PART 6
Misc. A-L

Detailed listing (last five 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]
[Recommended recordings]

 

All Through The Night Traditional Welsh Songs for Tenor and Harp Ar hyd Y nos (All through the night) [2:40] Bugeil'or gwenith gwyn (Watching the white wheat) [4:31] Wrth Fynd Hefo/Dacw' nghariad/Lisa lân/Paid â deud  [10:17] (Going with Deio to Tywyn/Behold my beloved/Fair Lisa/Never tell) Merch Megan (Megan's daughter - harp solo) [4:58] Tra bo dau (While there are two) [3:31] Hiraeth (Yearning - tenor solo) [2:40] Y deryn pur (The pure bird) [2:59] Saith o ganeuon ar Gywyddau Dafydd ap Gwilm ac eraill (Seven songs on poems in the Cywydd metre by Dafydd ap Gwilym and others) c.1340-1400 [9:51] Llwyn Onn (The Ash grove - harp solo) [4:04] Gyrru'r y chen (Driving the oxen) [1:36] Dafydd y garreg wen (David of the white rock - harp solo) [4:29] Cyfri'r geifr (Counting the goats) [4:13] Mae'nghariad i'n Fenws/Tros y garreg (My beloved is Venus/Over the rock) [4:31] Nos galan (New year's eve) [1:08] Huw Rhys-Evans (tenor) Ieuan Jones (piano) rec. ALRA, July 1991 CLAUDIO CR4114-2 [63:55][JW]

A lyric high-lying voice, seemingly easy of production, in youthful, fresh estate and conveying these songs with generosity and sentiment. ... see Full Review

In Concert – Jussi Björling Live at Carnegie Hall Ludwig van BEETHOVEN (1770–1827) 1. Adelaide [6:42] Franz SCHUBERT (1797–1828) 2. Frühlingsglaube [3:24] 3. Die Forelle [1:53] 4. Ständchen [4:20] 5. Die böse Farbe (from Die schöne Müllerin) [2:42] Richard STRAUSS (1864–1949) 6. Traum durch die Dämmerung [3:06] 7. Cäcilie [2:04] Johannes BRAHMS (1833–1897) 8. Ständchen [1:49] Wolfgang Amadeus MOZART (1756–1791) 9. Il mio tesoro (from Don Giovanni) [4:00] Umberto GIORDANO (1867–1948) 10. Amor ti vieta (from Fedora) [2:11] Georges BIZET (1838–1875) 11. La fleur que tu m’avais jetée (Flower Song from Carmen) [3:46] Jules MASSENET (1842–1912) 12. .Instant charmant; En ferment les yeux (Dream Song from Manon) [3:41] Paolo TOSTI (1846–1916) 13. Ideale [3:17] Giacomo PUCCINI (1858–1924) 14. È lucevan le stelle (from Tosca) [3:05] Paolo TOSTI 15. L’alba separa della luce ombra [2:39] Stephen FOSTER (1826–1864) 16. I Dream of Jeanie with the Light Brown Hair [3:43] Bonus Tracks: Giacomo PUCCINI Manon Lescaut: 17. Ah! Manon, mi tradisce [2:38] 18. Presto in fila … No! Pazzo son! [3:55] Giuseppe VERDI (1813–1901) Il trovatore: 19. Deserto sulla terra [1:39] 20. Di qual tera luce … Ah! si ben mio [4:00] 21. Di quella pira [2:03] Georges BIZET Les Pêcheurs de Perles: 22. Au fond du temple saint [4:57] Henry GEEHL (1881–1961) 23. For You Alone [2:03] Guy d’HARDELOT (Helen RHODES) (1858–1936) 24. Because [2:03] Jussi Björling (tenor) Frederic Schauwecker (piano)(tr. 1–16); Licia Albanese (soprano) (tr. 17), Franco Calabrese (bass) (tr. 18), Enrico Campi (bass) (tr. 18), Orchestra of Rome Opera/Jonel Perlea (tr. 17–18); Leonard Warren (baritone) (tr. 19), Zinka Milanov (soprano) (tr. 20), Robert Shaw Chorale (tr. 21), Robert Merrill (baritone) (tr. 22), RCA Victor Orchestra/Renato Cellini (Tr. 19–22); Orchestra of the Royal Opera, Stockholm/Nils Grevillius (tr. 23–24) rec. Carnegie Hall, 24 September 1955 (tr. 1–16); Rome, July 1954 (tr. 17–18); New York February–March 1952 (tr. 19–21); New York 3 January 1951 (tr. 22); Stockholm, 3 September 1937 (tr. 23); Stockholm 7 September 1948 (tr. 24) ALTO ALC1007 [75:32] [GF]

Musically this disc is superb but the same material can be had from other sources in better sound. ... see Full Review

By Yon Bonnie banks - Traditional Early music from Scotland Turlough O’CAROLAN (1670-1738) James Betagh Jig [4.58] Fhir a bhata (O boatman) [5.10] Neil GOW (1727-1807) Neil Gow’s Lament for his second wife [5.24] ANON Stoidhle Neill Ghobba/ Nighean bhudhe (Golden locks) [2.19]; Chi mi na mor-bheanna (I will see the Great Mountain) [3.03]; I have a wife/Biodag air mac Alasdair [2.39]; Siuthadaibh bhalacha (Go on lads) [2.10]; Seathan mac Righ Eireann (John, son of the King of Ireland) [2.11]; Puirt a beul(Mouth Music)/Siud mar chaidh an cal a dholaidh (That’s how the cabbage was spoiled)/Fear an Duin Mhoir (The Lord of Dunmore)/Nam biodh agam (If I had a shabby old man [2.26]; Hamish the Carpenter/There Cam a young man/Hills of Glenorchy/Jenny Nettles [4.10] The Red Rose and the Briar [6.02]; Fine Flowers in the valley [7.03]; The Old Grey Cat [2.44]; A mhic lain ‘ic Sheumais (Son of John, son of James) [3.21]; Saw ye nae my Peggy [5.18]; Alastair m’annsachd (Sandy is my only love) [2.22]; Rattlin’ Roarin’ Willie [1.51] Bonnie isle 0’Whalsey [1.37]; Loch Lomond [3.32] Quadriga Consort Elisabeth Kaplin (voice); Angelika Huemar (recorder and viola da gamba); Karin Silldorf (recorder); Dominika Teufel (viol da gamba); Peter Trefflinger (Baroque cello); Laurenz Schiffermuller (percussion); Nikolaus Newerkla (harpsichord/arranger/director). rec. July 2006, Stift St.Georgen am Langsee ORF EDITION ALTE MUSIK CD 479 [68.31][GH]

