Monthly Archive: August 2009
SHOSTAKOVICH: Hypothetically Murdered – Orchestral Suite Op. 31a (1931) – Dimitri Kharitonov, bass/City of Birmingham Symphony Orchestra/Mark Elder – Signum Records/Top Music
This is the world premiere recording of one of Shostakovich’s early scores that had been completely forgotten in Soviet archives.
MIECZYSLAW WEINBERG: Symphony No. 2 for String Orchestra (1945-6); Chamber Symphony No. 2 for String Orchestra & Timpani (1987) – Umea Symphony Orchestra/Thord Svedlund – Alto
Anyone who loves Shostakovich will enjoy exploring the works of Weinberg – also spelled Vainberg.
* ALBAN BERG Orchestral Works: Piano Sonata Op. 1; Three Pieces; Der Wein; Passacaglia; Concerto for Violin and Orchestra; Three Fragments from “Wozzeck”; Symphonic Pieces from “Lulu”; Wine, Women & Song – Soloists/ Gothenburg Sym./Mario Venzago – Chandos
******* MULTICHANNEL DISC OF THE MONTH ********
A much-needed two-disc collection of works from the entire career of the distinctive serialist.
J.S. BACH: Suites for Solo Cello, Nos. 1-3 – Martin Zeller, cello – MA Recordings
A winner in every way, joining the elite crowd of the recorded best.
BACH: Cantata No. 78 “Jesu, der du meine Seele”; Arias for Voices and Instruments – soloists/Munich Bach Choir/ Soloists Ensemble of the Bach Festival Ansbach/Karl Richter/ Bach Aria Group/Wm. Scheide – HDTT
Sturdy and spirited, these Bach works are scrupulously presented.
David Darling, cello – 8-String Religion – Wind over the Earth Music/First Impression Music
An unusually listenable New Age album in superior K2HD sonics.
MAHLER: Symphony No. 5 in C minor (plus complete Audite Catalog) – Bavarian Radio Symphony Orchestra/ Raphael Kubelik – Audite
Excellent Mahler captured live, leaving little to complain about.
Nikolai Tokarew, piano: “No.1” = CHOPIN: Piano Sonata No.2 in B Flat Minor; BACH-SILOTI: Prelude for Piano in B Minor; SCHUBERT: Moments Musicaux; LISZT: “La Campanella”; ROSENBLATT: Variations on a Paganini Theme. BONUS = MUSSORGSKY & PROKOFIEV – SonyBMG
“No.1,” the début album of Nikoali Tokarew from Sony Masterworks, presents a pianist with unequivocal technique and sincere musicianship.
The Last Starfighter, 25th Anniversary Edition, Blu-ray (1984/2009)
A delightful video game fantasy brought to life with great skill.
GABRIEL FAURE: Concertante Works = Ballade for Piano and Orchestra; Fantasie for Piano and Orchestra; Berceuse for Violin; Elegie for Cello; Violin Concerto; Romance for Cello; Fantasie for Flute – Soloists/Orch. de Bretagne/Moshe Atzmon – Timpani
A delightful concept: organizing Gabriel Faure’s diverse works for solo instruments and orchestra under one roof.
Mike DiRubbo – Repercussion – Positone Records
Another Positone winner.
Audio News for August 15, 2009
Les Paul Dies at 94; 30 New Foxtel TV Channels Possible; RealNetworks Loses Rights for DVD-Copying Software; Kaleidescape Loses Rights for DVD Storage Technology; Onkyo Mid-Price AV Receiver Integrates Four Internet Radio Services
Adam Marsland – Go West – Karma Frog
Go West is an undertaking that operates logically in two ways: it’s a highly engaging pop/rock conception or dig a little deeper and it is an engrossing journey from hope to despair and back to hope.
Romantic Violin Concertos = GADE: Concerto for Violin and Orchestra in D minor; LANGE-MÜLLER: Concerto for Violin and Orchestra in C major; LANGGAARD: Concerto for Violin and Orchestra, BVN 82 – soloists /Tampere Philharmonic/John Storgards – Da Capo
Three rare Romantic violin concertos from Denmark make refreshing listening in this new SACD release.
Allan Taylor, Live In Belgium, Blu-ray + DVD, (2007/2009)
Taylor is a superb vocalist, guitarist and storyteller, and he’s also quite an articulate speaker.
Jamiroquai – Live At Montreux, Blu-ray (2003/2009)
Jamiroquai are probably the greatest proponents of that intoxicating mix of London-based, blue-eyed-soul-influenced acid jazz.
Michael Olatuja – Speak – Backdrop
Slick and sophisticated mix of soul, R&B, gospel, Afro-pop, hip-hop, and jazz.
Bruce Cale Quartet – On Fire – Tall Poppies
It’s great to hear former Messengers saxophonist Dale Barlow, even on music nearly three decades old.
Golden Operetta of Vienna = Sel. by Gedda, Bjoerling, Wunderlich, Tauber, Schock, Schwarzkopf, Gueden, Streich & others – Alto
An inexhaustible treasure chest of Old Vienna, all heart-throbs and whipped cream.
Battlestar Galactica, Season 4.5, Blu-ray (2009)
The last episodes of a unique sci-fi series.
Mort Weiss – All Too Soon: A Jazz Duet for Clarinet and Seven String Guitar – SMS Jazz
Weiss sounds stronger and healthier than ever before. Maybe he is making up for lost time.
Sunfire Theater Grand Processor TGP-401 SRP: $3500
A versatile luxury-class AV processor with some exclusive extras.
Stereotypes Audio
Cembal d’amour
Pure Pleasure / Speakers Corner
Cedille
