Monthly Archive: August 2012
VITTORIO GIANNINI: Piano Quintet; Piano Trio – Musicians of the Manchester Music Festival – MSR Classics
The chamber music of American neo-romantic composer Vittorio Giannini creates a tapestry of rich melodies, ardent outpourings and luxuriant textures.
Audio News for August 17, 2012
Problems Reselling Old Digital Audio Files; Linkwitz Transform Aids DIY Speaker Builders; More Efficient Video-Compression Standard
James Walker and Free Flight – Threads, Blu-ray 3D (2012)
A terrific crossover quartet in perfect hi-res surround, and 3D visuals to boot!
Trondheim Solistene – Souvenir = TCHAIKOVSKY: Souvenir de Florence; Serenade for Strings; CARL NIELSEN: At the Bier of a Young Artist; Suite for String Orchestra – 2L (Blu-ray audio)
Both vinyl Souvenir albums from the Trondheim Soloists, on one album with hi-res surround.
![Gonzalo Rubalcaba — 21st Century – 5Passion [2-CDs]](https://www.audaud.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/08/RubalcabaXXI.jpg)
Gonzalo Rubalcaba — 21st Century – 5Passion [2-CDs]
Century XXI is an example of an experienced and polished musician and composer in the genre of Afro-Cuban music.
Grimm: Season One, Blu-ray, 5 discs (2012)
An urban fantasy plot with mystery, some dark humor, and creepy mythological creatures.
NthEntities – Anna Le, poetry/ Phil Manzanera, music – 2012 Expression Records
I consider NthEntities a masterwork in the growing poetry & music category.
Alexis Weissenberg – The Sigi Recordings, 1949-1955 = Works of BACH, HAYDN, SOLER, PROKOFIEV, SCRIABIN, LISZT – Doremi (2 CDs)
Weissenberg won plaudits over the years for his “trip hammer virtuosity, brilliant tone, a briskly commanding approach to the score.”
FELIX MENDELSSOHN: Symphony No. 3 in A minor, “Scottish” – Vienna Philharmonic/ Gustavo Dudamel – vinyl
VIVA vinyl!
R. STRAUSS: Alpine Symphony; Songs, Blu-ray (2011)
Astounding beautiful reading of the Alpine Symphony, and Fleming is a rarified bonus.
BRUCKNER: Symphony No. 4 in E-flat (1978/80, Novak) – Leipzig Gewandhaus Orch./ Herbert Blomstedt – Querstand
Blomstedt’s latest third maintains the high quality of the previous issues, but doesn’t necessarily surpass them.
BACH-RESPIGHI: Three Chorale Preludes; Sonata in E Minor; Prelude and Fugue in D Major; Passacaglia and Fugue in C Minor; BACH-ELGAR: Fantasia and Fugue in C Minor – Seattle Sym./ Gerard Schwarz – Naxos
BACH-RESPIGHI: another successful hyphenated composer of the twentieth century.
FRANCK: Sonata in A Major; FAURÉ: Sicilienne; Fantaisie; Sonata in A Major – Emmanuel Pahud, flute/ Eric Le Sage, p. – Skarbo
Fine Fauré, but I’m not a fan of the Franck played on flute.
PUUMALA: Chainsprings; Seeds of Time – Roland Pöntinen, p./Tampere Philharmonic Orch./Hannu Lintu – Alba
More interesting, but different, sounds from Finland.
BEETHOVEN: Symphony No. 9 in D Minor – Soloists/Choirs/Hessian Radio-Sym. Orch./ Dean Dixon – Audite
Audite restores a live 1962 concert of the Beethoven Ninth that provides collectors with an historic moment belonging to artists Dean Dixon and the legendary Fritz Wunderlich.
“Quickstep: Brass Band Music of the American Civil War, Featuring the Music of Thomas Coates” – MSR Classics
Those with an interest in the Civil War and its music will be entertained—and learn a thing or two.
A Separation, Blu-ray (2012)
Iranian drama shows its Oscar merits.
MENDELSSOHN: Symphony No. 4, “Italian”; Symphony No. 5, “Reformation” – Württembergische Philharmonie Reutlingen / Ola Rudner – Ars Produktion
Good, spirited performances, and it’s interesting to hear Mendelssohn’s first thoughts on what would be his Fourth Symphony.
Audio News for August 14, 2012
Tablets Driving Premium Headphones Sales; Altec Lansing Being Sold; Panasonic Blu-ray Decks Add Quickflix Streaming; Zyxel Wireless Range Extender; First Truly Wireless Audiophile-Grade HT Speaker System
Darren Jay And The Delta Souls – Drink My Wine
A healthy shot of Southern blues…and then some!
ANTON RUBINSTEIN: Symphony No. 2, “Ocean”; Ballet Music from the Opera “Feramors” – State Sym. Orch. of Russia/ Igor Golovchin – Delos
This recording is an excellent way to get acquainted with the composer’s conservative but appealing music.
MOZART "Paris & Vienna" = Andante in F; Piano Sonata No. 10; Piano Sonata No. 12; Allegro in B-flat; Adagio in b; Fantasy in c; 6 Variations in F – Gottlieb Wallisch, p. – Linn
This is a thoroughly enjoyable recital by a master Mozartian.
Stereotypes Audio
Cembal d’amour
Pure Pleasure / Speakers Corner
Cedille
