Signum Records Catalogue

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Catalogue of Releases

SUMMER 2010

For more information on any of the releases in this catalogue, visit

www.signumrecords.com

Signum RecordsUnit 14, 21 Wadsworth Road

Perivale, MiddlesexUB6 7JD, UNITED KINGDOM

Tel: +44 (0)208 9974000Fax: +44 (0)208 9985767

email: [email protected]

http://www.signumrecords.com

http://www.signumrecords.com

mailto:[email protected]

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Contents by TitleCHORAL

Light of the World 6Songs of Innocence 7Man I Sing 8One Star, at Last 9Sir Michael Tippett: Choral Images 10Making Waves 11All the ends of the Earth 12Lullabyes and Goodbyes 13I Love All Beauteous Things: Choral and Or-gan Music by Herbert Howells 14Meditations and Remembrances 15Vox in Rama 16España: A Choral Postcard from Spain 17Yanomami: Music for Choir and Guitar 18Hear My Words 19Langlais - Messe Solennelle 20The Carols Album 21The Hymns Album 22Duruflé: Requiem 23What Sweeter Music 24Mother & Child 25The Dream of Herod 26Gaudete 27All-Night Vigil 28Path of Miracles 29Allegri: Miserere 30Figure Humaine 31Francis Poulenc 31Naked Byrd 32Remoter Worlds: Choral Music by Judith Bingham 33O Sacrum Convivium 34Don’t Talk - Just Listen! 35Cantos Sagrados: 36Choral Music by James MacMillan 36Siglo de Oro: The Golden Age 37

The King’s Singers Collection 38Simple Gifts 39Swimming Over London 40Romance du Soir 41Live at the BBC Proms, 42Royal Albert Hall, London 42From the Heart 43Christmas 44Six 45Landscape & Time 461605: Treason and Dischord 47Sacred Bridges 48Choral Arrangements by 49Clytus Gottwald 49Choral Music by Herbert Howells 50Beauty and the Beatbox 51…unwrapped 52Requiem Aeternam 53Anthems for the 21st Century 54Will Todd: Mass in Blue 55Aces High 56Stainer: Crucifixion 57The Cloud of Unknowing 58

EARLY MUSICJ.S. Bach: Sonatas for Viola da Gamba: & Preludes and Fugues from the Well Tempered Clavier 59Thomas Tallis: The Complete Works 1: Music for Henry VIII 60Thomas Tallis: The Complete Works 2: Music at the Reformation 61Thomas Tallis: The Complete Works 3: Music for the Queen Mary 62Music for Philip of Spain 63Thomas Tallis: The Complete Works 4: Music for the Divine Office I 64

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Thomas Tallis: The Complete Works 5: Music for the Divine Office II 65Francisco Guerrero: Music for Vespers and the Requiem 66Music for Charles V 67Thomas Tallis: The Complete Works 6: Music for a Reformed Church 68Thomas Tallis: The Complete Works 7: Music for Queen Elizabeth 69Thomas Tallis: The Complete Works 8: Lam-entations and Contrafacta 70Spem in Alium 71The Complete works of Tallis 72Thomas Tallis: The complete Works 9: Instru-mental and Secular Music 73Giuseppe Torelli: The Original Brandenburg Concertos 74Music for Philip of Spain and His Four Wives 75Two upon a Ground 76Jupiter: The Music of Jean-Baptiste Forqueray 77The Fitzwilliam Virginal Book: Transcriptions for a mixed consort 78Sacred Songs of Sorrow 79The Queen’s Goodnight 80Music for Gainsborough by his contemporaries 81The Sultan and the Phoenix 82Modus Phantasticus: Viol Music from 18th Century Germany 83Harmonia Caelestis 84Esperar, Sentir, Morir 85The Virtuoso Godfather 86The Oxford Psalms 87The Mystery of Do-Re-Mi 88Lassus 89Piangete: Cantatas & Motets by Giacomo Carissimi 90

Music for the Virgin Mary 91Antonio Vivaldi: Violin Sonatas 12 Sonatas, Op 2 92Biber: The Mystery Sonatas 93Un’alma innamorata: A soul in love 94The Division Flute 95J.S Bach: Music for Oboe and Harpsichord 96Antonio Vivaldi: Pellegrina’s Delight 97Hymns, Psalms & Lamentations: Sacred Music by Robert White 98J. S. Bach: The Six Partitas BWV 825-830 99The Italian Concerto & The French Overture 100Temple of Chastity: 13th Century Spanish music from Codex Las Huelgas - Volume 1 101The Triumphs of Maximillian 102Master of Musicians: Songs and Instrumental music by Josquin des Pres 103Wordplay: Instrumental versions of madrigals and chansons from 16th century Italy 104Fire and Ice: Love Songs from 16th Century Venice 105A Songbook for Isabella: Music from the circle of Isabella d’Este 106Madame d’Amours: Music for Henry VIII’s Six Wives 107This World’s Globe 108Behold, How Joyful! 109Music for the Coronation of James II, 1685 110Songs of Angels: Music from Magdalen Col-lege (1480-1560) 111Guillaume de Machaut:Motets, Mass music & songs by Machaut from the Ivrea Codex 112Brussels 5557: Masses by Frye and Plummer 113Guillaume Dufay: Sacred music from Bologna Q15 114Pachelbel Vespers 115Gesualdo: Tenebrae Responsories for Maundy

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Thursday 116Spem in Alium 117The Triumphs of Oriana 118Montiverdi Vespers of 1610 119

INSTRUMENTALBach Transcribed 120Mozart Piano Trios 121Goyescas: Ana-Maria Vera 122Constant Filter 123Works by John Metcalfe 123Expressia: Armenian Metemorphoses 124Expressia: Tangos and Fantasies 125Time for Marimba 126J.S. Bach: Six Solo Cello Suites 127Ragtime & Blue 128Brahms: The Sextets 129Rachmaninov: For Violin and Piano 130Razor Blades, Little Pills and Big Pianos 131Would All Freudians please stand aside 132Rachmaninov: Cello Concerto 133& Grieg: Cello Concerto 133The Well-tempered Clavier: Book 1 134The Well-tempered Clavier, Book 2 135The Complete Well-Tempered Clavier 136Electric Counterpoint: Powerplant 137John Lill plays Brahms and Schumann 138Haydn Piano Sonatas: John Lill 139Façades: Contemporary Works for Saxophone 140Deep in My Soul 141Fiddlesticks 142Dance of the Three Legged Elephants 143Messiaen: Chamber Works 144Michael Nyman: Music for Two Pianos 145From Jewish Life 146The music of James Pugh and Daniel Schnyder 147Scenes of Spirits 148

The Complete String Quartets of 149Philip Glass 149Steve Reich: Different Trains 150Ghost Stories 151Red Leaves 152Mini-Stories 153

OPERAArias by Mozart, Gluck & Berlioz 154Spanish Heroines: Silvia Tro Santafé 155Rossini Mezzo: Scenes & Arias 156Anna Karenina 157

ORCHESTRALIn Time of Daffodils 158Firebird 159Petrushka 160Shostakovich: Hypothetically Murdered 161Shostakovich: Hamlet & King Lear 162Elgar Cello Concerto, Myaskovsky Cello Concerto 163Shostakovich Cello Concerto No. 2, Britten Cello Symphony: Jamie Walton 164LCO Live: Haydn | Mozart | Beethoven 165LCO Live: Mendelssohn | Beethoven 166LCO Live: Rossini | Mozart | Beethoven 167Dvorak: Symphonies No. 8 and No. 9 168Elgar, Elaborated by Anthony Payne: Symphony No. 3 & 169Pomp & Circumstance March No. 6 169Wanderer Fantasy 170Strauss - Till Eulenspiegels lustige Streich & Ein Heldenleben 171Beethoven - Symphonies No. 3 & No. 5 172Brahms - Symphonies No. 2 & No. 4 173Elgar - Enigma Variations, In the South ( Alassio) & Serenade for Strings 174Elgar - Symphony 1 & 2, Overture: Froissart 175

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Schubert - Symphony No. 9 176Dvorak - Symphonies No. 7 and No. 8 177Shostakovich - Festive Overture and Symphony No. 5 178Schoenberg - Gurrelieder 179Mahler - Symphony No.9 180Berlioz - Symphony Fantastique 181Beethoven - Leonore Overture No.2 181Verdi - Reqiuem 182Shostakovich - Symphony No.7 183Romantic Novelties for Violin and Orchestra 184Messiah 185

ORGANBeyond the Score: 186Organ improvisations for Whit Sunday 186“1937” Romantic Works for Organ 187J.S. Bach: The Art of Fugue 188Christus 189The Complete Louis Vierne Organ Sympho-nies 190The Organ of Buckingham Palace 191The Organ of Saint Sulpice, Paris 192… plays the organ of Glenalmond College 193The Organ of Westminster Cathedral 194Royal Albert Hall: Organ Restored 195

VOCALA Purse of Gold: Irish Songs by Herbert Hughes 196On Wenlock Edge 197Fair Albion: Visions of England 198Poetry Serenade 199Emilia 200Beethoven Lieder und Gesänge: Iain Burnside & John Mark Ainsley 201Remember Your Lovers 202Songs in Time of War 203

Britten Abroad 204Songs from the Pleasure Garden 205Liszt Abroad 206Beethoven: Lieder und Gesänge 207Moonstruck: The songs of F G Scott 208The Exquisite Hour 209Sonnett fur Wien: 210Songs of Erich Korngold 210On Buying a Horse: The Songs of Judith Weir 211The Frostbound Wood 212Song of Songs: Patrick Hawes 213

DVDFalstaff 214Peter Warlock: Some Little Joy 21521st-Century Bach: Vol 1 216Boheme 217The King’s Singers: Live at the BBC Proms, Royal Albert Hall, London 218Touch the Sound 219

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The majesty provided by the part harmonies and power of delivery are impressive

Light of the World

1. Eternal source of light 2. Sanctus 3. Nunc Dimittis 4. Light of the World 5. I waited for the Lord 6. How beautiful are the feet 7. Blessed be the God and Father 8. Ave Maria 9. The Angel’s Goodnight 10. Long since in Egypt’s plenteous land 11. Brother James’ Air 12. Balulalow (A Ceremony of Carols) 13. This little babe (A Ceremony of Carols) 14. The Lord bless you and

keep you 15. Pie Jesu 16. Ave verum corpus 17. I would be true (Londonberry Air) 18. Ave verum corpus 19. Ubi caritas et amor 20. A Gaelic Blessing 21. Amazing Grace (American folk-hymn melody)

MusicWeb.co.uk

1 CDCatalogue Code: SIGCD068Barcode: 635212006825

Track Listing

A collection of works to affirm the beauty and depth of the English choral tradition. Works by Schubert and Rachmaninoff are coupled with works from our own English masters, Sir Hubert Parry and John Rutter, in solo arias through to full choral performances.

CHORAL

Andrew Swait

http://www.signumrecords.com/catalogue/sigcd068/index.shtml


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Swait’s voice is clear, bright, and tuned with innate precision, ringing with carefree but studious childhood. Bowman, worldly and artistic... with a characteristic elegance and expressivity

Songs of Innocence

1. I wonder as I wander 2. In the mornin’ 3. Diaphenia 4. The Owl 5. Witches’ Song 6. Chamber Music V 7. The Rainbow 8. The Oxen 9. Little Sir William 10. Cradle Song 11. The bayly berith the bell away 12. Tell me, lovely Shepherd 13. Slow Train 14. Ca’ the yowes 15. Slient Worship 16. Who is Silvia? 17. Caleno Custure Me

18. Dirge for Fidele 19. Summer Sunset 20. Slow March 21. Tom Bowling 22. Matthew, Mark, Luke & John 23. My bed is Boat 24. Sure on this Shining Night 25. Sweet and Low

The Times


Track Listing

The initial impetus for Songs of Innocence came from Andrew Swait who was extremely keen to investigate repertoire rarely sung by a treble; indeed, several of the songs featured are world premiere recordings.After rehearsals with Andrew Plant in the summer of 2007, Andrew Swait’s immense enthusiasm for Britten’s unpublished student works was soon evident and is as evident in this fresh recording a year on. A wonderful collaboration of English and American 20th century song.

CHORAL

Andrew Swait, James Bowman & Andrew Plant



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... the sheer vitality of this music exudes genuine joyfulness ... all the artistic and technical demands of this varied programme are deftly handled by the wonderfully versatile BBC Singers

Man I Sing

1—5. The Making of the Drum 6. My Prayer 7—13. Advent Antiphons 14. The Shepherd’s Carol 15. And Every Stone Shall Cry 16. Pange Lingua 17—19. The Modern Man I Sing 20. Beach 21. Simple Pictures of Tomorrow 22. Weather Report

The Gramophone


Track Listing

The world-renowned choral composer and conductor Bob Chilcott leads the BBC Singers, as well as the internationally recognised soloists Simone Rebello and Paul Silverthorne, in these new performances of some of his best and most loved choral works.

CHORAL

BBC Singers



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Astonishingly high standards of choral singing ... excellent performances and the organ contributions by Robert Quinney are all splendid ... Enthusiastically recommended ...

One Star, at Last

1. Nowell Sing We Now 2. From lands that see the sun arise 3. Make we joy 4. There is no Rose of such virtue 5. I wonder as I wander 6. Illuminare, Jerusalem 7. The Shephard’s Gift 8. Corpus Christi Carol 9. The Fayrfax Carol 10. The Shepherds Sing 11. Nativitas 12. Seinte Mari Moder Milde 13. Today the Virgin 14. Oczekiwanie (Waiting) 15. Carol 16. One star, at last

17. O Magnum Mysterium 18. Sleep, little Jesus, sleep 19. Romance of the Angels 20. Mrs Beeton’s Christmus Plum Pudding

MusicWeb.co.uk


Track Listing

One star at last includes eight new carols (six of them specially-commissioned by BBC Radio 3), several premiere recordings, and a selection of music — serious and light-hearted, contemplative and joyful — by some of the leading British, European and North American choral composers of the day. Composers include: Weir, Ades, MacMillan, Maxwell Davies and Goodall. The performance is conducted by Stephen Cleobury.

CHORAL

BBC Singers



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This is a hugely recommended disc. Tippett knew his dreams were being brought to fulfilment in 1944. In 2007, they still are.

Sir Michael Tippett: Choral Images

1. Dance, Clarion Air 2. Plebs Angelica 3. The Weeping Babe Collegium Sancti Johannis Cantabrigiense 4. Magnificat 5. Nunc Dimittis 6. Hymn: Unto the Hills Songs from the British Isles 7. England: Early one Morning 8. Ireland: Lilliburlero 9. Scotland: Poortith Cauld 10. Wales: Gwenllian

11. Over the Sea to Skye 12. The Source 13. The Windhover 14. Lullaby Negro Spirituals from A Child of Our Time 15. Steal Away 16. Nobody Knows 17. Go down, Moses 18. By and by 19. Deep River

Church Music Quarterly


Track Listing

The BBC Singers celebrate their long association with Sir Michael Tippett with this selection of some of his best choral compositions. Works featured include his Four Songs from the British Isles and spirituals from the oratorio A Child of Our Time, alongside two never before recorded works: Over the Sea to Skye and the hymn Unto the Hills. The performance is conducted by Stephen Cleobury.

CHORAL

BBC Singers



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Perhaps the most gifted choral writer at work today, Chilcott has a talent for spiritual melody that nods neither to the American midwest nor the English pasture. His title song, commemorating Marconi’s first transmission, is infectiously singable, irresistibly memorable.

Making Waves

1. Circles of Motion 2. Like a Rainbow 3. All things pass 4. Making Waves 5. The Lily and the Rose 6. So fair and bright 7. Catch a falling star 8. Swansongs 1 9. Like a singing bird 10. Swansongs 2 11. All for love of one 12—16. This Day 17—21. A Little Jazz Mass

Norman Lebrecht


Track Listing

A new disc of works by the world renowned choral composer Bob Chilcott. Bob has been involved in choral music for most of his life and since he became a professional composer in 1997 has had over 100 works published by Oxford University Press. This CD includes tracks with The Sirens, an ensemble of young professional women’s voices specially created for this recording and jazz trio. The works included here reflect the strong support and interest that Bob’s vocal music generates, with commissions from a wide variety of choral societies, children & youth choirs and professional choruses.

CHORAL

Bob Chilcott | The Sirens



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This fine disc ... fascinating stuff

All the ends of the Earth

1. All the Ends of the Earth 2. Kyrie eleison 3. Sint lumbi 4. Vir perfecte 5. Salve Regina 6. Gemma nitens 7. Stabant autem iuxta crucem 8. Quam pulchra es 9. Alma Redemptoris Mater 10. Alma Redemptoris Mater 11. Sanctus (Missa Canonica) 12. Agnus Dei (Missa Canonica) 13. Stella maris 14. O Jesu, Nomen Dulce 15. Mater ora filium 16. Thomas, Jewel of Centerbury 17. Campanis cum cymbalis

Classic FM Magazine


Track Listing

This recording celebrates the vibrant relationship between contemporary British sacred choral music and the music of the medieval era, including works by Judith Weir, Robin Holloway, Michael Finnissy, Jonathan Harvey and Gabriel Jackson alongside examples of the medieval music that inspired their creation.

CHORAL

Caius College Choir



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The four voices blend beautifully and there isn’t a sour note to be heard

Lullabyes and Goodbyes

1. Lullabye (Goodnight, My Angel) 2. Evening Prayer 3. Barcarolle 4. Hushabye Mountain 5. Wegenlied 6. Bilbo’s Last Song 7. Lullaby 8. Haere Ra 9. Hawaiian Lullaby 10. Moonshine Lullaby 11. Cancion de Cuna para dormir a un Negrito 12. My Lagan Love 13. Schlafendes Jesuskind 14. Lullaby of Birdland 15. Oblivion 16. Discendi, O Sonno Vago 17. Lullaby (Hush

Macushla) 18. Nacht und Traume 19. Bilbo’s Last Song 20. Stay awake 21. Goin’ Home 22. Our Revels Now are Ended 23. Counting Up My Toes

MusicWeb.co.uk


Track Listing

Accompanied by pianist Malcolm Martineau, Cantabile present a diverse selection of works united by the theme of lullabyes and goodbyes. The variety of composers extends from Schubert and Dvorak to Gershwin and Billy Joel.

CHORAL

Cantabile



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This album is a welcome addition to the recorded works of Howells both on account of the repertoire it covers and because of its fine performances. This choir and Signum records might well have hit on a winning formula here, and their association is defiantly one to watch

I Love All Beauteous Things: Choral and Organ Music by Herbert Howells

1. Thee will I Love 2. Hills of the North 3. I Love all Beauteous Things 4. Missa Aedis Christi: Kyrie 5. Tranquillo ma con moto from Six Short Pieces for Organ 6. Missa Aedis Christi: Gloria 7. Allegro Scherzando from Six Short Pieces for Organ 8. Missa Aedis Christi: Credo 9. Aria from Six Short Pieces for Organ 10. Allegro impetuoso from Six Short Pieces for Organ

11. Missa Aedis Christi: Sanctus 12. Missa Aedis Christi: Benedictus 13. Chorale from Six Short Pieces for Organ 14. Missa Aedis Christi: Agnus Dei 15. Quasi lento: teneramente from Six Short Pieces for Organ 16. This world, my God is held within you hand (In Manus Tuas) 17. Haec Dies 18. A Maid Peerless 19. Sweetest of Sweets 20. O Holy City, seen of John

Musical Criticism


Track Listing

I Love all Beauteous Things’ explores a great collection of works by the British Composer Herbert Howells, featuring performances of some of his lesser-known choral and organ music. The Choir of Christ Church Cathedral, Dublin have had a long and prosperous history: they were recorded as having taken part in the first performance of Handel’s ‘Messiah’ in 1742. Since 1972 the new mixed voice choir, lead by Judy Martin, has been highly active with concerts tours and regular broadcasts for the RTE and BBC, as well as continuing worship in the cathedral. The organ is played by Tristan Russcher.

CHORAL

Choir of Christ Church Cathedral, Dublin



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First comes the word and here we have a composer who has an implicit understanding and love of the text, which manifests itself throughout his music… Highly Recommended.

Meditations and Remembrances

1. A Meditation 2. Turn our Captivity [Psalm 126] 3. Kyrie from Massin five parts 4. Gloria from Mass in five parts 5. Jesu Dulcis Memoria Introduction, Toccata & Fugue 6. Introduction & Toccata 7. Fugue 8. Danctus from Mass in five parts 9. Benedictus from Mass in five parts 10. A Remembrance 11. Agnus Dei from Mass in five parts 12. O Lord, Support us all the Day Long

Choir & Organ Magazine


Track Listing

Described by The Times as “thrilling, contemporary, and original ... impressive and profoundly affecting”, Francis Pott has firmly established his reputation through the quality of his compositions. Meditations & Remembrances is a new collection of his choral and organ pieces, displaying extraordinary tenderness and masterly technique.

CHORAL

Choir of Christ Church Cathedral, Dublin



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If anything points to Flemish-born Giaches de Wert’s undersung influence on the great Monteverdi it is the title track of this exquisite new release by that sublime subset of Stephen Cleobury’s Kings College Cambridge Chapel Choir, Collegium Regale

Vox in Rama

1. O crux ave specs unica 2. Providebam Dominum (Acts 2:25-28) 3. Hoc es praeceptum meum (John 15: 12-15) 4. Benedicta sit sancta Trinitas (Introit for Trinity Sunday) 5. Hora est im nos (Romans 13:11-14) 6. Hoc enim sentite in vobis (Philippians 2: 5-11) 7. Gaudete in Domino (Philippians 4:4) 8. Obsecro vos fratres (Romans 13: 11-14) 9. Jersusalem, Jersusalem (Luke 13: 34-35) 10. Angulus Domini astitit (Acts 12:7) 11. Amen, amen dico vobis (John 16: 20-21) 12. Domine, tu es qui fecisti (Acts 4:24-26) 13. Vox in Rama (Matthew 2:18 from Jeremiah 31:15)

The Scotsman


Track Listing

The Flemish-born Giaches de Wert was one of many foreigners to dominate the Italian music scene in the mid to late 16th century, therefore to this day his music is largely unknown to many. It is the second of three books of Motets which appears on this disc, written when his skill as a madrigalist had reached its height. As part of the Kings College Choir, the choral scholars of Collegium Regale perform independently of the choir, singing a repertoire that encompasses 15th Century sacred music, jazz, folksongs and pop. Directed by Kings College’s and the BBC Singer’s renowned conductor Stephen Cleobury.

CHORAL

Collegium Regale, cond. Stephen Cleobury



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NEW 2010 RELEASE

España: A Choral Postcard from Spain

1. En Aranjuez con tu amor - Joaquín Rodrigo 2. Xivarri - Albert Alcaraz 3. Aurtxoa Sehaskan - Gabriel de Olaizola 4. El Vito - Fernando Obradors 5. Al paño fino - Arr. Manuel Massotti Little 6. Volar - Arr. Esteban Sanz Vélez 7. Negra sombra - Juan Montes 8. Jo tinc un burro - Joaquín Rodrigo 9. ¿Ondi jueron? - Rubén García Martín 10. Ton pare non te nas - Arr. Baltasar Bibiloni 11. El cant dels ocells - Arr. Lluis Millet 12. Suari Kanta - David Azurza 13. Riverana - Arr. Hilario Goyenechea 14. Esta tierra - Javier Busto 15. Nana - Valentín Ruiz Aznar 16. Soy de Mieres - Jesús Guridi [25 Tracks]


Track Listing

Discover a world of Spanish music beyond the typical image of ‘sun, sand and sangria’ with this rich collection of choral works and arrangements that explores every corner of this charming and diverse country’s regions and languages.

