|
 RECORDINGS
OF THE MONTH
Johann
Sebastian BACH (1685-1750) Easter Oratorio,
‘Actus tragicus’ - Monteverdi Ch, English Baroque Soloists/Sir John
Eliot Gardiner rec. 2013 SOLI DEO GLORIA SDG719
[60:15] [JQ] An
outstanding addition to Gardiner’s Bach discography.
Ludwig van BEETHOVEN
(1770-1827) Complete Piano Concertos - Rudolf
Buchbinder (piano/conductor) Vienna PO rec. 2011 SONY
CLASSICAL 88883745212 [3 CDs: 64:40 + 69:18 + 37:11]
[SG] Under Buchbinder’s
direction, these are five star performances, which will keep you on the
edge of your seat.
Ludwig van BEETHOVEN
(1770-1827) The Symphonies and Overtures -
Gewandhausorchester Leipzig/Riccardo Chailly
rec. 2007-09 DECCA 478 2721 [372:00] [ST]
A hearty
welcome to this set marrying the best of the old with the freshness of
the new and reminding us of how eternally contemporary Beethoven’s
symphonic achievement is.
Ludwig van BEETHOVEN
(1770-1827) Piano Concerto 5 Robert
SCHUMANN (1810-1856) Fantasy - Yundi (piano) Berlin
PO/Daniel Harding rec. 2014 DEUTSCHE GRAMMOPHON 4810710
[67:01] [SG] Yundi’s
performances of these towering masterpieces of the piano repertoire are
a treat not to be missed.
Vincenzo BELLINI
(1801-1835) La Sonnambula -
Ana Durlovski (soprano) Luciano Botelho (tenor) Enzo Capuano (bass)
Staatsopern Stuttgart Ch & O/Gabriele Ferro rec. 2013 EUROARTS
2059338 DVD [156:00] [JS] Demonstrates that what can appear to be a
star vehicle responds even more to being taken seriously as music and
as drama.
Hector BERLIOZ
(1803-1869) Les Troyens - Bryan
Hymel, Eva-Maria Westbroek, Anna Caterina Antonacci, Ch & O
Royal Opera House/Antonio Pappano rec. 2012 OPUS ARTE
Blu-ray OABD7113D [254:00 + 30:00] [DBi] A total triumph in every respect.
Equal to the very best Blu-ray opera issues I have seen.
Johannes
BRAHMS (1833-1897) The
Symphonies and Orchestral Works - Leipzig
Gewandhaus O/Riccardo Chailly rec. 2012/13 DECCA 478 5344 [3 CDs: 234:04] [ST] Chailly
has brought Leipzig’s Brahms tradition
right into the 21st Century. Buy
with confidence.
Benjamin BRITTEN
(1813-1976) Canticles - Mark
Padmore (tenor) Iestyn Davies (counter-tenor) Marcus Farnsworth
(baritone) Julius Drake (piano) Lucy Wakeford (harp) Richard Watkins
(horn) rec. 2012 WIGMORE HALL LIVE WHLive0064
[59:23] [ST] Padmore is a
perfect choice for this repertoire.
George
GERSHWIN (1898-1937) Porgy and Bess - Eric Owens (baritone) Laquita Mitchell (soprano) San Francisco Opera O & Ch/John DeMain
rec. 2009 EUROARTS DVD 2059638 [158:00 + 29:00 bonus] [RF] If you think opera started and finished with a clutch of great
Italian, French, Russian and German composers then try this and think
again; it is a revelation.
Philip GLASS (b.
1937) Concerto Fantasy for Two Timpanists and Orchestra Mohammed
FAIROUZ (b. 1985) Symphony 4 - Ji Hye Jung &
Gwendolyn Burgett (timpani) Jānis Porietis (trumpet) U Kansas Wind
Ens/Paul W. Popiel rec. 2013 NAXOS 8.573205
[57:48] [SA] I was
massively impressed, moved and overwhelmed.
Georg Frederick HANDEL
(1685-1759) Organ Concertos Guillaume
CONNESSON (b. 1970) Concertino - Ragna Schirmer
(fortepiano, Steinway grand piano, Hammond B3 organ) rec. 2012/13 BERLIN
CLASSICS 0300554BC [3 CDs: 218:38] [JS] All in all, a real treat for any
open-minded Handelian.
Franz Joseph HAYDN (1732-1809) Piano Trios Volume 3 -
Kungsbacka Piano Trio rec. 2008 NAXOS 8.572063 [73:43] [LJ] Intuitive and insightful performances complemented by a fresh and balanced recording. Bravo!
Orlande de LASSUS
(1532-1594) Lagrime di San Pietro -
Gallicantus/Gabriel Crouch rec. 2013 SIGNUM CLASSICS SIGCD339
[53:21] [JB] This is a
diligently and intelligently researched and presented project,
deserving only of the very highest of praise and success. Franz LISZT
(1811-1886) Années de pčlerinage
(complete) - Sinae Lee (piano)
rec. 2012
NIMBUS NI6202 [3 CDs: 160:43] [JWh] A truly phenomenal recording.
Felix
MENDELSSOHN (1809-1847) Symphonies 4 &
5, The Hebrides - City of Birmingham SO/Edward
Gardner rec. 2013 CHANDOS CHSA5132 SACD
[66:04] [ST] Three cheers
for this CD, and all the more exciting that this is only Volume 1.
Felix MENDELSSOHN
(1809-1847) Songs without Words, Fantasia, Variations
Sérieuses, Etudes - Bernd Glemser (piano)
rec. 2012 OEHMS CLASSICS OC 430 [71:06]
[AL] Immensely enjoyable
from start to finish.
Sergei PROKOFIEV
(1891-1953) Violin Concertos 1 & 2 - Sayaka
Shoji (violin) St. Petersburg PO/Yuri Temirkanov rec. 2012 DEUTSCHE
GRAMMOPHON 0580370 [49:21] [SG] Truly
memorable performances. Pure magic.
Wilhelm
STENHAMMAR (1871-1927) Excelsior!, Mellanspel ur Sången, Serenade - Royal Flemish Philharmonic/Christian Lindberg
rec. 2013 BIS BIS-SACD-2058 [58:19] [DM] At last, Stenhammar
gets the fine performances he deserves; first-rate sound, too.
Stabat Mater dolorosa
Works by Bach, Byrd, Tallis, Victoria & others - Ch Clare
College, Cambridge/ Graham Ross rec. 2013 HARMONIA MUNDI
HMU 907616 [75:46] [JQ] An
outstanding disc of Music for Passiontide.
|
Adolphe
ADAM (1803-1856) Le Corsaire
Maria Gutierrez, Davit Galstyan, Takafumi Watanabe, Ntl O du
Capitole/David Coleman rec. 2013 OPUS ARTE Blu-ray OABD7140D
[110:00] [RMay] For
anyone wanting a modern Le Corsaire in expertly
and beautifully filmed performances by a very accomplished company this
innovative account could hardly be bettered.
Kalevi
AHO (b. 1949) Minea,
Double Bass Concerto, Symphony 15 - Eero Munter (bass) Lahti SO/Jaakko
Kuusisto, Dima Slobodeniouk, Osmo Vänskä rec. 2010/11 BIS
BIS-SACD-1866 [78:19] [MC]
This outstanding release makes an ideal embarkation
point for anyone wanting to hear the music of Kalevi Aho.
Kalevi
AHO (b.
1949) Works for and with organ - Jan Lehtola (organ)
Petri Komulainen (horn) Jussi Vuorinen (trombone) Kaija Saarikettu
(violin) Anna-Kaisa Pippuri (oboe) rec. 2010/13 BIS
BIS-SACD-1966 [62:08] [DM] Small
but beautifully turned; Song of the Earth is a real find.
Anatoly ALEXANDROV
(1888-1982) Piano Music Vol. 1 - Kyung-Ah Noh (piano)
rec. 2013 TOCCATA CLASSICS TOCC 0186
[70:01] [PRB] Alexandrov
deserves to be far better-known outside his native Russia and the
present CD is well worth getting to know.
Charles-Valentin ALKAN (1813-1888) Concerto
for solo piano - Vincenzo Maltempo (piano) rec. 2013 PIANO CLASSICS PCL0061 [69:18]
[JW] A formidable disc, excellently recorded and splendidly
interpreted.
Hendrik
ANDRIESSEN (1892 – 1981)
Symphony 1, Ballet Suite, Symphonic
Etude, Kuhnau Variations rec. 2011 CPO
777 721-2 [56:45] Symphony 2, Ricercare, Mascherata,
Wilhelmus van Nassouwe
Netherlands SO/David Porcelijn rec. 2012-2013 CPO 777
722-2 [60:33] [HC] Excellent
releases in a series that promises to give us a complete or
near-complete recording of Andriessen's symphonic music.
George
ANTHEIL (1900-1959) A Jazz Symphony,
Ballet pour instruments mécaniques et
percussion - Boston Modern O Project/Gil Rose
rec. 2007-2009 BMOP/SOUND 1033 [39:53] [DC] Plenty
of wallop.
Kurt
ATTERBERG (1887-1974) Symphonies 2 & 8
- Gothenburg SO/Neeme Järvi
rec. 2013 CHANDOS CHSA5133 SACD [61:28]
[SV] It's unlikely this
will be bettered any time soon.
