CDs AUGUST 2023

Sadly, our main distributor has taken the decision to discontinue supplying physical copies for review. As a result there may only be a small number of occasional reviews posted here in the future.

ENJOTT SCHNEIDER – ORBE ROTUNDO: Life, Magic, Death
SANDRA MOON, soprano
ROBERT SELLIER, tenor
TODD BOYCE, baritone
MUNCHNER MOTETTENCHOR
MORAVSKA FILHARMONIC OLOMOUC, HAYKO SIEMENS, conductor
WERGO WER 5129 2 50’20

This recent “companion piece” to Carmina Burana takes additional texts from the original medieval German manuscript and material from other wide-ranging sources. These including biblical texts, gravestone inscriptions, magical incantations and poems by Oswald von Wolkenstein and Neidhart von Reuenthall. It is a very effective new work in its own right, with some clear links to Orff’s composition. I still need to listen to it alongside the original. It will be interesting to see if they are paired in future performances.

MARKO NIKODIJEVIC – 3 WORKS
HR-SINFONIEORCHESTER FRANKFURT
RUNDFUNK-SINFONIEORCHESTER BERLIN
ANNA SOHN, soprano
JAKUB SAWICKI, organ
JONATHAN STOCKHAMMER & VLADIMIR JUROWSKI, conductors
WERGO WER 6442 2 59’46

Each of these three recent works combine elements of contemporary composition including techniques associated with digital technology alongside long established musical tradition. There is a spirituality underpinning all of this writing which often addresses issues of time – past and future. The final work here, Da ispravitsja/gebetsraum mit nachtwache, is based on an ancient Serbian Orthodox chant.

JS BACH – TRIO SONATAS
THE KING’S CONSORT
ROBERT KING, conductor
VIVAT 123 75’43

Another recording of Bach’s Trio Sonatas? Ah, but this is rather different! This wonderful music originally written as organ studies is here arranged for and presented by a chamber ensemble who have featured these works for some time. I must confess I found the transposing into different keys and the rearranged order a little confusing at first but nevertheless thoroughly enjoyed the fresh sound.

Sadly, our main distributor has taken the decision to discontinue supplying physical copies for review. As a result there may only be a small number of occasional reviews posted here in the future.

SP

CDs JULY 2023

CHATTERING BIRDS
ISANIE PERCUSSION DUO
LEONIE KLEIN
ISAO NAKAMURA
WERGO WER 7403 2 74’08

All manner of percussion instruments are employed here – tuned and untuned, wooden and metal (and bird whistles!) In writing solely for percussion, composers are limited, but at the same time, liberated to explore every possible potential of the instrument. Dialogues between two contrasting sound sources are common, together with free explorations of timbre and dynamic, alongside an obvious focus on rhythm. This is music which demands a certain type of listening – an open minded approach, ready to follow the composers and performers as they take us on a journey into music which is intimate and, at times, extrovert, wide-ranging and imaginative. As might be expected from a Wergo release one of the compositions here also includes a part for tape.

ENNO POPPE – PROZESSION
ENSEMBLE NIKEL
ENSEMBLE MUSIKFABRIK
ENNO POPPE, conductor
WERGO WER 7401 2 68’05

Ensemble Nikel are a German quartet who use ‘pop’ instruments in contemporary ‘classical’ music. Electric guitars, drums and vintage synthesizers can be heard here bringing their distinctive sounds together in new ways. Ensemble musikfabrik are also committed to performing contemporary music, with more conventional orchestral instruments.

Enno Poppe is a leading contemporary German composer, particularly drawn to these sounds which are used to good effect here in two of his compositions, the three movement Fleisch and the extended through-composed work, Prozession. Two very different structures help to highlight the range of this composer’s music.

20TH CENTURY FOXTROTS – 5
GOTTLIEB WALLISCH, piano
GRAND PIANO GP922 67’45

This series continues to delight and intrigue me. In this volume we have a selection of light piano music from Switzerland, mostly from the 1920s and 30s, with a few more recent pieces. Here are dances in a variety of styles including influences from the tango and blues. I was surprised to hear one of the tracks (Burkhard’s Slow-Fox) sounding rather like Fats Waller’s Ain’t Misbehavin’…The selection also includes the extended Jazz-Sonatine by Zbinden.

Sensitive performances from Gottlieb Wallisch bring this neglected repertoire to life once
more.

CHARLES IVES – COMPLETE SETS FOR CHAMBER ORCHESTRA
ORCHESTRA NEW ENGLAND
JAMES SINCLAIR, conductor
NAXOS 8.559917 68’15

Despite the composer being dead for nearly 70 years this music still sounds fresh and innovative. These sets of pieces are largely arrangements of Ives’ songs with different instrumental colours and some slight alterations to original material. Prefiguring musique concrete and the mash-up of today this music brilliantly combines and reworks a wide range of material with juxtapositions of rhythm and style which is exciting and engrossing. The CD includes world premiere recordings of several of the sets.

GEORGE ANTHEIL – VIOLIN SONATAS 1-4
TIANWA YANG, violin
NICHOLAS RIMMER, piano, drums
NAXOS 8.559937 68’33

As above, this early / mid twentieth century music still sounds contemporary and lives again in these committed performances. It is good to hear the diversity of compositional technique in this chronological set. The first three sonatas were written within two years of each other in the 1920s and, amongst other things, show some similarities with Stravinsky’s percussive writing. The fourth sonata comes from a further twenty years on.
A very welcome release.

THE SYNTHETISTS REVISITED
ROYAL BAND OF THE BELGIAN AIR FORCE
MATTY CILISSEN, conductor
NAXOS 8.579135 73’55

This is a rather intriguing release, highlighting music written in the 1920s by members of a Belgian composers’ collective – Les Synthetistes – who pursued a deliberately contemporary style in contrast to the prevailing Romanticism. They wrote for wind band as they had no access to a symphony orchestra, hence the forces (!) used on this recording. Released in the Naxos Wind Band Classics series.

NIGEL CLARKE – THE PROPHECIES OF MERLIN
PETER SHEPPARD SKAEVED, violin
ORF VIENNA RADIO SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA
NEIL THOMSON, conductor
NAXOS 8.579127 65’05

Described as a symphony for violin and orchestra, this five movement work by British composer Nigel Clarke is a highly evocative piece which effectively transports the listener to each of five different mystical locations. At times energetic, at others more passive this really moved me. Great performances and production.

A CELEBRATION OF PAUL READE
PHILIPPA DAVIES, flute
HELEN TUNSTALL, harp
PUMEZA MATSHIKIZA, soprano
LAURENCE PERKINS, bassoon
LONDON WINDS
ENGLISH CHAMBER ORCHESTRA
ROBIN O’NEILL, conductor
SIGNUM SIGCD758 73’53

The well-loved Suite from ‘The Victorian Kitchen Garden’ opens this CD which collects together a number of compositions by Liverpudlian, Paul Reade. Although his name is perhaps not so well known his compositions are numerous, ranging from large scale concert works including concertos for flute and bassoon, songs for voice and orchestra, choral works, ballets and chamber music. He wrote many themes and scores for television including The Antiques Roadshow and for adaptations of Great Expectations and Jane Eyre. He was the pianist and songwriter for BBC’s Play School, for which he also wrote the signature tune. He composed music for other children’s programmes, including Crystal Tipps and Alastair, Ludwig and The Flumps.

Amongst other tracks this very welcome CD includes Chants du Roussillon – a set of five Catalonian Songs for soprano and orchestra, Serenata for Wind Sextet and the Concerto for Flute & String orchestra. Excellent note, including those written by flautist Philippa Davies, Paul’s widow, provide additional useful background to the composer and his music. Perhaps a companion volume of more of his television work will follow?

