PART 3
C-L

[Click here for a list of reviews from the last five days]

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[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]

[This month's Recommended recordings]

 

Marc-Antoine CHARPENTIER (1643-1704) Messe Pour le Port-Royal Veni Creator, H.69 [2:39] Messe pour le Port Royal, H.5 [39:13] Laudate Dominum, H.182 [2:18] Ave Maris Stella, H.63 [7:32] Flores o Gallia, H.342 [4:20] Magnificat pour le Port Royal, H.81 [11:27] Michel Chapuis (organ); Les Demoiselles de Saint-Cyr; Sylvie Moquet (bass viol); Emmanuel Mandrin (director) rec. 1997 (? – see penultimate paragraph), France. DDD NAÏVE E8912 [69:05][MS]

A welcome addition to the Charpentier discography. An excellently-executed collection of delights can be safely recommended ... see Full Review

Frédéric CHOPIN (1810-1849) Nocturne Nocturne, Op. 72, No.1 (1827) (arranged by Sergei Taneyev) [4:43] Prelude, Op.28, No.6 (1836-38) [1:58] Cello Sonata in G minor, Op. 65 (1845-46) [30:06] Prelude, Op.28, No.4 1838) (arr. Mørk & Stott) [2:29] Waltz, Op.34, No.2 (1831) [6:27] Nocturne (after Nocturne in C sharp minor, Op. Posth (1830) arr. Mørk & Stott) [4:39] Introduction et Polonaise brillante in C major, Op.3 (1829, Introduction 1830) [9:05] Nocturne, Op.55, No.2 (1843) [4:58] É tude, Op.25, No.7 (1836) (arr. Glazunov) [5:41] É tude, Op.10, No.6 (1830) (arr. Glazunov) [3:56] Truls Mørk (cello) Kathryn Stott (piano) rec. 21-23 September 2006, Østre Fredrikstad Church, Norway. DDD VIRGIN CLASSICS 3 85784 2 [74:06] [MC]

Masterly playing from Mørk and Stott in these highly attractive Chopin scores ... see Full Review

RECORDING OF THE MONTH Frédéric CHOPIN (1810-1849) 24 Preludes op. 28 [39:15] Prelude in A flat major [00:50] Prelude in C sharp minor op. 45 [04:36] 2 Nocturnes op. 62 [13:13] Rafał Blechacz (piano) rec. July 2007, Hamburg-Harburg, Friedrich-Ebert-Halle DEUTSCHE GRAMMOPHON 477 6592 [58:08] [CH]

The tiny group of living great pianists is now a little larger. ... see Full Review

Arnold COOKE (1906-2005) Concerto in D for string orchestra (1948) [16:07] Symphony No. 1 (1947) [36:40]Jabez and the Devil - Suite (1959) [18:02] London Philharmonic Orchestra/Nicholas Braithwaite rec. 1974, 1988, 1989. ADD LYRITA SRCD.203 [70:53] [JW]

This Cooke triptych has plenty of variety and vitality and is splendidly played and recorded ... see Full Review

Paul CRESTON (1906-1985) Toccata see VAUGHAN WILLIAMS

Gordon CROSSE (b.1937) Ariadne - Concertante for solo oboe and twelve players Op. 31 (1972) [23:00]* Changes - A Nocturnal Cycle in four parts and two interludes for soprano and baritone soloists, mixed chorus and orchestra Op. 17(1966) [53:52]** * Sarah Francis (oboe) London Symphony Orchestra ensemble/Michael Lankester ** Jennifer Vyvyan (soprano) John Shirley-Quirk (baritone) Orpington Junior Singers Highgate School for Boys Choir London Symphony Orchestra and Chorus/Norman Del Mar rec. 20-21 August 1974, Kingsway Hall, London (Ariadne); 27-30 October 1969, Walthamstow Assembly Hall (Changes). ADD Originally issued on LP as Ariadne: Argo ZRG-842; Changes: Argo ZRG-656. LYRITA SRCD.259 [76.52] [DC]

Top notch choral music – English tradition, international allure. ... see Full Review