Carl
Philipp Emanuel BACH (1714 - 1788) Works
for Violin and Pianoforte Albrecht Breuninger (violin), Piet
Kuijken (fortepiano) rec. 2006 HÄNSSLER CLASSIC CD 93.312
[67:20] [JV] A
disappointing release.
Carl
Philipp Emanuel BACH (1714-1788) Magnificat; Heilig
ist Gott; Sinfonie - Elizabeth Watts, Wiebke Lehmkuhl, Lothar Odinius,
Markus Eiche, RIAS Kammerchor, Akademie für Alte Musik
Berlin/Hans-Christoph Rademann rec. 2011/2012 HARMONIA MUNDI
HMC902167 [56:05] [JQ] An
early and splendid contribution to the CPE Bach anniversary
celebrations.
Carl
Philipp Emanuel BACH (1714-1788) Württemberg Sonata 6, Variations on Folies d'Espagne Johann
Gottfried MÜTHEL (1728-1788) Arioso
and 12 variations - Preethi de Silva (harpsichord,
fortepiano) rec. 1983-2010 FIRST HAND
RECORDS FHR28 [54:43] [JV] This
disc gives a good impression of what was typical
of the keyboard repertoire in the time between
the baroque era and the classical period.
Johann
Sebastian BACH (1685-1750) Lutheran Masses
Vol. 2 - The Sixteen/Harry Christophersrec. 2013 CORO
COR16120 [73:51] [BW] Strong
competition in these works but couplings could well make this and the
earlier Coro Volume I your first choice.
Johann
Sebastian BACH (1685-1750) St. John
Passion - James Gilchrist (tenor) Matthew Rose (bass)
Elizabeth Watts (soprano) Sarah Connolly (alto) Ch & O Academy
of Ancient Music/Richard Egarr rec. 2013 AAM RECORDS
AAM002 [31:41 + 72:56] [JQ] Involving
and moving.
Johann
Sebastian BACH (1685-1750) St
Matthew Passion - RIAS Kammerchor, Staats- und Domchor
Berlin, Akademie für Alte Musik Berlin/René Jacobs rec. 2012 HARMONIA
MUNDI HMC 802156.58 SACD [78:51 + 80:12] [ST] Jacobs needs to stick to what he
is good at and put musical values above pseudo-historical experiments.
Johann
Sebastian BACH (1685-1750) Violin concertos -
Henryk Szeryng (violin)
Radiodiffusion-Télévision Française PO/Jean Martinon, Dimitri Chofaras
rec. 1962/3 FORGOTTEN RECORDS FR912
[50:45] [JW] Szeryng
revealed in all his aristocratic assurance.
Arnold
BAX (1883-1953) Symphony (realised &
orch. Martin Yates) - Royal Scottish Natl O/Martin Yates rec. 2013 DUTTON
EPOCH CDLX7308 [78:28] [IL] Mainly for devotees of Arnold Bax;
nevertheless there is much to reward the patient listener prepared to
overlook much loquaciousness.
Ludwig van
BEETHOVEN (1770-1827) Piano Sonatas Vol. 2 -
Jean-Efflam Bavouzet (piano) rec. 2013 CHANDOS
CHAN10798(3) [3 CDs: 217:39] [LW] Bavouzet’s clear-headed Beethoven
provides much to treasure.
Ludwig
van BEETHOVEN (1770-1827) Complete Violin Sonatas -
Daishin Kashimoto (violin) Konstantin Lifschitz (piano) rec. 2012/2013 WARNER
CLASSICS 2564 634929 [4 CDs: 259:46] [MC] A remarkable level of engagement with this
wonderful music.
Ludwig van BEETHOVEN
(1770-1827) Piano Concerto 3 Wolfgang
Amadeus MOZART (1756-1791) Piano Concerto 24 - Yevgeny
Sudbin (piano) Minnesota O/Osmo Vänskä rec. 2011/12 BIS
BIS-SACD-1978 [66:05] [BR] Sudbin’s
own cadenzas and the Minnesota clarinets are the standouts.
Ludwig van
BEETHOVEN (1770-1827) Piano Concerto 1 Wolfgang
Amadeus MOZART (1756-1791) Piano Concerto 12 - Leon
Fleisher (piano) Cologne RSO/André Cluytens, Georg Ludwig Jochum rec.
1957-1960 ICA CLASSICS ICAC 5121 [61:03]
[SG] A valuable document
from the early career of a great pianist, whose physical disability
left a hiatus in his recorded legacy.
Ludwig van BEETHOVEN (1770 - 1827) Sonatas for Violin and Piano Vol. 1 -
Elizabeth Wallfisch (violin); David Breitman (fortepiano)
rec. 2012 NIMBUS NI6245 [57:31 + 47:06] [MS] Idiomatic and uninhibited performances on period instruments.
Georg
BENDA (1722-1795) Chamber Music and Songs -
Elena Bertuzzi (soprano) Paolo Borgonovo (tenor) Ulrike Slowik (violin)
Ens Arcomelo/Michele Benuzzi (harpsichord) BRILLIANT
CLASSICS 94433 [6 CDs: 336:01] [JW] In Benda’s fusion of
unexpectedness and expressive intensity lies the very best of his music.
Hector
BERLIOZ (1803-1869) Symphonie fantastique Edgard
VARÈSE (1883-1965) Ionisation - Bavarian RSO/Mariss Jansons rec. 2010/13 BR KLASSIK
900121 [58:44] [MC] New life breathed into the Berlioz and
the Ionisation test is passed with flying colours.
Harrison
BIRTWISTLE (b. 1934) The Ring Dance of the
Nazarene, 3 Latin Motets, On the Sheer Threshold
of the Night, The Moth Requiem - Roderick Williams (baritone) BBC
Singers, Nash Ens/Nicholas Kok rec. 2012/13 SIGNUM
CLASSICS SIGCD368 [73:54] A
giant musical presence in superb performances [DC] An unmissable
collection by one the UK's most important and accomplished composers
played with great style and efficacy [MS].
Richard
BLACKFORD (b.1954) Voices of exile
- Catherine Wyn-Rogers (mezzo), Gregory Kunde (tenor), Gerald Finley
(baritone)
Bach Ch, New London Children’s Ch, Philharmonia Orchestra/David Hill
rec. 2005 NIMBUS ALLIANCE NI 6264 [60.36]
[PCG] A work considerably
underestimated at the time of its original release.
York BOWEN (1884-1961)
Clarinet Sonata,
Piano Trios,
Phantasy Quintet -
Robert Plane (clarinets) David Adams (viola) Gould Piano Trio
rec. 2013 CHANDOS CHAN10805 [78:29] [JQ] Fine and attractive chamber works by York Bowen in excellent performances.
Johannes
BRAHMS (1833-1897) Piano Concerto 1, Handel
Variations - Bruno Leonardo Gelber (piano) Münchner
Philharmoniker/Franz-Paul Decker rec. 1965/1975 ERATO 2564
635354 [74:59] [SG]
These excellent Brahms recordings make a welcome return to the
catalogue.
Johannes
BRAHMS (1833-1897) Violin Sonatas, Hungarian
Dances - Erica Morini (violin)
Leon Pommers, Artur Balsam (piano)
rec. 1945/56 FORGOTTEN RECORDS FR808
[56:47] [JW] A warm
welcome to this disc.
Johannes BRAHMS
(1833-1897)
Piano Concerto 2 - Edward Kilenyi (piano)
SO RIAS Berlin/Jonel Perlea
rec. 1955 FORGOTTEN RECORDS FR 936
[45:09] [SG] This Brahms
recording fleshes out the meagre recorded CD legacy of an almost
forgotten pianist.
Johannes
BRAHMS (1833-1897) String Quintets 1 & 2 - Takács
Qt, Lawrence Power (viola) rec. 2013 HYPERION CDA67900 [56:58] [SG] Performances which set the standard high. Hyperion have
come up with another winner. A notable release.
Herbert
BREWER (1865-1928) The Complete Organ Works -
Daniel Cook (organ) rec. 2011 PRIORY PRCD 1057
[77:50] [JF] Inspiring,
well-wrought music that demands the attention of all organ enthusiasts
and lovers of British music. This album has been long overdue.
Benjamin BRITTEN (1913-1976) The Turn of The Screw Andrew Kennedy, Sally Matthews, Michael Clayton-Jolly, Lucy Hall, LSO/Richard Farnes rec. 2013 LSO LIVE LSO0749 [53:59 + 56:33] [ST] A welcome set but does not take precedence over the finest.
Anton
BRUCKNER (1824-1896) Männerchöre Vol. 2 -
Ensemble Linz/Thomas Kerbl (piano) rec. 2012 GRAMOLA
98997 [49:37] [SV] This
programme of Bruckner’s secular choral music may catch you off-guard.
Anton BRUCKNER
(1824-1896) Symphony 9 - London SO/Bernard Haitink. rec.
2013 LSO LIVE LSO0746 [67:10] [JQ] A
gripping and magisterial Bruckner Ninth.
Roffredo
CAETANI (1871-1961) Piano Music - Alessandra Ammara
(piano) rec. 2013 BRILLIANT CLASSICS 94909 [78:56]
[RBl] An introduction to
some very worthwhile music and an excellent addition to a fine
pianist’s discography.
