| Reviewers
are allowed a totally free choice. They are not restricted to discs
they
had reviewed.
Click on cover image to read a full review.
Part 2: Reviewers
M-Z (Part
1)
| Dan Morgan |
|
 Alexander
Tikhonovich GRECHANINOV (1864-1956) Passion
Week  Phoenix
Bach
Choir, Kansas City Chorale/Charles Bruffy rec. 2004
CHANDOS CHSA5044 
This is one of the most breathtakingly
beautiful discs I’ve heard this year – or any other, for that matter. These
choirs sound wonderfully dark toned and Chandos provide them with a rich and
resonant
recording to match. In both its CD and SACD forms this is a very special disc
indeed, but the extra range, detail and ‘air’ of the latter add even more atmosphere
to an already fine performance.
 Gustav
MAHLER (1860-1911) Symphony
2 Juliane
Banse (soprano) Anna Larsson
(contralto) Schweizer Kammerchor, Tonhalle
O Zurich/David Zinman rec.
2006 BMG-RCA
82876 87157 2
This ‘Resurrection’,
the second in Zinman’s projected
Mahler cycle, is far and away
the most rewarding so far.
There is a
sure sense of the Mahlerian idiom – not to mention the work’s structure – and
the orchestra, soloists and chorus are all in radiant form. Despite a few misgivings
about pacing in the Ländler, this remains a powerful performance and one of the
most overwhelming I have heard in a long time. RCA has also done a splendid job
with the Super Audio recording – the music expands naturally in the great climaxes,
yet all those ear-catching instrumental details are revealed as well. Definitely
a cycle to watch.
 Seascapes Claude
DEBUSSY (1862-1918) La
Mer Zhou LONG (b. 1953)
The Deep, Deep Sea Frank BRIDGE (1879-1941) The Sea Alexander
GLAZUNOV (1865-1936) La Mer Sharon
Bezaly (alto flute/piccolo) Gulnara Mashurova (harp) Jonathan Fox (timpani)
Singapore
SO/Lan
Shui
rec. 2004/5 BIS
SACD1447
BIS have a knack for unusual
programming and this disc of
sea-inspired pieces is a delight
from start to finish. The Singapore
band may not be one of
the
big names but under Lan Shui they respond magnificently to all the colour and
nuance
of the Debussy and play with plenty of brio and bite in the Bridge. Both performances
are as good as any in the catalogue and the soloists are superbly caught by
the BIS engineers. This is
Super Audio at its very best, a real demonstration disc.
 Richard
STRAUSS (1864-1949) An
Alpine Symphony Deutsches
Symphonie-Orchester Berlin/Kent
Nagano rec.
2006 ARTHAUS
MUSIK 101 437 
Although not a great fan
of filmed concerts I was
utterly
seduced by this multi-award-winning
DVD. There are some unusual camera angles and visual conceits but the whole production
is so well edited
and choreographed that the music isn’t compromised at all. Nagano proves as persuasive
an interpreter of this score as any; he also secures fabulously rich and full-blooded
playing from his Berlin band. The sound (in its PCM form at least) is exemplary,
one of the best DVD audio tracks I’ve heard in years.
 Knut
NYSTEDT (b.
1915) Choral
works Bærum
Vokalensemble Ensemble 96/Øystein Fevang
rec. 2004 2L
29SACD
A real find, a cappella singing on a par with that
of the American choirs in the Grechaninov. This is austerely
beautiful music, but although it
is contemporary
it is no sense dry or ‘difficult’. There is remarkable vocal precision but
there is also warmth and
soul aplenty, especially in Nystedt’s deeply moving setting of the Salve Regina.
Another atmospheric Super Audio recording that sounds just as enticing in its
Red Book format. Unaccompanied singing doesn’t come much better than
this.
 Scott
JOPLIN (1868-1917) Piano
Rags Volume 2 Benjamin
Loeb rec. 2005 NAXOS
AMERICAN CLASSICS 8.559277
This last spot was the most difficult to fill,
given the number of excellent CDs from Naxos and other more
specialised labels. That said, when it comes to
sheer unalloyed pleasure the Joplin is an easy winner. For those reared on
performances by Joshua Rifkin and others this collection
will come as a real surprise. Whether
animated or inward, Loeb makes these pieces sound entirely convincing in matters
or speed and articulation. For their part Naxos provide a clear, natural acoustic,
which makes for an enchanting
disc all round. More, please. |
| Margarida
Mota-Bull |
 Vincenzo
BELLINI (1801-1835) Gioachino ROSSINI (1792-1868) Gaetano DONIZETTI (1797-1848) Arias for Rubini Juan
Diego Flórez (tenor), Orchestra e Coro
dell’Accademia Nazionale di Santa Cecilia/Roberto Abbado, rec.
