Publisher: Sony Classics
Release date: 1993-09-06
Creator: Radu Lupu
RRP: £16.99
Price: £7.47
Review Mozart - Piano Sonata, K448. Schubert - Fantasie, D940 / Sony Classics:
Tracks Vaughan Williams - Orchestral Works
- Con Grosso: V. March (A La Marcia) And Reprise - LPO/Sir Adrian Boult
- Toward The Unknown Region - London Phil Chor/John Alldis
- Partita: I. Prld (Andante Tranquillo) - LPO/Sir Adrian Boult
- Partita: IV. Fant (Allegro) - LPO/Sir Adrian Boult
- Dona Nobis Pacem: II. Beat! Beat! Drums! (Allegro Moderato) - Sheila Armstrong/John Carol Case/London Phil Chor/John Alldis
- Romance in D flat - Larry Adler/Eric Gritton
- Fant On A Theme By Thomas Tallis - Philharmonia Orch/Sir Malcolm Sargent
- Dona Nobis Pacem: III. Reconciliation (Andantino) - Sheila Armstrong/John Carol Case/London Phil Chor/John Alldis
- Con Grosso: III. Sarabande (Lento) - LPO/Sir Adrian Boult
- Con Grosso: I. Intrada (Largo) - LPO/Sir Adrian Boult
- Dona Nobis Pacem: I. Agnus Dei (Lento) - Sheila Armstrong/John Carol Case/London Phil Chor/John Alldis
- Con Grosso: II. Burlesca Ostinata (Allegro Moderato) - LPO/Sir Adrian Boult
- Partita: III. Intermezzo (Homage To Henry Hall) (Andante Con Moto) - LPO/Sir Adrian Boult
- Dona Nobis Pacem: IV. Dirge For Two Veterans (Moderato Alla Marcia) - Sheila Armstrong/John Carol Case/London Phil Chor/John Alldis
- Dona Nobis Pacem: VI. O Man Greatly Beloved - Sheila Armstrong/John Carol Case/London Phil Chor/John Alldis
- Partita: II. Scherzo Ostinato (Presto) - LPO/Sir Adrian Boult
- Magnificat - Helen Watts/Ambrosian Singers/Christopher Hyde-Smith
- Con Grosso: IV. Scherzo (Allegro: Tempo Di Valse) - LPO/Sir Adrian Boult
- Dona Nobis Pacem: V. The Angel Of Death Has Been abroad (L'istesso Tempo) - Sheila Armstrong/John Carol Case/London Phil Chor/John Alldis
- Fant (Quasi Vars) On The Old 104th Psalm Tune - Peter Katin
- The Lark Ascending - Jean Pougnet
Release date: 2001-10-01
Run time: 149 min.
Creator: Jean Pougnet
RRP: £10.99
Price: £4.65
Review Vaughan Williams - Orchestral Works / EMI Classics:
Tracks Gloryland
- Lost Girl, Folk Song
- Address for All (William Walker); Like Noah's Weary Dove (American ...)
- Return Again ("Saviour, Visit Thy Plantation"), Revival Song
- Ecstasy ("Oh, When Shall I See Jesus"), Revival Song
- Merrick ("Saviour, Visit Thy Plantation"), Revival Song
- Wayfaring Stranger (Instrumental Version)
- Shining Shore, Gospel Song
- You Fair and Pretty Ladies, Folk Song
- Pleading Savior ("Gently, Lord, O Gently Lead Us"), Folk Hymn
- Palmetto ("Shall We Gather at the River"), Folk Hymn
- Just Over in the Gloryland, Gospel Song
- Saint's Delight ("When I Can Read My Title Clear"), Revival Song
- Wayfaring Stranger, Religious Ballad
- Medley: Parting Friends; Wayfaring Stranger
- Mercy-Seat ("From Ev'ry Stormy Wind That Blows"), Folk Hymn
- I'm on My Journey Home ("O Who Will Come and Go with Me"), Revival ...
- Wagoner's Lad, Folk Song
- Green Pastures, Gospel Song
- Where We'll Never Grow Old, Gospel Song
Release date: 2006-09-04
Run time: 65 min.
