A Neapolitan Stabat Mater
Le Concert de l’Hostel Dieu
CHRONOS ICSM 012
Franck-Emmanuel Comte takes a fascinating approach to Pergolesi’s familiar setting. As well as a perfectly respectable rendition of the Stabat Mater he adds in a number of Neapolitan folk songs of the period which would have been sung in street processions. This highlights how the composer draws on local music as well and the extent to which he enhances it and moves seamlessly from the secular to the sacred.
Schubert: Symphonies Vol 1
City of Birmingham Symphony Orchestra, Edward Gardner
CHANDOS CHSA 5234
Having presumably completed his fine Mendelssohn series, Edward Gardner now moves on to Schubert with recordings of the 3rd, 5th and 8th symphonies. It makes for a fine and lively collection, setting the ‘unfinished’ in a context of more extrovert earlier works. The strength of the 5th comes across extremely well before giving way to the melancholy opening of the 8th.
Jean-Efflam Bavouzet plays Schumann
CHANDOS CHAN 20081
If these late works are not immediately familiar the immediacy of the playing and the warmth of communication throughout makes one realise that one really should know them better. The recording opens with the Grande Sonata Op14 in its 1853 revision and moves through the Op26 Carnival Jest and the Three Fantasy pieces to conclude with the five short pieces which make up Songs of Dawn.
Bach: St John Passion
Leningrad Chamber Orchestra of old and modern music, Boys Choir of the Moscow State Choral School, Eduard Serov
MELODIYA MEL CD 1002379
This recording dates from 1981 and reflects styles and approaches of the period. There is a weight and solemnity throughout and tempi are on the slow side most of the time. The generous acoustic helps the balance though the singing comes across as more operatic than liturgical. An interesting release though not one to recommend as a first choice, given the wide range currently available.
Lortzing: Opera Overtures
Malmo Opera Orchestra, Jun Markl
NAXOS 8.573824
Lortzing is all but ignored these days even in Germany, suffering in the same way that Sullivan has done in recent years. This pleasant new cd goes some way to explain the situation. Taken individually, the overtures are engaging, but as a set one quickly realises how little real individuality there is between them. Had I not had the sleeve notes available I would not have known that Undine was not Hans Sachs – tuneful as they both are. A useful recording but one for the library rather than regular listening I suspect.
Bruckner: Symphony No 9
Bavarian Radio Symphony Orchestra, Mariss Jansons
BR KLASSIK 900173
This is a live recording made in 2014 in Munich. It makes no attempt to complete the work or add the Te Deum as is often the case. The magnificent Adagio is moving and deeply felt in Mariss Jansons’ interpretation.
Mahler: Symphony No2 Resurrection
Minnesota Chorale and Orchestra, Osmo Vanska
BIS 2296
I first encountered Osmo Vanska when I was in Lahti for the Organ Festivals and his handling of Sibelius at that time was exemplary. Since 2003 he has been with the Minnesota Orchestra and this latest Mahler recording reflects his energy, immediacy and enthusiasm, as well as the excellent results he gets. He is supported by fine solos from Ruby Hughes and Sasha Cooke. Well worth adding to your collection even if you have more than one Resurrection already.
Tasmin Little plays Schumann, Smyth and Beach
Tasmin Little, violin; John Lenehan, piano
CHANDOS CHAN 20030
Overlooked female composers are at last beginning to get some wider recognition even if there is still a long way to go. This cd is certainly a help, bringing together three romances by Clara Schumann with three works by Amy Beach and a Sonata by Ethel Smyth. Dame Ethel Smyth did have something of a revival a few years ago but the momentum was not maintained – a pity as her work is always worth exploring on the rare occasions live performances are available.
A Salon Opera
Flauguissimo Duo
RESONUS RES 10233
A flute and guitar duo, bringing us chamber versions of works by Gluck and Schubert alongside lesser known original works from the early 19th century. Genuinely intimate and beautifully played. Worth seeking out.