Classical CD Review Archive - October 2007 part 3 C-L : MusicWeb-International

Edwin CARR (1926-2003) Auckland 71: Ode (1971) [11.08] Heath Lees (narrator); Chamber Choir of the Orpheus Choir of Wellington New Zealand Symphony Orchestra/Edwin Carr Seven Elizabethan Lyrics (1980) [14.04] Schola Polyphonica New Zealand Symphony Orchestra/Edwin Carr Piano Concerto No.2 (1986) [20.47] Sally Mays (piano) West Australian Symphony Orchestra/Geoffrey Simon The End of the Golden Weather (1996) [13.01] New Zealand Symphony Orchestra/Marc Taddei rec. Wellington Town Hall, November 1986, Radio New Zealand (Ode; Lyrics); Australian Broadcasting Commission, Basil Kirke Studio, Perth, date unknown (Concerto); Symphony House, Wellington, December 1998, Radio New Zealand (End) KIWI PACIFIC CD SLD-111 [59:30][BB]

Mario CASTELNUOVO-TEDESCO (1895-1968) Violin Concerto No. 2 I Profeti (1934) [30:32] Paul BEN-HAIM (1897-1974) Violin Concerto (1960) [19:44] Itzhak Perlman (violin) Israel Philharmonic Orchesta/Zubin Mehta rec. live, Fredric R Mann Auditorium, Tel Aviv, 9-16 October 1990. DDD EMI CLASSICS CDC 7 54296 2 [50:26][RB]

Luigi CHERUBINI (1760-1842) Overtures Eliza, ou Le voyage aux glaciers du Mont St-Bernard (1794) [7:24] Médée (1797) [7:53] L’Hôtelerie portugaise (1798) [9:43] Les deux Journées, ou Le Porteur d’eau (1800) [8:46] Anacréon, ou L’Amour fugitive (1803) [8:34] Faniska (1806) [7:16] Les Abencérages, ou L’Étendard de Grenade (1813) [6:13] Concert Overture (1815) [10:27]

Academy of St. Martin in the Fields/Sir Neville Marriner rec. May, 1991, Studio 1, Abbey Road, London EMI CLASSICS 54438

[67:21] [GPu]

An interesting opportunity to hear some well-made and inventive music; good modern recordings of some of these operas would be even more satisfying … see Full Review

Fryderyk CHOPIN (1810-1849) Piano Concerto No 2 in F minor, Op 21 (1829) [33:50] Barcarolle in F sharp major Op.60 [9:48] Mazurkas - Op.30 No.3 [2:49]; Op.41 No.3 [1:17]; Op.24 No.6 [4:20] Nocturnes - Op.27 No.1 [6:27]; Op.15 No.1 [4:59] Interview with Youra Guller in 1958 [3:14]

Youra Guller (piano) Orchestre de la Suisse Romande/Edmond Appia rec. live, 10 June 1959 (concerto); 1962 (Barcarolle and the Mazurkas), 1975 (Nocturnes) TAHRA TAH630 [67:38] [JW]

Something of a specialist undertaking, even amongst pianophiles, though one that alerts us to a rather extraordinary life and art ... see Full Review

Domenico CIMAROSA (1749–1801) Overtures: Volume 1 Voldomiro (1787) [4:06] La baronessa Stramba (1786) [6:16] Le stravaganze del conte (1772) [3:27] Il matrimonio segreto (1792) [6:00]* L’infedeltà fedele (1779) [5:26] Il ritorno di Don Calendrino (1778) [9:11] Il falegname (1780) [5:22] Cleopatra (1789) [4:21] Il convito (1782) [9:12] La vergine del sole (1788) [5:34] Il credulo (1786) [4:53] L’impresario in augustie (1786) [5:18] Nicolaus Esterházy Sinfonia/Alessandro Amoretti rec. Phoenix Studio, Hungary, 6-9 April 2000. Previously released on Marco Polo 8.225181 * First recording of Vienna version NAXOS 8.570508 [69:06][GF]

A golden opportunity to make the acquaintance of some of the most spirited music of the late 18^th century. ... see Full Review

Pierre COCHEREAU (1924-1984) Pierre Cochereau - La Legende Improvisations: Symphonie en Improvisation [24:35]; Treize Improvisations sur des Versets de Vêspres [25:44]; Boléro Improvisé pour orgue et percussions sur un theme de Charles Racquet [13:29]

Pierre Cochereau (organ); Michel Cals, Michel Gastaud (percussion) rec. Notre Dame de Paris, December 1963 and May 1973. DDD SOLSTICE SOCD 237 [63:56] [CB]

RECORDING OF THE MONTH Samuel COLERIDGE-TAYLOR (1875-1912) Légende (Concertstück) Op. 14 (1897) [7:12] Romance in G Op. 39 (1899) [9:35] Violin Concerto in G minor Op. 80 (1912) [32:53] Julius HARRISON (1885-1963) Bredon Hill - a rhapsody for violin and orchestra (1941) [11:54]

Lorraine McAslan (violin) London Philharmonic Orchestra/Nicholas Braithwaite rec. Watford Town Hall, 10-12 January 1994, (Légende, Concerto, Bredon); 20 January 1994 (Romance). DDD LYRITA SRCD.317 [61.37] [RB]

A real feel-good concerto and a work by Harrison that deserves to live on in its nostalgia and pastoral contentment. ... see Full Review

Samuel Coleridge-Taylor (1875-1912) Piano Quintet in G minor Op.1 (1893) [26:23] Ballade in C minor for violin and piano Op.73 (1907) [13:00] Clarinet Quintet in F sharp minor Op.10 (1896) [29:56]