Creator: Jacqueline Horner
RRP: £15.99
Price: £7.98
Review Gloryland / Anonymous 4:
Tracks Leoncavallo - Pagliacci; Mascagni - Cavalleria Rusticana
- Vesti la Giubba
- Mamma, Quel Vino E Generoso
- Sei La! Credea Che Te Ne Fossi Andato
- Prelude
- Tu Qui, Santuzza?
- Qual Fiamma Avea Nel Guardo ... Hui! Stridono Lassu
- Voi Lo Sapete, O Mamma
- Ah! Lo Vedi, Che Hai Tu Detto?
- Derisione E Scherno!
- Regina Coeli, Laetare; Alleluja!
- Si Puo? Si Puo?
- Beato Voi, Compar Alfio
- Un Grande Spettacolo A Ventitre Ore
- Intermezzo
- O Lola Ch'hai Di Latti la Cammisa
- Di Fare Il Segno Convenuto
- Oh! Il Signore Vi Manda, Compar Alfio!
- Recitar! Mentre Preso Dal Delirio
- Il Cavallo Scalpita
- Pagliaccio, Mio Marito
- No, Pagliaccio Non Son
- E Allor Perche, Di, Tu M'hai Stregato
- Son Qua! Ritornano
- Prelude (Conclusion)
- Gli Aranci Olezzano
- Ah! Colombina, Il Tenero
- No, No, Turiddu, Rimani, Rimani Ancora
- Fior Di Giaggiolo
- I Zampognari! ... Din, Don. Suona Vespero
- Inneggiamo, Il Signor Non E Morto
- Intermezzo
- A Casa, A Casa, Amici
- Coraggio! Un Uomo Era Con Te
- Presto, Affrettiamoci
- Non Mi Tentar!
- Di Fare Il Segno Convenuto
- Dite, Mamma Lucia
- A Voi Tutti, Salute!
- E Fra Quest'ansie In Eterno Vivrai?
- Nedda! ... Silvio! A Quest'ora, Che Imprudenza
- Son Ben Che Lo Scemo Contorto Son Io
- Un Tal Gioco, Credetemi, E Meglio Non Giocarlo
- Suvvia, Cosi Terribile
- Viva Il Vino Spumeggiante
Release date: 2005-05-09
Run time: 150 min.
Creator: Milan La Scala Chorus
RRP: £10.99
Price: £6.44
Review Leoncavallo - Pagliacci; Mascagni - Cavalleria Rusticana / EMI Classics:
Tracks The Most Relaxing Classical Album in the World...Ever!
- Adagio in G Minor
- Gianni Schicchi/O Mio Babbino Caro
- Keyboard Concerto No. 5 in F Minor, BWV 1056/2. Largo
- 'Enigma' Variations, Op. 36/Nimrod
- Gymnopédie No. 1
- Four Seasons. Concerto No. 4 in F Minor 'Winter'/2. Largo
- Carnival of the Animals/The Swan
- Clarinet Concerto in A, K. 622/2. Adagio (Opening)
- Rhapsody on a Theme of Paganini/Variation 18
- Piano Sonata No. 14 in C Sharp Minor 'Moonlight', Op. 27/2/1. Adagio So
- Thaïs/Méditation
- Cantata No. 147/Jesu, Joy of Man's Desiring
- String Quintet in E, Op. 13/5/Minuet
- Flute and Harp Concerto in C, K. 299/2. Andantino
- String Quartet No. 2 in D#/Nocturne
- Piano Concerto No. 21 in C 'Elvira Madigan', K. 467/2. Andante
- Blow the Wind - Pie Jesu
- Violin Concerto in E Minor, Op. 64/2. Andante
- Piano Concerto No. 2 in C Minor, Op. 18/2. Adagio Sostenuto (Opening)
- String Serenade, Op. 22/1. Moderato
- Carmen/Act 3. Entr'acte
- Suite Bergamasque/Clair de Lune
- Adagio for Strings, Op. 11a
- Concerto for Two Mandolins in G, RV 532/2. Andante
- Contes d'Hoffmann/Belle Nuit, Ô Nuit d'Amour (Barcarolle)
- Cavalleria Rusticana/Intermezzo
- Cantata No. 140 (Sleepers, Wake!)/Zion Hört Die Wächter Singen
- Peer Gynt Incidental Music, Op. 23/Morning
- Symphony No. 3 'Symphony of Sorrowful Songs'/2. Lento E Largo - Tranqui
- Sir John in Love/Fantasia on 'Greensleeves'
- Concierto de Aranjuez/2. Adagio (Opening)
- Requiem, Op. 48/In Paradisum
- Canon in D
- Lakmé/Viens, Mallika
- Pavane, Op. 50
- Suite No. 3 in D, BWV 1068/Air 'on the G String'
Release date: 1997-10-27
Run time: 150 min.