CHORAL

Coro Cervantes, cond. Carlos Aransay



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…the group sings with exceptional purity and brings a real idiomatic sensitivity to this repertoire

Yanomami: Music for Choir and Guitar

1—7. Romancero Gitano Mario Castelnuovo-Tedesco text: Federico Garcia Lorca 8_—10. Sonatina Carlos Surinach 11—25 Via Crucis Carlos Surinach 26_—30. Piezas Sacras Fernando Moruja 31. Yanomami, Op. 47 Marlos Nobre

All Music Guide


Track Listing

Coro Cervantes is a unique professional chamber choir. Through its performances and recordings it aims to bring the music of Iberia and Latin America to audiences everywhere. This disc of 20th century music for the unusual yet fabulous combination of choir and guitar coincides with the 70th birthday of Brazilian composer Marlos Nobre, whose work Yanomam, inspired by the death rituals of the indigenous Yanomami people, gives the album its title. The choir is accompanied by the Brazilian Fabio Zanon, one of most all embracing talents in the international guitar scene.

CHORAL

Coro Cervantescond. Carlos Aransay, feat. Fabio Zanon



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None of these young voices is anything less than impressive, and several are quite distinguished

Hear My Words

1. Hear my words, ye people 2. Teach me, O Lord 3. Magnificat in G 4. Benedictus from Missa Brevis Sancti 5. Thou, O God, art praised in Sion 6. Lord, let me know mine end 7. A prayer of King Henry 6th 8. Laudete Dominum 9. Out of the deep 10. A Song of wisdom 11. Panis Angelicus from Messe Solennelle 12. Hear my Prayer and O for the wings of a dove 13. The Lord is my Shepherd 14. I was glad

The Gramophone


Track Listing

‘Hear my words ye people’ by Hubert Parry, a former chorister at Eton College is the first track on the album featuring some of the bestloved anthems in the church repertoire, beautifully performed by the Eton College Chapel Choir. The choir, formed in the 14th-Century has changed a great deal since the choir school was succeeded by a music scholarship system, designed to facilitate talented choristers with their education. Although life has changed at Eton, the music passed down over five hundred years still possesses a power to stir.

CHORAL

Eton College Chapel Choir, cond. Ralph Allwood



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NEW 2010 Release

Langlais - Messe Solennelle

1-5 Messe Solennelle Jean Langlais6 Tantum Ergo Déodat de Severac7 O Salutaris Hostia Op. 21 Pierre Villette8 O Quam Amabilis Es Op. 71 Pierre Villette9 O Sacrum Convivium Olivier Messiaen10 Institution de l’Eucharist Olivier Messiaen11 Ave Verum Op. 34, No. 1 Marcel Dupré12 Jesu, Dulcis Memoria Op. 78 Pierre Villette13 Panis Angelicus Op. 80 Pierre Villette14 Salve Regina Francis Poulenc15 Regina Coeli, No. 1 from 3 Motets Roger-Ducasse16 Pastorale Roger-Ducasse


Track Listing

Eton College Chapel Choir perform an enchanting selection of 20th Century French Sacred music. Alongside world-renowned French composers such as Poulenc and Messiaen, this disc also features several fine works by de Severac and Villete, who are perhaps less well-known to modern audiences as they lived and worked away from Paris and its Conservatoire.

CHORAL

Eton College Chapel Choir, cond. Ralph Allwood



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… attractive arrangements, well sung and recorded

The Carols Album

1. Hark! the herald angels sing 2. Gaudete 3. Gabriel’s Message 4. O little twon of Bethlehem 5. Coventry Carol 6. In excelsis Gloria 7. Silent Night 8. Whence is that goodly fragrance flowing 9. Angels from the realms of Glory 10. Ave Maria 11. Joy to the world 12. Little Jesus, sweetly sleep 13. Unto us a boy is born 14. Love came down at

Christmas 15. O come all ye faithful 16. The holly and the ivy 17. O holy night 18. In the bleak midwinter 19. Ding dong! merrily on high 20. It came upon the midnight clear 21. Hail! smiling morn 22. Sussex Carol 23. Of the Father’s heart begotten 24. Away in a Manger 25. I saw three ships 26. Christians awake

MusicWeb International


Track Listing

Following their highly successful releases on Signum (the Hymns Album and Handel’s Messiah conducted by Sir Charles Mackerras) the Huddersfield Choral Society is back in force with a magnificent collection of Christmas carols. This CD will be a perfect Christmas gift or glorious self-indulgence, absorbing the sacred and profane alike, beautifully performed and recorded for the festive season.

CHORAL

Huddersfield Choral Society



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The sound is clear and robust, the arrangements captivating, and the music does not overpower the voices. I have been collecting choral albums for the past quarter century, and this is one of the top five I have ever heard.

The Hymns Album

1. And did those feet 2. For all the saints 3. Dear Lord and Father of mankind 4. Jesus Christ is risen today 5. We have a gospel to proclaim 6. Be thou my vision 7. O for a thousand tongues 8. Tell out, my soul 9. Crown him with many crowns 10. And can it be 11. Now thank we all our God 12. Morning has broken 13. Hills of the North

14. Love Divine, all loves excelling 15. Thine be the glory 16. Lord for the years 17. O Jesus, I have promised 18. This joyful Eastertide 19. Be still, for the presence of the Lord 20. Glorious things of thee are spoken 21. Praise to the Holiest 22. O Lord my God 23. How shall I sing that majesty 24. O thou who camest from above 25. Christ is made the sure foundation

Customer Review


Track Listing

Some of the nations best-loved hymns performed by one of its best choral groups, delivered with the enthusiasm, conviction and accuracy that has come to be expected of them. Includes the hymns: Jerusalem, Thine be the glory, Tell out my soul and Morning has broken.

CHORAL

Huddersfield Choral Society



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…the singing of the Vasari Singers is nothing short of superb… The catalogue boasts several fine recordings of the Duruflé Requiem but I think this one is now first choice, its attraction enhanced by the imaginative couplings

Duruflé: Requiem

1. Tu es Petrus Jean-Jaques Grunenwald 2—4. Psaume CXXIX (De Profundis) Jean-Jaques Grunenwald 5—8. Quatre Motets sur des thèmes grégoriens Op. 10 Maurice Durufle 9—17. Requiem Op. 9 Maurice Durufle



Track Listing

Combining Gergorian chant with his own unique compositional style, Duruflé’s Requiem has proved to be one of the most popular and enduring choral works of the 20th Century. On this recording, Jeremy Backhouse leads the celebrated Vasari Singers, as well as star soloists Sarah Connolly and Christopher Maltman, in a performance of this alongside works by Duruflé’s musical contemporary, Jean-Jaques Grunenwald.

CHORAL

Sarah Connolly, Christopher MaltmanJeremy Filsell & The Vasari Singers



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A jazzy Jingle Bells launches this varied and seductively sung programme

What Sweeter Music

1 Jingle Bells Arr. Ben Parry 2. Silent Night Franz Gruber, Arr. Jonathan Rathbone 3. What Sweeter Music? John Rutter 4. A Spotless Rose Herbert Howells 5. Quem Pastores? Trad, Arr. Nigel Short 6. Veni, ven Adrian Peacock 7. There is a Flower John Rutter 8. Alleluia Peter Wishart 9. The Lamb John Tavener 10. I Wonder as I Wander Arr. Andrew Carter

11. Quelle est cette odeur agreable? French Trad, Arr. David Willcocks 12. We Wish You a Merry Christmas Arr. Nigel Shor 13. The Oxen Jonathan Rathbone 14. Gaudete Arr. Karl Jenkins 15. Away in a Manger Trad, Arr. Nigel Short 16. Tomorrow Shall be my Dancing Day Trad, Arr. David Willcocks 17. Nativity Carol John Rutter 18. The Twelve Days of Christmas

Geoffrey Norris, Best Christmas Discs 2009, The Telegraph


Track Listing

What Sweeter Music is a real festive treat, with a sumptuous collection of songs and carols for Christmas - touching on traditional favourites (Silent Night, Away in a Manger), modern classics (The Lamb, What Sweeter Music) and some new light-hearted arrangements (Jingle Bells, We Wish You a Merry Christmas).

CHORAL

Tenebrae



25

terrific choral music... exciting, engaging, imaginative, inspired, even revelatory performances

Mother & Child

1. Seek him that maketh the seven stars 2. The souls of the righteous 3. Magnificat 4. Mother and Child 5. Lute-book Lullaby 6. O be joyful in the Lord 7. The seasons of his mercies 8. My Song is love unknown

ClassicsToday.com


Track Listing

A distinctive collection of works by a number of distinguished living composers, including five world premiere recordings. The centre-piece (Mother and Child) is a new commission from acclaimed composer Sir John Tavener. Other composers include: Dove, Pott, Swayne, L’Estrange, Filsell and Rodney Bennett

CHORAL

Tenebrae



26

exquisitely understated ... singing of sincere simplicity...

The Dream of Herod

1. Alleluya 2. O Radix Jesse 3. A Spotless Rose 4. Rorate Coeli 5. Of The Father’s Heart Begotten 6. Ave Maria 7. I Sing of a Maiden 8. Puer Natus Est Nobis 9. A Flower Given To My Daughter 10. Silent Night 11. Sussex Carol 12. Away In A Manger 13. Adeste Fideles 14. O Come All Ye Faithful 15—20. The Dream of Herod

International Record Review


Track Listing

This disc features music for Advent, anthems for the Mother and Child, music for Christmas and the Dream of Herod, a semi-dramatic contemporary work with a particular resonance at Christmas. Composers include: Short, Wishart, Howells, Hadley, Chilcott, Gruber and Kirkpatrick (as well as traditional Christmas music)

CHORAL

Tenebrae



27

Both versions of the traditional title track explode like champagne corks

Gaudete

1. Gaudete Karl Jenkins 2. Apres une reve Faure - Alexander L’Estrange 3. The Lamb John Tavener 4. Gaudete Karl Jenkins 5. Canon Pachelbel - Alexander L’Estrange 6. Mother and Child John Tavener

7. Clapping Music Steve Reich

Classic FM Magazine

CD SingleCatalogue Code: SIGCD050Barcode: 635212005026

Track Listing

This CD Single captures a snapshot of Tenebrae at their very best. As well as the title piece, an arrangement of Gaudete (Rejoice) by Karl Jenkins, the disc includes Alexander L’Estrange’s arrangements of Pachelbel’s Canon and Faure’s Apres un reve, Sir John Tavener’s The Lamb (plus an excerpt from Mother and Child), rounded off with Steve Reich’s Clapping Music.

CHORAL

Tenebrae



28

Just the right balance of control and passion, reverence and exuberance…

All-Night Vigil

1. Come, Let us Worship 2. Bless the Lord, o my soul 3. Blessed is the man 4. Gladsome night 5. Lord, now lettest thou 6. Rejoice O Virgin 7. The six psalms 8. Praise the name of the Lord 9. Blessed art thou o Lord 10. having beheld the resurrection of Christ 11. My soul magnifies the Lord 12. The Great Doxology 13. Today Salvation has come 14. Thou dids’t rise from the tomb 15. To Thee, the victorius leader 16. We Praise Thee

The Organ


Track Listing

Recorded Live at St. Asaph Cathedral, this performance of Rachmaninoff’s Vespers captures the essence of the All Night Vigil. Written in January and February 1915, Rachmaninoff used a mixture of authentic Znamenny chant, Greek chant and his own constructed chants.

CHORAL

Tenebrae



29

Joby Talbot has been making quite a name for himself recently. Path of Miracles can only add to that reputation: it’s a real achievement

Path of Miracles

1. Roncesvalles 2. Burgos 3. Leon 4. Santiago


1 SACDCatalogue Code: SIGCD078Barcode: 635212007822

Track Listing

Path of Miracles, for a cappella choir, was commissioned by Tenebrae from Joby Talbot and premiered in 2005. The work is based on the most enduring route of Catholic pilgrimage - the great pilgramage to Santiago along the ‘Camino Frances’. This SACD Hybrid CD can also be played as a 4.0 surround-sound mix

CHORAL

Tenebrae



30

I really think we’re in a choral golden age at the moment ... It’s beautifully sung, a wonderful disc

Allegri: Miserere

1. Song for Athene 2. Ex ore innocentium 3. The Lamb 4. Hymn to the Cherubim 5. Now ye heavenly powers 6. Hymn to St Cecilia 7. Ave Maria 8. 8-part Crucifixus 9. Miserere 10. Esti Dal 11. The Dying Soldier 12. Psalm 148, Lord who has made us for Thine own 13. Faire is the Heaven

BBC Music Magazine


Track Listing

Allegri’s haunting Miserere is the central point in a journey through music of longing and entreaty, hope and faith. These works, spanning the centuries, are chosen from the heart of Tenebrae’s concert repertoire, on a recording that perfectly captures their stunning sound. Featuring works by Tavener, Holst, Rachmaninoff, Lotti, Ireland, Harris, Britten and Kodaly.

CHORAL

Tenebrae



31

NEW 2010 Release

Figure HumaineFrancis Poulenc

1-5 Mass in G

6 Litanies á la Vierge Noire

7 Salve Regina

8-11 Un soir de neige

12-19 Figure Humaine

20-23 Quatre petites prières de Saint François d’Assise


Track Listing

Francis Poulenc is now considered to be among the most important composers of choral music of the 20th Century. Yet his early career reveals no trace of the dazzling and idiosyncratic unaccompanied choral textures so abundantly produced in the second half of his life.This new collection of Poulenc’s choral works is centered on his masterwork, the Figure Humaine. Even though it is only 20 minutes in length, the work is a supreme test of stamina, technical agility, range, aural skill and musicianship. The professional chamber choir Tenebrae (directed by former King’s Singer Nigel Short) are more than capable of tackling this repertoire, and this disc promises to provide a new benchmark in interpretations of the work.

CHORAL

Tenebrae




32

NEW 2010 RELEASE

Naked Byrd

1. Ave Verum William Byrd 2. O Magnum Mysterium Morten Lauridsen 3. Loqubantur variis linguis Thomas Tallis 4. Miserere Mei Gregorio Allegri 5. Libera nos, Salva nos John Sheppard 6. Totus Tuus Henryck Górecki

7. Lay a Garland Robert Pearsall 8. Song For Athene John Tavener 9. Ave Maria Anton Bruckner 10. Hope Finds A Way Jonathan Roberts


Track Listing

The varied programme of this recording identifies, as Armonico Consort’s director, Christopher Monks describes, ‘... a wide range of pieces united by the tendency of their composers to wear their hearts on their sleeves and their ability to fix a sense of raw emotion on paper’. Crossing several centuries, from the sixteenth to the present day this disc displays how every generation has been inspired to use both sacred and secular music as a powerful medium to express their personal emotions.

CHORAL

The Armonico Consort



33

Under David Hill’s direction, this superb choir gives precise, passionate and powerful readings

Remoter Worlds: Choral Music by Judith Bingham

1. Gleams of a Remoter World 2. The Shepheardes Calender: Winter 3. The Shepheardes Calender: Spring 4. The Shepheardes Calender: Autumn 5. Water Lilies 6. Irish Tenebrae: I 7. Irish Tenebrae: II 8. Irish Tenebrae: III 9. Irish Tenebrae: IV 10. Irish Tenebrae: V 11. Irish Tenebrae: VI 12. Irish Tenebrae: VII 13. Unpredictable but Providential 14. Beneath these Alien Stars 15. Ghost Towns of the American West: I 16. Ghost Towns of the American West: II 17. Ghost Towns of the American West: III

The Times


Track Listing

The BBC Singers, led by David Hill, are the UK’s only full-time professional chamber choir, and their repertoire and virtuosic versatility are almost boundless. This disc features the compositional talent of one of the BBC Singer’s former members, Judith Bingham. Bingham is considered a talented all-round composer, having written for a variety of different ensembles including symphonic wind ensembles, brass bands and solo instrumentalists, Despite this she is best known for her choral work, for which she has won numerous awards including the Barlow Prize for a cappela music and three British Composer awards.

CHORAL

The BBC Singers



34

They blend perfectly, they shade sensitively, they appear to work with like mind towards an agreed ideal of choral sound

O Sacrum Convivium

1. Cibavit eos 2. O magnum mysterium 3. Alleluia, I heard a voice 4. When David heard 5. Magnificat 6. Nunc Dimittis 7. O sacrum convivium 8. Christus factus est 9. Nunc Dimirris (in B flat) 10. As the apple tree 11. Ye choirs of new Jerusalem

The Gramophone


Track Listing

Choral music from the sixteenth-century, right up to the late-twentieth-century features on this beautiful eleven-track album, with stunning performances from The Choir of Royal Holloway. The Chapel Choir was established in 1886 for women’s voices & became a mixed choir in 1965. Forty-three years on and the choir have made 14 CD recordings & have toured most European countries, under the guidance of Rupert Gough, who began his musical training as a chorister at the Chapel Royal, St James’s Palace.

CHORAL

The Choir of Royal Holloway, Cond. Rupert Gough



35

This is a really fascinating album; it illustrates how inspiring early music is to modern composers and how inspiring modern music is to early musicians.

Don’t Talk - Just Listen!

1—5. Five Motets 6. Thou wast present as on this day 7. The Armed Man 8. A Spousal Verse 9 —28. Twenty Ways to Improve your Life 29. The Man who spills his soup 30. So ys emprentid 31. After the Mass 32. Te Deumhe



Track Listing

This album presents a selection of works commissioned by The Clerks over the last decade, and is their first devoted entirely to contemporary music. The impulse behind each commission was different, as was the context in which they were first performed; so necessarily this is an eclectic anthology. The works were designed to suit the forces of the group and their ranges and timbres, but more than that, they each represent a fascinating and innovative engagement with the compositional techniques, genres and motivations of late Medieval and Renaissance music - the repertoire on which The Clerks have cut their teeth.

CHORAL

The Clerks



36

Amongst chamber choirs, they’re one of the best.

Cantos Sagrados: Choral Music by James MacMillan

1. Divo Aloysio Sacrum 2. The Gallant Weaver 3. A Child’s Prayer 4. Seinte Mari Moder Milde 5. Tremunt videntes angeli 6. Cantos Sagrados: I - Identity 7. Cantos Sagrados: II - Virgin of Guadalupe 8. Cantos Sagrados: III - Sun Stone 9. Christus Vincit 10. So Deep

Sir John Tavener


Track Listing

In his choral music, James MacMillan characteristically draws inspiration for vocal themes from ideas within the Catholic Church and Scottish traditional culture. Works on this disc include: Cantos Sagrados, The Gallant Weaver and Christus Vincit (1994).

CHORAL

The Elysian Singers



37

No coffee or whisky blend matches the suavity of the unaccompanied King’s Singers. Their intonation is excellent in this sumptuous collection of Spanish, Portuguese and Mexican church Music

Siglo de Oro: The Golden Age

1. Crux Fidelis 2. Kyrie (Mass Mille Regretz) 3. Versa est in luctum 4. In ieniunio et fletu 5. Versa est in luctum 6. Lamentations 7. Versa est in Luctum 8. Pia et dolorosa mater 9. Versa est in luctum 10. Libera me

The Times


Track Listing

This disc, released to at the start of The King’s Singers 40th anniversary year, celebrates music by Portuguese, Spanish and Mexican composers from the period known as the Siglo de Oro, The Golden Age. The idea for the disc came from the King’s Singers church concert programmes, where the acoustics allowed great scope for drama. The music featured is exceptionally beautiful and deeply moving, with a combination of joyful and sorrowful settings, indicating the substantial outpouring of music during this period.

CHORAL

The King’s Singers



38

...performing skill at its finest..

The King’s Singers Collection

Tallis’s masterpiece (Spem in alium SIGCD071)

Contemporary works (Landscape & Time SIGCD090)

The overwhelming beauty of William Byrd (Treason & Dischord SIGCD064)

Works by Carlos Gesualdo (Gesulado: Tenebrae

Responsories SIGCD047)

A snapshot of popular and perennial arrangements (Six SIGCD056)

BBC Music Magazine

5CDCatalogue Code: SIGCD120Barcode: 635212012024

Track Listing

To celebrate The King’s Singers 40th anniversary year, the group are releasing five of their bestselling Signum released albums from the last 6 years in a fantastic new CD boxed-set collection. The King’s Singers show no sign of slowing down. The five albums in this set were made in the space of three years and display the diversity and flexibility of the world’s premiere a cappella ensemble.

CHORAL




39

Arguably, the most popular a cappella group of all time.

Simple Gifts

1. She’s Always a Woman 2. You can close your eyes 3. Greensleeves 4. The Gift to be Simple 5. Swing Low, Sweet Chariot 6. Helplessly Hoping 7. Dep River 8. Black is the Colour 9. O Love my Love 10. The Water is Wide 11. When She Loved Me 12. Valparaiso 13. The Turtle Dove 14. April Come She Will 15. Steal Away 16. You are the New Day

Primarily A Cappella


Track Listing

Winner of the 2008 Grammy award for best Classical Crossover album, this a cappella studio album features sixteen stunning arrangements of pop ballads, spirituals and folksongs. Each track on this album has earned its place because of its great melody and, coupled with the impeccable style for which the group are justly famous, this album will delight its huge worldwide fan base.The King’s Singers’ incredible blend and tuning ensures that this is the classiest recording of its genre for a long time.

CHORAL




40

NEW 2010 Release

Swimming Over London

1 Swimming Over London 2 I’m yours 3 Angel 4 By the time 5 September 15th / Keeper of the Seasons6 It’s a New World 7 Don’t let go 8 Hide and seek 9 Lazy Bones / Up a lazy river 10 Andromeda 11 Recipe for love 12 Silent Love 13 Straighten up and fly right 14 Home 1 CD

Catalogue Code: SIGCD192Barcode: 635212019221

Track Listing

Swimming Over London is a new studio-album of jazz-inspired hits and recent commissions performed by The King’s Singers.

This album covers a huge range of pop and jazz-inspired influences – from old favourites (Nat King Cole’s Straighten up and fly right, Arlen & Gershwin’s It’s a New World and Hogey Carmichael’s Lazy Bones) to modern hits (Michael Bublé’s Home, Jason Mraz’s I’m Yours and Imogen Heaps Hide and Seek). Commissions especially for the album come from Bob Chilcott, Mia Makaroff, Ysaye M. Barnwell and Roger Treece.

CHORAL





41

Here’s a stunning display of unaccompanied part-singing by six consummate vocal artists … an outstandingly successful recital.

Romance du Soir

1. Calme des Nuits, Op.68 No.1 2. Music, When Soft Voices Die 3. O Happy Eyes, Op.18 No.1 4. Liebe, Op.17 No.2 D.983a 5. Love, Op.18 No 2 6. Draw On Sweet Night 7. Waldesnacht, Op.62 No.3 8. Toutes les Nuitz 9. Sérénade d’Hiver 10. Ach Elslein 11. Ritornelle, Op.65 No.1 12. Weep, Weep Mine Eyes 13. Traumlicht, Op.123 No.2 14. A Lover’s Journey: In the Still Garden 15. A Lover’s Journey: 16. A Lover’s Journey: 17. A Lover’s Journey: 18. Romance du Soir, Op.118 19. The Long Day Closes

BBC Music Magazine


Track Listing

Combining perennial favourites with wonderful new discoveries, these immediately appealing pieces reflect the much-loved repertoire at the heart of a King’s Singers programme, performed with the skill and flair that distinguishes the group as one of the world’s most popular a cappella ensembles. Includes works by Elgar, Schumann, Schubert and Saint-Saëns, as well as a new piece by popular American composer Libby Larsen.

CHORAL




42

If you’re a fan, you’ve already reserved a spot for this disc in your collection; if you’re new to the King’s Singers, one listen to this entertaining, characterful concert will have you looking for more

Live at the BBC Proms, Royal Albert Hall, London

1—6. Chansons Françaises, op. 130 7. Scenes in America Deserta 8. Dessus le marché d’Arras 9. Il est bel et bon 10. Toutes les nuitz 11. La Guerre 12. Hears not my Phyllis 13. Phillis is my only joy 14. The Little Green Lane 15. The Goslings 16. Greensleeves 17. Blow Away the Morning Dew 18. The Turtle Dove 19. Widdicombe Fair 20. The Long Day Closes

ClassicsToday.com


Track Listing

The King’s Singers continue to celebrate their 40-year anniversary with a live BBC Proms performance from the Royal Albert Hall. This disc demonstrates the skill, flair and versatility you would come to expect from a King’s Singers performance, sampling the best from their vast repertoire. Following this concert The Daily telegraph said “every edge was bevelled smooth” and the Guardian described it as “flawlessly realised”. Also available on DVD

CHORAL




43

NEW 2010 RELEASE

From the Heart

1. My Heart is a Holy Place Patricia Van Ness 2. Conceit Graham Lack 3. Pie Jesu John Brunning 4. Out of the Woods Nickel Creek 5. Hallelujah Leonard CohenCD Single


Track Listing

This new 5-track EP captures an eclectic mix of modern songs and arrangements from the world famous a cappella group The King’s Singers.

