French Archive
The Night Manager (6 Episodes), Blu-ray (2016)
A really thrilling six-episode miniseries based on a John le Carré spy novel. The Night Manager (6 Episodes), Blu-ray (2016) Cast: Hugh Laurie, Tom Hiddleston, Olivia Colman Director: Susanne Bier Studio: Sony Pictures Home Ent. 47778 (8/30/16) [2 Blu-rays] Video: 1.78:1 for 16:9 screens, HD color Audio: English DTS-HD MA 5.1 Subtitles: English, English SDH, […]
MOZART: Die Entfuhrung aus dem Serail (comp. opera), Blu-ray (2015)
A setting according to Mozart’s original intentions? What heresy! MOZART: Die Entfuhrung aus den Serail [The Abduction from the Seraglio] (complete opera), Blu-ray (2015) Performers: Sally Matthews (Konstanze)/ Edgaras Montvidas (Belmonte)/ Tobias Kehrer (Osmin)/ Mari Eriksmoen (Blonde)/ Brenden Gunnell (Pedrillo)/ Franck Saurel (Pasha Selim)/ The Glyndebourne Chorus/ Orch. of the Age of Enlightenment/ Robin Ticciati Producer: George Bruell […]
What Happened, Miss Simone?, Blu-ray + CD
A terrific documentary on the life of this important vocalist in jazz, plus a CD of some the songs most associated with her career. What Happened, Miss Simone?, Blu-ray + CD (2015) Director: Liz Garbus Cast: Nina Simone and many of her friends and family Studio: Netflix/RadicalMedia/Moxie Firecracker Prod./Universal/Eagle Vision Blu-ray EVB335429 (9/2/16) + standard […]
The Lady In the Car with Glasses and a Gun (2016)
A French psychological thriller with an interesting twist. The Lady In the Car with Glasses and a Gun (2016) Cast: Freya Mavor, Benjamin Biolay, Elio Germano Director: Joann Sfar Studio: Magnolia Studios 10921 (4/12/16) Video: 2.39:1 for 16:9 screens, color Audio: French or English dubbed Subtitles: English, Spanish Extras: Interview with Director, The Paintings of […]
LISZT: “Harmonies Poetiques et Religieuses” – Roberto Plano, p. – Decca (2 CDs)
Plano fulfills both aspects of Liszt’s Poetic and Religious Harmonies with style and fluent grace. LISZT: “Harmonies Poetiques et Religieuses” – Invocation; Ave Maria; Benediction de Dieu dans la Solitude; Pensee des Morts; Pater Noster; Hymne de l’Enfant a son Reve; Funerailles; Miserere d’apres Palestrina; Andante Lagrimoso; Cantique d’Amour (Consolation No. 3 in D-flat Major) […]
Audio News for Tuesday August 16, 2016
Dolby Cinema Construction Accelerated – 100 Dolby Cinema theater venues will be completed by the end of this year by AMC Theaters and Dolby. Each venue will be capable of projecting Dolby Vision and using Dolby Atmos immersive sound. The Dolby Vision laser projection system in the theaters delivers high dynamic range (HDR), with richer […]
Muriel, or The Time of Return, Blu-ray (1963/2016)
Some critics consider this to be the best film Resnais ever did. Muriel, or The Time of Return, Blu-ray (1963/2016) Director: Alain Resnais Cast: Delphine Seyrig, Jean-Pierre Kerien, Nita Klein Cinematographer: Sacha Vierny Studio: Argos/Janus/The Criterion Collection 824 (7/19/16) Video: 1.66:1 for 16:9 screens, 1080p HD color, remastered Audio: French, PCM mono Subtitles: English Extras: […]
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, […]
HANDEL: Giulio Cesare in Egitto, Blu-ray (2016) – Decca
