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ADAM SCHOENBERG: American Symphony; Finding Rothko; Picture Studies – Kansas City Sym. /Michael Sterns – Reference Recordings

ADAM SCHOENBERG: American Symphony; Finding Rothko; Picture Studies – Kansas City Sym. /Michael Sterns – Reference Recordings

by | Mar 13, 2017 | SACD & Other Hi-Res Reviews

ADAM SCHOENBERG: American Symphony; Finding Rothko; Picture Studies – Kansas City Sym. /Michael Sterns – Reference Recordings multichannel 5.1 SACD RR-139, 64:58 (1/20/17) ****: American music by Schoenberg wonderfully recorded and performed. This CD/SACD from Reference Recordings contains newly recorded works by Adam Schoenberg (no relation to composer Arnold Schoenberg). Schoenberg has had a productive relationship with the Kansas City Symphony and conductor Michael Stern, so the disc contains some early works by Schoenberg and a work commissioned by the KCS. Schoenberg’s works are increasingly being played by American Symphony Orchestras. He has a unique voice, and audiences seem to be connecting to his music. The disc opens with Finding Rothko, written while Schoenberg was his doctoral program, studying with John Corigliano. It’s inspired by the Russian painter Mark Rothko, and  this composition followed extensive study of the artist before it was set to music. American Symphony is the composer’s first post-graduation work. The symphony is upbeat, and while not patriotic in character, it was inspired by the 2008 election. Finally we have Picture Studies for Orchestra, commissioned by the Kansas Citians and the Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art. The orchestra wanted a Pictures at an Exhibition type piece, and Schoenberg […]

Fiona Boyes – Professin’ The Blues – Reference Recording

Fiona Boyes – Professin’ The Blues – Reference Recording

by | Dec 7, 2016 | Jazz CD Reviews

Fiona Boyes – Professin’ The Blues – Reference Recording RR-140 HDCD, 54:07 ****: Delta blues and more from another part of the world. (Fiona Boyes – guitars, vocals/ Jim Bott – drums, percussion/ Denny Crow – bass) Blues music began as a regional cultural touchstone. Through jazz, rock and roll and country/western, the once provincial music has been shared with the world. The Rolling Stones named their band after a Muddy Waters song. Fiona Boyes grew up hearing blues music in Australia. With the female blues band The Mojos, Boyes became a star. After winning the International Blues Challenge in Memphis, she broadened her fan, touring and recording for over a decade. Boyes’ latest release, Professin’ The Blues on Reference Recording is a 16-track blues feast. Recorded originally in 24-bit technology, she performs in solo, duet and trio, generating authentic blues chops. For blues integrity, every song was recorded live with no overdubs or separate tracking.  The opening title track is straight-ahead Delta blues on a traditional instrument (National Reso-Phonic guitar). Boyes’ husky vocals bring an emotional depth of feeling. Picking up the Beeton Resonator, “Devil You Know” deals with a bad relationship. The stripped-down effect resonates with the vocals. […]

R. STRAUSS: Suite from Elektra; Suite from Der Rosenkavalier (arr. Rodzinski) – Pittsburgh SO/ Manfred Honeck – Reference Recordings/ Fresh!

R. STRAUSS: Suite from Elektra; Suite from Der Rosenkavalier (arr. Rodzinski) – Pittsburgh SO/ Manfred Honeck – Reference Recordings/ Fresh!