ASTOR PIAZZOLLA – ACONCAGUA, OBLIVION, ADIOS NONINO, TANGAZO
CESARE CHIACCHIARETTA, bandoneon
FILIPPO ARLIA, piano & conductor
ORCHESTRA FILARMONICA DELLA CALABRIA
DYNAMIC CDS7985 61’32

The extended Aconcagua, a concerto for bandoneon, strings and timpani, makes up a large part of this programme of varied works by the celebrated composer of Argentinian tango. A selection of familiar and less so, there are some fabulous performances here, including the extrovert pianism of the closing track, Zita.

DANIEL BJARNASON – FROM EARTH TO ETHER
JAKOB KULLBERG, cello
KARIN TORBJORNSDOTTIR, mezzo-soprano
AARHUS SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA
DANIEL BJARNASON, conductor
DACAPO 8.224746 46’01

This CD brings world premiere recordings of performances, under Bjarnason’s own baton, of three recent works by the Icelandic composer. The first two are meditative chamber and orchestral works, Bow to String and Over Light Earth. Both of these are inspired by early twentieth century abstract art by Rothko and Pollock. The third piece, Larkin Songs, here sees the orchestra joined by voice in settings of three poems by Philip Larkin.

CLAUDIO SANTORO – SYMPHONY NO 8, CELLO CONCERTO
MARINA MARTINS, cello
DENISE DE FREITAS, mezzo-soprano
GOIAS PHILHARMONIC ORCHESTRA
NEIL THOMSON, conductor
NAXOS 8.574410 66’55

I knew nothing of Santoro’s music until I began listening to these releases in the Naxos Music of Brazil series. Recently a number of his Symphonies and other works have been released and here No 8, from 1963, is placed alongside the slightly earlier Cello Concerto and three other works from the same decade. Another informative and enjoyable production.

SP

CDs May 2023

SCRIABIN RECITAL
YOOJUNG KIM, piano
BRIDGE 9578 69’04

 A lovely release of fine performances of this often intense but deeply satisfying music which deserves to be so much better known. Much of the music is on the grand scale but there are also more intimate movements including the first of the Deux poems, Op 32. Alongside further Poemes and Morceaus are Sonatas 2, 3 & 4. The CD is bookended by the adventurous Fantaisie in B minor and Vers la flamme.

WILLIAM BLAND – PIANO SONATAS VOL 2
KEVIN GORMAN, piano
BRIDGE 9580 71’00

Wiliam Bland draws on a variety of influences including classical, romantic and more popular styles, demonstrated here with the Nouveau Rag. Two piano sonatas (9 & 10) make up the bulk of this CD of Kevi Gorman’s excellent performances, all of which is very absorbing.

JOHN CORIGLIANO – COMPLETE SOLO PIANO MUSIC
PHILIP EDWARD FISHER, piano
ALBANY SYMPHONY, DAVID ALAN MILLER, conductor
NAXOS 8.559930 1’’21’04

Another very welcome release in the American Classics strand, here is music from another composer I did not know. Despite the title, this CD of fine performances of wonderful music begins with Corigliano’s Concerto for piano and orchestra. Three extended works follow – Fantasia on an Ostinato, Etude Fantasy (including a Left Hand movement) and the brilliantly titled, Winging It!. This last piece displays some lovely contrasts between movements, as does the inclusion of the short, reflective Prelude for Paul, the newest work here (2021).

SCRIABIN – VISIONARY & POET
DANIELA ROMA, piano
DYNAMIC CDS7984 64’10

There seems to be a current resurgence of interest in the music of Scriabin, now being recognised as a musician ahead of his time. Open to all sorts of influences and with virtuosic talent and seemingly limitless imagination his music transports the listener to other realms. His spiritual influences and convictions are poured into this music. It certainly deserves to be more widely performed and experienced. Preludes, Etudes and Impromptus sit here alongside the Allegro de Concert and the CD opens with the wide-ranging Fantasy Op 28 in B minor.

LIGETI – ETUDES & CAPRICCIOS
HAN CHEN, piano
NAXOS 8.574397 62’27

Another visionary composer is showcased here with sensitive and meticulous performances by Han Chen. Three books of Etudes, spanning just over 15 years, make up the bulk of this recording with two short Capriccios in amongst them. Much of this is music that is rarely heard. Some of the Etudes remind me of the studies for player piano by Nancarrow, here, of course, not reproduced by a mechanism but played by a virtuoso!

MESSIAEN – VINGTS REGARDS SUR L’ENFANT-JESUS
KRISTOFFER HYLDIG, piano
OUR Recordings 6.220677-78 (2CDs) 61’29 & 76’42

A beautifully presented edition of fine performances of this substantial deeply spiritual work.

LOUISE FARRENC – SYMPHONIES 1-3; OVERTURES IN E minor & Eb
INSULA ORCHESTRA, LAURENCE EQUILBEY, conductor
ERATO 5054197522109 (2CDs) 113’30

The music of this 19th Century composer continues to be uncovered and more widely known as we continue to improve our recognition of the substantial body of work by women composers which has been ignored for so long. It is good to have Louise Farrenc’s 3 Symphonies collected together, together with the two Overtures, in these recent excellent recordings.

NIKOS SKALKOTTAS – VIOLIN CONCERTO; CONCERTO FOR VIOLIN, VIOLA & WIND ORCHESTRA
GEORGE ZACHARIAS, violin
ALEXANDER KOUSTAS, viola
LONDON PHILHARMONIC ORCHESTRA, MARTYN BRABBINS, conductor
BIS 2554 57’57

During his short life the Greek composer, who had studied with Schonberg, wrote some arresting music. These two works, dating from the late 1930s are good examples of his inventive and characterful writing. The second work here particularly shows evidence of some lighter jazz-infused influences, fused with the prevailing more angular constructions of the then current art music trends. A lovely production.

PAUL CHESNOKOV – SACRED CHORAL MUSIC
ST JOHN’S VOICES & SOLOISTS
CAMBRIDGE UNIVERSITY CHAMBER CHOIR, GRAHAM WALKER, conductor
NAXOS 8.574496 65’42

This welcome CD of new recordings made in Cambridge of music by this prolific composer of  Russian Romantic liturgical music includes one of two of the composer’s settings of the All-Night Vigil (Op 44). Included with other shorter works is a version of the Cherubic Hymn ( Op 7 No 1).

SP

CDs April 2023

IVO ANTOGNINI – COME TO ME IN THE SILENCE OF THE NIGHT
CHOIR OF TRINITY COLLEGE CAMBRIDGE, STEPHEN LAYTON, Director
HYPERION CDA68425 65’54
Translucent, transcendent, ethereal – words to describe these excellent performances of a fine collection of contemporary spiritual choral music. All new to me, this is a superb CD. Settings of traditional liturgical Latin texts are interspersed with some English texts including Come to me by Christina Rosetti, Shelley’s Remembrance and Emily Dickinson’s Hope is the thing with feathers.

CASTELNUOVO-TEDESCO – GREETING CARDS FOR GUITAR
ANDREA DE VITIS, guitar
NAXOS 8.574246 72’16
A total of 52 Greeting Cards were composed between 1954 and 1967 by the Italian composer Mario Castelnuovo-Tedesco. Here, in excellent performances by Andrea de Vitis, are the 21 written for solo guitar. Lovely music, each inspired by particular people known to the composer.

DIETER AMMANN – CORE-TURN-BOOST & UNBALANCED STABILITY
SIMONE ZGRAGGEN, violin
BASEL SINFONIETTA, BALDUR BRONNIMANN, conductor
NAXOS 8.551474 66’27
Intriguing titles for this inventive and original recent music. Much use is made of individual colour and contrasts of duration and rhythm in Unbalanced Instability – a concerto for violin and chamber orchestra, which opens the CD. The remaining three works, written over a number of years, together form a triptych. Throughout he works to transform and refine his starting points.