Creator: Dame Moura Lympany
RRP: £23.99
Price: £5.25
Review The Most Relaxing Classical Album in the World...Ever! / Classics:
Publisher: EMI Classics
Release date: 1999-01-11
Creator: Janet Baker
RRP: £15.99
Price: £9.73
Review Elgar - Cello Concerto; Sea Pictures / EMI Classics:First issued in 1965, few recordings have lasted so well and, in the case of Sea Pictures, carried on getting better. Du Pré's account of the concerto, made when she was barely 20, made her a star overnight and remains the work with which she's most often identified. Her forceful, highly emotional performance won't be to all tastes or occasions but it brings the work to life like few others. Not just the poignancy of the opening or the aching nostalgia of the "Adagio" but the quicksilver brilliance of the "Scherzo" and cumulative energy of the finale are really made to tell. Barbirolli gives marvellously understanding support here and in Sea Pictures. It also established its soloist-Janet Baker and remains the deepest and most perceptive recording this song-cycle is ever likely to have! Baker makes light of the sometimes gauche poetry and awkward word-setting, giving the music a sweep and nobility typical of Elgar at his best. -Richard Whitehouse.
Tracks Steve Gray: Guitar Concerto; Richard Harvey: Concerto Antico
- Guitar Concerto: III. Jokes
- Concerto Antico For Guitar And Small Orchestra: III. Cantilena
- Concerto Antico For Guitar And Small Orchestra: V. Lavolta
- Concerto Antico For Guitar And Small Orchestra: IV. Forlana
- Concerto Antico For Guitar And Small Orchestra: I. Alborada
- Guitar Concerto: I. Dances
- Concerto Antico For Guitar And Small Orchestra: II. Contredanse
- Guitar Concerto: II. Love Songs
Run time: 61 min.
RRP: £15.99
Price: £3.84
Review Steve Gray: Guitar Concerto; Richard Harvey: Concerto Antico / Gray, Harvey & Lso Daniel:
Tracks Britten - Choral Works
- Missa Brevis In D: Kyrie
- Rejoice In The Lamb: For I Will Consider My Cat Jeoffrey
- Hymn To St Cecilia
- A Hymn Of Saint Columba
- Hymn To St Peter
- Rejoice In The Lamb: For H Is A Spirit And Therefore He Is God
- Missa Brevis In D: Agnus Dei
- Jubilate Deo
- Missa Brevis In D: Benedictus
- Rejoice In The Lamb: Rejoice In God, O Ye Tongues
- Missa Brevis In D: Gloria
- Rejoice In The Lamb: For The Instruments Are By Their Rhimes
- Rejoice In The Lamb: For The Mouse Is A Creature Of Great Personal Valour
- Festival Te Deum
- Rejoice In The Lamb: For The Flowers Are Great Blessings
- A Hymn To The Virgin
- Te Deum In C
- Antiphon
- Rejoice In The Lamb: Hallelujah From The Heart Of God
- Prelude And Fugue On A Theme Of Vittoria
- Rejoice In The Lamb: For I Am Under The Same Accusation With My Saviour
- Missa Brevis In D: Sanctus
Release date: 2000-05-01
Run time: 74 min.
