Monthly Archive: July 2016
Jeri Southern, vocals – Blue Note Chicago, March 1956 – Uptown
Jeri Southern – Blue Note Chicago, March 1956 – Uptown mono UPCD 27.84 67:06 ****: A torch singer who resided in the style without the regret. (Jeri Southern – vocals, piano; Al Bruno – bass; Dominic “Mickey” Simonetta – drums) There was a period in the 1950s, when most of the female singers of any note found their initial success coming out of the big band tradition. Easily recognizable names were Ella Fitzgerald, Sarah Vaughan, Anita O’Day, June Christy and Chris Connor. The latter three names were also classified as interpreters of the “cool” sound because of their vibratoless tone. Into this mix came Jeri Southern although she had no big band connection, never having worked in that genre. Nevertheless the “cool” designation seemed to be appropriate as she sang in a very intimate way, primarily in a small group format which capitalized on her excellent skills as a pianist and mostly supported by a bassist and drummer. This live session from the Blue Note in Chicago recorded March 4-8, 1956 captured Southern mid-career as she withdrew from the business in 1962. According to Kirk Silsbee who wrote the extensive liner notes, the recording was done by Blue Note owner […]
PROKOFIEV: Sinfonia Concertante in E Minor; Cello Son. in C – Zuill Bailey, c./ North Carolina Sym. Orch. / Grant Llewelly/ Natasha Paremski, p. – Steinway & Sons
PROKOFIEV: Sinfonia Concertante in E Minor, Op. 125; Cello Sonata in C Major, Op. 119 – Zuill Bailey, c./ North Carolina Sym. Orch./ Grant Llewelly/ Natasha Paremski, p. – Steinway & Sons 30057, 61:56 (5/13/16) ****: Tough-minded Prokofiev in the tradition of Rostropovich—and with the same sensitivity to the gentler side of this great Russian composer. Toward the end of his greatly productive life, Prokofiev revisited some of his earlier works with which he wasn’t entirely happy. One of these pieces was the Fourth Symphony, Op. 47, written under commission from the Boston Symphony and premiered by that orchestra in 1930. The symphony was based on themes from Prokofiev’s ballet The Prodigal Son, composed for Sergei Diaghilev’s Ballets Russes. Critical reaction to the work was lukewarm at best. The consensus was that Prokofiev’s Fourth Symphony was much less successful in recycling music written for the stage than the composer’s Symphony No. 3, based on themes from his opera The Fiery Angel. Prokofiev was so stung by the criticism that he defended his new symphony in the press—and that hurt and embarrassment stayed with him when he went back to Russia in the mid-1930s. In 1947, Prokofiev returned to the symphony, […]
Audio News for July 22, 2016
Munich Philharmonic Launches Its Own Record Label – The Munich Philharmonic and its music director – Valery Gergiev – will release its first two albums on its own new label on Sep. 30th. They will be Mahler’s Symphony No. 2 and Bruckner’s Symphony No. 4. Global Consumer Electronics Market Growth – A report by RNOS shows that the consumer electronics market has experienced an incredible growth in this digital era. Mobility, connectivity and personalization remain the most important current trends. The growing desire for people to stay connected and informed makes wireless consumer devices an opportunity. The rise in disposable income (?), rising awareness among consumers, and launch of innovative technological products are among factors accelerating the global consumer electronics market. North America tops the market share, followed by the Asia-Pacific region. OLED TVs, smartphones and tablets are among few products witnessing high growth and immense potential. Collaboration on 3D Headphones From 3D Sound Labs and Innovation Technology – The collaboration of the two firms is to bring 3D audio headphones to their customers. Innovation Technology will become a licensee for the “powered by 3D Sound Labs” hardware and software technologies, and will provide its customers with reference designs for […]
Beecham, ABC Blue Network Concerts, Vol. 3 = MOZART: Symphony No. 31; HANDEL: Piano Concerto in A Major; CHABRIER: Espana – Betty Humby, p./ Blue Network Sym. Orch./ Sir Thomas Beecham – Pristine Audio
