NEW and RECENT ARTICLES

MusicWeb Recordings of the Year 2006

Result of the MusicWeb Christmas Challenge

Two new complete books on-line
Cannons and Flowers - the memoirs of Georges Cziffra
The Music goes Round and Around by Basil Tschaikov

Index to Vaughan Williams reviews on MusicWeb

Orchestra pages update - Europe page now available and other pages substantially expanded

Irvine Arditti interviewed by Anne Ozorio

Marion Scott and the Society of Women Musicians by Pamela Blevins

Julius Harrison & Bredon Hill by John France

Towers of Babel? - Arthur Butterworth writes

MusicWeb Reviewer's Log: January 2007 Reviewer: Patrick C Waller

MusicWeb Reviewer's Log: January 2007 Reviewer: Robert Hugill

Giuseppe VERDI (1813-1901) A conspectus of his life and a review of the audio and video recordings of his works by Robert Farr. PART 3: Verdi's middle period: The eight operas from Stiffelio (1850) to Un ballo in Maschera (1859)

Great Recordings of the Century - review link pages revised and updated

 

Maggie Cotton, former percussionist with the City of Birmingham Symphony Orchestra for 40 years, give the inside picture of what it is like working in an International Symphony Orchestra More details and ordering [now with specimen page] £9.99 plus postage: £10.50 UK, £11.50 World-wide.

I cannot recommend this book highly enough, it should be required reading for EVERY music student aspiring to become an orchestral musician; even if, hoping to remain above the common herd, so to speak, they only want to become a conductor! Not just music students though: concert-goers, music-lovers everywhere, this is THE book for you! - Arthur Butterworth

Reviews by Rob Barnett, Paul Serotsky and Arthur Butterworth

 

BOOK REVIEWS

THE CORRESPONDENCE OF ALAN BUSH AND JOHN IRELAND (1927-1961) compiled and edited by Rachel O'Higgins ISBN- 13: 978-0-7546-4044-8 ISBN- 10: 0-7546-4044-2 ASHGATE 2006 £60 [CSS]

The book is an obligatory volume for the shelves of all interested in British music in the 20^th century... see review

Edvard Grieg in England Dr Lionel Carley The Boydell Press ISBN 1 84383 2070 Hardback 488 pages £45 [CSS]

A meticulously researched contribution to musical history and should be on the shelves of all music-lovers. ... see Full Review

A Musician's Alphabet by Susan Tomes 2006, Faber & Faber, 149 pp, hardcover ISBN 0-571-22883-6 [DJB]

Susan Tomes' writing is conversational in the best sense of the word, considered and personal. An ideal book to read one section at a time, as a brief escape from a busy life. ... see Full Review

Enclosure 3: Harry Partch Produced, compiled, designed and edited by Philip Blackburn Pages: 524, Format: A4 Landscape, Weight: 2.21 Kg. Hardback Publisher: American Composers Forum., ISBN: 0-9656569-0-X Innova 402 First published 1997, second printing 2005 [PSe]

An unequivocally magnificent achievement, the jewel in the crown of the entire series of seven Enclosures. A "must have" for anyone with an abiding interest in musical "alternative universes". ... see Full Review

A Shostakovich Casebook Edited by Malcolm Hamrick Brown [PSh]

At last a book that does what Volkov didn't do - Volkov really doesn't come out so badly after all. ... see Full Review

Szymanowski on Music: Selected Writings of Karol Szymanowski. Edited and translated by Alistair Wightman. Pub.: Toccata Press, London, 1999. ISBN 0907689 38 8. 390pp. Hardback £35.00 RRP

Absorbing, enlightening about its author and intellectually rewarding this book is unreservedly recommended for those wanting to know more of this fascinating man and his world view. ... see Full Review

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CD WALLETS Get rid of those bulky plastic cases and store CDs and booklets in thin plastic wallets. "orange-peel" translucent 70 micron PVC, 70 mm x 70mm with tuck-in flap £5 £3 per 100 wallets plus P&P New improved non-slippery wallets

ONYX4018 DEBUSSY PIANO MUSIC II PASCAL ROGÉ
ONYX4017 STRAVINSKY Apollo Concerto in D for Strings PROKOFIEV Visions Fugitives for piano arr. for stings (Barshai) MOSCOW SOLOISTS YURI BASHMET

Anthony Collins Sibelius Cycle - see review

Catalogue	Concert Artist JOYCE HATTO plays MOZART The Piano Sonatas 5CD box (5for3) £37.50 German booklet available on request Purchase review JOYCE HATTO plays MESSIAEN Vingt Regards sur l'Enfant-Jésus A 2CD set £25 postage paid world wide. review JOYCE HATTO plays DUKAS Piano Sonata etc. £12.50 postage paid world wide. review JOYCE HATTO plays GRANADOS Goyescas- Danzas espanolas Op37 - No 2. No.5; No 10 'Danza Triste'. El Pedele. Escenas romanticas £12.50 postage paid world wide. purchase JOYCE HATTO plays the Complete RAVEL Piano Music purchase review
Arkivmusic has over 2000 ArkivCDs which are digital remakes of out-of-print CDs available nowhere else. link

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MusicWeb Recordings of the Year 2006

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Result of the MusicWeb Christmas Challenge

Wednesday January 31st

Johannes BRAHMS (1833-1897) Piano Concerto No. 2 in B flat major, Op. 83 (1881) [46:48] César FRANCK (1822-1890) Les Djinns (1844) [11:59] Franz LISZT (1811-1886) Concerto Pathétique in E minor (1886) [20:49] Joshua Pierce (piano); Bohuslav Martinů Philharmonic Orchestra/Kirk Trevor. rec. 28-29 May, 10-11 December 1999, Concert Hall of BMF/Zlin, Czech Republic. MSR CLASSICS MS1148 [79.37] [WH]

Does not totally succeed in power, endurance, tenderness, playfulness as listening to alternative readings demonstrates only too well. ... see Full Review

François GLORIEUX (b. 1932) Complete Works for Piano and Orchestra Manhattan for piano and large orchestra [21:25] * Divertimento for piano and strings [16:53] ** Mouvements for piano, percussion, and brass [19:15] * * Francois Glorieux (piano) Munich Radio Orchestra/Kurt Eichhorn ** Tobias Koch (piano) Kiev Chamber Orchestra/François Glorieux rec. 4 October 1974 (Manhattan), May 1994 (Divertimento), 16 April 1971 (Mouvements) TALENT RECORDS DOM 2910 504 [58:12] [DB]

