ia MATHIAS, W.: Choral Music - A May Magnificat / Learsongs / Riddles (St. John's Voices, The Gentlemen of St. John's, G. Walker) (8.574162) By www.naxos.com Published On :: Wed, 01 Jan 2020 00:00:00 GMT William Mathias wrote some of the most imaginative, communicative and joyful choral music of the mid-to late 20th century. These qualities are perhaps most clearly represented in his substantial catalogue of works for choir and, in particular, his settings of sacred texts, notably the invigorating A Babe is Born and the hauntingly beautiful Ave verum corpus, one of his last compositions. This selection also includes the both serious and entertaining sequence of Riddles and the rapt, ecstatic A May Magnificat. More Mathias choral music can be heard on 8.573523. Full Article
ia LISZT, F.: Later Piano Music (Historical Hungarian Portraits) (Jandó) (Liszt Complete Piano Music, Vol. 54) (8.574059) By www.naxos.com Published On :: Wed, 01 Jan 2020 00:00:00 GMT Full Article
ia FARIA GOMES, P.: Chamber Works (Thurlow, Santos, N. Johnson, M. Fernandes, Picado) (8.579029) By www.naxos.com Published On :: Wed, 01 Jan 2020 00:00:00 GMT This selection of chamber music by leading Portuguese composer Pedro Faria Gomes was written between 2007 and 2018. The works encompass themes of memory, change and waiting, with the concept of time being a central preoccupation. Though he has drawn on music from his country’s folk traditions—in Memória and in the Sonata—it is always with new harmonic insights and subtlety, creating undeniably invigorating additions to contemporary chamber music repertoire. Full Article
ia SKALKOTTAS, N.: Sinfonietta / Classical Symphony / 4 Images / Ancient Greek March (The Neoclassical Skalkottas) (Athens State Orchestra, Tsialis) (8.574154) By www.naxos.com Published On :: Sat, 01 Feb 2020 00:00:00 GMT Despite his tragically short life, Nikos Skalkottas has now become recognised as one of the most important Greek composers of the 20th century. The modernist style of his earlier period is balanced by the four important mature neoclassical works presented here. Both the Sinfonietta and the Classical Symphony are expressions of the deep regard Skalkottas had for traditional forms blended with his unique musical language. Skalkottas was a violinist with the Athens State Orchestra, who are honouring his memory with this and future recordings of his works. Full Article
ia PERFECT PIANO - Best Loved Classical Piano Music (8.578180) By www.naxos.com Published On :: Sat, 01 Feb 2020 00:00:00 GMT The piano is one of the most universal and popular of all instruments, from the grand pianos found in prestigious concert venues to battered uprights providing entertainment in pubs and bars. Early keyboard masters such as J.S. Bach laid the foundations for composers and performers to expand the piano’s expressive range, exemplifi ed in the emotive depths of Beethoven’s sonatas against the lightness of his famous musical gift Für Elise. From the tender romance of Schumann and the power and poignancy of Chopin, to the virtuosity of Liszt, the impressionistic magic of Debussy and the enigmatic beauty of Satie, the piano offers a true abundance of musical riches. Full Article
ia MORLACCHI, F.: Tebaldo e Isolina [Opera] (1825 Dresden version) (Polverelli, Pastrana, Giustiniani, Baglietto, Vlad, Virtuosi Brunensis, Fogliani) (8.660471-72) By www.naxos.com Published On :: Sat, 01 Feb 2020 00:00:00 GMT Francesco Morlacchi was a native of Perugia, but early success led him to become music director of the Dresden Opera where he remained for the rest of his life despite having an opportunity to succeed Rossini in Naples in 1822. He did make tours to Italy however, and Tebaldo e Isolina received its triumphant premiere in Venice, becoming the most successful of all his operas. Morlacchi’s gifts as a lyricist and for characterisation are heard here at their best, with showpiece arias and duets in a version of the Romeo and Juliet story that ends in happiness and the victory of reason over vengeance. Full Article