Nash Ensemble (Richard Hosford (clarinet); Ian Brown (piano); Marianne Thorsen (violin); Malin Broman (violin) (Piano Quintet); Benjamin Nabarro (violin) (Clarinet Quintet); Lawrence Power (viola); Paul Watkins (cello)). rec. Henry Wood Hall, London, 26-28 January 2007 HYPERION CDA67590 [69:20] [JF]

An excellent recording of stunning yet little known repertoire ... see Full Review

François COUPERIN (1668-1733) Overture and Allegro from the sonata “La Sultane” (transcription by Darius Milhaud) see MENDELSSOHN

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] [RB]

A generous and rewarding CD then ... which affirms and denies Crosse's reputation as a disciple of the cutting edge avant-garde. ... see Full Review

Louis-Claude DAQUIN (1694-1772) Nouveau Livre de Noëls pour l’orgue et le clavecin, Op. 2 (c. 1740, pub.1757)

Christopher Herrick (organ) rec. Church of St Rémy, Dieppe, France, 21st May, 1995. DDD. Booklet with notes in English, French and German HYPERION HELIOS CDH55319 [65:15] [BW]

An irresistible CD of organ music based on traditional French Christmas tunes, excellently performed and recorded. Another winning and generous reissue on the bargain Helios label … see Full Review

Claude DEBUSSY (1862-1918) Syrinx (1913) [2:34] String Quartet in G Minor, Op.10 (1893) [25:33]* Maurice RAVEL (1875-1937) String Quartet in F (1903) [29:04]* Introduction and Allegro (1905) [10:59] ^ Philippa Davies (flute), Chilingirian Quartet*, Markus Klinko (harp)^, soloists of the Orchestre de l'Opéra de Paris Bastille^. rec. St Martin's, East Woodhay, June 1989; Rosslyn Hill Chapel, Hampstead, June 1983*; St-Marcel, Paris, March 1993^. DDD EMI CLASSICS FOR PLEASURE 0946 3 82231 2 2 [68:35][TP]

Frederick DELIUS (1862–1934) Concerto for Piano and Orchestra in C minor (1899) [18:42] * rec. live, Proms, Royal Albert Hall, London, 13 September 1955 Sergei RACHMANINOFF (1873–1943) Rhapsody on a Theme of Paganini Op. 43 (1934) [21:38] * rec. live, Proms, Royal Albert Hall, London, 8 September 1955 Piano Concerto No. 2 in C minor Op. 18 (1900) [32:56] + rec. Abbey Road Studios, London, 13 and 14 August 1955 Benno Moiseiwitsch (piano) BBC Symphony Orchestra/Malcolm Sargent * Philharmonia Orchestra/Hugo Rignold + GUILD HISTORICAL GHCD 2326 [73:32][JW]

Frederick DELIUS (1862-1934) Disc 1 Over the Hills and Far Away (1895-1897) [12:55]* Sleigh Ride (1887-1888) [5:25]* Brigg Fair - An English Rhapsody (1907) [15:47]* Florida Suite (1887/1889) [34:49]* Marche-caprice [3:50] * Disc 2 Dance Rhapsody No. 2 (1916) [7:38]* (1890) [6:18] ** Two Pieces for Small Orchestra: No. 1, (1912) [6:57] * Two Pieces for Small Orchestra: No. 2, Summer Night on the River (1911) [6:53] * A Song Before Sunrise (1918) [6:01] * Fennimore and Gerda: Intermezzo (1908-1910) [5:08]* Irmelin: Prelude (1890-1892) [4:59]** (1906-1907) [29:25] *** John Cameron (baritone) ***; Maureen Forrester (contralto) ***; Beecham Choral Society *** Royal Philharmonic Orchestra/Sir Thomas Beecham rec. 1960, 1963, Great Britain ADD EMI CLASSICS CDS 7 47509 2

[73:15 + 73:24][MS]

Wonderful, well-chosen and beautifully played … some of Delius’ best known and most popular, yet greatest music in a well-executed reissue by the last century’s foremost Delius exponent. ... see Full Review

Gaetano DONIZETTI (1797–1848) Don Pasquale (1843) - highlights Sesto Bruscantini (bass-baritone) – Don Pasquale; Mirella Freni (soprano) – Norina; Leo Nucci (baritone) – Dottor Malatesta; Gösta Winbergh (tenor) – Ernesto Ambrosian Opera Chorus; Philharmonia Orchestra/Riccardo Muti rec. Kingsway Hall, London, June and July 1982 EMI CLASSICS CDC 7 54490 2 [63:26][GF]

A spirited reading, held in tight reins by Muti and with four superb soloists on top form this is a highlights disc to savour. ... see Full Review

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 (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 first released on EMI Classics: CDC7 49995-2; CDC7 54663-2; CDC7 49860-2 and later on Brilliant Classics 92779 EMI CLASSICS TRIPLE 50999 5 00878 2 2 [3 CDs: 64:20 + 73:45 + 52:28][RB]

If the coupling appeals this box will serve the listener well and deliver a Dvořák that is not merely affable but also lyrically urgent. ... see Full Review

BARGAIN OF THE MONTH 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 see review for full contents list rec. London,. Liverpool, Manchester, 1963-1990. (CD30: 1929-1933) ADD/DDD EMI CLASSICS 5036032 [30 CDs: 1904:17] [RB]

Elgar in iconic recordings drawn from the EMI vault. A shining bargain for the Elgar explorer ... see Full Review

