Monthly Archive: November 2016
SHOSTAKOVICH plays SHOSTAKOVICH: 2 Piano Concertos; Concertino, Piano Quintet; Cello Sonata & others – Shostakovich & others – Praga Digitals
Praga collects a generous portion of the Dmitry Shostakovich legacy in his pianist capacity, working with gifted friends. SHOSTAKOVICH plays SHOSTAKOVICH: From Jewish Folk Poetry, Op. 79; Piano Concerto No. 2 in F Major, Op. 102; Piano Concerto No. 1 in c minor, Op. 35; Concertino for 2 Pianos in a minor, Op. 94; Piano Quintet in G Major, Op. 57; Cello Sonata in d minor, Op. 40; 4 Preludes for Piano, Op. 34 (arr. violin and piano); 3 Preludes and Fugues, Op. 87 – Dmitry Shostakovich, p./ Dmitry Tsyganov, v./ Mstislav Rostropovich, cello/ Maxim Shostakovich, p./ Beethoven String Q./ Nina L’Volvna Dorliak, sop./ Zara Dolukhanova, mezzo-sop./ Alexei Maslennikov, tenor/ Moscow Radio Sym. Orch./ Alexander Gauk/ Moscow Philharmonic Orch./ Samuel Samosud – Praga Digitals PRD 250 365.66 (2 CDs), 69:04, 73:06 (11/4/16) [Distr. by Harmonia mundi/PIAS] *****: In the interest of “authenticity,” few collections can compete with these assembled recordings by Dmitry Shostakovich, 1955 and 1957, in which he appears in his most famous instrumental guise, at the keyboard. As a human being, Shostakovich harbored sympathies for the oppressed Jewish populations of both Nazi and Soviet regimes, and his 1948 cycle of eleven songs From Jewish Poetry (15 January 1955) […]
FRANZ SCHREKER: Orchestral Music from the Operas – Royal Swedish Orch./ Lawrence Renes – BIS
The unfortunately almost forgotten composer Franz Schreker emphasized operas but these instrumental works from them show off his great musical art. FRANZ SCHREKER: Orchestral Music from the Operas [TrackList Follows] – Royal Swedish Orch./ Lawrence Renes – BIS multichannel SACD -2212, 68:30 (10/14/16) [Distr. by Naxos] *****: Franz Schreker was thought to be one of the most eminent composers for the sumptuous sonorities of his operas at his time, early in the 20th century. Schoenberg even called him one of the foremost. However, from the 1930s on, his music was in almost complete oblivion, partly due to the Nazis and his father being of Jewish descent. (This in spite of his operas being greatly influenced by Wagner.) He was also out of step with all avant music developments during the 1920s. Schreker usually wrote the librettos for his own operas, which often had symbolist and erotic subjects. More then other opera composers, the orchestral sections of his operas are often of greater importance when heard in concert. Schreker often intended the instrumental sections for independent concert use, showing off his musical wizardry. He often set his operas in medieval times, and the closing track: Nachtstück (Nocturne) was, in a slightly […]
MANU COMTE & Others: “Homilia” – Works by PIAZZOLLA, JEREZ LE CAM, GUBITSCH, GISMONTI & COMTE – Avanti
Striking works for bandoneon, string quintet and guitar. MANU COMTE & Others: “Homilia” – Works by PIAZZOLLA, JEREZ LE CAM, GUBITSCH, GISMONTI & COMTE (TrackList Follows] – Avanti multichannel SACD 5414 706 1046-2 [Distr. by Naxos] (10/14/16) *****: (Manu Comté – bandoneon; B’ Strings Quintet; Tomas Gubitsch – guitar) Bandoneon master Manu Comté is internationally acclaimed and performs with the Soledad Ensemble. This SACD is the first time he has recorded under his own name, and in addition to the terrific B’ Strings Quintet he has added Piazzolla’s last guitarist, Tomas Gubitsch, who also contributes two of the eight selections here. This combination of instruments is truly superb in expressing the exquisite and easily understood music which Taylor intended. The emotional level often gets as high or higher than some of the Piazzolla works. Gubitsche says that the combination of these strings and the bandoneon have immense musical qualities. He also says that the more ethereal sounds of the string quintet seem to him strangely reminiscent of the bandoneon. The construction materials – resonators, metal and wood – are similar. The Piazzolla concerto is lovely and it and all the works are given a separate paragarph of description in the […]