Scotland’s diverse musical traditional is again then thrown into focus. New doors are opened yet all seems familiar and friendly. This is a disc that anyone of any age can enjoy. ... see Full Review

RECORDING OF THE MONTH Nicole Cabell – Soprano Giacomo PUCCINI (1858–1924) La Bohème: Quando me’n vo’ [2:41] Charles GOUNOD (1818–1893) Roméo et Juliette: Ah! Je veux vivre [3:31] Gian-Carlo MENOTTI (1911–2007) The Old Man and the Thief: What a curse for a woman is a timid man! [4:54] Charles GOUNOD Roméo et Juliette: Dieu! quell frisson court dans mes veines! … Amour, ranime mon courage [6:04] Giacomo PUCCINI Gianni Schicchi: O mio babbino caro [2:16] Leo DELIBES (1836–1891) Les Filles de Cadix [3:16] George GERSHWIN (1898–1937) Porgy and Bess: Summertime [2:58] Michael TIPPETT (1905–1998) A Child of our Time: How can I cherish my man in such days [3:47] Hector BERLIOZ (1803–1869) Benvenuto Cellini: Les belles fleurs! … Entre l’amour et le devoir [7:38] Gustave CHARPENTIER (1860–1956) Louise: Depuis le jour [5:20] Vincenzo BELLINI (1801–1835) I Capuleti e I Montecchi: Eccomi in lieta vesta … Oh! quante volte [9:40]¹ Giacomo PUCCINI La rondine: Chi il bel sogno di Doretta [3:00]² Gaetano DONIZETTI (1797–1848) Don Pasquale: “Quel guard oil cavaliere …”… So anch’io la virtù magica [6:02] Nicole Cabell (soprano) Timothy Brown (horn)¹, Helen Tunstall (harp)¹, John Constable (piano)² London Philharmonic Orchestra/Sir Andrew Davis rec. The Colosseum, Watford, 21–30 December 2005. DDD DECCA 475 7661 [61:50][GF]

She is at the very beginning of her career and more stage experience will certainly add to her already well endowed armoury of expressive means. For pure singing she is full-fledged already. Indeed it is a remarkable voice ... see Full Review