A greatly enjoyable disc, if a touch overmuch at times. ... see Full Review

Percy GRAINGER (1882-1961) The Warriors The Warriors (Music to an Imaginary Ballet) (1913-16) [17:55] Irish Tune from County Derry (1902) [5:26] Danish Folk-Music Suite (1928, rev. 1941) [18:56]: (a) The Power of Love [3:32]; b) Lord Peter's Stable Boy [2:49]; c) The Nightingale and the Two Sisters [4:40]; d) Jutish Medley [7:49]) Hill Song No.1 (1901-02, rev. 1923)* [13:10] Beautiful Fresh Flower (1935) (arr. Peter Sculthorpe)* [2:34] Colleen Dhas (1904)* [3:05] Hill-Song No.2 (1907)* [4:47] Glen Riddle, Ben Martin, Denise Harvey (pianos in The Warriors) Claire Clements (piano in Danish Folk-Music Suite) Melbourne Symphony Orchestra/Geoffrey Simon rec. 22-28 February 1989, Town Hall, South Melbourne, Australia. DDD * World premiere recordings CALA RECORDS SUPER AUDIO CD CACDS4033 [66:46] [MC]

High excitement, earthy vitality and superbly recorded sound. This spirited account of The Warriors is the one to have. .. see Full Review

Bruno MADERNA (1920-1973) Concerto for Oboe and Chamber Ensemble No.1 (1962) [19:27] Concerto for Oboe and Orchestra No.2 (1967) [19:33] Concerto for Oboe and Orchestra No.3 (1973) [16:53] Fabian Menzel (oboe) Rundfunk-Sinfonieorchester Saarbrücken/Michel Stern rec. Funkhaus auf dem Halberg, Saarbrücken - Großer Sendesaal, live; 20 September 1996 (Concerto No.1), 24 September 1996 (Concerto No.2), Live; 15 May 1994 (Concerto No.3) COL LEGNO WWE 20037 [55:54] [DC]

Col Legno are to be applauded for bringing these radio recordings to a greater public, with a set of concertos very much representative of one of the grand masters of the last century. ... see Full Review

Eddie MCGUIRE (b. 1948) Music for flute, Guitar and Piano Harbour of Harmonies (2000) [8:08] Fountain of Tears (1992) [6:06] Prelude 13 (1994) [5:21] Dark Cloud (1991) [12:40] Caprice (1999) [2:16] Celtic Knotwork (1990) [4:36] Resistance Movement (2006) [5:30] Amazonia (1987) [10:19] Dancing Memories (2001) [5:30] Twelve White-Note Pieces (1971) [12:54] Nancy Ruffer (flute, piccolo) Abigail James (guitar) Dominic Saunders (piano) rec. 19-20 June 2005, Reid Concert Hall, University of Edinburgh DELPHIAN DCD34029 [73:22] [DC]

This recording should bring Eddie McGuire's work to a wider public - this is surely what it deserves. ... see Full Review

George PERLE (b. 1915) A Retrospective CD 1 Nine Bagatelles (1999) [7:51] Horacio Gutiérrez (piano) Three Inventions for Solo Bassoon (1962) [5:14] Steven Dibner (bassoon) Adagietto con affetto from Chansons Cachées (1997) [1:58] Shirley Perle (piano) Two French Christmas Carols (arr. 1958) [4:27] The New York Virtuoso Singers/Harold Rosenbaum Triptych for Solo Violin and Piano (2002) [9:28] Curtis Macomber (violin); Christopher Oldfather (piano) Brief Encounters (String Quartet No. 9) (1998) [27:14] DePaul String Quartet Concerto No. 2 for Piano and Orchestra (1992) [19:27] Michael Boriskin (piano) Utah Symphony/Joseph Silverstein CD 2 Serenade No. 3 for Piano and Chamber Orchestra (1983) [19:49] Richard Goode (piano) Music Today Ensemble/Gerard Schwarz Solo Partita for Violin and Viola (1965) [12:53] Curtis Macomber (violin and viola) Six Celebratory Inventions (1981-95) [8:40] Molly Morkoski (piano) Bassoonmusic (2004) [5:47] Steven Dibner (bassoon) Quintet for Strings (1957-58) [28:55] Chicago String Quartet; Baird Dodge (viola) rec. 2005, American Academy and Institute of Arts and Letters; Piano Concerto No. 2: 7 February 1993, Maurice Abravanel Hall, Salt Lake City, Utah; Serenade No. 3, 15 November 1983, Rutgers Church, NYC. USA. DDD BRIDGE 9214A/B [76:58 + 76:45][RB]

Accessible and communicative dissonant music. A generous conspectus of Perle's work ... see Full Review

Richard STRAUSS (1864-1949) Horn Concerto No. 1 in E flat major, Op. 11 (1883) [15:31] Horn Concerto No. 2 in E flat major (1942) [19:12] Franz STRAUSS (1822-1905) Horn Concerto in C minor, Op. 8 (1865) [13:12] Wolfgang Amadeus MOZART (1756-1791) Horn Concerto No. 3 in E flat major, K417 (1786) [13:34] Zdenek Tylsar (horn) Prague Symphony Orchestra/Jiri Bélohlavek (Richard Strauss) Czech Philharmonic Orchestra/Vaclav Neumann (Franz Strauss, Mozart) rec. 22-26 September 1979, Smetana Hall Prague (Richard Strauss), 15 November 1985 (Franz Strauss), 22 February 1976 (Mozart), Rudolfinum, Prague. ADD SUPRAPHON SU 3892-2 [61:58] [TB]

Zdenek Tylsar is on sparkling form, as the natural characteristics of the horn are exploited: the ceremonial, fanfare-like qualities, the soft cantabile and silky legato. ... see Full Review

Creative Mix Dan WELCHER (b.1948) Kiva from Spirit Realms (1996) [4:51] Lynn GLASSOCK (b.1946) Three Days in May (2001) [14:52] Dana WILSON (b.1946) Pu Em Remu (From The Tears) (1997) [8:57] Burt FENNER (b.1929) Music for flute and drums (1997) [13:06] Wolfgang HOFMANN (b.1922) Sonata piccolo for flute and multiple percussion (1975) [8:05] Peter TANNER (b.1936) Diversions for flute and marimba (1958) [9:22] The Armstrong Flute and Percussion Duo (Eleanor Duncan Armstrong (flutes); Dan C. Armstrong (percussion)) rec. Eisenhower Auditorium, Penn State Campus, 2002 (Glassock and Fenner); Esber Recital Hall, Penn State School of Music March 2003 (remainder) GASPARO GSCD 364 [59:40] [JW]

The versatile performers bring effusive life to these demanding works. ... see Full Review

