Bruce ADOLPHE (b.1955) Little Red Riding Hood [17.52] Goldilocks and the Three Bears [22.39]
An die Musik: (Robert Ingliss (oboe) Frank Almond (violin) Richard Brice (viola) Daniel Rothmuller (cello) Constance Emmerich (piano)) Ruth Westheimer (narrator) Recorded at Recital Hall at SUNY, Purchase, NY in 1998 (Goldilocks and the Three Bears) and American Academy of the Arts and Letters, New York (Little Red Riding Hood) in 1998
Two more pleasurable invitations to sample An die Musik’s thoughtful commissions. ... see Full Review
Jean-Louis AGOBET (b. 1968) Génération Concerto Grosso pour trois clarinettes et orchestre [15:30] Phonal Pour grand orchestre [12:01] Feuermann Grand duo pour violoncello et orchestre [8:12] Ritratto concertante Concerto pour piano et orchestre [19:41] Michel Portal (clarinet) Paul Meyer (clarinet) Alain Billard (clarinet) Xavier Phillips (cello) Alexandre Paley (piano)
Complex and demanding music delivered with resounding confidence ... Supporters of contemporary music should certainly give this a try ... see Full Review
Tommaso ALBINONI (1671-1751) Concerto in D minor for oboe and strings, Op. 9 No 2 (1722) [10:47] Concerto in C major for two oboes and strings, Op. 7 No. 2* (1715) [4:51] Concerto in D major for oboe and strings, Op. 7 No. 6 (1715) [6:33] Concerto in C major for two oboes and strings, Op. 9 No. 9* (1722) [9:57] Concerto in D major for two oboes and strings, Op. 7 No. 8* (1715) [6:01] Concerto in C major for oboe and strings, Op. 9 No. 5 (1722) [8:25] Concerto in B flat major for oboe and strings, Op. 7 No. 3 (1715) [7:02] Concerto in F major for two oboes and strings, Op. 9 No 3* (1722) [10:38] Concerto in b flat major for oboe and strings, Op. 9 No. 11 (1722) [10:02] Concerto in C major for two oboes and strings, Op. 7 No. 11* (1715) [7:13] Concerto in G minor for oboe and strings, Op. 9 No. 8 (1722) [9:43] Concerto in C major for two oboes and strings, Op. 7 No. 5* (1715) [4:41] Concerto in F major for oboe and strings, Op. 7 No. 9 (1715) [5:49] Concerto in G major for two oboes and strings, Op. 9 No. 6* (1722) [9:00] Concerto in C major for two oboes and strings, Op. 7 No. 12* (1715) [7:05] Concerto in D major for two oboes and strings, Op. 9 No. 12* (1722) [6:48] Concerto in B flat major for violin and strings, Op. 9 No. 1** (1722) [7:26] Concerto in F major for violin and strings, Op. 9 No. 10** (1722) [10:19] Concerto in D major for violin and strings, Op. 9 No. 7** (1722) [13:48] Concerto in A major for violin and strings, Op. 9 No. 4** (1722) [8:43]
An abundance of enticing music, well performed by all the soloists in good, modern-instrument recordings ... see Full Review
Claude Loyola ALLGÉN (1920 – 1990) String Quartet No. 2 (1942)
Inquisitive readers should give it a try. It’s no easy journey. I can’t promise that you will like what you hear but there are rewards to be had. see Full Review
William ALWYN (1905-1985) Film Music Volume 3: The Magic Box (1951) [14:50]; The Million Pound Note (1953) [2:56]; The Way Ahead (1944) [2:03]; Swiss Family Robinson (1960) [8:50]; The Rocking Horse Winner (1949) [3:43]; Geordie (1955) [17:08]; The Cure for Love (1949) [3:15]; Penn of Pennsylvania (1941) [10:56]; The True Glory (1945) [2:37]; The Running Man (1963) [10:25]