ia MALIPIERO, G.F.: Symphony No. 6 / Ritrovari / Serenata mattutina / 5 Studi (Orchestra della Svizzera Italiana, Iorio) (8.574173) By www.naxos.com Published On :: Sat, 01 Feb 2020 00:00:00 GMT The unconventional structure of Gian Francesco Malipiero’s music takes us on a journey through unexpected, sometimes incredibly beautiful vistas. The Sixth Symphony is a rich and songful celebration of string sonorities and moods, while the heroic Ritrovari and evocative Serenata mattutina display Malipiero’s expertise in writing for unusual chamber ensembles. The Cinque studi, heard here in their premiere recording, demonstrate an astonishing range of contrasting moods—a kaleidoscopic sonic tour with no more than a small orchestra, which juxtaposes orchestral strings with a wind group of a single flute, oboe, clarinet and bassoon and two horns, and a percussion group of cymbal, bass drum, tambourine, celesta and piano. Full Article
ia FARRENC, L.: Symphony No. 1 / Overtures Nos. 1-2 / Grand Variations on a theme by Count Gallenberg (J. Muller, Solistes Européens, Luxembourg, König) (8.574094) By www.naxos.com Published On :: Sat, 01 Feb 2020 00:00:00 GMT Louise Farrenc was renowned in her lifetime as a pianist, composer and teacher, but it is only recently that her compositions have emerged from many years of neglect. Symphony No. 1 in C minor—cast in the German tradition—is an exceptionally accomplished work, finely orchestrated, lyrical and fiery, and a substantial contribution to the canon. The Grand Variations on a Theme by Count Gallenberg is a showcase for virtuosic elegance, and the two overtures demonstrate real theatrical drama—Overture No. 2 was admired by no less a figure than Hector Berlioz. Full Article
ia BEETHOVEN, L. van: Piano Pieces and Fragments (Gallo) (8.574131) By www.naxos.com Published On :: Sat, 01 Feb 2020 00:00:00 GMT Including premiere recordings, this programme provides us with a privileged opportunity to engage with 36 of Ludwig van Beethoven’s rarely heard sketches, variations and briefest of compositions, even the earliest of which have much to teach us about the emergence of his unique voice and style. The range of Beethoven’s musical experimentation reveals a lasting interest in counterpoint, as well as practical pages such as cadenzas for a Mozart concerto, an incomplete sonata and a second version of the famous bagatelle Für Elise. A significant supplement to his greatest works, these miniatures bring the full arc of Beethoven’s singular genius into ever clearer focus. Full Article
ia ZÁDOR, E.: Sinfonia Technica / Music for Clarinet and Strings / Trombone Concerto (Sólyomi, Fejér, Budapest Symphony Orchestra MÁV, Smolij) (8.574108) By www.naxos.com Published On :: Sun, 01 Mar 2020 00:00:00 GMT The music of Eugene Zádor is both warmly expressive and colourful. The composer took great delight in writing for overlooked solo instruments, as his Trombone Concerto, garnished with elements of Hungarian folklore, clearly shows. The easy-going, gypsy-influenced Music for Clarinet and Strings is a beautifully proportioned quasi-concerto. The Sinfonia Technica, composed much earlier when he was living in Vienna, and something of a one-off, is an enchanting and exuberantly orchestrated example of ‘industrial music’. Full Article