Eileen Monger: The Lilting Banshee: Traditional Airs & Dances for Celtic Harp TRADITIONAL King of the Fairies/The Lilting Banshee [4:19] Poll Ha penny/Pains of boyle/Cnoc na gClarach Slides [4:46] O South Wind/Great High Wind [4:50] The Wild Geese [4:13] Bonny Portmore [2:07] The Morning Dew/The Ivy Leaf [2:34] TRADITIONAL and Rory Dall O'CATHAIN Limerick's Lamentation/Give Me Your Hand [3:42] TRADITIONAL The Drunken Sailor [2:24] Neil GOW and Dougie MACLEAN Neil Gow's Lament for the Death of his Second Wife/Farewell to Craigie Dhu [4:37] TRADITIONAL Kerry Polkas [3:00] Fingal's Cave [3:03] Morris Tunes: Orange in Bloom (Sherborne)/Step Back (Field Town)/Idbury Hill (Bledington) [3:54] Howard JONES (b. 1955) Hide and Seek [4:21] Eileen Monger (Celtic harp) Mike Billinge (bodhran) Jenny McLeod (Uilleann pipes and whistles) George Monger (hammer dulcimer) rec. The Meeting House, Frenchay, Bristol, UK, dates undisclosed. DDD SAYDISC CD-SDL 348 [47:56] [PG]

Well recorded and enjoyably performed tracks. A solid collection of performances, worth the time of any fans of folk harp or Celtic music ... see Full Review

BARGAIN OF THE MONTH New England Legacy Quincy PORTER (1897-1966) Violin Sonata No.2 (1929) [16:10] Four Pieces for violin and piano (1947) [12:51] Walter PISTON (1894-1976) Violin Sonata (1939) [17:22] Amy BEACH (1867-1944) Three Compositions Op.40 (1898): La Captiva [3:25]; Berceuse [3:02]; Mazurka [3:06] Joel Pitchon (violin) Jonathan Bass (piano) rec. Sweeney Concert Hall, Sage Hall, Smith College, Northampton MA, undated GASPARO GSCD 367 [56:18] [JW]

An enjoyable recital. Greater tonal variety and tensile strength would have brought greater results ... see Full Review

 

Tuesday January 30th

Christoph BERNHARD (1628-1693) Geistliche Harmonien Wohl dem, der den Herren fürchtet [05:18] Herzlich lieb hab' ich dich, o Herr [04:27] Ich sahe an alles Thun [11:47] Anima sterilis quid agis [04:37] Heute ist Christus von den Toten auferstanden [03:37] Wahrlich, wahrlich, ich sage Euch [04:39] Herr, wer wird wohnen in Deiner Hütten [03:11] Reminiscere miserationum tuarum, Domine [06:41] Unser keiner lebet ihm selber [03:13] Ach, mein herzliebes Jesulein [03:47] Aus der Tiefe ruf' ich, Herr, zu dir [05:56] Da pacem Domine [03:20] Soloists of the Rheinische Kantorei and Das Kleine Konzert (Veronika Winter, Nele Gramß, (soprano); Hennig Voss, (alto); Henning Kaiser, (tenor); Ekkehard Abele, (bass); Ulla Bundies, Anne Röhrig, (violin); Anette Sichelschmidt, Gabrielle Kancachian, (viola); Hartwig Groth, (violone); Michael Dücker, (lute, chitarrone); Joachim Held, (chitarrone, guitar); Bernward Lohr, (harpsichord); Christoph Lehman, (organ))/Hermann Max rec. January 2004, Studio, Deutschlandfunk, Cologne, Germany. DDD CPO 777 046-2 [61:24][JV]

This disc shows Bernhard is much more than a theorist - it offers some of the best music of the German 17th century in excellent performances by an ensemble of experts ... see Full Review

Marcus BLUNT (b.1947) Aspirations - piano music The Life Force [Sonata No.3] (1988 revised 1994) [6:59] Seven Preludes (1967-69) Passacaglia [2:20] Theme [1:14] Variation (Jiglet) [0:28] Homage to Scarlatti [2:41] Homage to Scriabin [2:17] Homage to Scriabin II [1:13] Adieu! [0:38] Iona Prelude (1982) [3:05] Iona Caprice (1982) [0:40] Sonata No.2 (1977 revised 1998) [12:36] Three Nocturnes Malta Nocturne (1987) [1:42] November Nocturne (1993) [1:42] Nocturne on the name Frank BayFoRD (2001) [2:21] Sonata No.1 (1971-72 revised 1997) [11:28] Prelude on a fugue theme by J S Bach (From the Well Tempered Clavier Book II - No.5 in D major) [1:40] Three Fantasies Fantasy on SCRiABin (1992 revised 2001/03) [6:19] Fantasy on the name GABRiEL FAURé (2001) [2:52] Fantasy on the name MURRAy MCLaCHLan (2006) [3:05] Murray McLachlan (piano) rec. Whiteley's Hall, Chetham's School of Music, Manchester, May 2006 DUNELM RECORDS DRD 0269 [65:21][JW]

Most enjoyable, attractively recorded, played with typical sensitivity by a pianist fully in sympathy with the music's demands and nature-mystic moments. ... see Full Review

Francesco CAVALLI (1602-1676) Gli amori d'Apollo e di Dafne (1640) [144.48] Apollo/Titone - Mario Zeffiri (tenor) Dafne - Marianna Pizzolato (mezzo) Aurora/Vener/Itaton - Marisa Martins (mezzo) Cefalo/Pan - Agustin Prunell-Friend (tenor) Filena/Procri 1^st Musa - Assumpta Mateu (soprano) Alfesibeo/Peneo/Sonno/2^nd Pastore - Carlo Lepore (bass) Cirilla/Morfeo/1^st Pastore - Jose Ferrero (tenor) Amore - Soledad Cardoso(soprano) Giove/Panto - Ugo Guagliardo (bass) 2^nd Musa/1^st Ninfa - Fabiola Masino (soprano) 3^rd Musa/2^nd Ninfa - Luisa Maesso (mezzo) Orquesta Joven de la Sinfonica de Galicia/Alberto Zedda rec. May 2004, Teatro Rosalia Castro, La Coruña, Spain. DDD NAXOS 8.660187-88 [74.37 + 70.11][RH]

A welcome opportunity to hear one of Cavalli's earliest operas but don't listen if you dislike the idea of Cavalli filtered through 19^th century sensibility. ... see Full Review

Simon MAYR (1763-1845) L'Armonia - dramatic cantata for soloists, chorus and orchestra (1825) [44:06]; Cantata sopra la morte di Beethoven per soli, coro ed orchestra (Cantata for the Death of Beethoven for soloists, chorus and orchestra) (1827) [15:24] Talia Or (soprano); Altin Piriù (tenor); Nikolay Borchev (bass); Simon Mayr Choir Ingolstadt Georgian Chamber Orchestra/Franz Hauk rec. Asamkirche Maria de Victoria, Ingolstadt, 15-18 September 2005 NAXOS 8.557958 [59:30][GF]

Entertaining and attractive music by a forgotten master, well performed and with three excellent young singers showing their ability ... see Full Review