Edward ELGAR (1857-1934) Symphony No. 1 in A flat Op.55 (1908) [48:37] Symphony No. 2 in E flat Op. 63 (1911) [51:16] London Philharmonic Orchestra/Sir Adrian Boult rec. 1968. ADD 2 CDs for the price of 1 LYRITA SRCD.221 [48:37 + 51:16] [JW]

In truth then not essential – but very valuable ... see Full Review

Paschal DE L'ESTOCART (1539?-after 1587) Deux coeurs aimants Susanne un jour [03:56] Quand je viens à penser [01:50] Deux cœurs aimants [04:00] Je ne veux plus bastir [01:36] Helas mon Dieu [03:00] Où est le vray pays [01:18] O combien est plaisant [04:48] Quelle est ta loy? [03:30] D'un oeuil pleurant [03:53] Pour mourir bien heureux [01:43] Ode en douze parties [22:30] Dieu est regnant [01:05] Ut tibi mors foelix [01:36] Peccantem me quotidie [02:55] Angelus autem [02:38] Quos anguis dirus [01:44] Inter natos [02:33] Ludus Modalis/Bruno Boterf rec. November 2006, Abbey of Valloires, France. DDD RAMÉE RAM 0703 [64:47] [JV]

A record of the year! ... see Full Review

Manuel de FALLA (1876-1946) Piano Music Volume 2 Canción (1900) [02:16] Cortejo de los gnomos (1901) [02:18] Vals-Capricho (1900) [03:11] Canción de los remeros del Volga (1922) [03:39] Mazurca (c.1899) [05:23] Fantasia bética (1919) [13:17] 2 Dances from “La vida breve” (1913) [08:02] Suite from “El sombrero de tres picos” (1919) [17:39] Daniel Ligorio (piano) rec. February-March 2005, Estudios Moraleda, Barcelona NAXOS 8.555066 [55:47] [CH]

The completion of Daniel Ligorio’s survey of de Falla’s complete piano music, including transcriptions, thinly spread over two CDs ... see Full Review

Gabriel FAURÉ (1845-1924) Complete Music for Solo Piano Les Pièces Brèves Op.84 (published 1902) [14:47] Thème et Variations Op.73 (1897) [15.04] Nocturnes Nos. 1-13 (published 1882-1921) [79:84] Impromptus [19:31] Préludes Op.103 (1909-10) [20:55] Barcarolles (published 1882-1921) [56:13] Valses-caprices [29:26] Mazurka in B flat major Op.32 [6:50] Romance sans paroles Op.17 [6:28] Jean Hubeau (piano) rec. Salle Aydar, Paris, October 1988-April 1989 ERATO 2564 69923-6 [4 CDs: 57:39 + 63:47 + 56:13 + 72:35][JW]

Attractive, small-scaled, poetic, sometimes unengaged. Tonally beautiful but equally too often lacking sense of engagement and frisson that animates the better and best performances. ... see Full Review

Morton FELDMAN (1926-1987) Three Voices (1982) [49.26] Marianne Schuppe (voice) rec. April 2006, Studio Fossbergstrasse 2, Berlin, Germany COL LEGNO WWE1CD 20249 [49.26] [KM]

For die-hard Feldman fans … see Full Review

RECORDING OF THE MONTH Gerald FINZI (1901-1956) A Severn Rhapsody Op. 3 (1923) [6:14] Nocturne (New Year Music) Op. 7 (1925) [10:23] Three Soliloquies for small orchestra from the Suite - Love’s Labours Lost Op. 28 (1946) [4:33] Romance for string orchestra Op. 11 (1928) [8:08] Prelude for string orchestra Op. 25 (1950s) [5:16] The Fall of the Leaf, Elegy for orchestra Op. 20 (1950s) [9:14] Introit for small orchestra and solo violin Op. 6 (1925) [9:48] Eclogue for piano and string orchestra Op. 10 (1929, 1956) [10:33] Grand Fantasia and Toccata for piano and orchestra Op. 38 (1928, 1953) [15:14] Rodney Friend (violin), Peter Katin (piano) London Philharmonic Orchestra/Sir Adrian Boult New Philharmonia Orchestra/Vernon Handley (Eclogue, Fantasia) rec. 1970s. ADD LYRITA SRCD.239 [79:26] [JW]

Superb sound caps a mandatory purchase for lovers of the English muse, and of course for Finzi lovers in particular ... see Full Review

John GARTH (1721-1810) Six Concertos for Cello and strings Op. 1 (published 1760): No. 1 in D [17:08]; No. 2 in Bb [11:57]; No. 3 in A [14:12]; No. 4 in Bb [13:57]; No. 5 in D minor [16:57]; No. 6 in G [19:26] Richard Tunnicliffe (cello), The Avison Ensemble. rec. 10-13 December 2006, The Picture Gallery, Paxton House, Berwick upon Tweed DIVINE ART DDA25059 [45:33 + 50:36][JS]

Maybe these discs do not fill a major gap in the range of recorded music, but in performances such as these the present Concertos give immense pleasure. ... see Full Review

Mauro GIULIANI (1781-1829) Rossiniana, No.2 op.10 (c.1821) [14:54] Rossiniana, No.1 op.119 (c.1820) [16:13] Rossiniana, No.3 op.121 (c.1821) [18:07] Cavatina ‘Bell raggio lusinghier’ from Semiramide (1826) [7:46] Shin-ichi Fukuda (guitar) rec. 15-18 July 2005, Academia Montis Regalis, Mondovi, Italy THOROFON BELLA MUSICA CTH 2542 [57:16][GPu]

