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Alphabetical Listing

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Click for alphabetical listings by composer:
[Part 1 New] [Part 2 A-B] [Part 3 C-L]
[Part 4 M-R] [Part 5 S-Z]
[Part 6 Misc A-L] [Part 7 Misc M-Z]
[last 5 days] [Recommended recordings]

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William ALWYN (1905-1985) String Quartets 1-3, Novelette Maggini Quartet rec. 2007 NAXOS 8.570560 [68:53] [BW]

For those investigating Alwyn beyond the symphonies ... see Full Review

Leroy Anderson (1908-1975) Orchestral Music - Volume 5 BBC Concert Orchestra/Leonard Slatkin rec. 2007 NAXOS 8.559382 [52:16][JF]

Somewhat removed from the popular impression of his music ... see Full Review

Johann Sebastian BACH (1685-1750) Gloria in excelsis Deo Jean-Joseph Cassanéa de MONDONVILLE (1711-1772) Grand motet, “Dominus regnavit Antonio VIVALDI (1678-1741) Gloria, RV 589 Tafelmusik Chamber Choir & Baroque Orchestra/Ivars Taurins; Jeanne Lamon rec. 2006 CBC SMCD5244 [67:40][KS] 

A well balanced program makes this disc a real gem ... see Full Review

Johann Sebastian BACH (1685-1750) Sacred Arias and Cantatas from Mass in B Minor, St John Passion, St Matthew Passion, Cantatas BWV82a, 170 & 208 David Daniels (counter-tenor) The English Concert/Harry Bicket rec. 2007 VIRGIN CLASSICS 5190372 [66:48] [JQ]

A fine disc ... see Full Review

Johann Sebastian Bach (1685-1750) Vergnügte Ruh’, beliebte Seelenlust, BWV170, Widerstehe doch der Sünde, BWV54, Gott soll allein mein Herze haben, BWV169* James Bowman (counter-tenor) The King’s Consort/Robert King rec.1988 HYPERION HELIOS CDH55312 [59:03] [BW]

This reissue deserves a place in every Bach collection ... see Full Review

Johann Sebastian BACH (1685-1750) The Cello Suites Paul Tortelier (cello) rec. Temple Church, London, April 1982 EMI CLASSICS FOR PLEASURE 50999 2 28358 2 6 [71:52 + 72:25] [ST]

A thoughtful, old-school vision … full of integrity ... see Full Review

Johann Sebastian BACH (1685-1750) The Bach Cantata Pilgrimage Vol. 17 Cantatas BWV16, 41, 58, 143, 153 & 171 Ruth Holton, James Gilchrist, Peter Harvey, Monteverdi Ch, English Baroque Soloists/Sir John Eliot Gardiner rec. 2000 SOLI DEO GLORIA SDG150 [69:26 + 26:28] [JQ]

Perfect music with which to greet an incoming year ... see Full Review

Johann Sebastian BACH (1685-1750) The Bach Cantata Pilgrimage - Volume 5 Cantatas for the Eighth Sunday after Trinity, Cantatas for the Tenth Sunday after Trinity Joanne Lunn (soprano); Daniel Taylor (alto); Christoph Genz (tenor); Gotthold Schwarz (bass) The Monteverdi Choir; English Baroque Soloists/Sir John Eliot Gardiner. rec. 2000 SOLI DEO GLORIA SDG 147 [53:10 + 65:36]   [JQ]

Another distinguished and stimulating issue in this important series ... see Full Review

Johann Sebastian BACH (1685-1750) Solo Cantatas for Alto James Bowman (counter-tenor); The King’s Consort/Robert King rec. 1988 HYPERION HELIOS CDH55312 [59:03][JFL] 

A voice, not the most tender, beautiful in many ways, but tinged with artifice ... see Full Review

