Melba Archive
“From the House of Master Bohm” – John O’Donnell, harpsichord – MelbaJoseph Gascho, harpsichord – self
Two unusual solo harpsichord CDs of interest.
* SCHUBERT: Winterreise – Christoph Pregardien, tenor/ Michael Gees, p. – Challenge Classics
************* MULTICHANNEL DISC OF THE MONTH ***********
A floodgate of terrific Winterreise—what’s a person to do?
WAGNER: Der Ring des Nibelungen (highlights) – Soloists/State Opera of S. Australia/ Adelaide Sym./ Asher Fisch – Melba (2 discs)
A long time coming, but here is the highlights album from the lauded Adelaide Ring cycle.
A Lotus Blossoming = ZEMLINSKY: Trio for Clarinet, Cello and Piano; MESSIAEN: Quartet for the End of Time – Ensemble Liaison – Melba
Two chamber works for clarinet – a masterpiece by Messiaen and an early work by Zemlinsky – receive romantic interpretations and a plush recording.
"Arcadia Lost" = Music of VAUGHAN WILLIAMS and BENJAMIN BRITTEN – Soloists/Sydney Sym. Orch. – Melba
The title refers to the calm before the storm of WWI in England.
Pure Diva: Tribute to Joan Hammond – Cheryl Barker, soprano/ Queensland Sym. Orch./ Guillaume Tourniaire – Melba
A fine tribute album to a beloved soprano.
Audio News for December 9, 2011
Audiophile Concerns Over Lossless Audio Codecs Sounding Worse Than Uncompressed; Melba Recordings Joins Labels Offering Hi-Res Audio Downloads; Dongle Transforms iDevices Into Universal Remote; World’s Loudest iPhone/iPod Dock at January CES
“Elan” – Ballet Music by SAINT-SAENS – Orchestra Victoria/ Guillaume Tourniaire – Melba
Unfamiliar yet melodic and colorful ballet music in mostly world premiere surround recordings.
STRAVINSKY: Diversions – Music for Violin and Piano = Suite after Pergolesi; Divertimento; Duo concertante; Chanson russe; Danse russe – Ray Chen, violin/ Timothy Young, piano – Melba
A very attractive recital of Stravinsky’s “on tour” violin and piano music, easy on the ears and very digestible.
Stereotypes Audio
Cembal d’amour
Pure Pleasure / Speakers Corner
Cedille