CHORAL




44

a listening delight which will give hours of pleasure

Christmas

1. Veni, veni Emmanuel 2. Angelus ad Virginem 3. This is the truth sent from above 4. Wie Schon leuchtet der Morgenstern 5. Es ist ein Ros’ entsprungen 6. There is no rose 7. Coventry Carol 8. Nowell sing we now 9. Remember, O thou man 10. In dulci jubilo 11. Lullay my liking 12. Bogoroditsye Dyevo 13. The Lamb 14. Maria durch ein Dornwald ging 15. O little one sweet

16. Bethlehem Down 17. The Crown of Roses 18. To us in Bethlem City 19. Szczo to za prediwo 20. There is a flower 21. La Peregrinacion 22. Away in a manger 23. Noel nouvelet 24. Stille Nacht 25. Born on a New Day

The Gramophone


Track Listing

The King’s Singers’ seminal album on the Signum label, CHRISTMAS comprises 24 carols for each day of Advent. The music is drawn from sources stretching back over centuries, as well as several different countries, to present a blend of new and undiscovered works alongside familiar favourites.

CHORAL




45

Think gorgeous close harmony, think crossover-with- integrity, and enjoy

Six

1. Down to the River To Pray Traditional 2. Blackbird Lennon / McCartney 3. The Wishing Tree Joby Talbot 4. Lullabye (Goodnight my Angel) Billy Joel 5. Blue Skies Irving Berlin 6. After the Goldrush Neil Young

Classic FM Magazine


Track Listing

Signum Records present a special CD release from The King’s Singers, celebrating over 35 years of popular repertoire that has left audiences delighted across the globe. Perennial favorites - Neil Young’s After the Goldrush, Irving Berlin’s much loved jazz classic Blue Skies and the Beatles’ Blackbird - are perfectly balanced with diverse new additions to the songbook, drawn from the world of madrigals, spirituals and pop. Includes works by: Neil Young, John Lennon/Paul McCartney, Billy Joel, Irving Berlin & Joby Talbot.

CHORAL




46

Singing of rare distinction, outstanding in its tonal blend of controlled vibrato. Sound - HHHHH

Performance - HHHHH

Landscape & Time

1. The Seasons of his Mercies 2. Scenes in America Deserta 3. Taaveti laulud: Taaveti laul 22 4. Taaveti laulud: Ônnis on inimene 5. Taaveti laulud: Taaveti laul 141 6. Taaveti laulud: Taaveti laul 121 7. Remebered Love 8. House of Winter 9. Rakastava 10. Esti Dal 11. Even Such is Time

BBC Music Magazine


Track Listing

We are all shaped, perhaps unconsciously, by the landscape and time in which we live. This evocative and spiritual programme, which contains five King’s Singers commissions, explores the links between human life and its surroundings through the differing personal languages of poets and composers. Includes works by Rodney Bennet, McCabe, Kreek, Hill, Maxwell Davies, Sibelius, Kodaly & Chilcott.

CHORAL




47

This is a serious project, which, like the plotters themselves, has been skillfully executed. Strongly recommended

1605: Treason and Dischord

1. George Whitehead’s Almand 2. Kyrie from Mass for 4 Voices 3. A Fancie 4. Gloria from Mass for 4 Voices 5. Ardens est cor meum 6. Civitas sancti tui 7. Ave Maria gratia plena 8. Credo from Mass for 4 voices 9. Sir Henry Umpton’s Funeral 10. O Lord how joyful is the King 11. From Virgin’s womb/ Rejoice, rejoice 12. M. Bucton’s Galliard 13. Sanctus/Benedictus from Mass for 4 Voices 14. Master Tresham: His Ducke 15. Agnus Dei from Mass for 4 Voices



Track Listing

Using William Byrd’s exemplary 4-part Mass as a basis, The King’s Singers mark the 400 years since the gunpowder plot with this exploration of the Catholic and Protestant sacred music of the time; Featuring the viol group Concordia and a commission by British composer Francis Pott.

CHORAL

The King’s Singers & Concordia



48

An intriguing disc, and far more than a curiosity

Sacred Bridges

1. Psalm 124 2. Psalm 9 3. Psalm 6 4. Psalm 6 5. Psalm 113 6. Psalm 118 7. Psalm 2 8. Psalm 7 9. Psalm 2 10. Psalm 2 11. Psalm 5 12. Psalm 128

Early Music Review


Track Listing

The radiant voices of the King’s Singers and the exotic sounds of Sarband unite in a celebration of the rich connections between Orient and Occident. Jews, Christians and Muslims sing and listen to the same songs of lament and joy, confessions of sin, hymns of praise and adoration. In this project between the King’s Singers and Sarband, psalm settings by composers from three religions give an example of how psalms can be a source of spirituality, a political instrument, a link between tradition and modernity and, above all, a bridge connecting human beings

CHORAL

The King’s Singers & Sarband



49

Most notable here are the choir’s impeccable tuning and Allwood’s sensitive balancing of a choral texture that, in places, moves into no fewer that 16 parts.

Choral Arrangements by Clytus Gottwald

1. Die zwei blauen Augen 2. Soupir 3. Das pas sur la neige 4—5. Zwei Studien zu Tristan & Isolde 6—9. Vier Lieder 10. Les Angélus 11—14. Vier frühe Lieder: Tief von fern 15—17. Pieces from Sieben frühe Lieder 18—20. Trois Fragments du Miroir de Jésus 21. Oh! mi babbino caro 22. Soupir 23. Ich bin der Welt abhanden gekommenelt

The Gramophone


Track Listing

Choral director, composer and musicologist, Clytus Gottwald turns his attention to complex and masterly choral arrangements of works from the late nineteenth and early twentieth century. Works by European composers including Wagner, Mahler, Debussy and Webern are arranged in up to sixteen parts, performed by the Rodolfus Choir, directed by Ralph Allwood.

CHORAL

The Rodolfus Choir, Dir. Ralph Allwood



50

“... youthful singers, who sing with the sensitivity and precision you would expect of the next generation of choral scholars. They give some lovely accounts in this interesting collection...”

Choral Music by Herbert Howells

1. The Summer is Coming2. Sweetest of Sweets3. Sing Lullaby4. One Thing Have I Desired 5. A Spotless Rose6. Antiphon 7. Walking in the Snow 8. A Grace for 10 Downing Street9. Here is the Little Door10. God be in my head11. Long, Long ago 12. Te Deum (Collegium Regale)13. Jubilate (Collegium Regale) 14. Magnificat (Dallas Canticles)15. Nunc Dimittis (Dallas Canticles)16. A Hymn for St Cecilia

The Observer, May 2010


Track Listing

A true master and exponent of the British choral music tradition, Herbert Howells’ compositions and settings are brought to life in this collection of his secular and sacred works. Performances come from the youthful talents of The Rodlofus Choir, led by their director Ralph Allwood.

CHORAL

The Rodolfus Choir, Dir. Ralph Allwood



51

Their precision is awesome, their technique impeccable

Beauty and the Beatbox

1. A fifth of Beethoven 2. Spain 3. Dido’s Lament 4. It’s Sand, Man! 5. Adagio in G Minor 6. Bolero 7. Cielto Lindo 8. Straighten up & Fly Right 9. Piano Concerto No.21, 2nd mvt 10. Gotcha 11. Bachbeat

Classic FM Magazine


Track Listing

With a stunning selection of brand new arrangements, the Swingles’ return to disc promises some of their best and most memorable performances to date on this studio album. The warm, beautiful tone and precision of the groups voices are combined with a modern edge; with vocal percussion and beatboxing featuring guest performances from Shlomo, the world renowned beatboxer, and the Vocal Orchestra.

CHORAL

The Swingle Singers



52

... bring their distinctively intimate style to a surprisingly wide selection of songs for Christmas ... quality of these vocal arrangements here is splendid ... A wonderful record, for home listening in intimate surroundings

…unwrapped

1. Concerto Grosso Op.6No.8 (Christmas Concerto) 2. In the Bleak Midwinter 3. Christmas Song 4. River 5. Walking in the air 6. Let it snow! Let it snow! Let it Snow! 7. O Tannenbaum 8. Rockin’ aroun the Christmas Tree 9. Santa Baby 10. Away in a Manger 11. Carol of the Drum 12. Amazing Grace 13. Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer 14. Last Christmas 15. Happy Christmas (War is Over) 16. Hotaru no Kikari



Track Listing

What defines The Swingle Singers is not the personnel, nor even the choice of music, but their intimate, close microphone, quasi-instrumental sound. Unwrapped is a real festive treat that will help to make Christmas an even more special occasion, Swingles-style.

CHORAL

The Swingle Singers



53

a stunning display of beautifully measured and controlled a cappella singing ... it reaches the very heart of these deeply moving works

Requiem Aeternam

1. Requiem (1935): Salvator Mundi 2. Requiem (1935): Psalm 23 3. Requiem (1935): Requiem aeternam (I) 4. Requiem (1935): Psalm 121 5. Requiem (1935): Requiem aeternam (II) 6. Requiem (1935): I heard a voice from heaven 7. Motet (1964): Take him, earth for cherishing 8. Mass (1922/6): Kyrie eleison 9. Mass (1922/6): Gloria 10. Mass (1922/6): Credo 11. Mass (1922/6): Sanctus 12. Mass (1922/6): Agnus Dei\

The Gramophone


Track Listing

A deeply intimate recording of personal and moving works by Herbert Howells and Frank Martin. Howells: Requiem (1935) and the motet, Take him, earth, for cherishing Martin: Mass (1922/6)

CHORAL

The Vasari Singers, Dir. Jeremy Backhouse



54

Choral artistry, it comes as no surprise, is exceptional – this has always been a first-class outfit – and there’s new music worth hearing as well

Anthems for the 21st Century

1. Bless the Lord, O my Soul 2. Absolon, my Son 3. Angel Song II 4. Mysterium, Christi 5. Hear My Crying, O God 6. When I see on Rood 7. Now I have Known,O Lord 8. Chosen 9. I saw him Standing 10. On Another’s Sorrow 11. Peace 12. Give us this Day

American Record Guide


Track Listing

10 compositions specially commissioned by the Vasari Singers to mark their 25th anniversary and to mark the new millennium. Works are by Dove, Rathbone, Todd, Filsell, Clucas, Barlow, Jackson, MacMillan, Moore and Blackford.

CHORAL




55

The performances are excellent, as is the recording

Will Todd: Mass in Blue

1. Mass in Blue (jazz mass) Op.28: Kyrie 2. Mass in Blue (jazz mass) Op.28: Gloria 3. Mass in Blue (jazz mass) Op.28: Credo 4. Mass in Blue (jazz mass) Op.28: Sanctus 5. Mass in Blue (jazz mass) Op.28: Benedictus 6. Mass in Blue (jazz mass) Op.28: Agnus Dei 7. Christus est stella 8. The Christ-Child 9. Ave verum corpus 10. None other Lamb 11. The Rose 12. Lead me Lord 13. Lighting the Way 14. Every stone shall cry

Musical Opinion


Track Listing

Leading young composer Will Todd and the Vasari Singers perform a unique fusion of sacred choral music and jazz in his Mass in Blue. Complemented by beautiful musical settings of religious texts, this programme brings Todd’s love of choral music into the 21st Century with spiritual sensitivity and a contemporary edge.

CHORAL




56

What a talented young group they are

Aces High

1. Goldeneye 2. Slap that Bass 3. What a Difference a Day Makes 4. Good Vibrations 5. Dream a Little Dream of Me 6. Feeling Good 7. Anything Goes 8. From Russia with Love 9. Cloudy 10. Losing my Mind 11. Mack the Knife 12. Love of my Life 13. For Your Eyes Only / You Only Live Twice 14. Thunderball 15. Smooth Criminal 16. Nobody Does it Better

John Rutter


Track Listing

Voces8 are an award-winning a cappella vocal ensemble from the UK, which has entertained audiences across Europe and been praised for their ‘stunning performance’, ‘exquisite singing’ and ‘a sound that spans the entire range of vocal colour’. Aces High is a scintillating collection of Voces8’s unique interpretations of jazz and pop favourites and theme tunes from the legendary James Bond movies. A new release from a very British vocal ensemble!

CHORAL

VOCES8



57

The Crucifixion is a work of its time, but a performance as good as this one shows that its expressive quality is timeless

Stainer: Crucifixion

1. And They Came To A Place Named Gethsemane 2. The Agony 3. Processional To Calvary 4. And When They Were Come 5. The Mystery Of The Divine Humiliation 6. He Made Himself Of No Reputation 7. The Majesty Of The Divine Humiliation 8. And As Moses Lifted Up The Serpent 9. God So Loved The World 10. Litany Of The Passion 11. Jesus Said, ‘Father, Forgive Them’ 12. So Thou Liftest Thy

Divine Petition 13. The Mystery Of The Intercession 14. And One Of The Malefactors 15. The Adoration Of The Crucified 16. When Jesus Therefore Saw His Mother 17. Is It Nothing To You? 18. The Appeal Of The Crucified 19. After This, Jesus Knowing That All Things Were Now Accomplished 20. For The Love Of Jesus

The Daily Telegraph


Track Listing

Founded in 1836, the Huddersfield Choral Society has long been a major part of the town’s vibrant musical tradition. Under a succession of distinguished principal condutors and chorus masters it has developed an international reputation as the UK’s leading choral society. Although enjoying a close working relationship with any leading professional orchestras and conductors, the Society is a independent and self-governing amateur choir, drawing talented singers from a wide area across Yokshire and the north of England.

CHORAL—ORGAN

Huddersfield Choral SocietyAndrew Kennedy, Neal Davies & Darius Battiwalla



58

I wholeheartedly recommend this recording of The Cloud of Unknowing, an interesting and powerful response to the wars and atrocities of the past five years ... I was immediately won over by his 80 minute work ... A riveting and outstanding performance and excellent recording

The Cloud of Unknowing

Disc 1 1. Prologue (organ solo) 2. There where the sun first dwelt 3. Lord, thou hast been our refuge 4. Now, as though God were sighing 5. There where the sun first dwelt (reprise) 6. I was in the spirit on the Lord’s day 7. And there went out another horse that was red 8. The cities that are burnt and consumed from the earth 9. For a nation is come up

10. All faces shall gather blackness 11. They that hate me without a cause 12. Divided sons, fight on 13. Behold a pale horse 14. Blessed be he that taketh their children 15. Dark earth, dark heavens ... 16. Yesterday I was at work teaching Christ to lift his cross 17. The Lord is my shepherd

Organist’s Review


Track Listing

Following its successful premiere performance in 2007, Francis Pott’s highly anticipated recording of The Cloud of Unknowing is likely to be musical milestone and a choral great. Drawing together a variety of texts and musical influences, Pott weaves together a deep and emotional work with an ethos reminiscent of Michael Tippett’s ‘War Oratorio’.

CHORAL—ORGAN

The Vasari SingersJames Gilchrist & Jeremy Filsell



59

The viola da gamba sound is carefully nuanced, and Laurence Cummings’s beautifully recorded harpsichord is exuberant ...You’ll find yourself singing along.

J.S. Bach: Sonatas for Viola da Gamba: & Preludes and Fugues from the Well

Tempered Clavier

1. Sonata in G major, BWV 1027: Adagio 2. Sonata in G major, BWV 1027: Allegro ma non tanto 3. Sonata in G major, BWV 1027: Andante 4. Sonata in G major, BWV 1027: Allegro moderato 5. Prelude & Fugue in G major, BWV 860: Prelude 6. Prelude & Fugue in G major, BWV 860: Fugue 7. Sonata in D major, BWV 1028: (Adagio) 8. Sonata in D major, BWV 1028: (Allegro) 9. Sonata in D major, BWV 1028: Andante 10. Sonata in D major,

BWV 1028: Allegro 11. Prelude & Fugue in D major, BWV 850: Prelude 12. Prelude & Fugue in D major, BWV 850: Fugue 13. Sonata in G minor, BWV 1029: Vivace 14. Sonata in G minor, BWV 1029: Adagio 15. Sonata in G minor, BWV 1029: Allegro 16. Prelude & Fugue in G minor BWV 861: Prelude 17. Prelude & Fugue in G minor BWV 861: Fugue

Fanfare


Track Listing

Sonatas G major BWV 1027 D major BWV 1028 G minor BWV 1029 Preludes and Fugues G major BWV 850 D major BWV 860 G minor BWV 861

EARLY MUSIC

Alison Crum & Laurence Cummings



60

Throughout the recording is excellent, with good presence and a satisfying surround. Further discs are awaited with eager anticipation, and to anyone interested in this period of English music, or those wanting to acquire knowledge of the same, this disc is a must. Wholeheartedly recommended.

Thomas Tallis: The Complete Works 1: Music for Henry VIII

1. Ave Dei patris filia 2. Ave rosa sine spinis 3. Alleluia: Ora pro nobis 4. Euge celi porta 5. Kyrie: Deus creator 6. Mass: Salve intermerata 7. Salve intermerata

MusicWeb.co.uk


Track Listing

The two early votive antiphons Ave Dei and Ave Rosa open this disc and it concludes with one of Tallis’s masterpieces Salve Intermerata. Also included are two beautiful miniatures: Alleluia: Ora pro nobis and Euge celi porta. Featured in the Penguin Guide to Compact Discs.

EARLY MUSIC

Chapelle du Roi



61

The high standard of singing and interpretation is continued throughout these pieces, and together with the most informative booklet this is a document to be treasured

Thomas Tallis: The Complete Works 2: Music at the Reformation

1. Magnificat 2. Nunc dimittis 3. Sancte Deus 4. Conditor Kyrie 5. Mass for four voices 7. Remember not, O Lord God 8. Hear the voice and prayer 9. If ye love me 10. A new commandment 11. Benedictus 12. Te Deum for meanes

MusicWeb.co.uk


Track Listing

This disc includes the Jesus antiphon Sancte Deus, the mass for four voices, the three early English anthems including If ye love me, the Te Deum for meanes and the Elizabethan Magnificat and Nunc dimittis. Featured in the Penguin Guide to Compact Discs.

EARLY MUSIC

Chapelle du Roi



62

The recording is of the same truthful and warm sound as the previous ones in this series. This is a series well worth investigating and collecting. It adds joyfully to our knowledge of this period of English polyphony.

Thomas Tallis: The Complete Works 3: Music for the Queen Mary

1. Beati immaculate 2. Introit Puer natus est nobis 3. Kyrie Deus Creator, Mass Puer natus est nobis 4. Gloria 5. Gradual - Viderunt omnes 6. Alleluia Dies sanctificatus 7. Sequence Celeste organum 8. Sanctus 9. Bendictus 10. Agnus dei 11. Communion Viderunt omnes 12. Suscipe quaeso 13. Gaude gloriosa

MusicWeb.co.uk


Track Listing

Repertoire includes: the cyclic mass Puer natus est nobis, the psalm-motet Beati immaculati, the occasional motet Suscipe quaeso and the gigantic votive antiphon Gaude gloriosa Dei mater.

EARLY MUSIC

Chapelle du Roi



63

The six part texture lends a richness and dignity that the singers of Chapelle du Roi relish

Music for Philip of Spain

1. Dicite in magni 2. Domine ostende 3. Nimphes nappes 4. Requiem: Introit 5. Requiem: Kyrie 6. Requiem: Gradual 7. Gradual 8. Tract 9. Requiem: Offertory 10. Requiem: Sanctus 11. Versa est in luctum 12. Requiem: Benedictus 13. Requiem: Agnus Dei 14. Requiem: Communion 15. Dismissal 16. Libera me

MusicWeb.co.uk


Track Listing

This disc presents works that were directed to Phillip II of Spain during his reign and at his death in 1598. It includes the ‘Missa pro defunctis’ by Richafort in full, interrupted by Guerro’s ‘Gradual and Tract’.

EARLY MUSIC

Chapelle du Roi



64

… some beautiful instrumental work

Thomas Tallis: The Complete Works 4: Music for the Divine Office I

1. Hodie nobis caelorum 2. Salvator mundi 3. Quod chorus vatum 4. Videte miraculum 5. In pace in idipsum 6. Dum transisset sabbatum 7. Jesu salvator saeculi 8. Sermone blando 9. Jam Christus astra ascenderat 10. Loquebantur variis linguis 11. Magnificat

MusicWeb.co.uk


Track Listing

Tallis as composer for the Divine Office, the cycle of eight services known collectively as the Canonical Hours. Included are the responsories: Dum transisset sabbatum and Loquebantur variis linguis.

EARLY MUSIC

Chapelle du Roi



65

The quality of the recording employs the generous acoustic of St Jude’s, Hampstead to good effect ... Overall there is a feeling of tremendously relaxed solemnity that would almost certainly have suited the style of His Late Majesty

Thomas Tallis: The Complete Works 5: Music for the Divine Office II

1. Audivi vocem de coelo 2. Candidi facti sunt 3. Honor virtus et potestas 4. Homo quidam fecit coenam 5. Te lucis ante terminum (ferial) 6. Te lucis ante terminum (festal) 7. Natus est nobis hodie 8. Veni redemptor gentium 9. Jam lucis orto sidere 10. Ecce tempus idoneum 11. Ex more docti mistico 12. Clarifica me pater 13. Clarifica me pater (II) 14. Clarifica me pater (III) 15. Gloria tibi trinitas 16. Iste confessor 17. Alleluia: per te Dei genitrix 18. Felix namque (II)

MusicWeb.co.uk


Track Listing

More choral hymns and responsories from the Divine Office; continuing with liturgical organ music, 5 hymns and 3 antiphons for the Divine Office, an Alleluia for the Lady Mass and an extended setting of the offertory Felix Namque.

EARLY MUSIC

Chapelle du Roi



66

the performances are faultless and the recorded balance ideal. I find it impossible to criticise the singers.

Francisco Guerrero: Music for Vespers and the Requiem

1. Dixit Dominus 2. Confitebor tibi, Domine 3. Beatus vir 4. Laudete pueri Dominum 5. Laudate Dominum 6. Christe redemptor omnium 7. Magnificat 8. O Domine Jesu Christe 9. Requiem: Introit 10. Requiem: Kyrie 11. Requiem: Gradual 12. Requiem: Tract II 13. Requiem: Offertory 14. Requiem: Sanctus 15. Requiem: Benedictus 16. Requiem: Agnus Dei 17. Requiem: Communion I 18. Requiem: Communion

II 19. Requiem: Dismissal 20. Requiem: Tract I

MusicWeb.co.uk


Track Listing

16th Century music to commemorate the 400th anniversary of the death of Franciso Guerrero in 1599, one of the most popular yet often overlooked composers of the late 16th Century. Includes his Vespers for All Saints and Missa Pro Defuntis.

EARLY MUSIC

Chapelle du Roi



67

Chapelle du Roi (14- strong here) sings with clarity, purpose and (as in Morales’s Jubilate Deo) real passion.

Music for Charles V

1. Cantus, L’homme arme 2. Missa, L’homme arme: Introit, Benedictus sit sancta 3. Missa, L’homme arme: Kyrie 4. Missa, L’homme arme: Gloria 5. Missa, L’homme arme: Credo 6. Missa, L’homme arme: Alleluia, Qualis pater 7. Missa, L’homme arme: Offertory, benedictus sit Deus 8. Missa, L’homme arme: Sanctus 9. Missa, L’homme arme: Benedictus 10. Missa, L’homme arme: Agnus Dei 11. Missa, L’homme arme: Communion, Benedictus Deum 12. Ave Maria 13. Qui colis Ausoniam 14. Jubilate Deo 15. Andreas Christi famulus 16. Heroum soboles 17. Parce mihi Domine



Track Listing

Works by Josquin des Pres, Gombert, Crequillon and Lassus spanning the life and reign of the most powerful man in 16th Century Europe, with Cristobal Morales’s ‘Missa L’homme arme’ and Don Fernando de las Infantas’s setting of ‘Parce Mihi Domine’ written to mark the Emperor’s death in 1558.