MESSIAEN – DES CANYONS AUX ETOILES
UTAH SYMPHONY & soloists, THIERRY FISCHER
HYPERION CDA68316 (2 CDs) 92’18
This release was a revelation to me. I thought I had heard most of the composer’s works. This 1970s commission celebrates the United States Bicentennial. Rooted in the canyons of the Utah landscape, Messiaen cleverly reminds his audience that in comparison to the natural world the nation is young, a newcomer, which should not forget its past or trivialise the place in which it has been formed. Inventive sound sources (wind machine and Messiaen’s own geophone) take their place alongside the more conventional instrumentation as the vast, seemingly barren landscape is infused with energy and interest. Appropriately and sensitively performed here by the region’s resident orchestra this is a really welcome production.

SONATAS FOR CELLO AND DUPLEX PIANO
DAVID STROMBERG, cello, FLORIAN UHLIG, duplex piano
OEHMS CLASSICS OC497 76’48
Lovely recordings of less familiar repertoire are presented here in an unusual format, with the use of the duplex piano. It was my unfamiliarity with the instrument (a double manual piano) that encouraged me to investigate this disk. Sonatas by Emanuel Moor, Ernst von Dohnanyi and Richard Strauss form an enjoyable programme. There are some interesting historical notes and a lovely photograph relating to the instrument but I have to say (as a pianist and organist) I do not yet understand the benefits and subtleties which it brings. Perhaps I need to search one out and try for myself…

RICHARD STRAUSS – COMPLETE MUSIC FOR WIND INSTRUMENTS
members of STAATSKAPELLE BERLIN, GREGOR WITT, conductor
CAPRICCIO C5497 (2CDs) 121’10
More Richard Strauss here in this comprehensive release which shows a range of different music for different combinations of wind. There are moments of lightness and drama here, the juxtaposition of which is highlighted for me in the 3rd movement of the Suite in B flat major for 13 wind instruments – light, playful flutes sit alongside the more demonstrative brass with its repeated downward motive which has a slightly sinister feel. Music that should be more widely heard.

SUITE TANGO
DENIS PLANTE, bandoneon, STEPHANE TETREAULT, cello
ATMACLASSIQUE ACD2 2881
Who can resist a tango? Here we have a set of 6 tango suites by Denis Plante which form a lovely programme, beautifully played by Stephane Tetreault and the composer. The music is inspired by the cello suites of JS Bach and, as there, each movement is founded on a particular dance form. Fresh and enjoyable.

SP

CDs March 2023

LOUIS VIERNE – COMPLETE PIANO WORKS 2
SERGIO MONTEIRO, piano
NAXOS 8.574480 77’01

So often a composer is known for a very small portion of their complete works. In Vierne’s case it is usually the characteristic organ works. This 2nd volume of his piano works reveals another part of his output and it shows that his piano writing is every bit as interesting and enjoyable. The major works here are Douze Preludes, Op 36 and Solitude, Op 49. Throughout these brilliant performances there is huge contrast, inventive and colourful writing and music that I certainly wish to listen to again and hopefully explore at the keyboard. A very welcome issue.

PHILIP LANE – BRITISH LIGHT MUSIC 15
VERITY BUTLER, clarinet
ROYAL BALLET SINFONIA, GAVIN SUTHERLAND, conductor
NAXOS 8.555880 73’39

Volume 15 in this popular series brings the work of a more contemporary composer and arranger, Philip Lane, born in 1950. Opening with a piece that very much continues the tradition of Eric Coates, London Salute (1982). The following six pieces are longer works, the first of which treats the well-known Paganini theme in fresh and often humorous ways in a set of Diversions. The CD ends with another shorter work, one of the earliest pieces here, Prestbury Park.

DANNY ELFMAN & ADOLPHUS HAILSTORK – CONCERTOS
SANDY CAMERON, violin STEWART GOODYEAR, piano
BUFFALO PHILHARMONIC ORCHESTRA, JOANN FALLETTA, conductor
NAXOS 8.559925 65’20

Two major works from contemporary American composers sit side by side here in this latest American Classics production from Naxos. Well-known for his prolific film score output Danny Elfman’s Violin Concerto “Eleven Eleven” has echoes of his early Batman. There is an interesting note about the subtitle in the accompanying words – apparently the number 11 has special meaning for the composer. Alongside this we have Adolphus Hailstork’s Piano Concerto No 1. This has influences from his Afro-American heritage. Both are in fine new live recordings here.

GYORGY LIGETI – COMPLETE WORKS FOR A CAPELLA CHOIR
SWR VOKALENSEMBLE, YUVAL WEINBERG, conductor
SWR CLASSIC SWR19128CD (2 CDs) 55’27 & 59’48

This comprehensive double CD charts the career of a twentieth century pioneer through his choral music. I was initially surprised and disappointed at how conventional much of the music sounded, based on folk melodies and traditional compositional styles. However as the programme progressed I began to hear precursors of the now very familiar but enchanting contemporary Eastern European/ Scandinavian choral style. Finally in the last few tracks we hear examples of the experimental, a/multi-tonal work which I have come to associate with him, especially from the now very popular Lux aeterna. Fascinating to trace this development.

MARIANO ETKIN – FLORES BLANCAS
ENSEMBLE AVENTURE
WERGO WER 74062 69’55

This CD presents eight chamber works , all from 1992- 2016, towards the end of the Argentinian composer’s life. There are recollections of the works of other composers woven into this music as well as deploying extremes of dynamic and pitch. He makes much use of low wind (including trombone and bassoon) and strings and often writes introspective, slow moving phrases. He is particularly interested in human emotion and experience surrounding dreams and tears. Highly inventive.

GENOEL VON LILIENSTERN – COUTURE
ENSEMBLE GARAGE & OTHERS
WERGO 64392 49’24

Wow! There is so much packed into this short CD that it is going to need many replayings to fully appreciate. A (German) smorgasbord of words, music and other effects in this excellent programme of four recent compositions from Genoel von Lilienstern. Opening with Voz Comercial we first hear a collage of transcribed and recorded excerpts from Spanish speaking radio stations. The closing work draws very much on the sounds and conventions of 1980s pop including an extended foray into the world of syn drums. The title track plays with the contrasts between acoustic and electronic sound sources. Samplers and synthesizers rub shoulders with symphonic instruments, speech and SFX to create an exciting, highly charged musical experience. The graphic design of the booklet, fusing old and new musical technologies is brilliant, too. Encore!

NEILS VIGGO BENTZON – PIANO WORKS
RAMEZ MHAANNA, piano
DA CAPO 8.224737 64’31

Prolific Danish composer, Niels Viggo Bentzon, died in 2000. Here we have a collection of splendid performances of four of his early piano works, the latest of which, Traesnit (Woodcuts), a series of 11 short pieces, dates from 1950. Opening with Partita (1945), there is also a Passacaglia dating from the same year as well as the earliest, Toccata, from 1941. Described as “lush, romantically spirited and among the most technically challenging and creative piano compositions of the last century”, this is definitely music to explore.

DEMIURGE
DAMKAPELLET
DA CAPO 8.224741 62’51

Sustained or rapidly repeating strings, insistent isolated percussion, piano as statement or accompaniment, atonal voice and other avant garde effects all have their place in this debut release from this recently formed specialist Danish collective. Damkapellet’s aim is to highlight “music by artists who define themselves as women, non-binary or transgender”. This is a bold and enjoyable first album of premiere recordings of works by Lo Kristenson, Randi Pontoppidan, Kirstine Lindemann and Greta Eacott.

LUDGER BRUMMER – SONIC PATTERNS
WERGO WER 20782 (2 CDs) 78’56 & 78’41

This double CD set collects a number of compositions by German electronic/computer/algorithmic composer Ludger Brummer, following on from the recent ‘Spheres of Resonance’ album. His music works with various processes to develop the basic elements of sound by expanding, reducing, repeating or morphing. For instance, Amazonas consists of long sustained but slowly developing tones and combines voices with electronics. Between Twilight takes the concept of the trill and moves it from the rapidly repeating frenetic opening section and gradually slows it until the almost static conclusion. There is interest throughout in the variety of tones and the juxtaposition of analogue and electronic, the percussive and the sustained. A further very welcome production.

