Monthly Archive: September 2008
Venetian Composers in Guatamala and Boliva – Albalonga /Aníbal Cetrangolo – Arts
This is not a disc to die for but rather to live for, and listen over and over again.
Live from Baden-Baden: The Opera Gala (complete concert) (2008)
Visually it is a real treat, with different color schemes presented on differing spots in the hall – quite stunning to look at.
SCHUMANN: Dichterliebe, op. 48 and other Schumann lieder – Gerald Finley, baritone/ Julius Drake, piano – Hyperion
Schumann’s most poplar cycle with the added attraction of other Heine songs.
SCHUBERT: Piano Sonata in A, D 959; Six Moments musicaux, D 780 – Martin Helmchen, piano – PentaTone
Refreshingly youthful Schubert that goes easy on the heaviness.
“Cameron Carpenter, organ – Revolutionary” – Works of CHOPIN, BACH, ELLINGTON, DUPRE, HOROWITZ, CARPENTER – Telarc SACD + DVD
Welcome to Cameron Carpenter, whose heroes are Liberace, Nureyev and David Bowie – not E. Power Biggs.
O felice morire – Arias and Madrigals, Florence 1600 (listed below) – Joel Frederiksen, bass, archlute, direction/ Ensemble Phoenix Munich – Harmonia mundi
Frederiksen continues his revival of an olden art of performance.
HUGO DISTLER: Concerto for Harpsichord and Strings; Stage Music to “Knight Bluebeard” by Ludwig Tieck – Huguette Dreyfus, harpsichord/German Bach Soloists/Martin Stephani (Concerto); Soloists /Newbrandenburger Philharmonic/Malzew (Bluebeard) – Musicaphon
His music is usually polyphonic and often uses the pentatonic scale.
The Art of Dimitri Mitropoulos, Vol. 2 = Works of MAHLER, PROKOFIEV, VAUGAHN WILLIAMS, LALO, BACH, SCHOENBERG – Music & Arts (4 CDs)
This set emphasizes his vigorous advocacy of modern scores, examples of his instrumental prowess at the keyboard and tenacious support for selected guest soloists.
Audio News for September 23, 2008
More HDMI Connections in Latest Audio Components;
Berlin Show Gadgets; Sony Launches iPod and iPhone Audio Products; TDK Launches 6x Recordable Blu-ray Discs
John Stein – Green Street – Whaling City Sound
Re-release of a fine organ quartet date.
Vince Seneri – The Prince’s Groove – Prince V Records
The Prince’s Groove is an example of an artist excelling by sticking with what he does best.
Ron Blake – Shayari – Mack Avenue
Tenorist Ron Blake speaks the language of jazz with authority and accomplished articulation and is developing a distinct, singular voice.
Mark Sherman Quartet – Live at the Bird’s Eye – Miles High Records
It is only a matter of time before Sherman is lauded alongside vibes stalwarts such as Bobby Hutcherson or Walt Dickerson.
“Delicate Strauss” – RICHARD STRAUSS: Concerto in D Major for oboe and small orchestra; Prelude to the opera “Capriccio;” Romance (1979); To My Child; Tomorrow! – Alexei Utkin, oboe/Hermitage Ch. Orch. – Caro Mitis
An appropriately titled and delightful collection from the Russian hi-res label, starring the work of their leading oboe soloist
The John Coltrane Songbook – Early Trane, The Composer Collection – Vol. 2 – High Note
Trane, the composer.
The Art and Soul of Houston Person – Houston Person, sax – High Note (3 CD compilation set)
It doesn’t get much better than this.
The Hulk, Blu-ray (2003)
The many visual effects and overbearing surround sound all come across with maximum impact via the fine Blu-ray transfer.
Lionel Hampton, Live in ‘58 (2008)
We gain a feeling in this concert for Hamp’s reputation as an irrepressible showman.
a/k/a Tommy Chong (2008)
Chong, of the famous stoner comedy duo Cheech and Chong, was charged in a sting operation with shipping glass bongs to a state where it was against the law and served nine months as a result.
His Love Endures Forever: Psalms of Thankfulness and Praise – Gloriæ Dei Cantores/ Elizabeth C. Patterson, conductor – GDCD
A fine disc of Anglican Chant sung by a choir who knows it better than anyone.
FRANCK: String Quartet in D Major; FAURE: String Quartet in E Minor – Dante Quartet – Hyperion
Superb engineering from Ben Connellan insures us an intensely present experience.
Adam Niewood & His Rebel Rousers – Epic Journey Volumes I & II – Innova 708 (2 discs)
A release of huge significance: Please, don’t let it sink out of sight.
Stereotypes Audio
Cembal d’amour
Pure Pleasure / Speakers Corner
Cedille