Jacques OFFENBACH (1819-1880) Romantique Orphée aux enfers (Orpheus in the Underworld) - Overture (1874) [8:47] Concerto militaire - grand concerto for violoncello and orchestra (Allegro maestoso; Andante; Allegretto. cadenza: Jérôme Pernoo) (1847) [43:10] Les Fées du Rhin (The Rhine Nixies) (Overture; Ballet; Grande Valse) (1864) [14:51] Ballet des Flocons de neige (Ballet of the Snowflakes) from Le Voyage dans la Lune (The Voyage to the Moon) (Introduction, Moderato - Vivo; The Blue Swallows, Scherzando; The Snowman, Allegro moderato; Animated Snowflakes, Andante; Polka, Allegro; Mazurka, Allegro non troppo; Variations, Maestoso; Galop final, Allegro vivo) (1875) [11:01] Jérôme Pernoo (cello) Les Musiciens du Louvre, Grenoble/Marc Minkowski rec. La Maison de la Culture, Grenoble, France, January 2006 ARCHIV 00289 477 6403 [78:24][RW]

This delightful collection of Offenbach works is interesting because it includes some lesser-known material ... see Full Review

Heitor VILLA-LOBOS (1887-1959) Symphony No 2 Ascenção (1917) [51:08] ((i) Allegro non troppo [17:55]; (ii) Allegretto scherzando [8:53]; (iii) Andante moderato [10:43]; (iv) Allegro [13:37]) New York Skyline Melody (1939) [2:51] Radio-Sinfonieorchester Stuttgart des SWR/Carl St.Clair rec. Stadthalle, Sindelfingen, 16-19 February 1998 (Symphony), 17-18 April 2000. DDD CPO 999 785-2 [54:08][PCW]

Not a symphonist on the same axis as Mahler and Sibelius but certainly enjoyable listening ... see Full Review

Pascal ZAVARO (b. 1959) Flashes for orchestra (1999) [11:37] Three Studies for a Crucifixion for orchestra (2004) [18:35] Metal Music for brass ensemble and percussion (2000) [6:14] Fiberglass Music for two string quartets (2001) [14:52] Orchestre National de France/Kurt Masur (Flashes); Ensemble Orchestral de Paris/John Nelson (Three Studies); Orchestre National de France/Gerard Schwarz (Metal Music); Quatuor Klimt, Elisabeth Glab (violin), Gaitan Biron (violin), Emanuel Blanc (viola), Jean-Luc Boureé (cello) (Fiberglass Music) rec. Radio France, Paris, Flashes: 11 September 2003, Théâtre des Champs Elysées; Three Studies: 8 February 2004, Studio 104; Metal Music: 2 December 2000, Studio 104; Fiberglass Music: 20-22 December 2004, Studio 107 DENSITÉ 21 DE 003 [51:58][BB]

A passionate devotion to communicating with the listener - contemporary music worth hearing. ... see Full Review

Divine Dancers - Live from Prague Jules MASSENET (1842-1912) Manon (1884) - Act I Scene 2^a (excerpt, arr. Lucas) [5:55] Kurt WEILL (1900-1950) Wie lange noch?^b [5:04] Serge RACHMANINOV (1873-1943) Mémoire^c [6:25] SINATRA/ANKER My Way^d [5:07] Cesare PUGNI (1802-1870) La Fille du Pharaon (1862) - excerpt^e [5:47] Henry PURCELL (1659-1695) The Moor's Pavane^f [20:50] George GERSHWIN (1898-1937) Who cares?^g [6:34] Peter TCHAIKOVSKY (1840-1893) The Sleeping Beauty (1890) - Grand Pas de deux^h [11:31] Jacques BREL (1929-1978) Amsterdamⁱ [3:39] Les Bourgeois^j [3:31] Alexander GLAZUNOV (1865-1936) Raymonda (1898) - Act 2: Adagio^e [6:21] ^aPolina Semionova, ^aIgor Zelensky, ^bNatalia Hoffmann, ^bAttin Kaftira, ^cDelphine Baey, ^dDaniil and Dimitri Simkin, ^eMaria Alexandrova, ^eSergey Filine, ^fCharles Jude, ^fStéphanie Roublot, ^fJean-Jacques Herment, ^fViviana Franciosi, ^gNatalia Hoffmann, ^gAltin Kaftira, ^hOksana Kutcheruk, ^hRoman Mikhalev, ⁱDmitri Simkin, ⁱMarek Tuma, ^jDaniil Simkin. rec. live, Prague State Opera, 11 January 2006. NTSC 16:9 anamorphic. Region 0. EUROARTS 2054708 [90:00][CC]

The spread of composers here is remarkably wide, from Purcell to Brel via Rachmaninov and Pugni ... Production values are of the highest. Recommended ... see Full Review

Phillip Dyson - By Special Request Wolfgang Amadeus MOZART (1756-1791) Piano Sonata in E flat major K282 [14:27] Ludwig van BEETHOVEN (1770-1827) Piano Sonata in C minor Op.13 Pathetique (1798-99) [19:55] Fryderyk CHOPIN (1810-1849) Impromptu in F sharp minor Op.36 (1839) [6:37] Franz LISZT (1811-1886) Ballade No.2 in B minor [16:44] Claude DEBUSSY (1862-1918) Images; Reflets dans l'eau (1903-07) [5:53] Johannes BRAHMS (1833-1897) Rhapsody in G minor Op.79 No.2 (1879) [6:57] Phillip Dyson (piano) rec. Maltings Theatre, Berwick upon Tweed, February 2004 MARIGOLD 011 [70:33][JW]

A "By Request" programme of tried and tested favourites, ones with which Dyson feels entirely comfortable. ... see Full Review

Rudolf Serkin Johann Sebastian BACH (1685-1750) Capriccio in E, BWV993 (c.1704) [10:37] Max REGER (1873-1916) Variations and Fugue on a Theme of J. S. Bach, Op. 81 (1904) [29:51] Ludwig van BEETHOVEN (1770-1827) Piano Sonata No. 24 in F sharp, Op. 78 (1809) [11:29] Piano Sonata No, 21 in C, Op. 53, Waldstein (1804) [25:03] Rudolf Serkin (piano) rec. live, Royal Festival Hall, London, 4 June 1973. ADD BBC LEGENDS BBCL 4177-2 [77:46][CC]

Magnificent programming here from Serkin - The BBC Legends series continues to fascinate and stimulate. ... see Full Review

Monday January 29th

Ludwig van BEETHOVEN (1770-1827) Wellington's Victory, Op. 91 (1813) [15:20] Franz LISZT (1811-1886) Battle of the Huns (Hunnenschlacht) (1885) [15:28] Hungarian March to the Assault (1843, 1875) [4:39] Cincinnati Symphony Orchestra/Erich Kunzel rec. 10 September 1982, Music Hall, Cincinnati, Ohio. DDD TELARC CD-80079 [35:41][RB]