The third of the Blue Network concerts by Beecham restores the sense of musical festivity and stylistic brilliance. Beecham – The ABC Blue Network Concerts, Vol. 3 = MOZART: Symphony No. 31 in D Major, K. 297; HANDEL: Piano Concerto in A Major; CHABRIER: Espana – Betty Humby, p./ Blue Network Sym. Orch./ Sir Thomas Beecham – Pristine Audio PASC 477, 54:40 [var. formats avail. from www.pristineclassical.com] ****: The concert by Sir Thomas Beecham and the “Blue Network Symphony Orchestra” of 21 April 1945 certainly assumes a more optimistic tone than that which occurred as President Franklin Roosevelt had been laid to rest. The high energy of the occasion bursts forth immediately, with Mozart’s 1778 D Major “Paris” Symphony, expressly conceived to parody the musical conceits of the day, such as the so-called premier coup d’archet, or the Parisian version of unison Mannheim rocket figures at a symphonic opening. The addition of trumpets and tympani – and the clarinets – increases the often ceremonial pomp of the performance. Throughout the performance, Beecham emphasizes the suave grandeur Mozart controls in this, his largest symphonic structure in his oeuvre at the time. The virtuoso syncopations of the last movement move with a […]
ALFRED SCHNITTKE: Works for Violin and Piano – Roman Mints, v. /Katya Apekisheva, p./ Andrey Doynikov & Dmitri Vlassik, per./Olga Martynova, harpsichord – Quartz (2 CDs)
The many styles of Alfred Schnittke explored in authentic performances. ALFRED SCHNITTKE: Works for Violin and Piano = Sonata No. 1—Sonata No. 2 ‘Quasi una Sonata’; Sonata No. 3; Suite in the Old Style; Congratulatory Rondo; Stille Nacht; Polka – Roman Mints, violin/Katya Apekisheva, p./ Andrey Doynikov & Dmitri Vlassik, percussion/Olga Martynova, harpsichord – Quartz QTZ2116 (2 CDs), 47:25, 41:30 (5/6/16) ****: The music on this 2-CD set of music by Alfred Schnittke (1934-1998) displays the multiplicity of styles and musical techniques of this postmodern Russian composer. The serial style of the First Violin Sonata; the polystylist Second Violin Sonata; the near-death late Violin Sonata No. 3; the film music of the Suite in the Old Style and the stylized distortions of the Congratulatory Rondo, Stille Nacht and Polka. Schnittke is the most important Russian composer in the late half of the 20th century. He followed Shostakovich in the trials of being a musician in an era of Soviet totalitarianism. His musical heritage—Russian, Jewish and Austro-German, physical struggles (two strokes), changing musical influences (from serialism to neo-Romanticism) made him a composer whose music is filled with the imagery and emotion of constant variation, often from one minute to the next. […]
J D Allen – Americana – Musings On Jazz And Blues – Savant
J D Allen – Americana – Musings On Jazz And Blues – Savant SCD 2155, 44:54 ****: The album is an adventure into America’s musical past. (J D Allen – tenor saxophone; Gregg August – bass; Rudy Royston – drums) The combination of musicians that J D Allen brought together for his look at musical culture called Americana: Musings On Jazz And Blues brings to mind another seminal recording done in 1957 by tenor saxophone Sonny Rollins entitled Way Out West, that included bassist Ray Brown and drummer Shelly Manne. Although both discs have similar instrumentation, Rollins is focused on the popular music tradition, while Allen has devoted his efforts principally to the blues form. The project opens with an Allen original “Tell The Truth, Shame The Devil” and immediately the function of the blues is evident as Allen begins his exploration of the genre with a soulful sound that is heartfelt. There are two compositions on this session that are not Allen originals, the first being “Another Man Done Gone” and “If You’re Lonesome, Then You’re Not Alone”. The first is credited to Alabama-based singer Vera Hall and is sorrowful blues that is accentuated by Gregg August’s arco bass […]
Twin Talk – Twin Talk – ears&eyes