Maria Callas - The Studio Recitals Disc 1 Giacomo PUCCINI (1858-1924) Arias [45.14] Manon Lescaut, In quelle trine morbide [2:56]. Sola, perduta, abbandonata [5:53] Madama Butterfly, Un bel dì vedremo [4:34]. Con onor muore [3:44] La Bohème, Sì. Mi chiamano Mimì [4:48]. Donde lieta uscì (Mimì's Farewell) [3:22] Suor Angelica, Senza mamma, O bimbo [5:35] Gianni Schicchi, O mio babbino caro [2:34] Turandot, Signore, ascolta! [2:30] In questa Reggia [6:24] Tu, che di gel sei cinta [2:50] Philharmonia Orchestra/Tullio Serafin rec. September 1954. Watford Town Hall Disc 2 Lyric and Coloratura Arias [49.00] Adriana Lecouvreur, Ecco: respiro appena...Io son l'umile ancella [3:49]; Poveri fiori [3.12] Andrea Chenier, La mamma morta [4.52] La Wally, Ebben?...Ne andrò lontana [4.52] Mefistofele, L'altra notte. [7:28] Il Barbiere di Siviglia, Una voce poco fa [6:52] Dinorah, Ombre légère (Shadow Song) [5:42] Lakmé, Où va la jeune indoue (Bell Song) [8:06] I vespri Siciliani, Mercè, dilette amiche (Bolero) [4:20] rec. September 1954, Watford Town Hall. Philharmonia Orchestra/Tullio Serafin Disc 3 Callas at La Scala. [41:50] Medea, Dei tuoi figli la madre [4:46] La Vestale, Tu che invoco [10:50]. O nome tutelary [2:30]. Caro oggetto [3:44] La Sonnambula, Compagne, temiri amici ....Come per me sereno [5:43]. Oh, se una volta sola ....Ah! non credea mirarti [13:58] rec. July 1955. La Scala, Milan Orchestra of the Teatro alla Scala/Tulio Serafin Disc 4 Giuseppe VERDI (1813-1901) Arias. Volume 1 [49.14] Macbeth, Nel dì della vittoria ..Vienil t'affretta [7:44]; La luce langue [4:07]; Una macchia è qui tuttora [11:90] Nabucco, Ben io t'invenni ... Anch'io dischiuso un giorno [9:06] Ernani, Surta è la notte .... Ernani! Ernani, involami [6:11] Don Carlo, Tu che le vanità [10:36] Philharmonia Orchestra/Nicola Rescigno rec. September 1958. Studio 1, Abbey Road, London Disc 5 Mad Scenes. [47.23] Anna Bolena, Piangete voi?...Al dolce guidami castel natio 19:57 Hamlet, A vos jeux mes amis (Mad Scene) [10:23] Il Pirata, Oh! s'io potessi [17:20] Philharmonia Orchestra/Nicola Rescigno rec. September 1958, Kingsway Hall, London, Disc 6 Callas à Paris. Volume 1 [49.08] Orphée et Eurydice, J'ai perdu mon Eurydice [4:25] Alceste, Divinités du Styx [4:24] Carmen, L'amour est un oiseau rebelle (Habanera) [4:30]; Près des remparts de Séville (Séguidilla) [2:40] Samson et Dalila, Printemps qui commence [5:14]; Samson, recherchant ma présence...Amour! viens aider ma faiblesse! [4:10]; Mon coeur s'ouvre à ta voix. [5:15] Roméo et Juliette, 'Romeo and Juliet': Je veux vivre (Waltz) [3:38] Mignon, Ah, pour ce soir...Je suis Titania (Polonaise) [5:08] Le Cid, De cet affreux combat....Pleurez, mes yeux [6:50] Louise, Depuis le jour où je me suis donnée [4:39] Orchestra National de la Radiofusion Francaise/Georges Prêtre rec. March, April 1961, Salle Wagram, Paris Disc 7 Callas à Paris. Volume 2 [43.04] Iphigénie en Tauride, O malheureuse Iphigénie! [4:30] La Damnation de Faust Op. 24, D'amour l'ardente flamme [8:80]; Les Pêcheurs de Perles, 'The Pearl Fishers': Ma voila seule......Comme autrefois [5:56] Manon, Je ne suis que faiblesse....Adieu, notre petite table [3:16] Manon, Suis-je gentille ainsi? ... Je marche sur tous les chemins [2:49] Werther, Werther! Qui m'aurait dit la place... Des cris joyeux (Air des lettres) [6:59] Faust, Il était un Roi de Thulé...O Dieu!que de bijoux...Ah! je ris (Jewel Song) [11:24] Orchestra National de la Radiofusion Française/Georges Prêtre. Rec. April 1963, Salle Wagram, Paris Disc 8 Giuseppe VERDI (1813-1901); Arias. Volume 2 [39.53] Otello, Mia madre aveva una povera ancella [5:60]; Piangea cantando (Willow Song) [7:12]; Ave Maria [4:45] Aroldo: Ciel, ch'io respiri!...Salvami, salvami tu gran dio [3:26]; Oh cielo! Ove son io? [9:40] Don Carlo, Non pianger, mia compagna [4:52]; O don fatale [4:41] Orchestre de la Société des Concerts du Conservatoire/Nicola Rescigno; rec. December 1963, February 1964, Salle Wagram, Paris, Disc 9 Carl Maria van Weber (1770-1827); Ludwig Van BEETHOVEN (1770-1827); Wolfgang Amadeus MOZART (1756-1791) Ah! perfido Op. 65 [14:18] Oberon, Ocean! thou mighty monster [9:30] Le Nozze di Figaro K492, Porgi, amor [4:14] Don Giovanni K527, Or sai chi l'onore [3:14]; Non mir dir [6:52]; In quali eccessi, O Numi!...Mi tradi quell'alma ingrata [6:26] Orchestre de la Société des Concerts du Conservatoire/Nicola Rescigno; rec. December 1963, February 1964, Salle Wagram, Paris Disc 10 Gioachino ROSSINI (1792-1868); Gaetano DONIZETTI (1797-1848) Arias La Cenerentola, Nacqui all'affanno e al pianto .....Non più mesta [6:18] Guglielmo Tell, S'allontanano alfin!" [8:32] Semiramide, Bel raggio lusinghier [8:34] La figlia del reggimento, Convien partir [4:50] Lucrezia Borgia, Tranquillo di posa...Com'è bello [8:15] L'Elisir d'amor, Prendi, per me sei libero (Atto 2) [3:33] Orchestre de la Société des Concerts du Conservatoire/Nicola Rescigno; rec. December, 1963, April 1964, Salle Wagram, Paris Disc 11 Giuseppe VERDI (1813-1901) Arias. Volume 3 [52.07] I Lombardi alla prima crociata, O Madre dal ciel soccorri [3:59] Attila, Liberamente or piangi ... Oh! nel fuggente nuvolo [5:24] Il Corsaro, [Egli non riede ancora! ... Non so le tetre immagini (Atto I) from [5:16]; Nè sulla terra creatura alcuna ... talor del carcere ... Verró ... Ah conforto sol la speme [5:57] Il Trovatore, Tacea la notte placida ... Di tale amor [6:07] I vespri Siciliani, Arrigo! Ah, parli a un core [4:32] Un Ballo in Maschera, Ecco l'orrido campo .Ma dall'arido stelo [9:16]; Morrò, ma prima in grazia [4:26] Aida, Ritorna vincitor [7:06] Orchestre de la Société des Concerts du Conservatoire; Orchestre du Théâtre National de l’Opéra de Paris (trs. 3-4)/Nicola Rescigno rec. January, February, April 1964, April 1965, February, March 1969 Disc 12 The EMI Rarities 1953-1961. [63.28] Don Giovanni K527, Non mi dir [5:26]; Non mi dir [5:40]; Macbeth, Una macchia è qui tuttora! [11:12] Semiramide: Bel raggio lusinghier [5:34]; Bel raggio lusinghier [5:22] I vespri Siciliani, Arrigo! Ah, parli a un core [4:40] Lucrezia Borgia, Tranquillo di posa...Com'è bello [8:30] Guglielmo Tell, S'allontanano alfine ... Selva opaca [8:50] Il Pirata, Sorgete ... Lo sognai ferito, esangue [9:23] Orchestra del Maggio Musicale Fiorentino/Tullio Serafin; Philharmonia Orchestra/Antonio Tonini rec. January 1953, Teatro Comunale, Florence; September 1953, Abbey Road, London, November 1961, Kingsway Hall, London Disc 13 The EMI Rarities 1962-1969. [51.08] Don Carlo, O don fatale [4:27] La Cenerentola, Nacqui all'affanno e al pianto ..... Non più mesta [6:11] Oberon, Ocean! thou mighty monster [8:20] Aida, Pur ti riveggo, mia dolce Aida [9:32] I Lombardi alla prima crociata, Te, Vergin santa [3:46]; Te, Vergin santa [3:21] Il Trovatore, Vanne ... D'amor sull' ali rosee [6:27] I vespri Siciliani, Arrigo! Ah, parli a un core [3:38] Attila, Liberamente or piangi ... Oh! nel fuggente nuvolo [4:55] Orchestre de la Société des Concerts du Conservatoire/Nicola Rescigno rec. February, March 1969, Salle Wagram, Paris. Mono/Stereo. ADD EMI CLASSICS 00946 368033 2 6 [13 CDs: 45:14 + 49:00 + 41:50 + 49:14 + 47:23 + 49:08 + 43:04 + 39:53 + 44:23 + 39:22 + 52:07 + 63:28 + 51:08][RJF]