André
CAMPRA (1660-1744) Messe de Requiem - La
Chapelle Royale/Philippe Herreweghe
rec. 1987 HARMONIA MUNDI HMG501251
[43:25] [JB] This is
historically informed performance at its very highest standard … an
absolute must-have for any French baroque enthusiast.
Elliott
CARTER (1908-2012) String Quartets
1-5 - Juilliard String Qt rec. 1990-2013 SONY
CLASSICAL 88843 033832 [65:29 + 72:02]
[DC] Jump into the
intellectual fire.
Alfredo CATALANI
(1854-1893) Ero e
Leandro, Cantemplazione, Il
Mattino - Rome SO/Francesco La Vecchia rec. 2011/12 NAXOS
8.573072 [54:48] [RMay] You
won't be disappointed in taking a gamble with this new
release.
Ernesto CAVALLINI
(1807-1874) Capriccios, Duos - Nicola Bulfone
(clarinet) Marco Giani (clarinet) rec. 2005/12 NAXOS
8.573133-34 [78:19 + 77:08] [LJ] Daring, outgoing and always
utterly attentive to the character of this elegant bel canto music.
Marc-Antoine
CHARPENTIER (1643-1704) Musique
sacrée - Robyn Allegra Parton (soprano) Ch of New College
Oxford, Oxford Baroque/Edward Higginbottom rec. 2012 NOVUM
NCR 1387 [72:30] [JV] This
disc is not quite what I had hoped for and expected.
Frederick CHOPIN
(1810-1849) Piano Concertos 1 & 2 - Ingrid
Fliter (piano) Scottish CO/Jun Märkl rec. 2013 LINN
CKD 455 SACD [73.21] [PCG]
Excellent performances in modern sound.
Claude DEBUSSY
(1862-1918) Estampes, Images Books I &
II, Études - Craig Sheppard (piano) rec. 2013 ROMÉO
RECORDS 7299/7300 [42:19 + 49:16] [JW] Captivating,
musically honest and interpretatively elevated performances, ones that
Debussians will want to hear.
Antonin DVOŘÁK
(1841-1904) Cello Concerto Robert
SCHUMANN (1810-1856) Cello Concerto - Pablo Casals
(cello)
Prades Festival O/Eugene Ormandy, Festival Casals O of Puerto
Rico/Alexander Schneider rec. 1953/60 PRISTINE AUDIO
PASC401 [64:30] [JS] For
admirers of Casals and anyone who prefers character rather than
perfection.
Antonín
DVOŘÁK (1841-1904) Stabat Mater
- Janice Watson (soprano) Dagmar Pecková (mezzo) Peter Auty (tenor)
Peter Rose (bass) London PO & Ch/Neeme Järvi rec. 2010 LONDON
PHILHARMONIC ORCHESTRA LPO-0062 [67:08] [JQ] A performance that has merits but
for repeated listening other versions offer more.
Antonín
DVOŘÁK (1841-1904) Stabat Mater
- Mariana Zvetkova (soprano) Ruxandra Donose (mezzo) Johan Botha
(tenor) Roberto Scandiuzzi (bass) Ch Sachsischen Staatsoper Dresden,
Staatskapelle Dresden/Giuseppe Sinopoli rec. 2000 DEUTSCHE
GRAMMOPHON 4710332 [54:27 + 33:07] [JQ] Dramatic Dvořák from Sinopoli.
Anton
EBERL (1765-1807) Piano music - Marie-Luise
Hinrichs (piano) rec. 2009/10 CPO 777 605-2
[53:27] [PRB] Eberl is
definitely worth getting to know and this disc is an ideal way to
discover more about his music.
Sir Edward ELGAR (1857-1934) The Dream of Gerontius; Symphony 1 -
Collegium Vocale Ghent, Royal Flemish Philharmonic/Edo de Waart rec. 2013 PENTATONE CLASSICS PTC 5186472 SACD [71:11 + 71:12] [JQ] Worthwhile Elgar performances from Belgium, though a disastrous side-break in Gerontius is a major drawback.
Edward
ELGAR (1857-1934) Violin Concerto,
Cello Concerto - Alfredo Campoli (violin) Pablo
Casals (cello) London PO, BBC SO/Sir Adrian Boult
rec. 1945/1954 HERITAGE HTGCD245 [73:12] [JWh] Two classic
recordings reinstated by Heritage.
Heino
ELLER (1887-1970) Complete
Piano Music Vol. 2 - Sten Lassmann
(piano) rec. 2009 TOCCATA CLASSICS TOCC
0132 [71:38] [JW] A
faultless guide, relishing Eller’s opportunities
for crispness and geniality.
Ferenc
ERKEL (1810-1893) King Stephen
- Budapest SO/Valéria Csányi rec. 2012 NAXOS 8.660345-46
[75.11 + 66.49] [PCG] Assuredly
no undiscovered masterpiece but certainly interesting.
Philipp
Heinrich ERLEBACH (1657-1714) Sonatas - El
Arte Mvsico: Ángel Sampredo, Teresa Casanova (violin) Isabel
Gómez-Serranillos (cello) Diego Fernández (harpsichord) rec. 2012 VERSO
VRS 2146 [66:32] [JV] A
compelling disc which demonstrates the quality of Erlebach's music.
Giovanni GABRIELI
(1555-1612) Music for Brass and Organ
-
Andreas Sieling (organ)
Berlin Brass/Lucas Vis
rec. 2013 PENTATONE PTC 5186509 SACD
[63:00] [DM] Head-bangers
only need apply.
Christoph
Willibald GLUCK (1714-1787)
Iphigenia in
Aulis - Camilla Nylund (soprano) Michelle
Breedt (mezzo) Christian Elsner (tenor) Ch Musicus Köln/Das Neue
O/Christoph Spering rec. 2013 OEHMS CLASSICS OC 953
[42:43 + 71:35] [RMo] There
is room for Wagner’s take on Iphigenia especially when it is in a
performance as good as this.
Carl
Heinrich GRAUN (1703/4-1759)
Osteroratorium - Nina Koufochristou (soprano) Dagmas Saskova
(alto) Jan Kobow (tenor) Andreas Wolf (bass) Kölner Akademie/Michael
Alexander Willens rec. 2012 CPO 777 794-2
[64:08] [DC] Lovely
recording of a very fine work.
Edvard
GRIEG (1843-1907) Peer
Gynt, Suites 1 & 2, Aus Holbergs Zeit
Lars-Erik LARSSON (1908-1986) Pastoral-Suite
- Württemberg PO/Ola Rudner rec. 2013 ANTES
EDITION BM 319288 [69:51] [LJ] Punchy
vitality meets the contemplative.
Andreas HAMMERSCHMIDT
(1611/12-1675) Also hat Gott die Welt geliebt
Johann ROSENMÜLLER (1619-1684)
Dixit Dominus - Gli Scarlattisti/Jochen Arnold rec. 2001-11 CARUS
83.377 [50:56] [JW] There
is terrific variety in these settings.
Robert HANSON
Thanksgiving Music, Violin Sonata - Sarah Leonard (soprano) Jonathan
Powell, Jan Rautio (piano) Jane Gordon (violin) rec. 2007 CALA
CACD 77014 [61:57] [JW] Hanson
doesn’t go in for easy consolation.
Emil
HARTMANN (1836-1898) Solo Piano Works -
Cathrine Penderup (piano) rec. 2012-2013 DANACORD
DACOCD744-745 [73:44 + 74:16] [JW] The easy-going charm of this music
is brought to life very warmly here.
Joseph
HAYDN (1732-1809) String Quartets Vol. 6 -
Leipziger Streichquartett rec. 2013 MUSIKPRODUKTION
DABRINGHAUS UND GRIMM MDG 307 1812-2 [64:55] [AL] Performances that are polished and enjoyable
but still leave me wanting more.
Simeon
ten HOLT (1923-2012) Canto Ostinato XL - Jeroen van Veen, Sandra van Veen (piano and
keyboard) Irene Russo, Fred Oldenburg (piano)
Bergwerf (organ) Esther Doornink, Peter Elbertse
(marimba) rec. 1999-2012 BRILLIANT CLASSICS
9453 [12 CDs: 843:16] [DC] Canto
Ostinato augetur et ultra quam credi.
Jacques-Martin
HOTTETERRE (1674-1763) Complete Chamber Music
Vol. 1 - Camerata Köln rec. 2011 CPO 777 790-2
[75:15] [JV] Fine and
tasteful interpretations, albeit a little restrained.
Salomon
JADASSOHN (1831-1902) Symphony 1, Piano
Concerto 1, Serenade Paul PABST (1854-1879)
Piano Concerto, Violin Concerto, Macbeth
- Panagiotis Trochopoulos, Valentina Seferinova (piano) Ilya Hoffman
(violin)
Belarussian State SO/Marius Stravinsky, Karelia State SO/Denis
Vlasenko, Malta PO/Michael Laus
rec. 2005-11 CAMEO CLASSICS CC9033CD/CC9048CD
[73:23 & 66:49] [DC] Bravo.