Closely spot-lit interpretations of three of Giuliani’s six Rossiniane, played with high competence but perhaps just a little short on warmth …see Full Review

Philip GLASS (b.1937) The Sound of a Voice Suite (2003) [19.27] In the Summer House (1993) (In The Summer House [1:30]; "My One And Only Hope....." [1:33]; Gertrude's Paradise [2:19]; Mr. Solares' Picnic Lunch [2:58]; "Molly Is A Dreamer." [1:04]; Enter Vivian [1:05]; The Beach/Lionel And Molly [0:50]; Vivian's Death/Two Marriages [0:37]; "Life Is Tragic, Mrs Constable." [2:12]; Gertrude Leaves The Summer House [2:40]; Left Alone...... [1:33]; The Lobster Bowl [1:08]; Back To Sad Things [0:55]; Gertrude Returns [1:06]; "I Knew You'd Come Back." [1:30]; A Choice [2:40]; Lionel Departs [2:08]; "When I Was A Little Girl...." [6:32]) Wu Man (pipa); Lynn Chang (violin); Peter Rajto (cello); Tara Heleno O’Connor (flute); Gary Cook (percussion) [Sound of a Voice]; Krista Feeny (violin); Richerd Sher (cello) [Summer House]. rec. March 2006, Tuscon Convention Center Leo Rich Theater [Sound of a Voice]; June 1993, Looking Glass Studio, New York [Summer House]. ORANGE MOUNTAIN MUSIC OMM0044 [53.38][KM]

Not essential Glass, but an interesting, little-known facet of his work … see Full Review

Louis Moreau GOTTSCHALK (1829-1869) Symphonie No. 2, ‘À Montevideo’, RO 257 (1868/1869) [11:13] Célèbre Tarantelle pour piano et orchestre, Op. 67, RO 259 (1868) [6:07] Escenas Campestres Cubanas – Opéra en 1 acte, RO 77 (1859/1860) [13:23] Variations de concert sur l'hymne portugais du Roi Louis I, Op. 91, RO 289(1869)[12:32] Ave Maria, RO 10 (arr. R. Rosenberg for voice and orchestra) (c. 1864) [5:56] La Casa del Joven Enrique por Méhul – Gran overture, RO 54b (arr. Gottschalk for three pianos, 10 hands and orchestra) (1861) [11:07] Symphonie romantique, ‘La nuit des tropiques’ (A Night in the Tropics), RO 255 (1859) [16:14] Michael Gurt (piano) (RO259, 289) Anna Noggle (soprano); Darryl Taylor (tenor); Richard Ziebarth (bass-baritone) (RO77) Melissa Barrick (soprano) (RO10) John Contiguglia, Richard Contiguglia, Angela Draghicescu, Chin-Ming Lin, Joshua Pepper (pianos) (RO54b) Hot Springs Festival Symphony Orchestra/Joshua Rosenberg rec. 7, 11-12, 14-15 June 2006, Hot Springs Youth Center, Hot Springs National Park, Arkansas. 3-12 June 1999, Horner Hall, Hot Springs Civic and Convention Center, Arkansas (RO255). Texts and translations provided NAXOS AMERICAN CLASSICS 8.559320 [76:32] [DM]

As good an introduction to Gottschalk’s œuvre as any ... see Full Review

Patrick GOWERS (b. 1936) 1. Veni, Sancte Spiritus (2000) [6:31] 2. Cantata (1991) [28:02] 3. Adagio for organ [10:08] 4. Chester Lullaby [4:00] 5. Toccata for organ (1970) [9:06] 6. Fugue for organ (1988) [6:23] 7. Libera me [2:14] 8. An Occasional Trumpet Voluntary for organ [3:20] David Davies (1), Stephen Farr (2,3,5,6,8) (organ) Guildford Camerata/Guildford Cathedral Choir (1) Guildford Philharmonic Orchestra/David Hill (2), Stephen Farr (1,4,7) rec. 9 May 2005, 4, 5, 31 January 2006, Guildford Cathedral LAMMAS LAMM196D [69:48] [JQ]

A generous selection of Patrick Gowers’ music has been gathered together conveniently in one very recommendable CD ... see Full Review

Philip GRANGE (b. 1956) Zeitgeist: Music by Philip Grange The Kingdom of Bones for mezzo and large ensemble (1983) [21:57] Lowry Dreamscape for brass band (1992) [8:34] Diptych: (i) Sky-Maze with Song Shards for oboe and harp [6:41]; ii) Daedalus’s Lament for cor anglais and harp [10:38]) Concerto for Solo Clarinet Radical and Symphonic Wind Band - Shēng Shēng Bł Shí [21:36] Northern Music Theatre/Graham Treacher; Sun Life Band/Roy Newsome; Okeanos: (Jinny Shaw (oboe/cor anglais); Lucy Wakeford (harp)); National Youth Wind Ensemble/Phillip Scott; Linda Hirst (mezzo); Sarah Williamson (clarinet) rec. BBC, Maida Vale, May 1984 (The Kingdom of Bones); BBC Manchester, Studio 7, March 1995 (Lowry Dreamscape); Concert Hall, Music Department, University of Manchester, 9-10 September 2002 (Diptych); Wiltshire Arts Centre, 4 September 2005 (Concerto for Solo Clarinet) CAMPION CAMEO BRITISH COMPOSERS SERIES 2061 [69:45] [CT]

Four challenging yet highly imaginative works by a composer who is at last receiving recorded recognition. ... see Full Review

