CD Review/21 Feb 2009

Last broadcast 21 Feb 2009, 09:00 on BBC Radio 3.

HAYDN: Sonata in E flat Major, Hob.XVI: 52 (finale) from disc Haydn Late Piano Works

(c/w Sonata in C major Hob.XVI:48; Variations in G Major on ‘Gott erhalte’; Sonata in E flat Major, Hob.XVI:49; Variations in F minor, Hob.XVII:6)

Gary Cooper (fortepiano, anonymous from Vienna c. 1785)

Channel Classics CCSSA26509 (Hybrid SACD)

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Including Sonata in Eb Major, Hob.XVI:49 – 1789/90; Variations in G Major on ‘Gott erhalte’ – 1797; [Haydn's own arrangement of the slow movement from his 'Emperor' String Quartet, Hob.III:77]; Sonata in C Major, Hob.XVI:48 – 1789; Variations in F Minor, Hob.XVII:6 -1793; Sonata in Eb Major Hob XVI:52 – 1794.

Gary Cooper is now established as one of the foremost ambassadors of the harpsichord and fortepiano – in particular, as an interpreter of Bach’s & Mozart’s keyboard music – and as a director of period performance in concert, and in opera. Gary is ‘Artist in Residence’ of the exciting Belgian period instrument ensemble, B’Rock, directing orchestral and opera productions, recordings, and is guest artistic director of a new festival in Bruges. This coming season, Gary appears at major festivals such as the Flanders Festival, the Bruges, Utrecht, Potsdam and Innsbruck Early Music Festivals and throughout the UK.

The Duo partnership of Gary Cooper with Rachel Podger has taken them worldwide. Their recordings, with Channel Classics, of Mozart’s Complete Sonatas for Keyboard & Violin have received countless awards and accolades, including multiple Diapason d’Or awards and Gramophone Editor’s Choices, and hailed as ‘benchmark’ recordings.

“The inspiration for this recording was derived from that all-too-rare occurrence: a perfect marriage of instrument and composer’s music. The language of Haydn’s later keyboard writing, containing such infinitesimal subtlety of expression, inflection, dynamic range, colour, and every mood under the sun, from tempest to sunny wit, seems to me perfectly matched by the gem of a piano used for this recording, dating from Vienna c.1785. In truth, I have never encountered an instrument capable of such breadth of touch and response from this period: to my mind, Haydn’s last, and greatest, keyboard works, richly deserve being heard on such a piano, in order that the fullest range of expression and depth of imagination contained in these remarkable pieces may be brought alive.” Gary Cooper

 

HAYDN: Concerto in G major, Hob.VIIh:3 for two flutes, strings and two horns (finale) from disc Haydn Concertos for Two Lire Organizzate

(c/w Concerto in C major, Hob.VIIh:1; Concerto in G major, Hob.VIIh:2; Concerto in F major, Hob.VIIh:4; Concerto in F major, Hob.VIIh:5)

Daniel Rothert, Philipp Spatling (recorders), Benoit Fromanger, Ingo Nelken (flutes), Christian Hommel (oboe ), Cologne Chamber Orchestra, Helmut Müller-Bruhl (conductor)

Naxos 8.570481 (CD, Budget)

Joseph Haydn’s five Concertos for two lire organizzate were written in 1786-7 for King Ferdinand IV of Naples whose favourite instrument was the now obsolete lira organizzata, a fascinating hybrid resembling a hurdy gurdy, often heard in the city’s streets, crossed with a small chamber organ. However, as here, these concertos were also performed with flutes, recorders and oboe as solo instruments instead, losing none of their charming vitality thereby. Like so many of Haydn’s concertos they deserve revival, especially in the hands of these outstanding artists.

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HANDEL: Cantata ‘Agrippina dondotta a morire: Dunque sara pur vero’ HWV 110 from disc Georg Friedrich Handel: Cantatas and Trio Sonatas

(c/w Sonata Op. 2/3 HWV 388; Cantata ‘Pensieri notturni di Filli: Nel dolce del’oblio’ HWV134; Sonata for 2 violins Op. 2/5 HWV 390ª; Sonata HWV 386ª)

Johanna Koslowsky (soprano), Musica Alta Ripa

MDG 309 0399-2 (CD)

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Musica Alta Ripa pays homage to the great George Frideric Handel on the occasion of the 250th anniversary of his death. Johanna Koslowsky sings with elegance and fine tone on this beautiful re-issue from MDG.

 

MENDELSSOHN: String Symphony No. 3 in E minor (first movement) from disc Mendelssohn Complete Symphonies Volume 3

(c/w String Symphonies 1-2, 4 and 9)

Heidelberg Symphony Orchestra, Thomas Fey (conductor)

Hanssler Classic CD 98.536 (CD)

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Third volume of the complete Mendelssohn Symphonies. In addition to their work on recording the complete Haydn symphonies, the Heidelberg Symphony Orchestra under the direction of conductor Thomas Fey chose to survey of all the orchestral and string symphonies of Felix Mendelssohn. This important series will be finished in time for the Mendelssohn Year in 2009. As with their critically acclaimed recordings of Haydn, Beethoven, and Salieri, Fey and his musicians impress with an inspired and energetic interpretation.
 

MENDELSSOHN: String Quintet No. 2 Op. 87 (second movement)

(c/w String Quintet No. 1 Op. 18)

Mannheimer String Quartet, Jone Kaliunaite (viola)

CPO 777 389-2 (CD)

Building a Library Recommendation

WAGNER: Die Meistersinger

Reviewer – Roderick Swanston

First Choice Recommendation:

Norman Bailey (Hans Sachs), Hannelore Bode (Eva), Vienna Philharmonic Orchestra, Georg Solti (conductor)

Decca 4756680 (4 CDs, Mid Price)

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Runner-up Recommendation:

Dietrich Fischer-Dieskau (Hans Sachs), Catarina Ligendza (Eva), Choir and Orchestra of Deutschen Oper Berlin, Eugen Jochum (conductor)

Deutsche Grammophon 4777559 (4 CDs, Mid Price)

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DVD Disc Recommendation:

Wolfgang Brendel (Hans Sachs), Gosta Winbergh (Eva), Chorus and Orchestra of the Deutsche Oper Berlin, Rafael Fruhbeck de Burgos (conductor)

Arthaus Musik 100 152 (DVD)

Wolfgang Brendel: Ein Kind ward hier geboren – Die Meistersinger von Nürnberg

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Next week Harriet Smith and Francis Knights examine recordings of JS Bach’s 2 and 3 Part Inventions on piano, harpsichord, organ and clavichord.