Johann Sebastian BACH (1685-1750) French Suite 5 see SCHNITTKE

Music of Tribute - Volume 5: J. S. BACH Johann Sebastian BACH (1685-1750) Preludes: E minor, BWV941 [0:53]; C, BWV939 [0:33]; Clavierbüchlein (1722/23) – Fugue in C minor, BWV953 [1:08]; Prelude in F, BWV927 [0:30]; Little Preludes: C, BWV924 (1720) [1:10]; D, BWV925 [1:48]; Well-Tempered Clavier, Book 2 (1738-1742): Prelude and Fugue in D, BWV874 [7:39]; Prelude in C minor, BWV999 (c1725) [0:58]; Italian Concerto, BWV971 (1735) [12:31] Henri DUTILLEUX (b. 1916) Au gré des ondes (1946) - Hommage à Bach [3:00] Arthur HONEGGER (1892-1955) Prelude-Arioso-Fughetta sur le nom de Bach (1932) [6:22] Leopold GODOWSKY (1870-1938) Prelude and Fugue (B.A.C.H.) (1929) [6:43] Francis POULENC (1899-1963) Valse-Improvisation sur le nom de BACH (1932) [2:14] Heitor VILLA-LOBOS (1887-1959) Bachianas Brasilieras No. 4 (1941) [15:59] Bela BARTÓK (1881-1945) Mikrokosmos III, Sz107 (1926-1939) – No. 79, Hommage à J.S.B. [1:15] György KURTÁG (b. 1926) Játékok III: Hommage à J.S.B. [0:09] Terry RILEY (b. 1935) G Song (1973/1985) [1:59] Dmitri SHOSTAKOVICH (1906-1975) Prelude and Fugue in D minor, Op. 87/24 (1950/51) [11:33] Beatrice Berthold (piano) rec. Grosser Sendesaal, Saarländischer Rundfunk, Saarbrücken, Germany, August 2005. DDD LABOR RECORDS LAB 7079 [76:44] [CC]

A well-planned disc superbly delivered ... see Full Review

Johann Sebastian BACH (1685-1750) Cembalo Concertos  Francesco Cera (harpsichord) I Barocchisti/Diego Fasolis rec. 2005/8  ARTS 477298  [68:15] [JV]

Much noise, little expression - there is no reason to recommend this disc ... see Full Review

 Tadeusz BAIRD (1928-1981) Piano Concerto see SEROCKI

RECORDING OF THE MONTH Michael William BALFE (1808-1870) Falstaff Marcel Vanaud, Majella Cullagh, National Chamber Ch of Ireland, RTÉ Concert O/Marco Zambelli rec. 2008 RTÉ LYRIC FM CD119 [75:52 + 67:27] [RW]

A breath of fresh air ... see Full Review

Clarence BARLOW (b. 1945) Piano Works Ludus ragalis, Stücke für Selbstspielklavier, Coğluotobüsişletmesi Composer (player piano), Irmela Roelcke, Hermann Kretzschmar, Jürgen Kruse, Benjamin Kobler (pianos)/James Avery. rec. 2006 CYBELE 960.308 [71:31] [DC]

Take note – genius at work ... see Full Review

Béla BARTÓK (1881-1945) Quartet 6 Maurice RAVEL (1875-1937) String Quartet Johann Sebastian BACH (1685-1750) Well Tempered Clavier, Book II Fugue 7 (arr. WA Mozart) Alexander String Quartet rec. 2003 FOGHORN CLASSICS CD1984 [63:15] [JW]

A heavier corporate sound, blunter and less tactile ... see Full Review

Mason BATES (b. 1977) String Band see American Trios

Ludwig van BEETHOVEN (1770-1827) Symphony No. 3 Richard WAGNER (1813-1883) Siegfried’s Rhine Journey; Prelude to Act I and Death of Isolde from Tristan und Isolde Birgit Nilsson; London Symphony Orchestra/Sir Georg Solti rec. 1963-8 BBC LEGENDS BBCL42392 [79:18][PPLL]

Two superstars of the past century – outstanding performances ... see Full Review

Ludwig van BEETHOVEN (1770-1827) Clarinet Trio; Septet The Nash Ensemble rec. 1989 VIRGIN CLASSICS 5221262 [60:30][LW] 

The lighter side of Beethoven.  The players really enjoy themselves ... see Full Review

Ludwig van BEETHOVEN (1770-1827) Symphony No.4 in B flat major, Op.60 (1806) [33:46] Symphony No.7 in A major, Op.92 (1812) [39:39]* Manchester Camerata/Douglas Boyd rec. 3 February 2007 and 3 November 2007*, The Bridgewater Hall, Manchester (live recordings). DDD AVIE AV2169 [73:41] [TP]

Fresh, enjoyable Mancunian versions ... see Full Review

RECORDING OF THE MONTH Ludwig van BEETHOVEN (1770-1827) Cello Sonatas Nos. 1-3 Daniel Müller-Schott (cello); Angela Hewitt (piano) rec. 2008 HYPERION CDA67633 [78:07][TP] 

Wonderful, life-affirming music-making from this exciting partnership ... see Full Review

Ludwig van BEETHOVEN (1770-1827) Piano Sonatas: Vol.VII (Nos. 27-29) András Schiff (piano) rec. 2006 ECM NEW SERIES 1948 4766189 [76:36][DC]

Has to be considered a top recommendation – ultimate clarity and drama ... see Full Review