2006 DECCA
4759079
Well known composers but less known gems; a wonderful choice
of arias written for or sung by Giovanni Battista Rubini (1794-1854), one of
the greatest tenors of the bel canto era. Juan Diego
Flórez is fabulous and exceeds in this tribute to the great man, effortlessly
taking his voice to stratospheric heights, displaying a flawless technique, amazing
beauty and crystal clear sound in a fiendishly difficult repertoire. At present,
no other tenor can sing it and only Flórez would dare trying. It is not to be
missed and a unique dazzling listening experience.
 Franz
Joseph HAYDN (1732-1809) Symphonies 88-92, Sinfonia concertante Berlin
PO/Sir Simon Rattle, rec. live 2007 EMI
CLASSICS 3942372
The “Wow!” factor or in this
particular case the “Wow!” sound is present throughout the recording.
It is truly wonderful to listen to the Berliner Philharmoniker play Haydn. Sir
Simon Rattle’s and the orchestra’s interpretation is excellent, beautifully paced
and articulated.
 Wolfgang
Amadeus MOZART (1756-1791) Symphonies
Vol. 5 Danish
Radio Sinfonietta/Adam Fischer rec.
2006 DACAPO 6.220540
Wonderful, different and on the whole excellent performances, very energetic
and beautiful in tone. A fresh approach to well known
long established works.
 Robert
SCHUMANN (1810-1856) Cello
Concerto Johannes
BRAHMS (1833-1897) Serenade 1 Natalia
Gutman, Mahler CO/Claudio
Abbado rec. 2006 DEUTSCHE
GRAMMOPHON
476 5786
An unusual pairing of works but very welcome indeed; two different composers
who of course knew each other well. Excellent performance by Natalia Gutman who
gives this often neglected work by Schumann a less dark interpretation than most,
as it should really be the case. Claudio Abbado and the Mahler Chamber Orchestra
are in great form here and deliver a performance
of quality and sensibility. |
| Anne Ozorio |
 Gustav
MAHLER (1860-1911) Symphony 8 Chor
der Deutschen Staatsoper Berlin; Rundfunkchor Berlin; Aurelius
Sängerknaben
Calw;
Staatskapelle Berlin/Pierre Boulez
rec. 2007 DEUTSCHE
GRAMMOPHON 4776597
Altogether, this truly amazing performance and recording can be recommended to
anyone who wants to get closer to Mahler, and to the very spirit of artistic
creativity. I’m proud to say that, after all these years, Boulez has made
me realize how much there is still to be learned about Mahler, and why performers
get so much out of his music. |
| Tim Perry |
 Johannes
BRAHMS (1833-1897) Double
Concerto, Clarinet
Quintet Renaud
Capuçon, Paul Meyer, Gautier
Capuçon/Gustav Mahler Jugendorchester/Myung-Whun Chung, Capuçon Quartet
rec. 2007 VIRGIN
CLASSICS 3951472
The brothers Capuçon are a force of nature. Their new account of the Brahms
Double Concerto radiates a gripping intensity matched by no other in the catalogue.
The unusual and generous coupling is every bit as committed, with Paul Meyer
bringing his glorious tone to the clarinet quintet. No matter how many recordings
of these pieces you have in your collection, you need to buy this disc. It is
one of the essential purchases of 2007.
 Supremacy International
Staff Band of the Salvation Army SP&S
CD24838
I have no hesitation recommending this album as an example of premium brass playing
in excellent repertoire. Brass lovers of all persuasions will find much to savour
here. Believers – and not just Salvationists, I might add – will
find something extra to move and inspire them.
 Albert
ROUSSEL (1869-1937) Symphony 3,
Bacchus et Ariane Royal Scottish Ntl O/Stéphane Denève rec.