New Releases

IRELAND: Sextet for clarinet, French horn and string quartet (first movement)*

(c/w Trio in D for clarinet, cello and piano; Fantasy Sonata for clarinet and piano; The Holy Boy for clarinet and piano)
Robert Plane (clarinet)*, Sophia Rahman (piano), Alice Neary (cello), David Pyatt (French horn)*, Maggini Quartet*
Naxos 8.570550 (CD, Budget)

Including Trio in D for clarinet, cello and piano (edited and reconstructed by Stephen Fox); Fantasy Sonata for clarinet and piano; The Holy Boy for clarinet and piano; Sextet for clarinet, French horn and string quartet.

A composition pupil of Stanford and recognised as an outstanding talent by Parry, John Ireland was inspired as student by the music of Beethoven, Brahms and Elgar, and later by Debussy, Ravel and the early Stravinsky.

This recording features the genial, Brahmsian 1898 Sextet for clarinet, French horn and string quartet, unheard in public until 1960, and a reconstruction by the Canadian clarinettist and clarinet maker Stephen Fox of the Clarinet Trio of 1912-14.

Also included are Robert Plane’s transcription for clarinet and piano of Ireland’s very popular piano prelude The Holy Boy, written on Christmas Day 1913, and one of Ireland’s finest and most beautifully crafted chamber works, the Fantasy Sonata for clarinet and piano (1943).

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BRIDGE: Piano Trio No. 2 (third movement)

(c/w Phantasie Trio in C minor – Piano Trio No. 1; Nine Miniatures for Piano Trio)

Jack Liebeck (violin), Alexander Chaushian (cello), Ashley Wass (piano)

Naxos 8.570792 (CD, Budget)

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Frank Bridge’s reputation as the teacher of his most famous student, Benjamin Britten, has long hindered appreciation of his own impeccably crafted music. Between the early Phantasie Trio (1907) and Miniatures (1908) and the masterful Piano Trio No. 2 (1928-29), Bridge developed from being a pupil of Stanford to becoming a composer whose music – by turns graceful, nocturnal and vigorous -pointed towards the future.

 

BUTTERWORTH: Viola Concerto Op. 82 (second movement)

(c/w Symphony No. 4, Op. 72; Symphony No. 1, Op. 15)

Sarah-Jane Bradley (viola)*, Royal Scottish National Orchestra*, Arthur Butterworth (conductor)*, Halle Orchestra, John Barbirolli (conductor – recorded at the Royal Albert Hall, 29th August 1958)
Dutton CDLX7212 (2CDs, Budget)

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Sensational value in this two-CDs-for-the-price-of-one package. Dutton Epoch presents the composer directing the Royal Scottish National Orchestra in his powerfully Sibelian Fourth Symphony and his dramatic Viola Concerto, the latter with Sarah-Jane Bradley as the commanding soloist. The coupling is an exciting discovery, with the Hallé Orchestra conducted by Sir John Barbirolli at his prime in Butterworth’s coruscating First Symphony from the 1958 Proms, remastered here in pristine digital sound. The package is completed with the composer’s memories of his life and the background to the symphonies.

New Releases

Roger Vignoles talks to Andrew McGregor about new DVDs of piano music. With excerpts from the following discs:

Artur Rubinstein – The Legendary Moscow recital 1st October 1964
Artur Rubinstein (piano)
Medici Arts 3078548 (DVD)

Murray Perahia – Beethoven The Complete Piano Concertos [Live, Royal Festival Hall, 1988]
Murray Perahia (piano), Academy of St. Martin-in-the-Fields, Neville Marriner (conductor)
Medici Arts 3085298 (2 DVDs)

The French Piano School
Vlado Perlemuter (piano), Yvonne Lefebure (piano), Robert Casadesus (piano), Hephzibah Menuhin (piano), Dino Ciani (piano), Orchestre Philharmonique de l’ORTF, Jacques Beaudry (conductor)
Medici Arts 3078578 (DVD)

Disc of the Week

VIVALDI: La fida ninfa RV714
Sandrine Piau (soprano – Licori), Veronica Cangemi (soprano – Morasto), Marie-Nicole Lemieux (alto – Elpina), Lorenzo Regazzo (bass – Oralto), Philippe Jaroussky (counter-tenor – Osmino), Topi Lehtipuu (tenor – Narete), Sara Mingardo (alto – Giunone), Christian Senn (bass-baritone – Eolo), Ensemble Matheus, Jean-Christophe Spinosi (conductor)
Naïve OP30310 (3 CDs, Mid Price)

CD Review/14 Feb 2009

Andrew McGregor introduces Radio 3’s weekly programme devoted to all that’s new in the world of recorded music, including some of the latest releases requested by listeners.

Tchaikovsky: Romeo and Juliet

 

CHOPIN: Piano Sonatas No. 2 Op. 35 and 3 Op. 58; Berceuse in D flat major Op. 57; Two Nocturnes Op. 27; Barcarolle in F sharp major Op. 60;

Marc-Andre Hamelin (piano)

Hyperion CDA67706 (CD)

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DEBUSSY: Preludes (Book 1); D’un cahier d’esquisses; Children’s Corner; Clair de lune

Nelson Freire (piano)

Decca 4781111 (CD)

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Brazilian pianist Nelson Freire is among the truly great living musicians. His recordings and live performances receive rapturous critical acclaim, and his remarkable musicianship continues to captivate the critics and charm the musical world. He was the winner of the Gramophone Recording of the Year in 2007 for his Brahms Piano Concertos.

Nelson has a special affinity with Debussy’s music and his magical style perfectly suits these luminous works – key French piano repertoire, including the famous Children’s Corner and Clair de lune.

Recording this Debussy repertoire for the first time on CD, Nelson Freire’s soulful interpretation of these expansive impressionistic jewels of the 19th century is eagerly awaited.