Creator: Cambridge St John's College Choir
RRP: £5.99
Price: £3.05
Review Britten - Choral Works / Naxos:Naxos's previous release of the Choir of St John's College, Cambridge, performing works by Herbert Howells, was widely recognised as an outstanding bargain and rightly so. This latest offering from the same choir is no less impressive. The singing is alert, committed, rhythmically incisive, full of character (most of all in that minor masterpiece Rejoice in the Lamb) with excellent blend and unanimity, clear and colourful vowels (if occasionally a shade exaggerated) and tremendous reserves of power for dramatic moments, all blessed with an ideal acoustic and superb support from the (assumed) organist Iain Farrington. The many solo parts are for the most part well covered-I especially enjoyed Benedict Giles considering his cat, Jeffrey, in Rejoice in the Lamb. Minor quibbles: perhaps there is marginally less assurance in the a cappella works, such as A Hymn to the Virgin and some of the rhythmic articulation in the Missa Brevis is a touch affected. The menu includes such slightly less-well-known works as the Festival Te Deum and the intriguing men-and-angels Antiphon of 1956. All in all, Britten-Choral Works is an impressive reminder that Britten was as committed as Howells to the English church music tradition-a fitting vessel for his passionate belief that his art should be "useful". -Andrew Green.
Tracks Cello Adagios
- Panis Angelicus - Julian Lloyd Webber, Royal Philharmonic Orchestra, James Judd
- 2. Adagio - János Starker, György Sebök
- 2. Adagio ma non troppo - János Starker, London Symphony Orchestra, Antal Doráti
- Sicilienne, Op.78 - Lynn Harrell, Bruno Canino
- Cantilena from Sonata No.11 in D minor, Op.148 - Julian Lloyd Webber, Royal Philharmonic Orchestra, James Judd
- Clair de lune - Julian Lloyd Webber, Royal Philharmonic Orchestra, Nicholas Cleobury
- Salut d'amour, Op.12 - Lynn Harrell, Bruno Canino
- Romance, Op.62 - Julian Lloyd Webber, The Academy of St. Martin in the Fields, Neville Marriner
- Rêverie - Julian Lloyd Webber, Royal Philharmonic Orchestra, James Judd
- 2. Adagio non Troppo - Julian Lloyd Webber, Royal Philharmonic Orchestra, James Judd
- Cantabile - Heinrich Schiff, Samuel Sanders
- Beau Soir - Lynn Harrell, Bruno Canino
- 7. Träumerei - Lynn Harrell, Bruno Canino
- Air on the G string - Julian Lloyd Webber, Royal Philharmonic Orchestra, James Judd
- Valse sentimentale, Op.51, No.6 - Heinrich Schiff, Samuel Sanders
- Ave Maria - Julian Lloyd Webber, Royal Philharmonic Orchestra, James Judd
- Kol Nidrei, Op.47 - Adagio on Hebrew Melodies for Cello and Orchestra (Adagio ma non troppo) - Julian Lloyd Webber, Royal Philharmonic Orchestra, James Judd
- Ebben?...Ne andrò lontana - Lynn Harrell, Bruno Canino
- Mélodie, Op.20, No.1 - Julian Lloyd Webber, Royal Philharmonic Orchestra, James Judd
- Méditation de Thaïs - Julian Lloyd Webber, Royal Philharmonic Orchestra, James Judd
- Liebesleid - Arr. for Cello and Piano - Heinrich Schiff, Samuel Sanders
- 3. Andante - Heinrich Schiff, Elisabeth Leonskaja
- Nocturne - Julian Lloyd Webber, Royal Philharmonic Orchestra, James Judd
- Après un rêve - Lynn Harrell, Bruno Canino
- Sicilienne - Lynn Harrell, Bruno Canino
- 1. Berceuse - John Lenehan, Julian Lloyd Webber
- Nocturne No.2 in E flat, Op.9 No.2 - Julian Lloyd Webber, Royal Philharmonic Orchestra, James Judd
- Vocalise, Op.34, No.14 - Version Cello and Piano - Lynn Harrell, Vladimir Ashkenazy
- An die Musik, D.547 (Op.88/4) - Lynn Harrell, Bruno Canino
- Le Cygne - Lynn Harrell, Bruno Canino
- Elégie, Op.24 - Julian Lloyd Webber, English Chamber Orchestra, Yan Pascal Tortelier
- 3. Adagio - Julian Lloyd Webber, Royal Philharmonic Orchestra, Yehudi Menuhin
- 1. Prayer - Lynn Harrell, Bruno Canino
Release date: 2004-05-10
Run time: 154 min.