DEEMS TAYLOR: Three Century Suite – Moravian Philharmonic Orch./ Petr Vronsky – Navona EP
A very short EP but very accessible music from Deems Taylor. DEEMS TAYLOR: Three Century Suite [TrackList Follows] – Moravian Philharmonic Orch./ Petr Vronsky – Navona NV6066. 15:39 [6/21/16] ••••: This is the 50th anniversary of the passing of Deems Taylor, who was the narrator in Disney’s original Fantasia, and composed the delightful Thru the Looking Glass on Alice in Wonderland (one of my personal favorite works…Ed.). The Three Century Suite had only one previous performance, at Interlochen in 1960, so it is more than welcome to have this recording at this time. You can see and hear each of the five movements on You Tube, because evidently the music went with historical video images on screen. The “Bartholomew Fair” closing movement is a celebration of sheer joy. It is in waltz time and has a lovely melody for strings and winds. The Moravian Philarharmonic does a fine job playing this short score. Sound is excellent – a recording made just this year. TrackList: 1. Pavan – Moravian Philharmonic Orchestra / Petr Vronsky 4:19 2. Saraband – Moravian Philharmonic Orchestra / Petr Vronsky 2:33. 3. Jig – Moravian Philharmonic Orchestra / Petr Vronsky 2:36 4. Ragadoon – Moravian Philharmonic Orchestra […]
Audio News for November 18, 2016
China’s Newest Export is Classical Music – The China Philharmonic Orchestra (CPO) is touring New York City, LA and San Francisco. Musicians from the China National Opera House in Beijing performed in Puccini’s Turandot in the Budapest Spring Festival. At London’s Coliseum, the Shanghai Opera performed Thunderstorm, a newly-adapted Western-style Chinese work, and the Shanghai Sym. Orch. will be touring prestigious European festivals. The Beijing Sym. Orch. has completed seven European tours. The organizer of the tours said “We have many good classical music groups in China, but people abroad don’t know about them.” A conductor who has work both in China and the U.S. says “A product manufactured in China is not as important for China’s international profile. Cultural power is much more important.” One of the Chinese commentators says “We have a couple of good orchestras, but they’re not the Vienna Philharmonic.” The promoter has to decide if he will start from scratch or just buy an existing European company. Some European artists’ managers don’t like the sound of either option. Meridian Eight-Channel Amp to Drive Multiple Pairs of Speakers – The new Meridian 258 Eight-Channel Power Amp delivers a premium experience, with a powerful and efficient way […]
Jane Bunnett & Maqueque – Oddara – Linus Ent.
Jane Bunnett & Maqueque – Oddara – Linus Ent., 270244, 53:51****: Oddara is a surging, rhythmic, muscular offering. (Jane Bunnett – flutes, soprano sax, whistling; Danae Olano – piano, vocals; Celia Jimenez – bass, vocals; Magdelys Savigne – percussion ,vocals; Yissy Garcia – drums; Elizabeth Rodriguez – violin ,vocals; special guests: Melvis Santa – vocals; Dayme Arocena – vocals) Canada’s ties to Cuba go back to the 18th Century, and the Canadian Government has maintained an Embassy in the country continuously since 1945 (unlike the U.S.). Cuba has been a favourite Canadian tourist destination for many years (and also Portland Unitarians), and thus jazz musician Jane Bunnett’s fascination with the Afro-Cuban music tradition is not some Johnny-come-lately affair. Her latest foray into the genre with her all-female band Maqueque is entitled Oddara and is a surging, rhythmic, and muscular offering. Jane Bunnett’s accomplishments as a soprano saxophonist are well documented. The group of female musicians that she leads are primarily from Cuba, but spend significant amounts of time in Canada both recording and performing, when they are not on tour around the world in support of their music. In this release, the music has been penned, for the most part, […]
BERLIOZ: Roméo et Juliette ‒ Soloists/ Valery Gergiev on London Sym. Live SACD & Soloists/Robin Ticciati on Linn CD