Edvard GRIEG (1843-1907) String Quartet in g minor, Op. 27 (1878) String Quartet No.2 in F major (1891, completed by Julius Röntgen) Fugue in F minor (1861) Andante con moto in c minor for Piano Trio (1878, perf. 1908, pub.1978) Jet Röling (piano) Raphael Quartet (Ronald Hoogeveen, violin; Ramy Koch, violin; Zoltan Benyacz, viola; Henk Lambooij, cello) rec. April 1993, English Church, Begijnhof, Amsterdam. DDD. Booklet with notes in English REGIS RRC1279 [78:29] [BW]

A good performance of the First Quartet … a sympathetic completion of the Second Quartet, all equally well played and recorded. One of many recommendable Regis chamber-music CDs … see Full Review

Georg Frideric HANDEL (1685-1759) Il Trionfo del tempo e del disinganno (1707) Natalie Dessay (soprano) – Bellezza Ann Hallenberg (mezzo) - Piacere Sonia Prina (alto) - Disinganno Pavol Breslik (tenor) - Tempo Le Concert d’Astrée/Emmanuelle Haim (harpsichord, organ, direction) rec. IRCAM, Paris, March 2004, January 2006 VIRGIN CLASSICS 3634282 [72:20 + 73:12] [JW]

Recordings of Il Trionfo are rather sparse. This one provides some dramatic and exuberant music-making ... see Full Review

RECORDING OF THE MONTH George Frideric HANDEL (1685-1759) Alcina HWV 34: Ah! Mio cor! Schernito sei [10:39] Hercules HWV 60: Where shall I fly? [06:23] Agrippina HWV 6: Pensieri, voi mi tormentate [07:19] Giulio Cesare in Egitto HWV 17: Cara speme [05:53] Joshua HWV 64: Oh! Had I Jubal’s lyre [02:29] Ariodante HWV 33: Scherza infida in grembo al drudo [11:30] Theodora HWV 68: With darkness deep as is my woe [05:51] Amadigi di Gaula HWV 11: Desterò dall’empia Dite [05:41] Orlando HWV 31: Ah! Stigie larve! – Già latra Cerbero – Vaghe pupille [07:37] Ariodante HWV 33: Dopo notte, atra e funesta [06:40] Rinaldo HWV 7: Lascia ch’io pianga [04:58] Magdalena Kožená (mezzo) Venice Baroque Orchestra/Andrea Marcon rec. March 2006, Gustav Mahler Saal, Kulturzentrum Grand Hotel, Toblach ARCHIV PRODUCTION CD 477 6547 [76:34] [CH]

Clear away preconceptions and be prepared for one of the most extraordinary vocal displays to have been issued in recent years. ... see Full Review

Georg Frideric HANDEL (1685-1789) Semele - Opera-Oratorio (1744) Justino Diaz (bass, Cadmus, Somnus) Mark Deller (counter-tenor, Athamas) Sheila Armstrong (soprano, Semele) Helen Watts (contralto, Ino, Juno) Robert Tear (tenor, Jupiter) Edgar Fleet (tenor, Apollo) Felicity Palmer (soprano, Iris) Neilson Taylor (bass, A Priest) Amor Artis Chorale/John McCarthy Harold Lester (harpsichord and organ) English Chamber Orchestra/Johannes Somary rec. 1975 by Vanguard Classics. ADD. No further details given. Booklet with notes and libretto in English. MUSICAL CONCEPTS/ALTO ALC2003 [73:27+70:19] [BW]

In the absence of a clearly-recommendable version of Semele, a work whose neglect is undeserved, this bargain reissue of a 1975 recording clearly has a place in the catalogue. Its virtues outweigh any reservations … see Full Review

Georg Frideric HANDEL (1685-1759) Frondi tenere … Ombra mai fu (from Serse) [4:34] see PURCELL

Julius HARRISON (1885-1963) Bredon Hill - a rhapsody for violin and orchestra (1941) see Coleridge-Taylor

Joseph HAYDN (1732-1809) Symphony no. 92 see MOZART

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] 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. under the auspices of the Welsh Arts Council, Kingsway Hall, London, January 1971*/**; Walthamstow Assembly Hall, London, 15^th February 1996^§; Kingsway Hall, March 1973***. ADD*/**/***/DDD^§ Booklet with notes in English only. LYRITA SRCD330 [67:28] [BW]

This recording of four concertos is a welcome addition to the other two fine Hoddinott CDs already in the Lyrita catalogue. The colourful music, performances and recording may be confidently recommended … see Full Review

Josef HOLBROOKE (1878-1958) The Birds of Rhiannon see BANTOCK

William HURLSTONE (1876-1906) CD 1 [46:50] Piano Concerto in D (1902) [25:17] Fantasie-Variations on a Swedish Air (1904) [21:30] Eric Parkin (piano) London Philharmonic Orchestra/Nicholas Braithwaite CD 2 [53:47] Piano Trio in G (1905) [27:18] Piano Quartet in E minor Op. 43 (1904) [26:25] Tunnell Piano Quartet: (John Tunnell (violin); Kenneth Essex (viola); Charles Tunnell (cello); Susan Tunnell (piano)) rec. August 1976, Kingsway Hall, London (CD1); August 1978, Smith Square, London (CD2). ADD First issued on LP as SRCS100 Piano Concerto; Fantasie-Variations on a Swedish Air; SRCS117 Piano Trio; Piano Quartet. LYRITA SRCD.2286 [46:50 + 53:47] [RB]

Hurlstone is essential listening if you want to get a handle on the pre-Great War generation. Enjoyable music-making ... see Full Review