RRP: £9.99
Price: £6.23
Review Cello Adagios / Various Artists:
Publisher: Regis
Run time: 74 min.
RRP: £4.99
Price: £4.64
Review Rachmaninov: Preludes; Etudes-tableaux / Sviatoslav Richter:
Publisher: EMI Classics
Release date: 1999-02-15
Creator: Dame Janet Baker
RRP: £10.99
Price: £5.58
Review Mahler - Song-cycles / EMI Classics:
Publisher: Coro
Release date: 2002-06-05
RRP: £29.99
Price: £17.36
Review Handel - Samson / George Frideric Handel:
Tracks Lloyd Webber: Requiem
- 2. Dies irae ... Rex tremendae - Paul Miles-Kingston, Plácido Domingo, Choir Of Winchester Cathedral, James Lancelot, English Chamber Orchestra, Lorin Maazel
- 3. Recordare - Sarah Brightman, James Lancelot, English Chamber Orchestra, Lorin Maazel
- Hosanna - Sarah Brightman, Plácido Domingo, Choir Of Winchester Cathedral, James Lancelot, English Chamber Orchestra, Lorin Maazel
- 8. Lux aeterna & Libera me - Sarah Brightman, Plácido Domingo, Paul Miles-Kingston, Choir Of Winchester Cathedral, James Lancelot, English Chamber Orchestra, Lorin Maazel
- 4. Ingemisco ...Lacrymosa - Sarah Brightman, Plácido Domingo, Choir Of Winchester Cathedral, James Lancelot, English Chamber Orchestra, Lorin Maazel
- 1. Requiem & Kyrie - Plácido Domingo, Paul Miles-Kingston, Thomas Drew, Choir Of Winchester Cathedral, James Lancelot, English Chamber Orchestra, Lorin Maazel
- Pie Jesu - Sarah Brightman, Paul Miles-Kingston, Choir Of Winchester Cathedral, English Chamber Orchestra, James Lancelot, Lorin Maazel
- 5. Offertorium - Paul Miles-Kingston, Choir Of Winchester Cathedral, James Lancelot, English Chamber Orchestra, Lorin Maazel
Release date: 1995-11-13
Run time: 45 min.
Creator: James Lancelot
RRP: £15.99
Price: £5.89
Review Lloyd Webber: Requiem / Universal Classics:Before Andrew Lloyd Webber's seemingly endless run of Broadway shows, when he was known primarily for Jesus Christ Superstar, he managed to write this dramatic, tuneful, occasionally powerful religious work. Although Lloyd Webber takes some liberties with the text and organization of the traditional Requiem mass, the result is a unified and finely crafted composition. There are exciting moments in the "Dies irae" and in the "Lacrymosa", where voices and orchestra are most effectively used to convey the desperate yet hopeful feeling of the text. This work isn't performed much these days in its entirety, but, as in many of Lloyd Webber's musicals, it produced a "hit" tune-the "Pie Jesu"-whose popularity alone could have kept the composer living comfortably for the rest of his life. -David Vernier.
Tracks Rachmaninov: 24 Preludes
- 3. Allegro molto
- Prelude in E, Op.32, No.3
- Prelude in B flat minor, Op.32, No.2
- Prelude in E flat minor, Op.23, No.9
- Prelude in B major, Op.32, No.11
- Prelude in C sharp minor, Op.3, No.2
- 1. Allegro agitato
- Prelude in B flat, Op.23, No.2
- Prelude in D minor, Op.23, No.3
- Prelude in G sharp minor, Op.32, No.12
- 2. Non allegro - Lento
- Prelude in F, Op.32, No.7
- Prelude in F minor, Op.32, No.6
- Prelude in A minor, Op.32, No.8
- Prelude in C, Op.32, No.1
- Prelude in E minor, Op.32, No.4
- Prelude in B minor, Op.32, No.10
- Prelude in D, Op.23, No.4
- Prelude in D flat major, Op.32, No.13
- Prelude in G flat, Op.23, No.10
- Prelude in G, Op.32, No.5
- Prelude in A flat, Op.23, No.8
- Prelude in C minor, Op.23, No.7
- Prelude in G minor, Op.23, No.5
- Prelude in F sharp minor, Op.23, No.1
- Prelude in A, Op.32, No.9
- Prelude in E flat, Op.23, No.6
Release date: 1995-03-03
Run time: 105 min.