BARGAIN OF THE MONTH Antonín DVOŘÁK (1841-1904) CD1 Symphony No. 5 in F major Op. 76 (1875) [37:47] Othello Overture Op. 93 (1891) [13:42] Scherzo Capriccioso Op. 66 (1883) [12:41] CD2 Symphony No. 7 in D minor Op. 70 (1885) [37:03] Symphony No. 8 in G major Op. 88 (1889) [36:42] CD3 Symphony No. 9 in E minor Op. 76 “From the New World” (1893) [40:24] Bedrich SMETANA (1824-1884) Vltava from Ma Vlast (1874) [12:04] Oslo Philharmonic Orchestra/Mariss Jansons rec. Konserthuset, Oslo, Norway, 1988-1992. DDD EMI CLASSICS TRIPLE 5008782 [3 CDs: 64:20 + 73:45 + 52:28] [TP]

Mariss Jansons has a wonderful way with Dvořák. Exuberant performances, fresh and exciting, keenly attentive to intricacies and united in purpose and attack. You will not hear tighter Dvořák playing anywhere ... see Full Review

RECORDING OF THE MONTH Antonín DVOŘÁK (1841-1907) Stabat Mater Op. 58 (1876-77) Yvonne Kenny (soprano); Eva Randová (mezzo); Wieslaw Ochmann (tenor); Ján Galla (bass) Prague Philharmonic Chorus Czech Philharmonic Orchestra/Vaclav Neumann. rec. Vladislav Hall, Hradčany, Prague, 1989. PCM Stereo; 4:3 DVD 9; NTSC ARTHAUS MUSIC 102109 [87:00] [CC]

It is Neumann’s evident passion for every note of the score that shines through most. This is a very special DVD that deserves every success ... see Full Review

Edward ELGAR (1857-1934) Edward Elgar - The Collector's Edition The Masterpieces – The Greatest Artists The symphonies, concertos, orchestral, choral, chamber and piano music plus CD30: Elgar conducts Elgar Full contents list at end of review rec. London,. Liverpool, Manchester, 1963-1990. (CD30: 1929-1933) ADD/DDD EMI CLASSICS 5036032 [30 CDs: 1904:17] [JS]

Not just the bargain of the month but of the anniversary year and, for keen Elgarians, even the decade ... see Full Review

Edward ELGAR (1857-1934) Cello Concerto in E minor, op.85 (1919) [28:25] In Moonlight [3:16] La Capricieuse, op.17 [4:46] Romance, op.62 [5:47] Salut d’Amour [2:58] Chanson de Matin, op.15/2 [3:16] Sospiri, op.70 [3:51] Natalie Clein (cello) Royal Liverpool Philharmonic Orchestra/Vernon Handley rec. 28-29 May 2007, Philharmonic Hall, Liverpool. DDD EMI CLASSICS 5 01409 2 [52:19][BBr]

In the 150^th anniversary year of Elgar’s birth this recording of the Concerto does him proud. ... see Full Review

Gabriel FAURÉ (1845-1924) Requiem, Op. 48 (1900 version)* [38:12] Giuseppe VERDI (1813-1901) Quattro pezzi sacri (1889-1897) [39:07] Dame Janet Baker (soprano)/*Gérard Souzay (baritone) Philharmonia Chorus/Philharmonia Orchestra/Carlo-Maria Giulini rec. Royal Festival Hall, London, 30 April 1962. ADD BBC LEGENDS BBCL42212 [78:43] [JQ]

This is another valuable BBC Legends release and a welcome addition to the Giulini discography ... see Full Review

RECORDING OF THE MONTH Gerald FINZI (1901-1956) Clarinet Concerto Op. 31 (1949) [29:19] Cello Concerto Op.40 (1956) [41:06] John Denman (clarinet) Yo-Yo Ma (cello) New Philharmonia Orchestra/Vernon Handley (clarinet concerto) Royal Philharmonic Orchestra/Vernon Handley (cello concerto) rec. 1977, 1979. ADD LYRITA SRCD.236 [70:28] [JW]

This will look good on your shelves next to the Boult-Lyrita disc of Finzi miniatures … one of those “ah, yes” moments one sometimes gets with Finzi when everything seems so utterly right ... see Full Review

