Mendelssohn: Piano Trios

Fournier Trio

RESONUS RES10161

I love these works, and the Fournier Trio, who are new to Resonus, bring real enthusiasm as well as musical finesse to their performances. They argue that these are the best of Mendelssohn’s chamber pieces and, played like this, one can believe it.

Bach: French Suites

Julian Perkins, clavichord

RESONUS RES10163

This CD arrived soon after we had returned from the Bath Bach Fest at which Mahan Esfahani had played three of the suites on a harpsichord while admitting they were probably written for the clavichord. And here we have an excellent example of why that is surely true. These works sit perfectly on the clavichord and are here given lively yet intimate performances which are highly convincing.

Suk & Dvorak

Christian Tetzflaff, violin, Helsinki Philharmonic Orchestra, John Storgards

ONDINE ODE 1279-5

Dvorak’s violin concerto is popular enough but the other two works I suspect are less well known which makes the combination all the more compelling. Suk’s Fantasy in G minor for violin and orchestra  is a concerto in all but name and of equivalent length, while Dvorak’s Romance Op11 is far more than a make-weight. Well worth investigating.

Dvorak & Schumann Piano Concertos

Stephen Hough, CBSO, Andris Nelsons

HYPERION CDA 68099

This recent recording of two popular concertos is a delight. Stephen Hough is one of the most convincing romantic pianists performing today and he is coupled with the CBSO in sterling form under Andris Nelsons. I am only sorry I did not get to hear them live.

Haydn: String Quartets Op76

Doric String Quartet

CHANDOS CHAN 10886(2)

Haydn: String Quartets Op50

The London Haydn Quartet

HYPERION CDA 68122 (2 CDS)

Can we have too many recordings of Haydn’s chamber music? When we get performances like these it is hard to argue against them. The Op50 Prussian Quartets are played in from the Artaria edition of 1787 which gives them something of an edge over other recordings while the Doric Quartet brings a freshness and authority to Op76.

Janacek: The Cunning Little Vixen

Chatelet Theatre Paris, Sir Charles Mackerras

ARTHAUS 109206

This production by Nicholas Hytner dates from 1995 and while it may seem rather too whimsical for contemporary tastes has such wonderful performances that it is entirely captivating. Thomas Allen is outstanding as the Forester but there are no weak singers here and the orchestra under Sir Charles Mackerras is as fine as one could ask. Bob Crowley’s setting float with an easy grace and his costumes are a constant delight.

Weber: Der Freischutz

Zurich Opera, Nikolaus Harnoncourt

ARTHAUS 109194

Ruth Bergaus directed a number of very striking productions in the 1990s and this Zurich presentation of Der Freischutz dates from 1999. Starkly set with costumes almost entirely in black it focuses closely on the psychology of the characters. It also has a thrilling dynamism from the pit under Nicholas Harnoncourt which he manages to maintain throughout. The Wolf’s Glen scene is danced which lacks any sense of horror but this was new at the time. Good to have this available.

Bruckner: Symphony No9

Staatskapelle Dresden, Christian Thielemann

UNITEL CLASSICA 733308

One of the benefits of DVDs of orchestral concerts is the close concentration it gives us on the conductor. Here we can study the way Christian Thielemann shapes and moulds the extended paragraphs of Bruckner’s score.  That he appears to do it so easily, yet create so great an impact is telling in itself. A masterly performance and worth studying.

Johann Adolf Hasse: Artaserse

Orchestra Internazionale d’Italia, Corrado Rovaris

DYNAMIC 37715

I suspect that for most of us Baroque Opera does not extend much further than Handel and Vivaldi. A pity as there is a vast repertoire beyond this which we have yet to explore. All the more welcome then is this production of Hasse’s Artaserse to a familiar libretto by Metastasio. A favourite work of Farinelli, it has a series of fearsomely difficult arias which need singers of world class. Thankfully the singing here is very good if not quite of the immaculate quality for which it was presumably written. Corrado Rovaris, directing from the harpsichord, drives the pace hard and keeps the (very complex) action moving rapidly towards its sympathetic if unlikely denouement.

Stravinsky’s La Sacre de Printemps

A film by Peter Rump

ARTHAUS 109210

This film is based on Valery Gergiev’s love of the work and he is seen in rehearsal and performance, as well as discussing the origin of the composition. There are rare archive shots of the composer, both conducting and talking about the work.

