Joseph
CANTELOUBE (1879-1957) Songs of the
Auvergne: La pastoura als camps; Baïlèro; L'aio
de rotso; Ound'onorèn gorda?; Obal din lou Limouzi;
Pastourelle; La delaïssádo; N'ai pas ieu de mio;
Lo calhe; Lo fiolairé; Passo pel prat; Lou boussu;
Brezairola; Malurous qu'o uno fenno; Jou l'pount d'o Mirabel;
Oï ayaï; Lou coucut; Quand z'eyro petitoune; Lá-haut,
sur le rocher; Postouro, se tu m'aymo; Uno jionto pastouro;
Lou diziou bé. 
Sara
MacLiver (soprano) The Queensland Orchestra/Brett Kelly rec. 6-7, 9-10
February 2006, Queensland Orchestra Studios (Studio 420), ABC, Brisbane.
DDD ABC CLASSICS
476 5703 [64:10][RB]
Strengths
certainly, but not a top recommendation ... see Full
Review
Francesco
CAVALLI (1602-1676) Gli amori
d'Apollo e di Dafne (1640) [144.48]
Apollo/Titone - Mario Zeffiri (tenor) Dafne - Marianna
Pizzolato (mezzo) Aurora/Vener/Itaton - Marisa
Martins (mezzo) Cefalo/Pan - Agustin Prunell-Friend
(tenor) Filena/Procri 1st Musa
- Assumpta
Mateu (soprano) Alfesibeo/Peneo/Sonno/2nd
Pastore - Carlo Lepore (bass) Cirilla/Morfeo/1st Pastore
- Jose Ferrero (tenor) Amore - Soledad Cardoso(soprano) Giove/Panto
- Ugo Guagliardo (bass) 2nd Musa/1st Ninfa - Fabiola
Masino (soprano) 3rd Musa/2nd Ninfa - Luisa Maesso
(mezzo) Orquesta Joven de la Sinfonica de Galicia/Alberto
Zedda rec. May 2004, Teatro Rosalia Castro, La Coruña, Spain.
DDD NAXOS 8.660187-88
[74.37 + 70.11][RH]
A
welcome opportunity to hear one of Cavalli's earliest operas but don't
listen if you dislike the idea of Cavalli filtered through 19th
century sensibility. ... see Full
Review
Cesare
CIARDI
(1818-1877) Gran
Concerto in D minor, for flute and orchestra, Op.1291
L'Eco dell'Arno, Fantasia for flute and orchestra, Op.341
Il carnevale di Venezia, Op.221 Le Rossignol du
Nord, Fantaisie for flute and piano, Op.452 Un sospiro
del cuore, Elegia for flute and piano2 La Smorfiosetta,
Capriccio for flute and piano2 Di Chi?, Polka Mazurka
for flute and piano2 Piccola fantasia su due Stornelli
napoletani, for flute and piano2
Roberto Fabbriciani (flute) Orchestra Sinfonica del Friuli Venezia Giulia/Stefan
Fraas2 Massimiliano Damerini (piano)2 rec. April,
2004, The Auditorium, Udine. DDD
NAXOS 8.557857 [63:24] [GPu]
Probably the first CD ever devoted to the music of this nineteenth
century virtuoso and composer. The music is pleasant and attractive and
the playing is perfectly competent - but the overall effect is rather lightweight.
... see Full Review
Eric
COATES (1886-1957) Eric Coates
conducts Eric Coates - For Your Delight CD1 For
your delight - serenade (1937) [4:00]
Light Symphony Orchestra/Eric Coates Calling all workers - march
(1940) [2:59] Symphony Orchestra/Eric Coates Wood nymphs - valsette
(1917) [3:17] London Philharmonic Orchestra/Eric Coates Summer Days
- suite (In a Country Lane; On the Edge of the Lake;
At the Dance) (1919) [8:04] Light Symphony Orchestra/Eric Coates
By the Tamarisk - intermezzo (1925) [4:13] London Philharmonic
Orchestra/Eric Coates The Three Bears phantasy (1926) [8:55]
London Symphony Orchestra/Eric Coates By the Sleepy Lagoon -
valse serenade (1930) [4:35] Symphony Orchestra/Eric Coates Cinderella
- phantasy (1929) [13:02] Symphony Orchestra/Eric Coates A Song
by the Way - romance (1931) [4:03] Symphony Orchestra/Eric Coates
London Suite (Covent Garden - tarentelle; Westminster
- meditation; Knightsbridge- march) (1932) [8:07] Symphony
Orchestra/Eric Coates Saxo-rhapsody in A minor (1936) [8:47]
Sigurd Rascher (alto saxophone); symphony Orchestra/Eric Coates Footlights
- concert waltz (1939) [4:20] Light Symphony Orchestra/Eric Coates Sound
and Vision - march (1955) [3:00] Concert Orchestra/Eric Coates CD2
London Again - suite (Oxford Street - march; Langham
Place - elegy; Mayfair - valse) (1936) [13:29] Symphony Orchestra/Eric
Coates Springtime - suite (Fresh Morning - pastorale;
Noonday Song - romance; Dance in the Twilight - valse)
(1937) [16:21] Light Symphony Orchestra/Eric Coates The Jester at
the Wedding - ballet concert suite (The Princess Arrives -
march; The Dance of the Orange Blossoms - Valse)
(1932) [6:23] Symphony Orchestra/Eric Coates Last Love - romance
(1939) [3:55] Light Symphony Orchestra/Eric Coates The Three Elizabeths
- suite (Halcyon Days - Elizabeth Tudor; Springtime in
Angus - Elizabeth of Glamis; Youth of Britain - The Princess
Elizabeth) (1940-44) [19:08] National Orchestra/Eric Coates Four
Centuries - suite (17th century - Prelude & Hornpipe;
18th Century - Pavane & Tambourin; 19th Century - Valse;
20th Century - Rhythm) (1941) [21:06] National Orchestra/Eric
Coates The Dam Busters - March (The Dam Busters, film)
(1954) [2:56] rec. London, 1933-1955. mono. ADD
LIVING ERA CLASSICS CD AJD2013 [78:28 + 78:21][RB]
Across
two generously packed CDs, old friends, surprising delights and tired
classics jostle for places. A Coates treasury and no mistake. ... see
Full Review
James
COOK (b. 1966?)