STEPHAN ELMAS – COMPLETE PIANO WORKS 2 – MAZURKAS
MIKAEL AYRAPETYAN, piano
GRAND PIANO GP928 75’31

This survey of Armenian composer Stephan Elmas’ piano music continues with a volume of Mazurkas. Fine performances from Mikael Ayrapetyan who has made a particular study of Armenian music. Another welcome release from Grand Piano.

DJANGO NOVO & TOV RAMSTAD – THE DISTANCE
NXN 3002

Spacey and relaxed, this recording brings a meditative soundscape which combines thoughtful songs and expansive instrumental landscapes together with some spoken word. A range of distinctive instruments are employed including lap steel guitar, harmonica, theravox and accordion alongside more conventional flute, strings, piano and percussion. Samples and electronic treatments also play a part in this dreamy offering.

KALEVI AHO – VIOLIN CONCERTO 2 & CELLO CONCERTO 2
ELINA VAHALA, violin, JONATHAN ROOZEMAN, cello
KYMI SINFONIETTA, OLARI ELTS, conductor
BIS-2466 63’38

I have enjoyed other recordings of Kalevi Aho’s music and this latest release does not disappoint. Fine recordings of these two recent (2015 and 2013) works make for very enjoyable listening.

BACH 6 WITH 4 – CELLO SUITE No. 6 ARRANGED FOR 4 CELLOS
MOUNT VERNON VIRTUOSI CELLO GANG, AMIT PELED, director
CTM CLASSICS

The Bach cello suites posess a purity and vitality all of their own. Here one of them is presented in a fresh way in an arrangement that preserves the original but adds depth in an effective and surprisingly unobtrusive way. As the liner states,
“In times when there are hundreds of recordings of all six suites, it is our humble message to future cellists that these monumental solo pieces can also be looked at from an ensemble point of view”. The Virtuosi’s founder and conductor, Amit Peled believes “that concerts should be free. And musicians should be well paid for their work.” More can be found about the group at https://www.mountvernonvirtuosi.com An enjoyable, fresh take on this timeless music.

SP

CDs February 2023

NIKOLAI KAPUSTIN – PIANO CONCERTO NO 5
FRANK DUPREE & ADRIAN BRENDLE, piano
MEINHARD ‘OBI’ JENNE & FRANZ BACH, percussion
RUNDFUNK-SINFONIEORCHESTER BERLIN,
DOMINIK BEYKIRCH, conductor
CAPRICCIO C5495 58’44

Kapustin’s jazz-infused music is often spirited and always fresh. His expressive writing for the piano always makes me want to hear more and Frank Dupree obviously shares this love, revelling in this music in another wonderful recording. Alongside the No 5 Concerto is a Concerto for 2 pianos and percussion and Sinfonietta for piano four hands in both of which he is joined by fellow pianist Adrian Brendle.

MARCO PUTZ – MOODS
KARL BERKEL, tuba
PHILLIPE SCHWARTZ, euphonium
COTTBUS STATE THEATRE PHILHARMONIC ORCHESTRA
ALEXANDER MERZYN, conductor
NAXOS 8.579116 69’16

Some lesser heard timbres are to the fore here in this lovely CD of music, the 2nd volume of Naxos’ Luxembourg Contemporary Music strand. With the oldest piece here dating from 2009 (and revised since then) this is certainly contemporary music. Inventive and colourful and with all but the title track being world premiere recordings, there is much to explore and enjoy here.

LUIS HUBERTO SALGADO – CHAMBER MUSIC 1
KANSAS VIRTUOSI
NAXOS 8.579128 74’31

With a range of instruments and drawing extensively on folk and dance music and utilising classical forms and modernist influences this recording collects four pieces from a lesser known twentieth century composer. Described as “essentially self-taught” Salgado blends his Ecuadorian heritage with mid century musical developments to find his own voice, given a new audience here by the collective of talented musicians. Here we have viola and cello sonatas, a woodwind quintet and Selene, commemorating the moon landing of 1969.

ANTON RUBINSTEIN – PRELUDES & ETUDES
MARTIN COUSIN, piano
NAXOS 8.574426 87’41

A comprehensive programme of beautiful wellcrafted 19th Century piano music which should be better known. Lovely performances by Martin Cousins are presented here of the complete Six Preludes, Op 24 and Six Etudes, Op 81. Also included here are the Op 1 Etude (Ondine) and a further Etude in C major in a world premiere recording.
INGI BJARNI – FARFUGLAR
INGI BJARNI, piano
INGI BJARNI QUINTET
NXN2014

A wonderful sequence of gently hypnotic contemporary Icelandic jazz from Ingi Bjarni and his quintet is to be found on this new release. The title track translates as Travelling Birds and this image of migrating birds and the need within nature to regularly move in such ways for “nourishment, continuity and survival” underpins the music here. Lovely!

CHARLES WUORINEN: A TRIBUTE – MUSIC NY WUORINEN & JS BACH
STEVEN BECK, piano
BRIDGE 9573A/B 2”4’15 (2 CDs)

Steven Beck has a long established relationship with Wuorinen, the influential American composer who died in 2020. This release pairs his music with that of JS Bach, who, together with other baroque and early classical composers were very important influences. The first disc contains seven of Wuorinen’s piano works from this century including the six pieces from The Haroun Piano Book together with longer works including Heart Shadow, Adagio and Scherzo. The second disc couples Bach’s Goldberg Variations with the Prelude & Fugue in A major, BWV 864.

SAX: CONTEMPORARY CONCERTOS FOR SAXOPHONE
MARCUS WEISS, saxophone
TEODORO ANZELLOTTI, accordion
WDR SINFONIEORCHESTER, ELENA SCHWARZ & EMILIO POMARICO
WINDKRAFT TIROL, KASPER DE ROO
WERGO WER 73892 71’12

Not only is it unusual to find orchestral music with the saxophone to the fore but we also find here music that brings out a wide range of rhythmic and timbral variety. This is exciting accessible contemporary music. There are four works – Peter Eotvos’ Focus, Georg Friedrich Haas’ Konzert, Vykintas Baltakas’ Saxordionphonics & Violent Incidents by Johannes Maria Staud.

KJETIL HUSEBO – YEARS OF AMBIGUITY
NXN 4007
KJETIL HUSEBA, synthesizers, electronics etc
EVIND AARSET, guitar, samples, FX
ARVE HENRIKSEN, trumpet, synthesizers

Immersive electronics with additional collaborative input makes for a soundtrack presumably inspired by the lockdown years. There is little information to guide the listener but the album will please those who appreciate layered textures and spaced out, ambient forms.

LONG DAYS, SHORT NIGHTS
DAVIS ROBB DUO
DAVIS ROBB EDAR001

A lockdown project from husband and wife Emily Davis (violin) and Andrew Robb (double bass) in this their first collaboration as a duo. Delightfully varied, this CD brings together music in different styles and from different genres. The Latin vibes of Nao Me Toques (de Abreu) and Estrellita (Ponce) rub shoulders with Schubert’s Du bist die Ruh, songs from Gershwin and Rodgers as well as a Nocturne by Lili Boulanger and a newly commissioned work from fellow Scot, Catriona Price, from which the album takes its name. Pianist Thomas Gibbs also features on three of the tracks joins seamlessly with the already well-matched forces!