J S BACH – THE ORGELBUCHLEIN

JAMES LANCELOT, organ of Durham Cathedral
PRIORY PRCD1139

This is a very welcome release. A stand-alone no-frills rendition of the complete organ music from the book presented in order from Advent to Pentecost and concluding with the non-seasonal items.
This is a useful reference work but also a very enjoyable listening experience with James Lancelot in fine form at the Durham organ.

THE COMPLETE ORGAN SONATAS OF AUGUST RITTER (1811-1885)
MICHAEL HARRIS, Ladegast organ, Kirche Altleisnig, Polditz, Germany
PRIORY PRCD1162

The four organ sonatas presented here are of great interest, partly because of the early date of their writing and also because they are mostly unfamiliar to us now. Michael Harris gives fine performances on an organ that is itself an interesting survivor, built in 1868 and now restored, after it was very nearly removed in the 1980s.

ORGAN SPECTACULAR!
ASHLEY GROTE, organ of Norwich Cathedral
PRIORY PRCD1153

I have to confess that I groaned when I saw the contents of this disc, being mostly very well-known items in the organ repertoire. However, I must say, though, that I thoroughly enjoyed the whole CD and was reminded of just how enjoyable many of these pieces are. This CD would make an excellent introduction to the organ but will also be enjoyed by many “old hands” if they are prepared to put prejudice aside and give it a spin! The programme begins with Bach’s Toccata & Fugue in D minor & closes with Widor’s Toccata. The complete Gothique Suite by Boellmann is included. As well as Lefebure-Wely’s Sortie in E flat there is his lesser-known Andante: Choeur des voix humaines. A welcome new piece is the organist’s own Prelude on Cross of Jesus.

GREAT EUROPEAN ORGANS No 98
ANTHONY HAMMOND, organ of L’Eglise St-Vincent, Roquevaire, France
PRIORY PRCD1156

Sadly this long running series is nearing it’s end. In the meantime we have another release which combines expert playing on a lesser-known organ with interesting modern repertoire. Largely focussing on the art of improvisation this CD has compositions by Naji Hakim and Pierre Cochereau, together with works dedicated to him by Jean Bouvard & Daniel Roth. There is also the organist’s own Improvisation:Triptyque and Marius Monnikendam’s Toccate Concertante. Excellent!

THE COMPLETE PSALMS OF DAVID SERIES 2, Vol 9
Choir of SALISBURY CATHEDRAL,  directed by David Halls with John Challenger, organ
PRIORY PRCD 1150

Moving to the choral repertoire we have another series nearing its end. Whilst not having quite the impact on me that the original series did I have been enjoying these releases as they bring further renditions of this staple of the cathedral repertoire, often with unfamiliar chants. Here the Salisbury choir demonstrates its familiarity with this genre in what is a well executed set.

GREGORIAN CHANT – MUSIC OF PARADISE
Choir of BUCKFAST ABBEY, directed by Philip Arkwright
PRIORY PRCD1151

There is little than I can say to add to descriptions of the beauty of Gregorian chant. Its simplicity and longevity both help to transport the singer and the listener beyond themselves. I really enjoyed this sequence of chant from the mixed voices here give a glimpse of the musical traditions still in place at the abbey. Sublime.

MESSIAEN – L’ASCENSION
TOM WINPENNY, Rieger organ of St Giles’ Cathedral, Edinburgh
NAXOS 8.573471  (66’33)

Tom Winpenny gives an inspiring all-Messiaen recital here. Alongside the title work we also have Diptyque, Offrande au Saint-Sacrament, Prelude, Le Banquet Celeste and Apparition de l’Eglise eternelle. There is a good rapport between organist and organ and understanding and sensitivity of this music.

JANACEK : ORCHESTRAL WORKS Vol 3 – Glagolitic Mass

BERGEN PHILHARMONIC ORCHESTRA & CHOIRS, Edward Gardner, conductor

CHANDOS CHSA 5165     64’30

This Super audio CD presents Janacek’s ever-pleasing Glagolictic Mass alongside less familiar works –Adagio, Zdravas Maria(Hail Mary) and Otce nas (The Lord’s Prayer). This an interesting collection of fine performances. However, I am not sure that all of these pieces should really be categorised as orchestral works.

DOMENICO SCARLATTI –SONATAS
ANGELA HEWITT, piano
HYPERION CDA 67613    76’10

Audiences are divided as to whether this music should be played on the piano or harpsichord. I personally feel that the music can be enjoyed on either. Angela Hewitt’s first collection of Scarlatti’s sonatas presents a small fraction of the total of his output. An enjoyable disk which makes this 250 year old repertoire come alive once again.