John IRELAND (1879-1962) The Songs see end of review for details Benjamin Luxon (baritone), John Mitchinson (tenor), Alfreda Hodgson (contralto) Alan Rowlands (piano) rec. August 1972, July 1973, November 1973 (CD1-2); August 1978 (CD3), St John’s, Smith Square, London. ADD LYRITA SRCD.2261 [3 CDs: 61:26 + 58:08 + 64:10] [TB]

These recordings reflect the high technical standards Lyrita became renowned for. The artists too are of the highest calibre and are noted exponents in this field ... see Full Review

John IRELAND (1879-1962) Concertino Pastorale for string orchestra (1939) [19:40] The Holy Boy (A Carol of the Nativity) (1913) for string orchestra (1941) [2:30] A Downland Suite for string orchestra (1932) [8:50] Frank BRIDGE (1879-1941) Rosemary (No. 1 of two Entractes) (1906) [3:26] Suite for string orchestra (1910) [20:52] Sally in our Alley (No. 1 of Two Old English Songs) (1916) [3:29] Cherry Ripe (No. 2 of Two Old English Songs) (1916) [3:11] Lament for string orchestra (1915) [3:35] Sir Roger de Coverley, Christmas Dance (1922) [4:25] London Philharmonic Orchestra/Sir Adrian Boult rec. 1966 and 1978 ADD LYRITA SRCD.242 [70.02] [JW]

Top marks; idiomatic conducting, music of sensitivity and rustic abandon, accustomed excellence as regards recording and remastering ... see Full Review

John IRELAND (1879-1962) CD1 Phantasie Trio in A minor (In one Movement) (1908) [13:14] Trio No. 2 in E (In one Movement) (1917) [15:11] Trio No. 3 in E (1938) [28:35] Yfrah Neaman (violin); Julian Lloyd Webber (cello); Eric Parkin (piano) CD2 Sextet for Clarinet, Horn and String Quartet (1898) [28:11] Sonata for Cello and Piano (1924) [24:19] Fantasy-Sonata for Clarinet and Piano (in one Movement) (1943) [14:00] Emanuel Hurwitz, Ivor MacMahon (violins); Cecil Aronowitz, (viola); Terence Weil (cello); Gervase de Peyer (clarinet); Neill Sanders (horn) André Navarra (cello); Eric Parkin (piano) CD3 Violin Sonata No. 1 in D minor (1911) [30:44] Violin Sonata No. 2 in A minor (1917) [28:54] Yfrah Neaman (violin); Eric Parkin (piano) rec. July 1976, St. John’s Smith Square, London (CD1); May-October 1971 (CD2); June 1972, St. John’s Smith Square, London (CD3). ADD LYRITA SRCD.2271 [3 CDs: 57:00 + 66:30 + 59:38] [JW]

A potent and comprehensive collection, played by musicians of integrity and insight. A cornerstone collection of British chamber music ... see Full Review

John IRELAND (1879-1962) The Piano Music CD 1 [56:09] Decorations (The Island Spell; Moonglade; The Scarlet Ceremonies) (1912) [10:15]; The Almond Trees [3:33]; Four Preludes (The Undertone; Obsession; The Holy Boy; Fire of Spring) (1913-15) [11:03]; Prelude in E flat [5:14]; Rhapsody (1915) [7:50]; The Towing-Path [3:40]; Merry Andrew [3:02]; London Pieces (Chelsea Reach; Ragamuffin; Soho Forenoons) (1917-20) [11:32] CD 2 [52:45] Summer Evening (1919) [4:15]; Piano Sonata (1918-20) [24:05]; Two Pieces (For Remembrance, Amberley Wild Brooks) (1921) [7:01]; The Darkened Valley (1921) [3:42]; Equinox (1922) [2:22]; On a Birthday Morning (1922) [3:19]; Soliloquy (1925) [3:13]; Two Pieces (April, Bergomask) (1925) [7:48] CD 3 [51:04] Sonatina (1926-27) [9:50]; Ballade (1929) [9:26]; Two Pieces (February’s Child, Aubade) (1929, 1930) [7:52]; Month’s Mind (1933) [4:25]; Greenways: Three Lyric Pieces (The Cherry Trees; Cypress; The Palm and May) (1938) [8:01]; Sarnia – An Island Sequence (Le Catioroc; In a May Morning; Song of the Springtides) (1939-40) [20:30] 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] [RB]

Captures the subtle essence of Ireland’s music for his own instrument ... see Full Review

Charles IVES (1874-1954) Variations on ‘America’ (arr. Rhoads) [6:24] Overture and March ‘1776’ (arr. Sinclair) [2:55] They are There! (A War Song March) (arr. Sinclair) [2:59] Old Home Days: Suite for Band (arr. Elkus) [8:00] March Intercollegiate (arr. Brion) [3:32] Fugue in C (arr. Sinclair) [6:31] March: ‘Omega Lambda Chi’ (arr. Brion) [3:02] Variations on ‘Jerusalem the Golden’ (arr. Brion) [4:15] A Son of a Gambolier (arr. Elkus) [3:50] Postlude in F (arr. Singleton) [4:24] ‘Country Band’ March (arr. Sinclair) [4:20]Decoration Day (arr. Elkus) [8:15] Charlie Rutlage (arr. Sinclair) [2:36] The Circus Band (arr. Elkus) [2:44] Runaway Horse on Main Street (arr. Sinclair) [1:16] March No.6 with ‘Here’s to Good Old Yale’ (arr. Elkus) [2:52] ‘The Alcotts’ (arr. Elkus) [5:56] ‘The President’s Own’ United States Marine Band/Colonel Timothy W. Foley rec. Rachel M. Schlesinger Concert Hall, Northern Virginia Community College, Alexandria, USA, 2-6 June 2003. DDD Programme notes in English NAXOS WIND BAND CLASSICS 8.570559 [73:22] [DW]