REFORMING HYMNS
MUSICA FICTA, BO HOLTEN, conductor
FREDRIK BOCK, lute
SOREN CHRISTIAN VESTERGAARD, organ
DA CAPO 8.226142 64’58

This is an excellent production, charting the development of liturgical music in Denmark from the times when the church’s song was in the hands of the professionals to the reformations which brought about congregational psalm and hymn singing. Fine performances take the listener on a well constructed journey through other European choral styles to the full blown Protestant hymn. There are a few instrumental treatments along the way which add colour and variety. The excellent detailed (but not overly technical) booklet makes this a very useful reference piece as well as being an enjoyable listening experience in its own right.

SP

CDs January 2023

CARLO ALESSANDRO LANDINI – SONATA N.7 PER PIANOFORTE
MASSIMILIANO DAMERINI, piano
TACTUS TC951203 56’01

Written in 2017-18 this Sonata is through-composed and quite an intense listening experience due to the duration and density of composition. Without a score it is not clear if there are any marked jumping on or off points – I suspect not – as there are no track divisions on the recording. Landini was born in Italy in 1954 and the liner notes place his writing alongside composers including Scriabin, Messiaen and Ligeti.

GRAZYNA BACEWICZ – COMPLETE SYMPHONIC WORKS VOL 1
WDR SINFONIENORCHESTER, LUKASZ BOROWICZ, conductor
CPO 555 556-2 54’13

The work of this significant Polish 20th Century composer seems to be suddenly all around us – and that is a very good thing! This music – and there is much of it – deserves to be more widely heard and known. On the CD here we have tremendous performances of two substantial, life-affirming works – the 3rd & 4th Symphonies. This series is very welcome, aiming to record the whole of Bacewicz’ symphonic writing, some of which has not yet been recorded and much of which is only known well in her native Poland.

LOUIS GLASS – SYMPHONY NO 4
STAATSORCHESTER RHEINISCHE PHILHARMONIE, DANIEL RAISKIN, conductor
CPO 777 898-2 54’38

Danish composer Louis Glass is unknown to me. His substantial output from late 19th to early 20th Centuries sounds, from hearing this example, to be well worth exploring. The 4th Symphony, in a spirited performance here by the SRP is music to be stirred and inspired by. A lovely recoding.

SERGEJ MAINGARDT – STRAIGHT RUN
KRISZTIAN PALAGYI, accordion
TAL BOTVINIK, electric guitar
BUNDESJUGENDORCHESTER, LOTHAR ZAGROSEK, conductor
ELECTRONIC ID
HAND WERK
QUASAR QUATOR DE SAXOPHONES
PAUL ALVARES, piano
SEBASTIAN BERWECK, keyboard
COLOGNE GUITAR QUARTET
ENSEMBLE GARAGE, MARIANO CHIACCHIARINI, conductor
WERGO WER 6437 2 37’03

This short running CD packs so much into its three tracks – Rush, Flower’s silence in empty guns and Declare Independence. Maingardt’s music is eclectic and vibrant bringing a wonderful collection of diverse timbres and rhythms together to make a striking (pun intended?) musical offering. More!

DER WILDE SOUND DER 20ER – 1923: BARTOK, KRENEK, TOCH, WEILL
CHOR & SYMPHONIEORCHESTER DES BAYERISCHEN RUNDFUNKS,
HOWARD ARMAN & CRISTIAN MACELARU
BR KLASSIK 900206 69’04

The early days of radio in Berlin are the inspiration for this centenary retrospective with new recordings of music from four composers who were actively involved with the developing media at the time. Toch’s Tanz-Suite and Ernst Krenek’s Drei gemischte Chore a capella perhaps show a lighter and more accessible side than what might often be associated with their music. Another Tanz-Suite is the Bartok work here alongside Weill’s Frauentanz. An intriguing release which should help to spotlight not only this lesser known music but also the rapidly changing society from which it sprung. Interesting notes are to be found in the accompanying booklet.

1923: ANDRE CAPLET – LE MIROIR DE JESUS
CHOR DES BAYERISCHEN RUNDFUNKS
MUNCHER RUNDFUNKORCHESTER, HOWARD ARMAN, conductor
BR KLASSIK 900342 60’34

Following on from the recording above is this further issue focussing on the same year and setting. Andre Caplet’s last major work is a setting of fifteen poems by Henri Gheon exploring scenes in the life of Jesus told from the perspective of his mother. At times there is some similarity to techniques used by Debussy and Schonberg and interesting relationships between text and music, speech and song as found in other works from this period.

ARTURS MASKATS – ACCORDION CONCERTO & ORCHESTRAL WORKS
KSENIJA SIDOROVA, accordion
LATVIAN NATIONAL SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA, ANDRIS POGA, conductor
ONDINE ODE 1419-2 53’52

A wonderfully diverse collection of music from this contemporary Latvian composer whose work spans a number of different musical fields. The spirited Tango (2002) pairs well with the very recent Accordion Concerto “What the wind told the sea” and is followed by a further two pieces, Cantus Diatonicus (1982) and the extended My river runs to thee from 2019. All of this music was new to me and very enjoyable.

CAROLS AFTER A PLAGUE
THE CROSSING, DONALD NALLY, conductor
NEW FOCUS FCR 357B 66’34

The Crossing continue to be an innovative and boundary breaking choir, creating and exploring new repertoire as in this their latest project. Twelve composers have created new works as part of a commission to respond to the deliberately ambiguous title of “Carols after a plague”. As well as obviously referring to the time of the pandemic, the ‘plague’ could be “the ongoing plagues we endure: racism, poverty, displacement, environmental deterioration, gun violence, homelessness…” The word ‘carol’ could also be interpreted in different ways. Words by Walt Whitman and Alex Dimitrov amongst others are to be found in musical settings by composers including Shara Nova (whose three sectioned work punctuates the disc) and Vanessa Lann. Of particular interest are the wordless Requiem for a Plague by Tyshawn Sorey and Nina Shekhar’s y-mas which takes words from popular Christmas songs and repurposes them with nostalgic irony. Samantha Fernando’s Everything passes, everything is connected also stood out for me with it’s sparseness of text and almost liturgical / monastic structure. This is a wonderful thought-provoking collection with much to explore.

CAMARGO GUARNIERI – PIANO MUSIC 2
MAX BARROS, piano
NAXOS 8.573632 77’52

Despite not being a universally well-known name Guarnieri is “considered to be the most important Brazilian composer next to Villa-Lobos”. I find this music really draws me in, with often haunting melodies and interesting use of harmony and rhythm. This CD has lovely performances of 3 sets, each of 10 pieces – Improvisos, Valsas and Momentos.

PALMGREN – COMPLETE PIANO WORKS – 6
JOUNI SOMERO, piano
GRAND PIANO GP909 69’37

This excellent series continues with a volume of further miniatures and also some more extended pieces – Ungdom (Youth) & Three Piano Pieces. The disc is highly varied, opening with Juhlapreludi (Festive Prelude) and ending with the virtuosic A Mephisto Waltz. There are many more intimate and reflective moments as well.

KETELBEY – BELLS ACROSS THE MEADOWS
SYLVIA CAPOVA, piano
SLOVAK PHILHARMONIC MALE CHORUS
SLOVAK RADIO SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA, ADRIAN LEAPER, conductor
NAXOS 8.555175 73’33

The British Light Music series continues with this re-release of Marco Polo recordings of orchestral versions of this popular composer’s music. Alongside familiar pieces including In a Monastery Garden, In a Persian Market and the title track are some interesting lesser known works including The Adventurers, Chal Romano and Suite Romantique.

CLAUDIO SANTORI – FANTASIAS SUL AMERICA / SONATA FOR SOLO VIOLIN
SOLOISTS OF THE SAO PAULO SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA
NAXOS 8.574407 58’13

Having recently enjoyed getting to know a number of Santoro’s orchestral works through this Music of Brazil strand I have to admit to being quite surprised by this latest volume. Giving a number of instruments the limelight in turn in this way allows the composer to draw out particular moods and expressions with a flexibility and without the need to balance and contrast a number of different forces. The notes state that the Fantasies have now become standard repertoire for Brazilian soloists and also that they were used as source material for Santori’s Symphony No 12. Many of these are premiere recordings.