Handsomely presented these collections gathered in a single compact set allow many aspects of Callas’s recorded studio work to be examined in detail. Gems among the less worthy. ... see Full Review

CARMEN Stephen GOSS (b.1964) Carmen Fantasy (1998) [21:50] Stephen GOSS (b.1964) after Erik SATIE (1866-1925) Gnossiennes (2002) [9:15] Manuel de FALLA (1876-1946) arr. Peter HOWE Ritual Fire Dance [3:52] Enrique GRANADOS (1867-1916) arr. Richard STORRY Spanish Dance No.2, Oriental [4:37] Moresque [3:48] Igor STRAVINSKY (1882-1971) arr. Gilbert BIBERIAN (b.1944) Eight Pieces (1915-1917) [10:45] Stephen GOSS (b.1964) Lachrymae (2001) [4:17] Tetra Guitar Quartet: Stephen Goss, Richard Hand, Allan Neave, Graham Roberts rec. 8-10 January, 2004, Studio 1, Performing Arts Technology Studios, University of Surrey CADENZA CADCD0460 [58:27] [GPu]

A well programmed, consistently stimulating CD, a highlight of which is the witty writing of Stephen Goss … see Full Review

Carlos Cogul – Introduction Gioacchino ROSSINI (1792–1868) Il barbiere di Siviglia: 1. Largo al factotum [5:39] Giuseppe VERDI (1813–1901) Un ballo in maschera: 2. Alzati! … Eri tu … O dolcezze perdute [6:18] Vincenzo BELLINI (1801–1835) I puritani: 3. Ah! Per sempre io ti perdei [3:54] Wolfgang Amadeus MOZART (1756–1791) Don Giovanni: 4. Finch’ hand al vino [1:36] Ruggiero LEONCAVALLO (1858–1919) I Pagliacci: 5. Si può … Un nido di memorie … E voi … (Prologue) [5:44] Giuseppe VERDI Don Carlo: 6. O Carlo ascolta … Io morrò (Rodrigo’s death) [3:56] Ruggiero LEONCAVALLO Zazà: 7. Zazà, piccolo zingara [2:24] Gaetano DONIZETTI (1797–1848) La favorita: 8. Ma, de’ malvagi invan … Vien Leonora … De nemici tuoi [5:28] Giuseppe VERDI Il trovatore: 9. Tutto è deserto … Il balen del suo sorriso [4:32] Otello: 10. Vanne, la tua meta già vedo … Credo [4:59] Rigoletto: 11. Cortigiani, vil razza dannata [4:52] Bonus tracks: Lucio DALLA (b. 1943) 12. Caruso [5:26] Franz SCHUBERT (1797–1828) 13. Ave Maria [4:28] Rolf LØVLAND (b. 1955) 14. You Raise Me Up [4:05] Special UK Edition Bonus Track: Jacques REVAUX (b. 1940)/Claude FRANÇOIS (1939–1978) 15. My Way [4:14] Carlos Cogul (baritone) Compagnia d’Opera Italiana Orchestra/Antonello Gotta (all tracks except tr. 4); Orchestra of the Plovdiv National Opera/Nayden Todorov no recording dates and venues. Published 2005. CHIRON RECORDS EAN CODE 5 030820 043869 [68:00][GF]

Many good intentions but lacks the vocal means to fulfil them. ... see Full Review

My Eternal King – Hymns and Anthems Jane Marshall (b. 1924) My Eternal King [5:23] M. Thomas Cousins (b. 1914) Glorious, Everlasting [3:46] Knut Nystedt (b. 1915) I Will Greatly Rejoice [1:54] R.S. Thatcher (1888-1957) Come, ye Faithful [3:12] John Stainer (1840-1901) God So Loved the World (fr. The Crucifixion) [3:38] Henry Ley (1887-1962) The Strife is O’er [2:35] Arr. William L. DAWSON Ain’a That Good News [1:46] Ralph Vaughan Williams (1872-1958) For All the Saints [4:36] Philip Nicolai (1556-1608) arr. S. Drummond Wolf Halleluia, Let Praises Ring [6:27] John Darwall (1784-1829) arr. Arthur Harris Rejoice, the Lord is King [3:33] Johann Pachelbel (1653-1706) arr. Hal Hopson Canon of Praise [3:50] John Goss (1800-1880) Praise, My Soul, the King of Heaven [6:36] John Bacchus Dykes (1823-1876) Holy, Holy, Holy [2:07] Roger Williams Sing we our Praises Arr. Virgil THOMSON My Shepherd will supply my need Johann Cruger (1598-1662) Now Thank We All Our God [2:15] John Ireland (1879-1962) My Song is Love Unknown [1:47] Arr. John RUTTER How Firm a Foundation [3:14] Carl Glaeser (1784-1829) arr. Lowell Mason O For a Thousand Tongues to Sing [2:24] Leo Sowerby (1895-1968) arr. Stephen Shewan Come, Risen Lord [5:43] Trad. Arr. Stephen Shewan Awake My Soul/Morning Has Broken [5:04] Carl Maria von Weber (1786-1826) My Jesus, as Thou Wilt [3:29] Roberts Wesleyan College Chorale; Roberts Wesleyan Brass Ensemble; Roberts Wesleyan Wind Ensemble; Paul Shewan (trumpet); Diane Maynard (organ); Mathew Curlee (organ); Anne Honeywell (organ); James Bobb (organ); Kevin Clarke (organ); Nelson Hill (conductor); Robert Shewan (conductor) rec. Downtown United Presbyterian Church, Rochester, NY; Except Sowerby: First Evangelical Lutheran Church, Lyons NY. no dates given. ROBERTS WESLEYAN COLLEGE 1044 [78:34] [WK]