Exequy and Elysium CD 1 Sinfonia Lacrimosa (2005)
[55:39] Exequy (from Quaternion) (2003-4) [2:11] Sinfonietta
(2005) [22:03] CD 2 Symphonia Melodia (2005) [55:45] Two
Sacred Fancies (Panegyris and Elysium) (2005) [10:31]
Plerophoria (2003-4) [6:31] Euphony (from Quaternion)
(2003-4) [6:30] Samuel
Hudson (organ - Sinfonia Lacrimosa) Samuel Hayes (organ) Lucy
Jack (contralto) rec. 14 December 2005, Girton College Cambridge (Sinfonia
Lacrimosa); 16-17 August 2005, Queen's College Cambridge
DIVINE ART 21206 [79:55 + 79:19] [DC]
Largely meditative and conventional organ sounds -
raptly magnificent or turgidly dull, depending
on your viewpoint or taste. ... see Full
Review
Empyreum
- Heroines in Heaven James
COOK (b.
1963) There
is a World above the Sun (2005) [1:28]; Symphony for Organ
and Harp (2005) [37:45]*; In Heaven Shall All Be Love
(1997) [2:28]; Trilogy for Organ and Harp (2005) [22:35]*; Heaven's Eternal
Sunshine (2005) [3:08]*
Samuel Hudson (organ)*; Tacye Phillipson (harp); Augusta Hebbert
(soprano); Jennifer Clark
(soprano); Voces Oxonienses/Rufus Frowde rec. Girton College Chapel, Cambridge, 13-14
December 2005. DDD
DIVERSIONS 24121 [67:26] [DB]
Unappealing
sound with the larger works rather monochromatic.
... see Full
Review
Copland and his
American Contemporaries
Adolphus HAILSTORK
(b. 1941) The Song of Deborah (1994)
[6:01] Aaron COPLAND
(1900-1990) In the Beginning* (1947)
[17:00] Libby LARSEN
(b. 1950) I Will Sing and Raise
a Psalm (1995)[4:46] Morten
LAURIDSEN (b. 1943) O magnum mysterium
(1994) [6:09] Ned
ROREM (b. 1923) O Deus, ego amo
te (1973) [3:38]; Oratio patris condren: O
Jesu Vivens in Maria (1973) [2:01]; Thee,
God... (1973) [2:58] Charles
IVES (1875-1954) Psalm 67 (1894?
rev. 1898) [2:26] Igor
STRAVINSKY (1882-1971) The Dove
Descending (1962) [2:26]; Mass (1944 - 1948)
[17:05] Sir Michael
TIPPETT (1905-1998) Steal Away
(from A Child of Our Time) (1941) [3:20]
*Katherine Bond (mezzo) The Choir of New College
Oxford/Edward Higginbottom
rec. New College Chapel, Oxford, 11-15 July
2005. DDD
AVIE AV 2086 [68:00] [JQ]
A
very good disc, which nicely rounds off a
most stimulating mini-series. Collectors who
have acquired the previous two volumes need
not hesitate. ... see Full
Review
Frederic
COWEN
(1852-1935) Symphony
No.6 in E major The Idyllic (1897) [35:22] Samuel
COLERIDGE-TAYLOR (1875-1912) Symphony in A minor (1896)
[36:44]
Aarhus Symphony Orchestra/Douglas
Bostock rec. Frichsparken, Aarhus, 20-23 September 2005
CLASSICO CLASSCD 684 [71:50] [RB] [DK-W]
Two
substantial invigorating and life-enhancing
symphonies and both to all intents and purposes
unknown even to enthusiasts. ... see Full
Review
Claude
DEBUSSY
(1862-1918) Orchestral
Works 1 La Mer (1904) [24:26] Trois
Nocturnes (1900) [22:32] Prélude
à l'Après-Midi d'un Faune (1894)
[10:29] Marche écossaise (1891)
[6:23] Berceuse héroïque (1914)
[4:47] Musiques pour le Roi Lear (1904)
[4:58] Jeux - poème dansé
(1912) [18:15] Images (1905) [32:23]
Printemps (1882) [16:00] (orch Henri
BÜSSER) Orchestre
National de l'ORTF/Jean Martinon rec. Salle
Wagram, Paris, 1973-74
EMI CLASSICS GEMINI 3 65235 2 [74:15 +
70:07]
Claude DEBUSSY
(1862-1918) Orchestral Works 2 Children's
Corner (1908) [18:18] orch André CAPLET) Petite Suite (1888)
[13:34] (orch Henri
BÜSSER) Danse sacrée
et danse profane (1903) [9:15] La Boîte
à joujoux (1913) [31:40] (orch
André CAPLET)
Fantaisie pour piano et orchestra (1890)
[23:53] (ed. André JOUVE) La plus que lente (1910)
[6:00] Première Rapsodie pour
orchestre avec clarinette principale (1903)
[8:11] Rapsodie pour orchestre et saxophone
solo (1905) [10:02] Khamma - légende
dansée (1912) [20:24] (orch. Charles
KOECHLIN) Danse: Tarantelle
styrienne (1905) [5:44] (orch. Maurice
RAVEL) Marie-Claire
Jamet (harp) (Danse Sacrée et Danse
Profane) Guy Dangain (clarinet) Jean-Marie
Loneix (saxophone) Alain Marion (flute) (Faune)
Michel Sedrez, Fabienne Boury (piano duet)
(Printemps) Jules Goetgheluck (oboe)
(Children's Corner) John Leach (cimbalom)
(La plus) Fabienne Boury (piano) (Khamma)
Choeurs de l'ORTF Orchestre National de l'ORTF/Jean
Martinon rec. Salle Wagram, Paris, 1973-74
EMI CLASSICS GEMINI 3 65240 2 [72:54
+ 74:54] [JW]
Lucid,
imaginative, thoughtful and unselfconscious.