Vladas JAKUBĖNAS
(1904-1976) Chamber and Instrumental Music - Vilnius
String Qt, Kasparas Uinskas, Rusnė Mataitytė (violin), Edmundas
Kulikauskas (cello), Albina Šikšniūtė (piano), St Christopher
CO/Donatas Katkus
rec. 1999-2011 TOCCATA CLASSICS TOCC 0013
[65:28] [SA] A disc to
savour … one that repays close listening with a richly rewarding
experience.
Joseph
Christoph KESSLER (1800-1872) Preludes, Etudes
- Magdalena Brzozowska (piano)
rec. 2013 ACTE PREALABLE AP0319 [61:26]
[Byz] Kessler was clearly
a prodigious pianist.
Aram KHACHATURIAN
(1903-1978) The Battle of Stalingrad Reinhold
GLIČRE (1875-1956) Solemn Overture - Royal Norwegian Air
Force Band/Leif Arne Pedersen rec. 2012 LAWO CLASSICS
LWC1045 [54:46] [NB] Ultimately
a disc for those interested in the genre rather than the music
performed.
Nikolai
KORNDORF (1947-2001) Complete Music for
Cello - Alexander Ivashkin (cello) Russian
PO Moscow/Konstantin Krimets Anya Alexeyev (piano)
rec. 2001-2006 TOCCATA TOCC0128 [76:24]
[JV] Highly individual
and often solemnly beautiful music in performances
that are hugely committed and sensitively shaped.
Karol
KURPIŃSKI (1785-1857) The Castle of
Czorsztyn - Aleksandra Orłowska-Jabłońska, Hubert Stolarski,
Jadwiga Niebelska, Polish Sinfonia Iuventus O/Michał Niedziałek rec.
2012 DUX 0955 [54:19] [SA] Worthy of being seen and heard. I hope that
this world premičre recording will spark a reaction in the right
quarters.
Kenneth
LEIGHTON (1929-1988) Piano Concerto 1 Ruth
GIPPS (1921-1999) Piano Concerto, Theme and Variations -
Angela Brownridge (piano)
Malta PO/Michael Laus
rec. 2011 CAMEO CLASSICS CC9046CD [56.53]
[PCG] One is grateful for
the opportunity to hear this music in commercial recordings but this is
one of the least impressive discs in the series.
Jean-Baptiste
LULLY (1632-1687) Phaéton
Emiliano Gonzalez Toro, Ingrid Perruche, Isabelle Druet, Les Talens
Lyriques/Christoph Rousset rec. 2012 APARTÉ AP061
[79:00 + 74:00] [ST]
Rousset - one of the masters of the French baroque.
Anatoly
LYADOV (1855-1914) Complete Piano Music Volume
1 - Olga Solovieva (piano)
rec. 2005/08 TOCCATA TOCC 0082 [64:41]
[JW] Charming, deft
performances, coolly recorded.
Marin
MARAIS (1656-1728) Alcione - Suites
des Airs ŕ joüer - Le Concert des Nations/Jordi Savall rec.
1993 ALIA VOX AVSA9903 SACD [52:45] [JV] A little more than 50 minutes of
great music, well suited to repeated listening.
David MATTHEWS
(b.1943) String Quartets Volume 2 - Kreutzer Qt
rec. 2010/11 TOCCATA CLASSICS TOCC0059
[61.04] [GH] The journey
through Matthews’ string quartets is well worthwhile.
Felix MENDELSSOHN
(1809-1847) Violin Concerto Johannes
BRAHMS (1833-1897) Violin Concerto - Johanna Martzy
(violin) RSO Stuttgart des SWR/Hans Müller-Kray, Günter Wand rec.
1959-1964 HÄNSSLER CLASSIC CD 94.226
[65:55] [SG] For lovers of
the art of Johanna Martzy, of which I am one, this is a valuable and
desirable release.
Giacomo
MEYERBEER (1791-1864) Ballet music from the
operas - Orquestra Simfónica de Barcelona i Nacional Catalunya/Michał
Nesterowicz rec. 2012 NAXOS 8.573076
[69:40] [DM] One or two
dull patches can’t take the shine off this engaging disc; great fun.
Carl MILLÖCKER
(1842 –1899) Der Bettelstudent Linda
Plech, Cornelia Zink, Mörbisch Festival O/Uwe Theimer rec. 2013 VL
KLASSIK VLMD020 DVD [148:00] [RW] A truly memorable evening for all present.
Eduard
MIRZOYAN (1921-2012) Cello Sonata Vache
SHARAFYAN (b.1966)
Between a dream and awakening, On Wings of Hymns -
Suren Bagratuni (cello) Deborah Moriarty (piano)
James Forger (saxophone) Marta Bagratuni (cello/voice) rec. 2013 BLUE
GRIFFIN RECORDINGS BGR 291 [54.57] [GH] One for the inquisitive minded.
Stanislaw MONIUSZKO
(1819-1872) Overtures - Warsaw PO/Antoni Wit rec. 2011 NAXOS
8.572716 [79:28] [RMay] Pleasant
enough listening but by no means essential listening.
Wolfgang
Amadeus MOZART (1756-1791) & Jacques
DUPHLY (1715-1789) Pieces for harpsichord with violin -
Violaine Cochard (harpsichord) Stéphanie-Marie Degand (violin) rec.
2010 AGOGIQUE AGO009 [63:59] [JV] This disc deserves an enthusiastic
reception.
Wolfgang
Amadeus MOZART (1756-1791) Don Giovanni
Thomas Allen, Ferruccio Furlanetto, Carolyn James, Carol Vaness,
Cologne Opera/James Conlon rec. 1991 ARTHAUS MUSIC DVD 102319
[175:00] [RF] The visual
presentation here, along with aspects of production, are a
disappointment and no advert for Michael Hampe’s renowned skills.
Wolfgang Amadeus MOZART
(1756-1791) Piano Concertos 20 & 24 - Maria
Isabella de Carli, Ezra Rachlin (piano) International Festival Youth O,
Houston SO/Leopold Stokowski rec. 1949-60 GUILD
HISTORICAL GHCD2405 [70:28] [JW] Five orchestras at Stokowski’s
command in a pleasing, if at times interpretatively uneven programme.
Wolfgang
Amadeus MOZART (1756-1791) The A-Z
of Mozart Opera - Susan Gritton (soprano) Cora Burggraaf
(mezzo) Allan Clayton (tenor) Mark Stone (baritone) Matthew Rose (bass)
O of Classical Opera/Ian Page rec. 2007 SIGNUM CLASSICS
SIGCD373 [67:47] [RMo] Pale
and polite facsimiles of Mozart singing.
Wolfgang Amadeus MOZART
(1756-1791) Symphonies 38-40 (arr. Hummel) - Uwe Grodd
(flute) Friedemann Eichhorn (violin) Martin Rummel (cello) Roland
Krüger (piano) rec. 2010 NAXOS 8.572841
[75:29] [LJ] These
Hummel’s arrangements render a certain intimacy to the Mozart
symphonies.
Wolfgang Amadeus
MOZART (1756-1791) Requiem - Joanne Lunn (soprano) Rowan
Hellier (alto) Thomas Hobbs (tenor) Matthew Brook (bass) Dunedin Consort/John
Butt rec. 2013 LINN RECORDS CKD449 SACD [61:00] [JS] An essential addition to any collection of Mozart’s choral music.
Georg
MUFFAT (1653-1704) Complete
Apparatus Musico-Organisticus - Adriano Falcioni (organ)
rec. 2013 BRILLIANT CLASSICS 94493 [53:29
+ 56:52] [HPR] Fantastically
angular, heart-wrenchingly dissonant, playfully tuneful.
Martin
MÜNCH (b. 1961) Arabesques
- Laurent Wagschal (piano)
rec. 2012/13 EDITION PROMETHEUS PMT 1036 - ACD 6147
[67:15] [RBl] Well worth
getting to know.
Modest MUSSORGSKY
(1839-1881) Sorochyntsi Fair, Night
on the Bare Mountain Alexander
BORODIN Polovtsian Dances - Latko
Koroshetz, Bogdana Stritar, Slovenian Ntl Opera Ch & O/Samo
Hubad rec. 1955 PRISTINE AUDIO PACO053
[60:46 + 54:14] Sorochinsti Fair - Hermann Kuklin, Svetlana
Zalizniak, Ch & O Ekaterinburg State Academic Opera and sBallet
Theatre of Russia/Evgeny Brazhnik.
rec. 1996
BRILLIANT CLASSICS 94865 [73:19 +
27:34] [DCh] Reasonable
alternatives for anyone not too fussed about understanding what they
are listening to.
Carl NIELSEN
(1865-1931) Symphonies 4 & 5 - Royal Stockholm
PO/Sakari Oramo
rec. 2012/13 BIS BIS-SACD-2028 [69:46]
[GPJ] A truly significant
contribution to the performance history of these works.
Johann
Martin Friedrich NISLE (1780-1873) Octet; Septet;
Quintet - Consortium Classicum rec. 2009 CPO 777 266-2
[68:50] [PB] Most
enjoyable. CPO are to be congratulated for giving music-lovers a fresh
name to pursue.