César FRANCK (1822-90) Symphonic Variations for piano and orchestra see SAINT-SAËNS

John GARDNER (b. 1917) Overture: Midsummer Ale Op.73 (1965) [5:28] Piano Concerto No.1 in B flat major Op.34 (1956) [25:39] Symphony No.1 in D minor Op.2 (1947) [40:47] Peter Donohoe (piano) Royal Scottish National Orchestra./David Lloyd-Jones rec. Henry Wood Hall, Glasgow, 28-30 November 2006 NAXOS 8.570406 [71:54] [DC]

Undeservedly neglected music in a glorious performance and recording ... see Full Review

Mauro GIULIANI (1781-1829) Concerto for Guitar and Orchestra no 1 in A major op 30 (1808?) [30:18] Concerto for Guitar and Orchestra no 2 in A major op 36 (1812) [29:44] Edoardo Catemario (guitar) Wiener Akademie/Martin Haselbock rec. Hofburg Chapel, Vienna, November 2002, DDD ARTS 47688-8 [60:02] [IB]

Ideal late-night listening … and none the worse for it. I thoroughly enjoyed the experience ... see Full Review

Alexander GLAZUNOV (1865-1936) Five Novelettes for string quartet, Op.15 [31:16] String Quintet in A major, Op.39 (1891-92) [32:12] ^A Fine Arts Quartet Nathaniel Rosen (cello) ^A rec. 2-4 February 2005, The American Academy of Arts and Letters, New York, USA. NAXOS 8.570256 [63:28][MC]

I gained significant enjoyment from this desirable release. The delightful and substantial Five Novelettes are a hidden gem worthy of discovery ... see Full Review

Butterflies and Illusions Edvard GRIEG (1843-1907) From Peer Gynt, Op. 23 (1876) Anitra’s Dance (Anitras Dans) [3:02] From Lyric Pieces I, Op.12 (1867) VI. Norwegian (Norsk) [0:51] II. Waltz (Vals) [1:43] III. Watchman’s Song (Vektersang) [2:43] IV. Fairy Dance (Alfedans) [0:36] VII. Album Leaf (Albumblad) [1:23] VIII. National Song (Fedrelandssang) [1:36] From Lyric Pieces II, Op.38 (1884) II. Folk-song (Folkevise) [1:36] VII. Waltz (Vals) [0:57] From Lyric Pieces III, Op.43 (1886) I. Butterfly (Sommerfugl) [1:14] II. Solitary Traveller (Ensom vandrer) [2:00] III. In my Native Country (I hjemmet) [2:02] IV. Little Bird (Småfugl) [2:11] From Lyric Pieces IV, Op.47 (1888) IV. Halling [1:25] From Lyric Pieces V, Op.54 (1891) III. March of the Dwarfs (Trolltog) [2:56] From Lyric Pieces VI, Op.57 (1893) III. Illusion (Illusjon) [3:06] IV. Secret (Hemmelighet) [4:58] VI. Homesickness (Hjemve) [4:30] From 25 Norwegian Folk-songs and Dances, Op.17 (1869) I. Spring Dance (Springdans) [2:12] II. The Swain (Ungersvennen) [0:46] VI. Wedding Tune (Brurelåt) [1:40] From Lyric Pieces VII, Op.62 (1895) II. Gratitude (Takk) [3:56] From Lyric Pieces VIII, Op.65 (1897) II. Peasant’s Song (Bondens sang) [1:33] V. Ballad (I balladetone) [3:30] From Lyric Pieces IX, Op.68 (1899) II. Grandmother’s Minuet (Bestemors menuett) [1:51] V. At the Cradle (Bådnlåt) [3:00] From Lyric Pieces X, Op.71 (1901) I. Once Upon a Time (Det var engang) [4:11] III. Puck (Småtroll) [1:36] From Peer Gynt Suite No.1, Op.46 (1888) The Death of Åse (Aases død) [4:03] Mie Miki (accordion) rec.  January 2007, Länna Church, Sweden BIS-CD-1629 [70:20][DM]