Martinon has a special understanding of this
repertoire and his clarity and care in balance
and dynamics are merely two of his great virtues
in Debussy conducting. ... see Full
Review
Claude
DEBUSSY (1862-1918) La
Mer (1903-5) [24:54] (1) Nocturnes (1897-99) [24:14]
(2) Prélude
à l'Après-Midi d'un Faune (1891-94) [10:00]
(3) Hans-Jurgen
Mohring (flute) (3), Kolner Rundfunkchor (2), Kolner Rundfunk-Sinfonie-Orchester/Gary
Bertini rec. live, Koln, Philharmonie, 6 November 1993 (1)
, 3 August 1988 (2), 30 November 1987 (3) DDD CAPRICCIO
71 092 
[59:45]
[MG]
Performances
to surprise you when you think you know the works ... see Full
Review
Frederick DELIUS
(1862-1934)
Florida Suite (rev. ed. Beecham) (1886-87) [36:15] Paris
-
The Song of a Great City (1899) [21:22] Brigg Fair - An
English Rhapsody (1907) [16:02]
Bournemouth Symphony Orchestra/Richard Hickox rec. Wessex Hall, Poole
Centre, 7-8 May 1989. DDD
EMI CLASSICS BRITISH COMPOSERS SERIES 370565 2 [76:02] [RB]
These
are gorgeous performances and recordings of
Delius favourites played unaffectedly yet
con molto amore. ... see Full
Review
Gaetano DONIZETTI
(1797-1868)
String
Quartet No. 5 in E minor (1818) [21:04] String
Quartet No. 4 in D major (1818) [14:45] String
Quartet No. 6 in G major (1817-18) [13:09]
Quartetto Bernini: (Marco Serino (violin);
Yoko Ichihara (violin); Gianluca Saggini (viola);
Valeriano Taddeo (cello)) rec. 25-27 January
2003, Church of SS. Pietro e Paolo, Salisano,
Rieti, Italy. DDD
TACTUS TC 790402 [48:58] [MC]
Despite
evident enthusiasm and commitment from Quartetto
Bernini this music comes across as rather
tedious, lacking in memorability and uninspiring.
... see Full
Review
John
DOWLAND (1562-1626) Lute
Works Volume 2: Lachrimae Pavan; Galliard to Lachrimae,
Pavan (P16); The
Earl of
Essex, his Galliard; Pavan (P18); M. Giles Hobie's Galliard; Dowland's
Tears; Sir Henry Umpton's Funeral; Sir John Langton's Pavan; Langton's
Galliard; Piper's Pavan; Captain Digorie Piper's Galliard; Dowland's
Adieu; Galliard (P30); Mignarda (Henry Noel's Galliard); Lachrimae
(alternative version); Semper Dowland Semper Dolens Nigel
North (lute) rec. St. John Chrysostom Church, Newmarket, Ontario, Canada, 16-19
June 2005 NAXOS 8.557862 [66.03]
[RH]
There
is only one thing to say about this wonderful recital: buy it!
... see Full Review
Antonín
DVOŘÁK (1841-1904) String Quartet
No. 13 in G, B192/Op. 106a (1896) [38:47]. Leoš
JANÁČEK (1854-1928) String Quartet No. 2, Intimate
Lettersb (1928) [25:49].
Artemis String Quartet. rec. Klaus-von-Bismarksaal, Cologne Radio, a
1-5 February 2003; b Stolberger Strasse Studio, Cologne,
20-22 June 2004. DDD
VIRGIN CLASSICS 353399 2 [64:36][CC]
This
is a remarkable release. It is not often one is made to think of standard
repertoire in a new way, but that is exactly what this one forces one
to do. ... see Full Review
Antonín
DVOŘÁK (1841-1904) Cello
Concerto in B minor, op. 104 (1895) [38:15] Serenade for Winds
in D minor, op. 44 (1878) [24:14] Nina
Kotova (cello) Philharmonia Orchestra/Andrew Litton rec. Air
Lyndhurst Studios, London, dates not given. SONY
CLASSICAL 82876 821182 [62:44] [BB]
On
the crowded battleground of the cello concerto, this issue simply
cannot compete ... see Full
Review
Heinrich
Wilhelm ERNST (1814-1865) Fantasie
Brillante sur la Marche et la Romance d'Otello de Rossini Op.11
(published 1839) [15:01] Concerto in F sharp minor Op.23 (Concerto
Allegro-Pathétique) (published
1850) [19:46] Élégie sur la mort d'un objet chéri Op.10 (published 1840)
[6:17]
Concertino in D major Op.12 (published 1839) [20:25] Rondo Papageno Op.20
(published 1846) [9:01] Ilya Grubert
(violin) Russian Philharmonic Orchestra/Dmitry Yablonsky rec. Studio 5, Russian
TV and Radio Kultura, Moscow, December 2004, May 2005 NAXOS
8.557565 [70:30] [JW]
Well-recorded
and smartly played. The best of Ernst lay in his lyric moments
but these and the virtuosic demands are adroitly met here ... see Full
Review
In
Flanders' Fields Vol. 18
Ernest
VAN DER EYKEN (b. 1913) Elegie voor Bieke, Refereynen
ende Liedekens, Poëma, Symphony for Strings
BRTN PO/Fernand Terby, Ernest Van der Eyken rec.
1971-86 PHAEDRA 92018
[44:17] [HC]
One
cannot but be grateful to smaller labels for
recording and releasing music of quality such
as this. ... see Full
Review
Jindřich FELD
(b.1925) Sonata
for flute and string orchestra (1957 for flute
and piano; arranged for flute and orchestra
1965) [19:47] Musique concertante for flute,
viola, harp and strings (2005) [19:57]
Zdeněk LUKÁŠ (b.1928) Music
for Harp and Strings [15:58] Viktor
KALABIS (1923-2006) Tristium
- Concert Phantasy for viola and
strings (1981) [12:11]
Carlo Jans (flute) Jitka Hosprová (viola)
Kateřina Englichová (harp) Prague Chamber
Orchestra/Antonín Hradil rec. Domovina Studios,
Prague, September 2006
ARCO DIVA UP 0097 - 2 131 [68:20] [JW]
Feld, Kalabis and Lukáš - three composers
of humanity, facility and depth. ... see
Full Review
For Feldman David
TOUB
(b. 1961) mf
(1997/2004) [13:30] Morton
FELDMAN (1921-2006) Two Pieces
for String Quartet (1954) I [4:41] Two
Pieces for String Quartet (1954) II [3:14]
David KOTLOWY
(b. 1959) of Shade to Light (2001)
[14:20] Morton FELDMAN
For String Quartet (1956)
[3:07] John PROKOP
(b. 1963) New England, Late Summer
(2003) [15:45] Morton
FELDMAN Three Pieces for String
Quartet (1956) I [3:14] Three Pieces
for String Quartet (1956) II [4:41] Three
Pieces for String Quartet (1956) III [3:07]
David BEARDSLEY
(b. 1960) as beautiful as ... (2004)
[30:00]
Rangzen Quartet, Christina Fong rec. No recording
information
DVD-AUDIO OgreOgress Productions - No catalogue
number [95:15] [KM]
An
interesting disc that presents some unknown
contemporary composers. ... see Full
Review
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] [EM]
Foulds is a genius. Buy this disc - you won't be disappointed. ... see Full
Review
Johann
Joseph FUX (1660-1741) La
Grandezza della Musica Imperiale - Composizioni per orchestra Ouverture
in D N4 (c.1700) [20:08]
Concerto in D (c.1700) [13:56] Intrada in C E62 (c.1700) [9:33] Suite
in C N83 (c.1700) [15:08]
Rondeau in C E111 (c.1700) [4:47] Freiburger
Barockorcester/Gottfried von der Goltz (violin and director) rec. Paulussaal,
Freiburg, April 2006 CARUS
83.308 [63:58] [JW]
Played with vigour and understanding;
Fux followers will need no second invitation.