EARLY MUSIC

Chapelle du Roi



68

The performance has great precision as well as atmosphere

Thomas Tallis: The Complete Works 6: Music for a Reformed Church

1. Christ rising again from the dead 2. Preces (1st set) 3. Venite 4. Te Deum 5. Benedictus 6. Responsories and collects for Easter Matins 7. Commandments 8. Credo 9. Offertory sentence 10. Sanctus 11. Gloria 12. Preces (2nd set) 13. Wherewithal shall a young man 14. O do well unto thy servant 15. My soul cleaveth to

the dust 16. Magnificat 17. Nunc dimittis 18. Responses and collects for Christmas Eve Evensong 19. O Lord give thy Holy Spirit 20. Purge me, O Lord 21. Verily, verily I say unto you 22. Remember not, O Lord God [33 Tracks]

Organist’s Review


Track Listing

Music used during the reformed services announced in ‘The booke of the common prayer’ from 1549. The Intonations and Collects (for Easter Day at Mattins and for Christmas Eve) and tunes for Archbishop Parker’s Psalter.

EARLY MUSIC

Chapelle du Roi



69

This is an ambitious and commendable project and it’s nice to see it (and hear it) done with such care and competence

Thomas Tallis: The Complete Works 7: Music for Queen Elizabeth

1. Salvator mundi I 2. O sacrum convivum 3. in manus tuas 4. O nata lux de lumine 5. Absterge Domine 6. Discomfort them O Lord 7. Domine, quis habitabit 8. Laudate Dominum 9. Miserere nostri 10. Salvator mundi II 11. Mihi autem nimis 12. O salutaris hostia 13. In ieiunio et fletu (low) 14. In ieiunio et fletu (high) 15. Derelinquit impius 16. Spem in alium

ClassicsToday.com


Track Listing

This recording presents Tallis’s Elizabethan Latin motets (which number fifteen), concluding with the mighty occasional piece, the forty-voice motet Spem in Alium.

EARLY MUSIC

Chapelle du Roi



70

this is another excellent effort — again enhanced by well-designed packaging and informative notes — that Tallis fans shouldn’t hesitate to add to their collections

Thomas Tallis: The Complete Works 8: Lamentations and Contrafacta

1. Lamentations of Jeremiah I 2. Lamentations of Jeremiah II 3. Wipe away my sins 4. Forgive me, Lord, my sin 5. Blessed are those that be undefiled 6. Arise, O Lord, and hear 7. With all our hearts 8. I call and cry to thee 9. O sacred and holy banquet 10. When Jesus went into Simon the Pharisee’s house 11. Blessed be thy name 12. O Praise the Lord II 13. Sing and glorify heaven’s high majesty

ClassicsToday.com


Track Listing

This volume brings together Tallis’s two fine settings of the Lamentations of Jeremiah and English adaptations of several of his best-known Latin motets, including Sing & Glorify.

EARLY MUSIC

Chapelle du Roi



71

a fine recording...- beautifully captured in the wide open spaces of All Hallows church in Gospel Oak in North London

Spem in Alium

1. Spem in alium 2. Sing & Glorify

BBC Radio 3


Track Listing

This CD Single from a new edition of the magnificent 40-part Thomas Tallis motet, “Spem in Alium”, is performed alongside the adapted English version “Sing and Glorify” by Chapelle du Roi.

EARLY MUSIC

Chapelle du Roi



72

Don’t do the sensible thing and buy just one or two of these CDs. Buy the box and give yourself a treasure-trove that can only get richer with time.

The Complete works of Tallis

Vol. 1: Music for Henry VIII

Vol. 2: Music at the Reformation

Vol. 3: Music for the Queen Mary

Vol. 4: Music for the Divine Office I

Vol. 5: Music for the Divine Office II

Vol. 6: Music for a Reformed Church

Vol. 7: Music for Queen Elizabeth

Vol. 8: Lamentations and Contrafacta

Vol. 9: Instrumental & Secular Music (2CD)

The Times

9 CDsCatalogue Code: SIGCD060Barcode: 635212006023

Box Set Contents

The culmination of nearly 10 years meticulous research, planning and performance, over ten hours of music have been divided into these nine self- contained programmes. By following a broadly chronological theme the repertoire has divided itself up very obligingly. The collection is presented in a celebration box set with an accompanying booklet to the series.

EARLY MUSIC

Chapelle du Roi



73

… this recording is a vital part of our understanding of Tallis’s music. It allows us to see a side of the composer that is not normally understood.

Thomas Tallis: The complete Works 9: Instrumental and Secular Music

Disc 1 1—2. In nomine I 3. A Solfing Song 4. Salvator Mundi (trio) 5. Fantasia 6—7. Felix namque 8. When shall my sorrowful sighing slack 9. Like as the doleful dove 10. O ye tender babes 11. Purge me, O Lord 12. Per haec nos 13. A Point 14. Lesson: two partes in one 15. Remember not. O Lord God 16. Per haec nos 17. A Point

18. Lesson: two partes in one 19. Tu nimirum 20. When shall my sorrowful sighing slack 21. Like as the doleful dove 22. O ye tender babes 23. Ye sacred Muses Disc 2 1. Litany 2. Verset I 3. Verset II 4. Felix namque I4

MusicWeb.co.uk


Track Listing

Instrumental and secular music, as well as songs and music for viol consort and virginals. The tour de force on this 2 CD set is Lynda Sayce’s performance of the great Felix Namque lute transcription - probably the most difficult piece ever written in the lute repertoire.

EARLY MUSIC

Chapelle du Roi & Charivari Agréable



74

The entire texture takes on a density that hasn’t been heard in these works before, and the very precise, lively lines forged by keyboardist and director Kah-Ming Ng make the music into something kaleidoscopic instead of shapeless

Giuseppe Torelli: The Original Brandenburg Concertos

1. Concerto No. 1 in G major: Presto—Adagio 2. Concerto No. 1 in G major: Allegro 3. Concerto No. 1 in G major: Adagio 4. Concerto No. 1 in G major: Allegro 5. Concerto No. 2 in E minor; arr. K-M Ng: Allegro 6. Concerto No. 2 in E minor; arr. K-M Ng: Adagio 7. Concerto No. 2 in E minor; arr. K-M Ng: Presto 8. Concerto No. 3 in B minor; arr. K-M Ng: Allegro 9. Concerto No. 3 in B minor; arr. K-M Ng: Adagio 10. Concerto No. 3 in B

minor; arr. K-M Ng: Allegro 11. Concerto No. 4 in D major: Adagio 12. Concerto No. 4 in D major: Allegro 13. Concerto No. 4 in D major: Adagio 14. Concerto No. 4 in D major: Allegro 15. Concerto No. 5 in G minor; arr. K-M Ng: Presto 16. Concerto No. 5 in G minor; arr. K-M Ng: Presto—Agadio 17. Concerto No. 5 in G minor; arr. K-M Ng: Allegro [43 Tracks]

All Music Guide


Track Listing

Giuseppe Torelli was one of the most important composers of the Italian Baroque, being among the developers of the Baroque concerto and Concerto Grosso. This disc marks the tercentenary of his death with a selection of Torelli’s concertos written for his employer, George Friedrich II, the Margrave of Brandenburg-Ansbach. Continuing their extensive catalogue with Signum Classics Charivari Agréable, under the direction of Kah-Ming Ng, is one of the most versatile Early Music groups around. The ensemble specialises in the ingenious use of period instruments to produce “ravishing sonorities and full-bodied textures” (Gramophone Magazine).

EARLY MUSIC

Charivari Agréable



75

Highly recommended

Music for Philip of Spain and His Four Wives

1. Recercada Ottava 2. Recercada Quarta 3. Descante sobre un punto 4. Recercada Primera 5. Diferencias sobre Guardame las vacas 6. Ave Maristela 7. Aria 8. Aria 9. O bella 10. Doulce memoire 11. Diferncias sobre canto der Cavellero 12. Con pavor recordo el moro 13. Diferencias sobre las vacas 14. Gracias al cielo doy

15. Susane un jur 16. Sospirastes Baldovinos 17. Falai, mina amor 18. Vuestros ojos 19. Fantasia 20. Al amor quiero vencer 21. Sempre me fingo 22. Madonna mia fa 23. A Soldiers Resolution 24. Spanish Pavan 25. Spanish Pavinge 26. Ayre 27. 29e et 30e Fantasies sur Une jeaune fillette 28. Une jeune fillette 29. Recercada Segunda

Early Music Review


Track Listing

This disc features 16th and 17th Century music associated with Philip II from the four European countries of his wives: Portugal, England, Austria and France. Composers include: Milán, de Cabezón and Oritz.

EARLY MUSIC

Charivari Agréable



76

A sunny disposition enhanced by an excellent recorded sound

Two upon a Ground

1. Division in A 2. Division in F 3. Voluntary 4. Division in F 5. Division in C 6. Division in C 7. La pompe funebre 8. Fantazia 9. Courant 10. Division in G 11. Sonata solo in G 12. Loves farewell 13. Suite in g: Pavan 14. Suite in g: Ayre 1 15. Suite in g: Ayre 2 16. Prelude 17. What if a Day 18. Worster brawls 19. Pavan

20. Two in one upon a Ground 21. Division in A

The Gramophone


Track Listing

Virtuosic duets and divisions (an unusual but primarily English approach to variations) for two viols. Includes works by: Tomkins, Locke, Hume, Lawes and Purcell.

EARLY MUSIC

Charivari Agréable



77

Stunning and compulsive listening

Jupiter: The Music of Jean-Baptiste Forqueray

1. Premier Divertissement: Jupiter 2. Premier Divertissement: La Silva 3. Premier Divertissement: Chacoone La Buisson 4. Deuxieme Divertissement: La Bouron 5. Deuxieme Divertissement: La Dubreuil 6. Deuxieme Divertissement: La Leclair 7. Troisieme Divertissement: La Clement 8. Troisieme Divertissement: Sarabande 9. Troisieme Divertissement: La Sainscy 10. Quatrieme Divertissement: La Angrave 11. Quatrieme Divertissement: La Cottin 12. Quatrieme Divertissement: La Tronchin 13. Quatrieme Divertissement: La Du Vaucel 14. Quatrieme Divertissement: Chaconne La Morangis ou la Plissay

Early Music News


Track Listing

Music by Jean-Baptiste Forqueray (1699-1782), the greatest violist of his generation. Orchestral transcriptions and music extracts from his Pieces de viole (Paris 1747).

EARLY MUSIC

Charivari Agréable



78

an inspired concept... outstanding in every respect

The Fitzwilliam Virginal Book: Transcriptions for a mixed consort

1. Walsingham 2. Loth to depart 3. O Mystress Myne 4. Lord Zouches Maske 5. Ut re mi fa sol la 6. Pavana 7. Galiarda 8. Daphne 9. Up Tails All 10. The Leaves bee greene 11. The Fall of the Leafe 12. The King’s Hunt 13. The Lord of Salisbury his Pavan 14. Rowland 15. Alman 16. Praeludium Toccata 17. Amarilli di Julio Romano 18. Gipseis Round

BBC Music Magazine


Track Listing

Transcriptions for a mixed consort from the manuscript compiled by Francis Tregian the Younger in the early 17th Century. Composers represented include: Byrd, Farnaby, Morley, Bull, Gibbons and Philips.

EARLY MUSIC

Charivari Agréable



79

CD of the Year 2000

Sacred Songs of Sorrow

1. Dum tot carminibys 2. Grablied Symphonia 3. Lamentatio Prima du Jeudi Saint 4. Symphonia 5. Herzen- und Trostspruch: Herr Jesu Christ 6. Symphonia 7. Es was aber an der Statte, da er gekreuziget ward” O Traurigkeit, O Herzeleid 8. Drifache Fuga 9. Ach, Dass ich Wasswes g’nug hatte 10. Trost-Klang: Lamento 11. De funere ad vitam: Alleluia 12. Sonata a tre viol da gamba 13. Ciaconi



Track Listing

On this disc of Sacred songs from Protestant Germany, Charivari Agreable is joined by the distinguished tenor, Rodrigo del Pozo. Includes works by: Kindermann, Schedlich, J.C. Bach, Fischer and Nicolai.

EARLY MUSIC

Charivari Agréable



80

a delightful disc, and a treasure trove of pieces that are very rarely heard.’ Sound 5/5

The Queen’s Goodnight

1. A Dump or the Queenes Treble 2. A Pavion solus com sola 3. Robin is to the Greenwood Gone 4. A Medley 5. Allison’s Knell 6. Artheres Dump 7. Twenty Waies upon the bels 8. The Queenes Good Night 9. The most sacred Queene Elizabeth her Galliard 10. Rest 11. Lamentations 12. The Bells 13. Deth 14. Life 15. Fantasia 16. Whoope, doe me no harme good man 17. The new hunt is upp 18. The Scottish Huntsupe & Jigg

BBC Music Magazine


Track Listing

For the 400th anniversary of her death in 1603, The Queen’s Goodnight commemorates the music of the court of Queen Elizabeth I. Includes works by: Johnson, Dowland, Robinson, Farnaby, Hume, Byrd, and Gibbons.

EARLY MUSIC

Charivari Agréable



81

the quality of the music and performances is superb.

Music for Gainsborough by his contemporaries

1—3. Sonata no. 1 in G major 4. Trust me wou’d you taste true pleasure 5. “In diesen heil’gen Hallen” 6. I will never vow truth at the feet fair 7. Vivace 8. If thy too cruel bow be bent 9. Fantasie 10. Windsor Forest 11. Allegro 12. The Lass of Peatie’s Mill 13. Hornpipe 14. Menuet I & II 15. Andante from Sonata Op. 13/2 16—17. Sonata Op. 17/5 in A major 18. Adagio fom Sonata I 19. Ah could you possibly know 20—23. Sonata in G major WKO 147



Track Listing

Music from the life and times of the 18th Century artist Thomas Gainsborough (1727 - 1788) by J.C. Bach, Giardini, Linley and Straube.

EARLY MUSIC

Charivari Agréable



82

if you enjoy baroque music or indeed any early music, this disc is worth investigating

The Sultan and the Phoenix

1. La Piemontoise 2. Pavanne in F sharp minor 3. Fantasie pour les Violes 4. 2e Fantaisie a 5 5. Le Phenix, Concerto in D major: Allegro 6. Le Phenix, Concerto in D major: Adagio 7. Le Phenix, Concerto in D major: Allegro 8. Les baricades misterieuses 9. Recit 10. La Sultane 11. La Cheron 12. La Madin 13. La Casaubon 14. Sonate en quatour in

B minor 15. Chaconne, from the final act of Alcione

MusicWeb.co.uk


Track Listing

Masterpieces and rare gems from the Couperin family (Louis, Francois le Grand and Armand-Louis) and their contemporaries from the late 16th Century until the middle of the 19th Century. Other composers include: Corrette, Duphly, Dornel and Marais.

EARLY MUSIC

Charivari Agréable



83

Charivari Agréable’s playing is of the highest order both in these ensemble pieces and in the solos, including a charming rustic rondo by Ernst Christian Hesse, which complete this delightful programme.

Modus Phantasticus: Viol Music from 18th Century Germany

1. Erbarm dich 2. In Dir ist Freude 3. Feritevi, ferile 4. Suite in D major: Adagio 5. Suite in D major: (Allegro) 6. Suite in D major: Sarabande & Double 7. Suite in D major: Gigue 8. Sonata in B flat major 9. Ciaccona in F minor 10. Concerto for four violins: Grave 11. Concerto for four violins: Allegro 12. Concerto for four violins: Adagio 13. Concerto for four violins: Spirituoso

14. Paysan en Rondeau 15. Sonata a 2 in E minor 16. Chaconne in G major 17. Das alte Jahr vergangen ist 18. Sonata op. 2/4 in A minor 19. Ciaconna in G major 20. Liebster Jesu, wir sind hier

The Telegraph


Track Listing

This recording follows the development of German viol repertoire and its English influences during the late 16th Century and the first half of the 17th Century. Featured composers include: J.S. Bach, Funck and Telemann.

EARLY MUSIC

Charivari Agréable



84

an outstanding disc... this is a recital to shaft any shadow

Harmonia Caelestis

1. Mascara 2. Ciaccona mosaica 3. Toccata 4. Sinfonia 5. Balletto 6. Sonata 7. Chiaccona 8. Canzon 9. Canzon l”amaltea 10. Sinfonia 11. Contraponto 12. Ballo alla Polacha 13. Diminuzioni 14. Bergamasca mosaica

BBC Music Magazine


Track Listing

Virtuosic 17th Century Italian instrumental music for the sensuous combination of cornett, violin and viol. Composers include: Pollarolo, Piccinini, Terzi and Bassano.

EARLY MUSIC

Charivari Agréable



85

I defy anyone to listen to the meltingly beautiful opening song by Juan Hidalgo and not immediately want to own the disc.

Esperar, Sentir, Morir

1. Esperar, sentir, morir 2. Quiero, y no saben que quiero 3. Espanoletas 4. Corazon, causateneis 5. Canten dos jilguerillos 6. Solo, triste y ausente 7. Differenzias sobre la gayta 8. Filis yo tengo 9. Ay, mi Dios! Que fuera de mi sin vos? 10. Chacona 11. Hazo, Anton 12. San Juan de Lima 13. Que se ausenta 14. Gilguerillo que el ayre 15. Tarambote para duas charamelinhas 16. Canarios



Track Listing

The treasures of the hispanic baroque revealed through imaginative interpretations of dances, villancicos and tonos humanos from Iberia and Latin America, featuring the Catalan soprano Clara Sanabras and the Chilean tenor Rodrigo del Pozo.

EARLY MUSIC

Charivari Agréable



86

the sensuality of sound and luscious phrasing pull the listener into the recording … remarkable musical sensibilities

The Virtuoso Godfather

1. Concerto a Flauto traverso, Viola di gamba, Fagotto e Cembalo TWV 43: C2 - Grave 2. Concerto a Flauto traverso, Viola di gamba, Fagotto e Cembalo TWV 43: C2 - Allegro 3. Concerto a Flauto traverso, Viola di gamba, Fagotto e Cembalo TWV 43: C2 - Largo 4. Concerto a Flauto traverso, Viola di gamba, Fagotto e Cembalo TWV 43: C2 - Vivace 5. Trio a Flauto traversieur, Viola d’armour col Basso Continuo - Adagio 6. Trio a Flauto traversieur, Viola d’armour col Basso Continuo - Vivace 7. Trio a Flauto traversieur, Viola d’armour col Basso Continuo - Siciliana [25 Tracks]

Goldberg


Track Listing

Virtuosic chamber music by Georg Philip Telemann, the superstar composer of his time, and his godsons Kress and CPE Bach, for the beguilingly sensual combination of baroque flute, two viols and keyboard.

EARLY MUSIC

Charivari Agréable



87

The Psalms are sung here in true declamatory style, but without exaggeration. This disc is of historical importance and of great musical value

The Oxford Psalms

1. The Lamentation: O Lord, in thee 2. Psalm L1/2: Cast me not, Lord 3. In the beginning, O Lord 4. Blest be those sweet Regions 5. Miserere, from Parthenia in-violata 6. Psalm XVIII/1: O God my strength and fortitude 7. Psalm VI: Lord, in thy wrath 8. As on Euphrates’ shady banks 9. A Ground for ye Harpsichord 10. The First Set of Psalmes of III Voyces (Extracts) 11. Since God so tender 12. Divisions in F 13. Praise the Lord, O my soule 14. Blessed is he that considerith the poor 15. Voluntary 16. Let god arise 17. The humble suite of a sinner: O Lord, of whom... 18. Gloria Patri et Filio

MusicWeb International Records of the Year 2007


Track Listing

Oxford residents Charivari Agreable explore music a little closer to home, using William Lawes famous ‘Oxford’ Psalms as a starting point. This collection of 17th Century devotional anthems and motets also features works by other well known British composers such as William Child, John Blow and Henry Purcell.

EARLY MUSIC

Charivari Agréable



88

A fascinating and highly recommended CD of the Ode’s first performance in modern times, performed by King’s Singer Christopher Gabbitas and lutenist David Miller.”

The Mystery of Do-Re-Mi

1. Ode to Phyllis (Latin) 2. Ode to Phyllis (English) 3. Ut queant laxis

Musical Opinion


Track Listing

Do-Re-Mi’ is one of the most recognized musical phrases in the world, but new research suggests that it stems from a melody more than 2000 years old. Accompanying Stuart Lyon’s book of the same name, this EP explores the connections between Horatian music, Guido d’Arezzo and the discovery of Do-Re-Mi.

EARLY MUSIC

Christopher Gabbitas & David Miller



89

a sparkling display of virtuosic but balanced singing

Lassus

1. Lamentationes Jeremiae Prophetae - Primi Diei: Lamentatio Prima 2. Lamentationes Jeremiae Prophetae - Primi Diei: Lamentatio Secunda 3. Lamentationes Jeremiae Prophetae - Primi Diei: Lamentatio Tertia 4. Motet: In monte Oliveti 5. Tract: Absolve, Domine 6. Introitus: Requiem aeternam 7. Kyrie eleison 8. Graduale: Si ambulem 9. Offertorium: Domine Jesu Christe 10. Sanctus 11. Agnus Dei 12. Communio: Lux aeterna 13. Motet: Vide homo

BBC Music Magazine


Track Listing

During the last twenty years of his life, Orlande de Lassus was the most celebrated composer in Europe, known as ‘prince of musicians’ and ‘the divine Olrande’. The pieces selected for this recording represent Lassus’ treatment of the theme of death during the mature period. The first group considered the death of Christ and the second, the death of a christian.

EARLY MUSIC

Collegium Regale



90

An intense, radiant and beautifully controlled performance which few listeners should be able to resist

Piangete: Cantatas & Motets by Giacomo Carissimi

1. Motet, Cum reverteretur David 2. Motet, Benedictus Deus et Pater 3. Parte sopra lamonicha 4. Motet, Exulta, gaude, filia Sion 5. Toccata XI 6. Cantata, Va dimanda al mio pensiero 7. Prelude XI 8. Motet, O dulcissimum Mariae nomen 9. Cantata, Siam tre miseri piangenti 10. Toccata, Settima 11. Motet, Surrexit pastor bonus 12. Cantata, Ahi, non torna 13. Cantata, Piangete, ohime piangete 14. Prelude X 15. Cantata, Si dia bando, alla speranza 16. Motet, Omnes gentes gaudete cum victore

Early Music


Track Listing

Music for three ladies flourished in mid 19th Century Italy, but much of it has been unedited and forgotten until now. Writing in the early 17th Century, Carissimi developed an international reputation in his own lifetime and the decades following. Compositions by Frescobaldi and Kapsperger are also featured on this disc.

EARLY MUSIC

Concerto Delle Donne



91

Their voices blend beautifully, and they bring a sense of quiet joy to each note they sing

Music for the Virgin Mary

1. Prelude du cinquieme ton 2. Antiphon Ave Regina coelorum H.19 3. Motet Sicut spina rosam H.309 4. Motet Gaude felix Anna H.319 5. Tierce en taille du deuxieme ton 6. Antiphon Gabriel Angelus 7. Magnificat pour le Port Royal H.81 8. Antiphon Alma redemptoris mater H.21 9. Motet Frigidae noctis umbra totum H.421 10. In Nativitate Domini N(ost)ri Jesu Christi Canticum 11. Noel: Ou s’en vont ces gays bergers? 12. Antiphon Salve Regina 13. Recit de cromorne du troisieme ton 14. Sequence Stabat Mater pour les religieuses H.15 15. Dialogue a deux choeurs du sixieme ton 16. Antiphon Regina coeli laetare H.32

Early Music America


Track Listing

Marc-Antoine Charpentier’s works ranged from simple settings of hymns for solo voice to works of great complexity for double choir and double orchestra. Here, the focus is on the sacred works that Charpentier composed for two and three solo women’s voices. Other composers featured include Jean-Baptiste Lully and Guillaume-Gabriel Nivers.