2006
NAXOS 8.570245
The Royal Scottish National Orchestra has a dynamic new chief conductor in Stéphane
Denève. Under his direction the orchestra produces Roussel playing of
boundless energy without sacrificing the elegance of these scores. The symphony
is impressive here, the ballet even more so. This disc launches a new cycle of
Roussel's orchestral works for Naxos. I can't wait for the next instalment.
 Sir
Arnold BAX (1883-1953) Symphony 6, Irish Landscape, Rogue’s
Comedy Overture, Overture to Adventure, Overture: Work in Progress New
PO/Norman Del Mar, Royal PO/Vernon Handley rec. 1966-94 LYRITA
SRCD.296
Norman Del Mar's legendary recording of Bax's 6th symphony is the reissue of
the year. Subsequent accounts from Lloyd-Jones and Handley have impressed, but
none has projected the power of this score with such coherence, concentration
and attention to detail. Lyrita's luxurious sonics sound better than ever, and
the fillers from Handley are consistently fine.
 Hugo
ALFVÉN (1872-1960) Symphony 5,
Andante religioso Norrköping
SO/Niklas Willén rec. 2004/5 NAXOS
8.557612
Stunning playing, excellent recorded sound, taut direction and a big juicy romantic
score. One of the year's most addictive discs.
 Ludwig
van BEETHOVEN (1770-1827) Complete Works for Solo Piano Vol.
4:
Sonatas 12-15 Ronald
Brautigam (fortepiano)
rec. 2005 BIS SACD1473
As with BIS's other ongoing Beethoven cycle - Vanska's journey through the symphonies
- I find myself looking forward ever more eagerly to each new instalment of Brautigam's
sonata cycle. His uncluttered playing and knack for bringing out inner voices
on his fabulous fortepiano make his accounts consistently illuminating. This
fourth volume features excellent performances of the two Op.27 sonatas in particular,
and a Pastoral that ranks with the most delightful on disc. |
| Glyn Pursglove |
 Antonio
VIVALDI (1678-1741) Griselda Marie-Nicole
Lemieux, Philippe Jaroussky, Ensemble Mattheus/Jean-Christophe
Spinosi
rec. 2005
NAÏVE
OP30419
An opera from Vivaldi’s musical maturity, played and sung with
brilliance, precision and energy. There’s more psychological depth than the opera
seria of this period always offers and – less surprisingly – some stunning arias.
There isn’t a point of weakness in the casting or in the orchestral playing.
Jean-Christophe Spinosi is a wonderful Vivaldi conductor and this is one of his
very best recordings. It all benefits from a crystal-clear recorded sound and
from intelligent and helpful
documentation. If you haven’t yet caught the Vivaldi opera bug – be warned,
this might very well infect you!
 Santiago
de MURCIA (1682-1732) La Guitarra Española William
Carter (baroque guitar) rec. 2006
LINN
CKD288
This is as enjoyable a disc of the guitar music of the Spanish baroque as one
might ever reasonably hope to hear. The music draws on, and fuses, a variety
of traditions: the guitar idioms embodied in the work of Francisco Guerau and
Gaspar Sanz and the work of important foreign composers, such as Corbetta and
Corelli. Underlying much of it is a response to the popular dance music of Spain
and its colonies. William Carter’s playing is seductive and scholarly in equal
measure.
 Alberto
GINASTERA (1916-1983) Complete Piano and
Organ Music Fernando
Viani (piano, organ) rec. 2006
NAXOS
8.557911-12
The sense of the dance, and the actual rhythms of the dance, are rarely far away
on this splendid set of Ginastera’s keyboard music. The music has energy and passion,
a simultaneous area of the ‘primitive’ and the sophisticated. The performances
by Fernando Viani are intelligent, perceptive and technically
assured and it is particularly rewarding to hear all this music communicated
in terms of the vision of a single artist. It makes a fascinating study in musical
development.
 Luigi
CHERUBINI (1760-1842) Coronation Mass Philharmonia Ch & O/Riccardo
Muti
rec. 1985
EMI CLASSICS  49302
Hearing this superb recording and it is easy to understand the admiration of
this composer expressed, at various times, by such as Beethoven, Schumann, Brahms
and even Berlioz. The Mass, indeed, is a kind of apotheosis of ceremonial music;
it is positively monumental. Yet it is also genuinely moving and is far from
merely pompous or rhetorical. The music
is quite startlingly beautiful in places – as in the Credo, whether at the exquisite
setting of “Crucifixus etiam pro nobis” or the brass-fuelled blast of triumph
at “Et resurrexit tertia dia”.