Pehr
Henrik NORDGREN (1944 – 2008)
Concerto for Clarinet, Folk Instruments and Small Orchestra; Symphony 1
- Christoffer Sundqvist (clarinet) Anna-Karin Korhonen (kantele) Ilkka
Heinonen (bowed harp) Markku Lepistö (two-row accordion) Finnish Radio
Symphony Orchestra/Juha Kangas rec. 2011 ALBA ABCD359
[62:16] [HC] Another
superb Nordgren release - excellent performances, magnificent recorded.
Reinhard OPPEL (1878-1941) Piano Music Vol. 1 - Heejung Kang (piano)
rec. 2006 TOCCATA TOCC0003 [61:29] [JW] Warm, technically adroit and deftly pointed music-making.
Carl
ORFF (1895-1982) Carmina Burana Ludwig
van BEETHOVEN (1770-1827) Leonore 3 - Berlin
Radio Ch, Berlin PO/Sir Simon Rattle rec. 2004 EUROARTS
Blu-ray 2053674 [89:00] [RF] At
last, one of the great mid-twentieth century musical compositions,
whose rhythmic vitality and sonorities have a wide appeal, gets a
welcome Blu-Ray airing.
Carl
ORFF (1895-1982) Carmina
Burana - Sarah Tynan (soprano)
Andrew Kennedy (tenor) Rodion Pogossov (baritone)
Trinity Boys Ch, London Phil Ch & O/Hans
Graf rec. 2013 LONDON PHILHARMONIC ORCHESTRA
LPO0076 [60:09] [GPJ] A
superb recording of a live concert that makes
you fervently wish you’d been there.
Nicolo
PAGANINI (1782-1840) Violin concertos 1
& 2 - Kristóf Baráti (violin) NDR Radiophil Hannover/Eiji Oue
rec. 2008 BRILLIANT CLASSICS 94803
[65:40] [RMay] Accomplished
and very enjoyable majoring on beauty and even delicacy … an
artistically integrated approach.
Andrzej
PANUFNIK
(1914-1991) Symphonic Works Vol. 7 - Michael von
Schönermark (bassoon) Sarah van der Kemp (mezzo) Konzerthaus O
Berlin, Polish Radio SO/Łukasz Borowicz rec. 2009/10 CPO
777 686-2 [67:13] [MC] One
of the finest and most
enduringly fascinating composers active in the late-twentieth century.
Bernardo PASQUINI (1637 - 1710) Sonatas for two organs -
Luca Scandali (organ) Hadrien Jourdan (organ/harpsichord) rec. 2012 BRILLIANT CLASSICS 94347 [72:10] [JV] More than 70 minutes of pure joy - don't miss it.
Dora
PEJAČEVIĆ (1885-1923) Piano Quintet, String
Quartet, Piano Quartet - Oliver Triendl (piano) Quatuor Sine Nomine
rec. 2009 CPO 777 421-2 [33:14 + 57:40]
[Byz] A composer of
radiant, passionate, supremely lyrical works - undeniably original.
Krzysztof PENDERECKI
(b. 1933) Serenade, Sinfonietta 2, Sinfonietta per
Archi, Concerto per Violoncello - Łukasz Długosz (flute) Rafał
Kwiatkowski (cello) Radom CO/Maciej Zółtowski rec. 2012 DUX
0935 [60:19] [DC] An
all-round winner.
Krzysztof
PENDERECKI (b. 1933) Symphony 8 -
Iwona Hossa (soprano) Agnieszka Rehlis (alto) Thomas E. Bauer
(baritone) Podlaise Opera Ch & Philharmonic in Bialystok,
Polish Sinfonia Iuventus O/Krzysztof Penderecki rec. 2012 DUX
0901 [49:39] [DC] Excellent,
lyrical Penderecki.
Goffredo PETRASSI
(1904–2003) Flute Concerto, Piano
Concerto, La follia di Orlando – Ballet Suite -
Mario Ancillotti (flute) Bruno Canino (piano) O Sinf di Roma/Francesco
La Vecchia rec. 2012 NAXOS 8.573073
[71:31] [HC] Another fine
Petrassi disc from La Vecchia and his Rome Orchestra.
Allan PETTERSSON
(1911-1980) Symphony 9 - Norrköping SO/Christian
Lindberg rec. 1978/2013 BIS BIS-SACD-2038
[SACD + DVD: 69.40 + 81.40] [PCG] This
CD should certainly help to establish Pettersson as a major symphonic
composer.
Francis
POULENC (1899-1963) Sept Répons de
Ténčbres, Stabat Mater - Carolyn
Sampson (soprano)
Cappella Amsterdam, Estonian National PO & Ch/Daniel Reuss
rec. 2012 HARMONIA MUNDI HMC902149
[62:12] [JQ] Splendid
performances that make the best possible case for Poulenc’s sacred
music.
Sergei
PROKOFIEV (1891-1953) Piano Concerto 3,
Symphony 5 - Denis Matsuev (piano) Mariinsky Theatre O/Valery Gergiev
rec. 2012 MARIINSKY MAR0549 SACD
[70:38] [GPJ] Fine
readings of two masterpieces of Prokofiev’s maturity.
Sergei
PROKOFIEV (1891-1953) Symphonies 3 & 7
- Bournemouth SO/Kirill Karabits rec. 2013 ONYX 4137
[65.08] [DBi] The first
of a new cycle and it sets enviable standards.
Sergei
PROKOFIEV (1891-1953) Piano Concertos 1-5
- Jean-Efflam Bavouzet (piano) BBC PO/Gianandrea Noseda
rec. 2012/13 CHANDOS CHAN 10802(2) [74:45
+ 46:52] [MC] An
indispensable set for Prokofiev admirers and all enthusiasts of 20th
century music.
Giacomo
PUCCINI (1858-1924) Turandot
Birgit Nilsson, Franco Corelli, Anna Moffo, Ch & O Metropolitan
Opera, New York/Leopold Stokowski
rec. 1961 PRISTINE PACO 071 [79:09 +
39:31] [RB] A resonant
theatre-real Turandot.
Giacomo
PUCCINI (1858-1924) La Bohčme
- Giuseppe Di Stefano (tenor) Maria Callas (soprano) Ch & O
Teatro alla Scala di Milano/Antonino Votto
rec. 1956 PRISTINE AUDIO PACO102 [52:05 +
52:17] [RMo] This runs
Karajan and Beecham very close and I would not like to be without it.
Henry PURCELL
(1659-1695) Music For A While: Improvisations
- L'Arpeggiata/Christina Pluhar rec.
2013 ERATO 2564 633750 [76:21] [Byz] Post-modern Purcell: O let me weep, forever
weep
Osmo Tapio RÄIHÄLÄ
(b. 1964) Peat, Smoke and
Seaweed Storm - Jukka Harhu (french horn)
Matilda Kärkkäinen (piano) Finnish Radio SO/Sakari Oramo, Dima
Slobodeniouk rec. 2005/12 ALBA ABCD 367 SACD
[65:10] [DC] Substantial and well worth exploring.
Jean-Philippe RAMEAU
(1683 - 1764) The Complete Harpsichord Works - Jory
Vinokour rec. 2011 SONO LUMINUS DSL 92154
[78:19 + 78:25] Pičces de Clavecin - Arthur Haas (harpsichord) PLECTRA
PL 21301 [78:18 + 74:49] [JV] There
are strong arguments in favour of both recordings.
Maurice RAVEL
(1875-1937) Tzigane; Pavane
pour une infante défunte; Le tombeau de Couperin
Claude DEBUSSY (1862-1918) Petite
Suite; Danse sacrée et danse profane - Paris
CO/Thomas Zehetmair rec. 2012 NAĎVE V5345 [65:10]
[JW] Though not without
some expressive and recording quibbles this has a personal stamp and
much is rewarding.
Ottorino RESPIGHI
(1879-1936) Impressioni brasiliane,
La Boutique fantasque - Orchestre
Philharmonique Royal de Ličge/John Neschling rec. 2013 BIS
BIS-SACD-2050 [68:55] [DM] Elegant
and engaging; Respighi performances don’t come much better than this.
Ottorino RESPIGHI
(1879-1936) Complete works for violin and piano Vol. 1 -
Emy Bernecoli (violin) Massimo Giuseppe Bianchi (piano) rec. 2012 NAXOS
8.573129 [71:45] [JWh] Good
performances.
Joseph-Guy
ROPARTZ (1864-1955) Complete Sonatas Vol. 1 -
Nicolas Dautricourt (violin) Juliette Hurel (flute) Raphaël Pidoux
(cello) François Kerdoncuff (piano) rec. 2012/2013 TIMPANI
1C1214 [70:13] [SG] Three
sonatas from a composer who deserves better recognition. Well worth
exploring.
Gioachino ROSSINI
(1792–1868) Complete Overtures Vols 1 & 4 -
Prague SO/Christian Benda rec. 2011-2012 NAXOS BD-A
NBD0028/8.572735 [1:57:46 & 55:31] [BW] Blu-ray: superior sound and, with
two CDs’ contents on one disc, good value; CD4: a very fine conclusion
to this excellent series.
Gioachino
ROSSINI (1792-1868) Complete
Overtures Vol. 4 - Prague SO/Christian Benda rec. 2011/12 NAXOS
8.572735 [55:31] Alert
and spontaneous sounding … recorded in
a very suitable acoustic [JS] An
excellent fourth volume in the Naxos Rossini
series [JWh].