EARLY MUSIC

Concerto Delle Donne



92

brilliant, singing violin tone ... this is mature if not sensational playing that brings the music to life

Antonio Vivaldi: Violin Sonatas 12 Sonatas, Op 2

1. Sonata no. 1: Preludio Andante 2. Sonata no. 1: Giga Allegro 3. Sonata no. 1: Sarabanda Largo 4. Sonata no. 1: Corrente Allegro 5. Sonata no. 2: Preludio a Capriccio Presto 6. Sonata no. 2: Presto 7. Sonata no. 2: Corrente Allegro 8. Sonata no. 2: Adagio 9. Sonata no. 2: Giga allegro 10. Sonata no. 3: Preludio Andante 11. Sonata no. 3: Corrente Allegro 12. Sonata no. 3: Adagio 13. Sonata no. 3: Giga Allegro 114. Sonata no. 4: Andante 15. Sonata no. 4: Allemanda Allegro 16. Sonata no. 4: Sarabande Andante 17. Sonata no. 4: Corrente Presto [43 Tracks across both CDs]

ClassicsToday.com


Track Listing

Written in 1708, just before the ‘L’estro armonico’ concertos, this double CD of sonatas contain all the passion and the virtuosity, all the lyricism and emotion, which have made them so eternally popular.

EARLY MUSIC

Cordaria



93

The performances are astounding … it’s simply wonderful

Biber: The Mystery Sonatas

1. Sonata no. 1: Praeludium 2. Sonata no. 1: Variatio 3. Sonata no. 1: (untitled) 4. Sonata no. 2: (untitled) 5. Sonata no. 2: Allaman 6. Sonata no. 2: Presto 7. Sonata no. 3: (untitled) 8. Sonata no. 3: Courente 9. Sonata no. 3: Adagio 10. Sonata no. 4: Ciacona 11. Sonata no. 5: Praeludium 12. Sonata no. 5: Allaman 13. Sonata no. 5: Gigue 14. Sonata no. 5: Saraban 15. Sonata no. 6: Lamento 16. Sonata no. 7: Allamanda 17. Sonata no. 7: Sarab; Variatio 18. Sonata no. 8: (untitled) [42 Tracks Across both CDs]

Early Music Review


Track Listing

This two disc set of Heinrichvon Biber’s Rosary or Mystery Sonatas presents the complete set of fifteen sonatas and the concluding passacaglia which appears in the sole surviving Munich manuscript. Each sonata corresponds to the fifteen mysteries or meditations on the life of Christ.

EARLY MUSIC

Cordaria



94

The playing is expert...Walter Reiter proves himself a dynamic yet sensitive soloist

Un’alma innamorata: A soul in love

1. Surrexit pastor bonus 2. Cantae Jubilate 3. Singet dem Herrn 4. Amintas 5. Lungi dal vago volto: Recitative 6. Lungi dal vago volto: Aria 7. Lungi dal vago volto: Recitative 8. Lungi dal vago volto: Aria 9. Un’alma innamorata: Recitative and Aria 10. Un’alma innamorata: Recitative 11. Un’alma innamorata: Aria 12. Un’alma innamorata: Recitative 13. Un’alma innamorata: Aria 14. Gott will Mensch und sterblich werden: Aria 15. Gott will Mensch und sterblich werden: Recitative 16. Gott will Mensch und sterblich werden: Aria

ClassicsToday.com


Track Listing

Canadian soprano Linda Perillo performs cantatas for soprano, violin and basso continuo, written by composers Buxtehude, Purcell, Vivaldi, Handel and Telemann.

EARLY MUSIC

Cordaria



95

This disc brings just under an hour of entertainment of the highest order

The Division Flute

1. Reading’s Ground 2. Pauls Steeple - a divison on a Ground 3. Faronells Ground 4. Old Simon the King 5. Tollet’s Ground 6. Green sleeves to a Ground 7. Johney Cock thyBeavor 8. A Division on a Ground 9. A Division on a Ground by Mr Eccles 10. A Division on a Ground by Mr Finger 11. A Division on a Ground by Mr Banister 12. A Ground by Mr Finger 13. A Division to a Ground by Mr Solomon Eccles 14. A Division on a Ground 15. A Ground by Me Solomon Eccles 16. A Division on a Ground 17. An Italian Ground



Track Listing

Described by the London music publisher as ‘Very Improveing and Delightful to all lovers of that instrument’ The First Part of the Division Flute was originally issued for the Baroque treble recorder in 1705. Murphy’s love of the recorder inspired her to record some of the best known recorder music, as well as some of the most neglected, from a collection that has never been fully recorded before. A fantastic disc of musicians at the forefront of early music today.

EARLY MUSIC

Emma Murphy



96

a very good player she is indeed; fine phrasing matched by perfect tuning. Parle is an excellent partner.

J.S Bach: Music for Oboe and Harpsichord

1. Sonata in G minor, BWV 1030b: (Andante) 2. Sonata in G minor, BWV 1030b: Siciliano 3. Sonata in G minor, BWV 1030b: Presto - (Gigue) 4. Sonata in C major, BWV 1033: Andante-Presto 5. Sonata in C major, BWV 1033: Allegro 6. Sonata in C major, BWV 1033: Adagio 7. Sonata in C major, BWV 1033: Menuet I & II 8. Sonata in G minor, BWV 1020: Allegro 9. Sonata in G minor, BWV 1020: Adagio 10. Sonata in G minor,

BWV 1020: Allegro 11. Prelude and Fugue in c minor, BWV 871: Prelude 12. Prelude and Fugue in c minor, BWV 871: Fugue 13. Sonata in E flat major, BWV 1031: Allegro moderato 14. Sonata in E flat major, BWV 1031: Siciliana 15. Sonata in E flat major, BWV 1031: Allegro 16. Organ’ trio sonata in C major, BWV 529: Allegro 17. Organ’ trio sonata in C major, BWV 529: Largo 18. Organ’ trio sonata in C major, BWV 529: Allegro

Early Music America


Track Listing

The G minor sonata BWV 1030 is the only large-scale solo work for oboe players left by Bach. Hennesy performs arrangements of the trio sonata for organ, DWV 529 in C, flute sonatas BWV 1020, 1031 and 1033 and the harpsichord Prelude and Fugue in C min

EARLY MUSIC

Gail Hennessy & Nicolas Parle



97

Gail Hennessy, leads this sparkling celebration of Vivaldi’s music for oboe during his first decade as a composer

Antonio Vivaldi: Pellegrina’s Delight

1-8. Sonata in C minor, RV 53 9-12. Sonata in G minor, RV 28 13-16. Trio sonata in E minor, Op. 1 no. 2, RV 67 17-19. Concerto in G minor, RV 106 20-23. Sonata in B flat major, RV 34 24-27. Sonata a 4 in C major, RV 801

The Observer


Track Listing

This disc presents Vivaldi’s contribution to oboe repertoire in the early 18th Century. The performances provide a fascinating illustration of Vivaldi’s stylistic development between roughly 1705 and 1720. The disc is named after the student oboist who first performed the Quartet Sonata in C major RV779.

EARLY MUSIC

Gail Hennessy & Nicolas Parle



98

What better respite from the secular pressures of Christmas shopping than these sublime sacred sounds from the late 16th Century. White’s ‘Lamentations’ are not as famous as Tallis’s, but their plangent harmonies and clashing lines have an equal intensity

Hymns, Psalms & Lamentations: Sacred Music by Robert White

1. Christe qui lux es et dies (I) 2. Ad te levavi oculos meos 3. Exaudiat te, Dominus 4. Miserere mei, Deus 5. Christe qui lux es et dies (IV) 6. Domine quis habitabit (III) 7. Manus tuae fecerunt me 8. Lamentations (a6)

The Observer


Track Listing

The early music ensemble Gallicantus was born within the ranks of the world-class choir Tenebrae, when five of the choir’s regulars, each with a wealth of experience in the world of consort singing, decided to form a separate group dedicated to renaissance music. The group is bound by a shared love of communicating text, and is committed to creating performances which draw out unifying themes within apparently diverse repertoire: To this end they are as meticulous about providing context and insight for audiences as they are about crafting interpretations of the music they love.

EARLY MUSIC

Gallicantus



99

Carolan...consistently brings out the infinite expressive subtleties of the music

J. S. Bach: The Six Partitas BWV 825-830

Disc 1 1—6. Partita No. 1 (BWV 825) 7—13. Partita No. 5 (BWV 829) 14—20. Partita No. 6 (BWV 830) Disc 2 1—6. Partita No. 2 (BWV 826) 7—13. Partita No. 3 (BWV 827) 14—20. Partita No. 4 (BWV 828)

BBC Music Magazine


Track Listing

Lucy Carolan’s Double Disc release of Bach’s six partitas BWV 825 - 830 (composed 1726 - 1731).

EARLY MUSIC

Lucy Carolan



100

solid musicianship and first class technique

The Italian Concerto & The French Overture

1. Italian Concerto: (Allegro) 2. Italian Concerto: Andante 3. Italian Concerto: Presto 4. Chromatic Fantasia and Fugue: Fantasia 5. Chromatic Fantasia and Fugue: Fugue 6. Four Duets: no. 1 in E minor 7. Four Duets: no. 2 in F major 8. Four Duets: no. 3 in G major 9. Four Duets: no. 4 in A minor 10. French Overture: Ouverture

11. French Overture: Courante 12. French Overture: Gavotte I - Gavotte II - Gavotte I 13. French Overture: Passepied I - Passepied II - Passepied I 14. French Overture: Sarabande 15. French Overture: Bouree I - Bourree II - Bouree I 16. French Overture: Gigue 17. French Overture: Echo

ClassicsToday.com


Track Listing

Also includes the Chromatic Fantasia & Fugue BWV 903 and Four Duets (BWV 802 - 805)

EARLY MUSIC

Lucy Carolan



101

I really enjoyed this.... The performances have a freedom which is refreshing as well as plausible. Highly recommended

Temple of Chastity: 13th Century Spanish music from Codex Las Huelgas - Volume 1

1. Virgines egregie 2. Salve, santa parens / Salve, porta regis / Salve, salus gencium 3. Surrexit de tumulo 4. Rosa das rosas (cantiga) 5. Castitatis thalamum 6. Benedicamus benigno voto 7. Catholicorum concio 8. Alpha bovi et leoni 9. Veni, redemptor gencium 10. Audi pontus, audi pontus 11. Improvisation on Audi pontus 12. Salve regina glorie

13. Gaude, virgo, plena Deo 14. Alpha bovi et leoni 15. Vella e mininna (cantiga) 16. Confessorum agonia 17. Ex illustri nata presapia 18. Parit preter morem 19. Castrum pudicicie / Virgo viget melius 20. Como poden per sas culpas (cantiga) 21. O Maria, virgo regia / Organica cantica 22. Maria, virgo virginum

Early Music Review


Track Listing

This disc is devoted to one of the treasured manuscripts of early music, the Codex Las Huelgas. Discovered in a monastery in northern Spain, the manuscript contains 170 parchment folios of works from the 13th and early 14th Centuries.

EARLY MUSIC

Mille Fleurs



102

I would recommend this disc strongly

The Triumphs of Maximillian

1. Will niemand singen? 2—5. Fortuna Desperata a 4 6—14. Elslein 15—17. Ein frolyk wesen a 3 18—19. Quis Separabit 20. Tandernaken, Quattuor a 4 21—24. Entlaubet ist der Walde a 4 25—26. Der Hundt a 4 27—34. Ich stund an einem Morgen a 4

Early Music Review


Track Listing

Songs and instrumental music associated with the German court of Holy Roman Emperor Maximilian the First. Composers on the disc include: Senfl, Rhaw, Dietrich, Barbireau, des Pres, Othmayr and Finck.

EARLY MUSIC

Musica Antiqua



103

a disc I have already enjoyed many times and plan to keep near me

Master of Musicians: Songs and Instrumental music by Josquin des Pres

1. Comment peult avoir joye - Agnus Dei: Missa Wohlauf gesell von hinnen a 5 2. Comment peult avoir joye - a 3 3. Comment peult avoir joye - a 4 4. Se congie prens - a 4 5. Se congie prens - a 3 6. Se congie prens - Recordans de mia segnora 7. Se congie prens - a 6 8. Robin et Marion - Si j’avoye Marion a 3 9. Robin et Marion - Tordion 10. Robin et Marion - Petite camusette a 6

11. Dido - Fama malum a 4 12. Dido - Dulces exuviae a 4 13. De tous biens pleine - a 3 14. De tous biens pleine - a 4 15. La Triquotee - Belle, tenes moi la promesse a 3 16. La Triquotee - Je me complains a 5 17. La Triquotee - La tricotea a 3 18. Bergerotte savoysienne - Bergerotte savoysienne a 4 [37 Tracks]

The Gramophone - Critics Choice 2002


Track Listing

Songs and instrumental music by the medieval French composer Josquin des Pres, his fellow pupils and contemporaries. Other composers on this disc include: Isaac, Agricola, Alonso, Fevin and Vinders.

EARLY MUSIC

Musica Antiqua



104

Word Play is the disc to buy...an outstanding recording

Wordplay: Instrumental versions of madrigals and chansons from 16th

century Italy

1. La Spagna 2. La Spagna 3. La Spagna 4. La Spagna 5. Ancor che col partire 6. Ancor che col partire 7. Ancor che col partire 8. Ancor che col partire 9. Cantai or piango 10. Cantai or piango 11. Susanne ung jour 12. Susanne ung jour 13. Susanne ung jour 14. Susanne ung jour 15. Petit Jacquet 16. Vestiva I colli 17. Vestiva I colli 18. Vestiva I colli

Early Music Review


Track Listing

Madrigals and chansons in virtuosic instrumental settings from 16th Century Italy. Composers on this disc include: Capirola, Ortiz, Bassano,dalla Casa, R. Rogniono, Lupi, F. Rognoni, and Terzi.

EARLY MUSIC

Musica Antiqua



105

these performances .... communicate an infectious sense of enjoyment and enthusiasm (and) make thoroughly satisfying listening.

Fire and Ice: Love Songs from 16th Century Venice

1. Bussa la porta 2. Su, su, leva 3. Era di maggio 4. La via de la fiumera 5. Il marchese o di Saluzio 6. El marchese di Saluzzo 7. Donde ne vienstu bella 8. La gatta 9. Nel tempo che riveste il verde manto 10. Vostro son, ne d’altra mai 11. O vaghe luci 12. Recercar secondo 13. O miei cieche e dura sorte 14. Che farala 15. Amor, de che convien 16. La morte de la ragion

17. Dura passion 18. O dolce farfarela 19. Mentre io vo per questi boschi 20. Pavana alla ferrarese 21. Saltarello 22. Piva 23. Tanto mi rovo 24. Aspicias ultinam 25. Perche son tutto foco 26. Fiamma amorosa e bella 27. Nel foco tremo

The Daily Telegraph


Track Listing

This programme presents works taken from a Venetian manuscript, compiled around 1520. The texts deal frequently with emotional extremes - of ‘fire and ice’. Musica Antiqua perform on specially commissioned matched sets of viols and recorders, copied from 16th Century originals.

EARLY MUSIC

Musica Antiqua



106

a very civilized disc with music to charm and excite

A Songbook for Isabella: Music from the circle of Isabella d’Este

1. La fortuna: Or su corere a 4 2. La fortuna: Fortuna desperata a 4 3. La fortuna: Facia ognon in fin che po a 4 4. Prenez sur moy vostre example: Prenez sur moy a 3 5. Prenez sur moy vostre example: Helas que pora advenire a 3 6. Prenez sur moy vostre example: Or che son di pregion a 4 7. A la cazza: A la pesca a 4 8. A la cazza: [Gagliarda] Peschatore

9. A la cazza: A la cazza a 4 10. Kyrie Eleison: Kyrie Eleison a 4 11. Kyrie Eleison: Colomba senza fielle 12. Pavana regia 13. Carmine sine verbis I: El poive a 3 14. Carmine sine verbis I: Si dedero a 3, a 4 15. Ave Maris Stella: Ave Maris Stella a 3 16. La Mi La Sol: La mi a 4 17. La Mi La Sol: La mi la sol la mi gia vol a 4 [29 Tracks]

Ludwig Van Web


Track Listing

This disc contains a rich cross section of the vocal and instrumental repertoire loved by the d’Este family of Mantua. It includes sacred pieces, mostly non-liturgical and apparently intended for private devotional use. The repertoire is centred around the Milliare Songbook - a hand written manuscript compiled in 1502.

EARLY MUSIC

Musica Antiqua



107

everything sung and played to perfection

Madame d’Amours: Music for Henry VIII’s Six Wives

1. Danza Alta 2. Whilles Lyfe or Breth 3. My Lady Wnkefylds Rownde 4. Nigra Sum 5. Adew le companye 6. Blow thi Horne 7. My Lady Carey’s dompe 8. Adiutorium nostrum 9. La Gamba 10. Blame not my lute 11. Gentil Prince 12. En vray amoure 13. Kyng Harry VIII pavyn 14. Madame d”Amours 15. Ricercar 16. Duke of Somersett’s dompe 17. Ainxi bon youre

18. Een vroulie wesen 19. La Danse de Cleves 20. Time to pas with goodly sport 21. Price Edwardes pavyn 22. Quam pulchra es 23. The Kynges marke 24. Adew madame 25. Pavyn of Albart 26. Galliard 27. A virgine and a mother 28. Ashton’s maske

Early Music Scotland


Track Listing

Songs, dances and consort music for the six wives of Henry VIII. A selection of music from many contemporary sources inspired by, and illustrative of six extraordinary lives. Featured composers are: Cornysche, Fevin, Barbireau and Henry VIII himself.

EARLY MUSIC

Musica Antiqua



108

a superbly-performed compilation of Elizabethan and Jacobean Music

This World’s Globe

BBC Music Magazine


A unique 2 CD set that gives a glimpse into Shakespeare’s world through the Globe Theatre and its performers and musicians. Disc one is a sampler and guide to ‘hearing at the Globe’ - words and music blend to present the Bard’s vision of the world. Disc two assembles a wide range of music of the era; Godly music and royal fanfares down to exuberant jigs and bawdy tavern music.

EARLY MUSIC

Shakespeare’s Globe Theatre Company



109

an outstanding recording

Behold, How Joyful!

1. Ecce quam bonum: Ecce quam bonum 2. Ecce quam bonum: Quod decendit 3. Missa Ecce quam bonum - Kyrie: Kyrie 4. Missa Ecce quam bonum - Kyrie: Christe 5. Missa Ecce quam bonum - Kyrie: Kyrie 6. Missa Ecce quam bonum - Gloria: Gloria in excelsis 7. Missa Ecce quam bonum - Gloria: Qui tollis 8. Accesserunt ad Jesum: Accesserunt ad Jesum 9. Accesserunt ad Jesum: Non legistis

10. Accesserunt ad Jesum: Propter hoc 11. Missa Ecce quam bonum - Credo: Credo in unum Deum 12. Missa Ecce quam bonum - Credo: Et resurrexit 13. Missa Ecce quam bonum - Credo: Et iterum 14. Job tonso capite: Job tonso capite 15. Job tonso capite: Dominus dedit 16. Missa Ecce quam bonum - Sanctus: Sanctus 17. Missa Ecce quam bonum - Sanctus: Osanna [27 Tracks]



Track Listing

This debut recording by the Brabant Ensemble features a collection of 16th century mass and motets by Jacobus Clemens non papa (not the pope), one of the most prolific and widely published composers of the the era. Includes the mass ‘Ecce quam bonum’.

EARLY MUSIC

The Brabant Ensemble



110

The Performances are Excellent

Music for the Coronation of James II, 1685

1. O Lord, grant the King a long life 2. I was glad 3. Let thy hand be strengthened 4. Litany 5. Come, Holy Ghost, our souls inspire 6. Zadok the priest 7. Behold, O God our defender 8. The King Shall rejoice 9. Te Deum in E flat 10. God spake sometime in visions and said 11. My Heart is inditing

The Sunday Telegraph


Track Listing

With a stunning selection of choral music truly fit for a king, Andrew Gant leads the Choir of the Chapel Royal (as well as a fine selection of gentlemen singers and musicians; ‘In-Ordinary’ and ‘Extra-Ordinary’) to recreate the music that accompanied the coronation of James II and Queen Mary in 1685. The programme features the very greatest composers of the day, including Henry Purcell, John Blow, Thomas Tallis and Henry Lawes.

EARLY MUSIC

The Chapel Royal



111

These young choral scholars are an impressive group of musicians.

Songs of Angels: Music from Magdalen College (1480-1560)

1. Vespers Hymn Collaudemus Magdalene Iachrymas (Sarum plainchant) 2. Stabat mater 3. Quales sumus 4. Aspice, Domine 5. Resurrexi [III] 6. Magnificat antiphon Inclita sancte Marie Magdalene - Magnificat - Magnificat antiphon Inclita sancte Marie Magdalene 7. Offertory, Confessio et pulchritudo 8. Dum transisset sabbatum 9. The Lord’s Prayer 10. Libera nos

BBC Radio 3


Track Listing

An inspired collection of music that was either sung at Magdalen College or written by Magdalen composers between 1480 and 1560. Composers featured on this disc include Davy, Jacquet of Mantua, Preston and three pieces by Sheppard.

EARLY MUSIC

The Choir of Magdalen College, Oxford



112

The ensemble’s blend is excellent and the recording is to be recommended, even to those among us who would not count themselves medieval enthusiasts.

Guillaume de Machaut:Motets, Mass music & songs by Machaut from the Ivrea Codex

1. Sanctus: Sanans fragilia 2. Kyrie 3. Gloria: Et verus homo 4. Dame / Finscuers doulz 5. Trop plus est bele / Biaute paree de valour 6. Lasse! / Se j’aim mon loyal ami 7. Credo 8. Tu qui gregem / Plange, regni respublica 9. Christe qui lux / Veni creator spiritus 10. Felix virgo . Inviolata genitrix 11. Sanctus 12. Clap, clap / Sus Robin 13. Qui es promesse / Ha! Fortune 14. Martyrum / Diligenter inquiramus 15. Amours / Faus samblant 16. Post missarum sollempnia / Post misse modulamina

Classic FM Magazine


Track Listing

A programme of 14th Century motets by Guillaume de Machaut, and mass music from the Ivrea manuscript, one of the earliest sources for 14th Century French music.

EARLY MUSIC

The Clerk’s Group



113

I am always impressed with the way they balance precision and polished vocal blend in the most difficult music.

Brussels 5557: Masses by Frye and Plummer

1. Kyrie Deus creator omnium Sarum Chant 2. Missa Flos Regalis: Gloria 3. Missa Flos Regalis: Credo 4. Missa Flos Regalis: Sanctus 5. Missa Flos Regalis: Agnus Dei 6. Myn hertis lust 7. Fortune alas 8. Mi verry joy 9. Alas, alas, alas 10. So ys emprentid 11. Pryncesse of youthe 12. Missa Sine nomine: Kyrie Omnipotens pater 13. Missa Sine nomine: Gloria 14. Missa Sine nomine: Credo 15. Missa Sine nomine: Sanctus 16. Missa Sine nomine: Agnus Dei

Goldberg


Track Listing

The masses, ‘Missa Sine Nomine’ by Plummer, and Missa Flos Regalis by Fyre; and music from the 15th century Brusels 5557 manuscript by Fyre and Bedyngham.

EARLY MUSIC

The Clerk’s Group



114

It is an absorbing and revealing collection, and everything is delivered with tonal beauty and scholarly stylishness

Guillaume Dufay: Sacred music from Bologna Q15

1. Vasilissa, ergo gaude 2. Kyrie Fons bonitatis 3. O beate Sebastiane 4. Gloria 5. O gemma, lux et speculum 6. Credo 7. Supremum est mortalibus bonum 8. Sanctus and Benedictus 9. Inclita stella maris 10. Agnus Dei 11. Gloria Spiritus et alme 12. O sancte Sebastiane

Early Music


Track Listing

Works by Guillaume Dufay, found in one of the great anthologies of 15th Century music; the manuscript bologna, Civico Museo Bibliografico Musicale, MS Q15. Within this collection Dufay demonstrates a bewildering variety of forms and styles.