HOUGH – DUTILLEUX – RAVEL: STRING QUARTETS
TAKACS QUARTET
HYPERION CDA68400 67’47

There is a freshness to contemporary string music that always appeals to me. I am often very pleasantly surprised at the different ways that the composer can employ the same sources and enjoy the juxtaposition of different composers’ approaches on a CD like this. Dutilleux’ Ainsi la nuit is the middle work here between Stephen Hough’s String Quartet No 1 (Les Six recontres) and Ravel’s String Quartet in F major. Lovely.

SP

CDs December 2022

TYONDAI BRAXTON – TELEKINESIS
METROPOLIS ENSEMBLE, ANDREW CYR, conductor
BROOKLYN YOUTH CHORUS, DIANNE BERKUN MENAKER, conductor
THE CROSSING, DONALD NALLY, conductor
NONESUCH 075597909678 35’

A short but exciting listen is to be found here in this work recent work combining acoustic instruments with synthesizer, electronics and vocals. In four roughly equal parts this work is an evocation of the potential power of the mind.

CHANGES: CONTEMPORARY GUITAR MUSIC
ARTURO TALLINI, electric guitar, prepared guitar, classical guitar, vocalise
JAMES DASHOW & DOMENICO ASCIONE, electronics & pre-recorded tape
NAXOS 8.574394 59’47

Beginning with Steve Reich’s celebrated 1987 Electric Counterpoint this is a varied but cohesive programme highlighting different aspects of modern guitar music. Arturo Tallini proves to be very versatile in his use of the different instruments and including the vocalise forming part of Arthur Kampela’s Percussion Study III from 1987. The performers own arrangements of 2 1940s John Cage compositions from include one for prepared guitar (A Room). The other composers are Elliott Carter (Changes) and the most recent and longest piece here, the wittily titled iPiece by James Dashow.

FLORENCE PRICE – SONGS OF THE OAK
WURTTEMBERGISCHE PHILHARMONIE REUTLINGEN, JOHN JETER, conductor
NAXOS 8.559920 60’59

Whilst it is a tragedy that Florence Price’s music was so unappreciated for so long it is good to see so much of it now being rediscovered and enjoyed. This CD fits very well as part of the American Classics series as much of FP’s music conjurs up pictures of American landscapes and other associations, not least of which here are the use of material from spirituals in the two Concert Overtures. Songs of the Oak and The Oak, both expansive medium length works take centre stage here and the CD ends with the rhythmic and highly melodic Colonial Dance and Suite of Dances.

ALFRED MOMOTENKO – CREATOR OF ANGELS: CHORAL WORKS
LATVIAN RADIO CHOIR, SIGVARDS KLAVA, conductor
ONDINE ODE 1413-2 63’07

The title track of this lovely recording begins with the contemporary Eastern European sacred choral sound of which I never tire. This is expansive and transcendent music but which does not just stay in that now more familiar sound world. There are moments when the music harks back to older traditions of plainchant and glossolalia (which also has a contemporary Pentecostal/charismatic link). All these influences can be seen to full effect in the longest composition here, On the Passion. Beautiful performances throughout of this composer who was new to me.

SCRIABIN – THE POEM OF ECSTASY / PROMETHEUS
YEVGENY SUDBIN, piano
SINGAPORE SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA, Lan Shui, conductor
BIS BIS-2362 56’08

Scriabin’s music is often complex and on a massive scale. This is certainly the case here with the large orchestral forces employed by the composer in the 2 named works. The Poem of Ecstasy is intended to be a feast for the senses and an expression of Sciabin’s passionate spiritual beliefs. Timbral relief comes with the Piano Sonata No 5 being placed between the Poem and Prometheus whilst also reminding the listener of the importance of the piano in Scriabin’s output. Fine performances throughout.

ELMAS – COMPLETE PIANO WORKS VOL 1
MIKAEL AYRAPETYAN, piano
GRAND PIANO GP914 69’02

I have only recently discovered some of this Armenian composer’s works for the piano and this first volume in a complete series is to be welcomed. Mikael Ayrapetan’s performances bring this music to life and make for a very enjoyable collection. This volume places the Seven Nocturnes together with a number of Ballades, Barcarolles and Romance in Eb Major.

ARCHIBALD JOYCE – CARAVAN SUITE
RTE CONCERT ORCHESTRA
ANDREW PENNY, conductor
NAXOS 8.555218 66’47

Although Archibald Joyce is a worthy entrant into this ongoing series I found the music to be less entertaining than on previous programmes. I think this is because much of the music takes us back to a slightly earlier period, and although still light it is perhaps a little more restrained. That is not to play down the popularity of Joyce’s music, especially known for his Waltzes which would have not merely been listened to but danced to and therefore becoming a very important part of people’s experience and culture.

HERBERT HOWELLS – PIANO MUSIC 2
MATTHEW SCHELLHORN, piano
NAXOS 8.571383 69’26

Howells is renowned for his choral and organ music. His piano music is less well known and these releases are very welcome. As in the first volume Matthew Schellhorn surveys this music over the whole of Howells’ career. Mostly miniatures, there is much to enjoy here and it is interesting to see the development in compositional style throughout. The CD ends with the longest work, his 1971 Sonatina and also includes A Little Book of Dances from 1928. Beautiful performances of this well crafted music in what are, incredibly, almost exclusively world premiere recordings.

LETTER TO THE WORLD: DAVID LEISNER, COMPOSER
MUSIC FOR VOICE & INSTRUMENTS
KATHERINE WHYTE, soprano, ANDREW FUCHS, tenor, MICHAEL KELLY, baritone
& instrumentalists
AZICA ACD-71353 63’40

Texts by Emily Dickinson, Emily Bronte, Wendell Berry and others as well as from the Tao te Ching are set by David Leisner for a variety of forces. Love and faith are among the themes of the four pieces – Confiding, (various), Das Wunderbare Wesen (Lao Tzu), Simple Songs (Emily Dickinson) and Of Darkness & Light (Wendell Berry).

NETZEL-SANDSTROM-TARRODI: PIANO CONCERTOS
PETER FRIIS JOHANSSON, piano
GOTHENBURG SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA, RYAN BANCROFT, conductor
BIS BIS-2576 79’50

This CD contains some very exciting music. Three Swedish piano works are presented here – two contemporary ones and the other a recent reconstruction by the pianist of an older forgotten work by Laura Netzel. Andrea Tarrodi’s Stellar Clouds – Piano Concerto No 1 (2015) is brooding and, at times, unsettling but full of excitement. I particularly enjoyed Sven-David Sandstrom’s almost-concerto, Five pieces for piano & orchestra (2017) – exciting and varied, making great use of the combined forces.

NIKLAS SIVELOV – SYMPHONIES Nos 1 & 5
MALMO OPERA ORCHESTRA, JOACHIM GUSTAFSSON, conductor
NAXOS 8.574508

Further exciting contemporary Swedish sounds are to be found on this CD. The two symphonies here by Sivelov date from 2013 and 202o. Both make great use of variety of timbre, tonality and rhythm. There is a stark, stripped back feel to the opening of the 5th Symphony which contrasts hugely with some of the more energetic writing of other movements here.

LA FEMME – FROM ORIENT TO OCCIDENT: A JOURNEY OF FEMALE COMPOSERS
FLAKA GORANCI, soprano
WORLD CHAMBER ORCHESTRA, KONSTANTINOS DIMINAKIS, conductor
NAXOS 8.551470 76’58

This is a very interesting concept album, highlighting not only the creativity and artistry of women but also giving priority to their beliefs and passions. Sources range from the mediaeval period to the present day with an emphasis on the more contemporary. A variety of styles and media are employed – art song, piano solo, western and eastern influences, acoustic instruments and electronic timbres. This is a far-reaching project to educate and inspire and a very enjoyable programme.