Grieg on a squeezebox? An interesting programme persuasively played and atmospherically recorded ... see Full Review

George Frideric HANDEL (1685–1759) Serse (excerpts) (1738) [57.29] Serse – Piotr Kusiewcz (tenor) Amastre - Jadwiga Rappé (contralto) Warsaw Soloists Concerto Avenna/Andrzej Mysinski rec. 23–26 November 1988, Polish Radio, Warsaw. DUX DUX0377 [57.29] [RH]

We must be a little forgiving as it was recorded 20 years ago. Even so slightly disappointing. There is some fine musicianship on display but it does not add up to a satisfying disc ... see Full Review

George Frederick HANDEL (1685-1759) Solomon - oratorio in three acts HWV67 (1748) [156:41] Tim Mead (alto) - Solomon; Dominique Labelle (soprano) – Solomon’s Queen; First Harlot; Claron McFaddon (soprano) – Queen of Sheba, Second Harlot; Michael Slattery (tenor) – Zadok; William Kendall (tenor) – Attendant; Roderick Williams (bass) – Levite Winchester Cathedral Choir Göttingen Festival Orchestra/Nicholas McGegan rec. live, Frauenkirche, Dresden, 26 May 2007. SACDs Text and German translation included CARUS 83.242 [3 discs: 60:20 + 49:15 + 47:04][JS]

A delightfully fresh sounding account of a wonderfully life-enhancing work ... see Full Review

Howard HANSON (1896-1981) Merry Mount - opera in three acts and six scenes op. 31 (1933) [124:02] Lady Marigold Sandys - Lauren Flanigan (soprano); Sir Gower Lackland - Walter MacNeil (tenor); Wrestling Bradford - Richard Zeller (baritone); Praise-God Tewke - Charles Robert Austin (bass); Christopher Bristol, (tenor); Gene Buchholz, (bass); Fred K. Dent, (baritone); Byron Ellis, (bass-baritone); Rosy Freudenstein, (alto); Paul Gudas, (tenor); Diana Huber, (soprano); Daniel Jessup, (bass); Barry Johnson, (baritone); Gino Luchetti, (tenor); Louise Marley, (mezzo); Joachim Schneider, (baritone); Nan Beth Walton, (alto) Seattle Symphony Chorale; Northwest Boychoir/Joseph Crnko; Seattle Girls' Choir/Dr Jerome Wright Seattle Symphony/Gerard Schwarz rec. live, Seattle Center Opera House, Washington, 28-29 October 1996. DDD Synopsis included NAXOS AMERICAN OPERA CLASSICS 8.669012-13 [45:13 + 78:49][GF]

While not a complete masterpiece, Merry Mount has a lot of musical excellence to offer and this wholly admirable recording should be heard by everyone with an interest in opera ... see Full Review

Karl Amadeus HARTMANN (1905-1963) Concerto funebre for violin and string orchestra (1939 revised 1959) [21:48] Suite No.1 for solo violin (1927) [19:54] Suite No.2 for solo violin (1927) [9:34] Sonata No.1 for solo violin (1927) [14:58] Sonata No.2 for solo violin (1927) [14:14] Alina Ibragimova (violin) Britten Sinfonia rec. Henry Wood Hall, London, November 2006 (Concerto funebre); January 2007 (sonatas and suites) HYPERION CDA67547 [80:48] [JW]

Ibragimova - a confident and assured guide ... an impressive addition to the Hartmann discography ... see Full Review

Joseph HAYDN (1732-1809) Symphony No. 97 in C major (1792) [23:35] L’anima del filosofo ossia Orfeo ed Euridice: overture (1791) [3:49] Symphony No. 102 in B flat major (1794) [23:49] Osterreichisch-Ungarische Haydn-Philharmonie/Adam Fischer rec. Haydnsaal, Schloss Esterhazy, Eisenstadt 14-17 September 2006. DDD MUSIKPRODUKTION DABRINGHAUS UND GRIMM MDG 901 1452-6  [51:32][MG]

Fischer’s Haydn is individual yet highly persuasive, sophisticated, with a fine transparency of texture and easy to live with … see Full Review