An interesting and varied collection, especially for fans of the Roberts Wesleyan sound. ... see Full Review

BARGAIN OF THE MONTH Kirsten Flagstad Edvard GRIEG (1843–1907) Haugtussa, Op. 67 (1898) (Words: Arne Garborg) [28:50] 1. Det syng (The Singing) [4:22] 2. Veslemöy (Little Maiden) [3:03] 3. Blåbaer-Li (Bilberry Slopes) [3:47] 4. Møte (Meeting) [4:01] 5. Elsk (Love) [3:11] 6. Killingdans (Kidlings’ Dance) [1:48] 7. Vond Dag (Evil Day) [2:24] 8. Ved Gjaetle-Bekken (At the Brook) [6:15] Ludwig van BEETHOVEN (1770–1827) 9. Ah, perfido! Op. 65 (1795-96)[12:57] Fidelio Op. 72 (1814): 10. Abscheulicher, wo eilst du hin?[7:13] Carl Maria von WEBER (1786–1826) Oberon (1826): 11. Ozean, du Ungeheuer [8:07] Richard WAGNER (1813–1883) Lohengrin (1850): 12. Euch Lüften, die mein Klagen [3:37] Die Walküre (1870): 13. Du bist der Lenz [2:07] Götterdämmerung (1876): 14. Starke Scheite schichtet mir dort [16:45] Kirsten Flagstad (soprano) Edwin McArthur (piano) (1-8); Philadelphia Orchestra/Eugene Ormandy (9-14) rec. 27 August 1940 (1-8); 17 October 1937 (9-14), Academy of Music, Philadelphia. ADD NAXOS 8.110725 [79:37] [GF]

Arguably the most glorious dramatic soprano singing ever committed to disc. Should be in every decent collection. ... see Full Review

Kirsten Flagstad – Songs and Scenes Edvard GRIEG (1843–1907) 1. Efteraarsstormen, Op. 18 No. 4 [3:13] 2. Langs ei aa, Op. 33 No. 5 [2:22] 3. Mens jeg venter, Op. 60 No. 3 [2:52] 4. Fyremaal, Op. 33 No. 12 [3:36] 5. Med en vandlilje, Op. 25 No. 4 [2:30] 6. Prinsessen, EG 133 [3:09] 7. Jeg elsker deg, Op. 5 No. 3 [3:18] 8. En svane,Op. 25 No. 2 [3:26] 9. Den sårede,  Op. 33 No. 3 [4:06] 10. Tak for dit rad, Op. 21 No. 4 [1:13] Henry PURCELL (1659–1695) Dido and Aeneas: 11. Thy hand Belinda …When I am laid in earth [4:48] Richard WAGNER (1813–1883) Tannhäuser: 12. Allmächt’ge Jungfrau [5:58] Tristan und Isolde: 13. Doch nun von Tristan! …Genau will ich’s vernehmen [10:35] 14. Mild und Leise (Liebestod) [7:04] Götterdämmerung: 15. Starke Scheite schichtet mir dort (Immolation Scene) [19:10] Kirsten Flagstad (soprano), Gerald Moore (piano) (1-6); Edwin McArthur (piano) (7); Philharmonia Orchestra/Warwick Braithwaite (8-11); Issay Dobrowen (12-13); Wilhelm Furtwängler (14-15) rec. 1935 (7); 1948 (1-6, 8-13); 1952 (14-15) REGIS RRC 1269 [77:27] [GF]

Apart from the technical shortcomings that I have mentioned this is a highly desirable disc – especially at the Regis budget price. ... see Full Review

The Gigli Edition - Vol. 15: The 1955 Carnegie Hall Farewell Recitals Giacomo MEYERBEER (1791-1864) L’Africaine: Mi batte il cor ... O Paradiso! [3:00] Giulio CACCINI (1545-1618) Amarilli [2:29] Stefano DONAUDY (1879-1925) O del mio amato ben [3:33] Georg Frideric HANDEL (1685-1759) Serse: Frondi tenere e belle … Ombra mai fu [3:15] Jules MASSENET (1842-1912) Manon: O dolce incanto …Chiudi gli occhi [3:08] Richard WAGNER (1813-1883) Lohengrin: Mercè, mercè, cigno gentil [1:34] Edvard GRIEG (1843-1907) Un Rêve [En dröm] [2 :21] Fryderyk CHOPIN (1810-1849) Reviens, mon amour (from Étude in E major, Op. 10, No. 3) [Tristesse] [2;13] Jules MASSENET (1842-1912) Werther: Ah! Non mi ridestar [2:35] GOMES (1836-1896) Lo Schiavo: All’istante partir .. Quando nascesti tu [3:15] Giacomo PUCCINI (1858-1924) Tosca: E lucevan le stelle ... O dolci baci [2:23] WECKERLIN (1821-1910) Bergère légère [1:19] Wolfgang Amadeus MOZART (1756-1791) Don Giovanni: Dalla sua pace [3:38] CURCI (1808-1877) Notte a Venezia [1:39] CARNEVALI (1888-?) Come, love with me [2:18] CURRAN (1875-1941) Life [1:44] DE CRESCENZO (1875-1964) Rondine al nido [2:38] Ernesto DE CURTIS (1875-1937) Addio bel sogno [3:08] DI VEROLI (1888-1960) Ritorna amore [2:52] Cesare BIXIO (1898-1978) Mamma [2:54] Eduardo DI CAPUA (1864-1917) ’O sole mio [1:36] Giacomo PUCCINI (1858-1924) La fanciulla del West: Ch’ella mi creda libero e lontano [2:05] Beniamino Gigli (tenor) Dino Fedri (piano) rec. Carnegie Hall, 17, 20, 24 April 1955. ADD NAXOS HISTORICAL 8.111104 [55:38] [JW]