PAUL GUNN – THE LUDWIG SUITE
PAUL GUNN, voice & piano
With additional vocalists and instrumentalists
BANDCAMP. Digital download EP (name your price)

What do the writings of Robert Graves about Odin’s dogs, Debussy’s personal relationships, Beethoven’s love of wine and the frustrations of being silenced by lockdown have in common? They are all inspirations for Paul Gunn’s latest offering of original music performed by him, his five piece band and other additional musicians. Crossing between classical and rock genres this album has shades of Rick Wakeman and Andrew Lloyd Webber’s variations as well as much more. Diverse musical talent blends well and is used to good effect.

SP

CDs November 2022

CLAUDIO SANTORO – SYMPHONIES Nos 11 & 12
GOIAS PHILHARMONIC ORCHESTRA, NEIL THOMSON, conductor
NAXOS 8.574406 69’15

I am enjoying getting to know some of this music in ‘The Music of Brazil’ series from Naxos. Santoro’s works have already featured and here we have a further pairing of two of his later symphonies (of a total of 14). They are complemented here by Concerto grosso for string quartet and Three fragments on BACH. Three of the four works here are world premiere recordings. Some of the music features some beautifully percussive ‘Latin’ orchestration and rhythm whilst there is also much that is reminiscent of Soviet traditions of the early/ mid twentieth century. The whole CD makes for enjoyable, interesting listening.

JOSEF BOHUSLAV FOERSTER – SYMPHONY No 1 – FROM SHAKESPEARE
JANACEK PHILHARMONIC ORCHESTRA, MAREK STILEC, conductor
NAXOS 8.574336 64’09

This disc collects three works from Czech composer Joef Foerster, all dating from the end of the 19th to early 20th centuries. Opening with the Festive Overture and ending with From Shakespeare, the centrepiece of this CD is the Symphony No 1 in D minor. This is romantic music with nationalistic elements, strong in melody and with wide ranging orchestral timbres.

NIKOLAI KAPUSTIN / A BU – NEW MEMORIES
A BU, piano
WERGO WER 7405 2 55’52

Kapustin’s jazz-inspired piano music is always exciting and engaging. Here pianist A Bu combines thrilling performances of Kapustin’s Variations for piano and Concert Etudes with his own Piano Sonata No 1 and Sleeping in a dream, to produce a lovely CD of contrasting contemporary piano.

POLISH ACCORDION CONCERTOS
KLAUIUSZ BARAN, accordion
POLISH RADIO SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA, MICHAL KLAUZA, conductor
NAXOS 8.574431 64’19

Highlighting the range of emotion and the complexity capable from an instrument that is often wrongly regarded as a vehicle simply for light music this is an excellent release. Three contemporary composers are each represented by a concerto. Marcin Blacewicz’s Accordion Concerto dates from 2012, Bronislaw Kazimierz Przybylski’s Concerto Polacco from 1973 and Concerto Classico by Mikolaj Majkusiak from 2001.

WORKS FOR PIANOS & ORCHESTRA
MULTIPIANO ENSEMBLE
ROYAL PHILHARMONIC ORCHESTRA, DMITRY YABLONSKY, conductor
NAXOS 8.573802 60’47

I have always been drawn to the sound of more hands than 2 playing a piano. The ability to achieve more rapid coverage, faster repetition and denser chords makes for an exciting and, at times, slightly un-nerving sound. Here we have a collection of wonderful music in thrilling performances of works by Frank Martin, Poulenc, Shostakovich and Aryeh Levanon. Three of the recordings are premieres.

DELIUS – SMYTH STRING QUARTETS
VILLIERS QUARTET
NAXOS 8.574376 65’31

This release allows us to stop off around the transition from the 19th to 20th Centuries in the refined sound world of the string quartet. Ethel Smyth is regarded as something of an innovator in her life and work and so it is good to have her String Quartet in E minor coupled with Delius’ C minor String Quartet. The latter is a recent reconstruction by Daniel M Grimley, made possible after two long missing movements appeared at auction in 2018. A very interesting CD.

WORKS FOR VIOLIN AND PERCUSSION ORCHESTRA
NICHOLAS KITCHEN, violin
NEW ENGLAND CONSERVATORY PERCUSSION ENSEMBLE, FRANK EPSTEIN, conductor
NAXOS 8.574212 61’41

An entirely different sound is to be found on this CD. West meets East in this programme which fuses solo violin with sounds reminiscent of, but not restricted to, traditional gamelan. The centrepiece of the CD is Lou Harrison’s Concerto for violin and percussion orchestra, a ground-breaking work from the mid 20th Century. Inspired by this two other composers have created the pieces which bookend it here – Robert Xavier Rodriguez’ Xochiquetzal (2014) which paints a picture of Mayan spirituality, and Kati Agocs’ own Concerto for violin and percussion orchestra from 2018. These are premiere recordings for the new pieces.

BRITISH LIGHT MUSIC 12 – ANTHONY HEDGES
RTE SINFONIETTA, ANTHONY HEDGES, conductor
NAXOS 8.574324 61’00

This series which I love to champion continues with a more recent composer. Anthony Hedges only died in 2019 and continued the grand tradition of British Light Music with much melody, rhythm and evocative writing, often strongly rooted in a particular landscape. I had only heard a couple of these pieces before and really welcome this latest CD. Alongside other pieces we have here Kingston Sketches, Scenes from the Humber, Heigham Sound and Four Breton Sketches.

THOMAS ADES – MARCHENTANZE
PEKKA KUUSISTO, violin TOMAS NUNEZ, cello
FINNISH RADIO SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA, NICHOLAS COLLON, conductor
ONDINE ODE 1411-2 57’33

It has been quite a while since I have heard any new music from Thomas Ades so it is great to have this release of new music (2016-21). Beginning in an early 20th Century jazz style the Hotel Suite from the opera Powder her Face gets this CD off in grand swinging style. As would be expected from Ades there are many other different sounds to be found here both rhythmic and more expansive. These are all world premiere recordings, the other pieces being Lieux retrouves, Marchentanze and Dawn.

HELENE DE MONTGEROULT – ETUDES
CLARE HAMMOND, piano
BIS BIS-2603 70’32

This new-to-me music is around 200 years old. Beautifully crafted, delicate performances bring this lovely piano music to life in a CD that is most enjoyable. Music that should be more widely known and appreciated.

KHACHATURIAN – PIANO CONCERTO; CONCERTO-RHAPSODY
IYAD SUGHAYER, piano
BBC NATIONAL ORCHESTRA OF WALES, ANDREW LITTON, conductor
BIS BIS-2586 75’35

Exciting sounds from this composer of flamboyant music are to be found on this CD. As well as the two title works there is also a suite from Masquerade which begins with the well-known frenzied Waltz. Brilliant performances of substantial music. Oh yes, the second movement of the Piano Concerto also includes some haunting moments from musical saw!

HUGO ALFVEN – COMPLETE SYMPHONIES
ROYAL SCOTTISH NATIONAL ORCHESTRA
NATIONAL SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA OF IRELAND
ICELAND SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA
NORRKOPING SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA
HELSINGBORG SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA
NIKLAS WILLEN & OKKO KAMU, conductors
NAXOS 8.507015 (7 CDs)

I have really been enjoying exploring this set which sensibly presents each of Alfven’s 6 symphonies, 1 per disc, complemented by smaller and often lighter works including Rhapsodies and Suites. A significant Swedish composer, who died in 1960, most of this music was new to me. Much of the music is evocative of the natural world often with a light and playful manner, contrasted by a number of symphonic movements which often have a denser more austere presence.
The fourth symphony includes the added timbre of vocalise, of it’s time, but highly effective when not overused.