BERLIOZ: Roméo et Juliette ‒ Olga Borodina, mezzo-sop. / Kenneth Tarver, tenor / Evgeny Nikitin, bass-bari. / Guildhall School Singers / London Sym. Chorus / London Sym. Orch. / Valery Gergiev ‒ London Symphony Live 2SACD LSO0762 (2 SACDs), 57:06, 33:19 (7/8/16) [Distr. by Naxos] ***: BERLIOZ: Roméo et Juliette ‒ Katija Dragojevic, mezzo-sop. / Andrew Staples, tenor / Alastair Miles, bass / Swedish Radio Choir / Swedish Radio Sym. Orch. / Robin Ticciati ‒ Linn CKD 521 (2 CDs), TT: 94:00 (10/14/16) [Distr. by Naxos] ****: Two approaches to a Berlioz classic; one SACD and one CD. Berlioz’s hybrid masterwork, dubbed by the composer a symphonie dramatique, could be considered an advance on Beethoven’s Choral Symphony. Like Beethoven’s final symphony, it includes among its forces vocal soloists, chorus, and orchestra. But whereas Beethoven’s work is a symphony with an uncommon choral finale (and some boneheaded commentators still take the composer to task for daring to tinker with the basic tenets of symphonic construction), Berlioz’s conception is more radical, incorporating as it does set pieces that could only be considered orchestral tone poems (before the fact) along with lengthy narrative-dramatic sections delivered by the soloists and orchestra. Perhaps the only genuinely symphonic […]
BRUCKNER: Symphony No. 9 – Hallé Orch./BBC Northern Sym. Orch./ Sir John Barbirolli – Pristine Audio
This previously-unreleased Barbirolli/Bruckner Ninth bristles with ardent energy and yearning devotion. BRUCKNER: Symphony No. 9 in d minor (Original Version), WAB 109 – Hallé Orchestra/BBC Northern Sym. Orch./ Sir John Barbirolli – Pristine Audio PASC 486, 57:43 [avail in various formats from www.pristineclassical.com] ****: Producer and recording engineer Andrew Rose resurrects a taped BBC performance of Bruckner’s unfinished Ninth Symphony (1887-1896) given by Sir John Barbirolli at Free Trade Hall, Manchester, England,14th December, 1961, the conductor’s debut in this music. The combined orchestras of the Halle and Northern Symphony come as a true rarity, and Barbirolli coordinates his forces well. The opening movement vibrates with a palpable luminosity, nervous and grandly ardent. The challenge lies in imposing a sense of structure on the fantasia that Bruckner unfolds, moving quickly from d minor into D-flat and E Major in order to effect potent fff climaxes spread over long periods. The earthy energy Barbirolli applies well reminds me of the performances of Bruckner by Eduard van Beinum, which likewise strain for mystical release in the face of grinding tension. The most exalted rendition, the Furtwaengler 1944 performance in Berlin, attains its anguished mysticism in the face of contemporary world history. Still, the unison […]
Ray Charles – Swiss Radio Days Vol. 41/ Zurich 1961 – TCB
The jazzy side of Brother Ray… Ray Charles – Swiss Radio Days Vol. 41/ Zurich 1961 – TCB 02412, 78:43 [Distr. by Naxos] (11/11/16) ****: (Ray Charles – piano, vocals; Marcus Belgrave, Wallace Davenport, Phil Guilbeau, John Hunt – trumpets; Henderson Chambers, Dickie Wells, Keg Johnson – trombones; Rudy Powell – alto sax; Hank Crawford – alto sax, band leader; David “Fathead” Newman – tenor sax and flute; Don Wilkerson – tenor sax; Leroy Cooper – baritone sax; Elbert Forriest – guitar; Edgar Willis – bass; Bruno Carr – drums; Quincy Jones – arranger {#1, 2, 9-11, 17}. With the Raelettes: Pat Lyles, Margie Hendricks, Gwen Berry, and Darlene McCrea – vocals) Although Ray Charles had been recording for Atlantic Records since 1957, his impact had primarily been in the United States as a rhythm-and-blues artist. In October, 1961, Ray took his full orchestra to Europe in order to expand his stature worldwide. At the beginning of the tour he played in Zurich on Oct. 18, 1961. As part of the Swiss Radio Days Series (now 41 volumes strong), TCB is releasing this date in great digitally-remastered sound. Ray brought an outstanding orchestra to Europe. Four trumpets, three trombones, and […]
THORESEN: Sea of Names – Music by LASSE THORESEN – Maiken Mathisen Schau, flute/Trond Schau, p. – 2L