With Twin Talk, communication is key. Twin Talk – Twin Talk [TrackList follows] – ears&eyes ee: 16-043, 53:45 [4/29/16] ****: (Andrew Green – drums; Katie Ernst – bass, voice; Dustin Laurenzi – tenor saxophone) A little medical jargon is necessary to appreciate the moniker of this Chicago trio. Cryptophasia (or twin talk) is a language phenomenon developed by identical or fraternal twins and is based on elements only the two children can understand, often a mix of oral and non-spoken communication. The group, Twin Talk, puts that belief in communication to the forefront on the threesome’s eponymous sophomore album, which concentrates on the democratic dialogue of bassist Katie Ernst (who adds vocals to three tunes), drummer Andrew Green and tenor saxophonist Dustin Laurenzi. There’s no designated leader on the 53-minute record. The members’ creativity is threefold throughout the 11 cuts. Laurenzi penned the majority of the originals, while Ernst contributed three. Twin Talk began as Laurenzi/ Ernst/Green, and under that appellation issued their 2013 debut, Sightline. Last year the trio revised their name. Ernst states (tongue in cheek), “We didn’t want to be a jazz law-firm anymore.” With a new name also came a broader range in their material and […]
Jose Iturbi – The Victor and HMV Solo Recordings – APR (3 discs)
BJose Iturbi – The Victor and HMV Solo Recordings [TrackLists follow] = APR 7307 (3 CDs), 73:15, 72:35, 65:56 (7/1/16) [Distr. by Naxos] ****: A master pianist from the past, whose recordings may interest many today. The name of Jose Iturbi (1896-1980) invokes mixed reactions from classical music enthusiasts: Iturbi earns credit as a fine pianist and musician – including extended service as a conductor – with some reservations about his decision to follow a “populist” path by way of his Hollywood “matinee idol” associations. Yet, few could dispute Iturbi’s mastery of keyboard technique, gleaned from Maria Jordan and such luminaries as Joaquin Malats, Victor Staub and Wanda Landowska. The fluidity of Iturbi’s style perhaps best finds expression in his Mozart, of which we have here – assembled by master engineer Mark Obert-Thorn – two piano sonatas; these to complement his famed recordings (on the Ivory Classics label, 70908) of the F Major Sonata, K. 332, the 2-Piano Concerto and D Minor Concerto, the former concerto with his gifted sister, Amparo. Besides the stylistic Mozart works – praised by William Kapell as “the evenest playing I know” – the Chopin group, recorded 1944-1952, reveals a firmly muscular style, quite supple, […]
Works of ELENA LANGER – Harmonia mundi
A composer worth watching, as of yet difficult to categorize. ELENA LANGER: Landscape with Three People; Snow; The Storm Cloud (Tucha); Two Cat Songs; Ariadne; Stay O Sweet – Anna Dennis (sop.), William Towers (countertenor), Nicholas Daniel (oboe), Roman Mints (violin), Meghan Cassidy (viola), Kristine Blaumane (cello), Robert Howarth (harpsichord), Katya Apekisheva (p.) – Harmonia mundi USA HMU 907669, 59:57 [Distr. by Harmonia mundi/PIAS] ****: 42-year-old Moscow composer Elena Langer proves a surprising find on this fine disc of chamber works. She moved to London and finished her degrees at the Royal College and then the Royal Academy of Music, and has since received commissions from a number of famous and important sources. This disc, highlighting her skill in vocal music, is communicative and quite direct in its nimble and thought-provoking utterance. Her orchestrations are light and almost airy, Shostakovich-like in sonority yet ultimately more redolent of Britten on how the words interact with the music. Lee Harwood’s pseudo-description of his own love life in Landscape with Three People is performed to perfection by Anna Dennis, William Towers, and led by Nicholas Daniel, and the other pieces range from the haunting to the pressingly intense. There is a hint of […]
My Golden Days (2016)