... see Full Review
Philippe
GAUBERT (1879-1941) Complete Works for
Flute: Vol. 3 Deux esquisses [6:38] Nocturne et allegro scherzando
[5:38] Sicilienne [2:56] Romance [7:07] Transcriptions (1910) [31:05]
(Ronance: Assez lent [(1908) [3:44]; Fantaisie [6:49]; Sur l'eau [3:28];
Ballade [6:17]; Berceuse [3:30])
Fenwick Smith (flute) Sally Pinkas (piano) rec. Sonic Temple, Roslindale,
Massachusetts, 11 April 2003; 6, 25 January 2005
NAXOS 8.557307 [77:13][DB]
Lush
music of a little known star. ... see Full
Review
Mauro
GIULIANI
(1781-1829) Le Rossiniane Rossiniana:
No.1 op.119 (c.1820) [15:26]; No.2 op.120 (c.1821) [14:19]; No.3 op.121
(c.1821) [16:52]; No.4 op.122 (c.1824) [15:24]; No.5 op.123 (c.1824)
[11:29]; No.6 op.124 (c.1828) [11:59] Variazioni, sulla Cavatina favorita
"Nume perdonami" nei Baccanali di Roma del Sig. Generali,
op.102 [8:37] Variazioni di un facilità progressiva, dallï'opera
Cenerentola, op.146 [10:01] Variazioni brillanti e della più
grande facilità, sulla Cavatina favorita "Di tanti palpiti"
dall'opera Tancredi, op.87 [6:15] Variazioni, sulla Cavatina
favorita "Deh! Calma o ciel" dall'opera Otello, op.101
[6:26] Frédéric
Zigante (guitar) rec. Ivrea, Italy, 1-20 July 1992
ARTS 478302 [61:21 + 53:67] [GPu]
A
useful complete recording of Giuliani's Rossiniane. Well-played, it
should be of interest both to lovers of the guitar and to fans of
Rossini ... see Full
Review
François GLORIEUX (b.
1932) Complete Works for
Piano and Orchestra Manhattan
for piano and large orchestra [21:25] * Divertimento
for piano and strings [16:53] ** Mouvements
for piano, percussion, and brass [19:15] *
* Francois Glorieux (piano) Munich Radio Orchestra/Kurt
Eichhorn ** Tobias Koch (piano) Kiev Chamber
Orchestra/François Glorieux rec. 4
October 1974 (Manhattan), May 1994 (Divertimento),
16 April 1971 (Mouvements)
TALENT RECORDS DOM 2910 504 [58:12] [DB]
A
greatly enjoyable disc, if a touch overmuch
at times. ... see Full
Review
Christoph Willibald von GLUCK
(1714-1787) Don
Juan (1761) [45:28]* George Frideric HANDEL (1685-1759) Ariodante: Ouverture; Sinfonia pastorale; Ballo (1735) [17:33] Il
pastor fido: Hunting scene (1712) [5.58]
Academy of St. Martin-in-the-Fields/Neville Marriner rec. Decca Studios
No. 3, West Hampstead, London, *May 1967; 1971
DECCA ELOQUENCE 476 2440 [69:17][SV]
I'd
recommend this album for the Handel tracks ... see Full
Review
Filippo
GRAGNANI
(1767-1812) Quartetto
Op. 8 [21.56] Trio Op. 13 [13.52] Duetto per due chitarre [15.48] Sestetto
[16.59] Consortium Classicum
rec. 3-5 November 2005, Paul Gerhardt-Kirche, Leipzig. DDD
MUSIKPRODUKTION DABRINGHAUS UND GRIMM 301 1415-2 [68.54] [GH]
It
is difficult to imagine how the music could
ever be performed any better. Well crafted,
elegant, grace tinged with controlled passion
... see Full
Review
Percy
GRAINGER (1882-1961)
The Warriors The
Warriors (Music to an Imaginary Ballet)
(1913-16) [17:55] Irish Tune from County
Derry (1902) [5:26] Danish Folk-Music
Suite (1928, rev. 1941) [18:56]: (a) The
Power of Love [3:32]; b) Lord Peter's
Stable Boy [2:49]; c) The Nightingale
and the Two Sisters [4:40]; d) Jutish
Medley [7:49]) Hill Song No.1 (1901-02,
rev. 1923)* [13:10] Beautiful Fresh Flower
(1935) (arr. Peter Sculthorpe)* [2:34]
Colleen Dhas (1904)* [3:05] Hill-Song
No.2 (1907)* [4:47]
Glen Riddle, Ben Martin, Denise Harvey (pianos
in The Warriors) Claire Clements (piano
in Danish Folk-Music Suite) Melbourne
Symphony Orchestra/Geoffrey Simon rec. 22-28
February 1989, Town Hall, South Melbourne,
Australia. DDD * World premiere recordings
CALA RECORDS SUPER AUDIO CD CACDS4033 [66:46]
[MC]
High
excitement, earthy vitality and superbly recorded
sound. This spirited account of The Warriors
is the one to have. ... see Full
Review
Enrique
GRANADOS
(1867-1916) El
Pelele [4:39] Goyescas (1911):
Los requiebros [9:31]; Coloquio
en la reja [11:21]; El fandango de
candil [6:25]; Quejas, ola maja y el
ruiseñor [6:45]; El amor y la
muerte [13:43]; Epilogo - Serenata
del espectro [8:11] Danzas Espanolas,
Op.37: Oriental, Op.37 No.2 [4:51];
Andaluza, Op.37 No.5 [3:58]; Tonadilla,
Op.37 No.10 [3:45] Escenas Romanticas:
El Poeta y el ruiseñor [5:12]
Joyce Hatto (piano) rec. Concert Artist Studios,
Cambridge, England, Nov. 2001 (Danzas,
Escenas), Jan. 2003 and Sept.2005 (rest)
CONCERT ARTIST CD 92492 [78:23] [TH]
These
glorious pieces deserve more than one recording
in your collection, so whoever you have playing
them Joyce Hatto will sit very nicely alongside.
