Monthly Archive: April 2012
HANS GÁL: Symphony No. 4; SCHUMANN: Symphony No. 2 – Orch. of the Swan/ Kenneth Woods – Avie
The Gál may take a few hearings to sink in, but the Schumann is one of the best recordings available.
Public Image Limited Live at Rockpalast 1983 (2012)
As a document of Public Image Limited as they stood in 1983, this DVD is great, but it doesn’t represent the band’s strengths and unique sound.
“Still Sound” = Quiet piano works by PART, SATIE, GROSS, SCHUBERT, CHOPIN & BOLCOM – Bruce Levingston – Sono Luminus
A skilled performer who also constructs very interesting programs.
Tinker Tailor Soldier Spy, Blu-Ray + DVD + Digital Copy (2012)
Oldman’s performance as Smiley effortlessly captures the sadness always below the surface of Le Carre’s most famous creation.
Dan Block – (Plays the Music of Duke Ellington) From His World to Mine – Miles High Records
From His World To Mine is a class presentation to be thoroughly enjoyed.
SMETANA: Ma Vlast – ORF Radio-Sym. Orch. Vienna/ Lovro von Matacic – Orfeo (2 CDs)
Lovro von Matacic leads an inflamed version of the complete Ma Vlast, one he meant for universal export and impact well beyond its over-indulged “The Moldau”.
Treme, Season Two, Blu-ray (2012)
There are many different layers to this tapestry of life in New Orleans, and the accent on the music makes it a delight.
The Duke Robillard Jazz Trio – Wobble Walkin' – Blue Duchess Records
A guitarist who has found his own voice with much to offer.
The Whistleblower – Blu-ray (2012)
Film about the Bosnian scandal is reissued in hi-def.
Anoushka Shankar – Traveller – DGG
The latest from another talented daughter of Ravi Shankar.
Flute Concerto by W.A. MOZART & 2 Sinfonias for 4 Horns by LEOPOLD MOZART – Soloists/Concerto Amsterdam – TopMusic
Highest-quality sonics and fine performances, though the original recordings are fairly dated.
“In Memoriam Pehr Henrik Nordgren” = NORDGREN: Concerto for Sax Quartet and Strings; ARVO PART: Fratres; ASKELLMASSON: Quatrain; KALEVO AHO: In memorium Pehr Henrik Nordgren – Rascher Sax. Q./ Lapland Ch. Orch./John Storgards – Alba
A major concerto by the late Finnish composer, plus works in tribute to his memory.
“Music for Two Pianos” – DEBUSSY: En blanc et noir; Jeux; Lindaraja; RAVEL: Entre cloches; Rapsodie espagnole; La Valse – Vladimir & Vovka Ashkenazy – Decca “Piano Duets” – ANTON LISTE: Grande Sonate (4 hands); HONEGGER: Pastorale d’eté; HANS SCHAEUBLE: Los Caprichos; FRANK MARTIN: Pavane couleur du temps – See Siang Wong & Hans Adolfsen – Guild
A fine pair of two-piano albums; one with a 4-hand work.
Alon Yavnai & The NDR Big Band – Shir Ahava – AYM
Jazz pianist releases an exciting big band album.
* Pink Floyd – Wish You Were Here – EMI/Analogue Productions
********* MULTICHANNEL DISC OF THE MONTH *********
May be the best rock album ever in surround.
SHARON RUCHMAN: ‘Chamber Music’ = Piece for Cello and Piano; Sea Glass; Awakening; Day at Play, Days End; Promise; Acceptance; Three Pieces for String Quartet; Translucence – Phoenix Classical
All very pretty but a bit simplistic.
ROSS HARRIS: Symphonies Nos. 2 and 3 – Madeleine Pierard, sop./ Auckland Philharmonia Orch./Marko Letonja – Naxos
The Second Symphony by Australian composer Ross Harris is a moving tribute to soldiers shot for desertion during World War I.
![MARIO CASTELNUOVO-TEDESCO: Complete Organ Works [TrackList follows] – Livia Mazzanti – Aeolus](https://www.audaud.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/04/CastelnuovoTedescoOrganSA.jpg)
MARIO CASTELNUOVO-TEDESCO: Complete Organ Works [TrackList follows] – Livia Mazzanti – Aeolus
World premiere recordings of all the pipe organ works of Castelnuovo-Tedesco.
Conductor Sir Hamilton Harty = SMETANA: The Bartered Bride Ov.; DVORAK: Carnival Ove.; Symphony No. 9; LISZT: Hungarian Rhapsody No. 12; BRAHMS: Hungarian Dances Nos. 5 & 6; DVORAK: Slavonic Dance No. 1 – London Philharmonic Orch./ Halle Orch./ Sir Hamilton Harty/Myra Hess and Hamilton Harty, piano duet – Pristine Audio
These energized inscriptions from Hamilton Harty convince us that his approach to music-making rivaled his more flamboyant contemporaries: Stokowski, Fried, and Mengelberg.
Audio News for April 13, 2012
Samsung Launches Tubed Audio Products; Philharmonia Orchestra “Universe of Sound”; More Interest in Multi-Screen Video
Jason Vitelli – Confluence – Soundkeeper Recordings SR4003 – 24/96 DVD
Singer/songwriter releases hi-tech indie album.
Lurrie Bell – The Devil Ain’t Got No Music – Arai B.G. Records
Gospel and blues unite at the crossroads.
Stereotypes Audio
Cembal d’amour
Pure Pleasure / Speakers Corner
Cedille