A wonderful French romantic drama with stunning performances by the leads. My Golden Days (2016) Cast: Mathieu Amalric, Quintin Dolmaire, Lou Roy-Lecollinet Director: Arnaud Desplechin Studio: Canal+ etc./ Magnolia Home Ent. 10951 [7/12/16] Video: 2.40:1 for 16:9 screens, color Audio: French, DTS-HD MA 5.2, Dolby 2.0 Subtitles: English, English SDH, Spanish Extras: Conversation with Director, Casting Session, Two Pauls and Three Esthers, Meeting the Actors, Theatrical trailer Length: 124 min. Rating: ***** Similar to Trauffaut with the character Antoine Doniel, Desplechin has here told another cineamatic story with Paul Dedalus continuing from My Sex Life…or How I Got Into an Argument. As the doctor Paul prepares to leave Tajikistan, he reflects on this life. There are three episodes: The first is his childhood in Roubaix France, where his mother committed suicide when he was a teenager. He next recalls a student art trip to the USSR where a clandestine and dangerous mission leads him to give his passport to a young Jewish man who needs it to emigrate to Israel. The third and longest episode concerns his return home to university, his friends, and the love of his life: Esther. I wanted to see more of French actor Mathieu Amalric, […]
Audio News for July 15, 2016
A New Inexpensive Platform for Home & Business Automation – Matrix, subject of KickStarter campaign where it can be pre-ordered for $299, looks to challenge single vendor approaches from Apple, Samsung and others by building a framework within which third-part open-source apps can co-exist. You can control it by speech, gesture or its mobile app. Matrix controls everything in your home: security, home control and intelligent assistance. It has built-in secure communication protocols and is chock-full of sensors detecting everything from movement to temperature. Certain elements of the platform are only accessible via special means that make the data even more secure. There is a customisable LED ring with over a million color options which can be controlled. New Partnership to Add Voice and Sound-Activation to Home Applications – As a spin-out from Philips, StreamUnlimited will add streaming abilities to audio devices, plus sound recognition. Under the terms of the agreement, Audio Analytic’s ai3 sound recognition software will be integrated with StreamUnlimited’s product. Another KickStarter Audio Device: the Billie Amp – Named after singer Billie Holliday, the new amp (currently available for a pledge of $690) claims to combine the warmth of analog audio with digital precision, enabling listeners to […]
BACH Preludes & Fugues – Barbara Harbach, pipe organ – MSR Classics
Harbach’s Bach breathes the breath of openness and refined imagery. BACH: Prelude and St. Anne Fugue in E-flat major, BWV 552; Toccata and Fugue in F major, BWV 540; An Wasserflussen Babylon, BWV 653; Prelude and Fugue in C minor, BWV 546; Choral Prelude: O Mensch Bewein Dein Sunde Gross, BWV 622; Fantasy and Fugue in G minor, BWV 542; Prelude and Fugue in E minor, BWV 548 “Wedge” – Barbara Harbach, organ – MSR Classics MS 1444, 74:40 [Distr. by Albany] ****: The Fisk organ of the Downtown Presbyterian Church in Rochester NY, and the Schlicker organ of the First Evangelical Lutheran Church of Lyons NY are the settings for this third Bach disc of Barbara Harbach for MSR Classics. Harbach is quite the wunderkind; Curators’ Professor of Music at the University of Missouri St. Louis, she is a prolific performer, researcher, composer, educator, and historical music specialist. I get tired just looking at all of her accomplishments, and maybe this is why I find her Bach so relaxed, genial, and devotional. If that sounds like code for “boring” to you, the truth is anything but. In fact, after all the Bach organ recordings that seem to have been […]
MAHLER: Symphony No. 10 (D. Cooke version) Seattle Sym./ Thomas Dausgaard – Seattle Sym. Media
MAHLER: Symphony No. 10 (D. Cooke version) Seattle Sym./ Thomas Dausgaard – Seattle Sym. Media CD SSM1011 (6/10/16) 71:54 ****: A superb performance of the Cooke version of the Mahler 10th. This is a very fine performance of the Mahler Symphony No. 10. It was Gustav Mahler’s final work. At the time of the composer’s death, the composition was not fully orchestrated, and was unperformable. The version performed here is the Deryck Cooke final version, based on sketches left by the composer. Others have also written their versions of a ‘completed’ symphony, but Cooke’s seems to be the one preferred by most orchestras and critics. Mahler substantially completed the first movement, and sometimes that is all that is performed, but there was much detail the composer left for the direction of the rest of the work, and Cooke’s version sounds logical but we can never truly know how Mahler would have finished the symphony and how it would have been orchestrated. Mahler’s personal life was a wreck when he started the 10th. His health was failing, and he found out his wife Alma was engaged in a torrid affair with Walter Gropius, the German architect and founder of the Bauhaus […]
