppo [5:04]; Finale: Mouvement du premier morceau - Allegro vivace [5:16]) Violin concerto No. 2 in E major Op.90 (c:1900) [24:38] (Allegro con fuoco [11:11]; Larghetto [7:02]; Allegro non troppo [6:19]) Hagai Shaham (violin) BBC Scottish Symphony Orchestra/Martyn Brabbins rec: Caird Hall, Dundee, 3-4 December 2004. DDD HYPERION CDA67498 [73:23] [CF]

Hubay in quintessential Romantic showcase style, but also able to access a reflective mood and tap into the the simplicity of folk music and folk dance ... see Full Review

Federico IBARRO (b.1946) Piano Sonatas: No. 0 (c.1965) [5:00?]; Sonata No. 1 (1976) [11:07]; Sonata No. 2 (1982) [8:57]; Sonata No. 3 Madre Juana (1988) [13:51]; Sonata No. 4 (1990) [11:44]; Sonata No. 5 (1995-6) [13:49]; Sonata No. 6 (2001-2) [10:30]

Cecilia Soria (piano) rec. Studio Guy Fallot, Lausanne, 4-5 December 2004. DDD DORON DRC 5024 [74.04] [GH]

Well-crafted pieces, superbly performed and conceived. Each sonata approaches the form in a slightly different way ... see Full Review

Charles IVES (1874-1954) Symphony No.2 (1901-2) [39:08] The Unanswered Question (1906) [5:29] Central Park in the Dark (1906) [7:53] Tone Roads No.1 [2:53]; From the Steeples and the Mountains [3:23]; The Rainbow [1:50]; Ann Street [1:06]; Over the Pavements [4:32]; Tone Roads No.3 [2:38]; The Pond [1:54]; All the Way Round and Back [0:56]; Chrom�timel�dtune [5:27]

New York Philharmonic Orchestra Leonard Bernstein (Symphony, Unanswered Question); Seiji Ozawa; Maurice Peress (Central Park) and unnamed orchestra, Gunther Schuller (rest) rec. St. George Hotel, Brooklyn, New York, 6 Oct 1958 (Symphony), Manhattan Center, New York, 17 April 1964 (Unanswered Question), 7 May 1962 (Central Park) and Jordan Hall, Boston, Massachusetts, 31 Mar-1 April 1969 (rest)

SONY CLASSIC LIBRARY SK 94731 [78:09][TH]

Despite dry and close recording quality and shaky playing this is a valuable collection ... see Full Review

John JENKINS (1592�1678) 12 Fantasies for 6-part consort; Pavan in F; Bell Pavan in a; In nomine 2 in e; In nomine 1 in G Emilia Benjamin (tenor viol) Mikko Perkola (bass viol) Phantasm (Laurence Dreyfus � treble viol and director, Wendy Gilespie � treble viol, Jonathan Manson � tenor viol, Markku Luolajan-Mikkola � bass viol) rec. 25-27 August 2005, Chapel of Merton College. AVIE AV2099 [66:07] [RH]

Sit back and revel in the brilliant conversation of a group of old friends, familiar enough to take liberties but always balanced and civilised. ... see Full Review

Mauricio KAGEL (b. 1931) Piano Trio No.1 (1986) [26:01] Piano Trio No.2 (2001) [18:47] Alfred SCHNITTKE (1934�1998) Piano Trio (1985/1992) [24:11]

Liszt-Trio Weimar (Andreas Lehmann, violin; Tim Stolzenburg, cello; Christian Wilm M�ller, piano) rec. F�rstensaal der Hochschule f�r Musik �Franz Liszt�, Weimar, September 2004 AEON 0639 [69:42] [HC]

These serious, often austere works receive superbly poised readings that have the full measure of the music�s undemonstrative eloquence. ... see Full Review

Johann Wenzel KALLIWODA (1801-1866) Overture No.12 Op.145 (1843) [9.23] Introduction and Variations for clarinet and orchestra Op.128 (1844) [12.20] Introduction and Rondo for horn and orchestra Op.51 (1833) [9.02] Symphony No.3 Op.32 (c.1830) [34.25]

Dieter Kl�cker (clarinet) Radovan Vlatkovic (horn) Hamburg Symphony Orchestra/Johannes Moesus rec. Friedrich-Ebert-Halle, Hamburg-Harburg, May 2005 MUSIKPRODUKTION DABRINGHAUS UND GRIMM MDG 329 1387-2 [65.24] [JW]

Nothing shattering or original but thoroughly well absorbed, clearly laid out and expert. Rare repertoire well performed and deserving admiration. ... see Full Review