Ludwig van BEETHOVEN (1770-1827) Piano Sonatas Nos. 30-32 (Vol. VIII) András Schiff (piano) rec. 2007 ECM NEW SERIES 1949 4766192 [64:42][DC]

Warning: may render your current versions redundant ... see Full Review

Ludwig van BEETHOVEN (1770-1827) Fidelio Arnold Schoenberg Choir; Berlin Philharmonic Orchestra/Simon Rattle rec. 2003 EMI CLASSICS GEMINI 2176302 [65:58 + 44:17][ST]

Deeply disappointing ... see Full Review

Ludwig van BEETHOVEN (1770-1827) Johannes BRAHMS (1833-1897) Lieder Edition Fischer-Dieskau - Volume IV Dietrich Fischer-Dieskau (baritone); Hertha Klust (piano) rec. Berlin, 25 May 1951 (1, 6-9), 13 January 1952 (2-5, 10), 13 June 1952 (11-21). ADD AUDITE 95.601 [58:34] [KMc]

Excellent early Fischer-Dieskau will appeal to true fans and completists ... see Full Review

Ludwig van BEETHOVEN (1770-1827) Violin Sonatas Vol. 3 Nos 8-10 Joseph Fuchs (violin) Artur Balsam (piano) rec. 1952 NAXOS HISTORICAL 8.111253 [70:18] [JW]

Robust, fluid and trenchant if occasionally rather impersonal ... see Full Review

Ludwig van BEETHOVEN (1770-1827)  Symphonies 7 & 8 Tafelmusik O/Bruno Weil rec. 2008 ANALEKTA AN29947 [63:58 + bonus DVD: 46:26] [JS]

Wonderfully stylish and uncluttered ... see Full Review

 Ludwig van BEETHOVEN (1770-1827) Piano Sonatas 14, 17, 30 & 31  Heinrich Neuhaus (piano) rec. Moscow 1946-50  RUSSIAN COMPACT DISC  RCD16245 [66:50] [JW]

Utmost probity and moving control ... see Full Review

Vincenzo BELLINI (1801-1835) The Complete Operas rec. 1955-2007 DYNAMIC CDS552/1-25 [25 CDs: details included in review][RJF]

A welcome opportunity to follow the development of the leading opera composer of his generation ... see Full Review

Vincenzo BELLINI (1801-1835) I Capuleti e i Montecchi Agnes Baltsa, Edita Gruberova, CH & O Royal Opera House, Covent Garden/Riccardo Muti rec. live, 1984 EMI CLASSICS 5091442 [58:35 + 71:25] [CH]

Difficult to imagine Gruberova-Baltsa-Muti being bettered ... see Full Review

Arthur BENJAMIN (1893-1960) Sonatina for cello and piano see HOLBROOKE

Hector BERLIOZ (1803-1869) Symphonie Fantastique, La Mort de Cléopâtre Susan Graham (mezzo) Berlin PO/Sir Simon Rattle rec. 2008 EMI CLASSICS 2162240 [75:59] [JQ]

A fresh approach to a remarkable symphony ... see Full Review

Hector BERLIOZ (1803-1869) Requiem Ronald Dowd (tenor) Wandsworth School Boys’ Ch/Russell Burgess London SO & Ch/Sir Colin Davis rec. 1969 PENTATONE CLASSICS PTC5186 191 [40:57 + 50:22] [LW]

A classic among the glories of the Davis Berlioz discography ... see Full Review

Georges BIZET (1838-1875) Symphony in C; L’Arlésienne Suites Nos. 1 & 2 Claude DEBUSSY (1862-1918) Children’s Corner Suite Leopold Stokowski and his Symphony Orchestra rec. 1949-52 CALA CACD0548 [78:15][CH]

For those who will exchange modern sound for the magic of a great interpreter ... see Full Review

Arthur BLISS (1891-1975) A Colour Symphony, Violin Concerto Lydia Mordkovitch (violin) BBC Ntl O Wales/Richard Hickox rec. 2006 CHANDOS CHAN10380 [73:35] [RB]

Two substantial Bliss works in stunning modern sound ... see Full Review

Ernest BLOCH (1880-1959) Concerto Symphonique, Scherzo Fantastique, Hiver - Printemps Halida Dinova (piano) State Academic Cappella of St Petersburg SO/Alexander Tchernushenko rec. 2002 CHANDOS CHAN10085 [62:03] [RB]

Early and late Bloch performed and recorded with weighty brilliance ... see Full Review