 Antonio
VIVALDI (1678-1741) The Rise of the North
Italian Violin Concerto Volume 2 Adrian
Chandler (violin, director), Mhairi Lawson (soprano), La Serenissima
rec. 2007
AVIE
AV2128
Adrian Chandler and La Serenissima play with the kind of energy, verve and colour
we have come to associate with the very best of contemporary Italian baroque
ensembles, and with a similar degree of apt inventiveness. The music is played
very much from within, clearly the work of musicians utterly at home with Vivaldi
but who never allow that familiarity to lapse into mere routine. The slow movements
are consistently lovely, played with winning eloquence and sensitivity, the quicker
movements
are characterful, subtly various in tempo and dynamics. |
| John
Quinn |
 Peter
LIEBERSON (b. 1946) Neruda Songs Lorraine
Hunt Lieberson, Boston SO/James Levine
rec. 2005 NONESUCH
79954-2
This set of five songs was written by the
American composer, Peter Lieberson, for his wife, the late and much-missed
mezzo soprano, Lorraine Hunt Lieberson. This recording, taken from live
performances, was made shortly before her death. Rarely have I encountered
singing that is so vivid and committed. The songs are exceptionally eloquent
and
well crafted – worthy in every way of the singer they celebrate. In a year that
brought a number of very fine issues I have no hesitation in choosing this as
my Recording of the Year.
 Johann
Sebastian BACH (1685-1750) The
Bach Cantata Pilgrimage: Volume 7 The
Monteverdi Choir/English Baroque Soloists/Sir
John Eliot Gardiner rec. 2000 SOLI
DEI GLORIA SDG124
Sir John
Eliot
Gardiner’s
splendid
and ongoing
series
of Bach
cantatas
continues
to stimulate
and delight
in equal
measure.
This
set is
the pick
of the
2007
crop,
especially
the cantatas
for the
Feast
of St.
Michael and
All Angels
on the
second
disc.
All of
these
cantatas
are superb
and receive
vivid
performances
but the
set is
particularly
notable
for the
stunning
account
of Es
erhub
sich
ein Streit,
BWV 19.This
is a
most
exciting
cantata
but what
makes
this
a desert
island
choice
for me
is the
seraphic
aria ‘Bleibt,
ihr engel,
bleibt
bei mir.'
This
receives
a spellbinding
performance
from
James
Gilchrist,
which
alone
is enough
to make
this
disc
a mandatory
purchase.
 Francis
POTT (b. 1957) The Cloud of Unknowing James
Gilchrist (tenor)
Jeremy Filsell (organ)
Vasari Singers/Jeremy Backhouse
rec. 2007
SIGNUM
CLASSICS SIGCD105
This is a recording that I have been impatient to hear for some time. I believe
that this eloquent new piece is a work of great importance and one that not only
stands firmly in the proud tradition of English choral music but that also carries
that tradition forward and enriches it. It’s a hugely compelling work, which
I find very convincing. It was written for the performers who have made this
recording. James Gilchrist sings with burning conviction, as do the Vasari Singers.
The virtuoso organ part is played by Jeremy Filsell in a manner that is beyond
praise. A superb and thought provoking issue.
 Sir
Hubert PARRY (1848-1918) Ode
on the Nativity Gustav
HOLST (1874-1934) The Mystic Trumpeter Ralph
VAUGHAN WILLIAMS (1872-1958) The Sons of
Light London
PO/Sir David Willcocks, London SO/David Atherton rec. 1980
LYRITA
SRCD.270
The stream of Lyrita CDs in 2007 has
brought many riches and I could have chosen any one of several discs. In the
end, I’ve opted for this disc, since it contains the only available recording
of a masterpiece by Parry. For years I’ve been longing for this recording to
appear on CD and had almost given up hope. The other pieces on the disc give
great pleasure but, above all, the emergence from the vaults of this fine performance
of Parry’s scandalously neglected work is, for me, a cause for
great rejoicing.
 Morten
LAURIDSEN (b. 1943) Mid-Winter
Songs, Les Chansons des roses,
Nocturnes Polyphony/Stephen
Layton rec. 2006
HYPERION
CDA67580
This is Polyphony’s second CD of music by
Morten Lauridesen and it’s superb in every way. The music is sometimes deceptively
simple in design but Lauridsen always communicates very directly with the listener.