Creator: Sergey Rachmaninov
RRP: £10.99
Price: £7.91
Review Rachmaninov: 24 Preludes / Double Decca:
Tracks Stravinsky: The Rite of Spring
- Ritual of Abduction
- Procession of the Sage
- Le Poème de l'Extase, Op.54
- Ritual of the Rival Tribes
- Evocation of the Ancestors
- The Sage
- Ritual Action of the Ancestors
- The Augurs of Spring: Dances of the Young Girls
- Spring Rounds
- Introduction
- Glorification of the Chosen One
- Introduction
- Sacrificial Dance (The Chosen One)
- Dance of the Earth
- Mystic Circles of the Young Girls
Release date: 2001-09-07
Run time: 55 min.
Creator: St Petersburg Kirov Orchestra
RRP: £15.99
Price: £7.03
Review Stravinsky: The Rite of Spring / Universal Classics:Stravinsky's Rite of Spring and Scriabin's Poem of Ecstasy are, in many ways, the perfect coupling. Both works are, in their way, extreme, and both works suit Gergiev's unparalleled ability for penetrating to the heart of a score. He paints the Rite of Spring in vivid, almost garish colours, at all times reading the score afresh. Philips' superb recording successfully conveys both the visceral impact of "Spring Rounds" and the sheer raw energy of "Augurs of Spring". There is a sense of inevitability about the "Ritual Dance of the Ancestors"; the Sacrificial Dance, which follows, has its tension heightened because of (rather than despite) Gergiev's slightly deliberate tread. Scriabin's Poem of Ecstasy is late romanticism writ large. Above and beyond the perfumed sonorities, Gergiev identifies and projects an underlying disquiet, from the dark trumpet figures through to the shattering climax. At times the Kirov Orchestra is positively luminous. It is Gergiev's long-range grasp of the piece that is most impressive: the resultant cumulative effect is close to overpowering. -Colin Clarke.
Tracks Vivaldi/Piazzola: Eight Seasons
- 'L'Autunno' - Concerto In F Major, Op. 8 No. 3: Adagio Molto
- 'L'Autunno' - Concerto In F Major, Op. 8 No. 3: Allegro
- Invierno Porteno: Winter In Buenos Aires
- 'La Primavera' - Concerto In E Major, Op. 8 No. 1: Allegro
- 'L'Estate' - Concerto In G Minor, Op. 8 No. 2: Allegro Non Molto
- 'La Primavera' - Concerto In E Major, Op. 8 No. 1: Allegro
- Otono Porteno: Autumn In Buenos Aires
- Primavera Portena: Spring In Buenos Aires
- 'L'Estate' - Concerto In G Minor, Op. 8 No. 2: Adagio
- 'L'Invierno' - Concerto In F Minor, Op. 8 No. 4: Allegro Non Molto
- 'L'Invierno' - Concerto In F Minor, Op. 8 No. 4: Largo
- 'La Primavera' - Concerto In E Major, Op. 8 No. 1: Largo
- 'L'Invierno' - Concerto In F Minor, Op. 8 No. 4: Allegro
- 'L'Autunno' - Concerto In F Major, Op. 8 No. 3: Allegro
- 'L'Estate' - Concerto In G Minor, Op. 8 No. 2: Presto
- Verano Porteno: Summer In Buenos Aires
Release date: 2000-04-03
Run time: 64 min.