 

Satie Avant-dernieres pensees

(Gnossiennes, Petite Ouverture à danser, Première Gymnopédie, Véritables Préludes flasques (pour un chien), Trois Valses distinguées du précieux dégoûté, Le Piccadilly, Descriptions automatiques, Les pantins dansent, Le Piège de Méduse, Sept pièces pour piano, Pièces froides, Avant-dernières Pensées, Gambades, Embryons desséchés, Valse-ballet, Heures séculaires et instantanées, Première Pensée Rose+Croix, Poudre d’or; Chez le docteur, J’avais un ami, La Diva de l’Empire (with Juliet); Daphénéo, Ludions,Allons-y Chochotte (with Jean Delescluse); Trois Morceaux en forme de poire, La Belle Excentrique, Cinéma (with Eric le Sage); Choses vues à droite et à gauche (sans lunettes), Embarquement pour Cythère (with Isabelle Faust); La Statue retrouvée (with David Guerrier))

Alexandre Tharaud (piano) with Éric Le Sage (piano), Juliette (voice), Isabelle Faust (violin), Jean Delescluse (tenor), David Guerrier (trumpet)

Harmonia Mundi HMC902017.18 (2 CDs)

Listen…

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MESSIAEN: Fete des Belles Eaux; Feuillets Inedits; RAVEL: String Quartet in F major (first movement)

Ensemble d’Ondes de Montreal

Atma ACD22621 (CD)

Fête des belles eaux (English version)

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Building a Library Recommendation

TCHAIKOVSKY: Romeo and Juliet Fantasy Overture*

Reviewer – Geoffrey Norris

First Choice Recommendation:

(c/w Symphonies 1-6; Francesca da Rimini; Marche Slave; Eugene Onegin Waltz and Polonaise; ARENSKY: Variations on a Theme by Tchaikovsky Op. 35a; BORODIN: Prince Igor – Overture)

London Symphony Orchestra*, Philharmonia Hungarica, Minneapolis Symphony Orchestra, Antal Dorati (conductor)*

Mercury 4756261 (5 CDs, Budget)

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Single Disc Recommendation:

(c/w Symphony No. 5 in E minor Op. 64)

Royal Philharmonic Orchestra, Daniele Gatti (conductor)

Harmonia Mundi HMU907381 (CD)

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Next week Roderick Swanston examines recordings of Wagner’s Die Meistersinger.

New Releases

Jonathan Freeman-Attwood reviews some recent recordings of Bach Cantatas and samples Torelli’s ‘original Brandenburg concertos’. With excerpts from the following discs:

Beloved and Beautiful

(GEORG BÖHM: Mein Freund ist mein Cantata; JOHANN CHRISTOPH BACH: Meine Freundin, du bist schön Cantata; HEINRICH SCHÜTZ: Stehe auf, meine Freundin Motet; JOHANN SEBASTIAN BACH: Der Herr denket an uns, BWV 196 Wedding Cantata)

The Netherlands Bach Society, Jos van Veldhoven (conductor)

Channel Classics CCSSA 27308 (Hybrid SACD)

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JS Bach Alto Cantatas

(Vergnugte Ruh, beliebte Seelenlust BWV 170; Widerstehe doch der Sunde BWV 54; Geist und Seele wird verwirret BWV 35)

Maarten Engeltjes (counter tenor), Concerto D’Amsterdam, Vincent van Laar (organ), Klaas Stok (conductor)

Quintone Q08007 (Hybrid SACD)

 

Torelli: The Original Brandenburg Concertos

(Concerti musicali Op. 6; Sonata a 4 in A minor G46)

Charivari Agreable, Kah-Ming Ng (director)

Signum Classics SIGCD157 (CD)

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Bach Solo Cantatas

(Geist und Seele wird verwirret BWV 35; Gott soll allein mein Herzen haben BWV 169; Vergnugte Ruh, beliebte Seelenlust BWV 170)

Bernarda Fink (mezzo-soprano), Freiburg Baroque Orchestra, Petra Mullejans (director)

Harmonia Mundi HMC 902016 (CD)

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Chandos

Chandos Milestones – 30 Years of Chandos

ANNI0030 (30 CDs for the price of 3)

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Albinoni: Oboe Concertos – Robson, CM 90, Standage
Bax: Symphony No. 4, etc. – Ulster Orchestra, Thomson
Boulanger: Choral works – BBC Philharmonic, Tortelier
Chopin: Études – Louis Lortie
Delius: Sea Drift, etc. – Terfel, Bournemouth Symphony Orchestra, Hickox
Elgar: Violin Sonata, etc. – Nigel Kennedy, Peter Pettinger
Grainger: The Grainger Edition, Vol. 1 – BBC Philharmonic, Hickox
Grechaninov: Passion Week – Phoenix Bach Choir, Kansas City Chorale, Charles Bruffy
Handel: Chandos Anthems, Vol. 1 – The Sixteen, Christophers
Harty: An Irish Symphony, etc. – Ulster Orchestra, Thomson
Holst: The Planets – Scottish National Orchestra, Gibson
Hummel: Piano Concertos – Stephen Hough, English Chamber Orchestra, Thomson
Hummel: Masses, Vol. 1 – CM 90, Hickox
Janáček: Glagolitic Mass, etc. – Danish National Symphony Orchestra, Mackerras
Prokofiev: Symphony No. 6, etc. – Scottish National Orchestra, Järvi
Purcell: Dido and Aeneas – Kirkby, Taverner Players, Parrott
Rachmaninov: Trios élégiaques Nos. 1 and 2 – Borodin Trio
Respighi: Belkis, Queen of Sheba, etc. – Philharmonia Orchestra, Simon
Shostakovich: Violin Concertos – Mordkovitch, Scottish National Orchestra, Järvi
Shostakovich: Piano Concerto No. 1, etc. – Shostakovich Jr, I Musici de Montréal, Shostakovich, Turovsky
Stanford: Songs of the Sea, Songs of the Fleet, etc. – Finley, BBC National Chorus and Orchestra of Wales, Hickox
Strauss: Der Rosenkavalier (highlights) – Kenny, Tomlinson, London Philharmonic Orchestra, Parry
Tchaikovsky: Symphony No. 5 – Oslo Philharmonic Orchestra, Jansons
Vanhal: Symphonies – London Mozart Players, Bamert
Vaughan Williams: A London Symphony, etc. – London Symphony Orchestra, Hickox
Vaughan Williams: Film Music, Vol. 1 – BBC Philharmonic, Gamba
Walton: Music for the film Henry V – Plummer, Academy of St Martin in the Fields, Marriner
The Complete Champions – Black Dyke Mills Band, Peter Parkes
The King’s Singers: Debut Album – The King’s Singers
Music from the novels of Louis de Bernières: Captain Corelli’s Mandolin and the ‘Latin’ Trilogy – Craig Ogden, Alison Stephens

Founded by Brian Couzens, Chandos quickly established itself as one of the world’s leading classical labels. To celebrate thirty years in the classical recording world, Chandos releases a limited edition thirty-disc set featuring highlights of the company’s recording history.