MONTEVERDI: Il ritorno d’Ulisse in patria (comp. opera) – Soloists/ Boston Baroque/ Martin Pearlman – Linn
A much needed seminal recording of a work that has to have a broader audience. MONTEVERDI: Il ritorno d’Ulisse in patria (comp. opera) – Fernando Guimarães (Ulisse)/ Jennifer Rivera (Penelope)/ Aaron Sheehan (Telemaco)/ Leah Wool (Minerva)/ Owen McIntosh (Giove)/ Abigail Nims (Melanto)/ Daniel Auchincloss (Eumaeus)/ Sonja DuToit Tengblad (Juno)/ Ulysses Thomas (Antinous)/ Marc Molomot (Irus)/ Boston Baroque/ Martin Pearlman – Linn multichannel SACD CKD 451 (3 discs), 176 minutes [Distr. by Naxos] *****: Monteverdi composed—that we know of—only three operas, which is odd considering his reputation as opera composer is so sterling. Not without reason—one only needs to watch Danielle de Niese in the Glyndebourne production of L’Incoronazione di Poppea for a fabulously dramatic experience, and understand what the composer is capable of. L’Orfeo is only a little less than this standard, and even the opera under review, despite what many critics say, reaches its heights as well in my opinion. Despite the fact that there are about sixteen media versions available, often severely cut, including those going into the 1970s by Harnoncourt, and even more importantly, Raymond Leppard (1973), there are only a few discreet performances available. To this point, Rene Jacobs must lead the charge, with the incredible […]
SHOSTAKOVICH: The Execution of Stepan Razin; The Sun Shines Over Our Motherland; The Song of the Forests – Soloists/ Narva Boys Choir/ Estonian Concert Choir/ Estonian Nat. Sym. Orch./ Paavo Jarvi – Warner Classics
Excellent performances of questionable music…with one exception. SHOSTAKOVICH: The Execution of Stepan Razin; The Sun Shines Over Our Motherland; The Song of the Forests – Alexi Tanovitski, bass/ Konstantin Andreyev, tenor/ Narva Boys Choir/ Estonian Concert Choir/ Estonian Nat. Sym. Orch./ Paavo Jarvi – Warner Classics 0825646166664, 79:52 [Distr. by Naxos] ***1/2: The Execution of Stepan Razin is a masterpiece. Composed to a libretto by Yevgeny Yevtushenko in 1964, the composition considers Stepan Razin, a Cossack leader who headed a major uprising (1670–71) against the nobility in southern Russia. The piece is pure later Shostakovich, wonderful melodies and brilliant harmonies that are striking and dramatic. Of the three works here, it is by far the less egregious politically—unless you are a Tsarist. The other two works, considered important by conductor Jarvi, who supposedly had to hire bodyguards when giving these works in Estonia four years ago, so sensitive is the subject, are far less important, and quite frankly, rather banal, especially when taken in the light of the composer’s greatest works. Both were the result of an official slap down, the response of the composer to “just criticism”, and both had their intended effects. [No wonder the Baltic states hate […]
Tyler Greenfield, feat. Xiomara Laugart – Sunday Bolero – Bim Bom Studios
Tyler Greenfield, featuring Xiomara Laugart – Sunday Bolero – Bim Bom Studios BB02, 47:14 ****1/2: Traditional Cuban music gets a musical and studio upgrade! (Tyler Greenfield – piano, guitar; Gabriel “Chinchilita” Machado – coros, percussion; Jorge Bringas – bass; Xiomara Laugart – vocals; Karl Rodriguez-Pena – trumpet; Edgar Pantoja-Aleman – coros) There was always an inherent appreciation for Cuban musical influences in The United States. For decades, the rhythmic, dance-infused tempos have seeped into various pop and jazz projects. Pianist and Bim Bom Studios founder Tyler Greenfield has released a tribute to Cuban boleros on 180-gram vinyl. Arranged for a slower vibe, Sunday Bolero is a relaxed, complex group of songs that elevates the simple romanticism of this genre. The opening track on Side A (“Samba For Carmen” a Paquito D’Rivera tune that was originally done at a much accelerated tempo) defines Greenfield’s aesthetic point of view. Following a lithe piano intro, the rhythm section (Jorge Bringas/double bass; Gabriel Machado/percussion) settles into a gentle flow with Greenfield. His notation is shimmering. The band members are Cuban and the compositions feature a cadre of native composers. Vocalist Xiomara Laugart brings some attitude to “Nosotros” with her alto vocals. Both Greenfield and […]
