Monthly Archive: August 2009
Stargate SG-1 – Children of the Gods, Final Cut (1997/2008)
An expanded and enhanced re-cut of the pilot episode for the long-running sci-fi TV series.
The Aggregation, under the direction of Eddie Allen – Groove’s Mood – DBCD
The jazzy big-band Aggregation’s debut album, Groove’s Mood, is a living, breathing, lively and feel-good outing.
SIBELIUS: Symphony No. 3 in C Major, Op. 52; Symphony No. 6 in D Minor, Op. 104; STRAVINSKY: Violin Concerto in D Major – Thomas Zehetmair, violin and conductor/Northern Sinfonia – Avie
Galvanic and diaphanous, these are among the best Sibelius inscriptions you will encounter in this decade.
TELEMANN: Brockes-Passion – Soloists/ RIAS Chamber Choir/ Academy for Ancient Music Berlin/ Rene Jacobs – Harmonia mundi (2 CDs)
An exemplary performance of a Telemann work that deserves to be better known.
Grado Reference 1 Moving Magnet Phono Cartridge SRP: $1500
You shouldn’t count out MM cartridges; this one is superb and has a number of advantages.
SCHUMANN: The Four Symphonies; Overture, Scherzo and Finale in E-flat Major, Op. 52; Manfred Overture, Op. 115 – Israel Philharmonic Orchestra/Paul Kletzki – Doremi (2 CDs)
Harold C. Schonberg claimed that “no better performance is available on LP.
SCHUBERT: String Quartet in d, “Death and the Maiden” (Orch. arr. by Andy Stein); Symphony No. 8 in d, “Unfinished” (completed by Brian Newbould) – Buffalo Philharmonic Orchestra/ JoAnn Falletta, conductor – Naxos
Trying to answer several Schubertian “what ifs”.
BOB BROOKMEYER: Music for String Quartet and Orchestra – Gustav Klimt String Quartet/Metropole Orchestra/Bob Brookmeyer – Challenge Jazz
I think as an orchestral classical/jazz effort it’s the equal of my favorite of that ilk, Stan Getz/Eddie Sauter’s Focus.
BEETHOVEN: Cello Sonatas Op. 5 Nos. 1, 2 & Op. 69 – Friedrich Kleinhapl, cello/ Andreas Woyke, piano – Ars Produktion
The SACD version creates a tangible sense of presence and depth adorned with high-quality, vinyl-type instrumental color and detail.
John Hicks – I Remember You – High Note
Hicks had an economic melodic style and creative personality that made him a significant performer and composer during his 45-year career.
Alien Trespass, Blu-ray (2009)
A hilarious and accurate homage to 1950s flying saucer sci-fi oaters.
HAYDN: Nelson Mass; Symphony No. 103, “The Drumroll” – Eva Linda, Ingeborg Danz, James Taylor, Reinhard Hagen, EuropaChorAkademie, SWR Sinfonieorchester Baden-Baden und Freiburg conducted by Michael Gielen – Glor Classics
30 seconds with Haydn that could change your life.
SCHUBERT: Mass in E-flat Major; MOZART: Vesperae solomnes de Confessore – Genia Kuehmeier, sop./Christa Mayer, alto/Timothy Robinson and Oliver Ringelhahn, ten./ Matthew Rose, bass/State Opera Choir & Dresden Staatskapelle/Sir Charles Mackerras – Carus
Two choral masterpieces mark Sir Charles Mackerras’ debut as head of the Dresden Staatskapelle.
BEETHOVEN: Cello Sonatas; 12 Variations on “See the Conquering Hero Comes” from Judas Maccabaeues; 12 Variations on “Ein Madchen ode rein Weibchen”; 7 Var. on “Bei Mannern, welche Liebe fuhlen” – Zuill Bailey, cello/Simone Dinnerstein, p. – Telarc (2)
A chart-topper appears as Bailey and Dinnerstein reveal the essence of Beethoven in this complete set.
And If the Song be Worth a Smile = BOLCOM: 4 Cabaret Songs; GETTY: Poor Peter; HEGGIE: 4 Songs; GARNER: Annettes-Lieder; CORIGLIANO: 2 Cabaret Songs; WOOLF: Odas de Todo el Mundo – Lisa Delan, soprano/ Susanne Mentzer, mezzo-soprano – PentaTone
A top notch recital of some wonderful American songs, captured in pristine surround sound.
Audio News for August 18, 2009
Digital Media Copyright in Europe; Digitize Your Old Cassettes?; Panasonic Fully Wireless HT System; Fourth Main Version of HDMI Introduced
SIBELIUS: Tempest Suites Nos. 1 & 2; Scaramouche Incidental Music – Hungarian State Symphony Orchestra/ Jussi Jalas – Decca/London/HDTT
The sonics are much more high quality than one would suspect from original 4-track commercial tapes.
FELIX WEINGARTNER (1863-1942): Frühling: Symphonic Poem Op. 80; Symphony No. 6 op.74 in B minor “La Tragica” – Basel Symphony Orchestra/Marko Letonja – CPO
Beware the first 15 seconds of this SACD !!!
BEETHOVEN: Complete Violin Sonatas, Vol. 1 = Sonata No. 1 in D, Op. 12, No. 1; Sonata No. 2 in A, Op. 12, No. 2; Sonata No. 3 in E-flat Major, Op. 12, No. 3; Sonata No. 4 in A Minor, Op. 23 – Joseph Fuchs, violin/Artur Balsam, piano – Naxos Historical
Described by Nathan Milstein “the greatest American-trained violinist,” Joseph Fuchs became a major force in American violin pedagogy and chamber music ensemble.
The Day The Earth Stood Still, Blu-ray, 3 Discs (2008/09)
Not as good as the original but interesting to see the changes a bigger budget and the passage of time have had, plus you get a Blu-ray of the original 1951 film too.
The Super Guitar Trio in Concert (2009)
A stellar display of virtuosity on acoustic guitars.
SIBELIUS: Symphony No. 4 in A Minor, Op. 63; Symphony No. 5 in E-flat Major, Op. 82; The Swan of Tuonela, Op. 22, No. 2; Finlandia, Op. 26 – Philadelphia Orchestra/Eugene Ormandy – Pristine Audio
A sensational remastering of the CBS LP once issued as a commemoration of the composer’s 90th birthday.
Stereotypes Audio
Cembal d’amour
Pure Pleasure / Speakers Corner
Cedille