This fascinating long opera is worth seeing at least twice. HANDEL: Giulio Cesare in Egitto, Blu-ray (2016) Cast: Andreas Scholl, Cecilia Bartoli, Anne Sofie von Otter, Philippe Jaroussky Director: Olivier Simonnet Studio: Decca [5/20/16] Video: 1.77:1 Color, for 16:9 screens Audio: DTS-HD 5.1, PCM Stereo Subtitles: English, German, French Length: 242 minutes Ratings: Audio: ***** […]
Schillings conducts = SCHUBERT: Symphony No. 8, “Unfinished”; SCHILLINGS: Mona Lisa: Prelude and Arrigo’s Serenade; BEETHOVEN: Symphony No. 3 in E-flat Major, “Eroica” – Berlin State Opera Orch./ Max von Schillings – Pristine Audio
More from the historical legacy of an imperfect man but capable musician, Max von Schillings. Schillings conducts = SCHUBERT: Symphony No. 8 in b, D. 759 “Unfinished”; SCHILLINGS: Mona Lisa, Op. 15: Prelude and Arrigo’s Serenade; BEETHOVEN: Symphony No. 3 in E-flat Major, Op. 55 “Eroica” – Berlin State Opera Orch./ Max von Schillings – […]
BOULEZ: Complete Music for Solo Piano – Marc Ponthus, p. – Bridge (2 discs)
Often neglected music by a controversial and sometimes inconsistent composer…but not here! BOULEZ: Complete Music for Solo Piano – Marc Ponthus, piano – Bridge 9456 A/B (2 CDs), TT: 80:35 ****: So let’s list them: Three Sonatas, 12 Notations, Incises, Une page d’ephemeride—that’s it. One would think that someone like Boulez would have completed many […]
WYNTON MARSALIS: Blood On The Fields, Blu-ray (1996/2016)
A fine documentary on the making of the 1996 Marsalis album. WYNTON MARSALIS: Blood On The Fields, Blu-ray (1996/2016) Cast: Wynton Marsalis Director: Susan Shaw Studio: Monarda/ Arthaus Musik 109215 [3/25/16] Video: For 16:9 screens, 1080i color & b&w Audio: English PCM Stereo Subtitles: English, German, French All regions Length: 54 min. Rating: **** This […]
“Belle Epoque” French music for harp and orchestra – Emmanuel Ceysson, harp/ Orch. Régional Avignon Provence – Naïve
Soothing music for harp and orchestra from French composers, performed by Emmanuel Ceysson. “Belle Epoque” French music for harp and orchestra – Emmanuel Ceysson, harp/ Orchestre Régional Avignon Provence – Naïve V5419, 65:54 [7/31/15] (Distr. by Naxos) *****: The turn of the last century truly was a “beautiful era” for music in France. So this […]
BRAHMS: Clarinet Quintet in b; Hindemith: Clarinet Quintet – Raphael Severe, clar./ Quatour Prazak – Mirare
Two German clarinet quintets from opposed aesthetics find brilliant realization in these performances from Prague. BRAHMS: Clarinet Quintet in b, Op. 115; Hindemith: Clarinet Quintet, Op. 30 – Raphael Severe, clarinet/ Quatour Prazak – Mirare MIR 282, 58:00 [Distr. by Harmonia mundi] ****: Recorded February and May 2015, these two German clarinet quintets in diametrically […]
SHOSTAKOVICH: Complete Symphonies and Concertos/ Valery Gergiev – Blu-ray (2015)
Essential. Nothing else to say. SHOSTAKOVICH: Complete Symphonies and Concertos – Valery Gergiev, Blu-ray (2015) Performers: Orch. and Chorus of the Mariinsky Theatre/ Valery Gergiev/ Alena Baeva, violin/ Vadin Repin, violin/ Mario Brunello, cello/ Gautier Capucon, cello/ Denis Matsuev, piano/ Danil Trifonov, piano/ Timur Martynov, trumpet/ Veroinika Dzhioeva, sop./ Mikhail Petrenko, bass (Live from Salle […]