Alfred HILL (1869-1960) String Quartets - Volume 1 String Quartet No.1 in B flat major Maori (c.1889-1897) [22:34] String Quartet No.2 in G minor A Maori legend in Four Scenes (1907-11) [22:14] String Quartet No.3 in A minor The Carnival (1913) [20:34] Dominion Quartet rec. Expressions Theatre, Upper Hutt, New Zealand, May and October 2006  NAXOS 8.570491 [65:41] [JW]

Dvořák, Borodin and some Mendelssohnian warmth ... see Full Review

Paul HINDEMITH (1895-1963) Septet for flute, oboe, clarinet, bass clarinet, bassoon, horn and trumpet (1948) [15:16] Quintet for clarinet and string quartet, Op. 30 (original version 1923) [17:36] Octet for clarinet, horn, bassoon, violin, 2 violas, cello and double bass (1957/58) [25:52] Ensemble Villa Musica rec. 1992, Fürstliche Reitbahn, Bad Arolsen, Germany. DDD originally released, 1993, MDG L 3447, deleted 2002 MUSIKPRODUKTION DABRINGHAUS UND GRIMM GOLD MDG304 0447-2 [65:03] [MC]

Those wishing to investigate the lesser encountered music of Hindemith should be both stimulated and entertained by this fascinating disc ... see Full Review

Alun HODDINOTT (b.1929) Concerto for Clarinet and String Orchestra Op.3 ** (1950) [14:21] Harp Concerto Op. 11 *** (1957; rev. 1970) [17:41] Piano Concerto No. 1 Op. 19 † (1960) [19:06] Piano Concerto No. 2 Op. 21 †† (1960; rev. 1969) [16:15] * Philharmonia Orchestra/Sir Charles Groves ** Gervase de Peyer (clarinet) *** Osian Ellis (harp) London Symphony Orchestra/David Atherton † Philip Fowke (piano) Royal Philharmonic Orchestra/Barry Wordsworth ††Martin Jones (piano) Royal Philharmonic Orchestra/Andrew Davis rec. January 1971, Kingsway Hall (harp, clarinet); 15 January 1996, Walthamstow Assembly Hall (concerto 1); March 1973, Kingsway Hall (concerto 2). ADD (harp, clarinet, concerto 2) Clarinet and Harp concertos first issued on LP as Decca SXL 6513; Piano Concerto 1: LP Decca SXL 6606. LYRITA SRCD.330 [67:28] [RB]

Four short concertos by the Welsh composer Alun Hoddinott. Everything here is well worth hearing but the Second Concerto stands out in this company. ... see Full Review

Johann HOFFMANN (1770-c.1814) Lute Sonata in G major, Sonata in D minor ... see WEISS

BARGAIN OF THE MONTH Gustav HOLST (1874-1934) The Planets, H125 Op. 32 (1914-16) [49:15] St Paul's Suite, H118 Op. 29 (1913) [12:38] Brook Green Suite (1933) [7:14] Ambrosian Singers/John McCarthy Royal Philharmonic Orchestra/Vernon Handley Royal Philharmonic Orchestra/Barry Wordsworth (Brook Green) rec. St Augustine’s Church, Kilburn, London, October 1993 (Planets; St Paul’s); CTS Studio, London, August 1994. DDD originally issued in 1994 as Tring International CD TRP007 ALTO ALC 1013 [69:26] [RB]

An extremely fine Holst disc. Handley’s Planets ablaze with character and grippingly recorded, a big band St Paul’s, all generously coupled with the Wordsworth Brook Green. ... see Full Review

Alan HOVHANESS (1911-2000) Music for Horn, Voice, and Strings Artik - Concerto for Horn and String Orchestra, Op. 78 (1948) [18:25] Psalm and Fugue No. 2 for Four Horns (1954) [4:30] Concerto No. 3, Diran (The Religious Singer), Op. 94 (1948) [11:20] Chahagir (Torchbearer) op. 56, no. 1 for solo viola (1944) [4:43] Angelic Song, Cantata for Voice, Horn, and String Orchestra, Op. 19 (1947-48) [16:01] Robin Dauer (horn) Suzanne Banister (soprano) Karen Griebling, viola Hendrix College Chamber Orchestra/Karen Griebling rec. May 2006, Reynolds Hall for the Performing Arts; Solus Recording Studio, both Conway, Arkansas. DDD, CENTAUR CRC 2872 [55:00] [RB]