Sonic spectacular with musical virtues ... see Full Review

Anton BRUCKNER (1824-1896) Symphony No 8 in C minor (1890 ed. Nowak) ((i) Allegro moderato [17:02] (ii) Scherzo: Allegro moderato - Trio: Langsam [16:48] (iii) Adagio: Feierlich langsam; doch nicht schleppend [26:27] (iv) Finale: Feierlich, nicht schnell [25:32]) World Philharmonic Orchestra/Carlo Maria Giulini rec. Konserthus, Stockholm, 8 December 1985 Picture format NTSC 4:3; Sound Formats PCM Stereo, DD 5.1, DTS 5.1; Region Code 0; Disc Format DVD 9; EUROARTS 2051368 [94:00][PCW]

Much as I admire Giulini's conducting, I don't think this would be better purchase than Boulez's DVD made in St. Florian ... see Full Review

Christoph Willibald von GLUCK (1714-1787) Don Juan (1761) [45:28]* George Frideric HANDEL (1685-1759) Ariodante: Ouverture; Sinfonia pastorale; Ballo (1735) [17:33] Il pastor fido: Hunting scene (1712) [5.58] Academy of St. Martin-in-the-Fields/Neville Marriner rec. Decca Studios No. 3, West Hampstead, London, *May 1967; 1971 DECCA ELOQUENCE 476 2440 [69:17][SV]

I'd recommend this album for the Handel tracks ... see Full Review

Rued LANGGAARD (1893-1952) Symphony No. 12 Helsingeborg, BVN 318 (1946) [7:06] Symphony No. 13 Undertro (Belief in Wonders), BVN 319 (1946-47) [27:40] Symphony No. 14 Morgenen (The Morning) - Suite for chorus and orchestra, BVN 336 (1947-48/1951) [28:55] Danish National Choir/DR Danish National Symphony Orchestra/DR/Thomas Dausgaard, rec. Danish Radio Concert Hall, 29 October 2004 (Symphony No. 12), 9-10 June 2006; (Symphony No. 14; 15-16 June 2006 (Symphony No. 13). DDD Dacapo Records acknowledges, with gratitude, the financial support of Langgaard Fonden. This SACD has been recorded in cooperation with the Danish Broadcasting Cooperation. DACAPO 6.220517 [63:48][RB]

Fascinating and vulnerable music that still has the capacity to surprise and enchant. ... see Full Review

Claudio MONTEVERDI (1567-1643) Il Combattimento di Tancredi e Clorinda (1638) [17:53] Interrotte speranze, eterna fede (7^th Book of Madrigals) (1619) [2.41] Ecco di dolci raggi il raggi il sol armato (Scherzi Musicali) (1632) [2.15] Si dolce e'l tormento (Quarto scherzo delle ariose vaghezze) (1624) [7.33] Ohime ch'io cado, ohime (Quarto scherzo delle ariose vaghezze) (1624) [4.23] Et e pur dunque vero (Scherzi Musicali) (1632) [6.08] Quel sguardo sdegnosetto (Scherzi Musicali) (1632) [2.44] Maledetto sia l'aspetto (Scherzi Musicali) (1632) [1.21] Piu lieto il guardo (Arie de diversi) (1634) [5.06] Tempro la cetra (7^th Book of Madrigals) (1619) [7.21] Tornate, o cari baci (7^th Book of Madrigals) (1619) [2.42] Eri gia tutta mia (Scherzi Musicali) (1632) [2.54] Rolando Villazon (tenor) Topi Lehtipuu (tenor) Patrizia Ciofi (soprano) Le Concert d'Astrée/Emanuelle Haim (organ, harpsichord; direction) rec. Paris, Eglise Notre Dame du Liban, 18, 29-23 November 2005; Chapelle Notre Dame de Bon Secours, 19 May 2006 VIRGIN CLASSICS 0946 3 63350 2 5 [67.28][RH]

You get to hear how one of the 21^st century's loveliest voices sounds in this music, providing you can get beyond the vexed issue of performance style. ... see Full Review

Jean-Philippe RAMEAU (1683-1764) Keyboard Suites Suite in E minor (Pièces de Clavecin, 1724, rev. 1731) [21:35] Suite in G Minor (Nouvelles suites Pièces de Clavecin c. 1729-30) [28:26] Suite in A minor (Nouvelles suites Pièces de Clavecin, c. 1729-30) [28:17] Angela Hewitt (piano) rec. Das Kulturzentrum Grand Hotel, Dobbacio, Italy, 1-4 June 2006. DDD HYPERION CDA67597 [78:18][PCW]

A qualified welcome - if Rameau on the piano appeals there are no serious reservations ... see Full Review

Franz SCHUBERT (1797-1828) Die Allmacht D852* [5:41] Fischerweise D881* [3:54] Der Hirt auf dem Felsen D965 ** [11:32] An die Musik D547 [2:44] Der Musensohn D764 [2:25] Ganymed D544 [4:17] Auf demWasser zu singen D774 [4:31] Ellens Gesang III ('Ave Maria') D839 [7:25] Die Forelle D550 [1:59] Gretchen am Spinnrade D118 [3:13] Frühlingsglaube D686 [3:41] Der Tod und das Mädchen D531 [2:48] Lachen und Weinen D777 [1:54] Litanei auf das Fest Allerseelen D343 [5:54] Erlkönig D328 [3:58] Christa Ludwig (mezzo); Geoffrey Parsons (piano) ;*Gerald Moore (piano); **Gervase de Peyer (clarinet) rec. No. 1 Studio, Abbey Road, London *11, 13, 14, 17, 20 November 1957; ** 8 November 1965; 28-30 November 1961. ADD EMI GREAT RECORDINGS OF THE CENTURY 7243 5 62896 2 8 [66:10][JQ]

Superb, insightful singing; self-recommending to aficionados of fine singing. ... see Full Review

Oh! Chante encore! Pyotr Ilyich TCHAIKOVSKY (1840-1893) Eugene Onegin - Polonaise (1879, arr. Liszt) [6:11]; Berceuse, Op. 16 No. 1 (1872, arr. Pabst) [4:55]; Oh! Chante encore!, Op. 16 No. 4 (1872) [4:04]; Qu'importe, Op. 16 No. 5 (1872, both arr. composer) [3:31]; The Seasons, Op. 37 (1873-76) [42:43]; Dumka, Op. 59 (1886) [10:23] Carl Maria von WEBER (1786-1826) Piano Sonata, Op. 24/J138 (1812) - Perpetuum mobile (arr. Tchaikovsky 1871) [4:37]; Lev Vincour (piano). rec. Fürstliche Reitbahn Bad Arolsen, 25-26 March 2006. DDD MUSIKPRODUKTION DABRINGHAUS UND GRIMM MDG 904 1397-6 [77:09][CC]

A mixed reaction, then. Fine - if not demonstration class - recording meets fine if not exhibition class playing. ... see Full Review