The old magic pretty much intact even if the technique was no longer armour-plated. The end of the Gigli journey in the 1955 Carnegie Hall farewells ... see Full Review

Gothic Voices CD1 Abbess HILDEGARD OF BINGEN A Feather on the Breath of God Columba aspexit [5:18] Ave, generosa [4:36] O ignis spiritus [4:48] O Ierusalem [8:02] O Euchari [5:43] O viridissima virga [3:13] O presul vere civitatis [6:12] O Ecclesia [6:11] CD2 The Service of Venus and Mars - Music for the Knights of the Garter 1340-1440 Philippe DE VITRY Gratissima virginis [2:38] ANONYMOUS Singularis laudis digna [5:01] P DES MOLINS Do ce quo fol pense [1:33] ANONYMOUS Do ce quo fol pense [2:44] LulIay, lulIay [4:10] PICARD Gloria [3:50] ANONYMOUS Ther is no rose of swych virtu [3:51] Leonel POWER Sanctus [3:14] Franchois LEBERTOUL Las, quo me demanderoye [2:35] ANONYMOUS Le gay playsir [1:18] Le grant Pleyser [1:18] John PYAMOUR Quam pulchra es [3:24] John DUNSTABLE Speciosa facta es [2:06] SOURSBY Speciosa facta es [5:19] Richard LOQUEVILLE Je vous pri quo j’aye un baysier [1:34] ANONYMOUS The Agincourt Carol [3:56] CD3 A Song for Francesca - Music in Italy 1330-1430 Andreas DE FLORENTIA Astio non mori mai [3:02] Per la ver’onestà [4:35] ANONYMOUS Quando i oselli canta [2:01] Constantia [3:04] Johannes DE FLORENTIA Quando la stella [3:15] ANONYMOUS Amor mi fa cantar a Ia Francesca [2:34] Non na el so amante [2:39] Francesco LANDINI Ochi dolenti mie [2:52] Per seguir la sperança [3:38] ANONYMOUS O regina seculi / Reparatrix Maria [2:28] Guillaume DUFAY Quel fronte signorille in paradiso [2:36] Richard LOQUEVILLE Puisque je suy amoureux [2:52] Pour mesdisans ne pour leur faulx parler [1:52] Hugo DE LANTINS Plaindre m’estuet [4:33] Jean HAUCOURT Je demande ma bienvenue [1:52] ANONYMOUS Confort d’amours [3:47] Richard LOQUEVILLE Qui ne veroit que vos deulx yeulx [1:12] Estienne GROSSIN Va t’ent souspir [1:34] Emma Kirkby (soprano); Emily van Evera (soprano); Poppy Holden (soprano); Judith Stell (soprano); Margaret Philpot (contralto); Caroline Trevor (alto); Rogers Covey-Crump (tenor); John Mark Ainsley (tenor); Leigh Nixon (tenor); Andrew Parrott (tenor); Kevin Breen (tenor); Howard Milner (tenor); Peter Harvey (baritone); Colin Mason (baritone); Andrew Lawrence-King (medieval harp); Doreen Muskett (symphony); Robert White (reed drones); Christopher Page (director/medieval harp) rec. Church of St Jude-on-the-Hill, Hampstead, London, 14 September 1981 (disc 1), 30 September, 1 October 1986 (disc 2); 26, 29 September 1987 (disc 3). DDD Originally issued on CDA66039 (disc 1), CDA66238 (disc 2) and CDA66286 (disc 3) HYPERION CDS44251/3 [3CDs: 44:12 + 48:36 + 53:36][EM]

Music-making of the very highest standard, and the singing is superlative. The works cover a varied range of styles, all full of interest, and even include some premiere recordings ... see Full Review

Heifetz - Double Concertos by Bach, Mozart, Brahms Johann Sebastian BACH (1685-1750) Concerto for Two Violins in D minor, BWV 1043  (1717-1723) [14:35] Wolfgang Amadeus MOZART (1756-1791) Sinfonia concertante for Violin and Viola in E flat major, K 364 (320d) (1779) [27:00] Johannes BRAHMS (1833-1897) Concerto for Violin and Cello in A minor, Op. 102 (1887) [29:18] Jascha Heifetz (violin) Erick Friedman (violin) (Bach); Thornton Lofthouse (harpsichord) (Bach); William Primrose (viola) (Mozart); Gregor Piatigorsky (cello) (Brahms) New Symphony Orchestra/Sir Malcolm Sargent (Bach); RCA Victor Symphony Orchestra/Izler Solomon (Mozart) RCA Victor Symphony Orchestra/Alfred Wallenstein (Brahms) rec. Walthamstow Town Hall, London, England, May 1961 (Bach); Republic Studios, Hollywood, California, February 1956 (Mozart); Republic Studios, Hollywood, California May 1960. ADD. CD audio; SACD; SACD Surround Sound BMG RCA RED SEAL 88697 04605-2 [70:53][RB]

Awesome playing recorded with an immediacy that pins the listener against the wall. A bit hasty and unfeeling; even brusque. Profoundly impressive and with the capacity to move. ... see Full Review