Earlyish Hovhaness engaging with the angelic realm. If you like his more dissonant adventures then this is not really for you. ... see Full Review

Alan HOVHANESS (1911-2000) Symphony No. 2 ("The Mysterious Mountain") see VAUGHAN WILLIAMS

John IRELAND (1879-1962) Legend for piano and orchestra (1933) [12:43] Overture Satyricon (1946) [8:43] Piano Concerto (1930) [24:45]These Things Shall Be (1937) [19:44] Two symphonic studies: Fugue; Toccata (arr. Geoffrey Bush) (1946-7 arr. 1969) [11:13] Eric Parkin (piano) John Carol Case (baritone) London Philharmonic Choir/Frederic Jackson London Philharmonic Orchestra/Sir Adrian Boult rec. 1966, 1968, 1971. ADD LYRITA SRCD.241 [77:13] [JW]

Hieratic, visceral and gritty … assured performances ... see Full Review

John IRELAND (1879-1962) The Piano Music Eric Parkin (piano) rec. January 1975, Kingsway Hall, London. ADD 3 CDs for the price of 2 First issued on LP as SRCS87-89: Ireland Piano Music Vols. 1-3 LYRITA SRCD.2277 [3 CDs: 56:09 + 52:45 + 51:04] [JW]

Ireland’s rugged, melancholy, harmonically rich, myth-centred and often impressionistic nature pieces, brilliantly realised ... see Full Review

Leos JANÁČEK (1854-1928) Sinfonietta (1926) [22.57] Taras Bulba, rhapsody for orchestra (1915-1918) [21.55] The Cunning Little Vixen: suite (1921-1923) [16.30] Bamberg Symphony Orchestra/Jonathan Nott rec. Joseph-Keilberth-Saal, Bamberg, Germany; 25-28 October 2004. DDD. Co-production with Bavarian Radio, Munich TUDOR 7135 [61.42] [ED]

A good set of interpretations but too literal and lacking the atmosphere of the greatest recordings ... see Full Review

RECORDING OF THE MONTH Giya KANCHELI (born 1935) Styx (1999)^a [35:46] John TAVENER (born 1944) The Myrrh-Bearer (1993)^b [41:56] Maxim Rysanov (viola); Rihards Zaļupe (percussion)^b; Kamēr... Choir^ab; Men of the State Choir Latvija^b; Liepāja Symphony Orchestra^a; Māris Sirmais rec. Dome Cathedral, Riga, Latvia, September 2006 Words and translations included ONYX 4023 [77:42] [HC]

One of Kancheli’s most personal achievements, and one of his most deeply moving works. ... see Full Review

Aaron Jay KERNIS (b. 1960) Colored Field: Concerto for cello and orchestra (1994/2000) [40:13] Musica Celestis (1990/2000) [12:22] Air for cello and orchestra (1995/2000) [11:46] Truls Mørk (cello) Minnesota Orchestra/Eije Oue rec. 17-19, 21, 22 April 2000, Orchestra Hall, Minneapolis VIRGIN CLASSICS 45464 [64:41] [GPu]

Colored Field is a superb concerto for cello and orchestra, and gets a powerful and well recorded performance. The ‘fillers’ are on the slight side – but don’t detract from the desirability of a fine CD ... see Full Review

Erich Wolfgang KORNGOLD (1897-1957) Piano Trio in D major, Op. 1 (1909) [32:12] Suite for piano (left hand), two violins and cello (1934) [36:20] Trio Parnassus (Chia Chou (piano); Yamei Yu (violin); Michael Gross (cello)); Matthias Wollong (violin, Suite) rec. Furstliche Reitbahn, Bad Arolsen, 17-19 November 2006 MUSIKPRODUKTION DABRINGHAUS UND GRIMM MDG GOLD 303 1463-2 [68:43][TH]