Down a River of Time Georg Philip TELEMANN (1681-1767) Concerto in D minor [9.44] Francois Joseph GARNIER (1755-1825) Concerto for Oboe and Strings [8.11] Giuseppe FERLENDIS (1785-1810) Concerto no. 1 in F major [13.31] Ermanno WOLF-FERRARI (1876-1948) Idillio-Concertino (1932) [19.36] Eric EWAZEN (b. 1954) Down a River of Time (1999) [24.57] Andrea Gullickson (oboe) Czech Philharmonic Chamber Orchestra/Lucia Matos rec. July 2005, Czech Radio Studio One, Prague. CALA RECORDS CACD1037 [76.39][RH]

Out of the way repertoire and musical performances, a highly recommendable disc. ... see Full Review

Eine Orgelmesse in Dom zu Freiberg Johann Jacob FROBERGER (1616-1674) Toccata I FbWV 101 [4:16] Johann Sebastian BACH (1685-1750) Allein Gott in der Höh sei Ehr BWV 662 [7:54] J.J. FROBERGER Canzon III FbWV 303 [4:00] J.S. BACH Komm, heiliger Geist, Herre Gott BWV 651 [5:48] J.J. FROBERGER Toccata III FbWV 103 [3:10] Fantasia III FbWV 203 [5:47] J.S. BACH Schmacke dich, o liebe Seele BWV 654 [6:59] J.J. FROBERGER Toccata IV FbWV 106 [5:41] J.S. BACH Jesus Christus, unser Heiland BWV 665 [5:25] O Lamm Gottes, unschuldig BWV 656 [9:27] J.J. FROBERGER Canzon V FbWV 305 [2:26] J.S. BACH Komm, Gott Schöpfer, heiliger Geist BWV 667 [2:13] Christian Skobowsky (organ) rec. October 2004, Freiberg Dom. DDD ORGANUM CLASSICS OGM250078 [69:08][CB]

Clever programming - marvellous organ - Froberger more convincing than Bach ... see Full Review 

 

Friday January 26th

Ludwig Van BEETHOVEN (1770-1827) Symphony No. 6 in F major, Pastoral, Op.68 (1808) [43:39] Franz LISZT (1811-1886) Three Hungarian Rhapsodies: No. 1 in F minor (orch. Doppler, Liszt) [8:38]; No. 2 in C Sharp minor (orch. Müller-Berghaus) [8:37]; No. 3 in D major (orch. Doppler, Liszt) [7:41] NBC Symphony Orchestra/Leopold Stokowski Sounds of Nature - Illustrated discussion by Leopold Stokowski [5:51] rec. 18-19 March 1954 (Liszt), 13 January, 10 February 1955 (Beethoven), Manhattan Center, New York, USA. AAD CALA RECORDS CACD0545 [74:28] [MC]

Stokowski continues to divide opinion and with this idiosyncratic interpretation of the Pastoral most will either love it or hate it. I loved the interpretation but not the sound. ... see Full Review

John FOULDS (1880-1939) Dynamic Triptych for piano and orchestra Op. 88 (1927-29) [25:38] April - England (Impressions of Time and Place No. 1) for orchestra Op. 48 No. 1 (1926 orch. 1932) [7:56] Music-Pictures Group III Op. 33 (1912) [19:06] The Song of Ram Dass (1935) [3:13] Keltic Lament Op. 29 No. 2 (Keltic Suite) (1911) [4:38] Peter Donohoe (piano) City of Birmingham Symphony Orchestra/Sakari Oramo rec. Symphony Hall, Birmingham, 11, 13, 15-16 Jan 2006. DDD WARNER CLASSICS 2564 62999-2 [61:05] [EM]

Foulds is a genius. Buy this disc - you won't be disappointed. ... see Full Review

Edvard GRIEG (1843-1907) Olav Trygvason, opera fragment, Op. 50 (Text: Bjørnstjerne Bjørnson) [34:10] 1. Scene 1 [7:46]; 2. Scene 2 [14:59]; 3. Scene 3 [11:22] 4. Foran Sydens Kloster (At the Cloister Gate) Op. 20 (Text: Bjørnstjerne Bjørnson) [10:15] Six Songs with Orchestra [29:03] 5. I. Solveigs Sang (Solveig's Song), Op. 23 No. 19 (Henrik Ibsen) [5:27] 6. II. Solveigs Vuggevise (Solveig's Cradle Song), Op. 23 No. 26 (Henrik Ibsen) [4:00] 7. III. Fra Monte Pincio (From Monte Pincio), Op. 39 No. 1 (Bjørnstjerne Bjørnson) [4:58] 8. IV. En Svane (A Swan), Op. 25 No. 2 (Henrik Ibsen) [2:21] 9. V. Våren (The Last Spring), Op. 33 No. 2 (A. O. Vinje) [8:17] 10. VI. Henrik Wergeland Op. 58 No. 3 (John Paulsen) [3:30] 11. Ved Rondane (In the Hills), Op. 33 No. 9 (A. O. Vinje) (arr. Johan Halvorsen) [3:03] Solveig Kringelborn (soprano) (1, 4), Ingebjörg Kosmo (mezzo-soprano) (2, 4), Trond Halstein Moe (baritone) (1, 2), Marita Solberg (soprano) (5-11); Bergen Philharmonic Choir (1-3), Kor Vest (Bergen Vocal Ensemble) (1-3), Voci Nobili (4); Bergen Philharmonic Orchestra/Ole Kristian Ruud rec. Grieg Hall, Bergen, Norway, November 2005 (1-4), June 2004 (5-11) BIS SACD-1531 [77:38] [GF]

Some fascinating rare Grieg here in terrific sound and truly lovely singing by Marita Solberg in the orchestral songs. ... see Full Review

Sir William Henry HARRIS (1883-1973) O hearken thou; Strengthen ye the weak hands; Faire is the Heaven; Love of Love; King of glory; Praise the Lord; The night is come; The shepherd-men; O joyful light; From a heart made whole; I said to the main; Bring us, O Lord God Choir of St. George's Chapel, Windsor/Timothy Byram-Wigfield Roger Judd (organ) rec. St George's Chapel, Windsor, 23-25 January 2006. DDD NAXOS 8.570148 [65.45] [RH]

They perform their old master's music with passion, commitment and a remarkable degree of accuracy. What more could you want? ... see Full Review

RECORDING OF THE MONTH Jerome KERN (1885-1945) Show Boat (1927) Book and lyrics by Oscar Hammerstein II Magnolia Hawks - Frederica von Stade (sop); Gaylord Ravenal - Jerry Hadley (tenor); Julie Laverne - Teresa Stratas (sop) ; Joe - Bruce Hubbard (bass); Queenie - Karla Burns (mezzo); Frank Schultz - David Garrison (tenor); Ellie May Chipley - Paige O'Hara (sop); Captain Andy Hawks - Robert Nichols (baritone); Parthy Ann Hawks - Nancy Kulp ; Lady on levee - Lillian Gish Ambrosian Chorus London Sinfonietta/John McGlinn rec. Abbey Road Studio 1, London, June-September 1987. EMI CLASSICS GREAT RECORDINGS OF THE CENTURY 3615432 [3 CDs: 70:26 + 74:55 + 76:10] [TH]