... see Full
Review
RECORDING
OF THE MONTH Enrique
GRANADOS (1867-1916) Goyescas
(Los majos enamorados) (1909-11) [55:57]
El Pelele (The
Straw Man) [5:49] (arranged for guitars by Christophe Dejour)
Trio Campanella: (Christophe Dejour; Frank Massa; Thomas Winthereik,
(guitars)) rec. Torpen Chapel, Denmark, December 2006, April 2006.
NAXOS 8.557709 [61:47][KS]
To
put it simply, this is the finest recording
of music for guitars that I have ever heard
... see Full
Review
Grieg for Piano
Duo Edvard
GRIEG (1843-1907) Piano
Concerto in A minor, Op. 16[28:39] Peer
Gynt Suite No. 1 Op 46 [13:01] Norwegian
Dances Op. 35 [15:04] Mozart Piano Sonata
in C, K. 545 (with extra piano part by Edvard
Grieg) [13:02] Homage March from Sigurd
Jorsalfar Op. 56 No. 3 [7:46]
Caroline Clemmow (piano) Anthony Goldstone
(piano) rec. 2006 St. John the Baptist Church,
Alkborough, N. Lincs. England
DIVINE ART 25042 [77:35] [DB]
An
astutely-performed disc of rarely-heard Grieg.
... see Full Review
Edvard GRIEG (1843-1907)
Olav Trygvason, opera fragment, Op. 50 (Text: Bjørnstjerne Bjørnson)
[34:10] 1. Scene 1 [7:46]; 2. Scene 2 [14:59]; 3. Scene 3 [11:22] 4.
Foran Sydens Kloster (At the Cloister Gate) Op. 20 (Text: Bjørnstjerne
Bjørnson) [10:15] Six Songs with Orchestra [29:03] 5. I. Solveigs
Sang (Solveig's Song), Op. 23 No. 19 (Henrik Ibsen) [5:27] 6. II.
Solveigs Vuggevise (Solveig's Cradle Song), Op. 23 No. 26 (Henrik
Ibsen) [4:00] 7. III. Fra Monte Pincio (From Monte Pincio), Op.
39 No. 1 (Bjørnstjerne Bjørnson) [4:58] 8. IV. En Svane (A Swan),
Op. 25 No. 2 (Henrik Ibsen) [2:21] 9. V. Våren (The Last Spring),
Op. 33 No. 2 (A. O. Vinje) [8:17] 10. VI. Henrik Wergeland Op.
58 No. 3 (John Paulsen) [3:30] 11. Ved Rondane (In the Hills),
Op. 33 No. 9 (A. O. Vinje) (arr. Johan Halvorsen) [3:03]
Solveig Kringelborn (soprano) (1, 4), Ingebjørg Kosmo (mezzo-soprano)
(2, 4), Trond Halstein Moe (baritone) (1, 2), Marita Solberg (soprano)
(5-11); Bergen Philharmonic Choir (1-3), Kor Vest (Bergen Vocal Ensemble)
(1-3), Voci Nobili (4); Bergen Philharmonic Orchestra/Ole Kristian Ruud
rec. Grieg Hall, Bergen, Norway, November 2005 (1-4), June 2004 (5-11)
BIS SACD-1531
[77:38] [GF]
Some
fascinating rare Grieg here in terrific sound and truly lovely
singing by Marita Solberg in the orchestral songs. ... see Full
Review
Symphonic Jazz Ferde
GROFÉ
(1892-1972)
Mississippi Suite, Gallodoro's Serenade for Saxophone and Piano,
Grand Canyon Suite George
GERSHWIN (1898-1939) Second Rhapsody
Harmonie Ensemble, New York/Steven Richman rec. 2004
BRIDGE 9212 [63:48] [JW]
Symphonic
Jazz was always a much-abused term but in
these surroundings it goes down like a good
Sauvignon. ... see Full
Review
Francisco
GUERRERO (1527-1598) Canciones
y Villanescas Espirituales (1589) Hombres Victoria, Victoria
[2:24] ¿De dónde vienes, Pascual? [1:52]
Niño Dios d'amor herido [2:23] Claros y hermosos ojos [35]
La tierra se está gozando [2:49]
A un niño llorando [5:00] Acaba de matarme [3:04] Juicios sobre una estrella
[3:30]
Mi ofensa's grande [5:09]
Virgen Sancta [3:59] ¡O, celestial medcina! [2:25] Al resplandor se una estrella
[4:43] ¡O qué mesa y qué manuar! [2:48]
Apuestan zagales dos [2:52] ¿Sabes lo que heziste? [6:05]
O, Virgen, quando's miro [2:09] Zagales sin seso vengo [2:03]
Quando's miro mi Dios [4:21]
Los Reyes siguen la'strella [3:08] La
Trulla de Bozes: María Espada
(soprano); Carlos Sandúa (counter-tenor); Karim Farhan (tenor); Juan Dïaz de
Corcuera (tenor); Xavier Pagés (baritone); Instrumental Ensemble: Raúl del Toro
(organ); Manuel Vilas (harp) Eyal Street (dulcian)/Carlos Sandúa rec. Monastery
of Loreto, Seville, June 2005. DDD ALMAVIVA
DS-0143 [65:17]
[GPu]
The more intimate side of a great composer of the Spanish Renaissance,
sung with control and energy ... see Full
Review
RECORDING
OF THE MONTH George
Frideric HANDEL (1685-1759)
Messiah (Dublin version,
1742) [140:05]
Susan Hamilton (soprano) Annie Gill, Claire
Wilkinson (contraltos) Nicholas Mulroy (tenor)
Matthew Brook (bass) Dunedin Consort and Players/John
Butt rec. Greyfriars Kirk, Edinburgh, 1-4
May 2006. DDD
LINN RECORDS CKD 285
[76:37 + 63:28][MG]
With a scholarly yet accessible approach and attractive consistency of
character, this is a performance which convincingly conveys spirituality
in a fresh and immediate recording. ... see Full
Review
George
Frideric HANDEL (1685-1759) Arias Ariodante
(1735): Qui d'amor [2:22]; T'amerò dunque - Con l'ali di costanza
[7:08]; Scherza infida [9:27]; Dopo notte [6:41]; Giulio
Cesare (1724): Svegliatevi nel core [3:58]; Cara speme
[4:55]; L'angue offeso [5:08]; Arianna in Creta (1733): Sdegnata
sei [5:54]; Oh patria! - Sol ristoro [4:12]; Salda quercia
[5:41]; Ove son - Qui ti sfido [5:37]; Qual leon [5:27]
Angelika
Kirchschlager (mezzo) Kammerorchester Basel/Laurence Cummings rec.