ia STRAUSS II, J.: Blindekuh [Operetta] (R. Davidson, Kunkle, Bortolotti, Sofia Philharmonic Chorus and Orchestra, Salvi) (8.660434-35) By www.naxos.com Published On :: Sun, 01 Mar 2020 00:00:00 GMT Blindekuh (‘Blind Man’s Buff’) was Johann Strauss II’s sixth operetta and his least known. Neglected for well over a century, it was revived by Dario Salvi and the forces on this album in January 2019. The work’s initial lack of success is hard to explain but it may have been caused by a confusing libretto—the music itself is vibrant and captivating with waltzes, polkas, mazurkas, marches and bel canto arias. Performed in a concert version without dialogue, and in accordance with performing traditions, this production restores the work to the status of one of Strauss’s most melodically seductive works. Full Article
ia SCHUMANN, R.: Arrangements for Piano Duet, Vol. 5 (Eckerle Piano Duo) - Symphonies Nos. 1 and 4 (8.572881) By www.naxos.com Published On :: Sun, 01 Mar 2020 00:00:00 GMT The insatiable demand for sheet music for domestic use in the 19th century meant that popular works were widely disseminated in piano duet form. Robert Schumann’s own arrangements of the ‘Spring’ Symphony (in collaboration with his wife Clara Schumann) and the Fourth Symphony balance playability and fidelity to the original with tremendous skill. Clara considered the Fourth Symphony to be ‘another work from the innermost depths of Robert’s soul’, a symphony that has become one of the most quintessential of the Romantic era. Full Article
ia Cello and Piano Recital: Smith, Brinton Averil / Chen, Evelyn (Exiles in Paradise - Émigré Composers in Hollywood) (8.579055) By www.naxos.com Published On :: Sun, 01 Mar 2020 00:00:00 GMT Political crises and rising antisemitism in Europe during the first half of the 20th century prompted many leading musicians to immigrate to America. An influx of refugees formed a flourishing artistic community centred within a few square miles near Hollywood and this exceptional gathering of composers transformed America’s musical landscape. This survey explores their diverse output through music for cello and piano, including arrangements by the composers and their fellow expatriate performers never before heard on the cello. Full Article
ia XENOPHON: Persian Expedition (The) (Unabridged) (NA0414) By www.naxos.com Published On :: Fri, 31 Jan 2020 00:00:00 GMT In The Persian Expedition (also known as The March of the Ten Thousand and Anabasis), Xenophon, a disciple of Socrates, relates his experiences of fighting with the Greek mercenary army ‘The Ten Thousand’ in Persia, and how he led them back to the safety of the Black Sea coast. Seeking to depose his brother Artaxerxes and take his place upon the Persian throne, Cyrus the Younger leads the 10,000 mercenaries on a dangerous campaign deep into the heart of Persia. There Cyrus is killed and his generals overthrown, leaving a young Xenophon to lead the army on its treacherous journey home. Snowy mountains, wide rivers, violent blizzards and hostile tribes obstruct their way, testing Xenophon’s leadership and his soldiers’ perseverance to the extreme. Full Article
ia Podcast: Nino Rota’s works for solo piano. A magical melting pot. (Jan 17, 2020) By www.naxos.com Published On :: Fri, 17 Jan 2020 00:00:00 GMT ROTA, N.: Piano Solo Works (Complete), Vol. 1 Eleanor Hodgkinson GP827 Raymond Bisha introduces this new release from the Grand Piano label. It’s the opening volume in what is to be the first complete series of recordings of Nino Rota’s works for solo piano, performed by Eleanor Hodgkinson. Nino Rota embraced neo-Classical, neo-Romantic and even neo-Baroque affiliations. His music prized melodic directness ...more Full Article
ia SUK, J.: Asrael (Bavarian Radio Symphony, Hruša) (900188) By Published On :: May 2020 Review by Richard Whitehouse Gramophone, May 2020 Full Article
ia Piano Recital: Gulda, Friedrich - BEETHOVEN, L. van / BACH, J.S. / SCHUBERT, F. / COUPERIN, F. (The Stuttgart Solo Recitals) (1966-1979) (SWR19081CD) By Published On :: May 2020 International Piano, May 2020 View PDF Full Article