A heart-warming experience and another GROC to savour ... see Full Review

Wolfgang Amadeus MOZART (1756-1791) Horn Concerto No.1 in D, K. 412 (1791?) [8:53] Horn Concerto No.2 in E-flat, K. 417 (1783) [13:04] Horn Concerto No.3 in E-flat, K. 447 (1784-7) [14:37] Horn Concerto No.4 in E-flat, K. 495 (1786) [15:39] Concert Rondo in E-flat, K. 371 (1781?; completed by Fritz Beyer) [6:07] Xiao-Ming Han (horn) English Chamber Orchestra/Jia Lu - rec. Rosslyn Hill Chapel, London, January 1996 RESONANCE CDRSN3071 [58:20] [SV]

For an off-the-rack impulse purchase the newcomer could do worse than this. Veteran collectors interested in Han can decide whether the Fourth Concerto and Rondo make this worth the low price. ... see Full Review

Wolfgang Amadeus MOZART (1756-1791) Piano Concerto No. 17 in G, K453 (1784) [28:57] Piano Concerto No. 21 in C, K467 (1785) [28:18] Vienna Philharmonic Orchestra/Maurizio Pollini (piano). rec. live, Grosser Saal, Musikverein, Vienna, May 2005. DDD DEUTSCHE GRAMMOPHON 477 5795 [57:15] [CC]

A wonderful disc in many ways. This is tremendous, life-affirming Mozart playing, marking Pollini's welcome return to this territory. ... see Full Review

Gioachino ROSSINI (1792-1868) Tancredi - opera in two acts (1813) Tancredi, a Knight and son of the deposed king of Syracuse - Daniela Barcellona (mezzo); Argirio, ruler of Syracuse and father of Amenaide - Raul Giminez (ten); Orbazzano, leader of a powerful family faction in Syracuse - Marco Spotti (bass); Amenaide, daughter of Argirio in love with Tancredi - Darina Takova (coloratura soprano); Roggiero, Tancredi's friend - Nicola Marchesini (male falsettist); Isaura - Barbara Di Castri (mezzo) Orchestra and Chorus of the Maggio Musicale Fiorentino/Riccardo Frizza rec. live, Teatro Communale, Florence, 21 October 2005 Stage Director and Set and Costume design by Pier Luigi Pizzi Sets and Costumes made by the Rossini Opera festival in Pesaro in collaboration with the Teatro Communale, Florence Sound format, DD 5.1. DTS 5.1. LPCM stereo. Picture format 16:9 anamorphic Introductory essay in English, German and French Subtitles in Italian (original language), English, German, French and Spanish TDK DVWW-OPTANC [155:00] [RJF]

This finely sung, acted and staged performance is a welcome addition to the burgeoning number of quality Rossini opera performances available on DVD. ... see Full Review

Richard STRAUSS (1864-1949) Elektra - Tragedy in one act, libretto by Hugo von Hofmannsthal(1907) Elektra - Eva Johansson (sop); Klytemnestra - Marjana Lipovsek (mezzo); Chrysothemis - Melanie Diener (sop); Aegisthus - Rudolf Schasching (tenor); Orestes - Alfred Muff (bass); Tutor - Reinhardt Meyer (bass-bar); Overseer - Margaret Chalker (sop);Young Servant - Andreas Winkler (tenor); Old Servant - Morgan Moody (bass); Confidante - Cassandra McConnell (sop); Trainbearer - Christine Zoller (mezzo) Chorus and Orchestra of the Zurich Opera/Christoph von Dohnanyi rec. 'live', Opernhaus Zurich, 30 November, 4 December 2005 Directed for the stage by Martin Kusej Directed for video by Felix Breisach Sets by Rolf Glittenberg, costumes by Heidi Hackl TDK DVWW-OPELEK [102:00] [TH]

For the library shelf - Kupfer and Abbado still take some beating ... see Full Review

Igor STRAVINSKY (1882-1971) Pulcinella (1920) [36:22] The Fairy's Kiss (1928) [42:01]* Diana Montague (mezzo) Robin Leggate (tenor) Mark Beesley (bass) Philharmonia Orchestra, London Symphony Orchestra*/Robert Craft rec. Abbey Road Studio No. 1, London, January 1995* and January-February 1997* NAXOS 8.557503 [78:23] [SV]

Craft leads vital, colorful performances of these two Stravinsky ballets - performances that immediately take their place on the short-list for these works. ... see Full Review

 

Thursday January 25th

Hendrik ANDRIESSEN (1892-1981) Variations and Fugue on a theme of Johann Kuhnau (1935)^a [13:28] Symphony No.3 (1946)^b [24:37] Variations on a theme of Couperin (1944)^c [12:57] Symphony No.1 (1930)^d [13:14] Ricercare (1949)^e [10:35] Symphony No.2 (1937)^f [16:59] Symphonic Study (1952)^g [11:07] Symphony No.4 (1954)^h [24:07] Adriaan Bonsel (flute)^c; Netherlands Radio Philharmonic Orchestra; Jaap van Zweden^a, Jean Fournet^bgh, Willem van Otterloo^cf, Albert van Raalte^d, Edo de Waart^e rec. May 2005 (Kuhnau Variations, Ricercare), September 1968 (Symphony No.3), January 1965 (Couperin Variations), May 1947 (Symphony No.1), January 1969 (Symphony No.2), September 1962 (Symphonic Study) and May 1982 (Symphony No.4) ETCETERA KTC1307 [64:42 + 63:21] [HC]

This beautiful set is wholeheartedly recommended to all those who love symphonic music from the first half of the 20^th century, have a liking for French music of the inter-war years and who admire, say, Vaughan Williams' music. Not to be missed. ... see Full Review

Hector BERLIOZ (1803-1869) Symphonie fantastique Op.14 (1830) [52:53]* Le Carnaval Romain Op.9 (1844) [9:45]* Overture from Benvenuto Cellini Op.23 (1834-8) [10:36]* Kölner Rundfunk-Sinfonie-Orchester/Gary Bertini rec. Köln Philharmonie, 4-8 May 1993, 24-25 March 1994*. DDD CAPRICCIO 71094 [73:14] [TP]

A carefully prepared and beautifully played account of Berlioz's first symphony, but missing some of the fantasy. ... see Full Review