Each CD is packaged in a CD wallet featuring the original artwork, and the 2009 Chandos catalogue will be included within each set.

New Releases

SIBELIUS: Hostkvall (Autumn Evening)

(from Five Songs Op. 38)*; Jag ville, jag vore i Indialand (I wish I were in India)+; Judeflickans sang (The Jewish Girl’s Song) Op. 51 No. 2± from disc set The Sibelius Complete Songs with Piano (including first recordings and first and alternative versions) [BIS Sibelius Edition Volume 7]

Helena Juntunen (soprano)*, Folke Grasbeck (piano)* + ±, Monica Groop (mezzo-soprano)+ ±
Anne Sofie von Otter (mezzo-soprano), Dan Karlstrom (tenor), Gabriel Suovanen (baritone), Jorma Hynninen (baritone)

BIS BIS-CD-1918/20 (5 CDs, Mid Price)

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The Sibelius Edition, Vol. 1, Tone Poems

BIS-CD-1900/02

Listen!

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The Sibelius Edition, Vol. 2, Chamber Music  1

BIS-CD-1903/05

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Listen 

 

The Sibelius Edition, Vol. 3, Voice & Orchestra

BIS-CD-1906/08

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The Sibelius Edition, Vol. 4, Piano Music 1

BIS-CD-1909/11

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The Sibelius Edition, Vol. 5, Orchestral Music for the Theatre

BIS-CD-1912/14

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Sibelius Edition, Vol. 6, Violin & Piano

BIS-CD-1915/17

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The Sibelius Edition

The Sibelius Edition on BIS started in 1979 with the recording of Volume 1 of the composer’s complete original piano music. This was released on BIS-LP-153, and later re-released as a CD with the same catalogue number. Since then the number of volumes has increased steadily, and the Edition now includes all genres, such as orchestral works, chamber music and songs. For a detailed listing of the contents on each disc in the Sibelius Edition, please click on the respective catalogue number. Please note that over the years a number of works – for instance the Symphonies – have been re-recorded, and appear in parallel versions in the BIS catalogue.

Disc of the Week

SIBELIUS: Suite from Belshazzar’s Feast Op. 51; Scene with Cranes Op. 44 No. 2 (from Kuolema Op. 44)

(c/w Night Ride and Sunrise Op. 55; Pan and Echo (Tanz-Intermezzo No. 3) Op. 53a; Two Pieces for Orchestra Op. 45; Kuolema (Death) Op. 44 and Op. 62)

New Zealand Symphony Orchestra, Pietari Inkinen (conductor)

Naxos 8.570763 (CD, Budget)

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CD Review 7 Feb 2009

Andrew McGregor introduces Radio 3’s weekly programme devoted to all that’s new in the world of recorded music, including some of the latest releases requested by listeners.

Schubert: Winterreise

Last broadcast 07 Feb 2009, 09:00 on BBC Radio 3.

 

SZYMANOWSKI: String Quartet in C major Op.37

(c/w ROZYCKI: String Quartet in D minor Op.49; SZYMANOWSKI: String Quartet No.2 Op.56)

Royal String Quartet (Isabella Szalaj-Zimak – violin, Elwira Przybylowka – violin, Marek Czech – viola, Michal Pepol – cello)

Hyperion CDA67684 (CD)

LISTEN TO ALL EXTRACTS

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SZYMANOWSKI: Masques Op.34 (Movement 3)

(c/w Sonata No.3 Op.36; Twenty Mazurkas Op.50 No.9-12; Métopes Op.29; Two Mazurkas Op.62)

Roland Pöntinen (piano)

BIS BIS-CD-1137 (CD)

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SZYMANOWSKI: Kniaź Patiomkim (Prince Potemkin), Op.51 (1925)

(c/w Harnasie (Ballet Pantomime), Op.55 (1923-31); Mandragora (Pantomime), Op.43 (1920))

Wieslaw Ochman – tenor
Alexander Pinderak – tenor
Ewa Marciniec – mezzo soprano
Ewa Marczyk – violin solo
Kazimierz Koślacz – cello solo
Warsaw Philharmonic Orchestra and Choir (Chorus Master Henryk Wojnarowski)
Antoni Wit (conductor)

NAXOS 8.570723 (CD)

Multiple prize-winner and Grammy award nominee for several of his Naxos recordings, Antoni Wit is one of today’s most highly regarded Polish conductors, an ideal interpreter of the exotic, colourfully scored music of Karol Szymanowski, described by Sir Simon Rattle as ”one of the greatest composers of this century”. The ballet-pantomime Harnasie and the incidental music for Prince Potemkin both draw on the folk-music of the people of the Tatra Mountains, while the ballet Mandragora was composed for a production of Molière’s comedy Le bourgeois gentilhomme.

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Building a Library Recommendation

SCHUBERT: Winterreise

Reviewer – Daniel Leech-Wilkinson

First Choice Recommendation:

 

Christine Schäfer (soprano), Eric Schneider (piano)

Onyx Classics ONYX4010 (CD)

Listen to samples

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Next week Geoffrey Norris examines recordings of Tchaikovsky’s Romeo and Juliet Fantasy Overture.