Workmanlike but not up to the standard of the first two volumes of film music by this composer. Candidly, rather dull stuff. ... see Full Review
Juan Crisóstomo de ARRIAGA (1806-1826) String Quartet No. 1 in D minor (published 1824) (I. Allegro [06:47]; II. Adagio con espressione [05:48]; III. Menuetto - Allegro - Trio piu moderato [02:53]; IV. Adagio - Allegretto [07:30]) String Quartet No. 2 in A major (published 1824) (I. Allegro con brio [08:10]; II. Andante con variaciones [06:46]; III. Menuetto - Scherzo - Trio [03:14]; IV. Andante ma non troppo - Allegro [04:50]) String Quartet No. 3 in E flat major (published 1824) (I. Allegro [07:53]; II. Pastorale - Andantino [05:46]; III. Menuetto - Allegro - Trio plus lent [03:08]; IV. Presto agitato [06:18])
Recorded at Santa Cruz Auditorium, Tenerife, June 2003Arriaga has been so closely identified as a consummate follower of Mozart that it can be difficult to adduce an infusion of individuality to his distinctly classical quartets. ... see Full Review
Johann Sebastian BACH (1685-1750) Concerto for violin, oboe, strings and basso continuo in D minor, BWV 1060R (c.1735) [14.21] (trs 1-3) Concerto for flute, violin, harpsichord, strings and basso continuo in A minor, BWV 1044 (1730) [23.06] (trs. 4-6) Concerto for harpsichord, strings and basso continuo in D minor, BWV 1052 (1738) [23.08] (trs. 7-9)
Smooth, elegant and thoughtful playing of these three Bach works from Collegium Aureum. ... see Full Review
Johann Sebastian BACH (1685-1750) Concerto in a after Vivaldi BWV 593 [12’02] Trio Sonata no 4 in e BWV 528 Toccata, Adagio and Fugue in C BWV 564 [15’01] The Schűbler Chorales: Wachet Auf, ruft uns die stimme BWV 645 [4’23]; Wo soll ich fliehen hin, BWV 646 [1’45]; Wer nur den lieven Gott lässt walten BWV 647 [3’21]; Meine Seele erhebt den Herrn BWV 648 [2’05]; Ach bleib’ bei uns, Herr Jesu Christ BWV 649 [2’39]; Kommst du nun, Jesu vom Himmel herunter BWV 650 [3’33];Toccata and Fugue in F BWV 540 [14’45] Passacaglia in c BWV 582 [13’17] Trio Sonata No 3 in d BWV 527 [12’56] Pastorella in F BWV 590 [10’59] Five Chorales from the “Great Eighteen”: Komm, Heiliger Geist, Herre Gott BWV 652 [9’25]; Herr Jesu Christ, dich zu uns wend, BWV BWV 655 [4’11]; O Lamm Gottes unschuldig BWV 656 [8’20]; Nun danket alle Gott BWV 657 [4’55]; Komm, Gott Schöpfer, Heiliger Geist BWV 667 [2’10]; Pièce d’Orgue BWV 572 [9’06]
[70’46 + 75’19][CB]
Recommended for the instrument. ... see Full Review
Johann Sebastian BACH (1685-1750) The Well-Tempered Clavier Book II (1744) CD 1: Preludes and fugues (BWV 870-877) CD 2: Preludes and fugues (BWV 878-884) CD 3: Preludes and fugues (BWV 885-893)
An occasionally disappointing but largely wonderful, expressive and involving set ... see Full Review
RECORDING OF THE MONTH Johann.Sebastian BACH (1685-1750) The Sonatas and Partitas for Violin Solo (c. 1720) CD 1 [61:35] Sonata No 1 in G minor, BWV 1001; Adagio [4:05]; Fuga [4:49];Siciliana [3:04]; Presto [3:30]; Partita No.1 in B minor, BWV 1002; Allemanda [4:37];Double [2:14]; Corrente [3:29]; Double.Presto [3:22]; Sarabande [3:15];.Double [3:07];Temopo di Borea [3:30]; Double [3:22] Sonata No 2. in A minor, BWV 1003; Grave [4:27];Fuga [7:56]; Andante [5:33];Allegro [5:16]. CD 2 [68:43] Partita No 2 in D minor, BWV 1004; Allemanda [4:22]; Courante [2:26]; Sarabanda [3:28]; Giga [4:03]; Ciaccona [14:00]. Sonata No 3 in C major, BWV 1005;Adagio [3:22]; Fuga [9:06]; Largo [2:37]; Allegra assasi [4:45]. Partita No. 3 in E major, BWV 1006; Preludio [3:18]; Loure [3:45]; Gavotte en Rondeau [2:57]; Menuet I [1:38]; Minuet II [2:26]; Bourée [1:16]; Gigue [1:49]