The music itself is the epitome of glorious late-Romanticism…you can buy with confidence. ... see Full Review

Michel-Richard de LALANDE Leçons de Ténèbres Michel-Richard de Lalande (1657-1726) Leçon du Mercredy, [17:36] Leçon du Jeudy, [22:27] Leçon du Vendredy, [12:04] MARIN MARAIS (1656-1728) Tombeau pour Monsieur de Lully, [6:16] Tombeau de Sainte-Colombe, [6:33] Robert de Visée (1660-1720) Tombeau des Mesdemoiselles de Visée, [3:36] Louis COUPERIN (1626-1661) Tombeau de Monsieur de Blancrocher, [4:08] Isabelle Desrochers (soprano); Mauricio Buraglia (theorbo); Nima Ben David (viola da gamba); Pierre Trocellier (harpsichord, organ) rec. 1996, France. DDD NAIVE E 8913 [73:05] [MS]

Beautiful, gentle introvert sacred music from the French Baroque played with great grace and style by an intimate band of musicians – soprano, theorbo, viola da gamba and harpsichord/organ. Could only fail to appeal to the most cold-hearted. ... see Full Review

Edouard LALO (1823-1892) Symphonie espagnole see BRAHMS

Walter LEIGH (1905-1942) Agincourt Overture* (1937) [11:46] Concertino for Harpsichord and String Orchestra (1934) [9:33] Music for String Orchestra (1931-2) [6:29]A Midsummer Night's Dream Suite for small orchestra (1936): Overture, Entry of the Mechanicals, Introduction to Act II, Intermezzo, Introduction to Act III, Wedding March, Bergomask, Fairies' Dance, Finale [14:26]The Frogs (1936) [5:35]Jolly Roger Overture* (1933) [3:38] Trevor Pinnock (harpsichord) London Philharmonic Orchestra/ Nicholas Braithwaite New Philharmonia Orchestra/Nicholas Braithwaite rec. Kingsway Hall, London, March 1980; *Walthamstow Town Hall, August 1975. ADD LYRITA SRCD.289 [51:33] [JW]

Makes the sadly short-lived Leigh live again in immaculate style ... see Full Review

Ruggero LEONCAVALLO (1858–1919) Pagliacci see MASCAGNI

Franz LISZT (1811-1886) Tasso, Lament and Triumph (1851) [20:16] Les Préludes (1853) [16:26] Mazeppa (1851) [15:52] Orpheus (1854) [10:17] Dresden Philharmonic Orchestra/Michel Plasson rec. 1994 BERLIN CLASSICS BASICS 0186022BC [62:51] [TB]

The music’s strengths are clear enough in this well recorded and played account ... see Full Review

George LLOYD (1913-1998) Symphony No. 4 in B (1945-6) [60:02] Symphony No. 5 in B flat (1947-8) [57:34] Symphony No. 8 (1961 orch. 1965) [45:28] Philharmonia Orchestra/Edward Downes rec. 1982-84, London? ADD LYRITA SRCD.2258 [3 CDs: 60:02 + 57:34 + 45:28] [JW]

Strong claims on collectors new and old … Downes has the sagacity to pace things with absolute assurance … spot-on Lyrita recordings ... see Full Review

Dan LOCKLAIR (b. 1949) Symphony of Seasons (Symphony no.1) (2002) [31:06] Lairs of Soundings (A Triptych for Soprano and String Orchestra) (1982) [10:58] Phoenix and Again (An Overture for Full Orchestra) (1982) [5:51] In Memory – H.H.L. (for String Orchestra) (2005) [5:16] Concerto for Harp and Orchestra (2004) [22:03] Janeanne Houston (soprano); Jacquelyn Bartlett (harp) Slovak Radio Symphony Orchestra/Kirk Trevor rec. 11-15 September 2006, Concert Hall of the Slovak Radio, Bratislava, Slovakia. DDD NAXOS AMERICAN CLASSICS 8.559337 [75:14] [JW]

Splendid work – rich and rewarding ... see Full Review

 

 

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