New Releases

SUK: Tale of a Winter’s Evening Op.9

(c/w The Ripening Op.34)

Orchester der Komischen Oper Berlin
Kirill Petrenko (conductor)

CPO 777 364-2 (CD)

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LISZT: Années de Pèlerinage (Books 1, 2 & 3)

Daniel Grimwood (piano)

Recorded on an original 1851 Erard piano

SFZ Music SFZM0208 (2 CDs)

Daniel Grimwood talks about his recent recording on sfzmusic

 

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Dermot Clinch talks to Andrew about new recordings of chamber music by Beethoven, Czerny and George Onslow. With extracts from the following discs:

Carl Czerny The Sonatas for Solo Piano, Volume 1

(Sonata No. 9 Op. 145; Sonata No. 8 Op. 144; Nocturne Op. 646; Sonata No. 5 Op. 76; Sonata No. 6 Op. 124)

Martin Jones (piano)

Nimbus NI5832/3 (2 CDs, Mid Price)

First volume in a series of four that will be issued over the next 12 months. A torchbearer at Beethoven’s funeral and the composer’s pupil, friend, and protégé, Carl Czerny is almost forgotten today except as the author of educational piano pieces and the author of a long-influential piano method. But like his peers among Beethoven’s circle of friends–notably Ferdinand Ries and Ignaz Moscheles–Czerny carried on the torch of the late classical style into the age of Romanticism, and made a distinctive contribution through his own creative work. He was a gigantically prolific composer, and much of his huge output has remained unknown since his death.

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George Onslow Violin sonatas op. 16

(Sonatas Nos 1-3 Op. 16)

Moderntimes_1800, Ilia Korol (violin), Norbert Zeilberger (Albrecht Czernin fortepiano, 2006)

Challenge Classics CC72196 (CD)

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Czerny/Onslow Piano Trios

(CZERNY: Piano Trio No. 4 Op. 289; ONSLOW: Piano Trio Op. 26)

GÖBEL TRIO BERLIN

Christophorus CHE0136-2 (CD)

Carl Czerny and George Onslow were famous piano virtuosi in their time, and Czerny was also a famed teacher (most notably of Chopin). Although their pianistic careers tended to stand in the way of their composing ambitions, both men nevertheless wrote dazzling works that were highly praised by their contemporaries. As might be expected, these are pieces of considerable technical difficulty. Whilst Czerny’s Piano Trio No 4 and Onslow’s Piano Trio in C minor are indebted to Viennese Classicism, they are also highly individual, expressive works of great musical intensity.

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Beethoven String Quintets Opp. 4 and 29

The Nash Ensemble

Hyperion CDA67693 (CD)

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George Onslow Piano Trios Volume 2

(Piano Trio Op. 83; Piano Trio Op. 3 No. 2)

Trio Cascades

CPO 777231-2 (CD)

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Disc of the Week

Purcell: Dido and Aeneas

Sarah Connolly (mezzo-soprano), Gerald Finley (baritone), Lucy Crowe (soprano), Patricia Bardon (mezzo-soprano), William Purefoy (counter-tenor), Sarah Tynan (soprano), John Mark Ainsley (tenor), Carys Lane (soprano), Rebecca Outram (soprano), Choir & Orchestra of the Age of Enlightenment, Steven Devine & Elizabeth Kenny (directors)

Chandos CHAN0757 (CD)

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Chandos’ featured release is a new recording of the first English operatic masterpiece, Purcell’s tragedy Dido and Aeneas. Starring Sarah Connolly, Gerald Finley, with the Orchestra and Choir of the Age of Enlightenment, it is released to commemorate the 350th anniversary of Purcell’s birth.

Directed from the keyboard by Steven Devine and Elizabeth Kenny as in recent concert performances, the ensemble presents the opera in a version that incorporates other dance works by Purcell, a version which Sarah Connolly performed at Teatro alla Scala in 2006.

Beethoven: Quartet in F minor, Op 95

Andrew McGregor introduces Radio 3’s weekly programme devoted to all that’s new in the world of recorded music, including some of the latest releases requested by listeners.

Last broadcast 31 Jan 2009, 09:00 on BBC Radio 3

 

JS BACH: Violin Concerto in E major BWV 1042 (1st movement)

(c/w Concerto for two violins in D minor BWV 1043; Violin Concerto in A minor BWV 1041; Concerto for oboe and violin in C minor BWV 1060)

Julia Fischer (violin), Alexander Sitkovetsky (violin), Andrey Rubtsov (oboe), Academy of St. Martin in the Fields

Decca 478 0650 (CD)

Voted “Best Newcomer” by BBC Music Magazine in 2006 and acclaimed as “Artist of the Year” in the prestigious Classic FM Gramophone Awards only a year later, 25-year-old Julia Fischer is already being hailed as one of the truly great violinists of the 21st century. Julia burst upon the international music scene at the 1995 International Yehudi Menuhin Competition by taking first prize as well as a special prize for “Best Bach Solo Work.” It is only natural then that her Decca debut disc should feature Bach–this time the solo and double concertos. Julia is joined by the Academy of St Martin in the Fields in these strikingly sophisticated and technically brilliant performances.

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BRAHMS: Violin Concerto in D major OP. 77 (2nd movement)

(c/w Concerto for Violin, Cello and Orchestra in A minor Op. 102)

Vadim Repin (violin), Truls Mork (cello), Gewandhausorchester, Riccardo Chailly (conductor)

Deutsche Grammophon 477 7470 (CD)

ALBUM WEBSITE

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VICTOR HERBERT: Cello Concerto No. 2 in E minor Op. 30 (3rd movement)

(c/w DVORAK: Cello Concerto in B minor Op. 104)

Gautier Capucon (cello), Frankfurt Radio Symphony Orchestra, Paavo Jarvi (conductor)

Virgin 5190352 (CD)

Acclaimed cellist Gautier Capuçon presents his third concerto recording for Virgin Classics, following his early disc of Haydn concertos in 2003, and his 2007 recording of the Brahms Double Concerto with his brother, violinist Renaud Capuçon. Here he is accompanied by the Frankfurt Radio Symphony Orchestra under Paavo Järvi, the German ensemble’s music director since September 2006.

This release brings together Capuçon’s emotionally-charged reading of perhaps the greatest cello concerto, composed by Antonín Dvor?ák in the USA in 1895. Alongside the Dvor?ák is the comparatively little-known work that inspired it: the lyrical and highly virtuosic Cello Concerto No.2 in E Minor by Irish-born Victor Herbert (1859-1924).