John DOWLAND (1562-1626) Lute Music Volume 2: Lachrimae Pavan; Galliard to Lachrimae, Pavan (P16); The Earl of Essex, his Galliard; Pavan (P18); M. Giles Hobie's Galliard; Dowland's Tears; Sir Henry Umpton's Funeral; Sir John Langton's Pavan; Langton's Galliard; Piper's Pavan; Captain Digorie Piper's Galliard; Dowland's Adieu; Galliard (P30); Mignarda (Henry Noel's Galliard); Lachrimae (alternative version); Semper Dowland Semper Dolens Nigel North (lute) rec. St. John Chrysostom Church, Newmarket, Ontario, Canada, 16-19 June 2005 NAXOS 8.557862 [66.03] [RH]

There is only one thing to say about this wonderful recital: buy it! ... see Full Review

Antonin DVOŘAK (1841-1904) Cello Concerto in B minor, op. 104 (1895) [38:15] Serenade for Winds in D minor, op. 44 (1878) [24:14] Nina Kotova (cello) Philharmonia Orchestra/Andrew Litton rec. Air Lyndhurst Studios, London SONY CLASSICAL 82876 821182 [62:44] [BB]

On the crowded battleground of the cello concerto, this issue simply cannot compete ... see Full Review

Heinrich Wilhelm ERNST (1814-1865) Fantasie Brillante sur la Marche et la Romance d'Otello de Rossini Op.11 (published 1839) [15:01] Concerto in F sharp minor Op.23 (Concerto Allegro-Pathetique) (published 1850) [19:46] Elegie sur la mort d'un objet cheri Op.10 (published 1840)-[6:17] Concertino in D major Op.12 (published 1839) [20:25] Rondo Papageno Op.20 (published 1846) [9:01] Ilya Grubert (violin) Russian Philharmonic Orchestra/Dmitry Yablonsky rec. Studio 5, Russian TV and Radio Kultura, Moscow, December 2004, May 2005 NAXOS 8.557565 [70:30] [JW]

Well-recorded and smartly played. The best of Ernst lay in his lyric moments but these and the virtuosic demands are adroitly met here ... see Full Review

Wolfgang Amadeus MOZART (1756-1791) Le nozze di Figaro (1786) Tom Krause (baritone) - Count Almaviva; Arlene Saunders (soprano) - The Countess; Heinz Blankenburg (baritone) - Figaro; Edith Mathis (soprano) - Susanna; Elisabeth Steiner (mezzo) - Cherubino; Maria von Ilosvay (mezzo) - Marcellina; Kurt Marschner (tenor) - Basilio; Jurgen Forster (tenor) - Don Curzio; Noel Mangin (bass) - Bartolo; Karl Otto (bass) - Antonio; Natalie Usselmann (soprano) - Barbarina; Members of Hamburg State Opera Ballet Chorus of the Hamburg State Opera Hamburg Philharmonic State Orchestra/Hans Schmidt-Isserstedt Historical studio production from the Hamburg State Opera, 1967 Choreography: Gustav Blank; Set Design: Ita Maximowna; Production director: Gyula Trebitsch; Directed for TV by Joachim Hess Sound format: Mono; Picture format: 4:3 Colour ARTHAUS 101263 [170:00] [GF]

Technically dated and sung in German, but with a cast that sing and act this eternal master-piece to the manner born. Mozart conducting of the highest order. ... see Full Review

Wolfgang Amadeus MOZART (1756-1791) Die Zauberflote (1791) Hans Sotin (bass) - Sarastro; Nicolai Gedda (tenor) - Tamino; Dietrich Fischer-Dieskau (baritone) - Speaker; Kurt Marschner (tenor) - First Priest; Herbert Flirther (baritone) - Second Priest; Cristina Deutekom (soprano) - Queen of the Night; Edith Mathis (soprano) - Pamina; Leonore Kirschstein (soprano) - First Lady; Paula Page (mezzo) - Second Lady; Cvetka Ahlin (contralto) - Third Lady; William Workman (baritone) - Papageno; Carol Malone (soprano) - Papagena; Franz Grundheber (baritone) - Monostatos; Kurt Moll (bass) and Helmut Melchert (tenor) - Two Men in Armour; Bernd Rüter, Klaus Reimers, Axel Pätz - Three Boys Chorus of the Hamburg State Opera Hamburg Philharmonic State Orchestra/Horst Stein; Direction: Peter Ustinov; Set Design: Jean-Denis Malclès; Directed for TV by Joachim Hess; Produced by Polyphon Film- und Fernsehgesellschaft for NDR, 1971; Sound Format: Mono; Picture Format: 4:3, Colour ARTHAUS 101265 [156:00] [GF]

You may need some indulgence as far as the technical side is concerned but this is made up for by the singing. ... see Full Review

Heitor VILLA-LOBOS (1887-1959) Bachianas Brasileiras No.7 (1942) [26:03] Bachianas Brasileiras No.9 (version for string orchestra) (1945) [8:14] Bachianas Brasileiras No.9 (version for choir a cappella) (1945) [8:34] Bachianas Brasileiras No.8 (1944) [23:49] Sao Paulo Symphony Orchestra Choir, Sao Paulo Symphony Orchestra/Roberto Minczuk rec. February 2003 (nos. 7, 8); December 2003 (no. 9), Sala Paulo, Sao Paulo, Brazil. DDD BIS CD-1400 [67:46] [DH]

Overall this developing series is a triumph for the Sao Paulo Symphony, Robert Minczuk and the BIS engineers ... see Full Review

Antonio VIVALDI (1678-1741) Violin Concertos Op. 8 Nos. 1-6 (1725) La Primavera RV 269 [9.49]; L'Estate RV315 [9.58] ; L'autuno RV 293 [10.19]; L'inverno RV 297 [8.34] La Tempesta di mare RV 253 [8.24] "Il piacere" RV 180 [8.08] Cho-Liang Lin (violin) Anthony Newman (harpsichord; portatif organ) Sejong/Adel Anthony rec. Church of the Holy Trinity, New York, 8-9 September 2005. DDD NAXOS 8.557920 [55.11] [GH]

Good, clean playing, very enjoyable solo and ensemble with excellent attention to dynamic contrast. Cho-Liang Lin does not miss a trick ... see Full Review

Melodic Lines Casimir-Theophile Lailliet (1837-1892) Terzetto, Op. 22 (??) [15:18] Geoffrey Bush (1920-1998) Trio (1952) [11:04] Barbara Thompson (b.1944) Green (2006) [5:37] Madeleine Dring (1923-1977) Trio (1971) [15:26] Richard Stoker (b.1938) Four Miniatures, Op.8 (1963) [5:45] Francis Poulenc (1899-1963) Trio (1926) [12:48] Jeremy Polmear (oboe) Philip Gibbon (bassoon) Diana Ambache (piano) rec. St Michael's Church, Highgate, London, 12-14 July 2006. DDD OBOE CLASSICS CC2016 [67:07] [JF]

Another excellent package from Oboe Classics. Inspired repertoire, superb sound and exemplary programme notes. Brilliant! ... see Full Review

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