RECORDING OF THE MONTH Emmerich KÁLMÁN (1882-1953) Die Herzogin von Chicago (The Duchess of Chicago)- Operetta in Two Acts (1928) Libretto by Julius Brammer and Alfred Grünwald, revised by Dominik Wilgenbus and Stefan Frey. Peter Matic (King Pánkraz); Mehrzad Montazeri (Prince Boris); Norine Burgess (Miss Mary Lloyd); Renée Schüttengruber (Princess Rosemarie); Wolfgang Gratschmaier (Bondy); Josef Luftensteiner (Finance Minister); Sándor Németh (Minister of State) Chorus, Orchestra and Ballet of the Volksoper Wien/Michael Tomaschek Rudolf Berger (Director) Dominik Wilgenbus (Producer) Marcus Tesch (Choreographer) Co production of Volksoper Wien and Capriccio Music. Recorded live, Vienna, 2005 DVD-all regions CAPRICCIO 93509 [145:00] [AOz]

It�s not "opera archaeology" by any means, but operetta for our times. ... see Full Review

Leo KRAFT (b.1922) Clarinet Concerto (1987, rev. 2003) [15.31]^* Symphony in One Movement (1985) [16.57] Jacob Wrestles with the Angel, tone poem for large orchestra (2000) [09.08] Pacific Bridges, for string orchestra and clarinet obbligato (1989) [20.32]^** Roger Salander (clarinet)^* Zbigniew Kaleta, (clarinet)^** Moravian Philharmonic Orchestra/Joel Eric Suben (Jerzy Kosek^**) rec. Olomouc, Czech Republic, Feb. 2003 (Jacob Wrestles; Pacific Bridges); April 2004 (Clarinet Concerto; Symphony). DDD CENTAUR CRC 2756 [62.17] [MC]

Impressive and accessible contemporary scores that are given fine performances. ... see Full Review

Joseph Martin KRAUS (1756-1792) Complete Piano Music Sonata in E major (VB 196) (ca 1787/88) [26:03] Sonata in E flat major (VB 195) (1785) [22:25] Rondo in F major (VB 191) [7:17] Scherzo con variazioni (VB 193) [9:01] Swedish Dance (VB 192) [3:25] Zwey neue Kuriose Menuetten für Clavier (VB 190) [1:51] Larghetto (VB 194) [0:39] Ronald Brautigam (fortepiano) rec. August 2003, Őstrĺker Church, Sweden. DDD BIS-CD-1319 [72:06] [DC]

Brautigam brings out all the charm and Sturm und Drang passion to Kraus�s sometimes remarkably adventurous piano writing. ... see Full Review

Friederich August KUMMER (1797-1879) Cello Duets Duet Op.22 No.1 [12.52] Duet Op.156 No.5 [8.11] From Duet Op.156 No.3 � Arioso [2.54] Duet Op.22 No.2 [18.33] Duet Op.103 No.1 [7.48] Duet Op.103 No.4 [14.30] Phoebe Carrai and Tanya Tomkins (cellos) rec. Skywalker Sound, Marin County, California, January 2005 AVIE AV 2060 [66.04] [JW]

Elegantly crafted and lyrically delightful studies without any pretensions to significance beyond their original function. ... see Full Review

Franz LEH�R (1870�1948) Sch�n ist die Welt - operetta in three acts (1930)

Elena Mosuc (soprano) � Elisabeth, Mercedes; Zoran Todorovich (tenor) � Georg, Sascha; Roland Kandlbinder (tenor) � Direktor; Isabella Stettner (soprano) and Masako Goda (soprano) � zwei Damen; Andreas Hirtreiter (tenor) and Wolfgang Klose (bass) � zwei Herren, Chor des Bayerischen Rundfunks, M�nchner Rundfunkorchester/Ulf Schirmer rec. Studio 1 des Bayerischen Rundfunks, 29 March�2 April 2004. DDD CPO 777 055-2 [77:22] [GF]

Some reservations but a recommendable issue and Leh�r completists need not hesitate. General operetta lovers will also find a lot to admire. ... see Full Review

Guillaume LEKEU (1870-1894) Violin Sonata in G major (1892) [30.22] Alb�ric MAGNARD (1865-1914) Violin Sonata in G major Op.13 (1901) [39.37] Irina Muresanu (violin) Dana Ciocarlie (piano) rec. Charrat Muses, Switzerland, December 2005 AR RE-SE 2006-0 [70.28][JW]

A mixed blessing. A bracing if not always very romantically expressive Magnard and a somewhat lacklustre Lekeu. ... see Full Review

Leonardo LEO (1694-1744) Six Concertos for Cello, Strings and Continuo (1737-8) Concerto No. 1 in A [14:02] Concerto No. 2 in D [15:34] Concerto No. 3 in D minor [14:08] Concerto No. 4 in A [16:57] Concerto No. 5 in F minor [12:47] Sinfonia Concertante (Concerto No. 6) in C minor [9:39]

Josephine Knight (cello), English Chamber Orchestra/Stephanie Gonley rec. Champs Hill, Pulborough, Suffolk, 19-21 November 2003.