The singing of Polyphony is absolutely first rate and
Stephen Layton’s direction is assured and authoritative. Since the composer was
present at these sessions – and took part in some of the performances – I think
we can presume that this marvellous disc carries his imprimatur.
 Willem
Van Otterloo and Residentie Orkest - The Original Recordings
1950-1960 CHALLENGE
CLASSICS CC72142
This extremely valuable set, issued to mark the centenary of
the conductor’s birth, which fell this year, was something
of
a revelation. Van Otterloo’s star has faded somewhat since his death in 1978.
However, on the evidence of these discs he was a significant conductor and he
proves to be a reliable and often illuminating guide to a wide range of music,
including quite a bit of unfamiliar fare. The set is splendidly documented and
is a worthy tribute. |
| Donald
Satz |
|
 Johann
Sebastian BACH (1685-1750) Goldberg
Variations Simone
Dinnerstein (piano) rec. 2005 TELARC
CD80692
The most interesting recording of the Goldberg Variations I have heard in the
past few years. Combining trance-like interpretations with a tremendous
virtuosity always at the service of Bach's music, Dinnerstein consistently
surprises the listener with highly individualized performances. Best of all,
she extensively uses rhythmic hesitations that are usually the province of
harpsichordists. A disc not to be missed by Bach enthusiasts.
 Nikolai
MEDTNER (1880-1951) Works for violin and piano Laurence
Kayaleh,
Paul Stewart
rec. 2006 NAXOS
8.570298
A stunning disc that reveals Medtner as an emotionally-charged
composer, quite distant from the prevalent opinion that his music is of neutral
disposition.
The Violin Sonata "Epica" is one of the masterpieces of 20th Century
Russian
chamber music, while the much earlier Nocturnes possess abundant poignancy.
Although I generally do not favor arrangements, the Heifetz is a gorgeous
transcription of one of Medtner's most beautiful piano miniatures. Performances
and sonics are first-class.
 Alexander
GRECHANINOV (1864-1956) Passion
Week Phoenix
Bach Choir, Kansas City Chorale/Charles Bruffy rec. 2004 CHANDOS CHSA5044
Absolutely sublime and gorgeous a capella music served up in sonic perfection.
The performers do full justice to the Passion Week, displaying expert teamwork
with expressive and tonally alluring singing. Even those not generally attracted
to a capella works will be captivated. |
| Christopher
Thomas |
 Judith
BINGHAM (b. 1952) Salt in the Blood,
The Darkness Is No Darkness,
First Light,
The Snows Descend,
The Secret Garden Thomas
Trotter (organ), Fine Arts Brass, BBC SCh/Stephen Jackson
rec. 2004/5
NAXOS
8.570346
It might have been a long time in coming but 2007 has at long last brought a
disc dedicated entirely to the music of Judith Bingham. Although her output is
wide ranging Bingham has carved a tremendous reputation in the field of choral
music and it is therefore entirely appropriate that this fine Naxos disc celebrates
her considerable contribution to the genre.
 Elizabeth
MACONCHY (1907-1994) Proud Thames, Symphony,
Serenata Concertante,
Music for Strings Manoug
Parikian (violin) London PO, London SO/Vernon Handley, Barry
Wordsworth rec. 1970-79
LYRITA
SRCD.288
2007 has been notable for the long awaited return of many
revered Lyrita recordings to the catalogue and this is one of the most vital
and welcome of them all. With the exception of her String Quartets Maconchy’s
music remains scandalously under represented on disc and it is to be hoped that
these committed readings, recorded with typical Lyrita presence, might just encourage
further exploration of her substantial output by other record
companies.