EARLY MUSIC

The Clerk’s Group



115

Pachelbel Vespers

1—4. Pachelbel: Ingressus in C minor [originally in D minor] 5—13. Pachelbel: Magnificat in C major [orig. E-flat major] 5—13. Pachelbel: Magnificat in C major [orig. E-flat major] 14—18. Krieger: Sonata à 5 in A minor 19—23. Pachelbel: Ingressus in E minor [G minor] 24—26. Pachelbel: Ingressus in G major [A major] 27—31. Pachelbel: Ingressus in G minor [A minor] 32—35. Kerll: Sonata à 5 in G minor 36—39. Pachelbel: Magnificat in F major [G major] 41—42. Pachelbel: Ingressus in B-flat major [C major]


Track Listing

A truly fascinating project: the early music experts Charivari Agréable, directed by Kah-Ming Ng, are joined by The King’s Singers to create world premiere recordings of some of Johann Pachelbel’s Vespers. Reconstructed in part by Kah-Ming Ng, the works call for 4–5 part choir and 7-part string orchestra – creating a perfect opportunity for collaboration between these two world-class groups.

EARLY MUSIC

The King’s Singers & Charivari Agréable



116

... a no holds barred, immaculately sung performance from the King’s Singers. Unmissable

Gesualdo: Tenebrae Responsories for Maundy Thursday

1. Lectio 1 2. Responsories from 1st Nocturn: In Monte Oliveti 3. Responsories from 1st Nocturn: Tristis est anima mea 4. Responsories from 1st Nocturn: Ecce vidimus eum 5. Lectio 2 6. Responsories from 2nd Nocturn: Amicus meus osculi 7. Responsories from 2nd Nocturn: Judas mercator pessimus 8. Responsories from 2nd Nocturn: Unus ex discipulis meis 9. Lectio 3 10. Responsories from 3rd Nocturn: Eram quasi agnus innocens 11. Responsories from 3rd Nocturn: Una hora non potuistis 12. Responsories from 3rd Nocturn: Seniores populi consilium 13. Benedictus 14. Christus factus est

Classic FM Magazine


Track Listing

The 16th Century Italian Prince, Carlos Gesualdo was perhaps the most forw a rd-thinking, expressive and sensual composer of his time. This programme of three Matins services highlights the light and dark expressions in his music, capturing the guilt and pain he experienced after murdering his adulterous wife.

EARLY MUSIC




117

… extraordinary homogeneity and meticulous care in recording make this a truly exciting disc

Spem in Alium

1. Spem in Alium

The Times


Track Listing

The King’s Singers utilise modern recording technology with their customary flair to produce this stunning recording of Thomas Tallis’s 40 part Spem in Alium. Hear every part of Spem perfectly sung and recorded, with the six singers dividing the forty parts between them in full surround sound, on a CD/SACD Hybrid.

EARLY MUSIC




118

This disc is a triumph of majestic vocal ensemble

The Triumphs of Oriana

1. Hence, stars, too dim of light 2. With angel’s face and brightness 3. Lightly she whipped o’er the dales 4. Long live fair Oriana 5. All creatures are now merry-minded 6. Fair Oriana, beauty’s queen 7. The nymphs and shepherds danced 8. Calm was the air and clear the sky 9. Thus Bonny-boots the birthday celebrated 10. Sing, shepherds all, and in your roundelays

11. The fauns and satyrs tripping 12. Come gentle swains 13. With wreaths of rose and laurel 14. Arise, awake, awake 15. Fair nymphs I heard one telling 16. The lady Oriana 17. Hark! Did ye ever hear so sweet a singing? 18. As Vesta was from Latmos hill descending 19. Fair Orion, in the morn 20. Round about her charret 21. Bright Phoebus greets most clearly [25 Tracks]

Classic FM Magazine


Track Listing

A collection of 25 madrigals from 23 different composers – from the famous to the obscure – make up this Elizabethan curiosity, published in 1601 by Thomas Morley. A musical dedication to Queen Elizabeth I, The Triumphs of Oriana displays the talents of English songwriters, long overshadowed by their European counterparts, conjuring up an image of an idealised and mythical England of old.

EARLY MUSIC




119

They make a light, bright, exciting sound as evidenced by this terrific double CD of Monteverdi’s Vespers ... real spring in their tone ... crystal diction throughout

Montiverdi Vespers of 1610

1. Dominus ad adiuvandum 2. Dixit dominus 3. Nigra sum 4. Laudete pueri 5. Pulchra es 6. Laetatus sum 7. Duo seraphim 8. Nisi Dominus 9. Audi coelum 10. Lauda Jerusalem 11. Sonata 12. Ave maris stella 13. Magnificat 14. Et exultavit 15. Quia respexit 16. Quia fecit 17. Et misericordia 18. Fecit Potentiam

19. Deposuit 20. Esurientes 21. Suscepit 22. Sicut locutus 23. Gloria Patri 24. Sicut Erat

The Times


Track Listing

Music of the 17th century was little known to the concertgoing or record-buying public, up until fifty years or so ago when Monteverdi’s Vespers were performed under the inspiration of figures such as Michael Tippett as part of a modern revival of early music. Subsequently, it has been one of the most celebrated works both with choral societies and early music specialists. Here, the Rodolfus Choir offer their interpretation of one of the most magnificent works of the seventeenth century.

EARLY MUSIC

The Rodolfus Choir, Southern Sinfonia and The English Cornett & Sackbutt Ensemble



120

… a level of technical control that gives new meaning to the word ‘awesome’ … Furthermore, Bax retains tonal beauty and definition even in the loudest and most sonorous passages

Bach Transcribed

1. Violin Sonata No.1 in G minor: Adagio 2. Violin Sonata No.1 in G minor: Fuga 3. Violin Sonata No.1 in G minor: Siciliana 4. Violin Sonata No.1 in G minor: Presto 5. Sheep May Safely Graze 6. Air from the Orchestral Suite No.3 in D major 7. Gavotte (Tempo di Borea) from the Violin Partita No.1 in B minor 8. Andante from the Violin Sonata No.2 in A minor 9. Siciliano from the Flute Sonata in Eb major 10. “Zion hört die Wächter singen”, from the Cantata BWV 140 “Wachet auf, ruft uns die Stimme” 11. Largo from the Keyboard Concerto in F minor 12. Bourreé from Cello Suite No.3 in C major 13. Chaconne from the Violin Partita No.2 in D minor

The Gramophone


Track Listing

It is a sign of the brilliance of J.S. Bach that great pianists have chosen to recreate and reinterpret his works in so many ways. From Wilhelm Kempff’s subtle resetting of Wachet Auf to Ferruccio Busoni’s virtuosic grandeur in the Violin Partita Chaconne, these performances by star pianist Alessio Bax capture the reverence and resplendence of Bach’s music in thirteen great transcriptions. Alessio Bax is universally praised for his lyrical playing and insightful interpretations. On April 23rd he was awarded the Avery Fischer Career Grant for 2009, presented once a year to talented instrumentalists who show great potential for solo careers, following in the footsteps of previous winners Joshua Bell, Hilary Hahn and Gil Shaham.

INSTRUMENTAL

Alessio Bax



121

[Diana Ambache’s] piano playing is exemplary, both technically and musically

Mozart Piano Trios

1. Trio in C - K548: Allegro 2. Trio in C - K548: Andante Cantabile 3. Trio in C - K548: Allegro 4. Trio in E - K542: Allegro 5. Trio in E - K542: Andante grazioso 6. Trio in E - K542: Allegro 7. Trio in G - K564: Allegro 8. Trio in G - K564: Andante (theme and variations) 9. Trio in G - K564: Allegretto 10. Triosatz in D - K442: Allegro

BBC Radio 3


Track Listing

Three Mozart piano trios written in his last three years (K548, K542 & K564), as well as one of his three separate trio movements, left unfinished (K442).

INSTRUMENTAL

Ambache Chamber Ensemble



122

she captures the reflective yet passionate nature of the music with melting tone and complete conviction

Goyescas: Ana-Maria Vera

1. Goyescas: I 2. Goyescas: II 3. Goyescas: III 4. Goyescas: IV 5. Goyescas: V 6. Goyescas: VI



Track Listing

Ana-Maria Vera, a former child prodigy has performed as a soloist with some of the world’s most prestigious orchestras and conductors including the Philadelphia Orchestra, the Tokyo Symphony Orchestra and the London Philharmonic Orchestra, with whom she recently made her debut at London’s Royal Festival Hall. Reviewers have called her sound ‘luminous’ likening it to ‘pure aural silk’, remarking on her ‘dazzling pianistic virtuosity’ and ‘penetrating sensitivity’. Granados’ Goyescas are a true cornerstone of modern piano repertoire, expressing the composer’s interpretative improvisational style in a work inspired by 18th Century Spanish artist Francisco Goya.

INSTRUMENTAL

Ana-Maria Vera



123

NEW 2010 Release

Constant FilterWorks by John Metcalfe

1—6. Tracing The Outline 7. Constant Filter 8—12. Kite 13. Lonely Bay 14. As She Fell 15. The Appearance of Colour


Track Listing

“Metcalfe’s music fascinates me: it intelligently fuses acoustic and electronic soundworlds; it develops its themes with economic clarity; and – the main attraction – it speaks to the heart without ignoring the head. It can make me cry, laugh or dance, and that is what new music should be doing. I can hear the traditions of classical music, as well as contemporary rhythms and haunting synthesisers from the world of electronica. This is art that can speak to everyone about love and freedom, fear and yearning, and the deep mysterious joy of music.”Matthew Barley

Instrumental

Matthew Barley



124

We listened to it straight through with pleasure and growing admiration. Sabre Dance... we played through again as an encore

Expressia: Armenian Metemorphoses

1. Krunk 2. Kujn Ara Yev Gna-Gna 3. Khani Vur Jan Im 4. Inch Khonim Hekimn 5. Dance 6. Armenian Rhapsody 7. Folk Reflections 8. Adagio from Spartacus 9. Suite from Gayane, Dance of Girls in Pink 10. Suite from Gayane, Lullaby

11. Suite from Gayane, Sabre Dance



Track Listing

Since the Cadence Ensemble’s premiere performance in 2004, the group has quickly become one of the leading and most popular music groups of Armenia. Initially performing the works of Argentine composer, Astor Piazzolla the ensemble has expanded its repertoire to incorporate contemporary European and Armenian composers. Under the leadership of pianist, Armen Babakhanian, the ensemble have enjoyed international success. Most recently the ensemble have given concerts in Paris, London and Brussels.

INSTRUMENTAL

Cadence Ensemble



125

Under the leadership of pianist Armen Babakhanian, they play Piazzolla’s wildly infectious music with style and hauteur and introduce us to more tangos by lesser-known masters … Refreshingly different

Expressia: Tangos and Fantasies

1. Escualo (Ritmo Libre) 2. Romance Del Diablo 3. Tango Del Diablo 4. Poem 5. Muerte Del Angel 6. Concerto Para Quinteto 7. Tango Por Una Cabeza 8. Tango Expressia 9. Tango El Ultimo Cafe 10. Fantasy On Themes Of Porgy And Bess

The Guardian


Track Listing

Following their prior success this year with their first release of Expressia - Armenian Fantasy, Cadence Ensemble expand their recording ventures to Expressia - Tangos and Fantasies. This new release explores the Tango at its best including works from some of the great Tango writers including Astor Piazzolla and fellow Armenian Narine Zarifian. With innovative arrangements of works by Carlos Gardel, Hector Stampioni and the Fantasy on Themes of Porgy and Bess by George Gershwin.

INSTRUMENTAL

Cadence Ensemble



126

It is always a joy to find an album such as this. .. when it is not relaxing, it is energetic and vibrant ... it is certainly one worth finding.

Time for Marimba

1. Marimba Spiritual 2. Dream of the Cherry Blossoms 3. Rain Tree 4. Time for Marimba 5. Divertimento 6. Two Movements for Marimba 7. Two Movements for Marimba

MusicWeb.co.uk


Track Listing

Celebrated percussionist Daniella Ganeva explores the 20th century Japanese repertoire for marimba, including music by five pre-eminent post-war composers. The compositions provide a fascinating contrast to traditional ‘classical’ marimba repertoire, as the music remains steeped in Japanese traditional styles.

INSTRUMENTAL

Daniella Ganeva



127

The recordings are very good indeed and this set is warmly recommended.

J.S. Bach: Six Solo Cello Suites

Disc 1 1—6. Suite I 7—12. Suite II 13—18. Suite III

Disc 2 1—6. Suite IV 7—12. Suite V 13—18. Suite VI



Track Listing

J.S.Bach’s solo ‘cello suites are unsurpassed masterpieces. The inventiveness, breadth of vision and beauty of his intention are represented in this intensely personal new 2 Disc recording by David Kenedy.

INSTRUMENTAL

David Kenedy



128

A delightful and enjoyable disc

Ragtime & Blue

1. Alexander Rag 2. Green Leaf Prelude 3. Russian Rag 4. Get Well Rag 5. Blue Rose 6. Wliza’s Aria 7. Backstage Rag 8. Birthday Rag 9. Brothers 10. Peggy’s Minute Rag 11. Reflections 12. Coctail Rag 13. Butterflying 14. Sunday Rag 15. Nostalgic Piece 16. Bucharian Melody 17. Revolving Doors 18. Suburban Rag 19. Sapphire Rag

20. Tranquil Interlude 21. Mute Princess 22. Slicked Back Tango 23. Removalist Rag 24. Melancholic Piece

Limelight (Australia)


Track Listing

This CD is drawn from the small works Elena Kats- Chernin often writes for her own enjoyment - a cornucopia of rags, blues and heart-melting melodies for piano and violin. These small vessels of fine feelings offer an intimate view into the composer’s heart. Includes Eliza’s Aria - made famous by the Lloyds TSB television adverts.

INSTRUMENTAL

Elena Kats-Chernin



129

Hausmusik get everything right - their sound is rich and wonderfully detailed, their sense of the music’s spaciousness and arching phrase-structure perfectly caught.

Brahms: The Sextets

1. Sextet No. 1 (Op. 18): Allegro, ma non troppo 2. Sextet No. 1 (Op. 18): Andante, ma moderato 3. Sextet No. 1 (Op. 18): Scherzo, Allegro molto 4. Sextet No. 1 (Op. 18): Rondo: Poco allegretto e grazioso 5. Sextet No. 2 (Op. 36): Allegro non troppo 6. Sextet No. 2 (Op. 36): Scherzo: Allegro non troppo 7. Sextet No. 2 (Op. 36): Poco adagio 8. Sextet No. 2 (Op. 36): Poco allegro

The Guardian


Track Listing

The two Brahms string sextets recorded in Hausmusiks’s pioneering, historically informed style. No 1 in Bb major Opus 18 & No 2 in G major Opus 36

INSTRUMENTAL

Hausmusik London



130

Udagawa captures Rachmaninov’s lyricism

Rachmaninov: For Violin and Piano

1. Sonata in G minor Op. 19: Lento: Allegro moderato 2. Sonata in G minor Op. 19: Allegro scherzando 3. Sonata in G minor Op. 19: Andante 4. Sonata in G minor Op. 19: Allegro mosso - Meno mosso - Moderato - Piu vivo 5. Romance in A minor Op. Posth (original) 6. Danse Orientale Op. 2, No 2 transc. V. Mikhailovsky 7. Daisies Op. 38, No 3 8. Etude-Tableaux Op. 33, No 7 9. Prelude Op. 32, No 5 10. Melody Op. 21, No 9 11. Oriental Sketch 12. Etude-Tableaux Op. 33, No 2 13. Vocalise Op. 34, No 14 14. Danse Hongroise Op. 6, No 2 (original)

Classic FM Magazine


Track Listing

The music of Sergei Rachmaninov is imbued with a unique lyrical and harmonic style that has attracted a rich variety of transcriptions and arrangements. Transcribers J. Heifetz, F. Kreisler, V. Mikhailovsky and M. Press apply their own artistry to some of Rachmaninov’s great songs, etudes and romances, allowing performers and audiences alike to experience his music in new creative settings. Hideko Udagawa has performed extensively throughout the world and has captivated international audiences with her artistry and enthusiasm. On this disc she is expertly accompanied by Konstantin Lifschitz.

INSTRUMENTAL

Hideko Udagawa & Konstantin Lifschitz



131

Sensitivity and thunder are his hallmarks

Razor Blades, Little Pills and Big Pianos

1. French Suite No. 5 in G: Allemande 2. French Suite No. 5 in G: Courante 3. French Suite No. 5 in G: Sarabande 4. French Suite No. 5 in G: Gavotte 5. French Suite No. 5 in G: Bouree 6. French Suite No. 5 in G: Loure 7. French Suite No. 5 in G: Gigue 8. Sonata in E minor, Op. 90: Mvt I, Mit Lebhaftigkeit und durchaus mit Empfindung und Ausdruck ”9. Sonata in E minor, Op. 90: Mvt II, Nicht zu geschwind und sehr singbar vorzutragen” 10. Ballade No. 4 in F minor, Op. 52 11. Chaconne in D minor 12. Etincelles, Op. 35, No. 6 13. Prelude in B minor

Rick Jones, BBC


Track Listing

“Razor Blades, Little Pills and Big Pianos” explores the emotive landscape that we call “life”. This debut recording is somewhat of a biographical expression of James Rhodes’s complex and unorthodox journey. It was Bach, Beethoven and Chopin; not Faith Hope and Charity, that offered him comfort.

INSTRUMENTAL

James Rhodes



132

Sensitivity and thunder are his hallmarks

Would All Freudians please stand aside

Disc 1 1—3. Tocata Adagio Fugue - Bach—Busoni 4—6. Piano Sonata No. 30 in E major - Beethoven 7—13. Partita No.6 in E minor - Bach 14. Adagio, from Concerto No.3 in D minor - Bach—Marcello Disc 2 1. Prelude No. 4 in E minor “Largo” - Chopin 2. Etude No. 12 in C minor - Chopin

The Times


Track Listing

The inimitable young British pianist James Rhodes returns with his second recital album. Since the release of his first album last year (Razor Blades, Little Pills and Big Pianos - SIGCD153), James’s career has moved from strength to strength. Sales of his debut album rocketed him to the top of the UK iTunes classical chart after Stephen Fry championed him on twitter, and he has since built a strong following of fans in concert halls and online.

INSTRUMENTAL

James Rhodes



133

… the musical give-and-take of these players is excellent: they seize upon the music with enthusiasm, energy and sensitivity – one can almost sense that they are keen to show us just how fine this music is

Rachmaninov: Cello Concerto & Grieg: Cello Concerto

1. Sonata for Piano and Cello in G minor, Op. 19: Lento: Allegro moderato 2. Sonata for Piano and Cello in G minor, Op. 19: Allegro scherzando 3. Sonata for Piano and Cello in G minor, Op. 19: Andante 4. Sonata for Piano and Cello in G minor, Op. 19: Allegro mosso 5. Cello Sonata in A minor, Op. 36: Allegro agitato 6. Cello Sonata in A minor, Op. 36: Andante molto tranquillo 7. Cello Sonata in A minor, Op. 36: Allegro molto e marcato



Track Listing

Jamie Walton is a rising international soloist with a distinctive voice of his own. Renowned for his purity of tone and uncompromising nature, Jamie is now being compared by critics to some of the great cellists of the past. He and pianist Daniel Grimwood appear regularly at Wigmore Hall and Symphony Hall, Birmingham. They have also appeared in recital at the Bridgewater Hall, Fairfield Hall, Cadogan Hall and St John’s, Smith Square as well as at the Chateauville Foundation, Virginia - a personal invite from Maestro Lorin Maazel.

INSTRUMENTAL

Jamie Walton & Daniel Grimwood



134

Within seconds you’re drawn into the gentle hammer-strokes that unlock Crossland’s warm, rounded and perpetually singing sonority ... The preludes inspire Crossland’s best work

The Well-tempered Clavier: Book 1

1-2. No. 1 in C major 3-4. No. 2 in C minor 5-6. No. 3 in C sharp major 7-8. No. 4 in C sharp minor 9-10. No. 5 in D major 11-12. No. 6 in D minor 13-14. No. 7 in E flat major 15-16. No. 8 E flat minor 17-18. No. 9 in E Major 19-20. No. 10 in E minor 21-22. No. 11 in F major 23-24. No. 12 in F minor 1-2. No. 13 in F sharp major 3-4. No.14 in F sharp minor 5-6. No. 15 in G major 7-8. No. 16 in G minor 9-10. No. 17 in A flat major

11-12. No. 18 in G sharp minor 13-14. No. 19 in A major 15-16. No. 20 in A minor 17-18. No. 21 in B flat major 19-20. No. 22 in B flat minor 21-22. No. 23 in B major 23-24. No. 24 in B minor

The Gramophone


Track Listing

Proving that Jill Crossland “well deserves her enviable reputation as a Bach pianist” (BBC Music Magazine), this superb recording of Bach’s Well-tempered Clavier, Book 1, is a great way to start the New Year on Signum. Colloquially known as the “48” from the two books of twenty-four preludes and fugues, these works form one of the great landmarks of keyboard repertoire. Bach’s own description from the title page of his copy of Book 1 reads - “Preludes & Fugues through all tones and semitones including (both) major & minor (keys).” Schumann even referred to the work as his ‘daily bread’.

INSTRUMENTAL

Jill Crossland



135

Within seconds you’re drawn into the gentle hammer-strokes that unlock Crossland’s warm, rounded and perpetually singing sonority

The Well-tempered Clavier, Book 2

2. No. 2 in C minor 3. No. 3 in C sharp major 4. No.4 in C sharp minor 5. No. 5 in D major 6. No. 6 in D minor 7. No. 7 in E flat major 8. No. 8 in D sharp minor 9. No. 9 in E major 10. No. 10 in E minor 11. No. 11 in F major 12. NO, 12 in F minor 13. No. 13 in F sharp major 14. NO. 14 in F sharp minor 15. No. 15 in G major 16. No. 16 in G minor 17. NO. 17 in A flat major 18. No. 18 in G sharp minor

19. NO. 19 in A major 20. No.20 in A minor 21. No. 21 in B flat major 22. N0. 22 in B flat minor 23. No. 23 in B major 24. NO. 24 in B minor 1. No. 1 in C major

The Gramophone


Track Listing

Following Jill Crossland’s successful release of J.S. Bach’s Well-tempered Clavier, Book 1 earlier this year, Signum are pleased to announce the release of Book 2 in this new 2CD set. Completed by 1742, Book 2 was intended as a complement to Book 1, not as a replacement. It is generally far more difficult than Book 1 however, with greater technical and structural difficulty for the performer. It was the ultimate workbook, open to constant change and refining by Bach himself. In Jill Crossland’s own words, ‘No other music is so perfect an integration of emotional expression and intellectual rigour’. Jill first performed the complete Well-tempered Clavier from memory as a student in Mancheste

INSTRUMENTAL

Jill Crossland



136

... the eminent and revered Bach interpreter, Jill Crossland ... A highly fitting addition to any collection of piano repertoire

The Complete Well-Tempered Clavier

2 CD set. Complete Well-tempered Clavier: See SIGCD113 and SIGCD123



Track Listing

This box set consists of the complete Well-tempered Clavier series by J.S. Bach, performed by Jill Crossland. Colloquially known as the “48” from the two books of twenty-four preludes and fugues, these works form one of the great landmarks of keyboard repertoire. In Jill Crossland’s own words, ‘No other music is so perfect an integration of emotional expression and intellectual rigour’. Jill first performed the complete Well-tempered Clavier from memory as a student in Manchester

INSTRUMENTAL

Jill Crossland



137

The closing three tracks, however, display Burgess and Fairclough at their most imaginative and original, and make one look forward to a self-penned album by these two remarkable artists

Electric Counterpoint: Powerplant

1. Electric Counterpoint - I - Fast 2. Electric Counterpoint - II - Slow 3. Electric Counterpoint - III - Fast 4. Tour de France 5. Radioactivity 6. Pocket Calculator 7. Carbon Copy 8. Temazcal 9. Audiotectonics III CD+. VIDEO: Temazcal

Musical Criticism


Track Listing

Powerplant encompasses the work of some of the most dynamic young British artists, bringing together the virtuoso percussionist Joby Burgess and live sound engineer Matthew Fairclouch. The repertoire also includes a new take on Steve Reich’s Electric Counterpoint, first commissioned in 1987 for guitarist Pat Metheny, placing the percussionist against a pre-recorded tape of himself. The pieces by Kraftwerk also feature highly on this disc with arrangements for string quartet and a variety of percussive and electronic instruments. This disc is an Enhanced CD, with a short video performance that can be viewed when using the disc in a computer.