Gioachino
ROSSINI (1792-1868) Le Comte Ory
- Yijie Shi (tenor) Lorenzo Regazzo (bass)
Laura Polverelli (mezzo) Roberto De Candia (baritone) Teatro Communale
di Bologna O/Paolo Carignani rec. 2009 ARTHAUS MUSIK 101
649 DVD [134:00+26:00] [JS] I
hope that the potentially very good cast here may be heard one day in a
version that allows them a real chance to display their very obvious
abilities.
Anton
RUBINSTEIN (1829-1894) Symphony 2, Feramors
- State SO Russia/Igor Golovchin rec. 1993 DELOS DRD 2010
[66:11] [SV] Golovchin
does his damnedest to make this work and he intermittently succeeds
with the orchestra playing well.
Franz
SCHUBERT (1797-1828) String Quartets -
Amadeus Qt rec. 1950-1964 AUDITE 21.428
[79:42 + 74:13] [JW] Catching
the Amadeus near its peak and the recording quality and re-mastering
are first-class.
Franz
SCHUBERT (1797-1828) Complete Symphonies -
Staatskapelle Dresden/Herbert Blomstedt
rec. 1978-81 BRILLIANT CLASSICS 94693 [4
CDs: 251:41] [AL] One of
the great Schubert cycles, now reissued at an ideal price for
collectors.
Franz SCHUBERT
(1797-1828) Winterreise - Gerald
Finley (baritone) Julius Drake (piano) rec. 2013 HYPERION
CDA68034 [74:33] [RMo] Admirers
of Finley will not be disappointed.
Franz SCHUBERT
(1797-1828) Winterreise - Jonas
Kaufmann (tenor) Helmut Deutsch (piano) rec. 2013 SONY
CLASSICAL 88883 795652 [70:16] [JQ] One of the most acclaimed of today’s voices
in Winterreise.
Franz SCHUBERT (1797-1828) Piano Sonata D960; Wandererfantasie - Barry Douglas (piano)
rec. 2013 CHANDOS CHAN 10807 [69:15] [DC] Not
quite top of the pile, but still very good.
Franz
SCHUBERT (1797-1828) Symphonies
3-5 - Swedish CO/Thomas Dausgaard rec. 2009-2011 BIS BIS-SACD-1786 [80:57] [BR] This is early Schubert
that really packs a punch.
Heinrich SCHÜTZ
(1585-1672) Psalms of David -
Dorothee Mields (soprano) Dresden Chamber Ch & Baroque
O/Hans-Christoph Rademann rec. 2012 CARUS SACD 83.255
[65:48 + 75:35] [JW] The work’s sonic amplitude and grandeur
convincingly put across.
John
SHEPPARD (c. 1515-1558) Sacred choral music -
Ch of St. Mary’s Cathedral, Edinburgh/Duncan Ferguson rec. 2013 DELPHIAN
DCD34123 [68:59] [DC] Discomforting.
Dmitri SHOSTAKOVICH
(1906-1975) Symphony 14 - Gal James (soprano) Alexander
Vinogradov (bass) Royal Liverpool PO/Vasily Petrenko rec. 2013 NAXOS
8.573132 [49:36] [JQ] One
of the best performances in Vasily Petrenko’s Shostakovich cycle to
date.
Myroslav
SKORYK (b.1938) Music for Violin and Piano -
Solomia Soroka (violin), Arthur Greene (piano)
rec. 2010 TOCCATA CLASSICS TOCC 0137
[65:42] [SA] Really
interesting music by a little known composer played by two fantastic
performers.
Charles
Villiers STANFORD (1852-1924) The Complete
Works for Violin and Piano - Alberto Bologni
(violin) Christopher Howell (piano)
rec. 2013 SHEVA SH100 [3 CDs:
219:35] [JW] We
can all be enthusiastic that this body of music has been recorded so
comprehensively, scrupulously and intelligently.
Richard STRAUSS
(1864-1949) Operatic orchestral music - Rotterdam
PO/Jeffrey Tate rec.1991/92 WARNER CLASSICS 2564 636544
[76:57] [RMo] Strauss at
his most melodic and indulgent.
Igor
STRAVINSKY (1882-1971) The Rake's
Progress Felicity Lott, Leo Goeke, Samuel Ramey, LPO/Bernard
Haitink rec. 1977 ARTHAUS MUSIK 102 314 DVD
[146:00] [JS] Potentially
a valuable addition to the available recordings of this extraordinary
work.
Alexandre
TANSMAN (1897-1986) Piano Music - Eliane
Reyes (piano) rec. 2013 NAXOS 8.573021
[74:51] [SA] I hope people
will enjoy discovering a real wealth of fine music from this modest
kindly man.
Sir
John TAVENER (1944-2013) The veil
of the Temple - Ch of the Temple Church, Holst Singers,
English CO/Stephen Layton rec. 2003 SIGNUM CLASSICS
SIGCD 367 [76.01 + 71.45] A very special musical event and a fitting
testimonial to a composer who reached out to engage directly with
listeners [PCG] A very remarkable work indeed [DC].
Sir
John TAVENER (1944-2013) Ikon of Light,
Funeral Ikos, The Lamb, Great Canon of St Andrew of Crete - Tallis
Scholars/Peter Phillips, Chilingirian String Qt rec. 1982/4 GIMELL
GIMSE404 [77:32] [JQ] A
most eloquent memorial to Sir John Tavener, superbly performed.
Pyotr
Il'yich TCHAIKOVSKY (1840-1893) The
Tempest; Piano Concerto 1 - Joyce Yang (piano) Odense
SO/Alexander Lazarev rec. 2011/2013 BRIDGE 9410
[58:10] [RMo] Fine live
performances from a supposedly provincial source.
Pyotr Ilyich TCHAIKOVSKY
(1840-1893) The sleeping beauty -
Larissa Lezhnina, Farukh Ruzimatov, Kirov Ballet & Theatre
O/Viktor Fedotov rec. 1989 ARTHAUS MUSIK DVD 100 313
[129:00] [RMay] For
anyone who puts quality of performance before that of the medium of
delivery this will give real and lasting pleasure.
Georg Philipp
TELEMANN (1681 - 1767) Harmonischer
Gottes-Dienst Vols 1 & 5 - Bergen Barokk rec.
September 2005/08 TOCCATA CLASSICS TOCC0037/0102
[66:54 & 59:41] [JV] I
am very happy with these discs which shed light on the many qualities
of this compelling collection of cantatas.
Georg Philipp TELEMANN (1681-1767) Miriways Markus Volpert, Ulrike Hofbaur, Julie Martin du Theil, L'Orfeo Barockorchester/Michi Gaigg rec. 2012 CPO 777 752-2 [73:38 + 73:03] [DC] Highly attractive High Baroque.
Georg
Philipp TELEMANN (1681-1767) Violin Sonatas - Stephan Schardt (violin) Elisabeth Wand (cello) Sonja Kemnitzer
(harpsichord) rec. 2013 MUSIKPRODUKTION DABRINGHAUS UND GRIMM
90318356 SACD [70:32] [JV] A nice disc which fills a
gap in the Telemann discography.
Giuseppe
VERDI (1813-1901) Complete Ballet Music from the
Operas - Bournemouth SO/José Serebrier rec. 2011 NAXOS BD-A
NBD0027 [115:00] [RJF] Plenty
of Verdi’s rarely heard glorious orchestral music well performed. The
extra sound formats will appeal over the CD issue.
Giuseppe
VERDI (1813-1901)
Macbeth – Simon Keenlyside (baritone) Brindley Sherratt
(bass) Latonia Moore (soprano) Op in English Ch/English Natl Op
O/Edward Gardner rec. 2013 CHANDOS CHAN 3180(2)
[80:13 + 79:23] A fitting
conclusion to the Chandos Opera In English series
supported by the Peter Moores Foundation [RJF] I will straightaway
admit to being disappointed by this set [RMo].
Giuseppe VERDI (1813-1901) Don Carlos - Josi Van Dam, Roberto Alagna, Thomas Hampson, Karita Mattila, Waltraud Meier, Orchestre de Paris/Antonio Pappano rec. 1996 WARNER CLASSICS Blu-ray 2564 634780 [211:00] [RF] The overall darkness of this production is compensated for by the presence of some Francophone singers, particularly Alagna.
Johannes VERHULST
(1816-1891) String Quartets - Utrecht String Qt rec.
2013 MUSIKPRODUKTION DABRINGHAUS UND GRIMM MDG 603 1840-2
[58:22] [JW] Verhulst’s
quartets are more than mere appendices to romantic chamber music.
Richard
WAGNER (1813-1883) Der
Fliegende Holländer Pierre-Louis DIETSCH
(1808-1865) Le Vaisseau Fantôme ou Le Maudit
des Mers Soloists, Les Musiciens du Louvre Grenoble/Marc
Minkowski rec. 2013 NAĎVE V5349 [4 CDs: 235:10]
[ST] Principally for the
historically minded.
Richard
WAGNER (1813–1883) Die Walküre
- Martha Mödl (soprano) Ferdinand Frantz (baritone) Vienna PO/Wilhelm
Furtwängler
rec. 1954 PRISTINE AUDIO PACO100 [3 CDs:
230:55] [RMo] Belongs in
the collection of any true Wagnerite, especially now sounding so
marvellous.
