Monthly Archive: May 2008
Louis Armstrong, Live In Australia (1964)
A must-have video for Louis Armstrong fans; and fans of classic jazz will not be disappointed.
Piano Archives: Clara Haskil plays MOZART = Piano Concerto No. 19 in F Major; Piano Concerto No. 20 in D Minor – Clara Haskil, piano/Paris Conservatory Orchestra/Jerzy Katlewicz (Concerto No. 19)/Philharmonia Orchestra/Herbert von Karajan – Tahra
We tend to associate Haskil with Mozart interpretation almost exclusively, often disregarding the breadth of her repertory.
GUIDO DONATI Plays Guido Donati – Guido Donati, pipe organ – Tactus
A quirky and fun exploration of music by a composer (and a fine organist) with a highly-developed sense of humor.
SCHUBERT: Death and the Maiden; Quartet Fragment in C minor – Jerusalem Quartet – Harmonia mundi
Simply stunning Schubert!
DOHNANYI: Violin Concerto No. 1 in D Minor, Op. 27; Violin Concerto No. 2 in C Minor, Op. 43 – Michael Ludwig, violin/ Royal Scottish National Orchestra/ JoAnn Falletta, conductor – Naxos
A convenient coupling of worthy entries
REICH: Daniel Variations; Variations for Vibes, Piano, and Strings – Los Angeles Master Chorale/ Grant Gershon, conductor/ London Sinfonietta/ Alan Pierson, conductor – Nonesuch
Almost review-proof, Reich’s fans will no doubt flock to this one—but is it really worth it?
Filia Praeclara = Music from 13th and 14th Century Polish Clarisse Convents – Ensemble Peregrina – Divox Antiqua
Unusual and highly interesting music, expertly done
JOHANN STRAUSS II: Die Fledermaus (The Bat), Blu-ray (2008)
In terms of entertainment value, this new Blu-ray disc from Opus Atre is beyond brilliant.
The Chronicles of Narnia: The Lion, the Witch & the Wardrobe, Blu-ray (2008)
As a Blu-ray disc, it’s reference quality, with both picture and sound that offer a superior home theater experience.
Audio News for May 30, 2008
Hi-Res Movies vs. Low-Res Downloads; Wal-Mart Offers $298 Blu-ray Player; Blu-ray Recorders Next; Wi-Fi Technology Links Hearing Aids to TV Sound
Hiromi’s Sonicbloom – Beyond Standard – Telarc
The opening half-minute of scratchy mono from the center channel sets up the stage for the mostly retro tunes to be delivered in updated fashion.
Gene Bertoncini, guitar, with string quintet – Concerti – Ambient
A most enjoyable entry in the again-growing chamber jazz genre.
WALTON: Belshazzar’s Feast – Dennis Noble, baritone/ London Philharmonic Choir/ London Philharmonic Orchestra/Sir Adrian Boult – Pristine Audio
This fine interpretation of William Walton’s popular oratorio features baritone Dennis Noble in splendid voice and diction.
Diva (1981)
This French thriller is a stylish and distinctive mix of new approaches to music, design, color and cinematography.
Walter Becker – Circus Money – Mailboat Records
The lyrics are hip, sardonic and often conjure up a whole special story or scenario with just a few well-chosen phrases.
LUDOVICO EINAUDI: Divenire – 12 selections – Einaudi, piano – Ponderosa
A top-selling album in Europe, Divenire has captivated listeners around the world with its piano-based minimalism.
Johnny Griffin Quartet/ Richie Cole Group – From The Village Vanguard (1981)
1981 Village Vanguard Sessions from Richie Cole and Johnny Griffin
EDGAR BAINTON: Concerto fantasia for piano and orchestra; The Golden River; Three Pieces for Orchestra; Pavane, Idyll and Bacchanal for string orchestra with flute & tambourine – Margaret Fingerhut, piano/BBC Philharmonic/Paul Daniel – Chandos
Lovely stuff, redolent of Delius to my ears.
Myriam Alter – Where Is There – Enja/Justin Time
Could have gone into our Classical section…
“Jazz Side of the Moon” – The Music of Pink Floyd – Chesky Records
A few rock albums have been given jazz treatments, but I feel this one may well become recognized as the best to date.
MESSIAEN Chamber Works – Quartet for the End of Time; Theme and variations; Piece for Piano and String Quartet, Fantaisie; Le Merle noir – Hebrides Ensemble – Linn Records
This seems to be the first SACD incarnation of one of the 20th century’s most important works of chamber music.
Sergiu Celibidache Conducts RAVEL & DEBUSSY
His frailty in person belies the energies of his art, which now emanate from a modest stick technique.
Stereotypes Audio
Cembal d’amour
Pure Pleasure / Speakers Corner
Cedille