Arrigo BOITO (1842-1918) Mefistofele - opera in a Prologue, Four Acts and Epilogue (1868) Mefistofele - Ferrucio Furlanetto (bass); Faust - Giuseppe Filianoti (tenor); Margherita and Helen of Troy - Dimitra Theodossiou (soprano); Marta - Sonia Zaramella (mezzo); Pantalis - Monica Minarelli (mezzo) Chorus, Orchestra and Corps de Ballet of Teatro Massimo, Palermo, Sicily/Stefano Ranzani rec. 2008 DYNAMIC DVD 33581 [2 DVDs: 144:00] [RF]

This production does justice to Boito’s operatic mélange ... see Full Review

Nadia BOULENGER (1887-1979) Trois pièces pour violoncelle et piano see Soirees Musicales

Alexander BORODIN (1833-1887) Symphonies Nos. 1 & 2 Dresden Philharmonic/Michel Plasson rec. 1992-3 BERLIN CLASSICS REFERENCE 0013962BC [58:56][SV] 

An athletic, driving manner with contrasting moments of liquid expression ... see Full Review

Johannes BRAHMS (1833-1897) Piano Concerto No. 2 Pyotr Il’yich TCHAIKOVSKY (1840-1893) Piano Concerto No. 1 Arthur Rubinstein (piano); London Symphony Orchestra/Albert Coates, John Barbirolli rec. 1919-32 NAXOS HISTORICAL 8.111271 [71:12][CH]

Difficult to look the other way when Rubinstein is playing ... see Full Review

Johannes BRAHMS (1833-1897) Piano Concertos 1 & 2, Intermezzos, Six Piano Pieces  Wilhelm Backhaus (piano) Vienna PO/Karl Böhm rec. 1953-67  DECCA ELOQUENCE 480 0800 [67:04 + 68:42] [CH]

Seekers after Brahms cannot ignore Backhaus ... see Full Review

Johannes BRAHMS (1833-1897) Symphony 1, Double Concerto  Willi Boskovsky (violin) Emanuel Brabec (cello) Concertgebouw O, Vienna PO/Wilhelm Furtwängler rec. live, 1950/2  IDIS 6554 [79:38] [JW]

A worthwhile pairing but transfers bettered elsewhere ... see Full Review

Johannes BRAHMS (1833-1897) Lieder Edition Fischer-Dieskau - Volume IV see Beethoven

Luis de FREITAS BRANCO (1890-1955) Orchestral Works - Vol. 2 RTÉ National Symphony Orchestra/Álvaro Cassuto rec. 2008 NAXOS 8.572059 [67:49][RB]

It would be a mistake to pass over de Freitas Branco ... see Full Review

Benjamin BRITTEN (1913-1976) String Quartets 1-3, Three Divertimenti Belcea Quartet rec. 2003/4 EMI CLASSICS 2285182 [58:10 + 36:24] [JF]

Deserves to be in every Britten enthusiast’s CD library ... see Full Review

Benjamin BRITTEN (19 13-1976) Violin Concerto William WALTON (1902-1983) Viola Concerto  Maxim Vengerov (violin, viola) London SO/Mstislav Rostropovich rec. 2002  EMI CLASSICS 2285252 [64:29] [BBr]

Do you really want to buy this disk simply for the Walton? ... see Full Review

Anton BRUCKNER (1824–1896) Mass in E Minor; Libera me, Domine Josef Gabriel RHEINBERGER (1839–1901) Requiem KammerChor Saarbrücken; Kammerphilharmonie Mannheim/Georg Grün rec. 2008 CARUS 83.414 [59.10][RH]

Much to commend on this disc ... see Full Review

Russian Settings of Robert Burns Georgy SVIRIDOV (1915-1998) Songs to Verses by Robert Burns (1955) [32:11] Edison DENISOV (1929-1996) Two Songs to Verses by Robert Burns (1951) [3:51] Dmitri SHOSTAKOVICH (1906-1975) Three songs from Six Romances for Bass: excerpts (1942) [6:57] Yuri LEVITIN (1912-1993) Song-Cycle to Verses by Robert Burns (1956) [11:03] Tikhon KHRENNIKOV (1913-2007) Three songs from Five Songs to Verses by Robert Burns (1944) [6:41] Vassili Savenko (bass-baritone); Alexander Blok (piano) rec. 2002/5. TOCCATA TOCC0039 [60:34] [RB]

Fine rewarding songs … fascinating ... see Full Review

 

 


Click for alphabetical listings by composer:
[Part 1 New] [Part 2 A-B] [Part 3 C-L]
[Part 4 M-R] [Part 5 S-Z]
[Part 6 Misc A-L] [Part 7 Misc M-Z]
[last 5 days] [Recommended recordings]


 



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