 Ralph
VAUGHAN WILLIAMS (1872-1958) Hodie, Fantasia
on Christmas Carols Stephen
Gadd (baritone) Guildford Choral Soc, Royal PO/Hilary Davan Wetton
rec. 2007 NAXOS
8.570439
Another Naxos recording and one that is so recent a review only
appeared on Musicweb after writing this comment. The Christmas
Cantata Hodie was a result of the wonderful period of creativity
that VW saw in his
twilight years and although Richard Hickox’s recording of the work on EMI is
tremendously rich in choral and orchestral sound this new recording under the
direction of Hilary Davan Wetton possesses both vitality and a touching sense
of innocence in the passages for children’s choir. In true Naxos fashion it’s
also great value for money. |
| Johan van
Veen |
 Dietrich
BUXTEHUDE (1637-1707) Eine
Lübecker
Abendmusik La
Capella Ducale, Musica Fiata
Köln/Roland Wilson rec. 2006 CPO
777 318-2
This disc gives some idea of the repertoire Buxtehude performed during the 'Abendmusiken'
in the Marienkirche in
Lübeck when he was the organist there. It shows the variety of forms of the compositions
usually referred to as 'cantatas'. This is a brilliant and moving interpretation
by La Capella Ducale and Musica Fiata. In fact, in my view this is the best recording
of Buxtehude's sacred music ever made.
 Gottfried
August HOMILIUS (1714-1785) Passion
cantata Basler
Madrigalisten, Neue Düsseldorfer Hofmusik/Fritz Näf rec. 2006 CARUS 83.262
The first recording ever of this splendid Passion oratorio by Gottfried August
Homilius, one of Germany's best composers of sacred music of the era between
baroque and classicism. Homilius effectively translates the text into music,
and there is much variety in the scoring. It is given an outstanding interpretation
by soloists, choir and orchestra. A very important addition to the repertoire
for Passiontide.
 Pascal
DE L'ESTOCART (1539?-after
1587): Deux coeurs
aimants Ludus
Modalis/Bruno Boterf rec. 2006
RAMÉE RAM
0703
L'Estocart was a composer of the French renaissance, who was leaning towards
the ideas of the Reformation. This disc brings sacred music by L'Estocart: motets
on Latin texts and 'chansons spirituelles' on French texts. This music is first-rate,
and the efforts of the ensemble to perform this repertoire as 'historically correct'
as possible has definitely paid off. The result is a disc of wonderful music
in outstanding
performances.
 Johannes
SCHENCK (1660-c1720) Il
Giardino Armonico - Trio Sonatas La
Suave Melodia/Pieter Dirksen rec. 2005 ET'CETERA
KTC1356
Johannes Schenck was a Dutch composer born from German parents who had settled
in Amsterdam. The largest part of his oeuvre was written for his own instrument,
the viola da gamba. This collection of trio sonatas for two violins and bc was
assumed to be lost, but was recently rediscovered by Pieter Dirksen, who gives
an outstanding interpretation of these pieces with his ensemble La Suave Melodia.
Although these trio sonatas are modelled after Corelli's, Schenck shows an independent
mind in the structuring of these works and the variety of 'affetti'.
 The
Oxford Psalms Charivari
Agréable/Kah-Ming
Ng rec. 2006 SIGNUM
SIGCD093
This disc contains compositions of Psalm texts, some of them metrical, by English
composers of the mid-17th century. Most of them were in some way or another connected
to Oxford. This is basically sacred music for domestic use, which is largely
neglected today. This repertoire also shows Italian influences, much more than
one would expect in English music of this time. The Psalms are sung here in true
declamatory style, but without exaggeration. This disc is of historical importance
and of great musical value.
 Wilhelm
Friedemann BACH (1710-1784) Sonatas & Trios Camerata
Köln rec. 2003 CPO
777 086-2
Wilhelm Friedemann is one of the most original composers
of the mid-18th century in Germany. He had a personality
which is best characterised with the terms 'unpredictable'
and 'individual', and that is reflected in his music. That
includes the compositions on this disc, two of which have
been recently rediscovered.
Camerata Köln plays them exceptionally well, and the many twists and turns of
Wilhelm Friedemann's music come out very clearly. |
| Raymond Walker |
 William
STERNDALE BENNETT (1816-1875) Overtures,
Symphony London
PO,
Philharmonia O/Nicholas Braithwaite
rec. early 1990s?
LYRITA
SRCD.206
Little has been known of WSB's music until this series came out.
This romantic music is utterly delightful.
 Franz
von SUPPÉ (1819-1895) Die
Schöne Galathée Jörg
Dürmüller,
Marianne Beate Killand, Capella Coloniensis/Bruno Weil
rec. 2005
CAPRICCIO
60134
A work little recorded until this excellent performance under
Bruno Weil. |
| Patrick Waller |
Peter
LIEBERSON (b. 1946) Neruda Songs Lorraine
Hunt Lieberson,
Boston SO/James Levine
rec. 2005 NONESUCH
79954-2
One of the most moving discs you’ll ever
hear – enough said.