by | Nov 14, 2016 | SACD & Other Hi-Res Reviews

R. STRAUSS: Suite from Elektra (arr. Honeck/ Ille); Suite from Der Rosenkavalier (arr. Rodzinski) – Pittsburgh SO/ Manfred Honeck – Reference Recordings/ Fresh! multichannel SACD FR-722, 58:33 [Distr. by Naxos] *****: A brilliant performance of both works on this SACD. Ex-Vienna Opera violinist turned outstanding conductor Manfred Honeck is taking his Pittsburgh band down a new road with this unbelievably concise and brilliant arrangement of music from the difficult, astringent opera Elektra. The work has been considered a monumentally difficult piece to cast and pull off for many years, and even though its once-formidable harmonies were considered grating to the ear, today they don’t sound too difficult, even if they are a world away from the opera that followed, Der Rosenkavalier. One of Herbert von Karajan’s initial calling cards was the fact that he managed to conduct Elektra several times before WWII, astoundingly from memory, as he did everything. Honeck has given a lot of thought to the opera, not always simply excising passages and stringing them together in a suite, but evaluating the place of the vocal lines in relationship to the orchestra, and making other changes—in most cases, a thinning out, according to the conductor—to ensure more clarity […]

MOSZKOWSKI: From Foreign Lands – Rediscovered Orchestral Works – SF Ballet Orch./ Martin West – Reference Recordings

MOSZKOWSKI: From Foreign Lands – Rediscovered Orchestral Works – SF Ballet Orch./ Martin West – Reference Recordings

by | Sep 17, 2016 | Classical CD Reviews

A delightful set of rediscovered orchestral works of Moszkowski. MORITZ MOSZKOWSKI: From Foreign Lands – Rediscovered Orchestral Works [TrackList follows] – San Francisco Ballet Orch./ Martin West – Reference Recordings HDCD RR-138, 72:45 [Distr. by Naxos] ****: Although Moszkowski composed an opera, ballet, three orchestral suites, a symphony, songs, concertos, and chamber music, if this neglected composer is given any attention at all it is for his salon-type piano compositions. He arranged some of these for full orchestra, and the first five selections on this CD are those. The other two were orchestrated by others in 1912 and 1884. Four of the Moszkowski selections are world premiere recordings. These are memorable and melodious orchestral compositions which, especially in their full orchestra versions, seem much more than mere salon pieces from the 19th century. The opening Torch Dance is based on a tradition at some German weddings in a certain area of a dance with torches featured.  The From Foreign Lands is a nearly half-hour suite which has been a San Francisco Ballet performance. This ballet orchestra is one of the leading ones in the world, and the excellent recording was made in the low-noise environment of Skywalker Sound with engineer […]

*********** MULTICHANNEL DISC OF THE MONTH ***********

*********** MULTICHANNEL DISC OF THE MONTH ***********

by | Aug 2, 2016 | SACD & Other Hi-Res Reviews

A long overdue issue of an important and wonderfully lyrical operatic experience. * CARLISLE FLOYD: Wuthering Heights (complete opera) – Georgia Jarman (Catherine)/ Kelly Markgraf (Heathcliff)/ Susanne Mentzer (Nelly)/ Vale Rideout (Edgar Linton)/ Heather Buck (Isabela Lint)/ Chad Shelton (Hindley Earnsh)/ Matthew Burns (Mr. Earnshaw)/ Frank Kelley (Joseph)/ Aaron Short (Lockwood)/ Florentine Opera Chorus/ Milwaukee Sym. Orch./ Joseph Mechavich – Reference Recordings multichannel SACD FR-721 (2 discs), 69:51, 69:32 [Distr. by Naxos] *****: Carlisle Floyd, despite being among the foremost opera composers America has ever produced, still doesn’t get the due that a more civilized age might bestow upon him. His work is essential to any overview of American music, and though opera remains a bit of a specialized field for most listeners, there is certainly nothing in his music that would offend even the most generic of modern listeners. Whether caught up in the modern maze of popular music madness or the most devoted Wagnerphile, Floyd will, if you give him a chance, win you over. The Virgin Classics issue of Susannah (with Renee Fleming) some years ago was a smash hit, as well as being a seminal recording of Floyd’s first opera. Wuthering Heights is his second, premiered […]

“Wine Dark Sea” Music by DAN WELCHER: Spumante; DONALD GRANTHAM: J’ai été au bal; FRANK TICHELI: Concerto for Clarinet and Wind Ensemble; JOHN MACKEY: Wine Dark Sea (Sym. for Band) – Nathan Williams (clar.) / The University of Texas Wind Ens./Jerry Junkin – Reference Recordings