For aficionados a significant void will exist in their collection if this fine recording is not included. ... see Full Review
Johann Sebastian BACH (1685-1750) Cantata Ich habe genug, BWV 82 [23:42] Cantata Mein Herze schwimmt im Blut, BWV 199 [27:00]
Quite simply, one of the finest Bach discs I’ve heard in a very long time ... I don’t expect it to be surpassed for some considerable time. ... see Full Review
Osvaldas BALAKAUSKAS (b. 1937) Symphony No. 4 (1998) [32:22] Symphony No. 5 (2001) [29:33]
A very distinctive voice in today’s symphonic world. I would urge readers as yet unfamiliar with his music to lend this disc an ear. ... see Full Review
Bela BARTÓK (1881-1945) For Children, Sz42 (1908-1909)
Warner Apex has done Bartók a great service in reissuing these performances, each one a little jewel. ... see Full Review
Marion BAUER (1882-1955) A Lament on an American Theme, Op. 20a (1927) [5:21] Concertino for Oboe, Clarinet and Strings Op. 32b (1939-43) [9:28] Trio Sonata No. 1 for Flute, Cello and Piano, Op. 40 (1944) [8:11] Symphonic Suite for Strings, Op. 33 (1940) [11:16] Duo for Oboe and Clarinet, Op. 25 (1932) [8:30] American Youth Concerto, Op. 36 (1943) [15:59]
Not instantly recognisable this music moves between impressionism and a typically American optimism: spacious and open-air in quality ... see Full Review
Ludwig van BEETHOVEN (1770-1827) Symphony No. 7 in A major, Op. 92 [36:07] Johannes BRAHMS (1833-1897) Symphony No. 3 in F major, Op. 90* [35:48]
The relationship between Tennstedt and the LPO at its best. An invaluable addition to Tennstedt’s all-too-small discography. An excellent Christmas present for a discerning collector. ... see Full Review
Ludwig van BEETHOVEN (1770-1827) Piano Concerto No. 5 in E flat major, Op. 73 ‘Emperor’ [37.19] Sergei RACHMANINOV (1873-1943) Piano Concerto No. 3 in D minor, Op. 30 [37.29]
Some of Horowitz’s last concerto recordings before his nervous collapse in 1953 ...listening to the highly-strung performance of Rachmaninov 3 one wonders if the signs were already there. ... see Full Review
Ludwig van BEETHOVEN (1770-1827) Violin Concerto in D major Op.61 (1806) [42.13] Giovanni Battista VIOTTI (1755-1824) Violin Concerto No.22 in A minor (c.1790s) [27.44]
Playing of elevation and finesse. ... see Full Review
RECORDING OF THE MONTH Ludwig van BEETHOVEN (1770-1827) Sonata in G major, Op. 31, No 1 (1801-2) [24:39] Sonata in d minor, Op. 31, No. 2 "Tempest" (1801-2) [24:31] Sonata in E-flat major, Op. 31, No. 3 (1802) [24:24]
Paul Lewis is a talent for posterity, a pianist of such refinement that he is certain to make a mark in the world that will long outlast his time on the planet ... see Full Review
ARTHAUS MUSIK DVD101099 [120.00] [CF]
Söderström is the lynchpin ... a supreme artist ...her ‘Abscheulicher’ nothing short of a consummate triumph, inspiring the LPO horns to great playing ... a fine performance ... see Full Review
Hector BERLIOZ (1803-1869) Symphonie fantastique Op.14 (1830) [50:02]