VINCENZO GALILEI – The Well-Tempered Lute
ZAK OZMO, Lute
HYPERION CDA 68017   63’03

I thoroughly enjoyed this CD. A beautiful recording of music I had never heard before, from the pen of the father of the famous astronomer! This music really deserves to be better known and has an important place in the development of the Western musical tradition. An informative booklet gives good background notes.

JOHANN SEBASTIAN BACH – MASS IN B MINOR
CONCERTO COPENHAGEN & soloists, directed by Lars Ulrik Mortensen
CPO  777 851-2  (2 CDs/ SACD) 103’35

The B minor mass is very familiar territory. This substantial choral work has been recorded on numerous occasions. Here we have a surround sound / multi-channel recording on super audio CD. Regardless of the technology the performace is impressive, maintaining a lightness of touch which allows the music to dance, even in the larger scale moments.

THE BRITANNIC ORGAN  VOL 11 – Historic Improvisations by British & German organists
Welte-Philharmonie organ, Museum fur Musikautomaten, Seewen.
OEHMS  OC 850  (2 CDs) 74’41 & 68’22

I continue to enjoy the releases in this series. They can be savoured on different levels – as a record of the reproducing technology, of the organ itself, as a social history document and here as genuine “recordings” of expert exponents of the art of organ improvisation.

The first CD contains recordings from rolls of William Wolstenholme, Alfred Hollins and Edwin Lemare – all of whom are very familiar names from the British concert organ scene. It was not easy to pick out much familiar thematic material on either disc. Here, though, I particularly enjoyed Lemare’s improvisation on The Swannee River (Old Folks at Home) and the more extended Improvisation on a theme of Alfred Hollins. The longest track is Wolstenholme’s Ich hatt’ einen Kameraden. These longer improvisations provide an excellent range of contrasting registrations.

The German improvisers on CD2 were not familiar to me. They are Carl Hofner, Kurt Grosse, Paul Mania, Otto Dunkelberg & Henry Burkard. Familiar material can be heard in Mania’s Fantasie uber Wagner’sche Themen, the longest improvisation on this disc. His Gavotte is much more playful, as is Burkard’s  Stummfilm-improvisation – which really does conjure up silent movie scenes. The other familiar thematic material is to be found in Mania’s Fantasie uber alte niederlandische Lieder which includes the familiar Pilgrim’s hymn. Another fascinating volume.

Mahler: Symphony No2 (arr for piano four hands)

Maasa Nakazawa & Suhrud Athavale

NAXOS 8.573350

Once one has got used to the dynamic range of four hands at one piano to represent the might of Mahler’s orchestration for the Resurrection Symphony this actually works really well and allows us to hear many details which pass unnoticed in the vast canvas, particularly of the final movement. At other times it is interesting to hear just how close the musical lines are to each other, with the reduced dynamic helping us to hear afresh the intimacy of much of the writing. This was obviously a labour of love for Bruno Walter making the original arrangement at a time when few would be able to hear the work live, but even today it has an important place among Mahler recordings.

Philip Glass: Glassworlds 3; Metamorphosis

Nicolas Horvath, piano

GRANDPIANO GP691

This collection includes Metamorphosis I – V as well as the extended Trilogy Sonata based on Satyagraha.  Philip Glass’ compositions transfer easily to the piano and I found this a very appealing recording. All the more so as it includes a number of short works we have not heard on record before, including the very early Piano Sonatina which predates minimalism.

Copland: Billy the Kid & Rodeo

Colorado Symphony, Andrew Litton

BIS 2164

A popular collection of familiar pieces with the addition of the rarer An Outdoor Overture from 1938, the same year as Billy the Kid. All well played and given a bright intensity from the Colorado Symphony.

Chopin: Piano Concertos  51621 & 2

Joseph-Maurice Weder, Berliner Camerata

OEHMS OC 1831

This recording uses a string quintet arrangement rather than full orchestra to enable us to hear a different balance and so reconsider the impact of the orchestration as it affects the way we listen to the piano solo. Where many may consider Chopin’s orchestrations to be limited it is clear from this cd that his harmonic choices and lyrical development are quite secure and not outstripped by the relative enthusiasm of the solo writing.