“Wine Dark Sea” Music by DAN WELCHER: Spumante; DONALD GRANTHAM: J’ai été au bal; FRANK TICHELI: Concerto for Clarinet and Wind Ensemble; JOHN MACKEY: Wine Dark Sea (Sym. for Band) – Nathan Williams (clar.) / The University of Texas Wind Ens./Jerry Junkin – Reference Recordings

by | May 25, 2016 | Classical CD Reviews

“Wine Dark Sea” Music by DAN WELCHER: Spumante; DONALD GRANTHAM: J’ai été au bal; FRANK TICHELI: Concerto for Clarinet and Wind Ensemble; JOHN MACKEY: Wine Dark Sea (Sym. for Band) – Nathan Williams (clarinet) / The University of Texas Wind Ensemble/Jerry Junkin (A world première recording) – Reference Recordings RR-137 HDCD, TT 69:41 (3/11/16) [Distr. by Naxos] ****: An exuberantly-played selection of contemporary wind music in demo quality sound. This impressive disc from Reference Recordings features four contemporary works for Wind Band played with precision by the University of Texas Wind Ensemble. I’ve always been partial to wind music, most likely after years of playing similar music when I had my trumpet in hand during high school and college. I loved the music of Persichetti, Nehlybel, Clifton Williams and more. So hearing these new works is a thrill, and this collection mixes some fine compositions with the predictably fine fidelity that Reference Recordings provides. Three of the pieces on the disc are shorter works for winds. Although everything on offer is quite good, the composition I found the most compelling is John Mackey’s Wine Dark Sea, his Symphony for Band, heard for the first time on disc in this premier […]

TCHIAKOVSKY: Sym. No. 6 in b, “Pathetique”; DVORAK: Rusalka Fantasy – Reference

TCHIAKOVSKY: Sym. No. 6 in b, “Pathetique”; DVORAK: Rusalka Fantasy – Reference

by | May 10, 2016 | SACD & Other Hi-Res Reviews

************ MULTICHANNEL DISC OF THE MONTH ************ 
A modern milestone recording for a work you thought you knew. TCHIAKOVSKY: Symphony No. 6 in b, Op. 74 “Pathetique”; DVORAK: Rusalka Fantasy (arr. Honeck/Ille) – Reference Recordings multichannel HDCD SACD FR-720, 67:03 [Distr. by Naxos [5/13/16] *****: What a steal the Pittsburgians came up with when they snagged Manfred Honeck! There are few conductors these days with his knowledge of repertory and consistently thoughtful explorations into the canon that are so aptly demonstrated in the program notes to his Reference Recordings releases. I have always said that the PSO is the unsung hero of American orchestras; while the “big five” seem to be constantly swaying to and fro with ups and downs of consistent playing and change of orchestral sound and technical ability, Pittsburgh, at least as shown on record, remains as adept and formidably ingrained in the American musical scene as any orchestra we have, never having seemed to lose their standards, despite the vagaries of conductors who have held the helm. Somehow, through it all, they remain the simple standard bearers of excellence no matter who is conducting them. Honeck however, despite the storied and starry roster of pervious conductors, […]

“Dawn to Dust” – Music of THOMAS, MUHLY, and NORMAN – Utah Sym. Orch. / Thierry Fischer – Reference Recordings

“Dawn to Dust” – Music of THOMAS, MUHLY, and NORMAN – Utah Sym. Orch. / Thierry Fischer – Reference Recordings