Landgasthof Riehen, Basel, Switzerland, 11-15 August 2006
SONY CLASSICAL 82876889522 [67:41][GF]
This
disc is another highly attractive addition to my already impressive
collection of present-day mezzos. ... see Full
Review
George
Frideric HANDEL (1685-1759) Messiah (1742) Judith
Raskin (soprano) Florence Kopleff (contralto) Richard Lewis
(tenor) Thomas Paul (bass) Robert Shaw Chorale and Orchestra/Robert
Shaw rec. Webster Hall, New York City, June 1966 BMG-RCA
RED SEAL 82876-62317-2 [74:12 + 74:47] [SV]
This
is a performance that deserves a hearing and rewards study. But
it's probably not the performance to have if you're having only
one. ... see Full Review
Sir
William Henry HARRIS
(1883-1973) O hearken thou; Strengthen
ye the weak hands; Faire is the Heaven; Love of Love; King of glory;
Praise the Lord; The night is come; The shepherd-men; O joyful light;
From a heart made whole; I said to the main; Bring us, O Lord God
Choir of St. George's Chapel,
Windsor/Timothy Byram-Wigfield Roger Judd (organ) rec. St George's Chapel,
Windsor, 23-25 January 2006. DDD
NAXOS 8.570148 [65.45] [RH]
They
perform their old master's music with passion, commitment and a
remarkable degree of accuracy. What more could you want? ... see Full
Review
Magne
HEGDAL (b.
1944) Herbarium
II (1974/2002) [59:03]
Herbert Henck (piano) rec. 12-13 October 2004, Sofienberg kirke, Oslo,
Norway. DDD AURORA ACD
5041 [59:03] [DB]
Clearly
recorded and performed. Recommended for fans
of contemporary piano music ... see Full
Review
Paul
HINDEMITH (1895-1963)
Ludus tonalis, Suite 1922 for
piano
Boris Berezovsky rec. 2006
WARNER CLASSICS 2564 63412-2 [72:11] [MC]
In
this important recital of Hindemith piano
works Berezovsky plays with magnificent keyboard
mastery. ... see Full
Review
Gustav
HOLST (1874-1934) The Planets,
Suite for Large Orchestra, Op. 32 (1916) [51.12] Colin
MATTHEWS (b.1946) Pluto, the Renewer (2000) [6.12]
Kaija SAARIAHO (b.1952)
Asteroid 4179: Toutatis* (2006) [4.36] Matthias
PINTSCHER (b.1971) Towards Osiris* (2006) [7.55] Mark-Anthony
TURNAGE (b.1960) Ceres* (2006) [6.40] Brett
DEAN (b.1961) Komarov's Fall* (2006) [7.49]
Rundfunkchor Berlin/Robin Gritton Berlin Philharmonic Orchestra/Sir
Simon Rattle; rec. Philharmonie Hall, Berlin, Germany, 18 March 2006.
Notes in English. Photo of Saturn. Enhanced CD video special: The
Making of the Planets and Asteroids [10.28], directed by Paul Bates:
computer animation interviews with conductor and with the composers.
EMI CLASSICS 0946 3
69690-2 2 (2) [57.24 + 37.27**][PSh]
An
excellent new recording of this popular piece enhanced with additional
planets and a video interview. ... see Full
Review
Herbert
HOWELLS (1892-1983) Lambert's Clavichord
- Twelve pieces for clavichord, Op. 41 (1927) 1 Lambert's Fireside [1:33];
2 Fellowes's Delight [1:32]; 3 Hughes's Ballet [1:05]; 4 Wortham's Grounde
[2:59]; 5 Sargent's Fantastic Sprite [1:09]; 6 Foss's Dump [1:39]; 7
My Lord Sandwich's Dreame [2:35]; 8 Samuel's Air [2:23]; 9 De la Mare's
Pavane [2:56]; 10 Sir Hugh's Galliard [1:04]; 11 H H His Fancy [3:19];
12 Sir Richard's Toye [0:57] Howells' Clavichord - Twenty pieces
for clavichord or piano (1941, 1961) 1 Goff's Fireside [2:40]; 2 Patrick's
Siciliano [2:21]; 3 Jacob's Brawl [1:33]; 4 Dart's Sarabande [3:00];
5 Arnold's Antic [2:06]; 6 Andrews: Air [2:22]; 7 Boult's Brangill [2:02];
8 Rubbra's Soliloquy [3:48]; 9 Newman's Flight [2:11]; 10 Dyson's Delight
[2:21]; 11 E B's Fanfarando [1:15]; 12 Ralph's Pavane [4:53]; 13 Ralph's
Galliard [2:35]; 14 Finzi's Rest [5:03]; 15 Berkeley's Hunt [1:39];
16 Malcolm's Vision [4:19]; 17 Bliss's Ballet [1:42]; 18 Julian's Dream
[3:52]; 19 Jacques's Mask [2:26]; 20 Walton's Toye [1:58]
John McCabe (piano) rec. 31 July-1 Aug 1993. DDD Originally issued as
CDA66689 HYPERION HELIOS
CDH55152 [78:50][EM]
This
highly commendable version from John McCabe is one that I value highly.