ia Piano Concertos - MOZART, W.A. / BEETHOVEN, L. van / HAYDN, J. (Gulda, Keilberth, Müller-Kray, Rosbaud) (1959-1962) (SWR19088CD) By Published On :: May 2020 International Piano, May 2020 View PDF Full Article
ia KÕRVITS, T.: Hymns to the Nordic Lights / Silent Songs / Élégies of Thule (Vind, Estonian National Symphony, Joost) (ODE1349-2) By Published On :: May 2020 Review by Ivan Moody Gramophone, May 2020 Full Article
ia RESPIGHI, O.: Bella dormente nel bosco (La) [Opera] (Teatro Lirico di Cagliari, 2017) (NTSC) (2.110655) By www.naxos.com Published On :: Sun, 01 Mar 2020 00:00:00 GMT Full Article
ia RESPIGHI, O.: Bella dormente nel bosco (La) [Opera] (Teatro Lirico di Cagliari, 2017) (Blu-ray, HD) (NBD0106V) By www.naxos.com Published On :: Sun, 01 Mar 2020 00:00:00 GMT Full Article
ia MOZART, W.A.: Mass No. 18, `Great` / MOZART, L.: Litaniae Lauretanae de BVM (Salzburg Bach Choir, Camerata Salzburg, Manze) (NTSC) (BVE08057) By www.naxos.com Published On :: Sun, 01 Mar 2020 00:00:00 GMT Full Article
ia MOZART, W.A.: Mass No. 18, `Great` / MOZART, L.: Litaniae Lauretanae de BVM (Salzburg Bach Choir, Camerata Salzburg, Manze) (Blu-ray, HD) (BVE08058) By www.naxos.com Published On :: Sun, 01 Mar 2020 00:00:00 GMT Full Article
ia PURCELL, H.: King Arthur [Opera] (Sung in English with German dialogue) (Staatsoper unter den Linden, 2017) (NTSC) (2.110658) By www.naxos.com Published On :: Wed, 01 Apr 2020 00:00:00 GMT Full Article
ia PURCELL, H.: King Arthur [Opera] (Sung in English with German dialogue) (Staatsoper unter den Linden, 2017) (Blu-ray, HD) (NBD0109V) By www.naxos.com Published On :: Wed, 01 Apr 2020 00:00:00 GMT Full Article
ia MAHLER, G.: Symphony No. 5 / TCHAIKOVSKY, P.I.: Piano Concerto No. 1 (Live aus der Elbphilharmonie) (SoRyang, Yutaka Sado) (NTSC) (Gramola20004) By www.naxos.com Published On :: Wed, 01 Apr 2020 00:00:00 GMT Full Article
ia VERDI, G.: Traviata (La) [Opera] (Royal Opera House, 2019) (NTSC) (OA1292D) By www.naxos.com Published On :: Fri, 01 Nov 2019 00:00:00 GMT Full Article
ia VERDI, G.: Traviata (La) [Opera] (Royal Opera House, 2019) (Blu-ray, HD) (OABD7260D) By www.naxos.com Published On :: Fri, 01 Nov 2019 00:00:00 GMT Full Article
ia OSIPOVA, Natalia: Force of Nature Natalia (Dance Documentary, 2019) (NTSC) (OA1307D) By www.naxos.com Published On :: Sat, 01 Feb 2020 00:00:00 GMT Full Article
ia OSIPOVA, Natalia: Force of Nature Natalia (Dance Documentary, 2019) (Blu-ray, HD) (OABD7269D) By www.naxos.com Published On :: Sat, 01 Feb 2020 00:00:00 GMT Full Article
ia FEENEY, P.: Victoria [Ballet] (Northern Ballet, 2019) (NTSC) (OA1299D) By www.naxos.com Published On :: Sun, 01 Mar 2020 00:00:00 GMT Full Article
ia FEENEY, P.: Victoria [Ballet] (Northern Ballet, 2019) (Blu-ray, HD) (OABD7264D) By www.naxos.com Published On :: Sun, 01 Mar 2020 00:00:00 GMT Full Article
ia RACHMANINOV, Sergey: Piano Solo Recordings, Vol. 6 - Victor Recordings (1922-1924) (8.111413) By www.naxos.com Published On :: Wed, 01 Apr 2020 00:00:00 GMT After the end of his contract with Edison, the period covered in Volume 5 (8.111408), Rachmaninov signed for Victor in April 1920 and recorded for the company for the rest of his life. Victor was keen to record their star pianist in his own compositions, as well as short works by Chopin and popular encore pieces. This volume also contains the very rare test pressing of Le Cygne in Alexander Siloti’s transcription, and the premiere release first take of Rachmaninov’s Piano Concerto No. 2 first movement, recorded acoustically in 1924. Full Article
ia LABOR, J.: Piano Quintet / Piano Quartet (Karmon, Sachse, Grimm, De Groot, Triendl) (C5390) By www.naxos.com Published On :: Tue, 01 Oct 2019 00:00:00 GMT Full Article