I have listened to this disc time and time again and have derived much pleasure from its professionalism, its technical prowess but, above all, the obvious joy of the performers when playing the music of arguably America’s greatest musical hero … see Full Review

Leoš JANÂČEK (1854-1928) Sinfonietta (1924) see TIPPETT

Scott JOPLIN (1868-1917) Piano Rags - Volume 2 Ragtime Dance: A Stop-Time Two Step [3.05]; A Breeze from Alabama: March and Two Step [4.19]; The Chrysanthemum: An Afro-American Intermezzo [4.42]; Peacherine Rag [3.47]; The Cascades: A Rag [3.14]; Weeping Willow: A Rag Time Two Step [4.22]; Gladiolus Rag [4.26]; Eugenia [4.40]; The Crush Collision March [4.52]; Reflection Rag: Syncopated Musings [4.51]; Magnetic Rag [5.21]; Swipesy: Cake Walk [3.22]; Scott Joplin’s New Rag [4.03]; Rose leaf Rag-A Ragtime Two Step [4.04]; The Rosebud March [2.49]; Stoptime Rag [2.51] Benjamin Loeb (piano) rec. The Arts Centre, The Country Club Day School, King City, Ontario, Canada, 5-8 August 2005 NAXOS 8.559277 [64.49][GH]

Loeb is ideal … authentic, with a slightly brittle tone and the knack of elegantly bringing out a melody against a firm left-hand beat. ... see Full Review

Aram KHACHATURIAN (1903-1978) Masquerade - Suite (1944) from the incidental music (1941) to Lermontov's play (Waltz; Nocturne; Mazurka) [11:19] Violin Concerto in D minor (1940) (cadenza in I by David Oistrakh) [35:33] Gayaneh - Orchestral Suite (1943) from the ballet in four acts (1939-42) - scenario by Derzhavin (Dance of the Rose-Maidens; Ayesha's Awakening and Dance; Lullaby; Gayaneh's Adagio; Lezghinka; Lyrical Duet of Ayesha and Armen; Dance of the Old Men and Women; Sabre Dance) [31:26] David Oistrakh (violin) Philharmonia Orchestra/Aram Khachaturian rec. London, Kingsway Hall, November-December 1954. Mono. ADD EMI CLASSICS COMPOSERS IN PERSON CDC 5 55035 2 [78:31][RB]

Unmissable for Khachaturian enthuasists ... sole representation of the composer if you can live with brilliant, vivacious yet unrefined sound. The exhilaration of authenticity ... see Full Review

Johanna KINKEL (1810-1858) An Imaginary Voyage Through Europe - 32 Songs [Rhine] Die Lorelei, op. 7,4 [02:57] War hinaus gezogen, op. 15,6 [01:29] Der Müllerinn Nachbar, op. 10,6 [01:36] Vorüberfahrt, op. 7,3 [02:06] Stürmisch Wandern, op. 18,6 [02:22] [Spain] Der Spanische Zitherknabe, op. 8,1 [03:19] Schwarze Augen, op. 17,2 [01:32] Die Mandoline, op. 19,1 [01:36] Nachtlied, op. 7,1 [01:54] Die Zigeuner, op. 7,6 [02:30] [Italy] Römische Nacht, op. 15,1 [03:53] Gondellied, op. 8,3 [02:10] Du nahst, op. 15,2 [02:44] Wunsch, op. 7,2 [02:36] Blaue Augen, op. 17,1 [03:48] Abschied von Italien, op. 16,3 [02:29] [Scotland] Gilderay [01:32] Oh, open The Door, Lord Gregory [01:16] Auld Rob Morris [01:44] [France, at the Theatre: The Assassins] Provençalisches Lied, op. 21,4 [03:09] Beduinenromanze, op. 19,4 [01:59] Abendlied nach der Schlacht, op. 21,5 [03:22] [Revolution] Auf, wohl auf ihr Candidaten, op. 18,3 [01:31] Demokratenlied [01:45] [Children's World] Lied von der Eisenbahn [00:29] Lied von der Hummel [00:53] Wiegenlied, op. 10,4 [04:13] [World of Spirits] Abendfeier, op. 8,4 [05:40] Thurm und Fluth, op. 19,6 [03:27] Die Geister haben's vernommen, op. 6,3 [02:48] [Rhine Home] Rheinsage, op. 8,2 [03:05] An den Mond, op. 7,5 [02:41] Ingrid Schmithüsen (soprano), Thomas Palm (fortepiano [Érard, c.1839]) rec. December 2004, Immanuelskirche, Wuppertal, Germany. DDD CPO 777 140-2 [78:38][JV]

Johanna Kinkel is an unknown female composer from Germany. Her songs are highly original, and very well performed here .. see Full Review

Erich Wolfgang KORNGOLD (1897-1957) The Film Music of Erich Korngold - Volume 2 The Sea Hawk - Suite from the film score (ed. Rumon Gamba) [76:57]

Manchester Chamber Choir (male voices) BBC Philharmonic Orchestra/Rumon Gamba rec. Studio 7, New Broadcasting House, Manchester, 4-5 January 2007. DDD CHANDOS CHAN10438 [76:57] [RB]

The green and blue of the ocean … the radiance of romance - a great achievement ... see Full Review