... see Full Review
In
Flanders Fields Vol. 49
Joseph JONGEN
(1873-1953) Suite en forme de sonate Op.60
(1918) [29:23] Sonatine Op.88 (1929) [9:18] Georges
LONQUE (1900-1969) Tableaux d'une chambre bleue Op.43 (1952)
[5:49] Nuit d'automne Op.11 (1929) [5:20] Nocturne Op.45 (1955) [5:09]
Danse espagnole Op.10 (1929) [2:39] Danse mauresque Op.29 (1942) [5:04]
Voilier Op.42 (1952) [4:09]
Hans Ryckelynck (piano) rec. Academiezaal, Sint-Truiden, Belgium, July
2005 PHAEDRA 92049
[70:14] [HC]
Another
welcome and worthy release from Phaedra, one that might help renew interest
in Lonque's long absent yet elegant music. ... see Full
Review
Mauricio
KAGEL (b. 1931) The Mauricio Kagel
Edition CD I: Kagel plays and sings Pandorasbox, bandoneonpiece
(1960/....) [12:32] Tango Alemán (1977-78) [9:48] Bestiarium
(1974-75) [34:51] CD II: (Hörspiel) Ein Aufnahmezustand (1969)
Speak softly [6:29] Lullaby [3:03] Spinning top
[9:12] Acoustic lessons for children [1:18] Ethnophonation
[5:32] Excursus about the love in the Christian theology [4:52]
Onomatopoeia and musical pictures [12:28] DVD-Video Ludwig
van (Film - 1969) [90:41]
CD I, Musicians: Mauricio Kagel, Alejandro Barletta, Jorge Risi, Carlos
Roqué Alsina, Beth Griffith, Mesías Maiguashca CD II, Musicians: Peter
Brötzmann, Heinz-Georg Thor, Michael Vetter, Alfred Feussner, Deborah
Kagel, Mauricio Kagel, William Pearson, Christoph Caskel DVD-Video,
Cast: Joseph Beuys, Günther Boehnert, Carlos Feller, Werner Höfer, Mauricio
Kagel, Rudolf Körösi, Linda Klaudius-Mann, Klaus Lindemann, Heinz-Klaus
Metzger, José Montes, Schuldt, Victor Staub, Otto Tomek, Ferry Waldoff,
Ursula Burghardt, Robert Filliou, Diter Rot, Stefan Wewerka rec. WDR
Köln, Germany, 7 January, 7 November 1965 (Pandorasbox); 19 May
1978 (Tango Alemán), 3 March 1976 (Bestarium); 18 May-7
June 1969 (Hörspiel); 23 September-October 1969, WDR Köln and
locations near Köln and Bonn, Germany (Ludwig van)
WINTER & WINTER 910128-2 [57:10 + 42:55 + 90:41
][DC]
An
entirely fascinating and absorbing (re)issue, and a must-have for fans.
... see Full Review
Mauricio KAGEL
(b.1931) Szenario (1981-82) [12:39] Duodramen
(1999) [23:29] Liturgien (1989-90) [23:15]
Margaret Chalker (soprano), Roland Hermann (baritone Duodramen);
Martyn Hill (tenor), Romain Bischoff (baritone), Wout Oosterkamp (Bass)
Gulbenkian Chorus, Lisbon (Liturgien) Saarbrücken Radio Symphony
Orchestra/Mauricio Kagel rec. 19 January 1994, Musikstudio 1, Funkhaus
Halberg, Saarbrücken (Szenario); 3-5 December, 2001, Musikstudio
1, Funkhaus Halberg, Saarbrücken (Duodramen); live, 13 May 1998,
Fundação Gulbenkian, Lisbon (Liturgien). DDD
NAXOS 8.570179 [59:33][DC]
Naxos
has made a sound move in releasing these recordings
- conducted by the composer, and unlikely
to be repeated or bettered any time soon.
... see Full
Review
Barbara KASZUBA
(b.1983)
My Music Remembrance
Janusz Korczak for solo violin (1995-97)
[6:29] Toccata for piano (1998) [9:41]
Contemplations for violin solo (1996-98)
[8:38] A Swashbuckling Trio for string
trio (1999) [5:38] Tanezzo for accordion
(2002) [4:39] Humoresque for violin
and accordion (2000) [2:50] Suoni per sei
violinisti (2003) [10:16] Islands of
Happiness - trio for flute (violin), cello
and piano (2003) [12:29] On a Summit Glade
for chamber orchestra (1999) [10:00]
Soloists: Maria Machowska (violin - Remembrance);
Stanislaw Drzewiecki (piano - Toccata);
Jaroslaw Nadrzycki (violin - Contemplations); Damian Walisiak
(accordion - Tanezzo); Barbara Kaszuba (violin) & Katarzyna
Zwierzchlewska (accordion - Humoresque) Amadeus Orchestra
of Polish Radio (Summit Glade) rec.