THORESEN: Sea of Names – Music by LASSE THORESEN – Maiken Mathisen Schau, flute/Trond Schau, p. – 2L multichannel SACD 2l-127 (11/18/16) *** 1/2: Contemporary chamber music from Norway, well-played and recorded. Lasse Thoresen is a well-known composer of contemporary Scandinavian music, inspired by a culture rich in a tradition of experimentation. His chamber music for flute and piano is here performed by Maiken and Trond Schau with virtuosity and precision that brings this music to life. Thoresen is Professor of Composition at the Norwegian Academy of Music in Oslo. He began composing at age 15. This disc is a compilation of works composed between 1976 and 2011. Some of the works are spiritual. Other represent the Norwegian countryside. Thoresen is not a name most western music fans will know, but his works as presented here are worth a thoughtful listen. The various pieces work well together as a full program. The audio is up to the usual 2L standards, even though the program material is not a sonic spectacular with a full orchestra or chorus. Even then, the dynamics of the piano and details of the flute come across quite realistically. The session was recorded at the Sofienberg Church […]
“Tribute” = MOZART: Quartet in B-flat; Quintet in c – Michael Tree, viola/ Dover Quartet – Cedille
Pay close attention to this one, as you are going to hear from them a whole lot more in the near future. Tribute = MOZART: Quartet in B-flat, K 589; Quintet in c, K 406 – Dover Quartet/ Michael Tree, viola (in Quintet) – Cedille CDR 90000 167, 73:10 [Distr. by Naxos] *****: Formed in 2008 at Philadelphia’s Curtis Institute of Music (recently appointed the faculty quartet in residence at Northwestern University’s Bienen School of Music), this is the Dover Quartet’s debut on disc, and happy the folks at Cedille who landed them. This is an auspicious entry into the recorded legacy of these pieces, and an equally auspicious entry into the glamour and time honored legacy of another quartet, the Guarneri, who themselves debuted in 1966 with an outstanding RCA recording of these same two quartets. Guarneri first violinist Arnold Steinhardt writes an introduction in the notes, and served as a coach to the quartet while still in nascent formation. To round off the circle, Guarneri violist Michael Tree plays second viola in this recording’s Quintet. It’s perhaps a little unfair to compare this release with that of the mentors, but the Dover comes out very well. Tempos are a […]
The Complete Songs Of Virgil Thomson = Soloists with 2 pianists & percussion – New World (3 CDs)
Absolutely essential listening of a neglected but masterly song composer. The Complete Songs Of Virgil Thomson = Sarah Pelletier, sop./ Lynne McMurtry, contralto/ William Hite, tenor/ Aaron Engebreth, bari./ Alison d’Amato & Linda Osborn, piano/ John McDonald perc. – New World 80775 (3 CDs), 71:20, 76:04, 50:57 [Distr. by Albany] (4/4/16)*****: Any reasonably performed rendition of the complete Thomson songs was bound to achieve a five-star rating. Fortunately for us all, this one is outstanding in virtually every way. While it may be true that I can envision better, more star-quality singers in place of what we have here, these folks are no slouches, and an effort like this requiring mastery of an enormous amount of music is in itself a testament to the dedication and talent of these performers. Their attention to diction, vocal line, and beauty of tone only adds to the importance of their accomplishment. Thomson once said that the great song composers—Schubert, Schumann, Brahms, Wolf, Mahler, Faure, Debussy, Duparc, Ravel, and Poulenc—accomplished their miracles through their ability to make the music “not only of equal quality with the verse but also its mate. It gets inside a poem and stays there, intertwined unforgettably, never to be […]
MOZART: Le nozze di Figaro, (The Marriage of Figaro) (complete opera) – DGG (3)