Creator: Gidon Kremer
RRP: £15.99
Price: £6.77
Review Vivaldi/Piazzola: Eight Seasons / Nonesuch:Despite global warming, Vivaldi's The Four Seasons is more popular than ever. But it still seems strange that Gidon Kremer and his Kremerata Baltica ensemble-a group that continues to stun us with riveting performances of lesser-heard works-would tackle the tried-and-true baroque masterpiece. Luckily, Kremer inventively separates each Vivaldi season with a corresponding composition from Astor Piazzolla's Four Seasons Suite, making for fascinating comparisons. Kremer's performances of the Vivaldi are remarkable, sounding solid and fresh. And like an infectious Broadway musical, Piazzolla's seasons always seem on the verge of a giddy dance number. Kremer really gets to show off on these tango-inspired pieces but he's charming throughout. The programming probably won't make this your reference Four Seasons but for those who love their Vivaldi in small doses or fans of Kremer's Tango Ballet disc, this is a must-have. -Jason Verlinde.
Publisher: EMI Classics
Release date: 2001-09-03
Creator: Esther Casas
RRP: £23.99
Price: £15.41
Review Verdi - Aida / EMI Classics:Behind the pyramids and the elephants, the long lines of prisoners of war and of slaves carrying booty, the choral shouts of "Glory to Egypt" and the splendid brass sounding the Triumphal March, Aida is the story of a love triangle: Aida, an Ethiopian princess who has become a slave in Egypt; Amneris, an Egyptian princess and Radamès, the Egyptian general they both love (Aida secretly). There are ironies and conflicts: How can she love a man who is the enemy of her country but who says he has fought and conquered for the sake of her love? It is suitable only for the biggest opera houses and therefore demands voices capable of great power as well as emotional expressiveness. Montserrat Caballé, Plácido Domingo and Fiorenza Cossotto provide such voices and Ricardo Muti conducts with a sense of both drama and dynastic glory. -Joe McLellan.
Tracks Bach - Solo Cello Suites
- Suite No. 3 In C Major: Prelude - J. S. Bach
- Suite No. 4 In E-Flat Major: Allemande - J. S. Bach
- Suite No. 1 In G Major: Allemande - J. S. Bach
- Suite No. 3 In C Major: Sarabande - J. S. Bach
- Suite 6 in D Major: Prelude - J.S.Bach
- Suite No. 1 In G Major: Prelude - J. S. Bach
- Suite No. 3 In C Major: Bourree 1 - 2 - J. S. Bach
- Suite 5 in C Minor: Allemande - J.S.Bach
- Suite No. 3 In C Major: Allemande - J. S. Bach
- Suite 5 in C Minor: Courante - J.S.Bach
- Suite 5 in C Minor: Gavotte 1 - 2 - J.S.Bach
- Suite No. 3 In C Major: Courante - J. S. Bach
- Suite No. 1 In G Major: Menuett 1 - 2 - J. S. Bach
- Suite 4 in E flat Major: Sarabande - J.S.Bach
- Suite 4 in E flat Major: Bouree 1- 2 - J.S.Bach
- Suite No. 2 in D minor: Sarabande - J. S. Bach
- Suite 4 in E flat Major: Gigue - J.S.Bach
- Suite 6 in D Major: Allemande - J.S.Bach
- Suite No. 1 In G Major: Sarabande - J. S. Bach
- Suite No. 2 in D minor: Prelude - J. S. Bach
- Suite 5 in C Minor: Prelude - J.S.Bach
- Suite No. 4 In E-Flat Major: Courante - J. S. Bach
- Suite No. 2 in D minor: Allemande - J. S. Bach
- Suite 6 in D Major: Gavotte 1 - 2 - J.S.Bach
- Suite 6 in D Major: Gigue - J.S.Bach
- Suite 6 in D Major: Courante - J.S.Bach
- Suite No. 4 In E-Flat Major: Prelude - J. S. Bach
- Suite 6 in D Major: Sarabande - J.S.Bach
- Suite No. 2 in D minor: Gigue - J. S. Bach
- Suite 5 in C Minor: Sarabande - J.S.Bach
- Suite No. 2 in D minor: Courante - J. S. Bach
- Suite No. 1 In G Major: Courante - J. S. Bach
- Suite 5 in C Minor: Gigue - J.S.Bach