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Gautier Capuçon – Dvořák & Herbert Cello Concertos

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Building a Library Recommendation

Beethoven: String Quartet No. 11 in F minor Op. 95

Reviewer – Stephen Johnson

First Choice Recommendation:

Takacs Quartet

Decca 4708492 (3 CDs, Mid Price)

Amazon.com
Some Quartets, like the Busch, Italiano, and Talich, have come close to the inner core of these supreme masterpieces. The Takács Quartet now joins those select few. From the opening chords of the Op. 127–firmly stated, perfectly blended, just gruff enough while still sounding beautiful–you know you’re in safe hands during this journey into the deepest, most timeless works in the repertory. Slow movements are always a major test here, and if the Takács doesn’t surpass some of the above-mentioned groups, they are superior to their present-day peers in conveying Beethoven’s deepest thinking while also attending to surface beauties. The Takács surpass the Emersons and Alban Berg Quartet(admirable as those performances are)in their interpretive insights and ensemble sound. But these masterpieces are so rich and dense that admirers need more than one version. The Takács are masters of Beethoven’s quick-changing contrasts, making them sound logical, even inevitable. While their playing is full of drive and forward motion, it’s never excessively energetic or overly lean. Of course, the Grosse Fugue is included, along with Beethoven’s substitute finale Opus 130 and the Opus 95 Quartet, making for three well-filled discs recorded in excellent sound. –Dan Davis

San Francisco Chronicle, 1/16/05
puts the seal on a complete cycle that promises to set a standard for such efforts through the coming decades.

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Historical Recommendation:

Busch Quartet, Rudolf Serkin (piano)

EMI 5653082 (4 CDs, Budget)

Also available on EMI Great Recordings of the Century series 5096552 (3 CDs, Mid Price)

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Next week Daniel Leech-Wilkinson examines recordings of Schubert’s song cycle, Winterreise.

New Releases

ANONYMOUS: Un Crible from disc Codex Chantilly Vol. 1

(c/w SOLAGE: S’Aincy Estoit; PHILLPOCTUS DE CASERTA: Medee Fu; ANTONELLO DA CASERTA: Je ne puis avoir plaisir; GALIOT: Se vos ne voles; MATTEO DA PERUGIA: De Quanqu’on Peut; FRANCISCUS ANDRIEU: De Narcissus; JACOB DE SENLECHES: Je Me Merveil)

Tetraktys

Et’cetera Records KTC1900 (CD)

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BYRD: Haec dicit Dominus from disc William Byrd Hodie Simon Petrus

(c/w Descendit de caelis;Tu es pastor ovium; Miserere mei, Deus; Circumdederunt me; Quodcumque ligaveris; Recordare, Domine; Exsurge, quare obdormis, Domine?; Laetania; Nunc scio vere; Constitues eos principes; Tu es Petrus; Levemus corda; Hodie Simon Petrus; Solve, iubente Deo)

The Cardinall’s Musick, Andrew Carwood (director)

Hyperion CDA67653 (CD)

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WEELKES: Christ rising again from disc Thomas Weelkes: Sacred Choral Music (reconstructed by Peter James)

(c/w O Jonathan; Rejoice in the Lord; Te Deum & Jubilate (Eighth Service); O how amiable are Thy dwellings; When David heard; Laboravi in gemitu meo; Magnificat & Nunc dimittis (Third Service ‘in F fa ut’); O vos omnes; Lord, to Thee I make my moan; Give ear, O Lord; All people, clap your hands; Hosanna to the Son of David)

Tewkesbury Abbey Schola Cantorum, Benjamin Nicholas (conductor)

Delphian DCD34070 (CD)

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MENDELSSOHN: Tu es Petrus Op. 111
(c/w Magnificat in D; Jesu meine Freude; Wir glauben all an einen Gott; Gloria)

Andrea L Brown (soprano), Monica Groop (alto), Werner Gura (Tenor), Michael Volle (Bass), Kammerchor Stuttgart, Deutsche Kammerphilharmonie Bremen, Frieder Bernius (conductor)

Carus 83.216 (Hybrid SACD)

 

WILBY: A Breathless Alleluia*; Panache (from Cyrano) +; Dance: Zeibekikos (from Euphonium Concerto) ±

Philip Wilby (organ)*, Joseph Cook (tuba)+, David Thornton (Euphonium)±, Philip Gault (baritone) +, Black Dyke Band, Nicholas Childs (conductor)

Naxos 8.572166 (CD, Budget)

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New Orchestral Releases

Rob Cowan talks to Andrew McGregor about some recent reissues of orchestral music. With extracts from the following discs:

ENESCU: String Octet in C major Op. 7 (version for orchestra by Lawrence Foster); Violin Sonata No. 3 in D major Op. 25

Orchestre Philharmonique de Monte Carlo, Lawrence Foster (conductor), Valeriy Sokolov (violin), Svetlana Kosenko (piano)

Virgin 5193122 (CD)

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DEBUSSY: La Mer; RAVEL: Valses nobles et sentimentales; La Valse; ROUSSEL: Suite No. 2 from Bacchus et Ariane, Op. 43

Saint Louis Symphony Orchestra, Hans Vonk (conductor)

Arch Media Archives PTC5186319 (CD, Mid Price)

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NIELSEN: Symphony No. 3 ‘Sinfonia espansiva’ Op. 27 (recorded March 1955)*; Symphony No. 5 Op. 50 (recorded August 1950, Edinburgh Festival) +
Ruth Guldbaek (soprano)*, Erik Sjoberg (baritone)*, Danish State Radio Symphony Orchestra, John Frandsen (conductor)*, Erik Tuxen (conductor) +
Guild Historical GHCD 2340 (CD, Mid Price)

 

TCHAIKOVSKY: The Storm, Op. 76; Symphony No. 5 in E minor, Op. 64 (recorded November 1942, New York); The Tempest, Op. 18 (recorded March 1943, New York)
NBC Symphony Orchestra, Leopold StokowskTCHAIKOVSKYi (conductor)

Guild Historical GHCD2334 (CD, Mid Price)

 

BRAHMS: Symphony No. 4 in E minor, Op. 98; Hungarian Dances for Orchestra (orchestrated by Brahms and Dvorak)

Pittsburgh Symphony Orchestra, Marek Janowski (conductor)

Pentatone PTC5186 309 (Hybrid SACD)