by | Apr 17, 2016 | SACD & Other Hi-Res Reviews

“Dawn to Dust” – Music of THOMAS, MUHLY, and NORMAN – Utah Sym. Orch. / Thierry Fischer – Reference Recordings multichannel SACD FR-719, 69:31 (4/8/16) [Distr. by Naxos] ****: Notable contemporary music from Utah in a lovely recording. Dawn To Dust contains live recordings of three significant and interesting works by leading composers Augusta Read Thomas, Nico Muhly, and Andrew Norman. Each of the three compositions is performed by the Utah Symphony under the baton of Thierry Fischer. All are world premiere recordings. The first work on the disc is a lovely and dynamic contemporary ballet for orchestra by Ms. Thomas, called EOS – Goddess of the Dawn. It has a rich palette of orchestra sounds, The piece is in seven parts and presents musical depictions of the dawn against a background of Greek mythology. The next work is by Muhly called Control – Five Landscapes for Orchestra. The landscapes in question are from Utah, and are inspired by the spectacular geography the state offers. I’ve just returned from a photo shoot in St. George and Bryce Canyon, Utah, so the disc came to me at an appropriate time. Here again, there are very rich orchestrations, and evocations of the […]

SAINT-SAENS: Symphony No. 3 “Organ”; Intro and Rondo capriccioso in a; La muse et le poete for violin, cello & orch. – Jan Kraybill, pipe organ/Kansas City Sym./ Michael Stern – Reference Recordings (45 rpm vinyl)

SAINT-SAENS: Symphony No. 3 “Organ”; Intro and Rondo capriccioso in a; La muse et le poete for violin, cello & orch. – Jan Kraybill, pipe organ/Kansas City Sym./ Michael Stern – Reference Recordings (45 rpm vinyl)

by | Mar 19, 2016 | SACD & Other Hi-Res Reviews

A fine performance and a first on 45 rpm vinyl. SAINT-SAENS: Symphony No. 3 “Organ”; Intro and Rondo capriccioso in a; La muse et le poete for violin, cello & orch. – Jan Kraybill, pipe organ/Kansas City Sym./ Michael Stern – Reference Recordings stereo 45 rpm vinyl RM-1514, 35:27 (3/15/16) ****: The Kansas City Symphony is the only full-time professional symphony in the region, and has made other acclaimed recordings for Reference Recordings. This session, which gets a full and rich romantic sound out of the musicians, was recorded using the HDCD encoding invented by Keith O. Johnson, the recording engineer, and mastered onto this 180 gram half-speed-mastered 45 rpm vinyl, with its wider grooves and faster speed enhancing the sonics almost as much as direct disk recording, which almost nobody is doing anymore. The first two movements are on Side A and the third and fourth movements on Side B. The acoustically superior Helzberg Hall of 2011 is a factor in the success of this recording. Conductor Stern is in his second decade with the orchestra and has been hailed for his remarkable artistic ascent, inventive programming, organizational development and stability, and extraordinary growth of its varied symphony audiences. […]

“Far in the Heavens” = Choral works of STEPHEN PAULUS – True Concord Voices & Orch./ Eric Holtan – Reference Rec./Fresh!

“Far in the Heavens” = Choral works of STEPHEN PAULUS – True Concord Voices & Orch./ Eric Holtan – Reference Rec./Fresh!

by | Feb 19, 2016 | Classical CD Reviews

An essential recording of a much-missed artist. I’ll just leave it at that. “Far in the Heavens” = STEPHEN PAULUS: Prayers and Remembrances; Nunc dimittis; The Incomprehensible; I Have Called You By Name; Little Elegy; When Music Sounds – True Concord Voices & Orch./ Eric Holtan – Reference Recordings/Fresh! FR-716, 66:14 [Distr. by Naxos] *****: I had just finished reviewing this disc when the news came that Stephen Paulus had garnered a 2016 Grammy Award, for Best Classical Composition (Prayers and Remembrances). Often the Grammys, and certainly the Pulitzers, get things horribly wrong, but I must say that this recording, possessing a virginal freshness and utter simplicity of concept, is as worthy a winner as we have had in any number of years. Stephen Paulus, whom I first became acquainted during his 1980s stint as Composer-in-Residence for the Atlanta Symphony Orchestra (and with whom he recorded a magnificent disc of orchestral music in 1990 on New World Records) has been a mainstay on the classical scene for years now, a catalog of 600 works, 50 recordings, and a host of awards and accolades as deserving as any other contemporary composer. He gave classical music a good name. I say “gave” because […]