Highlights of the Norwegian Brass Band Championships 2006 CD1 John PICKARD (b. 1963) Eden (2005) [15:01] Stavanger Brass Band/Russell Gray Peter GRAHAM Journey to the Centre of the Earth (2005) [15:43] Tomra Brass Band/Frans Violet Philip SPARKE Kaleidoscope [11:12] Follesø Musikklag/Egil Magnussen Geir DAVIDSEN Babylonian Tablets [15:41] Tromsø Brass Band/Robert Jensen Per-Anders EMILSEN (b. 1964) Guovssahasat [12:35] Ila Brass Band/Trond Korsgård Goff RICHARDS (b.1944) Voyage of Discovery [10:44] CD2 Ørjan MATRE (b. 1980) Klang! [18:59] Stavanger Brass Band/Russell Gray Philip WILBY (b. 1949) Paganini Variations [16:59] Oslo Brass Band/Michael Antrobus James CURNOW (b. 1943) Trittico [12:41] Sørum Musikklag/Erling Myrseth Goff RICHARDS (b. 1944) Voyage of Discovery [11:26] Jølster Musikklag/Arvid Anthun Torstein AAGAARD-NILSEN (b. 1964) Cantigas [20:17] Manger Musikklag/Robert Childs rec. Grieghallen, Bergen, 10–11 February 2006. DDD DOYEN DOYCD209 [80:29] + 79:51][CT]

A compelling survey of the best in Norwegian brass band music as recorded live at the 2006 Norwegian National Championships. ... see Full Review

Der Hirt auf dem Felsen Lieder for soprano, clarinet and piano Franz SCHUBERT (1797-1828) Der Hirt auf dem Felsen D.965 (1828) [11:03] Franz LACHNER (1803-1890) Seit ich ihn Gesehen op.82 (1847) [04:46] Auf Flügeln des Gesanges (1847) [05:48] Johann Wenzeslaus KALLIWODA (1801-1866) Heimatlied op.117 (1831) [03:41] Louis SPOHR (1784-1866) 6 Deutsche Lieder op.103 (1837) [24:35] Helen Donath (soprano), Dieter Klöcker (clarinet), Klaus Donath (piano) rec. 1981, Berlin ARTS ARCHIVES 43054-2 [51:14] [CH]

Lovely singing and especially recommended for the Spohr. ... see Full Review

Mieczysław Horszowski (piano) Johann Sebastian BACH (1685-1750) Partita no.2 in C minor BWV.826 [21:38]* Wolfgang Amadeus MOZART (1756-1791) Sonata in B flat K.570 [16:21]* Frédéric CHOPIN (1810-1849) Nocturne in C sharp minor op.27/1 [05:02]* Nocturne in D flat op.27/2 [06:10]* Mazurka in C op.24/2 [02:29]* Claude DEBUSSY (1862-1918) Children’s Corner [16:42]** Mieczysław Horszowski (piano) rec. 13 June 1983*, 9 June 1984**, Aldeburgh Festival, Snape Maltings BBC LEGENDS BBCL 4203-2 [68:57][CH]

All lovers of the piano will find much to enjoy and much food for thought in this souvenir of a pianist who carved out a quiet little niche for himself in a world dominated by the likes of Rubinstein and Horowitz. ... see Full Review

Nigel Kennedy – The Platinum Collection Antonio VIVALDI (1678-1741) The Four Seasons (1725) (12 Concerti for Violin and Strings, 'Il ciment, Op. 8 - No. 1 in E, 'Spring', RV269; No. 2 in G minor, 'Summer', RV315; No. 3 in F, 'Autumn', RV293; No. 4 in F minor, 'Winter', RV297 [40:43]) Felix MENDELSSOHN (1809-1847) Violin Concerto in E Minor, Op. 64 (1844) [29:12] ¹ Max BRUCH (1838-1920) Violin Concerto No.1 in G minor, Op. 26 (1864-68) [25:11] ¹ Franz SCHUBERT (1797-1828) Rondo in A for violin and strings D438 [16:02] ¹ Antonio VIVALDI (1678-1741) The Four Seasons – Summer (presto) (1725) [2:35] Jules MASSENET (1842-1912) Meditation from Thais [6:30] TRADITIONAL Scarborough Fair [4:37] Danny Boy [4:10] Johannes BRAHMS (1833-1897) Hungarian Dance No.5 [2:49] Fryderyk CHOPIN (1810-1849) Nocturne in C sharp minor Op. posth. [3:35] Erik SATIE (1866-1925) Gymnopédie No.1 [2:41] Gymnopédie No.2 [2:02] George GERSHWIN (1898-1937) Prelude No.1 [1:51] Prelude No.2 [4:16] Johann Sebastian BACH (1685-1750) Orchestral Suite in D No.3 BWV 1068 – Air on the G string [5:22] Vittorio MONTI (1868-1922) Czardas [5:20] Georg Frideric HANDEL (1685-1759) Solomon – The Arrival of the Queen of Sheba [2:57] Johann Sebastian BACH (1685-1750)/Charles GOUNOD (1818-1893) Ave Maria [2:28] Claude DEBUSSY (1862-1918) La Fille aux cheveux de lin [2:55] Nikolai RIMSKY-KORSAKOV (1844-1908) The Flight of the Bumble Bee [1:15] William KROLL (1901-1980) Banjo and Fiddle [3:01] Pablo de SARASATE (1844-1908) Zigeunerweisen [9:36] Joni MITCHELL (b.1943) Urge for Going [4:06] Nigel KENNEDY (b.1956) Melody in the Wind [5:51] Nigel Kennedy (violin) London Voices English Chamber Orchestra/Nigel Kennedy English Chamber Orchestra/Jeffrey Tate ¹ rec. Abbey Road Studios, London, December 1987 (Bruch, Mendelssohn, Schubert); Church of St John-at-Hackney, London, November 1986 and March 1989 (Vivaldi); Lyndhurst Hall, Air Studios, June 1998 (Classic Kennedy album) EMI CLASSICS 3 88773 2 [3 CDs: 40:43 + 70:35 + 79:25][JW]