- Suite No. 3 In C Major: Gigue - J. S. Bach
- Suite No. 1 In G Major: Gigue - J. S. Bach
- Suite No. 2 in D minor: Menuett I 1 - 2 - J. S. Bach
Release date: 1998-01-26
Creator: Yo-Yo Ma
RRP: £19.99
Price: £10.58
Review Bach - Solo Cello Suites / Sony Classics:Though they were long misunderstood as mere technical hurdles, Bach's Six Suites for unaccompanied cello are among those rare works of music that offer inexhaustible rewards for performer and listener alike. Yo-Yo Ma gave a pathbreaking account of the Suites back in the 1980s, but returns to them here impelled by a unique and interdisciplinary approach. For this project, Ma engaged the talents of artists in different fields-ranging from a landscape artist to a Kabuki actor and figure skaters-to produce six short films as a visual correlative for the highly distinctive character of each Suite. While the success of the films in illuminating Bach's creativity is decidedly uneven, Ma brings the music itself to life with a searing, quasi-vocal eloquence. His interpretations are probing, characterised by imaginative bowing and attention to the spacious architecture of Bach's score. This is especially clear in Ma's preference for broad, expansive tempos and patient spinning of filigreed detail. True, the generally Romantic cast of his conception can seem overdone and exaggerated in statement, as if Ma is more intent on overlaying his own personality on the discipline of the music. But the prayerful, meditative concentration he brings to the Sarabandes-listen to the single-lined, anguished tone painting in Suite 5-is utterly convincing. There is a sense of profound introspection here, while in the Sarabande of Suite 6 Ma's phrasing suggests we are in the same spiritual terrain as Beethoven's late quartets. Yet there is no lack of blistering energy and extroverted high spirits in some of the more overtly dance-oriented movements. [+]While purists may complain of distortion in these accounts, Ma once again proves he has something vital to say with this music. -Thomas May.
Tracks Beethoven: Favourite Piano Sonatas
- 2. Abwesendheit (Andante espressivo)
- 3. Presto
- 1. Das Lebewohl (Adagio - Allegro)
- 2. Adagio cantabile
- 3. Das Wiedersehn (Vivacissimamente)
- 2. Adagio
- 2. Introduzione (Adagio molto)
- 2. Andante
- 3. Allegretto
- 3. Scherzo (Allegro assai)
- 3. Rondo (Allegro)
- 3. Rondo (Allegretto moderato - Prestissimo)
- 3. Allegro ma non troppo
- 1. Allegro con brio
- 1. Largo - Allegro
- 4. Rondo (Allegro ma non troppo)
- 1. Adagio sostenuto
- 1. Allegro assai
- 2. Andante con moto
- 1. Grave - Allegro di molto e con brio
- 1. Allegro
- 2. Allegretto
Release date: 1997-07-07
Run time: 150 min.
Creator: Vladimir Ashkenazy
RRP: £10.99
Price: £6.80
Review Beethoven: Favourite Piano Sonatas / Universal Classics:
Publisher: EMI Classics
Release date: 1998-10-05
Creator: Heinrich Schiff
RRP: £10.99
Price: £4.79
Review Schubert-String Quintet / EMI Classics:
| Models & Brands:
Mozart - Piano Sonata, K448. Schubert - Fantasie, D940, Vaughan Williams - Orchestral Works, Gloryland, Leoncavallo - Pagliacci; Mascagni - Cavalleria Rusticana, The Most Relaxing Classical Album in the World...Ever!, Elgar - Cello Concerto; Sea Pictures, Steve Gray: Guitar Concerto; Richard Harvey: Concerto Antico, Britten - Choral Works, Cello Adagios, Rachmaninov: Preludes; Etudes-tableaux, Mahler - Song-cycles, Handel - Samson, Lloyd Webber: Requiem, Rachmaninov: 24 Preludes, Stravinsky: The Rite of Spring, Vivaldi/Piazzola: Eight Seasons, Verdi - Aida, Bach - Solo Cello Suites, Beethoven: Favourite Piano Sonatas, Schubert-String Quintet |