A fine mid-course addition to what is proving an excellent series. MOZART: Le nozze di Figaro, K492 (complete opera) – Thomas Hampson (Conte)/ Sonya Yoncheva (Contessa)/ Angela Brower (Cherubino)/ Christiane Karg (Susanna)/ Luca Pisaroni (Figaro)/ Maurizio Muraro (Bartolo)/ Anne Sofie von Otter (Marcellina)/ Philippe Sly (Antonio)/ Regula Mühlemann (Barbarina)/ Rolando Villazón (Basilio)/ Jean-Paul Fouchécourt (Don Curzio)/ Ch. Orch. of Europe & Vocalensemble Rastatt/ Yannick Nézet-Séguin – DGG 4795945 (3 CDs), TT: 173:34 [Distr. by Universal] ****: Record reviewers don’t seem to know what to make of this latest installment of the Rolando Villazón-inspired series of the seven mature operas of Mozart (this is number four). Metropolitan opera designee conductor Yannick Nézet-Séguin has had interesting things to say so far, and this, arguably the most popular of all Mozart’s operas, gets similar treatment. So what exactly is this? Simply, modernly brisk though tasteful tempos, period instrument brass punctuations and over-dynamic forte explosions, crisp string playing, and an insistence that the drama keeps moving. Though modern instruments are used, they are employed with ancient instrument sensibilities even though the more lyrical passages actually sound lyrical and not like the all-too-typical rubber band sound of many period instrument recordings. The singers are also […]
“Bergen Barokk: Suite Life” – Excerpts from var. suites composed by PHILIDOR, MARAIS, HOTTETERRE, CHEDEVILLE, COUPERIN – LAWO Classics
“Bergen Barokk: Suite Life” – Excerpts from var. suites composed by PHILIDOR, MARAIS, HOTTETERRE, CHEDEVILLE, COUPERIN – LAWO Classics multi-channel SACD LWC1096, 60:00 (10/14/16) ****1/2: European court music from the 17th century. The suites in this recording are taken from some of the many great music releases in Paris in the early 1700s. The releases, which were released “avec Privilege du Roy” (royal prerogative), reflecting ball, concerts, opera and ballet performances at the court and were well-received by a bourgeoisie filled with admiration for the luxurious lifestyles of the rich. Bergen Barokk was established in 1994 and is today among the leading early music ensembles. On this recording we hear Frode Thorsen on the recorder, Hans Knut Sveen on harpsichord, Thomas Boysen and Thor-Harald Johnsen on lute and guitar instruments and Markku Luolajan-Mikkola on viola da gamba. This is an attractive collection of court music, wonderfully played by the Bergen Barokk. It’s light music, very atmospheric. To my mind something to have on in the house rather than something I would sit in front of and engage in deep thoughts. The sound on the disc is very good. I listened to the 5.0 mix, and found the ensemble up front, […]
Jasper Hoiby, doublebass – Fellow Creatures – Edition
Jasper Hoiby, doublebass – Fellow Creatures – Edition EDN1075, 55:11 (7/15/16) *****: (Jasper Hoiby – bass, composer/ Mark Lockheart – saxophones/ Laura Jurd – trumpet/ Will Barry – piano/ Corrie Dick – drums) Vital new music from a Danish bassist and composer that features group interaction at the highest level. As I look out the window at the mud and the rain on what seems like an especially cruel and dark November day, I can’t say that I’m in the mood for an up rendition of “Autumn Leaves.” Nor does the doctor recommend any nerve-flaying aggression. Likewise, I politely decline musical narcotics and soporifics, accepting the condition of being fully awake in the world. What is called for is a new music which will affirm the old verities: Intelligent composition, comradely interaction, and hard swinging. If it can conjure up a world that is friendly to man and beast, all the better. We first meet Jasper Hoiby standing on a dock in Denmark. He looks like a thoughtful Viking, who, having surveyed the blue horizon, has decided to do some work on the land. [I thought he was just thinking “Why are you taking a photo of me?”…Ed.] The title […]
SCHUBERT: Piano Sonata No. 19; Piano Sonata No. 16 – Louis Schwizgebel, p. – Aparte