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Disc of the Week

Rossini Instrumental Music

(La Scala di seta – Overture; Serenata per piccolo compresso; String Sonata in G major; Le Rendez-vous de chasse ; Variazioni a più strumenti obbligati; Andante, e Tema con Variazioni per
quattro strumenti a fiato; Semiramide – Overture)

Budapest Festival Orchestra, Ivan Fischer (conductor)

Channel Classics CCSSA27708 (Hybrid SACD)

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24/01/2009

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HANDEL: Concerto grosso in G minor Op. 6 No. 6 from disc Handel Twelve Concerti grossi, op. 6

(c/w Concerti grossi Op. 6 Nos. 1-5 and 7-12)

Il Giardino Armonico, Giovanni Antonini (conductor)

L’Oiseau Lyre 478 0319 (3 CDs)

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CHEDEVILLE (arranged from Vivaldi Op. 8): Concerto ‘L’Hiver’ (Winter) in C minor (from Le Printems ou Les Saisons Amusantes)

Matthias Loibner (hurdy-gurdy), Enrico Casazza (Baroque violin), Chiara de Ziller (recorder), Les Eclairs de Musique

Arts 47669-8 (Hybrid SACD)

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VIVALDI: La fida ninfa (excerpts)

Sandrine Piau (soprano), Veronica Cangemi (soprano), Marie-Nicole Lemieux (alto), Lorenzo Regazzo (bass), Philippe Jaroussky (counter-tenor), Topi Lehtipuu (tenor), Sara Mingardo (alto), Christian Senn (bass baritone), Ensemble Matheus, Jean-Christophe Spinosi (director)

Naive OP 30410 (3 CDs, Mid Price)

 

Italia 1600, Argentina 1900

PIAZZOLLA: Milonga en ay menor from disc Italia 1600, Argentina 1900
MONTEVERDI: Si dolce e’l tormento (from 9th Book of Madrigals); PORPORA: Alto giove from Polifemo; VIVALDI: Come in vano il mare irato from Cantone in Utica; HANDEL: Lascia ch’io pianga from Rinaldo; PORPORA: Son fra l’onde in mezzo al mare from Gli Orti Esperidi; CACCINI: Tu ch’ai le penne Amore from Euridice; GUASTAVINO: Se equivoco la paloma; BROSCHI: Son qual nave ch’agitata from Artaserse; HANDEL: Tu del ciel ministro eletto from Il trionfo del Tempo e del Disinganno; No se emendera jamas from Cantata spagnola; VIVALDI: Dite, oime! Ditelo, al fine from La fida ninfa; PAISIELLO: Nel cor piu non mi sento from La molinara; VILLA-LOBOS: Aria from Cantilena, Bachianas brasileiras, no. 5

Veronica Cangemi (soprano), Una Stella Ensemble

Naive OP 30466 (CD)

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Building a Library Recommendation

Anthony Burton compares available recordings of Bohuslav Martinu’s 6th Symphony (Fantaisies symphoniques).

First Choice Recommendation:

(c/w Symphonies 1-5)

Czech Philharmonic Orchestra, Vaclav Neumann (conductor)

Supraphon 11 0382-2 (3 CDs, Mid Price)

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Budget Choice Recommendation

(c/w Les Fresques de Piero Della Francesca; Orchestral Suite ‘Juliette’)

Sinfonieorchester St. Gallen, Jiri Kout (conductor)

Arte Nova 82876577402 (CD, Budget)

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Podcast

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Next week Stephen Johnson examines recordings of Beethoven’s String Quartet No. 11 Op. 95

New Beethoven Releases

BEETHOVEN: Neue Liebe, neues Leben; An den fernen Geliebten (from 6 Lieder Op. 75) from disc Beethoven: Lieder und Gesange

(c/w 6 Lieder von Gellert; Vier Arietten und ein Duett Op. 82; An die Geliebte/1; Sehnsucht/1; An die Geliebte/2; Sehnsucht/2; Das Geheimnis; Sehnsucht/3; Als die Geliebte sich trennen wolte; Sehnsucht/4; Der Kuss Op. 128; Sehnsucht (Reissig); Der Mann von Wort Op. 99; Seufzer eines Ungeliebten und Gegenliebe; In questa tomba oscura; 8 Lieder Op. 52)

Ann Murray (mezzo-soprano), Roderick Williams (baritone), Iain Burnside (piano)

Signum Classics SIGCD139 (2 CDs, Mid Price)

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BEETHOVEN: An die ferne Geliebte from disc Beethoven: Lieder und Gesange

(c/w Resignation; Abendlied unterm gestirnten Himmel; Andenken; La Tiranna; An die Hoffnung; Ruf vom Berge; Klage; Selbstgesprach; Adelaide; Wonne der Wehmuth; Sehnsucht; Mit einem gemahlten Band; Gesang aus der Ferne; Die laute Klage; Lebensgluck; Der Wachtelschlag; An die Hoffnung)

John Mark Ainsley (tenor), Iain Burnside (piano)

Signum Classics SIGCD145 (CD)
 

KREUTZER: Etudes 3 (from 40 Etudes ou Caprices pour violon)

(c/w Etudes 1-2, 4-40)

Elizabeth Wallfisch (violin)

CPO 999901-2 (2 CDs, Mid Price)

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BEETHOVEN: Violin Sonata No. 9 Op. 47, ‘Kreutzer’ (first movement)

(c/w RAVEL: Violin Sonata in G major; BARTOK: Romanian Folk Dances sz.56; SAY: Violin Sonata Op. 7)

Patricia Kopatchinskaja (violin), Fazil Say (piano)

Naïve V5146 (CD)

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Interview

Interview

Andrew talks to Stephen Kovacevich about his new recording of Beethoven’s Diabelli Variations. With extracts from the CD:

BEETHOVEN: Diabelli Variations Op. 120; BACH: Partita No. 4 BWV 828
Stephen Kovacevich (piano)
Onyx ONYX4035 (CD)

Disc of the Week

Giovanni Benedetto Platti: Concerti Grossi After Corelli

PLATTI: Concerto grosso No. 10 in F major (after Corelli’s Sonatas Op. 5), Kat.Nr. 544; Concerto “per Oboe” in G minor Kat.-Nr. 644 from disc Concerti Grossi After Corelli