Saint-Saens: Cello Concertos 1 & 2; Carnival of the Animals

Bergen Philharmonic Orchestra, Neeme Jarvi

CHANDOS CHSA 5162

This is a fine collection of works giving us over 75 minutes of music. The Carnival of the animals and the cello concertos may be familiar but the addition of the tone poem Africa and the Caprice Waltz Wedding Cake make it doubly welcome.

Respighi: Antiche Danze ed Arie; Gli Uccelli

Munchner Rundfunkorchester, Henry Raudales

CPO 777 233-2

Gli Uccelli  may be very familiar – and is well played here – but the Antiche Danze ed Arie are less so and all the more welcome in a gently understate performance from Munich Radio.

Beethoven: The Ninth Symphony

Bejart Ballet Lausanne & The Tokyo Ballet, Israel Philharmonic Orchestra, Zubin Mehta

EUROARTS 2060878

The idea behind this approach is unproblematic as many orchestral works have been turned into highly successful ballets. Macmillan’s Das Lied von der Erde is a good case in point. Unfortunately Bejart’s approach is unconvincing and often lacklustre. The movement appears to have little to do with the score and is frequently at odds with it. This might matter less of the musical side was outstanding but there is too often a sense that Zubin Mehta is holding himself back for the dancers rather than leading the score.

The DVD opens with a lengthy percussion improvisation which seems equally distant from the Beethoven. It may all have made more sense live but conveys very little on the small screen.

Puccini: Turandot

Teatro Carlo Felice, Donato Renzetti

DYNAMIC 33764

With the exception of occasional rather raw edges which may m simply be the result of a live performance this is well sung throughout. Mario Malagnini’s Calaf gets stronger as he goes on and Roberta Canzian’s Liu becomes more mellifluous in the final act. Smaller parts are well sung and vocally characterised. There is a steely edge to Daniela Dessi’s Princess which is in character if a little uncomfortable at times.

The real problem is the production by Giuliano Montaldo which is old-fashioned and dull. It has no understanding of choral movement, with the singers lined up in blocks either side and allowed to emote at will. To compensate, a group of dancers frequently bound onto the stage to fill the space left by the retreating chorus. Added to this the acting is often perfunctory with a propensity for ending an aria down stage centre to milk the applause. I thought we were well past this stage now but it appears I was wrong.

Weber: Der Freischutz

Staatskapelle Dresden, Christian Thielemann

UNITEL CLASSICA 733108

This is a well-focused if very dark rendition of the work, often violent though never excessively so. As often these days there is no attempt to use the dance music for dancing – the act one scene becomes a nasty fight between neighbours.

However the narrative in Axel Kohler’s production is firmly kept in check and the characterisation is sensitive to the text and score. Michael Konig is a bluff Max, very much the outsider and is easily taken to the dark side. Sarah Jakubiak is a fine Agathe.

Most impressive is the conducting of Christian Thielemann who keeps the score on edge the whole time and makes us sense the latent horror even in moments of apparent calm. Where so many productions can drift too far from the original text, this re-interpretation is very convincing.

Rossini: Otello

Vlaanderen Opera, Alberto Zedda

DYNAMIC CDS 7711/1-3

This is a case where I would happily have had the DVD rather than the CD. For those of us who know Verdi’s Otello well it can come as something of a shock to find Rossini’s version so far adrift from Shakespeare both in terms of narrative and emotional intensity. While well sung I found it difficult to engage with the work as a whole, and, looking at the productions photographs, feel I could have benefitted greatly from seeing the action as well as hearing it. Alberto Zedda keeps things moving well from the pit but does little to engage us with the changes inherent in Rossini’s score.

Mendelssohn in Birmingham Vol 4

Jennifer Pike, violin, City of Birmingham Symphony Orchestra, Edward Gardner

CHANDOS CHSA 5161

A happy combination of popular works – the violin concerto and the full incidental music to A Midsummer Night’s Dream. Both are finely played and I particularly enjoyed the approach to the Dream. The work can so easily seem hackneyed with over hearing but here is light, immediate and engaging. While there are many versions available this must go very high up the list from the start.

Mendelssohn: String Symphonies Vol 1

L’Orfeo Barockorchester, Michi Gaigg

CPO 777 942-2

A noted above these are familiar works but the new recording is fresh and amiable throughout. However the use of a baroque orchestra – with a closer reliance on an original sound – does give this an extra layer of interest.