The youthful Louis Schwizgebel imparts poetry and virile motion to these two Schubert sonatas. SCHUBERT: Piano Sonata No. 19 in c, D. 958; Piano Sonata No. 16 in a, D. 845 – Louis Schwizgebel, p. – Aparte AP133, 70:00 (10/7/16) [Distr. by Harmonia mundi] ****: Swiss-Chinese pianist Louis Schwizgebel (b. 1987) sports a Romantic temperament, much imbibed by studies with Brigitte Meyers, Pascal Deveoyon, and Emanuel Ax. This recording of two Schubert sonatas (17-18 March 2016) attests to an artistic maturity that complements his considerable digital skills. The massive c minor Sonata of 1828 pays several debts to Beethoven, including an opening theme that quotes Beethoven’s Variations in c minor, WoO 80, with its own chromatic chords in ¾. The tone of ominous and dire fate will soften as the music proceeds, until by the last movement Allegro a sense of frivolous, cantering repartee. The Adagio, an affecting rondo in A-flat Major in 2/4, combines a spiritual anguish with moments of serenity, much in the form of an extended lied. Here, pianist Schizgebel makes points for his canny sense of color. Besides the gambol of the Menuetto & Trio, the last movement ushers in a potent, rising scalar passage in […]
Pete Townsend’s Deep end – Face The Face – Video DVD + CD (1986/2016)
Pete Townsend’s Deep end – Face The Face – Video DVD + CD (1986/2016) A thirty year-old concert of Who leader has re-emerged. Performers: Pete Townsend – guitar, vocals; Peter-Hope Evans – harmonica; Chuchu Merca – bass; Simon Phillips – drums; John “Rabbit” Bundrick – keyboards; Jody Linscott – percussion; David Gilmour – guitar; “The Kick Horns” – Simon Clarke, Roddy Lorimer, Tim Sanders, Peat Brachill & Dave Plews; Billy Nicholls – background vocals; Ian Ellis – background vocals; Chris Staines – background vocals; Gina Foster – background vocals; Coral Gordon – background vocals Studio: Eagle Vision, Eagle Rock Ent./ WDR Rockpalast EV307769, 2 discs (9/16/16) Directors: Christian Wagner & Pete Townshend Audio: DTS Digital Sound 5,1; Dolby Digital Surround 5.1 & Stereo Video: 4:3 screen format on DVD TrackList (DVD + CD are the same): Won’t Get Fooled Again; Secondhand Love; Give Blood; Behind Blue Eyes; After The Fire’ Slit Skirts; Blue Light; I Put A Spell On You; Hiding Out; The Sea Refuses No River; Face The Face; Pinball Wizard; A Little Is Enough; Rough Boys; Night Train Length: 87 min. Rating: Audio: ***1/2 Video: *** Overall: ***1/2 The […]
The Hunger Games & Catching Fire, both Blu-ray (2016)
The first two films of four Hunger Games, viewed as standard Blu-ray though UHD available. The Hunger Games – A Hero’s Journey Begins, UltraHD+Blu-ray+Digital HD (2016) Cast: Jennifer Lawrence, Josh Hutcherson, Liam Hemsworth, Woody Harrelson, Elizabeth Banks, Donald Sutherland, Stanley Tucci, Philip Seymour Hoffman Director: Gary Ross Studio: Lionsgate [11/8/16] (2 discs) Video: 2.40:1 for 16:9 screens, HD color Audio: English DTS-HD MA 7.1, Spanish DD 5.1 Subtitles: English, English SDH, Spanish Extras: Audio commentary track with editor, visual effects supervisor and supervising sound editor; “Game Maker; Suzanne Collins and The Hunger Games Phenomenon,” “The World is Watching: Making The Hunger Games,” Letters from the Rose Garden Length: 111 min. Rating: **** The Hunger Games – Catching Fire – Every Revolution Begins with a Spark, UltraHD+Blu-ray+Digital HD (2026) Cast: Jennifer Lawrence, Josh Hutcherson, Liam Hemsworth, Woody Harrelson, Elizabeth Banks, Donald Sutherland, Stanley Tucci, Philip Seymour Hoffman Director: Francis Lawrence Studio: Lionsgate [11/8/16] (2 discs) Video: 2.40:1 for 16:9 screens, HD color Audio: English DTS-HD MA 7.1, Spanish DD 5.1, French DD 5.1 Subtitles: English, English SDH, Spanish, French Extras: Commentary track with director and producer Nine Jacobson; “Surviving the Game: Making The Hunger Games: Catching Fire” documentary; Deleted scenes Length: […]
GLINKA: An hour of piano works – Ton Nu Nguyet Minh, p. – Capriccio
Pianist Minh and a rich hour of Glinka’s piano music, revealing a lyricist fond of variation form. GLINKA: Variations in e on Alyabyev’s Romance “The Nightingale”; Nocturne in E-flat Major; Variations in a on the Russian song “Down in the Deep Valley”; Nocturne in f, “Le Separation”; A Greeting to My Homeland – Suite; Variations in F Major on an Original Theme; Variations in C Major on a Theme from “I Capuleti e I Montecchi” by Bellini – Ton Nu Nguyet Minh, p. – Capriccio C5285, 71:00 (8/12/16) [Distr. by Naxos] ****: Mikhail Ivanovich Glinka (1804-1857) was one of the first Russian composers to gain fame within his home country. His works are influential among Russian composers who would follow, especially The Five, who pioneered the distinctive Russian Style. Glinka studied for a brief period under Irish composer John Field. Field’s salon style – as that of Hummel – influenced Glinka throughout his life, evident in the brilliant style of his piano works, though his works no less reveal distinctly Italian elements. Vietnamese artist Ton Nu Nguyet Minh has the credentials to perform Glinka (rec. 28-30 December 2011), having studied with Jakob Flier, Samuel Alumjan, and Tatiana Nikolajeva. The opening […]
