NEW & RECENT ARTICLES

[New] Forgotten Artists: Pasquale Di Cagno by Christopher Howell

[New] An interview with Peter Sheppard Skærved by Dominy Clements

A Conversation with Carlo Rizzi by Christopher Howell: 2. Franco Ferrara, the Welsh National Opera and “La Cena delle Beffe”

Adrian Cruft's Divertimento by John France

A Conversation with Carlo Rizzi by Christopher Howell: 1. Vladimir Delman

Download News 2016/6 by Brian Wilson

Alan Bunting - An Obituary by Tony Clayden

MWI Recommends: The works of George Enescu.

NOTICES

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Publishing schedule
Monday: Other reviews (nostalgia, books, other music); Wednesday: MWI Recommends; Friday: Articles.
Live performance reviews posted daily at Seen and Heard
Jazz reviews posted weekly

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LATEST REVIEWS

Tuesday May 31st

Fritz BRUN (1878-1959) Symphony 2, Symphonischer Prolog - Moscow SO/Adriano rec. 2014 GUILD GMCD7416 [58:04] [RB] Discursive late-romantic stuff, well recorded and annotated.

RECORDING OF THE MONTH George GERSHWIN (1898-1937) Rhapsody in Blue, Piano Concerto, Variations on ‘I Got Rhythm’, Preludes - Mark Bebbington (piano) Royal PO/Leon Botstein rec. 2015 SOMM SOMMCD260-2 [67.47 + 17.30] [IL] A fresh, breezy penetrating look at three Gershwin works for piano and orchestra.

Aram Il’yich KHACHATURIAN (1903-1978) Symphony 2, Lermontov Suite - Russian PO/Dimitri Yablonsky rec. 2006 NAXOS 8.570436 [62.39] [MW] A fine recording of an interesting, if not essential, symphony.

Magnus LINDBERG (b. 1958) Al largo, Cello Concerto 2, Era - Anssi Karttunen (cello) Finnish RSO/Hannu Lintu rec. 2015 ONDINE ODE1281-5 SACD [66:28] [HC] Another superb all-Lindberg release from Ondine.

Max REGER (1873-1916) Complete Music for Clarinet & Piano - Claudio Conti (clarinet) Roberta Bambace (piano) rec. 2015 BRILLIANT CLASSICS 95258 [69:30] [SSi] A good disc offering some wonderful music; sadly marred by an overly bright piano sound.

Philipp SCHARWENKA (1847-1917) Violin Sonatas, Suite - Natalia Prishepenko (violin) Oliver Triendl (piano) rec. 2015 TYXART TXA16075 [65:50] [BSt] Another engaging and approachable composer whose music is served extremely well on this disc.

Decades A Century of Song: Vol. 1: 1810-1820 - Michael Schade (tenor) Lorna Anderson, Sylvia Schwartz (sopranos) Ann Murray (mezzo) Florian Boesch (bass) Malcolm Martineau (piano) rec. 2014/15 VIVAT 112 [78:33] [JQ] The first excellent release in what is likely to be an important and rewarding series.

De souffles et de machines Works by Tremblay, Rabelo, Hamel & Edwards - Quasar Saxophone Qt rec. 2015 COLLECTION QB CQB1618 [61:59] [DC] Intriguing new works for saxophones and electronics.

The String Quartet in Sweden A Cavalcade of Its History rec. 1916-1964 CAPRICE CAP21506 [5 CDs: 370:06] [JW] A perfect route to chart the history of the Swedish string quartet on disc between the 1930s and early 60s.

Monday May 30th

Carl Philipp Emmanuel BACH (1714-1788) Cello Concertos - Julian Steckel (cello) Stuttgart CO/Susanne von Gutzeit rec. 2015 HÄNSSLER CLASSIC HC15045 [60:46] [RK] Lively performances, full of drama, more genial than disturbed.

Elena FIRSOVA (b.1950) A Triple Portrait - Chamber Music - Marsyas Trio MERIDIAN CDE84635 [72:00] [SA] As an introduction to the music of this fascinating composer this disc is a splendid offering.

George GERSHWIN (1898-1937) A Crush on You - Mary Carewe (singer) Swonderful O/Philip Mayers rec. 2015 COVIELLO CLASSICS COV91606 [62.07] [IL] An unusual and often different view on 15 Gershwin classics. Try it.

Xia GUAN (b. 1957) Symphony 2, Earth Requiem, Sorrowful Dawn – Nuremberg SO/En Shao rec. 2014 NAXOS 8.570618 [71.42] [MW] Pleasant background music, but no more.

Carlo Antonio MARINO (1670-1735) Concertos & sonatas - Stefano Montanari, Cesare Zanetti (violin) Ens Barocco Carlo Antonio Marino/Natale Arnoldi TACTUS TC671302 [53:12] [JV] Not the most convincing argument for this forgotten master.