More recordings to follow

Beethoven: The Ninth Symphony

Bejart Ballet Lausanne and The Tokyo Ballet

Israel Philharmonic Orchestra, Ritsuyakai Choir, Zubin Mehta

EUROARTS 2060878 88:00

What looks like a good idea in theory proves not to be quite so successful in practise. There have been adaptations of symphonic works for ballet so there is no reason this should not succeed but it lacks the revolutionary spirit the work requires. Maurice Bejart has been a compellingly effective choreographer over many years but his approach to the Choral is frequently muted and often conventional. Only the slow movement has any real beauty of line, and in the finale Zubin Mehta seems to be taking his time from the dancers rather than leading them which regularly inhibits the flow of the score. Added to this the soloists, while not inadequate, are certainly not the sort of voices one would wish to return to regularly. They are dressed in dark brown robes and the choir in white – rather too close to a Gospel choir for comfort. Those interested in the development of Maurice Bejart’s work may be interested but for the rest of us there is little here to recommend.

Wagner: Das Rheingold

Bavarian Radio Symphony Orchestra, Simon Rattle

BR KLASSIK 900133

Hong Kong Philharmonic Orchestra, Jaap van Zweden

NAXOS 8.660374-5

For those of us of a certain age it does not seem that long ago that there were no recordings of Das Rheingold. Recording companies thought nobody would buy it, and the original Solti recording was launched with a challenge to listeners to see if their speaker systems were up to the range of the recording.

This month we have two new recordings slipped out without the overt fanfare. Simon Rattle has never been an obvious Wagnerian. I can recall live performances which have been finely played but lacking the frisson of a great evening at the opera. It is so here with the Bavarian Radio Symphony Orchestra and soloists. Michael Volle is a robust Wotan but none of the other soloists stand out as exceptional. Orchestral playing is fine but failed to excite me even in the obvious purple passages.

By contrast, Jaap van Zweden’s orchestra is playing the work for the first time and they seem to be thoroughly enjoying it. Balance is often unusual and one hears things as if for the first time. Matthias Goerne is certainly a match for Michael Volle, and Kim Begley, Peter Sidhom and Deborah Humble are more impressive than their German counter-parts. Both versions were recorded live and gain from the immediacy this brings, but it is the rest of the Hong Kong cycle which I will really be looking forward to.

Bach: Christmas Oratorio

Akademie fur Alte Musik Berlin, Bavarian Radio Choir, Peter Dijkstra

BR KLASSIK 900512

This new recording has a real sense of presence. The bite and attack from the players is exhilarating and the singing throughout brings joy as well as clarity. Though there are many recordings available at present, this new one has a great deal to commend it.

British Violin Concertos

Tasmin Little, BBC Philharmonic Orchestra, Andrew Davis

CHANDOS CHAN 10879

I wish I could be more enthusiastic about this recording but it leaves me distinctly underwhelmed. While the playing from both soloist and orchestra are fine, the actual works themselves are very much in the second division – worth a first hearing but I doubt if I would want to return to them with so many other great concerti to consider.

Janacek & Smetana String Quartets

Takacs Quartet

HYPERION CDA 67997

The combination of the Janacek string quartets with the Smetana may be an obvious one but it here makes exemplary sense in the fine quality of the playing and the obvious romantic links between the two composers. The acoustic in concert hall at the Wyastone Estate is particularly suitable for the richness of sound the Takacs Quartet provide throughout.

Sibelius: Jedermann

Turku Philharmonic Orchestra, Leif Segerstam

NAXOS 8.573340

This is a disc of rarities. The incidental music for Jedermann was completed in haste in 1916. The score shows a wide variety of responses, the songs being instantly memorable from their strong lyrical qualities to shorter passages which are quintessentially Sibelian in their drifting melancholy. The disc also includes Two Serious Melodies and In Memoriam. The latter was completed in 1910 and was played at Sibelius’ funeral.

Sibelius: The Symphonies

Lahti Symphony Orchestra, Okko Kamu

BIS 2076

This newly released set was recorded live in the Sibelius Hall in Lahti between 2012 and 2014. It is certainly a fine match for the earlier recordings under Osmo Vanska. Okko Kamu took over as chief conductor in 2011 and brings both an international reputation and a real sense of Finnish understanding to his approach to the Symphonies. His tempi are noticeably slower than the majority of conductors with the exception of the Sixth Symphony which is brisk and pacey.I suspect one can never have too many recordings of these magnificent works.