Woody Shaw – Louis Hayes The Tour, Vol. One – HighNote
Woody Shaw – Louis Hayes The Tour, Vol. One – HighNote HCD7291, 62:56 ****: This is a standout band doing creative and modern playing. (Woody Shaw – trumpet; Junior Cook – tenor saxophone; Ronnie Mathews – piano; Stafford James – bass; Louis Hayes – drums) Michael J. West, writing a blog for NPR Jazz said the following about Woody Shaw:”….might be jazz trumpet’s least appreciated giant.” If there were any questions about Woody Shaw’s bona fides, they were put to rest in this live recording from the Leiderhalle Mozartsaal, Stuttgart, Germany on March 22, 1976. The co-leader for the session was drummer Louis Hayes who brought along some of his Brooklyn his friends, Junior Cook on tenor sax, pianist Ronnie Mathews and bassist Stafford James, each of whom brings to the outing their post-bop sensibilities. When Woody Shaw was just starting out at eighteen, he wrote what was to become an iconic number “The Moontrane” which was featured on organist Larry Young’s 1965 album Unity. This version is substantially different from other Shaw recordings, as it features an extended improvisation from under-appreciated pianist Mathews, before Shaw embarks on his linear exploration of the number which is filled with energy and […]
Ayreheart – Barley Moon – Sono Luminus Blu-ray & CD
Ayreheart – Barley Moon – Sono Luminous DSL-92201 (Blu-ray audio + CD) [Distr. by Naxos], 59:55 ****1/2: Traditional folk music with a hi-res boost! (Brian Kay – lute, komuz, vocals; Ronn McFarlane – lute; Willard Morris – colascione; Mattias Rucht – percussion) The origins of folk music are vast and wildly diverse. There are connections to classical music, (Corelli, Haydn, Beethoven), traditional English poets (John Dowling), Finnish, Celtic, American roots and many countries from both hemispheres. At different times in the culture, there have been resurrections of these genres (the Seegers, Woody Guthrie in America and bands like Fairport Convention, Pentangle, Steeleye Span and The Chieftans in Europe). The musicians distill the essence of the songs in a modern socio-political context. There is also a profound desire to capture the aesthetic purity as traditional instrumentation graces the arrangements. Like American blues, listeners are re-introduced to folk music, and the festival circuit continues to thrive. A group by the name of Ayreheart has released a compelling audiophile recording of this material, Barley Moon. In keeping with authenticity, the album is framed by a pair of lutes with Irish tenor vocals. The opening track is one of the most “popularized” folk songs […]
Ron Carter – All Blues – CTI 6037 (1974)/ Pure Pleasure (2016) – vinyl
Ron Carter – All Blues – CTI 6037 (1974)/Pure Pleasure (2016) stereo vinyl, 36:01, ****1/2: An audiophile vinyl re-mastering of a jazz legend sounds great! Ron Carter – doublebass, piccolo bass; Joe Henderson – tenor saxophone; Roland Hanna – piano; Richard Tee – electric piano on “117 Special”; Billy Cobham – drums, percussion) There aren’t many jazz bassists who are regarded as jazz icons. Ron Carter is certainly at the head of this group. As a sideman, he played with Eric Dolphy, Cannonball Adderly, Herbie Hancock, Thelonious Monk and was part of the second Miles Davis Quintet. Carter has scored many films, and taught jazz composition. His approach to interval jazz composition has drawn comparison to Duke Ellington. More importantly, he has been recording for over fifty years, enhancing his substantial influence in the jazz community. Among the many contributions was All Blues, released on the CTI label in 1974. Recorded over one session in late 1973, this album is widely considered to be among the greatest of all time. Pure Pleasure Records has released a 180-gram vinyl re-mastering of All Blues. With a quartet featuring Carter (double bass), Joe Henderson (tenor saxophone), Roland Hanna (piano) and Billy Cobham (drums/percussion), […]