Avid Berlioz collectors and Munch completists will find much here to catch their interest. ... see Full Review
Hector BERLIOZ (1803-1869) Les nuits d'été, op.7 (1840-41) [31.58] Maurice RAVEL (1875-1937) Shéhérazade (1903) [20.49] Henri DUPARC (1848-1933) Chanson triste (1868, orch. 1902) [3.30]; L'invitation au voyage (1870) [4.39] Claude DEBUSSY (1862-1915) La damoiselle élue (1890) [20.11]
An infuriating mix of artistic results. With alternative Berlioz recordings easy to come by, what’s wrong with ignoring him here and enjoying the rest? ... see Full Review
Hector BERLIOZ (1803-1869) La damnation de Faust (1828 and 1845/6) Performed in concert
A glorious performance full of dramatic intensity with the three soloists at the their peak. ... see Full Review
Leonard BERNSTEIN (1918-1990) Serenade for Solo Violin, Strings, Harp and Percussion* (1954) [31:18]; Facsimile – Choreographic Essay for Orchestra (1944) [18:38]; Divertimento for Orchestra (1980) [18:09]
A fine tribute to “without question the greatest musician America has ever produced” ... see Full Review
Luigi BOCCHERINI (1743-1805) Six Duets for Two Violins, Op. 5 (1761): No. 1 [13:33]; No. 2 [10:42]; No. 3 [9:55]; No. 4 [12:21]; No. 5 [9:55]; No. 6 [9:26]
Wonderfully intimate music, very well played and ideal for home listening … see Full Review
William BOLCOM (b. 1938) Recuerdos (1991) [13:22] Frescoes for two pianos, harmonium, and harpsichord (arr. 2 pianos) (1971) [28:18] Sonata for Two Pianos in One Movement (1993) [15:40] Interlude (1963, rev. 1965) [4:03] The Serpent’s Kiss (Ragtime) (1969, arr. 1994) [5:37] Through Eden’s Gates (Cakewalk) (1969, arr. 1994) [5:13]
Bolcom is clearly at home writing for two pianos and is able to work convincingly in both a light and a serious vein. ... see Full Review
Claude BOLLING (b. 1930) Suite for Flute and Jazz Piano Trio (1973) [35:26] Suite No.2 for Flute and Jazz Piano (1987) [51:11]
Chamber music of a distinctive, intelligent subtlety, full of twists and turns, which reveals more with every hearing … see Full Review
Johannes BRAHMS (1833-1897) Piano Sonata No. 1 in C major, Op. 1 (1852-3) [29:07] Variations on a Theme by Robert Schumann in F sharp minor, Op. 9 (1854) [19:00] Ballades, Op. 10 (1854) [23:22]
A valuable survey of some of Brahms’ most interesting early works for the piano, perceptively performed and well recorded ... see Full Review
Johannes BRAHMS (1833-1897) Three pieces – piano, Op.117 (1892) No. 1: Intermezzo in E flat [4:37] No. 2: Intermezzo in B flat minor [4:14] No. 3: Intermezzo in C sharp minor [6:09] Panayiotis DEMOPOULOS (b.1977) Farewells for piano (2004) I. Summer farewell [1:35] II. Spring farewell [2:51] III. Winter farewell [1:07] IV. Autumn farewell [1:38] Modest MUSSORGSKY (1839-1881) Pictures at an exhibition (1874) (Original version edited by Paul Lamm) [30:55]
This CD is extremely highly recommended, especially to all interested in young pianists! ... see Full Review
Johannes BRAHMS (1833-1897) Balladen, Op.10 (1854) [27:12] Intermezzi, Op.117 (1892) [17:06] Klavierstücke, Op.118 (1892) [26:08]
Very good, individual and interesting performances, in excellent recorded sound, which deserve to find many listeners ... see Full Review