CHRISTMAS AT NORWICH – THE CHOIR OF NORWICH CATHEDRAL
David Dunnett, organ  Ashley Grote, director
PRIORY  PRCD 1148

Christmas is coming, and so are this year’s seasonal releases! From Norwich Cathedral we have a CD that should appeal to many. This programme of mostly well known carols also features a few lesser known items and some fresh arrangements by contemporary composers including Ben Parry and the cathedral’s own Ashley Grote.

NATUS – MUSIC FOR ADVENT, CHRISTMAS & EPIPHANY
Choirs of Blackburn Cathedral
Samuel Hudson, Director  Shaun Turnbull, Organ
PRIORY  PRCD 1160

Blackburn’s offering reminds us that there is a liturgical sequence that is more than just ‘Christmas’. There are a few familiar pieces here but much of this music is new to me and very refreshing. A number of contemporary composers are featured including Sally Beamish (In the stillness), David Bednall (Tribus Miraculis) and Martin Bussey (The Jesse Tree). There are contributions from the boy, girl & gentlemen choristers as well as the Young People’s Choir and Renaissance Singers. Two former Blackburn Musical Directors are represented – an arrangement by John Bertalot & David Cooper’s Dormi Jesu. Christopher Tambling’s organ Toccata-Noel provides a further contrast in this very interesting programme.

ADVENT TO EPIPHANY
Alexander Eadon, Frobenius organ of Oundle School Chapel
PRIORY  PRCD 1164

This very well constructed programme presents some exciting and musical performances of organ music for the extended season. There is nothing over familiar here but throughout there are many references to well known seasonal melodies. Opening with an arrangement of Corelli’s  Christmas Concerto, Op 6 No 8 there are also three settings by JS Bach of Nun komm, der Heiden Heiland. The earliest composer is Titelouze and more recent works include Mark Blatchly’s Three versets on Away in a manger and Garth Edmundson’s Toccata-Prelude IV: Vom Himmel hoch which brings this excellent recital to a dramatic close.

GREAT EUROPEAN ORGANS No. 97
Simon Hogan, organ of Southwell Minster
PRIORY  PRCD 1147

Priory’s long-running series shows no sign of running out of steam. This latest volume is a very enjoyable recital of 20^th & 21^st Century organ music, expertly presented by the Minster’s Assistant Director of Music. All of this music was new to me. Composers featured are Philip Marshall, G.T. Francis, Robert Ashfield, Neil Cox, Eric Thiman, Robert Busiakiewicz and Arthur Wills.

THE COMPLETE ORGAN WORKS OF SIR GEORGE DYSON
Daniel Cook, organ of St Mary Redcliffe, Bristol
PRIORY  PRCD 1136

Long running series are all very well but it is good sometimes to be able to listen to the whole of one composer’s output on a single disc. The organ music of the one-time Director of the Royal College of Music is expertly presented here by Daniel Cook. He plays the substantial Harrison and Harrison of St Mary Redcliffe which is well suited to this repertoire. Many of these pieces are based on familiar hymn tunes. Perhaps this recording will help to make this music more widely known and appreciated.

THE COMPLETE HERBERT HOWELLS  ANTHEMS  VOLUME 1
Lincoln Cathedral Choir,  Colin Walsh, organ    Aric Prentice, Director
PRIORY  PRCD 1119

Another series begins with this, the first CD in a new recording of Howells’ complete anthems. This is certainly a disc to return to and a great way to get to know this repertoire, much of which is not heard as often as it might be. The musicians and acoustic serve this music very well. I look forward to further releases in this series.

THE CHURCH MUSIC OF JOHN SHEPPARD – THE COLLECTED VERNACULAR WORKS VOL. 2
Academia Musica Choir,   Aryan O. Arji, director
PRIORY  PRCD  1108

This second volume of Sheppard’s English church music features The Second Service, Evening Service for Trebles, Steven Verses and a number of anthems. Interesting music recorded in the spacious Gloucester cathedral acoustic by these very competent musicians.

TAKE THE PSALM – THE CHOIR OF SOUTHWELL MINSTER
Simon Hogan, organ    Paul Hale, director
PRIORY  PRCD 1157

This, the second CD from Southwell in this batch of reviews, features the minster choir directed by the musical director alongside the Assistant Director in accompanying and solo roles. This is a very attractive programme of varied music relating to the psalms. Framed by two extended Elgar settings – Give unto the Lord and Great is the Lord this collection includes a further major work, SS Wesley’s Ascribe unto the Lord. Also to be found are Anglican chant and shorter works. Organ music by Howells, Andrew Fletcher and Whitlock provides additional contrast.