INSTRUMENTAL

Joby Burgess



138

Lill allows the music to emerge gloriously free of extra-musical association with intellectual clarity to have one listening to these glorious works afresh. A recording truly worthy of celebration.

John Lill plays Brahms and Schumann

1. Fantasie in C, Opus 17 - Durchaus fantastisch und leidenschaftlich Vorzutragen - Im Legenden-Ton - Tempo primo 2. Durchaus energisch - Etwas langsamer - Viel bewegter 3. Langsam getragen Durchweg eise zu halten - Etwas bewegter 4. 3 Intermezzi, Opv 117 - Andante moderato 5. Andante ma non troppo 6. Andante con molto 7. Variations and Fugue on a Theme by G F Handel, Op 24 - Aria

8. Variation I 9. Variation II 10. Variation III 11. Variation IV 12. Variation V 13. Variation VI 14. Variation VII 15. Variation VIII 16. Variation IX 17. Variation X 18. Variation XI 19. VariationXII 20. Variation XIII 21. Variation XIV 22. Variation XV 23. Variation XVI 24. Variation XVII 25. Variation XVIII [33 Tracks]

International Piano Magazin


Track Listing

Much loved pianist, John Lill, plays touchstones of the 19th Century romantic piano tradition: Schumann: Fantasie in C, Op 17 Brahms: 3 Intermezzi, Op 117, Variations and Fugue on a Theme by G F Handel, Op 24

INSTRUMENTAL

John Lill



139

Most sterling of British pianists... his impeccable technique and musicianship make a superb case for a choice of works that, significantly, stresses the more speculative side of Haydn’s nature... in his hands the finale is an effervescent tour de force

Haydn Piano Sonatas: John Lill

1. Sonata No. 49 in C sharp Minor Hob XVI: 36 - Moderato 2. Sonata No. 49 in C sharp Minor Hob XVI: 36 - Scherzando: Allegro con brio 3. Sonata No. 49 in C sharp Minor Hob XVI: 36 - Menuetto & Trio 4. Piano Sonata No. 32 in G minor Hob.XVI: 44 - 5. Piano Sonata No. 32 in G minor Hob.XVI: 44 - Allegretto 6. Piano Sonata No. 59 in E flat major Hob.XVI: 49 - Allegro 7. Piano Sonata No. 59 in

E flat major Hob.XVI: 49 - Adagio e cantabile 8. Piano Sonata No. 59 in E flat major Hob.XVI: 49 - Finale: Tempo di Menuet 9. Piano Sonata No. 62 in E flat major Hob.XVI: 52 - Allegro 10. Piano Sonata No. 62 in E flat major Hob.XVI: 52 - Adagio 11. Piano Sonata No. 62 in E flat major Hob.XVI: 52 - Finale: Presto

The Gramophone


Track Listing

Featuring the sonatas: Sonata in C# minor Hob XVI :36 Sonata in G minor Hob XVI: 44 Sonata in Eb major Hob XVI: 49 Sonata in Eb major Hob XVI: 52

INSTRUMENTAL

John Lill



140

The saxophone is in, and there’s no better performer than Lara James. From shades of jazz to thrilling expressionism, this recital earns your attention

Façades: Contemporary Works for Saxophone

1. Lessons of the Sky 2. Sonata for alto saxophone and piano, op.29: I Andante meastoso 3. Sonata for alto saxophone and piano, op.29: II Allegro energico 4. Here Again 5. Façades 6. Sonata for alto saxophone and piano, op.56: I Moderato 7. Sonata for alto saxophone and piano, op.56: II Lento flessible 8. Sonata for alto saxophone and piano, op.56: III Allegro Vivo 9. Glass

Classic FM Magazine


Track Listing

Accompanied by a select group of musicians including Sinfonia ViVA, Lara James, the renowned saxophonist, performs contemporary works by some of today’s leading composers, demonstrating the unique timbre and versatility of the modern saxophone.

INSTRUMENTAL

Lara James, Jeremy Young, Kathryn Price & Sinfonia ViVA



141

The whole world needs to hear Lisa Friend’s music and flute playing

Deep in My Soul

1. Duo - Dmitri Shostakovich 2. Deep in My Soul - Lisa Friend / John Haywood 3. Air de Ballet d’ Ascanio - Camille Saint-Saëns 4. Medley - Ennio Morricone, arr. Lisa Friend 5. Vocalise, Op.34, No. 14 - Sergei Rachmaninov 6. Romance - Edward German 7-9. Three Romances, Op.94 - Robert Schumann 10. Romance, Op.37 - Camille Saint-Saëns 11. Somewhere, from ‘West Side Story’ -

Steven Spielberg


Track Listing

A bright new talent in the classical world, the flautist Lisa Friend presents a new disc of romantic works, accompanied by piano, cello and violin. Lisa’s compositions and performances have drawn great praise from both professional musicians and concert-goers alike. Also featured on disc performing with Lisa is her father Rodney Friend, one of the most respected and celebrated English born violinists of the last 45 years.

INSTRUMENTAL

Lisa Friend



142

... my favourite contemporary music CD of 2007 ... These are enthusiastic performances with immaculate sonics: brilliant stuff

Fiddlesticks

1. Concerto for Violin with percussion orchestra - Allegro 2. Largo cantabile 3. Allegro vigoroso, poco presto 4. Vermilion Rhapsody 5. Fragments from a Gradual Process 6. Gharnati 7. Mopti Street 8. Kumpo

BBC Music Magazine


Track Listing

On first hearing Lou Harrison’s violin concerto, Madeleine Mitchell was entranced by the colourful array of percussion and its juxaposition with the violin’s innate lyricism. Indeed, this description could fit almost all the works featured on this lively, multi-rhythmic disc. Both string and percussion blend in a unique mix of styles from early Andalucian music to a Stravinsky inspired piece, Fragments from a Gradual Process. Complex rhythms from the Ensemble Bash who incorporate West African drumming at the heart of their playing, combined with Madeleine’s interweaving lines create a unique fusion of sound.

INSTRUMENTAL

Madeleine Mitchell & Ensemble Bash



143

… the recording beguiles and overwhelms alternately - sometimes simultaneously

Dance of the Three Legged Elephants

1. Improvisation #7 2. (Used to be a) Cha Cha 3. Improvisation #3 4. Castellain Sunshine 5. Sabia 6. Dance of the Three Legged Elephants 7. Pièce en Forme de Habanera 8. Miles Beyond 9. Vika 10. Improvisation #2 11. [Hidden Track - not on artwork]



Track Listing

Dazzling yet intimte, this set of tracks is the work of two brilliant and internationally renowned musicians who are also close friends, and their friendship pours from the music with passion, intensity, humour and inspiring energy. The central focus here is ‘collaboration’ - the musical collaboration of Barley and Joseph and the traditions from which they have individually evolved, and their combined collaboration with other composers in a series of imaginative arrangements.

INSTRUMENTAL

Matthew Barley & Julian Joseph



144

A fine, solid ensemble performance. ... Technically assured throughout. .... The effect is powerful and chilling.

Messiaen: Chamber Works

1. Fantaisie 2. Quatuor pour la fin du Temps - Liturgie de cristal 3. Quatuor pour la fin du Temps - Vocalise, pour l’Ange qui annonce la fin du Temps 4. Quatuor pour la fin du Temps - Abime des oiseaux 5. Quatuor pour la fin du Temps - intermede 6. Quatuor pour la fin du Temps - Louange a l’Eternite de Jesus 7. Quatuor pour la fin du Temps - Danse de la fureur, pour les sept trompettes 8. Quatuor pour la fin du Temps - Fouillis d’arcs-en-ciel, pour l’Ange qui announce la fin du Temps 9. Quatuor pour la fin du Temps - Louange a l’Immortalite de Jesus 10. Le Merle Noir 11. Piece pour piano et quatuor a cordes 12. Morceau de lecture a vue



Track Listing

Marking one hundred years since the birth of the composer, Signum Classics are proud to announce the release of a collection of Messiaen’s chamber work, featuring Matthew Schellhorn in collaboration with the Soloists of the Philharmonia Orchestra.

INSTRUMENTAL

Matthew Schellhorn & Soloists of the Philharmonia Orchestra



145

This duo is never less than vital, bold and committed

Michael Nyman: Music for Two Pianos

1. Taking a line for a second walk 2. Taking a line for a second walk 3. Taking a line for a second walk 4. Lady in the red hat 5. Water Dances: I 6. Water Dances: II 7. Water Dances: III 8. Water Dances: IV



Track Listing

No one has played a greater role in bridging the divide between the worlds of classical and popular music than Michael Nyman. Taking a Line for a Second Walk began life in 1986 as an orchestral work from the Houston Ballet. The Water Dances is appearing here in its five- movement form for the first time, alongside Lady in the Red Hat.

INSTRUMENTAL

Michael Nyman



146

Inventive programming, passionate playing, compelling listening.

From Jewish Life

1. Kol Nidrei, Op. 47 2. Sonata for violoncello & piano 3. Kinah 4. Dona, Dona 5. Avreml, the pickpocket 6. 2 Meditations from ‘Mass’: Meditation I 7. 2 Meditations from ‘Mass’: Meditation II 8. From Jewish Life: Prayer 9. From Jewish Life: Supplication 10. From Jewish Life: Jewish Life 11. Meditation Hebraique 12. Cardil 13. Chanukah Oy Chanukah 14. Nigun from Baal Shem

Classic FM Magazine


Track Listing

A haunting CD of music rooted or influenced by Jewish Culture. Celebrated ‘cellist Paul Marleyn (accompanied by John Lenehan on piano) performs traditional folk melodies, presented here alongside the title work by Bloch, and works by Bernstein, Bruch, Schedrin and Stutschewsky.

INSTRUMENTAL

Paul Marleyn



147

succeeds on every level: extraordinary musicianship, clear and sonorous recorded sound, fresh and interesting repertoire.

The music of James Pugh and Daniel Schnyder

1. And Flights of Angels ….. 2. Trio: Movement I 3. Trio: Movement II 4. Trio: Movement III 5. Trio: Movement IV 6. Trio: Movement V 7. Aviariations: One good tern ... 8. Aviariations: No egrets 9. Aviariations: Toucan Danse 10. Four Short Stories, for brass octet: Follow me 11. Four Short Stories, for brass octet: The opposite is true 12. Four Short Stories, for brass octet: Matrix

13. Four Short Stories, for brass octet: The Monkfish 14. 4x2x1 15. The Iron Tetrapod 16. Triad 17. Three American Dances: (African feel) 18. Three American Dances: (Jazz feel) 19. Three American Dances: (Cuban feel)

The Brass Player (New York)


Track Listing

These composers have specialised in a repertoire that is both fun, challenging and extremely versatile, and this group of talented New Yorkers have performed their works across the globe.

INSTRUMENTAL

The Graham Ashton Brass Ensemble



148

A really worth-while extension of the brass ensemble repertoire…Recommended unreservedly.

Scenes of Spirits

1. Raga 2. Kei - Scenes of Spirits (i) Flowers - Spring 3. Kei - Scenes of Spirits (ii) Birds - Summer 4. Kei - Scenes of Spirits (iii) Winds - Autumn 5. Kei - Scenes of Spirits (iv) Moon - Winter 6. Birdsong 7. All Sides Endlessness 8. Brasstango

Musical Pointers


Track Listing

The Graham Ashton Brass Ensemble boldly explores new repertoire for brass from different cultures around the globe, with an incredible line up of composers and instrumentalists from different disciplines and musical spheres. A melting pot of Indian ragas, Japanese Gagaku, Argentinian tangos and ancient Celtic tradition, via American improvised and classical music, gives rise to a release of sparkling originality, where daring instrumentations are perfectly matched with sublime performances from this true ‘world’ ensemble.

INSTRUMENTAL

The Graham Ashton Brass Ensemble



149

Glass weaves filigree tapestries given polished, finely detailed airings by the virtuoso Brits

The Complete String Quartets of Philip Glass

Disc 1 1—6. String Quartet No.3 “Mishima” 7—10. String Quartet No.2 11—13. String Quartet No.4 Disc 2 1—3. String Quartet No.1 4—7. String Quartet No.5

The Observer


Track Listing

Following on from the critically acclaimed albums, Different Trains (SIGCD065) and Ghost Stories (SIGCD088), Signum presents The Smith Quartet’s latest album, the complete string quartets by the world-acclaimed composer, Philip Glass. Over a time span of 25 years, Glass has completed 8 quartets (the 3 earliest were withdrawn) drawing on the influences of Bach to Shostakovich, as well as exterior musical sources: dance, theatre and film. Clear-cut, polished performances by The Smith Quartet give the listener an excellent taster of a quartet at the forefront of contemporary music.

INSTRUMENTAL

The Smith Quartet



150

...the Smith Quartet’s intense sound re-emphasises the rhapsodic ending of the work. Duet and Triple Quartet are also featured here and are played to perfection

Steve Reich: Different Trains

1. Triple Quartet: Movt 1 2. TQ: Movt 2 3. TQ: Movt 3 4. Duet 5. Different Trains: America - Before the war 6. DT: Europe - During the war 7. DT: After the war

The Independent on Sunday


Track Listing

The disc contains three of Steve Reich’s most inspiring works: Triple Quartet for three string quartets, Reich’s personal dedication to the late Yehudi Menuhin, Duet, and the haunting Different Trains for string quartet and electronic tape.

INSTRUMENTAL

The Smith Quartet



151

Ghost Stories’ offers a supreme example of the limitless possibilities that the string quartet medium offers, and the most convincing evidence as to why The Smith Quartet are currently one of the most exciting and dynamic groups working in the medium.

Ghost Stories

1. Hambeldon Hill 2. The Old Woman of Beare 3. The Sinking of the Titanic 4. Momento 5. String Quartet No.1: in memoriam…



Track Listing

The Smith Quartet present a range of exciting modern works that explore idea of ghosts and memories. Features compositions by Stephen Montague, Tim Souster, James MacMillan, Michael Alcorn and Gavin Bryars.

INSTRUMENTAL

The Smith Quartet



152

A valuable and distinctive release.

Red Leaves

1. Birthday Piece for Richard Rodney Bennett 2. Elijah’s Violin I 3. Elijah’s Violin II 4. Elijah’s Violin III 5. Elijah’s Violin IV 6. Six Bagatelles, Op. 113, I 7. Six Bagatelles, Op. 113, II 8. Six Bagatelles, Op. 113, III 9. Six Bagatelles, Op. 113, IV 10. Six Bagatelles, Op. 113, V 11. Six Bagatelles, Op. 113, VI 12. O Saisons, o Chateaux, Op. 13 13. Red Leaves 14. Symphony No. 7 for strings: Andante - Allegro vivo - Andante 15. Symphony No. 7 for strings: Allegro molto 16. Symphony No. 7 for strings: Andante 17. Symphony No. 7 for strings: Allegro maestoso ma non troppo

BBC Music Magazine


Track Listing

20th Century classics by composers Saxton, Lutyens, McCabe and Williamson. The Brunel Ensemble are joined by soprano Teresa Cahill.

INSTRUMENTAL—CONTEMPORARY

The Brunel Ensemble



153

“This CD is an unique gem, gripping from beginning to end, superbly recorded and annotated by the composer, complete with a biography of Kharms and full texts… Enthusiastically Recommended”

Mini-Stories

1 A Suite 2. Scene 3. A Fable 4. The Centre of the Universe 5. Incidents 6. Script 7. A Sonnet 8. Rondino 9. An Optical Illusion 10. Mystical Navigation 11. What They Sell in the Stores Nowadays 12. Red Trees, Blue Sky, Dead Leaves 13. Petrakov 14. Singing Lesson 15. A Play 16. Left Hand Singing

17. A Dream 18. The Ship Sails North 19. A Young Man Who Astonished a Watchman 20. March For One 21. Losing Things 22. Seven Halos 23. Victory Boogie-Woogie 24. Blue Notebook No. 10

Musical Pointers


Track Listing

Haflidi Hallgrímsson is one of the leading figures in Icelandic musical life, and his work Mini Stories sets the surreal poetry of the soviet-era writer Daniil Kharms to music. Whilst internationally renowned actor Simon Callow brings Kharms’s texts to life, the Icelandic Caput Ensemble reflect the mood with stellar performances of Hallgrímsson’s evocative accompanying composition.

INSTRUMENTAL—SPOKEN WORD

The Caput Ensemble, Narrated by Simon Callow



154

Kennedy has a big, bright, expressive tenor voice and uses it with fervour, delicacy and imagination

Arias by Mozart, Gluck & Berlioz

1. Calchas ... (Achille, Iphigénie en Aulide) 2. (Aria) Misero! E che faro! (Recit) No, si atroce costanza (Admeto, Alceste) 3. J’ai perdu mon Euridice (Orphée, Orpheé ed Euridice) 4. Divinité des grandes âmes (Pylade, Iphigénie en Tauride) 5. Overture (Die Entführung aus dem Serail) 6. Hier soll... (Belmonte, Die Entführung aus dem Serail) 7. Ich baue ganz ... (Belmonte, Die Entführung

aus dem Serail) 8. Overture (La Clemenza di Tito) 9. Del più sublime soglio (Tito, La Clemenza di Tito) 10. Ah, se fosse ... (Tito, La Clemenza di Tito) 11. Se’all’ impero (Tito, La Clemenza di Tito) 12. Ô blonde Cérès, (Iopas, Les Troyens) 13. Ah! je vais l’aimer (Bénédict, Béatrice et Bénédict) 14. Chant du Bonheur (Lélio ou Le retour à la vie) 15. Air de Faust (Faust, Le Damnation de Faust)



Track Listing

Andrew Kennedy has established himself as one of the best and brightest young tenors performing today; as a leading exponent of song (winning the song prize at the BBC Cardiff Singer of the World competition in 2005), and by performing regularly in opera houses around the world. This new recital disc contains a sumptuous selection of arias by Gluck, Mozart and Berlioz, and is accompanied by London’s Southbank Sinfonia, conducted by Simon Over.

OPERA

Andrew Kennedy & Southbank Sinfonia



155

Though Silvia Tro Santafé is no newcomer in the recording stakes this was my first encounter with her and this recital has definitely whetted the appetite for more

Spanish Heroines: Silvia Tro Santafé

1. Una voce poco fa, (Rosina, Il Barbiere di Siviglia) 2. Contro un cor, (Rosina, Il Barbiere di Siviglia) 3. In quail eccessi, o Numi... Mi tradi, (Donna Elvira, Don Giovanni 4. O mon Fernand (Leonora, La Favorite) 5. Chanson du Vole, (Princesse Eboli, Don Carlos) 6. O Don Fatal, (Princesse Eboli, Don Carlos) 7. Habanera, (Carmen, Carmen) 8. Près des remparts de Sèville [Sèguedille], (Carmen, Carmen) 9. Pleurez, pleurez mes yeux (Chimène, Le Cid) 10. Alza! Alza! (Dulcinèe, Don Quichotte)



Track Listing

Since her American debut in the early nineties, Silvia Tro Santafé has become one of the most sought after coloratura mezzos of her generation. On this disc we hear the proof of her operatic talents, performing some of the greatest and most passionate arias of any operatic mezzo soprano.

OPERA

Silvia Tro Santafé



156

I liked Santafe’s ‘Spanish Heroines’; I like this even more

Rossini Mezzo: Scenes & Arias

1. Cruda sorte! (L’Italiana in Algeri) 2. Amici, in ogni evento ... (L’Italiana in Algeri) 3. Pensa alla patria (L’Italiana in Algeri) 4. Oh patria! (Tancredi) 5. Di tanti palpiti (Tancredi) 6: Della fortuna istabile (La Cenerentola) 7. Nacqui all’affanno (La Cenerentola) 8. Mura felici (La Donna del Lago) 9. Elena! oh tu! (La Donna del Lago) 10. Ah si pera (La Donna del Lago) 11. Douglas, Douglas (La Donna del Lago) 12. Eccomi alfine (Semiramide) 13. Ah, quell giorno(Semiramide)



Track Listing

If it were not for the operas of Gioachino Rossini, the operatic repetory of the mezzo soprano would lack some of its most interesting characters and music. Silvia Tro Santafé proves herself a true ‘Rossini Mezzo’ in this collection of scenes and arias, accompanied by the excellent Orquesta Sinfónica de Narvarra and Lluís Vich Vocalis.

OPERA

Silvia Tro Santafé



157

…there is a lot to admire in this dramatic, expressive score

Anna Karenina

Anna Karenina: An opera in two acts by David Carlson. Libretto by Colin Graham.

Based on the novel by Leo Tolstoy

Opera Now Magazine


Track Listing

Tolstoy’s Anna Karenina is a masterwork of 19th Century literature; a parable on the struggle for personal freedom against the conventions of a hostile society, played out in a tragic love-story. With a libretto by the distinguished director Colin Graham after the novel by Leo Tolstoy, David Carlson’s opera vividly captures the drama and message of the original work. This double-disc set is a world premiere recording of the opera, with commanding performances from members of the Opera Theatre of Saint Louis and the Saint Louis Symphony Orchestra conducted by Stewart Robertson.

OPERA

The Opera Theatre Company of Saint Louis



158

I have to concede it’s difficult not to be charmed ... The strength of Metcalf’s score lies in its horse-sure sense of shaping over an extended, one-movement span and his creative handling of the orchestra

In Time of Daffodils

1. Paradise Haunts 2. Mobile 1 3. Mobile 2 4. Mobile 3 5. The Lent Lily 6. Daffodils 7. White and Green 8. Interlude 9. To Daffodils 10. A Thing of Beauty 11. To an Early Daffodil

The Gramophone


Track Listing

World renowned Welsh composer, John Metcalf presents his new work, In Time of Daffodils. A song cycle, originally set for voice & piano, Metcalf has extended his own work into an orchestral masterpiece, setting the words of much loved poets to the six concluding songs of the cycle. Featuring performances from Thomas Bowes (violin) and Gerard McChrystal.

ORCHESTRAL

BBC National Orchestra of Wales



159

(On the live concert) It was, in short, one of the finest performances I have heard the BBC National Orchestra of Wales give in recent years. Both precise and evocative, exceptionally transparent in texture where it needed to be, rich and full elsewhere, this was a magical reading of a remarkable score

Firebird

1. Scherzo Fantastique 2—15. The Firebird (L’Oiseau de Feu)



Track Listing

The music commissioned by Sergei Diaghilev for his Ballet Russes has generated some of the most inventive and popular orchestral works of the 20th Century. Led by Principal Conductor Thierry Fischer, these recordings capture the excitement and vibrancy of the BBC National Orchestra of Wales in live performance - the first recording made in their new home of BBC Hoddinott Hall, Wales. This is the first release in a series of three with future repertoire including The Rite of Spring and Petrushka.

ORCHESTRAL

BBC National Orchestra of Wales, cond. Thierry Fischer



160

NEW 2010 Release

Petrushka

1-4. Petrushka Stravinsky

5. Baba-yaga Liadov

6. The Enchanted Lake Liadov

7. Kikimora Liadov


Track Listing

Petrushka follows the remarkable success of Stravinsky’s Firebird and is the second in a three part series of works from Sergei Diaghilev’s Ballet Russes, performed by BBC National Orchestra of Wales. These recordings encapsulate the vivacity and passion of three life-sized puppets, seemingly brought to life.

ORCHESTRA

BBC National Orchestra of Wales, cond. Thierry Fischer



161

The Orchestral playing under Mark Elder is superbly sharp and vivid throughout.

Shostakovich: Hypothetically Murdered

1. Hypothetically Murdered: Act I - Transition to the Field Hospital 2. Hypothetically Murdered: Act I - Gallop 3. Hypothetically Murdered: Act I - Transition to the Field 4. Hypothetically Murdered: Act I - The Field (Landscape) 5. Hypothetically Murdered: Act II - Introduction to Act II (Petrushka) 6. Hypothetically Murdered: Act II - Petroushka (Garmoshka) 7. Hypothetically Murdered: Act II - Storm

8. Hypothetically Murdered: Act II - The Arrival of the Lorry 9. Hypothetically Murdered: Act II - Dance 10. Hypothetically Murdered: Act II - Transition to the Kitchen (Jugglers and Waitresses) 11. Hypothetically Murdered: Act II - Waitresses 12. Hypothetically Murdered: Act III - Paradise I: The Flight of the Cherubim [33 Tracks]

The Eye


Track Listing

This recording spans six years of change and upheaval in Shostakovich’s life (1931 - 1937). The disc presents some of the composers earlier works, chosen to reflect the growing difficulties that led to the ‘Great Terror’ of 1936 in Russia.