Richard
WAGNER (1813-1883) Rienzi
- Peter Bronder (tenor) Christiane Libor (soprano) Claudia Mahnke
(mezzo) Falk Struckmann (bass) Frankfurt Opera Ch & Museum
O/Sebastian Weigle rec. 2013 OEHMS CLASSICS OC 941
[3 CDs: 156.17] [PCG] This
‘potted’ version simply cannot compete.
Richard WAGNER
(1813-1883) Götterdämmerung - Irene
Theorin (soprano) Lance Ryan (tenor) Mikhail Petrenko (bass) Gerd
Grochowski (baritone) O & Ch Teatro La Scala/Daniel Barenboim
rec. 2013 ARTHAUS MUSIK Blu-ray 108093
[292.00] [PCG] Of the
modern productions of the Ring this is one of the
best.
Richard WAGNER (1813-1883) Excerpts from Parsifal, Das Rheingold, Die Walküre & Siegfried -
Karl Muck, Siegfried Wagner rec. 1927-8 PRISTINE AUDIO PACO 103 [77:23 + 74:20] [PCG] A distinguished collection of historical Wagner recordings.
William
WALTON (1902-1983)
Violin Sonata, Two Pieces Claude DEBUSSY (1862-1918)
Violin Sonata Maurice RAVEL (1875-1937)
Pičce en forme d’Habańera
Michael Davis (violin)
Rayson Whalley (piano)
rec. 1972 CAMEO CLASSICS CC9001CD [51:27]
[JWh] A superb recital
from Michael Davis.
Sir
William WALTON (1902-1983) Symphony 1; Violin
Concerto - Tasmin Little (violin) BBC SO/Edward Gardner rec. 2013/2014 CHANDOS
SACD CHSA5136 [76:30] [BW] Performances
that vie with the very best in both works.
Mieczysław
WEINBERG (1919-1995) Complete Violin Sonatas Vol. 2
- Yuri Kalnits (violin) Michael Csányi-Wills (piano) rec. 2013 TOCCATA
CLASSICS TOCC0026 [70:58] [WK] Kalnits
and Csányi-Wills show great commitment to Weinberg.
Mieczysław WEINBERG
(1919-1996) Symphony 12, The Golden Key
– Ballet Suite 4 - St Petersburg State SO/Vladimir Lande rec. 2012 NAXOS
8.573085 [75:40] An
incredibly deep and heartfelt tribute to Weinberg’s best friend [SA]
Lande’s disc is a must as a fine performance of the 12th in its own
right [WK].
Isidora
ŽEBELJAN (b.1967) Balkan Bolero
- Chamber Music - Borislav Čičovački (oboe, oboe d’amore, cor anglais,
oboe sopile) rec. 2012/13 OBOE CLASSICS CC2028
[65:56] [SA] An amazingly
surprising and rewarding disc that never fails to thrill and excite.
William
ZINN (b. 1924) Elie Wiesel,
String Quartet 1, Kol Nidrei Memorial - Wihan Qt NIMBUS
NI6256 [56:50] [JW] The
Wihan proves masterly ambassadors for this music.
Valentín
de ZUBIAURRE (1837-1914) Symphony, Ecos
de Oiz - Roman Jablonski (cello) Basque Natl O/Juan José
Ocón rec. 2009 CLAVES CD 50-1012
[56:40] [RB] Throw your
boinas high in the air for the completion of Claves' Basque music
series.
Claudio
Abbado at the Lucerne Festival Franz
SCHUBERT (1797-1828) Symphony 7 Ludwig
van BEETHOVEN (1770-1827) Symphony 2 Richard
WAGNER (1813-1883) Siegfried Idyll
- Vienna PO/Ch O of Europe/Claudio Abbado rec. 1978/88 AUDITE
95.627 [77:44] [JQ] A
highly desirable archive issue, documenting some of Claudio Abbado’s
work at the Lucerne Festival.
Thomas
Michael Allen (tenor) Far Away
Charles Spencer (piano) rec. 2011 CAPRICCIO C5194
[78:46] [GPJ] A
beautifully planned and executed CD by two outstanding musicians, each
a master of his art.
The American Album
Antonín DVORÁK (1841-1904) String Quartet 12
Charles Tomlinson GRIFFES (1884-1920)
Two Sketches Based on Indian Themes Kevin
PUTS (1972-) Lento assai Samuel
BARBER (1910-1981) String Quartet - Cypress String Qt
rec. 2011/12 AVIE AV2304 [64:33] [SFV] Appealing and makes this a good programme
for "listening through".
Amore
e morte dell'amore - Duets by
Monteverdi, Marcello, Lotti, Scarlatti, Durante and Handel - Roberta
Invernizzi (soprano) Sonia Prina (contralto) Ensemble Claudiana/Luca
Pianca rec. 2012 NAĎVE OP30549 [68:29] [JV] Fine music, great singing.
Maurice
André (trumpet) Baroque Trumpet Music -
Jean-François Paillard CO, L’Ensemble Orchestral de
L’Oiseau-Lyre/Pierre Colombo rec. 1957/68 REGIS RRC1405
[76:09] [JW] Value as an
introduction to a great artist’s legacy and at a very reasonable price.
Around the World
Emmanuel Pahud (flute) Christian Rivet (guitar) rec. 2013 WARNER
CLASSICS 6153992 [79:35] [MC] Something
different yet highly attractive.
Authentic Quartet
Works by Förster, Krommer, Wölfl, Albrechtsberger & Zmeskall
rec. 2003-11 HUNGAROTON HCD32332/32495/32580/32623/32705
[5 CDs: 354:07]
[Byz] Performances of
great acuity, communicative conviction and technical accuracy.
Autograph
Alexandre Tharaud (piano) rec. 2013 WARNER ERATO 9341372
[69:21] [JW] Too wilful
and inclined to point-making; rhythms often
sound unnatural; harmonies promoted to the detriment of the shape of
phrases.
Awakening 21st Century Slovenian Flute Music
- Nicole Molumby (flute) Andrea Ridilla (oboe) Blaž Pucihar (piano)
Leslie Moreau (clarinet) Janis McKay (bassoon) Jošt Drašler
(string bass) rec. 2013 MSR CLASSICS MS1448 [43:44]
[SA] Wonderful music but very short playing time.
Bach
and Contemporary Music Alexandra Sostmann (piano)
rec. 2013 TYXART TXA13036 [65:23] [RBl] An intriguing recital juxtaposing Bach and a
variety of contemporary styles.
Bolero Maurice
RAVEL (1875-1937) Pavane, Le Tombeau
de Couperin, Bolero Gabriel PIERNÉ
(1863-1937) Introduction and Variations
on a Popular Theme Thierry ESCAICH (b.1965) Le Bal, Tango Virtuoso Jean FRANÇAIX
(1912-1997) Petit Quartet - Ellipsos
Saxophone Qt rec. 2013 GENUIN GEN14543 [75:57] [BR] This
disc is pure pleasure, from Ravel’s Tombeau
to new dance works, and, yes, even Bolero.
British Composers Premiere Collection Vol. 2 Works by Blower, Gaze Cooper, Kelly & Milford
José Garcia Gutiérrez (horn); John McDonough (oboe)
Malta PO/Michael Laus
rec. 2011 CAMEO CLASSICS CC9032CD [68.14] [JS] For anyone interested in musical byways this disc is a real treasure … a valuable introduction to some unfortunately neglected composers.
Adolf
Busch The Berlin Recordings 1921-29 GUILD
HISTORICAL GHCD 2406-07 [56:16 + 65:53] [JW] An important acquisition for the
violin-fancier, commended for its comprehensiveness and its generosity.
Catch Me If You Can
John WILLIAMS (b.1932)
Escapades Michael KAMEN (1948-2003)
Saxophone concerto Mark KNOPFLER (b. 1949)
Local Hero - Amy Dickson (alto saxophone) Melbourne
SO/Benjamin Northey rec. 2012 SONY
CLASSICAL 88843 027202 [SA] This
music shows just how
brilliantly the saxophone can shine in the right setting.
Marcel Ciampi
(piano) Works by Chopin, Liszt, Grieg,
Debussy & Franck - Capet Qt, Yvonne Astruc
(violin) rec. 1928-31 FORGOTTEN RECORDS
FR797-98 [61:31 + 61:38] [JW] No
one who cares about French pianism can afford
to do without Ciampi’s small but glorious
recorded legacy.
Walter Damrosch
Christoph Willibald von GLUCK (1714-1787) Airs de Ballet
Camille SAINT-SAËNS (1835-1921)
Ballet Divertissement from Henry VIII Maurice
RAVEL (1875-1937) Ma Mčre l’oye -
National SO, New York SO rec. 1927-30 PRISTINE
AUDIO PASC 395 [71:54] [JW] A
terrific disc, played with artistry and sensitivity.
Douce France – Mélodies et
Chansons - Anne Sofie von Otter
(mezzo) rec. 2013 NAIVE V5343 [50:55 +
54:56] [ST] Von Otter's
voice is supremely well suited to this sort of repertoire.