 Sir
Granville BANTOCK (1868–1946) Omar Khayyám Catherine
Wyn-Rogers, Toby Spence, Roderick Williams, BBC S Ch & O/Vernon Handley CHANDOS
CHSA5051(3)
Put off by a few cuts? Get a life and just get listening
to this. A big bravo to Chandos and all concerned.
 Francis
George SCOTT (1880-1958) Moonstruck
(songs) Lisa
Milne (soprano), Roderick Williams (baritone),
Iain Burnside (piano) rec. 2006
SIGNUM CLASSICS
SIGCD096
F.G. who? Get Moonstruck and find out. One of the best
things to come out of Scotland since whisky.
 Dmitri
SHOSTAKOVICH (1906-1975) The Golden Age
- complete ballet Royal
Scottish Ntl O/José Serebrier
rec. 2006
NAXOS
8.570217-18
This arrived just too late to be in last
year’s picks but I have played it as much as anything. If you’ve only heard the
suite before, there’s a treat in store.
Hugo
ALFVÉN (1872-1960) Symphony 5,
Andante religioso Norrköping
SO/Niklas Willén rec. 2004/5
NAXOS 8.557612
Concluding a bargain-priced series on a high point, this is a recording that puts
to rest the notion that Alfvén shouldn’t have bothered with his final symphonic
struggle.
 George
LLOYD (1913-1998) Symphonies 4, 5 & 8 Philharmonia
O/Edward Downes
rec. 1982-84
LYRITA
SRCD.2258
A re-issue but it was impossible not to choose something from
Lyrita and this is the release I have enjoyed most. A warm welcome back to recordings
that put these works – and indeed the composer – on the map. |
Julie Williams |
 Herbert
HOWELLS (1892-1983) Sir Patrick Spens,
Hymnus Paradisi James
Gilchrist, The Bach Choir, Bournemouth SO/David Hill
rec. 2006 NAXOS
8.570352
This disc features a good local orchestra and is recorded
near where I live, so it's not surprising that
I'm championing it ! It also features excellent singers
and ones whose performances I particularly enjoy.
Judith
BINGHAM (b. 1952) Salt in the Blood, The
Darkness Is No Darkness, First Light, The Snows Descend, The
Secret Garden Thomas
Trotter (organ), Fine Arts Brass, BBC SCh/Stephen Jackson rec.
2004/5 NAXOS
8.570346
This is a long-overdue collection of an interesting composer's work, at the usual
Budget price. It is
further evidence of Naxos' commendably broadening
repertoire.
 Karol
SZYMANOWSKI (1882-1937) Violin Concertos
1 & 2, Nocturne and Tarantella Ilya
Kaler (violin) Warsaw PO/Antoni Wit rec.
2006 NAXOS
8.557981
My comments above about the Naxos label are supported by further evidence here.
Excellent playing of works
which deserve better recognition, which have come to
my attention following the interest in Polish composers which my work on the
Gorecki article has
stimulated. |
| Brian Wilson |
 Claudio
MONTEVERDI (1567-1643) Madrigals (Book
VIII) Concerto
Italiano/Rinaldo Alessandrini
rec. 1997-2005 NAÏVE/OPUS111
OP30435
As I have not completed a full year on Musicweb, my first
choice is ‘borrowed’ from GPu, whose comment
that “this is the best complete set [of Book VIII]
that I know” I thoroughly endorse. Good value, too,
at mid-price. Watch out for reissues by this team in Naïve’s
new Baroque Voices reissue series.
 Sir
Malcom ARNOLD (1921-2006) Complete
Symphonies Ntl
SO Ireland/Andrew Penny NAXOS
8.505221
I originally intended to ‘borrow’ MC’s endorsement
of Arnold’s Wind Chamber Music, also on Naxos. This set
presents a tougher view of Arnold – some of the later
symphonies make demanding listening – and it’s
a reissue of a reissue but none the worse for that. Strongly
recommended
to anyone wishing to explore a major, under-rated, twentieth-century
composer.
 Franz
SCHUBERT (1797-1828) String Quintet Wolfgang
Amadeus MOZART (1756-1791) Divertimento Aeolian
String Quartet, Bruno Schreker rec. 1966-7 REGIS
RRC1278
I could (and should) have been more fulsome in welcoming this
old friend back to the catalogue at bargain price: the Schubert
receives one of the best performances that I know and the sound
is much improved on the Saga original. The Mozart makes an
attractive filler.