This beautifully presented box set includes a 7th disc of “Swedish orchestral favourites” which help to place Alfven’s music in his local context. It is towards the end of this CD that I finally got to hear the only piece of Alfven I previously knew. Here in it’s original form the main theme from Swedish Rhapsody No 1 will probably be very familiar. Before this is another piece I have come to love in recent years, Dag Wiren’s Marcia from Serenade for Strings.

SP

There is much to explore and enjoy here.

CDs October 2022

HENRI TOMASI – COMPLETE VIOLIN WORKS
STEPHANIE MORALY, violin
ROMAIN DAVID, piano
ORCHESTRE DE LA GARDE REPUBLICAINE, SEBASTIEN BILLARD
NAXOS 8.579091 61’52

These early/mid twentieth century pieces are, as the notes state, ‘little known’. Written in a easy style with melody to the fore and with interesting use of colour and contrasts of virtuosity and emotion. A useful collection of this lesser known French composer’s output.

RUED LANGGAARD – PIANO WORKS VOL 4
BERIT JOHANSEN TANGE, piano
DA CAPO 6.220662 64’27

This further volume of piano music shows Langgaard’s familiarity with the romantic piano tradition. There is much of interest here in these committed performances by Berit Johansen Tange.

ALMEIDA PRADO – COMPLETE NOCTURNES
ALEVSON SCOPEL, piano
GRAND PIANO GP890 70’03

The Brazilian composer Jose Antonio Rezende de Almeida Prado died in 2010 leaving a wealth of interesting and inventive music. Coupled with the 14 Nocturnes here is the earlier work, Ilhas (Islands). Throughout this music we hear how he develops the romantic piano tradition with a number of twentieth century elements and influences including Latin American rhythm, Brahms, Messiaen and Scriabin.

RICHARD DANIELPOUR – TWELVE ETUDES FOR PIANO
STEFANO GRECO, piano
NAXOS 8.559922 65’40

This is a very enjoyable release of world premiere recodings. Contemporary American composer Richard Danielpour’s music brings a wide range of emotion and styles out of the piano. Together with the set of varied etudes we have the exuberant and expansive Piano Fantasy “Wenn ich einmal soll scheiden and two very recent short works, Lullaby and Song without words.

ELGAR – COMPLETE ORGAN WORKS
TOM WINPENNY, organ of Hereford Cathedral
NAXOS 8.574366 86’57

Containing the familiar Organ Sonata No 1 and the Vesper Voluntaries this CD also features Elgar’s own organ arrangements and arrangements by others. These include Pomp & Circumstance March No 4, Nimrod, Imperial March and Organ Sonata No 2. Unknown to me were the Loughborough Memorial Chime and Solemn March from The Black Knight. A comprehensive and enjoyable collection of fine performances by Tom Winpenny on a very appropriate organ.

RUSSIAN BALLADS – PROKOFIEV + SHOSTAKOVICH + KISSIN
GABRIEL SCHWABE, cello ROLAND PONTINEN, piano
NAXOS 8.574377 78’58

In these days of terrible war against the people of Ukraine perhaps we may question whether we should celebrate music from this area. On the other hand it is perhaps good to remember that much of beauty and significance has come from this place in the past.
I have always had an affection for Russian music and here we have a lovely collection of works for cello and piano. Prokofiev takes the lion’s share with three pieces – his Ballade in C minor, Cello Sonata and Adagio from Cinderella. There is another Cello Sonata from Shostakovich and a much more recent one by Evgeny Kissin. Lovely performances.

BRITISH LIGHT MUSIC 11: RON GOODWIN
NEW ZEALAND SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA, RON GOODWIN, conductor
NAXOS 8.555193 69’57

This enjoyable series continues with this volume of music by a man known primarily for his film scores. Conducted by the man himself the New Zealand Symphony Orchestra give committed and often energetic performances throughout. I have to say that apart from the opening 633 Squadron Main title theme all of this music was unknown to me and very interesting for that. The London Marathon theme from The Trap is in a similar style as are some other elements of other works here. There are also pieces in very different styles such as the New Zealand Suite and Arabian Celebration. As well as lovely melodies there is some very varied orchestration. Great fun!

BENT SORENSEN – THE ISLAND IN THE CITY
TRIO CON BRIO COPENHAGEN
DANISH NATIONAL SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA, JUKKA-PEKKA SARASTE, conductor
DA CAPO 8.226086 58’21

Although Sorensen is often regarded as an introspective writer there is much here that is bold and exciting. This is a welcome release of world premiere recordings of the title track (L’Isola della Citta) and his Second Symphony.

WALTON – THE COMPLETE FACADES
HILA PITMANN, FRED CHILD, KEVIN DEAS, narrators
VIRGINIA ARTS FESTIVAL CHAMBER PLAYERS, JO ANN FALLETTA, conductor
NAXOS 8.574378 53’59

I love the combination of spoken word and music and I especially love Façade for it’s quirkiness and eccentricity that many would say makes it so English. It is wonderful to have this release which combines the original 22 piece composition with Façade 2 (from the late 1970s, with another 8 short movements. This CD also includes another 4 additional numbers which were rejected by the composer during the composition and compilation process. My problem (perhaps one I need to get over?) is that here the narration is by Americans. Of course I have no problem with that generally, and it is done very well, but it is the eccentric roots of this work that makes me long for continuity in this respect.

MATIAS VESTERGARD – IDYLLS, ELEGIES
ESBJERG ENSEMBLE, REI MUNAKATA & MAGNUS LARSSON, conductors
SIGNE ASMUSSEN, soprano
DA CAPO 8.226546 58’21

This is very welcome release gathers a number of early compositions from contemporary Danish composer Matias Vestergard (born in 1989). Eclectic influences can be found in these works, from chorales of the Lutheran church or 1920s jazz. A very interesting introduction to the work of this composer, who was new to me.

LUDGER BRUMMER – SPHERES OF RESONANCE
LUDGER BRUMMER, ZKM Institute for Music & Acoustics/Hertz Laboratory, Karlsruhe
WERGO WER 20772

Slowly evolving, immersive soundscapes are to the fore here in this wonderful compilation of computer/electronic music from Ludger Brummer, Director of the Hertz Laboratory. Reminding me of the delight I took from discovering the music contained in an earlier series from Wergo (Computer Music Currents) many years ago this music sounds fresh and at the same time both other-worldly and pure. Although I couldn’t get the recommended link to work I did find a YouTube recording of Cellularium which shows how the music is paired with a stunning light installation. Eight works are included here, most of them lasting around 20 minutes each. The accompanying notes to each are full of interest and whilst I don’t pretend to understand much of the techniques and processes employed I love this music!

BEN LAHRING – DRIFTWOOD
BEN LAHRING, guitar
www.benlahring.com

This contemplative album of solo guitar music from guitarist Ben Lahring showcases his talent as both performer and composer. There are some beautiful tracks here with sensitive performances highlighting the lyrical nature of the instrument. The self-composed title track is particularly expressive. The centrepiece of the album is the three-part Firstborn of the Dead. Alongside other works of the composer are pieces by Liona Boyd, William Beauvais, Graeme Koehne and one I found particularly intriguing, Searching for a chorale, by Seymour Bernstein, which cleverly reworks material from well-known chorales into something new. A gentle but still at times stimulating recording.

MOMENTUM
MIRIAM K SMITH, cello
SANDRA WRIGHT SHEN, piano
AZICA ACD-71354

This is a lovely production, comprising sensitive performances from this wonderful pairing of musicians. Here we find contrasting works from three highly influential twentieth century composers. The longest work is Prokofiev’s Cello Sonata in C major which opens the disk, followed by Stravinsky’s Suite Italienne. The final work is Nadia Boulanger’s Trois Pieces pour violoncello et piano – short but inventive.

SP