Ebony and
Ivory Andrew Simon
(clarinet) Warren Lee (piano) rec. 2012 NAXOS 8.573022 [69:35] [LJ] Great skill and impressionable character.
Europa 2001 Concert
Joseph HAYDN (1732-1809) Symphony 94
Wolfgang Amadeus MOZART (1756-1791)
Flute Concerto 2 Hector BERLIOZ (1803-1869)
Symphonie fantastique Emmanuel Pahud
(flute) Berlin PO/Mariss Jansons rec. 2001 EUROARTS 2051444
Blu-ray [132.00] [PCG] I
rather doubt that one would want to listen to this concert more than a
few times.
Fantaisies d'opéra
Works by Liszt, Marschner, Wagner & Wieniawski - Léo Marillier
(violin) Alexandre Lory (piano) rec. 2013/14 Studio Forgotten Records,
Rennes, France FORGOTTEN RECORDS FR24M
[65:13] [SG] Violinistic
ability, musicianship and artistry single Marillier out as one of the
up-and-coming talents of the future. Watch this space.
French
Organ Music from the Golden Age Vol. 3 André RAISON
(c.1650-1719) Messe, Offerte Louis-Nicolas
CLÉRAMBAULT (1676-1749) Suites - David Ponsford (organ)
rec. 2013 NIMBUS ALLIANCE NI6268 [78:45]
[DC] Belongs on your
shelf of organ treasures.
A
German Soul Devotional Music from
17th Century Hamburg: Works by Buxtehude,
Tunder, Rosenmuller & Bach - Laia Frigolé
(soprano) Juan de la Rubia (organ) Ensemble
Méridien rec. 2012 BRILLIANT
CLASSICS 94717 [64:06] [JV] I
have mostly enjoyed these performances but the
interpreters should have been more critical
in their choice of repertoire.
Carlo Maria Giulini
-The Concerto Recordings WARNER CLASSICS 4317612
[9 CDs: 536:34] [SG] Hats
off to Warner for gathering together these recordings under one roof.
At budget price, they provide an irresistible bargain.
Glorious
Glyndebourne rec. 2002-2012 OPUS
ARTE Blu-ray OABD7138 [152.00] [MMB] I did not find this particularly
interesting though the sound and picture are of outstanding quality.
Clara Haskil et Dinu
Lipatti Works by Bach, Scarlatti,
Beethoven, Debussy & Bartók - Südwestfunks SO/Paul Sacher rec.
1948/53 TAHRA
TAH747 SACD [78:55] [SG] A
historical document and example of some extraordinary and exemplary
pianism, by two fellow Romanians.
Incandescent
Alison Smith (classical guitar) rec. 2013 Private
release ASICD02 [64:59] [PRB] If
you’ve enjoyed Smith playing live and want to take something of this
home with you then this CD will serve the purpose.
Medieval
Chant / Tallis Lamentations - Tenebrae
Consort/Nigel Short rec. 2013 BENE ARTE SIGCD901
[65.23] [GH] Beautiful
and captivating music, superbly sung - uplifting at any time of the
year.
Yehudi Menuhin
The Great Violin Concertos rec. 1950s/1960s REGIS RRC3016
[3 CDs: 221:12] [JW] If
your interest in Menuhin doesn’t run to the vast EMI box this more set
is attractively priced.
Charles
Munch: Boston Rarities Vol. 1 rec.
1950/51 PRISTINE AUDIO PASC 403 [72:07] [RMo] Will
remind Munch’s admirers of his special ability to inspire an orchestra
to play with joy and abandon.
Oblivion Paul SCHOENFIELD (b.1974) Café
Music Astor PIAZZOLLA (1921-1992) Die
vier Jahreszeiten in Buenos Aires, Oblivion Joaquin TURINA (1882-1949) Circulo - Gelius Trio
rec. 2013 THOROFON CTH2610 [63:40] [LJ] More ballroom
than tango.
OrquesTango - Binelli-Ferman Duo, Montevideo Philharmonic/Federico Garcia Vigil 4TAY CD-4039 [59:06] [JW] Combines romance and yearning,
dance and melancholy. The soloists are terrific players.
Paul
Paray - live in Detroit Gustav MAHLER (1860-1911)
Symphony 5 Ludwig van BEETHOVEN (1770-1827)
Piano Concerto 2 Felix MENDELSSOHN (1809-1847)
Violin Concerto - Glenn Gould (piano)
Arnold Steinhardt (violin)
Detroit SO
rec. 1959/60 TAHRA TAH721-22 [55:17 +
62:32] [JW] Don’t
overlook this.
Paroles de violoncelle
Works for cello by Ibert, Jolivet, Dutilleux, Chaillou, Sauget
& Honegger - Christophe Pantillon (cello) rec. 2013 GRAMOLA
99007 [69:49] [JW] A
most worthy ambassador, revealing expert stylistic awareness and no
little finesse.
Les
Vents Français Music for Wind Quintet by
Ibert, Ravel, Milhaud, Taffanel & others rec. 2011 WARNER
CLASSICS 2564 634845 [67:01 + 51:00] [MC] Chamber music admirers have no reason to
hesitate with this excellent set.
Signs, Games &
Messages Works by Bartók, Janáček
& Kurtág - Jennifer Koh (violin)
Shai Wosner (piano) rec. 2012 ÇEDILLE RECORDS CDR 90000
143 [76:15] [JW] Everything
here is played with fiery commitment.
Grigory Sokolov (piano) Works by Beethoven, Brahms, Chopin, Saint-Saens, Schumann & Tchaikovsky -
rec. 1966-88 MELODIYA MELCD1002078 [4 CDs: 251:17] [SG] Connoisseurs of consummate pianism will want this set from a pianist who has achieved cult status.
Sounds from Within
Works by Bartok, Boustany, Holt, Martin & Martinu -
Wissam Boustany (flute) Stefan Warzycki (piano)
rec. 1990 NIMBUS ALLIANCE NI 6166 [58.13]
[JW] If the programme
appeals then be assured that the performances are good.
Souvenir
Pyotr Ilyich TCHAIKOVSKY (1840-1893) Serenade, Souvenir
de Florence Carl NIELSEN (1865-1931)
Suite - Trondheim Solistene rec. 2011 2L 2L090PABD BD-A
[85:17] Flint Juventino BEPPE (b. 1973) Remote
Galaxy - Ralph Rousseau (viola da gamba) Mark van de Wiel
(clarinet) Emily Beynon (flute) Philharmonia O/Vladimir Ashkenazy rec.
2012 2L 2L100PABD BD-A [82:00] [DM] One hit, one miss; first-class
presentation though.
Strike the Viol
- Philippe Pierlot, Rainer Zipperling (viola da gamba) Giovanna Pessi
(harp) rec. 2009 FLORA 1409 [67:14] [JV]
You won't hear such excellent viol playing that often.
Tambalagumba!
Early World Music in Latin America - Ensemble Villancico/Peter Pontvik
rec. 2014 CPO 777811-2 [51.00] [GH] Lively and utterly entrancing
performances but the CD runs to less than an hour.
Terra Tremuit
Works by Byrd, Brumel, Lassus, Vaet, Créquillon & Palestrina -
Studio de Musique Ancienne de Montréal/Christopher Jackson rec. 2013 ATMA
CLASSIQUE ACD22653 [54:45] [BW]
No match for The Tallis Scholars in Brumel’s Mass but well worth having
for the other music.
Hugh
Tinney (piano) - A Portrait rec. 2012 RTÉ
LYRIC FM CD142 [74:42] [JW] A
retrospective programme and portrait.
1930s Violin Concertos Volume 1 Works by Barber, Berg, Britten, Hartmann & Stravinsky -
Gil Shaham (violin) rec. 2008-13 CANARY CLASSICS CC12 [70:59 + 54:23] [NB] For those who collect Shaham's recordings there is much to admire here.
Waltzes
Works by Schubert, Brahms & Dvořák - Dirk Joeres (piano) rec.
1993 HERITAGE HTGCD 258 [65:01] [JW] A disc for dipping and dipping can
be fun.
Other reviews
Giuseppe Verdi
by Daniel Snowman. Published 2014 The History Press [RJF]
Succinct and
well-written.
Friedelind Wagner Richard
Wagner’s rebellious granddaughter by Eva Rieger translated
by Chris Walton. Published 2013 Boydell Press
[CF] Her story makes an
uplifting read.
Light Music While You Work Vol. 5 rec. 1943-46 GUILD LIGHT MUSIC GLCD5211 [79:18] [JW] Light, often bright, frequently breezy and leavened by a swathe of light classical offerings.
Articles and Notices
Download
News 2014/4 by Albert Lam & Brian Wilson
A free online collection of articles &
recordings of the Polish composers, Górecki, Lutosławski
& Penderecki - see here
for more details
Music
for Holy Week and Easter From Outhere and other independent
labels by Brian Wilson
Decoding
John Cage by Frank Manheim
Forgotten
Artists Some Updates by Christopher Howell
Forgotten Artists: Otto
Ackermann by Christopher Howell
David Dubery: Observations
- a new recording by John France
Download
News 2014/5 by Albert Lam & Brian Wilson
David Jennings' Piano Sonata by John France
[New] Blu-ray Audio from Naxos and Euroarts by Brian Wilson