VOICE AND VERSE – THE CHOIR OF WAKEFIELD CATHEDRAL
Simon Earl, organ   Thomas Moore, director
PRIORY  PRCD 1143

This is an unashamedly popular collection of choral music old and new. Many familiar items are included alongside a few lesser known pieces. The disc opens and closes with majestic works by Parry – I was glad (in its shortened form) and Blest pair of sirens. In between are further classic choral pieces including Mozart’s Ave verum and Vauhan Williams’ Let all the world in every corner sing.  More ‘popular’ choral music includes Andrew Lloyd Webber’s Pie Jesu and Howard Goodall’s The Lord is my shepherd. Newer works by Will Todd and Philip Wilby are also to be found as well as organ solos from Reger and Whitlock. As an introduction to the world of choral music I cannot recommend this highly enough. It will also appeal to anyone who likes a well balanced, if eclectic collection and those who love to sing along! Lovely!

Stephen Page

DANCING DAY – MUSIC FOR CHRISTMAS
Choir of Men & Boys of ST THOMAS, FIFTH AVENUE, NEW YORK
JOHN SCOTT, Conductor
SARA CUTLER, Harp,  STEPHEN BUZARD & BENJAMIN SHEEN, Organ
RESONUS RES10158 (63’58)

This is a lovely recording of seasonal works from the 20^th and 21^st Centuries based on medieval texts and melodies. There are two main works – Britten’s A Ceremony of Carols & Rutter’s Dancing Day. Both of these also feature the harp which adds a further link to the past and variety of timbre. The CD opens with Matthew Martin’s lively Novo profuse gaudio. There is a poignancy to this release in that it includes an arrangement by the much lamented Philip Ledger of the Sussex Carol and that John Scott died unexpectedly in August. A lasting record of John Scott’s work with this choir.

NOVA! NOVA! – CONTEMPORARY CAROLS FROM ST CATHARINE’S
Choirs of ST CATHARINE’S COLLEGE, CAMBRIDGE
EDWARD WICKHAM, Conductor,  WILL FAIRBAIRN, Organ
RESONUS RES 10159 (66’00)

Edward Wickham presents the girls choir and mixed student choir in a programme that mixes the sacred and secular, as carols have done for centuries. Some of the carols are commissions for St Catharine’s. Many familiar contemporary composers are featured including Sally Beamish, John Tavener, James MacMillan and Roxana Panufnik. Two extended compositions are included – Christopher Fox’ A dream of winter and Stevie Wishart’s Three Carols. These together with six other carols are world premiere recordings. An interesting showcase of recent Christmas compositions.

L’ORGUE SYMPHONIQUE – FRENCH ORGAN WORKS FROM WINDSOR CASTLE
RICHARD PINEL, Harrison & Harrison organ, St George’s Chapel, Windsor Castle
RESONUS RES 10160 (74’40)

Fine examples of French symphonic organ works are to be found on this CD. Richard Pinel  presents a wonderfully evocative programme, showing his own musicianship and the suitability of this organ for this repertoire. Roger-Ducasse’s one movement Pastorale follows the contrasting five movements of Vierne’s Symphony No 2 in E minor. The disc ends with Durufle’s Suite, Op 5 which begins in dark, brooding fashion and ends with a brilliant Toccata. I really enjoyed this CD.

J.S.BACH ORGAN WORKS VOL 3
ROBERT QUINNEY, Metzler organ of Trinity College Chapel, Cambridge
CORO  COR 16132

The two previous Bach volumes by Robert Quinney have presented interesting and well balanced programmes, sympathetically played on this beautiful new organ. This volume does not disappoint. Here we have Fantasia & Fugue in G minor, 3 Preludes on Nun komm, der Heiden Heiland, Pastorella, Prelude & Fugue in C (BWV547), Canonic variations on Vom Himmel hoch and Prelude & Fugue in G (BWV541). There is a freshness to some of these recordings even when the music is quite familiar. Lovely!

J S BACH – 18 LEIPZIG CHORALES
ALEXANDER KNYAZEV, Walcker organ of the Riga Dome
MELCD 10 02397 (106’58) (2 CDs)

I haven’t encountered many Russian organists so it was good to find this CD from Alexander Knyazev, who graduated from two Russian conservatoires specialising in a different instrument at each – organ and cello. Here we have a complete recording of Bach’s so-called Leipzig Chorales – part of a collection of revised compositions from throughout his life which Bach made in the last decade of his life, selected as being particularly significant to him. Although performed very well I didn’t initially like the sound of this recording. The cavernous acoustic made for some indistinct lines and overall blurriness. However, the varied registration and sympathetic interpretation of these settings drew me in. A welcome addition to the host of recent all-Bach releases.