Friedrich KUHLAU (1786–1832) Grand Trio in B minor, Op. 90 (1828) [18.37] Trio in D major, Op. 13, No. 1 (1815) [16.17] Trio in G minor, Op. 13, No. 2 (1815) [7.53] Trio in F major, Op. 13, No. 3 (1815) [9.03] Trio in E minor, Op. 86, No. 1 (1827) [19.45] European Flute Trio (Maxence Larrieu, Carlo De Matola, Antonio De Matola) rec. 14-15 January 2004, Executive Studio, Naples, Italy NAXOS 8.570220 [71.50][RH]

Do try the disc, you will hear some charming music and some superb flute playing. ... see Full Review

Orlando di LASSO (1532-1594) Eine Marienvesper (Introitus [1:16] Dixit Dominus Domino meo [7:05]; Laudate pueri Dominum [6:13]; Laetatus sum [8:25]; Nisi Dominus [6:55]; Lauda Jerusalem [10:26]; Responsorium: Felix namque [5:13]; O gloriosa Domina [3:16]; Salve Regina [3:16]; Magnificat [6:28]; Salve Regina [3:18]; Benedicamus [0:39]) Weser-Renaissance Bremen/Manfred Cordes rec. Stiftskirche Bassum, 11-13 July 2005 CPO 777182-2 [64:22][KS]

Lush, gorgeous music lovingly shaped, flawlessly articulated. Something here for every taste in music. The sheer beauty of these settings will thrill any listener. ... see Full Review

Orlandus LASSUS (1532–1594) Missa pro defunctis – Quinque vocum [31.56] see OCKEGHEM

Jean-Marie LECLAIR (l’Aîné) (1697-1764) Complete Flute Chamber Music Sonata in C, Op.1/2 (1723) [15:35] Sonata in e minor, Op.9/2 (1737-8) [12:20] Sonata in G, Op.9/7 (1737-8) [12:17] Sonata in e minor, Op.1/6 (1723) [11:54] Trio Sonata in D, Op.2/8 (1728) [8:34] Sonata in G, Op.2/5 (1728) [9:30] Sonata in C, Op.2/3 (1728) [9:37] Sonata in b minor, Op.2/11 (1728) [6:29] Sonata in e minor, Op.2/1 (1728) [11:11] Deuxième récréation de musique in g minor, Op.8 for two flutes and continuo (ca. 1737) [26:19] Fenwick Smith (flute); John Gibbons (harpsichord); Laura Blustein (cello); Laura Jeppesen (viola da gamba, Op.2/8); Christopher Krueger (flute, Op.8) rec. 16-17 November 2003, 3-4 April 2005, 15-16 June 2005, 30 October 2005 and 11 December 2005, Sonic Temple, Roslindale, MA, USA. Booklet with notes in English and French NAXOS 8.557440-1 [60:40 + 63:06][BW]

Very decent performances which just lack a degree of variety. The Récréation is a real find, but overall the music is hardly inspired enough for a 2-CD set and the recording is not ideal … see Full Review

Yuri LEVITIN (1912-1993) Concertino for cello and orchestra (1961) see SHOSTAKOVICH

Franz LISZT (1811-1886) Mephisto Waltz No.1 [10:54] Grandes études de Paganini: La Campanella [4:52] Etudes d’exécution transcendante: Harmonies du soir [09:00], Feux follets [03:32] Sonata in B minor (1853) [30:30] Minoru Nojima (piano) rec. 17-18 December 1986, CA Civic Auditorium, Oxnard. REFERENCE RECORDINGS RR-25CD [59:24][JW]

Demonstrates that Nojima’s status as a Lisztian of the highest possible standing is richly deserved. ... see Full Review

Franz LISZT (1811-1886) Christus – oratorio for soloists, choir, orchestra and organ, S.3 (1855-67) Franziska Hirzel (soprano) Birgit Remmert (alto) Donald Kaasch (tenor) Ralf Lukas (baritone) Czech Philharmonic Choir Brno Beethoven Orchestra Bonn/Roman Kofman rec. 17-19, 21-23 March 2005, Heilig-Kreuz-Kirche, Bad Godesberg, Germany Digital hybrid multi-channel, SACD Texts in Latin and German only. MUSIKPRODUKTION DABRINGHAUS UND GRIMM MDG GOLD 937 1366-6 [3 CDs: 65:56 + 51:00 + 55:22][MC]

A splendid recording and a fine addition to Liszt’s sacred choral legacy. ... see Full Review

RECORDING OF THE MONTH Franz LISZT (1811-1886) St. Elizabeth (The Legend of Saint Elizabeth) - oratorio for soloists, chorus and orchestra, S2 (1857-62) Kolos Kováts - Hermann, Landgrave of Thüringen (bass) Erzsébet Komlóssy - Countess Sophie, his wife (mezzo) Sándor Sólyom-Nagy - Landgrave Ludwig, their son (baritone) Éva Andor - Elizabeth, his fiancée, later his wife (soprano) József Gregor - Frederick II of Hohenstaufen (bass) Lajos Miller - Hungarian magnate (baritone) György Bordás - the Seneschall (baritone) Dušan Turinič - the child Ludwig (contralto) Eugenia Kraičirová - the child Elizabeth (soprano)

Bratislava Radio Children’s Chorus Slovak Philharmonic Choir and Orchestra/János Ferencsik rec. 14-17 July 1973, Reduta Concert Hall, Bratislava, Slovak Republic. AAD Sung in German with full English texts and essay HUNGAROTON CLASSIC HCD 11650-51 [69:48 + 68:41] [MC]

A remarkable performance and recording fully deserving its return to the catalogue ... see Full Review

eulate control exhibited by the organists, Bossert and Ericsson. I wish I had their stamina.

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