Sensitive and thoughtful readings with no dearth of vitality or high enthusiasm. ... see Full Review
Benjamin BRITTEN (1913 – 1976) Albert Herring - A comic opera in three acts (1947) Lady Billows, an elderly autocrat ... Patricia Johnson (mezzo) Florence Pike, her housekeeper ... Felicity Palmer (mezzo) Miss Wordsworth, Head Teacher ... Elizabeth Gale (soprano) Mr Gedge, the Vicar ... Derek Hammond-Stroud (baritone) Mr Upfold, the Mayor ... Alexander Oliver (tenor) Superintendent Budd ... Richard Van Allan (bass) Sid, a butcher’s assistant ... Alan Opie (baritone) Albert Herring, from the greengrocer’s ... John Graham-Hall Nancy, from the bakery ... Jean Rigby (mezzo) Mrs Herring, Albert’s mother ... Patricia Kern (mezzo) Emmie, village child ... Maria Bovino (soprano) Cis, village child ... Bernadette Lord (soprano) Harry, village child ... Richard Peachey (treble)
If you want to dip your toe into Britten’s operatic world, you can do no better than this. If you are an aficionado you should add it to your collection. This is an outstanding production. ... see Full Review
Mel BROOKS (b.1926) The Producers
The trick is to amuse, excite and titillate the audience and in those spheres Brooks has few peers. ... see Full Review
Nicolaus BRUHNS (1665-1697) Praeludium in e (larger) played in d [8’25] Praeludium in G [7’32] Adagio in D played in C [1’51] Nun komm, der Heiden Heiland [9’47] Praeludium in g [3’49] Praeludium in e (smaller) played in d [4’31] Georg Dietrich LEYDING (1664-1710) Praeludium in C [5’35] Wie schön leuchtet der Morgenstern [4’10] Praeludium in B flat [7’51] Von Gott will ich nicht lassen [7’41] Praeludium in E flat [5’14]
Buy this to acquaint yourself with the very interesting music of Georg Dietrich Leyding. ... see Full Review
Dietrich BUXTEHUDE (c. 1637-1707) Praeludium in C BuxWV 138 [4'02] Ein feste Burg ist unser Gott BuxWV 184 [3'38] Es spricht der Unweisen Mund wohl BuxWV 187 [3'06] Erhalt uns, Herr, bei deinem Wort BuxWV 185 [2'01] Praeludium in g BuxWV 163 [7'26] Praeambulum in a BuxWV 158 [4'45] Durch Adams Fall ist ganz verdebt BuxWV 183 [4'04] Herr Christ, der einig Gottes sohn BuxWV 191 [2'55] Herr Christ, der einig Gottes sohn BuxWV 192 [3'08] Es ist das Heil, uns kommen her BuxWV 186 [3'01] Canzonetta in G BuxWV 172 [2'06] Canzonetta in a BuxWV 225 [2'06] Canzona in g BuxWV 173 [1'73] Praeludium in g BuxWV 150 [6'55] Kommt her zu mir, spricht Gottes Sohn BuxWV 201 [3'12] Herr Jesu Christ, ich weiss gar wohl BuxWV 193 [3'26] Vater unser im Himmelreich BuxWV 219 [3'11] Toccata in F BuxWV 156 [7'59]
Bryndorf's Buxtehude set, when complete, will be highly recommendable - she plays with great beauty and insight on organs of high quality ... see Full Review
William BYRD (1539/40-1623) O Lord, make they servant Elizabeth [3.01] Matins: Venite [5.02]; Te Deum [8.34]; Benedictus [8.40]; Kyrie [1.01]; Creed [5.45]
Prevent us, O lord [2.33] Voluntary for my Lady Nevell [4.04] Evensong: How long shall mine enemies? [3.23]; Magnificat [9.25]; Nunc Dimittis [4.54]; Out of the Deep [5.26]
Fancy for my Lady Nevell [5.32] Christ rising again from the dead [5.51] Sing joyfully [3.00]A beautiful performance that needs a little more brightness and liveliness. ... 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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