 Grandes
Pièces Symphoniques Ian
Tracey (Liverpoool Anglican Cathedral Organ) rec. 2006 CHANDOS CHSA5056
The Widor Toccata here is not the famous one, but all the music
is excellent, as are the performances and recording. A wonderful
introduction to French organ music and equally recommendable
to those already converted.
 Thomas
TALLIS (1505-1585) A Portrait Chapelle
du Roi/Alistair Dixon rec. 1996-2002 PORTRAIT
CLASSICS PCL2101
If you haven’t got all the nine original Signum CDs from
which this is taken, go out and buy this bargain-price distillation
of the music of an English composer who can stand comparison
with the best of his continental contemporaries. During the
process of writing this, I have learned that Brilliant
Classics
are due to reissue the
whole collection.
 The
Garden of Zephirus Gothic
Voices/Christopher Page HYPERION
HELIOS CDH55289
My last choice stands proxy for all the excellent Helios reissues
which have come my way this year, particularly all the wonderful
recordings made by Gothic Voices. I’m just about to review
their Music for the Lion-hearted King and I look forward with
anticipation to the whole of the Spirits of England and
France series being reissued. |
Jonathan Woolf
|
 Jean
SIBELIUS (1865-1957)
Violin Concerto,
En Saga Ludwig
van BEETHOVEN (1770-1827)
Coriolan Overture
Georg
Kulenkampff (violin)
Berlin Philharmonic Orchestra/Wilhelm Furtwängler
rec. 1942/3
MELODIYA
MELCD 10 01109
The Melodiya reissue programme gave us a large
number of Furtwängler discs,
none remotely new to the catalogue, and some - long discredited
as the work
of others - brazenly still claiming to be by WF. Let's focus
instead on the
dramatic live Sibelius Concerto with Kulenkampff. This is
one to set beside
your early Ignatius, Wicks, Neveu and Heifetz recordings.
Kulenkampff and Furtwängler blaze away from beginning to end.
 Dmitri
SHOSTAKOVICH (1906-1975) String
Quartets 11-15 Beethoven
String Quartet
rec. Moscow 1969-75 MELODIYA
MELCD 10 00862/63
Authority and expression are two hallmarks
of these performances which, like
the Kulenkampff-Furtwängler Sibelius, are well known
and newly re-issued by
Melodiya. The Beethoven's playing of No.15 in particular
is a miracle of
perception.
 Fryderyk
CHOPIN (1810-1849) Great Pianists - Alfred Cortot: Volume
5
Ballades &
Nocturnes rec. 1947-51
NAXOS
HISTORICAL 8.111245
This, the fifth volume, marked the end of the Cortot-Chopin
series on Naxos.
If I referred to his playing of the F Minor Ballade as "a
panorama of
intensity" then that pretty much goes for everything
here. Lyricism and
tensile strength are ingredients served up in these most
attractive
transfers.
 George
BUTTERWORTH (1885-1916) Two English Idylls,
The Banks of Green Willow, A ‘Shropshire Lad’ Rhapsody Peter
WARLOCK (1894-1930) An Old Song Patrick
HADLEY (1899-1973) One Morning in Spring Herbert
HOWELLS (1892-1983) Procession, Merry-eye,
Elegy, Music for a Prince London
PO, New PO/Sir Adrian Boult
rec. 1970-79 LYRITA
SRCD.245
I have a shrewd hunch that Lyrita
resissues will figure strongly in more
than one critic's basket this year. Here's mine, chosen
from a number of
equally worthy candidates. The architectural assurance,
spellbinding
playing and still devastatingly magnificent recording mean
that Boult and
Butterworth (and Warlock, Hadley and Howells) gets my vote.
 Antonio
VIVALDI (1678-1741) Heroes Philippe
Jaroussky (counter-tenor)
Ensemble Matheus/Jean-Christophe Spinosi
rec. 2006
VIRGIN
CLASSICS 3634142
Spot the odd man out. My only new choice. Jaroussky wields
his very feminine
counter tenor with fluidity, grace and technical brilliance,
taking
Vivaldi's divisions with a rapier like incision. Dramatic
and expressive
singing.
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