ia DOHNÁNYI, E.: Schleier der Pierrette (Der) (The Veil of Pierrette) [Pantomime] (Vienna Radio Symphony, Matiakh) (C5388) By www.naxos.com Published On :: Sat, 01 Feb 2020 00:00:00 GMT Full Article
ia Vocal and Piano Recital: Miedl, Christian / Springer, Jendrik - PFITZNER, H. / SIRODEAU, C. / LOEWE, C. / RIHM, W. / LISZT, F. (Songs of the Night) (C3009) By www.naxos.com Published On :: Sun, 01 Mar 2020 00:00:00 GMT Full Article
ia BRAUNFELS, W.: Piano Music - Variations, Op. 46 / Little Pieces, Op. 24 / Bagatelles, Op. 5 (T. Blome, H. Groschopp) (C5361) By www.naxos.com Published On :: Sun, 01 Mar 2020 00:00:00 GMT Full Article
ia GODOWSKY, L.: Piano Music, Vol. 14 (Scherbakov) - 53 Studies on the Chopin Études, Vol. 1 (8.225372) By www.naxos.com Published On :: Sat, 01 Feb 2020 00:00:00 GMT Leopold Godowsky wrote his first Studies on the Chopin Études when he was barely 23 years old, and the complete cycle took some 20 years to finish. It remains one of the most extraordinary and technically demanding of all such works. It offered Godowsky—one of the greatest virtuosi of his age, but a haphazard teacher—an opportunity to resolve his innovative theories of keyboard technique. His exploration of developing the left hand in these studies remains revolutionary, and his ambition of ‘furthering the art of pianoforte playing’, triumphantly vindicated. Full Article
ia Guitar Concertos (Italian) - BOCCADORO, C. / GIULIANI, M. / SOLLIMA, G. / VIVALDI, A. (Segre, I Pomeriggi Musicali, Boccadoro) (DE3546) By www.naxos.com Published On :: Wed, 01 Jan 2020 00:00:00 GMT Full Article
ia Opera Arias (Soprano): Bayrakdarian, Isabel - HASSE, J.A. / VIVALDI, A. / GLUCK, C.W. (The Other Cleopatra - Queen of Armenia) (DE3591) By www.naxos.com Published On :: Sun, 01 Mar 2020 00:00:00 GMT Full Article
ia YE, Xiaogang: Chamber Music (December Chrysanthemum) (Les Temps Modernes) (DE3559) By www.naxos.com Published On :: Wed, 01 Apr 2020 00:00:00 GMT Full Article
ia TCHAIKOVKSY, P.I.: Piano Trio, Op. 50 / RACHMANINOV, S.: Trio élégiaque No. 1 (Mezzena, Patria, Ballario) (CDS7825) By www.naxos.com Published On :: Tue, 01 Oct 2019 00:00:00 GMT Full Article
ia GOMES, C.: Schiavo (Lo) [Opera] (Teatro Lirico di Cagliari, 2019) (NTSC) (DYN-37845) By www.naxos.com Published On :: Tue, 01 Oct 2019 00:00:00 GMT Full Article
ia GOMES, C.: Schiavo (Lo) [Opera] (Teatro Lirico di Cagliari, 2019) (Blu-ray, HD) (DYN-57845) By www.naxos.com Published On :: Tue, 01 Oct 2019 00:00:00 GMT Full Article
ia GOMES, C.: Schiavo (Lo) [Opera] (S. Vassileva, Pisapia, Borghini, Balbo, Terenzi, Cagliari Theatre Chorus and Orchestra, Neschling) (CDS7845.02) By www.naxos.com Published On :: Tue, 01 Oct 2019 00:00:00 GMT Full Article
ia Violin Concertos (Italian) - VIVALDI, A. / BONPORTI, F.A. / LOCATELLI, P.A. (Fanfoni, Ghidoni, C. Lazari, Martynov, Mezzena, Quarta) (CDS7861.10) By www.naxos.com Published On :: Fri, 01 Nov 2019 00:00:00 GMT Full Article
ia BEETHOVEN, L. van: Piano Quartets, WoO 36, Nos. 1-3 (The Young Beethoven) (Lüthi, Sonoko Asabuki, A. Foster, Miucci) (CDS7854) By www.naxos.com Published On :: Wed, 01 Jan 2020 00:00:00 GMT Full Article
ia ROSSINI, G.: Barbiere di Siviglia (Il) [Opera] (Meli, Simone, R. Shaham, Frontali, Furlanetto, Teatro la Fenice Chorus and Orchestra, Fogliani) (CDS597) By www.naxos.com Published On :: Sat, 01 Feb 2020 00:00:00 GMT Full Article
ia LEONCAVALLO, R.: Pagliacci [Opera] (Sepe, Villari, Cecconi, Fiorentino Maggio Musicale Chorus and Orchestra, Galli) (CDS7863) By www.naxos.com Published On :: Sat, 01 Feb 2020 00:00:00 GMT Full Article
ia LEONCAVALLO, R.: Pagliacci [Opera] (Maggio Musicale Fiorentino, 2019) (NTSC) (DYN-37863) By www.naxos.com Published On :: Sat, 01 Feb 2020 00:00:00 GMT Full Article