Atmospheres – Tigran Hamasyan & others- ECM (2 CDs)
Atmospheres (TrackList Follows] – Tigran Hamasyan/ Arve Henriksen/ Eivind Aarset/ Jan Bang – ECM (2 CDs) 2097442724 (9/9/16) ****: (Tigran Hamasyan – piano/ Arve Henriksen – trumpet/ Eivind Aarset – guitar/ Jan Bang – live sampling) An airy journey with ECM. The cover photos and titles of ECM records are chosen with deliberation. They are a reliable entry point into the music of this legendary label. Here we are treated to Atmospheres, by Tigran Hamasyan, Arve Henrickson, Eivind Aarsat, and Jan Bang. In this image, we are high over an indistinct mountain range. Light falls away below to the West. Mist shrouds an endless range of ridges with nothing more than a river to break the monotony. If we are in a balloon, we are quite cold by now; but a plane seems out of place for a trip that seems to have a meteorological purpose. We can guess that this might be music of heights, air, and clouds, and so it is. In fact, from the first measures, we doubt whether we shall ever descend. It may be necessary to suspend for the duration the memory of a place where life happens and people act for good or evil. […]
Hell or High Water, Blu-ray (2016)
Hell or High Water, Blu-ray (2016) A thriller of a western and bank robbery mashup film. Cast: Chris Pine, Jeff Bridges, Ben Foster, Katy Mixon, Kevin Rankin Studio: Lionsgate (11/22/16) (2 discs) Director: David Mackenzie Video: 2.40:1 for 16:9 screens, 1080p HD color Audio: English DTS-HD MA 5.1, DD 2.0 compressed for late-night listening, Spanish DD 5.1, SDH descriptive audio Subtitles: English, English SDH, Spanish Extras: Enemies Forever: The characters of Hell or High Water, Visualizing the Heart of America, Damaged Heros: The performances of Hell or High Water, Red Carpet Premiere, Q&A of Filmmakers Length: 122 min. Rating: ****1/2 This basically is a story set in West Texas of two brothers who turn to robbing banks to save their family’s land, with Jeff Bridges playing one of the two Texas Rangers out to stop them. Chris Pine is great as the more intellectual, good guy of the two brothers, and turns to his brother (who is just out jail and loves to shoot people and get in fights) in order to rob four small banks in their area to get money to save his family ranch from foreclosure for his two boys (he is divorced and hasn’t paid his […]
The Clown – The Charles Mingus Jazz Workshop – Atlantic 1260 (1957)/ Warner Bros./ Speakers Corner
This is a lovely remastering of one of Mingus’ best albums – his 1957 mono release. The Clown – The Charles Mingus Jazz Workshop – Atlantic 1260 (1957)/ Warner Bros./ Speakers Corner – mono vinyl [11/4/6] *****: (Charles Mingus, doublebass/ Curtis Porter, alto & tenor sax/ Jimmy Kneeper, trombone/ Wade Legge, piano/Donnie Richmond, drums) These four tracks were all composed and performed by the amazing bassist Mingus, and have been reissued on various poor discs (some with terrible cover art), so it is wonderful to finally have this Mingus masterpiece in a really good version that preserves everything that happened in that studio in March of 1957. The original packaging includes detailed notes on the back by Nat Hentoff. He spends a lot time on the volatile personality of Mingus. Mingus said, “Just because I’m playing jazz, I don’t forget about me…My music is alive and it’s about the living and the dead, about good and evil. It’s angry, yet it’s real because it knows it’s angry.” The folk spirit of “Haitian Fight Song” open the first side. It also has a bit of the old black church in it. “Blue Cee” is a standard blues which Mingus feels has […]
Stereotypes Audio
Cembal d’amour
Pure Pleasure / Speakers Corner
Cedille