CHARLES-MARIE WIDOR – THE ORGAN SYMPHONIES VOL 4
JOSEPH NOLAN, Cavaille-Coll organ of La Madeleine, Paris
SIGNUM CLASSICS SIGCD337 (98’03) 2 CDs

Joseph Nolan’s complete Widor symphonies cycle continues with this 4th volume. Symphony No 7 & Symphony No 8 are featured on this double CD. Both large scale works are expertly performed here on an authentic instrument. Mr Nolan’s performances allow this music to truly come alive and to appear fresh and exciting. Vol 5 is due to be released very soon. Music to be immersed in.

MASAAKI SUZUKI PLAYS BACH ORGAN WORKS

Schnitger/Hinz organ in the Martinikerk, Groningen, The Netherlands
BIS BIS-2111 (79’26) Hybrid CD/SACD

A new recording of organ music by JS Bach is not an uncommon thing. I often wonder why so many recordings continue to be made, especially when they feature Toccata & Fugue in D minor, BWV565. However, good programming, mixing the familiar with the less so and with variety of style and registration, performed by a sympathetic and talented organist on a  splendid instrument, can still excite and entertain. Such is the case with this CD from Masaaki Suzuki on the Groningen organ. The recording is superbly produced.  The programme includes the extended Pastorale in F major, Partita: O Gott, du frommer Gott and the Canonic variations: Vom Himmel hoch da komm’ ich her’ alongside the E minor and G major Prelude & Fugue and the Fantasia in G major.

MAX REGER – COMPLETE ORGAN WORKS
Christian Barthen, Stefan Frank, Bernard Haas, Hans-Jurgen Kaiser, Edgar Krapp, Ludger Lohmann, Wolfgang Rubsam, Josef Still, Kirsten Strurm & Martin Welzel
organs of  Evangelical Church, Giengen an der Brenz – Fulda Cathedral – Trier Cathedral – Passau Cathedral – St Martin’s Cathedral, Rottenburg am Neckar – Christuskirche, Mannheim – Rockefeller Chapel, University of Chicago.
NAXOS 8.501601 (over 19’) 16CDs

Described as “the greatest German composer for organ since Johann Sebastian Bach” Reger’s catalogue is prolific. Here Naxos has created a wonderful collection of his complete organ works. Large scale compositions include the Symphonic Fantasia & Fugue & Fantasy & Fugue on B-A-C-H. Alongside these are the exstensive chorale settings and smaller scale pieces . The use of twelve organists and seven different instruments brings added variety and interest to this most useful and well-presented set. A very useful reference work as well as a source of hours of entertainment and inspiration.

SP

SCHUBERT – IMPROMPTUS & 3 PIANO PIECES
STEVEN OSBORNE, piano
HYPERION  CDA68107  (75’58)

This is a very enjoyable recording by Steven Osborne of some of Schubert’s more substantial solo piano pieces. Osborne performs with great feeling throughout and the programme is well balanced. The recording also includes Variations on a theme by Anselm Huttenbrenner, a work i was unfamiliar with.

FORGOTTEN VIENNA
THE AMADE PLAYERS & CHOIR of SIDNEY SUSSEX COLLEGE, CAMBRIDGE, DAVID SKINNER, Director
RESONUS RES10157 (71’43)

This is the debut recording of the London-based period instrument ensemble, The Amade Players.
The CD contains music of lesser known composers of the early classical era. There are three instrumental works and one setting for choir and orchestra, Wanhal’s Requiem Mass in E flat. The instrumental pieces are Carl Ditters von Dittersdorf’s Concerto for 2 violins in C major, Karl Ordonez’ Sinfonia in C major and the Symphony in A minor and Violin Concerto in B flat, both by Johann Baptist Wanhal.

BOUND TO NOTHING – The German Stylus Fantasticus
FANTASTICUS
RESONUS  RES10156 (71’15)

Like the previous disc this presents less familiar music in fresh performances. The music of the German Stylus Fanasticus period was highly inventive and experimental and whilst the shock value has diminished over the centuries this is music that still has charm and holds the attention. Fantasticus are Rie Kimura, baroque violin, Robert Smith, viola da gamba and uillermo Brachetta, harpsichord.

Stephen Page