REGER: Organ Works performed by Christoph Schoener – MD&G
REGER: Organ Works performed by Christoph Schoener (TrackList follows) MD&G 949 1919-6 multichannel SACD with 2+2+2 option (see below) TT: 63:43 (10/30/15) [Distr. by E1] ****: Recording and performance should please audiophiles as well as organ fans. Christoph Schoener is the organist in this fine collection of organ works by Max Reger. Reger, who died in 1916, wrote a large amount of music for organ, the most popular being his Fantasy and Fugue on BACH, Op. 46 and the Toccata and Fugue in D minor from the collection Op. 129. While a student under Hugo Riemann in Wiesbaden, Reger met the German organist Karl Straube; they became friends and Straube premiered many of Reger’s organ works. This disc has a large selection of Reger’s output. A track list follows at the end of this review. Besides the music, this disc will appeal to the audiophile, as it is a full 5.1 channel SACD with extremely wide dynamic range and very low noise. The recording is designed to capture the acoustics at St. Michaels Church in Hamburg, which it does well. The surround channels are filled with the gentle decay of the recording venue. The subwoofer also gets a workout from the […]
SCHUMANN: Piano Concerto in a, Op. 54; MENDELSSOHN: The Fair Melusina Overture, Op. 32; Piano Concerto No. 1 in g, Op. 25 – Ingrid Fliter, p. / Scottish Ch. Orch. / Antonio Mendez – Linn
SCHUMANN: Piano Concerto in a, Op. 54; MENDELSSOHN: The Fair Melusina Overture, Op. 32; Piano Concerto No. 1 in g, Op. 25 – Ingrid Fliter, p. / Scottish Ch. Orch. / Antonio Mendez – Linn multichannel SACD, 61:00 (5/13/16) *****: Chopin specialist Ingrid Fliter is equally at home in two of the Polish composer’s distinguished contemporaries. Both Schumann and Mendelssohn wrote single-movement concerted works for piano: Schumann two and Mendelssohn three. In an era when audiences were more prone to listen to a series of short works, or even bits and pieces of longer works, on a concert program, compact concerti such as Schumann’s Introduction and Allegro Appassionato or Mendelssohn’s Capriccio Brilliant had currency. Today, you rarely if ever hear such pieces in concert, so it was a blessing in disguise that publishers turned down Schumann’s one-movement Phantasie in A Minor when he offered it to them. He set the work aside, but through the urging of his wife Clara, Schumann decided four years later, in 1845, to add the Intermezzo and Allegro vivace finale that complete his Piano Concerto Op. 54. As in the case of Schumann’s Second Symphony composed a year later, working on the Piano Concerto was […]
Visions Eternal” = THOMAS JUNEAU: Four works – soloists/Summit Chorale/Scarlet Knight Brass & Perc. – Ravello
The first disc from a new voice well worth exploring. “Visions Eternal” = THOMAS JUNEAU: Te Deum; Five Latin Motets; Magnum Mysterium; Gaudete – Tami Petty (sop.)/ Sharon Byrne (mezzo)/ Mark Boyle (tenor)/ Jonathan Mortensen (bari.)/, Eun-Hee Park (organ) Elaine Christy (harp)/ Summit Chorale/ Scarlet Knight Brass and Percussion Ensemble – Ravello RR7913, 49:31 [Distr. by Naxos] ****: Thomas Juneau is Music Director of Summit Chorale, one of New Jersey’s most venerable choral organizations, and the Juneau Vocal Alliance, founded in 2011. His music has been performed in many places, and the intensity of his expression is quite gripping. This recital, two big pieces for choir and instrumental ensemble, and including a number of a cappella works for both SATB and Women’s voices, is a good representation of his style and efforts. Though I certainly appreciate the large-scaled works, it is the Five Latin Motets and superb Magnum Mysterium for treble voices and harp that I find the most affecting. Juneau’s harmonies are nothing innovative or unique, but are constructed with such care so that no note is superfluous, and the results bring shivers and exaltation. All of the performers are top notch, obviously very familiar with the pieces, and […]
Stereotypes Audio
Cembal d’amour
Pure Pleasure / Speakers Corner
Cedille