Larry Young – In Paris: The ORTF Recordings – Resonance (2 CDs; also on vinyl)
A major jazz “find”… Larry Young – In Paris: The ORTF Recordings – Resonance/ INA HCD-2022 (2 CDs) 52:54, 53:06 (1964-1965) ****1/2: (Larry Young – organ and piano; Woody Shaw – trumpet; Nathan Davis – tenor sax; Billy Brooks drums; Jean-Claude Fohrenbach – tenor sax; Sonny Grey – trumpet; Jack Dieval – piano; Jacques B. […]
L’Inhumaine, silent, Blu-ray (1924/2016)
A path-breaking 1924 French film which brought together many leaders in modern art and design. L’Inhumaine, Blu-ray (1924/2016) Cast: Georgette Leblanc, Jaque Catelain Director: Marcel L’Herbier Titles & some sets: Ferdinand Leger Studio: Hermes/CNC/ Lobster/Blackhawk Films/ Flicker Alley FA0045 (3/1/16) Video: 4:3 black & white, silent New musical scores by: Aidje Tafial, The Alloy Orchestra […]
MOZART: Flute & Harp Concerto; Sinfonia Concertante for Four Winds – Soloists/Oslo Philharmonic/Buribayev & Enegard – LAWO
MOZART: Concerto for Flute, Harp, and Orchestra in C Major, K. 299; Sinfonia Concertante for Four Winds in E-Flat Major, K297B – Per Flemström, flute / Birgitte Volan Håvik, harp / Pavel Sokolov, clarinet/ Per Hannisdal, bassoon/ Inger Besserudhagen, horn/ Oslo Philharmonic Orch./ Alan Buribayev (K. 299) / Arvid Enegård (K. 297B) – LAWO Classics […]
The Walk (A True Story), Blu-ray 3D (2016)
Am amazing acted, feature version of the previous Man On Wire documentary. The 3D version is not for acrophobics. The Walk (A True Story), Blu-ray 3D (2016) Director: Robert Zemeckis Cast: Benedict Samuel, Ben Kingsley, Joseph Gordon-Levitt, Ben Schwartz & others Studio: Sony Pictures Home Entertainment 46397 (1/5/16) [2 discs] Video: 2.40:1 for 16:9, 1080p […]
JEAN MARTINON Conducts Music by IBERT, SAINT-SAENS & BERLIOZ – Paris Conservatoire Orch. – HDTT
Celebrating Jean Martinon’s Decca legacy in fine transfers from commercial reel tapes. Jean Martinon Conducts Music by IBERT, SAINT-SAENS & BERLIOZ – Paris Conservatoire Orch. – HDTT [various formats including hi-res PCM & DSD from www.highdeftapetransfers.com] (This one is DSD 64) 53:34 *****: This splendid compilation of Decca recordings made with the Paris Conservatoire Orchestra under […]
BRAHMS: Violin Sonatas Nos. 1, 2 & 3; Four Hungarian Dances – Leonid Kogan, v./ Andrei Mytnik, p. – Archipel
Impassioned, fiery Brahms from Leonid Kogan in live performance warrants our unqualified admiration. BRAHMS: Violin Sonata No. 1 in G Major, Op. 78; Violin Sonata No. 2 in A Major, Op. 100; Violin Sonata No. 3 in d minor, Op. 108; Four Hungarian Dances – Leonid Kogan, v./ Andrei Mytnik, p. – Archipel ARPCD 0355, […]
RAVEL: Piano Con. in G Major; Piano Con. for the Left Hand; FAURE: Ballade in F-sharp Major – Yuja Wang, p./ Tonhalle Orch. Zurich/ Lionel Bringuier – DGG
Yuja Wang’s first “incursion” into French music proves explosive, lyrical and virtuosic, at once. RAVEL: Piano Concerto in G Major; Piano Concerto for the Left Hand in D Major; FAURE: Ballade in F-sharp Major for Piano Solo, Op. 19 – Yuja Wang, p./ Tonhalle Orch. Zurich/ Lionel Bringuier – DGG B00023931-02, 50:15 (10/9/15) [Distr. by […]
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