Our apologies that, due to holidays, our reviews are far briefer than usual and in some cases this is simply a note of CDs which we are pleased to recommend.

Schubert: Winterreise

Hermann Prey, baritone; Helmut Deutsch, piano

SWR MUSIC SWR19012CD

I heard Hermann Prey many times at the end of the last century and this recording, which dates from 1987, is a wonderful tribute to his art and sensitivity. Even if you already have a recording (or as in my case – many) this is certainly a valuable addition.

Schubert: Schwanengesang

James Rutherford, baritone; Eugene Asti, piano

BIS 2180 SACD

Better known as a Wagner singer (particularly as Hans Sachs) James Rutherford brings a gentle introspection to many of the songs here. There is always a difficulty for lower voices singing this cycle but they opted simply to put the whole thing down a minor third which maintains the relationship of the songs as they follow on. A convincing approach and most effective.

The Romantic Piano Concerto – 68

Moszkowski Op3; Schulz-Evler, Russian Rhapsody

Ludmil Angelov, piano; BBC Scottish Symphony Orchestra, Vladimir Kiradjiev

HYPERION CDA68109

This series seems to run on and on – and here brings us the first recording of Adolf Schulz-Evler’s Russian Rhapsody. Though virtually unknown today this is an interesting curiosity for a composer whose Blue Danube Arabesques still command attention in the concert-hall.

Lehar: Guiditta

Bavarian Radio Chorus; Munich Radio Orchestra; Ulf Schirmer.

CPO 777 749-2

There have been a large number of recordings which originated in radio broadcasts, some of dubious quality. Happily this is among the better versions and – with limited dialogue – the music speaking for itself and often coming happily to life. Lehar deserves some staged performances again! And not just the Merry Widow.

CPE Bach: Cello concertos

Nicolas Altstaedt, cello; Arcangelo, Jonathan Cohen

HYPERION CDA68112

 

Saint-Saens Quartet Op 11

Chausson Quartet Op30

Schubert Ensemble

CHANDOS CHAN 10914

 

Beethoven; Piano Sonatas

Angelia Hewitt

HYPERION CDA68131

No9 in E major, Op14 No1; No19 in G minor, Op49 No1; No20 in G major, Op49 No2; No26 in Eb major les adieux, Op81a

Delius

Bournemouth Symphony Orchestra, Richard Hickox

CHANDOS CHAN 10913 X

A reissue of the recording made in 1995. The Walk to the Paradise Garden; A Dance Rhapsody No1; A Dance Rhapsody No2; In a Summer Garden; North Country Sketches.

Apres un reve; A Faure Recital

Louis Lortie, piano

CHANDOS CHAN 10915

As this is listed as Vol1 we can assume there is more to follow! It includes the Pavane Op50 as well as the suite for Pelleas et Melisande Op80 and is charming throughout.

Brahms: String Quartet Op51 No1; Quintet Op34

Brodsky Quartet, Natacha Kudritskaya, piano

CHANDOS CHAN 10892

 

Berlioz: Romeo & Juliet; Royal Hunt and Storm

BBC Symphony Orchestra & Chorus, Sir Andrew Davis

CHANDOS CHAN 5169(2)

With the exception of Beatrice & Benedict at Glyndebourne this summer it seems a long time since we had any staged Berlioz and this reminds us just how good it is. Romeo & Juliet may not technically be an opera but musically it is in all but name – and surprising that it has not been staged as such. The Royal Hunt and Storm benefits from the massed forces of the BBC Chorus.

Bruckner: Symphonies 0-9

Mario Venzago, conductor, various orchestras.

CPO 555023-2

This set of ten CDs deserves an article to itself rather than this brief notice. Mario Venzago has a unique approach to Bruckner, often making it lighter and more transparent than we are normally used to. He makes a good case for his reading and I certainly enjoyed the approach though accept it may not be to all tastes. If you get a chance to sample it, do so, and be prepared to agree.