Louis THIRION (1879-1966) Piano Trio, String Quartet - Laurent Wagschal (piano), Solenne Païdassi (violin), Sébastien van Kuijk (cello) Quatuor Stanislas rec. 2015 TIMPANI 1C1237 [51:36] [DJB] A truly unsung composer gets his moment in the sun, and very deserved it is.

Bushes and Briars Folk Songs for Choirs Books 1 and 2 - St. Charles Singers/Jeffrey Hunt rec. 2015 MSR CLASSICS MS1606 [69.55] [GH] This CD must have been good fun to record and is rare if not unique.

Contemporary Danish Piano Music Carl Petersson (piano) rec. 2014/15 GRAND PIANO GP717 [66:19] [SSi] Very approachable and rewarding. A must for the follower of Danish music.

Friday May 27th

Johann Wilhelm HÄSSLER (1747-1822) Piano works - Anthony Spiri (piano) rec. 2004/11 OEHMS CLASSICS OC444 [51:32] [PRB] It’s always good to get to know more of the work of the multitude of so-called lesser composers.

Aram Il’yich KHACHATURIAN (1903-1978) Symphony 2, Lermontov Suite - Russian PO/Dmitry Yablonsky rec. 2006 NAXOS 8.570436 [62:39] [RW] A recording to rival the competing versions.

Krzystof PENDERECKI (b. 1933) Violin Concerto 1, Viola Concerto - Konstanty Andrzej Kulka (violin) Robert Kabara (viola) Polish Sinfonia Iuventus O/Maciej Tworek, Krzysztof Penderecki ,rec. 2014 DUX 1185 [63:22] [JW] This brace of performances shows how integrated the concertos have now become into the mainstream musical soil of our time.

RECORDING OF THE MONTH Giuseppe TARTINI (1692-1770) Cantabile e suonabile - David Plantier (violin) Annabelle Luis (cello) rec. 2014 AGOGIQUE AGO020 [68:15] [JV] If you love violin music, don't miss this.

Giuseppe VERDI (1813-1901) Un ballo in maschera - Luciano Pavarotti (tenor) Piero Cappuccilli (baritone) Gabriele Lechner (soprano) Ch & O Vienna State Opera/Claudio Abbado rec. 1986 ORFEO C907162I [60:14 + 72:21] [RMo] Only recommendable if you particularly want to hear “Lucky Luciano” in top form singing a favourite role.

William WORDSWORTH (1908-1988) Symphonies 1 & 5, Conflict - BBC Scottish SO/James Loughran, Stewart Robertson rec. 1968-79 LYRITA REAM1121 [73:06] [SG] Valuable historical documents of an underrated composer.

Singers on Bridge Records Leontyne Price (soprano) Samuel Barber (piano) rec. 1938/53 BRIDGE 9156 [79:43] Benita Valente (soprano) Vols 1 & 2 rec. 1969-89 BRIDGE 9316/9451 [69:01 & 62:06] Dorothy Maynor (soprano) rec. 1940 BRIDGE 9233 [67:44] Jan DeGaetani (mezzo soprano) rec. 1982 BRIDGE 9006 [42:33] [JW] Fine performances all.

Thursday May 26th

Ludwig van BEETHOVEN (1770-1827) The Nine Symphonies - Berlin PO/Sir Simon Rattle rec. 2015 BERLINER PHILHARMONIKER RECORDINGS BPHR 160091 [5 CDs + 3 Blu-rays] [JQ] Rattle and the Berliner Philharmoniker in Beethoven: a formidable achievement.

Alban BERG (1885-1935) Violin Concerto Joseph JOACHIM (1831-1907) Hebrew Melodies Robert FUCHS (1847-1927) Fantasy pieces Ludwig van BEETHOVEN (1770-1827) Romance 2 - Pinchas Zukerman (violin, viola) Marc Neikrug (piano) London PO/Zubin Mehta rec. 1992/95 BIDDULPH 80251-2 [35:54 + 53:05] [SG] Long overdue, these compelling and captivating recordings are making a welcome belated appearance.

Aldo CLEMENTI (1925-2011) Momento - Bozzini Qt rec. 2014 COLLECTION QB CQB1615 [67:27] [DC] An inspiring release.

Victor HERBERT (1859-1924) Cello Concertos 1 & 2, Irish Rhapsody - Mark Kosower (cello) Ulster O/JoAnn Falletta rec. 2015 NAXOS 8.573517 [64:00] [BSt] Concertos that should be better known, and very acceptable indeed at budget price.

Jacques-Martin HOTTETERRE (1674-1763) Complete Chamber Music Vol. 2 - Camerata Köln rec. 2011-13 CPO 777 867-2 [75:15] [JV] An hour of high-class entertainment.

Ludwig MINKUS (1826-1917) Don Quixote - Ballet & O Teatro Alla Scala/Alexander Titov rec. 2014 C MAJOR Blu-ray 735804 [120:00] [RMay] A disappointment. Serious drawbacks in the performance and the way it was filmed.