ASV CD DCA 1169 [43:42 + 41:53][GPu]

Two CDs of quite delightful music, in excellent recorded sound, which are unhesitatingly recommended ... see Full Review

An almost complete recording of the works of Leonetti, an unknown master of the early 17th century - well worth exploring ... see Full Review

RECORDING OF THE MONTH Rolf LISLEVAND (b. 1961) Nuove musiche Sources: Giovanni Girolamo Kapsberger (c. 1575-1661); Domenico Pellegrini (c. 1610-1662); Alessandro Piccinini (1566-1638); Luys de Narv�ez (1500-1555); The Margaret Board Lute Book (c. 1620-1635); Girolamo Frescobaldi (1583-1643); Bernardo Gianoncelli (fl. 1650) Arpeggiata addio [7:17] Passacaglia antica I [2:09] Passacaglia andaluz I [2:35] Passacaglia antica II [2:03] Passacaglia cromatica [1:52] Passacaglia antica III [1:48] Passacaglia cantus firmus [2:33] Passacaglia celtica [2:00] Passacaglia spontanea [4:13] Passacaglia andaluz II [2:15] Toccata [5:31] Passacaglia cantata [4:13] Corrente [2:18] Corrente [1:47] Toccata [2:38] Ciaccona [2:57] Toccata cromatica [3:45]

Rolf Lislevand (archlute, baroque guitar, theorbo) Arianna Savall (triple harp, voice) Pedro Estevan (percussion) Bj�rn Kjellemyr (colascione, double-bass) Guido Morini (organ, clavichord) Marco Ambrosini (nyckelharpa - viola d�amore a chiavi) Thor-Harald Johnsen (chitarra battente) rec. Rainbow Studio, Oslo, October 2004 ECM NEW SERIES 1922 [52:15] [DC]

You really want this CD � I�m telling you, but you don�t really want as much as need it � you�ll certainly find yourself taking a fix on a regular basis once you have it! ... see Full Review

RECORDING OF THE MONTH Franz LISZT (1811- 1996) Sonata in b, S178 (1853) [31.12] Fantasy and Fugue on B-A-C-H, S529ii (1871) [11.33] Totentanz, S525 (1865) [16.12]

Markus Groh (piano) Steinway D-274 piano. Piano technician, Michel Brantjes rec. Reitstadel-Neumarkt, Oberpfalz, Germany, 22 December 2004. DDD Notes in Deutsch, English, Français. Photos of artist. CD tracks stereo 2.0; SACD tracks 2.0 stereo and 5.0 surround. Hybrid SACD AVIE AV 2097 [59.00] [PSh]

Truly exceptional performances and recordings, perhaps the best of these works ever made. ... see Full Review

Paweł Łukaszewski (b. 1968) Concerto for Organ and String Orchestra (1996) [10:23] * O Adonai (1995) [9:24] ** Recordationes de Christo moriendo (1996) [9:47] *** Two Motets for Mixed Choir (1995): Memento mei, Domine [4:22]; Crucem tuam adoramus, Domine [3:54] **** Missa pro Patria (1997) [24:49] ***** Waclaw Golonk (organ) Orkiestra Barokova Concerto Avenna/Abdrzej Mysiński; ** Chór Akademii Teologii Katolickiej w Warszawie/Kazimierz Symonik; *** Anna Lubánska (mezzo), Deutsches Kammerorchester Berlin/Maciej Ż�łtowski; **** Ch�r Akademii Teologii Katolickiej w Warszawie/Kazimierz Symonik; ***** Joanna Kozłowska (soprano), Agnieszka Zwierko-Wiercioch (mezzo), Ch�r Akademii Teologii Katolickiej w Warszawie, Orkiestra Koncertowa Woska Polskiego im. St. Moniuszki/Grzegorz Mielimąka. rec. * 1996, Cathedral of Saints Peter and Paul, Legnica; ** 1997, Church of St. Benona, Warsaw; *** 1996, Academy of Music, Warsaw; **** 1996, Polish Army�s Field Cathedral, Warsaw; ***** 1998, Lutosławski Memorial Concert Studio, Warsaw ACTE PRÉALABLE AP0009 [62:47] [GPu]

Perhaps best recommended to those with a special interest in modern Church music; Łukaszewski�s future career should be worth following, though ... see Full Review

�douard LALO (1823-1892) Cello Concerto in D Minor (1876) [25:57]
Symphony in G Minor (1886) [26:17] Namouna, Music from the Ballet (1881) [21:24] (Pr�lude (Andante) [5:29]; S�r�nade (Allegro) [1:37]; Pas des cymbals (Moderato) [2:58]; Danses marocaines (Vivace) [2:29]; Dolce far niente (Allegretto) [5:09]; F�te foraine (Presto-Danse) [3:15])

Torleif Thed�en (cello) (Concerto) Malaysian Philharmonic Orchestra/Kees Bakels rec. Dewan Filharmonik PETRONAS Hall, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, November 2002 (Concerto, Namouna); and December 2001 (Symphony) BIS BIS-CD-1296 [74:51] [WK]

A very exciting disc of music that should be heard more often ... see Full Review

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