Much certainly is platinum though some of this is pretty much lead. ... see Full Review

Legendary British Performers (Classic Archive) Jacqueline du Pré; Benjamin Britten and Peter Pears; Alfred Deller; John Barbirolli; John Ogdon; Solomon; Myra Hess ANONYMOUS Have you seen but the white lily grow Filmed in Paris, 26 December 1972 Alfred Deller and Mark Deller (counter-tenors); Desmond Dupré (lute/guitar) John BLOW (1649-1708) Ah, Heav'n! What is't I hear? Filmed in Paris, 26 December 1972 Alfred Deller and Mark Deller (counter-tenors); Desmond Dupré (lute/guitar) Henry PURCELL (1658-1695) Sound the trumpet Filmed in Paris, 26 December 1972 Alfred Deller and Mark Deller (counter-tenors); Desmond Dupré (lute/guitar) Philip ROSSETER (1567-1623) What then is love but mourning? Filmed in Paris, 26 December 1972 Alfred Deller and Mark Deller (counter-tenors); Desmond Dupré (lute/guitar) Johann Sebastian BACH (1685-1750) Jesu, Joy of Man's Desiring (from Cantata BWV147) Arr.Myra Hess, Filmed in London, 20 October 1954 Myra Hess (piano) Adagio (from Toccata, Adagio & Fugue, BWV564) Filmed in London, 20 October 1954 Myra Hess (piano) Ludwig van BEETHOVEN (1770-1827) Piano Sonata No. 31 in A flat major, Op. 110 Filmed in London, 20 October 1954 Myra Hess (piano) Frank BRIDGE (1879-1941) Go Not, Happy Day Filmed in London, 7 May 1964 Peter Pears (tenor); Benjamin Britten (piano) Benjamin BRITTEN (1913-1976) Down by the Salley Gardens Filmed in London, 7 May 1964 Peter Pears (tenor); Benjamin Britten (piano) The Plough Boy Filmed in London, 7 May 1964 Peter Pears (tenor); Benjamin Britten (piano) Wolfgang Amadeus MOZART (1756-1791) Piano Quartet No. 1 in G minor, K478 - Andante Filmed in London, 7 May 1964 Benjamin Britten (piano); Emanuel Hurwitz (violin); Cecil Aronowitz (viola); Terence Weil (cello) Antonín DVOŘÁK (1841-1904) Scherzo capriccioso, Op. 66 Filmed at the Free Trade Hall, Manchester, 30 January 1962 Hallé Orchestra/Sir John Barbirolli Enrique GRANADOS (1867-1916) Goyescas: Intermezzo Filmed in London, 4 February 1962 Jacqueline du Pré (violoncello); Iris du Pré (piano) Felix MENDELSSOHN (1809-1847) Song Without Words in D, Op. 109 Filmed in London, 4 February 1962 Jacqueline du Pré (violoncello); Iris du Pré (piano) Camille SAINT-SAËNS (1835-1921) Allegro Appassionato in B minor Op. 43 Filmed in London, 4 February 1962 Jacqueline du Pré (violoncello); Iris du Pré (piano) Franz LISZT (1811-1886) Après une lecture du Dante - Fantasia quasi Sonata Filmed in London, 26 October 1961 John Ogdon (piano) Franz SCHUBERT (1797-1828) Impromptu in A flat major, D899 No. 4 Filmed in London, 15 January 1956 Solomon (piano) NTSC System 4:3; Colour Mode BW; Disc Format DVD9; Sound Format LPCM Mono 2.0 (PCM dual mono) sound remastered for DVD; Menu Languages E, F, D, E EMI CLASSICS DVD DVB 38846192 [100:12][JW]

I’m grateful to have it but I’m sure it should have been done differently – and better. ... see Full Review

Llibre Vermell - Pilgrim Songs and Dances from Fourteenth Century Montserrat Morir, ffrares, nos conve (instrumental) [2.08] (Vocal version) [2.39] O Virgo splendens hic in monte celso [6.59] ; Stella Splendens [9.36] Laudeamus Virginem [2.10]; Los set gotxs recomptarem [8.06]; Stella ceptigera [2.24]; Polorum regina omnium nostra [8.00]; Cuncti simus concanentes; Ave Maria [6.15]; Mariam, Matrem Virginem attolite [6.27]; Imperayitz de la ciutat joyosa [6.54] Ad mortem Festinamus [5.15] Pilar Esteban (soprano); Lambert Climent (tenor) Capella de Ministres Cor de la Generalitat Valenciana/Carlos Magraner rec. 17-18 November 2001 LICAMUS CDM 0201 [66:55][GH]

A terrific hour of outstanding Spanish early music ... see Full Review

Love’s Voice - songs by Gurney, Ireland, Finzi and Venables Ivor GURNEY (1890-1937) On Wenlock Edge; Bread and Cherries; Down by the Salley Gardens John IRELAND (1879-1962) Friendship in Misfortune; The Three Ravens; The Trellis Ian VENABLES (b.1955) Love’s Voice (cycle) Ivor GURNEY (1890-1937) Ha’nacker Mill; Snow; Hawk and Buckle Gerald FINZI (1901-1956) Oh Fair to See Ian VENABLES (b.1955) Vitae Summa Brevis; Flying Crooked; At Midnight; The Hippo John IRELAND (1879-1962) The Land of Lost Content (cycle) Nathan Vale (tenor) Paul Plummer (piano) rec. Potton Hall, Suffolk SOMMCD063 [76.39][CSS]

One could scarcely ask for a more representative selection of the essence of true Englishry in song and poetry. Quite ravishingly beautiful. ... see Full Review

 

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Detailed listing (last five 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]
[Recommended recordings]