Academy of Music Poznań, September, October
2004; Polski Radio S.A., Warsaw, Studio S2,
December 2004. DDD
ACTE PRÉALABLE AP0119 [71:07] [DC]
As
a showcase for Barbara Kaszuba's work this
disc is the best calling-card one could wish
for. ... see Full
Review
RECORDING
OF THE MONTH Jerome KERN (1885-1945) Show
Boat (1927) Book and lyrics by Oscar Hammerstein II Magnolia
Hawks - Frederica von Stade (sop); Gaylord Ravenal - Jerry
Hadley (tenor); Julie Laverne - Teresa Stratas (sop) ; Joe - Bruce
Hubbard (bass); Queenie - Karla Burns (mezzo); Frank Schultz - David
Garrison (tenor); Ellie May Chipley - Paige O'Hara (sop); Captain Andy
Hawks - Robert Nichols (baritone); Parthy Ann Hawks - Nancy Kulp ; Lady
on levee - Lillian Gish Ambrosian Chorus London Sinfonietta/John
McGlinn rec. Abbey Road Studio 1, London, June-September 1987. EMI
CLASSICS GREAT RECORDINGS OF THE CENTURY 3615432 [3
CDs: 70:26 + 74:55 + 76:10] [TH]
A
heart-warming experience and another GROC to savour ... see Full
Review
Erich Wolfgang
KORNGOLD
(1897-1957) String
Sextet in D major Op.10 (1914-15) [36:04]
Frank BRIDGE
(1879-1941) String Sextet in E flat major
(1912) [29:31]
Concertante rec. Performing Arts Centre, Purchase
College, State University of New York, October
2005
KLEOS CLASSICS KL 5142 [66:08] [JW]
One
for those who prefer some pepper with their
Bridge and Korngold sextets. ... see Full
Review
Fritz
KREISLER (1875-1962) Original
Compositions and Arrangements Original compositions:
1. Caprice viennois, Op. 2 [3:45]; 2. Tambourin chinois,
Op. 3 [3:27]; 3. Schön Rosmarin [1:58]; 4. La gitana [3:08];
5. Liebesleid [3:36]; 6. Liebesfreud [3:14];
7. Polichinelle (Serenade) [2:20]; 8. Rondino on
a theme of Beethoven [2:27]; Original compositions,
in the style of - 9. La Précieuse (in the style
of Couperin) [3:22]; 10. Chanson Louis XIII & Pavane (in
the style of Couperin) [3:38]; 11. Scherzo (in the style
of Dittersdorf) [3:22]; Arrangements: 12. Gavotte (Partita
No. 3 BWV 1006) (Bach) [3:16]; 13. The Londonderry Air (Trad.)
[3:39]; 14. Ballet No. 2 (Rosamunde D797) (Schubert)
[3:00] 15. The Old Refrain (Brandl) [3:12]; 16. Poupée
valsante (Poldini) [2:24]; 17. Andante cantabile (String
Quartet No. 1) (Tchaikovsky) [4:31]; 18. Humoresque,
Op. 101 No. 7 (Dvořák) [3:40]; 19. Sérénade espagnole, Op.
20 No. 2 (Glazunov) [2:39]; 20. Larghetto (Violin Sonata
No. 1) (Weber) [2:43]; 21. Midnight Bells (Der Opernball)
(Heuberger) [3:13]; 22. Chanson hindoue (Sadko)
(Rimsky-Korsakov) [3:15]; 23. Lotus Land, Op. 47 No.
1 (Cyril Scott) [4:07]; 24. Danza espagñola (La vida
breve) (Falla) [3:32]; Fritz
Kreisler (violin) Franz Rupp (piano) (1-6, 8, 12, 13, 16-18,
22-24); Michael Raucheisen (piano) (7, 9, 10, 14, 15, 19-21);
Kreisler String Quartet (11) rec. Beethovensaal, Berlin, 13
February 1930 (15, 19), 14 February 1930 (7, 9, 10, 14, 20,
21); No. 3 Studio, Abbey Road, 7 April 1935 (11); Berlin, 28
September 1936 (1, 2); No. 3 Studio, Abbey Road, 14 February
1938) (8, 12, 18, 22, 23), 15 February 1938 (3-6, 13, 16, 24).
ADD EMI CLASSICS
GREAT RECORDINGS OF THE CENTURY 4768402 [78:32] [GF]
Every
lover of violin playing should of course have these recordings
in one version or another ... see Full
Review
Santiago
LANCHARES (b. 1952) Complete Piano
Works Anandamania (2002) [7:24] Dos Piezas para Alicia
(2003) [1:41] Dos Danzas y un Interludio (1995/1999) [10:45]
Cinco Amigos (1984) [3:00] Dodecaedro Irregular (1998)
[3:27] Sonata for Piano (2001) [19:57] En el Sendero (1999)
[0:54] Dos Invenciones (2000) [6:26] Contra la Corriente (1991)
[12:33] Renacimiento de Castor (2004) [5:26]
Ananda Sukarlan (piano) rec. Conservatorio Profesional de Musica de
Getafe, Madrid, 12 May 2003, 28 May 2004
VERSO VRS 2028 [73:45][DB]
New
Spanish music, excellently presented. ... see Full
Review
Rued LANGGAARD
(1893-1952) Symphony No. 12 Hélsingeborg,
BVN 318 (1946) [7:06] Symphony No. 13 Undertro (Belief in
Wonders), BVN 319 (1946-47) [27:40] Symphony No. 14 Morgenen
(The Morning) - Suite for chorus and orchestra, BVN 336 (1947-48/1951)
[28:55] Danish National
Choir/DR Danish National Symphony Orchestra/DR/Thomas Dausgaard, rec.
Danish Radio Concert Hall, 29 October 2004 (Symphony No. 12), 9-10 June
2006; (Symphony No. 14; 15-16 June 2006 (Symphony No. 13). DDD Dacapo
Records acknowledges, with gratitude, the financial support of Langgaard
Fonden. This SACD has been recorded in cooperation with the Danish Broadcasting
Cooperation. DACAPO
6.220517 [63:48][RB]
Fascinating
and vulnerable music that still has the capacity to surprise and enchant.
... see Full Review
Morten
LAURIDSEN (b.
1943)
Mid-Winter Songs, Les Chansons des roses, I will lift up mine eyes,
O come, let us sing unto the Lord, Ave, dulcissima Maria, Nocturnes
Polyphony/Stephen Layton
rec. 2006 HYPERION CDA67580
[65:17] [JP]
Make
no mistake, this is a superb issue, with the
engineers capturing the full sonority of the
choir, orchestra and soloists to perfection
and with diction being as clear as crystal
throughout. ... see Full
Review
RECORDING
OF THE MONTH Franz LISZT (1811-1886) A
Faust Symphony (1857) (i) Faust [30:16]; (ii) Gretchen [23:19];
(iii) Mephistopheles [25:58] Kenneth
Riegel (tenor) Tanglewood Festival Chorus Boston Symphony Orchestra/Leonard
Bernstein rec. Symphony Hall, Boston, 26 July 1976. ADD Directed
by Humphrey Burton Picture format NTSC 4:3; Sound Formats PCM
Stereo, DD 5.1, DTS 5.1; Region Code 0; Disc Format DVD 9; subtitles
in English, French, German and Spanish EUROARTS
2072078 [83:00]
[PCW]
A stupendous one-off occasion - you may struggle to find something
better than this in any format ... see Full
Review
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