Camille SAINT-SAËNS (1835-1921) Cello Concerto 1 Frank MARTIN (1890-1974) Ballade Édouard LALO (1823-1892) Cello Concerto - Wen-Sinn Yang (cello) Gießen PO/Michael Hofstetter rec. 2014/15 OEHMS CLASSICS OC1838 [61:36] [DHu] Live performances, more energetic than refined, but it’s good to see Frank Martin being programmed.

Dmitri SHOSTAKOVICH (1906-1975) Violin Sonatas & Rare Chamber Works - Sasha Rozhdestvensky (violin) Jeremy Menuhin, Mookie Menuhin (piano) Ilona Domnich (soprano) Alexandra Sherman (mezzo) rec. 2015 FIRST HAND RECORDS FHR37 [69:46] [RK] An unconventional but alluring set of major and minor Shostakovich works, played with elan.

Marie-Astrid Hulot (violin) Works by Bach, Locatelli, Paganini & Tanguy - rec. 2015 FORGOTTEN RECORDS FR34H [57:50] [JW] This is a pleasing souvenir of a youthful talent.

RECORDING OF THE MONTH Nocturnal Variations Songs by Schubert, Mahler, Berg & Britten - Ruby Hughes (soprano) Joseph Middleton (piano) rec. 2014 CHAMPS HILL RECORDS CHRCD098 [59:49] [GPJ] A truly outstanding disc from this talented young duo.

Wednesday May 25th

Johann Sebastian BACH (1685-1750) Matthäus-Passion - Stuttgart Baroque O & Chamber Ch/Frieder Bernius rec. 2015 CARUS 83.286 [3 SACDs: 164:28] [SSi] Some of the finest singing I have ever heard in this wonderful work.

RECORDING OF THE MONTH Anton BRUCKNER (1824–1896) Psalm 146, Mass 3, Organ works - Munich Phil Ch, Phil Festiva Ebrach/Gerd Schaller (organ) rec. 2015 PROFIL PH16034 [2 CDs: 116:48] [JPr] This set is unique in presenting Psalm 146 and is thus self-recommending.

Charles IVES (1874-1954) Piano Sonata 2 - Tzimon Barto (piano) Christiane Palmen (flute) Jaques Mayencourt (viola) rec. 2015 CAPRICCIO C5268 [56:00] [SB] Barto has a lovely tone and touch but is outclassed by Aimard and Hamelin.

Teodorico PEDRINI (1671-1746) Complete Violin Sonatas - Nancy Wilson (violin) Joyce Lindorff (harpsichord) rec. 2006-2012 PALADINO MUSIC PMR0057 [55:02 + 57:27] [JV] A release of major importance; both artists deliver fine performances.

Jean SIBELIUS (1865-1957) Violin Concerto Johannes BRAHMS (1833-1897) Violin Sonata 2 Henryk WIENIAWSKI (1835-1880) Polonaise brillante, Souvenir de Moscou - Arnold Eidus (violin), Eileen Flissler (piano), Vienna Orch Soc O/Frederick Hummel Leopold Mittmann rec. 1952 FORGOTTEN RECORDS FR1121 [77:44] [SG] I’m pleased to have made Eidus’ acquaintance.

RECORDING OF THE MONTH Bedřich SMETANA (1824-1884) Czech Dances Books 1 & 2, On the seashore – Garrick Ohlsson (piano) rec. 2015 HYPERION CDA68062 [62:13] [DM] Lesser-known Smetana played with all the ardour and advocacy it needs; the sound is class-leading, too.

British Violin Sonatas Vol. 2 Works by Bliss, Bridge, Ireland & Vaughan Willliams - Tasmin Little (violin) Piers Lane (piano) rec. 2015 CHANDOS CHAN10899 [66:05] [JW] A classy disc.

Ghirlanda Sacra Early 17th-Century Music in Naples - Roberta Invernezzi (soprano) Collegium Gregorianum della Pietrasanta, I Turchini/Antonio Florio rec. 1993 GLOSSA CABINET GCDC80019 [69:29] [GPu] Both highly enjoyable and valuable for the light it throws on a still relatively neglected area of early baroque music.

Homilia Works by Comté, Gismonti, Gubitsch, Le Cam & Piazzolla - Manu Comté (bandoneon) B’Strings Quintet, Tomás Gubitsch (electric guitar) rec. 2015 AVANTICLASSIC 1046-2 SACD [62:55] [DC] Deeply expressive nuevo tango.

Orchestral Transcriptions of Leopold Stokowski BBC PO/Matthias Bamert rec. 1993-2004 CHANDOS CHAN10900 [80:19] Stokowski Transcriptions Bournemouth SO/José Serebrier rec. 2004-08 NAXOS 8.578305 [61:28] [ST] Listening to these discs in such close succession reminded me of just how much fun these transcriptions are.