(c/w Concerto with cello obligato (VIII) in D major; Concerto grosso No. 4 in F major (after Corelli) Kat.-Nr. 540; Concerto grosso No. 5 in G minor after Corelli, Kat.-Nr. 541)

Akademie fur Alte Musik Berlin, Xenia Loffler (oboe), Sebastian Hess (cello), Georg Kallweit (concert master and solo violin)

Harmonia Mundi HMC901996 (CD)

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17/01/2009

J. STRAUSS II: Alexandrinen-Polka Op. 198 (Alexandrine’s Polka); from disc New Year’s Concert 2009

(c/w J. STRAUSS II: Ouvertüre zu “Eine Nacht in Venedig”; Marchen aus dem Orient. Walzer, Op. 444 (Fairy Tales from the Orient); Annen-Polka, op. 117; Schnellpost-Polka Op. 159 (Express Mail Polka); Rosen aus dem Süden. Walzer, op. 388; Freikugeln. Polka schnell, op. 326; Ouvertüre Zigeunerbaron; Einzugsmarsch Zigeunerbaron; Schatz-Walzer, op. 418; J. HELLMESBERGER II: Valse espagnole; J. STRAUSS I: Zampa-Galopp Op. 62; J. STRAUSS II: Unter Donner und Blitz. Polka schnell, op. 324; JOSEF STRAUSS: Spharenklange. Walzer, op. 235; J. STRAUSS II: Éljen a Magyár! Polka schnell, op. 332; J. HAYDN: Symphony No.45 in F sharp minor “Farewell” – IV. Finale; J. STRAUSS II: So angstlich sind wir nicht! /We’re not that worried! – Polka, op. 413; An der schönen, blauen Donau / Blue Danube – Waltz op.314; J. STRAUSS I: Radetzky-March, op.228)

Vienna Philharmonic Orchestra, Daniel Barenboim (conductor)

Decca 4781133 (2 CDs, Mid Price)

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Vienna New Years Day Concert 2009 – Joseph Haydn, Symphony Nr45, Satz

Vienna New Years Day concert 2009 – Johann Strauss, Radetzky Marsch / March

 

MONTEVERDI: Teatro d’Amore (‘Toccata’, ‘Ohime ch’io cado’, ‘Pur ti miro’)

Nuria Rial (soprano), Philippe Jaroussky (countertenor), Cyril Auvity (tenor), Jan van Elsacker (tenor), Joao Fernandes (bass), L’Arpeggiata, Christina Pluhar (director, harpsichord and theorbo)

Virgin Classics 23614024 (CD)

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MARTIN: Polyptyque* (Image de la Chambre haute; Image de la Glorification) from disc Martin Concertos Volume 2

(c/w Passacaille; Harpsichord Concerto)

Willi Zimmermann (violin)*, Musikkollegium Winterthur*, Jac van Steen (conductor)*, Rudolf Scheidegger (harpsichord)

MDG 9011539-6 (Hybrid SACD)

Building a Library Recommendation

Haydn: Symphony No. 104 ‘London’

Reviewer – Richard Wigmore

First Choice Recommendation:

(c/w Symphonies Nos. 94, 96, 100, 101 and 103)

Royal Concertgebouw Orchestra, Colin Davis (conductor)

Philips 4647072 (2 CDs, Budget)

Podcast

 

Listen to Building a Library, comparing available recordings of a work from the cl…

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Next week Anthony Burton examines recordings of Martinu’s Symphony No. 6 (Fantaisies symphoniques)

Reissues

Stokowski – The Eternal Magician

(c/w ENSCO: Rumanian Rhapsodies; DEBUSSY: Nocturnes; STRAVINSKY: Firebird Suite; WAGNER: Ride of the Valkyries*)

All-American Youth Orchestra*, Leopold Stokowski (conductor)*, The Robert Shaw Chorale of Women’s Voices, Robert Shaw (conductor), Leopold Stokowski Symphony Orchestra

Cala CACD0549 (CD) [recordings from 1941, 1950 and 1953]

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Richard Farrell – Volume 1 of the Complete Recordings

(GRIEG: Piano Concerto in A minor Op. 16; BRAHMS: 4 Ballades Op. 10; 16 Waltzes Op. 39; GRIEG: Ballade in G minor Op. 24; Popular Norwegian Melodies Op. 66 Nos. 14, 17; 9 Lyric Pieces; LISZT: Piano Concerto No. 1 in E flat S.124)

Richard Farrell (piano)

Atoll ACD208 (2 CDs) [recordings 1956-58]

 

MENDELSSOHN: Rondo Capriccioso Op. 14; Sonata in B flat Op. 106; Variations serieuses Op. 54; Trois Fantasies ou Caprices Op. 16

Ilse von Alpenheim (piano)

Pentatone PTC5186152 (Hybrid SACD) [recordings 1975]

 

David Oistrakh plays Schumann, Franck, Szymanowski and Ravel

(SCHUMANN: Fantasy in C Op. 131; FRANCK: Sonata in A; SZYMANOWSKI: Myths Op. 30; RAVEL: Tzigane)

David Oistrakh (violin), Vladimir Yampolsky (piano)

Testament SBT 1442 (CD, Mid Price) [concert performance Bucharest 20th September 1958]

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Richard Strauss – The Last Concerts

(R. STRAUSS: Don Juan Op. 20; Burleske in D minor; Sinfonia domestica Op. 53; Till Eulenspiegels lustige Streiche Op. 28; Don Juan Op. 20)

Alfred Blumen (piano), Philharmonia Orchestra, BBC Symphony Orchestra, Richard Strauss (conductor)

SBT2 1441 (2 CDs, Mid Price) [London 1947]

Interview

Andrew talks to members of the Endellion String Quartet, this year celebrating their 30th birthday. With extracts from the following disc:

Beethoven Complete String Quartets, Quintets and fragments

Endellion String Quartet, David Adams (viola II in the String Quintets)

Warner 2564694713 (10 CDs, Budget)

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Disc of the Week

MATTHEWS: Horn Concerto*

(c/w Alphabicycle Order)

Richard Watkins (horn)*, Halle Orchestra*, Mark Elder (conductor)*, Halle Youth Choir and Cantores Roborienses, Henry Goodman (narrator), Edward Gardner (conductor)

Halle CDHLL7515 (CD)

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