ORCHESTRAL

City of Birmingham Symphony Orchestra



162

Sound 5/5

Shostakovich: Hamlet & King Lear

1. Hamlet Op. 32 - Act I: Prelude and night patrol / Shepherd’s horn 2. Hamlet Op. 32 - Act I: Funeral March / Exit of the King and Queen 3. Hamlet Op. 32 - Act I: Dinner Music 4. Hamlet Op. 32 - Act I: Flourish and dance music / Finale of Act I 5. Hamlet Op. 32 - Act II: Hamlet and the small boys walking past / Ophelia and Polonius’ gallop 6. Hamlet Op. 32 - Act II: Hamlet and Posencrantz’s scene 7. Hamlet Op. 32 - Act II:

The actor’s arrival / Exit of Polonius, Rosencrantz and Guildenstern 8. Hamlet Op. 32 - Act II: Rosencrantz and Guildenstern’s dialogue 9. Hamlet Op. 32 - Act II: The Hunt 10. Hamlet Op. 32 - Act III: The guests’ entrance 11. Hamlet Op. 32 - Act III: The tuning of the instruments 12. Hamlet Op. 32 - Act III: Prelude 13. Hamlet Op. 32 - Act III: Love scene of the Player-King and Player-Queen [44 Tracks]

The Gramophone


Track Listing

The disc presents early theatrical music for the stage and screen by Shostakvoich. In particular, the performances show the contrast between Shotstakovich’s pre-war ‘light-hearted’ manner, and the dark somber style that became later became his public symphonic manner.

ORCHESTRAL

City of Birmingham Symphony Orchestra



163

This is probably the best performance of the Elgar Cello Concerto that I have heard. Walton cannot be beaten. I shall treasure this recording – literally: I shall hoard it against a musically rainy day.

Elgar Cello Concerto, Myaskovsky Cello Concerto

1. Cello Concerto Eminor 1.Adagio 2. 2. Lento 3. 3. Adagio 4. 4. Allegro 5. Cello Concerto Cminor 1. Lento 6. 2. Allegro vivace

The Elgar Society Journal


Track Listing

The cello concertos of Elgar and Myaskovsky written in 1919 and 1944 respectively, engender few similarities these days but make an exciting coupling due not only to the disparate nature of the composers’ lives and situations, but also to the common ground they tread; both composers were in their early sixties when writing their main work for the instrument. A stunning performance by Jamie Walton, accompanied by the magnificent Philharmonia Orchestra.

ORCHESTRAL

Jamie Walton & The Philharmonia Orchestra



164

Walton is a superb and unflashy exponent - theres no ego here, just consummate musicianship, excellently backed by the Philharmonia under Alex Briger, sensitive and biting in the Shostakovich, formidable and powerful in the Britten

Shostakovich Cello Concerto No. 2, Britten Cello Symphony: Jamie Walton

1. Concerto for Cello and Orchester No. 2 in G, - I - Largo 2. Concerto for Cello and Orchester No. 2 in G, - II - Allegretto 3. Concerto for Cello and Orchester No. 2 in G, - II - Allegretto 4. Symphony for Cello and Orchestra - I - Allegro maestoso 5. Symphony for Cello and Orchestra - II - Presto inquieto 6. Symphony for Cello and Orchestra - III - Adagio 7. Symphony for Cello and Orchestra - IV - Passacaglia: Andante allegro

The Times


Track Listing

Jamie Walton’s latest venture with the Philharmonia Orchestra, led by Alexander Briger, covers two more-contemporary Cello works; Shostakovich’s Cello Concerto No. 2, and Britten’s Symphony for Cello and Orchestra. Jamie Walton is quickly gaining international recognition for his work, being compared to Cello legends Rostropovich and Tortelier.

ORCHESTRAL

Jamie Walton & The Philharmonia Orchestra



165

The concerts of Warren-Green and the London Chamber Orchestra at St John’s, Smith Square aren’t often noticed in the press, but their large regular audience knows that they are some of the most exciting in London

LCO Live: Haydn | Mozart | Beethoven

1. Symphony No. 85 in B flat major, “La Reine de France”: Adagio - Vivace 2. Symphony No. 85 in B flat major, “La Reine de France”: Romance: Allegretto 3. Symphony No. 85 in B flat major, “La Reine de France”: Menuetto e Trio: Allegretto 4. Symphony No. 85 in B flat major, “La Reine de France”: Finale: Presto 5. Piano Concerto No. 12 in A major, K. 414: Allegro 6. Piano Concerto No. 12 in A major, K. 414: Andante 7. Piano Concerto No. 12

in A major, K. 414: Rondo: Allegretto 8. Symphony No. 8 in F major, Op. 93: Allegro vivace e con brio 9. Symphony No. 8 in F major, Op. 93: Allegretto scherzando 10. Symphony No. 8 in F major, Op. 93: Tempo di Menuetto - Trio 11. Symphony No. 8 in F major, Op. 93: Finale: Allegro vivace

The Times


Track Listing

The London Chamber Orchestra, the UK’s oldest chamber orchestra, has nurtured the new and paid homage to the traditional since 1921. The remarkable acoustic and intimate ambience of St. John’s, Smith Square, its London home, enable the LCO to give vibrant performances and establish a close rapport with its audiences. The recordings on the LCO Live label, in partnership with Signum Classics, are the result of this happy marriage of orchestra and venue. Future releases include Beethoven’s Egmont Overture, Mozart’s Symphony No. 1 and Mendelssohn’s Symphony No. 4.

ORCHESTRAL

London Chamber Orchestra



166

The concerts of Warren-Green and the London Chamber Orchestra at St John’s, Smith Square aren’t often noticed in the press, but their large regular audience knows that they are some of the most exciting in London.

LCO Live: Mendelssohn | Beethoven

1. Egmont Overture Op.84 2. Piano Concerto No.2 in B flat major Op.19 : Allegro con brio 3. Piano Concerto No.2 in B flat major Op.19 : Adagio 4. Piano Concerto No.2 in B flat major Op.19 : Rondo: Molto allegro 5. Symphony No.4 in A major Op.90 ‘Italian’: Allegro vivace 6. Symphony No.4 in A major Op.90 ‘Italian’: Andante con moto 7. Symphony No.4 in A major Op.90 ‘Italian’: Con moto moderato 8. Symphony No.4 in A major Op.90 ‘Italian’: Saltarello: Presto

The Times


Track Listing

The second release in our new series with the London Chamber Orchestra presents three more classic performances from the their home venue of St. John’s, Smith Square – featuring principal conductor Christopher Warren-Green and the pianist and director Melvyn Tan.

ORCHESTRAL

London Chamber Orchestra



167

NEW 2010 Release

LCO Live: Rossini | Mozart | Beethoven

Gioacchino Rossini1. La scala di seta: Overture

Wolfgang Amadeus MozartSymphony No.1 in E flat major K.162. Molto allegro 3. Andante 4. Presto

Wolfgang Amadeus MozartLe nozze di Figaro K.4925.Aria: Porgi amor 6. Recitative: E Susanna non vien!7.Aria: Dove sono Susan Gritton soprano

Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart8. Adagio and Fugue K.546* Ludwig van Beethoven9. Ah! perfido Op.65


Track Listing

The third release in our new series with the London Chamber Orchestra presents more classic performances from the their home venue of St. John’s, Smith Square – featuring principal conductor Christopher Warren-Green and the soprano Susan Gritton.

ORCHESTRAL

London Chamber Orchestra, Susan Gritton



168

Otaka directs refreshingly straightforward accounts of two much-loved and recorded symphonies that have a tendency to collapse under the emotional weight of over-interpretation ... Eighth Symphony which flows by effortlessly, fresh-textured and with rhythms delightfully pointed.

Dvorak: Symphonies No. 8 and No. 9

1. Symphony No.8, Allegro con brio 2. Adagio 3. Allegretto grazioso - Molto vivace 4. Allegro, ma non troppo 5. Symphony No.9, Adagio - Allegro Molto 6. Largo 7. Scherzo (Molto Vivace) 8. Allegro con fuoco

Classic FM Magazine


Track Listing

Dvorak’s Symphony No.8 is a work that marks Dvorak’s first proper venture into the profusion of ideas and effects that, after the Ninth Symphony, became his home ground as a composer. Symphony No.9, ‘From the New World’, received a rapturous reception at its Carnegie Hall premiere, a reception, which has been repeated thousands of times across the globe. Enjoy an extraordinary performance of two of Dvorak’s best known symphonies, beautifully performed by Japan’s leading symphony orchestra.

ORCHESTRAL

Sapporo Symphony Orchestra



169

… it is so good that it offers considerable competition to its predecessors ... this performance cements the work in the international repertoire, and, last of all, is extremely well recorded ... Otaka has a profound grasp of the structure of Payne’s achievement ... greater than that of almost all his rivals on disc

Elgar, Elaborated by Anthony Payne: Symphony No. 3 &

Pomp & Circumstance March No. 6

1. Symphony No.3 1 Allegro molto maestoso 2. Scherzo Allegretto 3. Adagio solenne 4. Allegro 5. Pomp & Circumstance March No. 6



Track Listing

The Sapporo Symphony Orchestra take on Elgar’s Symphony No.3 under Tadaaki Otaka’s baton with as much flair as they did in their Japanese premiere of the work in 2004. In 1995 Anthony Payne was commissioned to complete an ‘elaboration’ of the entire symphony and completed Elgar’s original ‘sketches’ of the work in what can be immediately recognised as Elgarian style. The Japanese orchestra affirm their accolade as one of the finest orchestras in Japan in this stunning performance. The orchestra has received high praise from critics and public alike, distinguished by its clear sound and dynamic powers of expression.

ORCHESTRAL

Sapporo Symphony Orchestra



170

A magnificent work, extremely convincing, which allows the two greatest piano fantasies of the 19th century to be listened to with a different ear

Wanderer Fantasy

1. Wanderer Fantasy (after Schubert): Allegro con fuoco ma non troppo 2. Wanderer Fantasy (after Schubert): Adagio 3. Wanderer Fantasy (after Schubert): Presto 4. Wanderer Fantasy (after Schubert): Allegro 5. Fantasie (after Schumann): Durchaus phantastisch und leidenschaftlich vorzutragen 6. Fantasie (after Schumann): Mäßig. Durchaus energisch 7. Fantasie (after Schumann): Langsam getragen. Durchweg leise zu halten

Abeille Music


Track Listing

Members of the Schubert Ensemble join the The English Chamber Orchestra, conducted by Orlando Jopling, with two works that perfectly encapsulate their composers’ romantic, emotionally charged style. Featuring two new orchestrations by Joseph James of: Schubert’s “Wanderer Fantasy”, and Schumann’s “Fantasie”

ORCHESTRAL

The English Chamber Orchestra



171

The sound of the works fabulously beautiful conclusion seems somehow to glow: and you won’t ever hear it graced with finer horn-playing.

Strauss - Till Eulenspiegels lustige Streich & Ein Heldenleben

1. Till Eulenspiegels lustige Streiche, Op. 28 2. Ein Heldenleben, Op. 40: Der Held (The Hero) 3. Ein Heldenleben, Op. 40: Des Helden Widersacher (The Hero’s Adversaries) 4. Ein Heldenleben, Op. 40: Des Helden Gefährtin (The Hero’s Companion) 5. Ein Heldenleben, Op. 40: Des Helden Walstatt (The Hero at Battle) 6. Ein Heldenleben, Op. 40: Des Helden Friedenswerke (The Hero’s Works of Peace) ”7. Ein Heldenleben, Op. 40: Des Helden Weltflucht und Vollendung (The Hero’s Retirement from this World and Consummation)”

Classic FM Magazine


Track Listing

Till Eulenspiegels Lustige Streiche (Till Eulenspiegel’s Merry Pranks) is considered to be one of Strauss’s most witty, entertaining and successful tone poems. Ein Heldenleben (A Hero’s Life) heralds the composer’s more mature period in this genre, and proved controversial at it’s premiere for it’s highly auto-biographical nature.

ORCHESTRAL

The Philharmonia Orchestra, cond. Christoph von Dochnanyi



172

The musical argument is pursued with unflagging vigour combined with a high degree of orchestral virtuosity - the excitement remains intense in this hugely satisfying account

Beethoven - Symphonies No. 3 & No. 5

Disc 1 1. Symphony No.3 - I - Allegro Con Brio 2. Symphony No.3 - II - Marcia funebre: Adagio assai 3. Symphony No.3 - III - Scherzo: Allegro vivace 4. Symphony No.3 - IV - Finale: Allegro molto Disc 2 1. Symphony No.5 - I - Allegro Con Brio 2. Symphony No.5 - II - Andante con moto 3. Symphony No.5 - III - Scherzo: Allegro 4. Symphony No.5 - IV - Allegro.



Track Listing

The disc features two crowning achievements of Beethoven’s aptly titled ‘Heroic’ compositional period of the early 19th Century; the Third Symphony (Eroica), and the Fifth Symphony, arguably the single most popular piece of classical music in the Western canon.

ORCHESTRAL

The Philharmonia Orchestra, cond. Christoph von Dochnanyi



173

These live performances are engrossing beyond the call of duty: Dohnányi puts joy at the centre of the Fourth Symphony and his second penetrates to its core

Brahms - Symphonies No. 2 & No. 4

Disc 1 1. Symphony No.2 - Andante 2. Symphony No.2 - Adagio 3. Symphony No.2 - Scherzo 4. Symphony No.2 - Finale: Allegro con spirito Disc 2 1. Symphony No.4 - Allegro non troppo 2. Symphony No.4 - Andante moderato 3. Symphony No.4 - Scherzo 4. Symphony No.4 - Finale: Passacaglian

Classic FM Magazine

2 CD (Price of SingleCatalogue Code: SIGCD132Barcode: 635212013229

Track Listing

Symphony No. 2Its idyllic nature, sheer tunefulness and general sunny disposition earned Brahms an unmitigated triumph in its premiere performance in Vienna in 1877. Since then, it has been described as the sunny counterpart to the storm clouds of his First Symphony. Symphony No. 4This work conveys Brahms’ imaginative writing combining sheer intelligence with unexpected comic turns. The Finale is still considered to be one of the most exhilarating movements in the entire orchestral repertoire.

ORCHESTRAL

The Philharmonia Orchestra, cond. Christoph Von Dohnanyi



174

...a reading clearly born of true affection for, and deep knowledge of this rich and ever-wonderful score … any Elgarian seeking these three pieces together will not remotely be disappointed.

Elgar - Enigma Variations, In the South (Alassio) & Serenade for Strings

1—15. Variations on an Original Theme for orchestra (Enigma): (Enigma) 16. In the South (Alassio) 17. Serenade for Strings: I Allegro placevole 18. Serenade for Strings: II Larghetto 19. Serenade for Strings: III Allegrettoma): Theme (Andante) Enigma



Track Listing

The Enigma Variations depict twelve of Elgar’s family and friends in fourteen variations built on the original Enigma theme, one of Elgar’s earliest and still most frequently played orchestral works, Serenade for Strings, and In the South, Elgar’s Concert Overture written for the Elgar festival in 1904.

ORCHESTRAL

The Philharmonia Orchestra, cond. Sir Andrew Davis



175

NEW 2010 RELEASE

Elgar - Symphony 1 & 2, Overture: Froissart

Disc 1 1. Froissart Overture 2. Elgar Symphony 1: I 3. Elgar Symphony 1: II 4. Elgar Symphony 1: III 5. Elgar Symphony 1: IV Disc 2. 1. Elgar Symphony 2: I 2. Elgar Symphony 2: II 3. Elgar Symphony 2: III 4. Elgar Symphony 2: IV 2 CD (Price of 1)


Track Listing

The Philharmonia Orchestra’s 2nd release of 2010 sees them reunited with the celebrated interpreter of Elgar’s work, Sir Andrew Davis, performing Symphonies No. 1 and No. 2, as well as the Overture: Froissart.

ORCHESTRAL

The Philharmonia Orchestra, cond. Sir Andrew Davis



176

In an age of deodorised live recordings, this rough diamond document of that concert is thrilling... A miraculous work played with humour, wisdom and daring.

Schubert - Symphony No. 9

1. Symphony No. 9 - Andante - Allegro ma non troppo 2. Symphony No. 9 - Andante con moto 3. Symphony No. 9 - Scherzo: Allegro vivace 4. Symphony No. 9 - Finale: Allegro vivace



Track Listing

The ‘Great C major’ has often been cited as the first of the big romantic symphonies and an open door leading to the Romantic era. We owe the belated emergence of this symphony, 11 years after Schubert’s death, to Schumann who described it as “a symphony for the benefit and enjoyment of the whole world.”

ORCHESTRAL

The Philharmonia Orchestra, cond. Sir Charles Mackerras



177

Lovely music making … Dvork’s melodic gifts sung for all their worth

Dvorak - Symphonies No. 7 and No. 8

Symphony No. 7 1. Allegro maestoso 2. Poco adagio 3. Scherzo: Vivace 4. Finale: Allegro Symphony No. 8 5. Allegro con brio 6. Adagio 7. Allegretto grazioso 8. Allegro ma non troppo

BBC Radio 3


Track Listing

The first of Dvorak’s symphonies to exhibit such expressivity and sometimes called the ‘Tragic’ Symphony, No.7 is a hidden gem. No. 8 shows lots of folk influences – perhaps Dvorak’s ‘Pastoral’ symphony.Sir Charles Mackerras conducts these performances, recorded live at the Royal Fesitval Hall to capture the immediacy that studio performances so often lack.

ORCHESTRAL

The Philharmonia Orchestra, cond. Sir Charles Mackerras



178

Before he left the Soviet Union, Ashkenazy had lived through his share of what Shostakovich also had lived through. So here’s a conductor who truely knows what this music is about. It shows.

Shostakovich - Festive Overture and Symphony No. 5

1. Festive Overture 2. Symphony No.5 - I - Moderato 3. Symphony No.5 - II - Allegretto 4. Symphony No.5 - III - Largo 5. Symphony No.5 - IV - Allegro non troppo

Classic FM Magazine


Track Listing

Festive OvertureOne of Shostakovich’s most famous works originally composed for a concert to commemorate the 37th anniversary of the October Revolution in 1917. Symphony No. 5Its position as one of the 20th Century’s most popular and successful symphonic works is beyond any doubt, the triumph was immediate and greeted Shostakovich’s rehabilitation as a truly great Soviet artist.

ORCHESTRAL

The Philharmonia Orchestra, cond. Vladimir Ashkenazy



179

The opening songs have a featherweight transparency, the interludes a natural fluency … and the choral climax transmits a properly ecstatic, pantheistic glow

Schoenberg - Gurrelieder

Disc 11. Orchestral Prelude 2. Nun dämpft die Dämmerung 3. O, wenn des Mondes 4. Roß! Mein Roß! 5. Sterne jubeln 6. So tanzen die Engel 7. Nun sag’ ich dir 8. Es ist Mitternachts Zeit 9. Du sendest mir einen Liebesblick 10. Du wunderliche Tove! 11. Orchestral Interlude 12. Tauben von Gurre!

Disc 21. Herrgott, weißt du, was du tatest

2. Erwacht, König Waldemars Mannen! 3. Deckel des Sarges klappert und klappt 4. Gegrußt, o König, an Gurres See Strand 5. Mit Toves Stimme flustert der Wald 6. Ein seltsamer Vogel ist so ’n Aal 7. Du strenger Richter droben 8. Der Hahn erhebt den Kopf zur Kraht 9. Herr Gänsefuß, Frau Gänsekraut 10. Seht, die Sonne

The Financial Times

2 SACDCatalogue Code: SIGCD173Barcode: 635212017326

Track Listing

Acknowledged as the UK’s foremost musical pioneers, with an extraordinary recording legacy, the Philharmonia leads the field for its quality of playing. Esa-Pekka Salonen made his London conducting debut with the Philharmonia Orchestra in September 1983 and he has returned to conduct the Orchestra on a regular basis ever since. This is the first in our series of Philharmonia releases that feature Salonen as conductor and is a hybrid SACD/CD in both stereo and surround. Forthcoming recordings as part of Salonen’s new partnership with the Philharmonia Orchestra and Signum include Mahler’s 6th and 9th symphonies and Berlioz’s Symphonie Fantastique.

ORCHESTRAL—CHORAL

The Philharmonia Orchestra, cond. Esa-Pekka Salonen



180

“For a symphony that lasts in excess of 80 minutes, the Philharmonia played with remarkable concentration, vigour and passion … in the profoundly moving finale, an opulent string texture coupled with some beautiful solo horn playing guaranteed that this was a performance to remember.”

Mahler - Symphony No.9

1. Andante comodo

2. Im Tempo eines gemächlichen Ländlers. Etwas täppisch und sehr derb

3. Rondo-Burleske. Allegro assai. Sehr trotzig Adagio.

4. Sehr langsam und noch zurückhaltend

Marc Brooks, MusicalCriticism.com


Track Listing

Signum’s third disc with the Philharmonia Orchestra and their Principal Conductor Esa-Pekka Salonen is drawn again from their celebrated Vienna: City of Dreams series of 2008-9.

The Ninth symphony is often interpreted as a farewell to the world, in part because Mahler never had the chance to hear it performed. As one critic wrote, “If you want to learn to weep, you should listen to the first movement of the Ninth, the great, magnificent song of ultimate farewell”.

ORCHESTRA




181

Berlioz - Symphony FantastiqueBeethoven - Leonore Overture No.2

1 I. Rêveries, passions (Dreams, Passions)2 II. Un bal (A ball)3 III. Scène aux champs (Scene in the fields)4 IV. Marche au supplice (March to the Scaffold)5 V. Songe d’une nuit du Sabbat (Witches’ Sabbath)

6 Leonore Overture No.2, Op.72b


Track Listing

The Philharmonia Orchestra’s 2nd disc with Principal Conductor and Artistic Advisor Esa-Pekka Salonen shifts dramatically in tone from the first, exploring Berlioz’s evocative sonic dream in Symphony Fantastique, alongside Beethoven’s Leonore Overture.

ORCHESTRAL


“Don’t ever be tempted to typecast Esa-Pekka Salonen as a hardline modernist … he reveals himself as a powerful Berliozian too.”Performance HHHH

Recording HHHHBBC Music Magazine, June 2010



182

NEW 2010 RELEASE

Verdi - Reqiuem

Disc 1 1. No. 1: Requiem 2. No. 2 : (i) . Dies Irae 3. No. 2 : (ii). Tuba Mirum 4. No. 2 : (iii). Liber scriptus 5. No. 2 : (iv). Quid sum miser 6. No. 2 : (v). Rex tremendae 7. No. 2 : (vi). Recordare 8. No. 2 : (vii). Ingemisco 9. No. 2 : (viii). Confuctatis 10. No. 2 : (ix). Lacrymosa Disc 2 1. No. 3: Offertorio

2. No. 3: Hostias 3. No. 4: Sanctus 4. No. 5: Angus Dei 5. No. 6: Lux asterna 6. No. 7: Libera me

2 CD (Price of 1)Catalogue Code: SIGCD184Barcode: 635212018422

Track Listing

Signum Records are proud to present the first release in a new series of live orchestral recordings featuring the illustrious St Petersburg Philharmonic Orchestra, led by their chief conductor Yuri Temirkanov. These new recordings have been made possible thanks to the recent refurbishment of their home concert venue, the Grand Philharmonic Hall, allowing many of us to hear for the first time the excitement of the Philharmonic’s performances in their resident city of St Petersburg.

ORCHESTRAL—CHORAL

The St Petersburg Philharmonic Orchestra



183

Shostakovich - Symphony No.7

1 Allegretto

2 Moderato (poco allegretto)

3 Adagio

4 Allegro non troppo


Track Listing

The St Petersburg Philharmonic Orchestra’s second disc with Signum taps into the core of their Russian heritage. Shostakovich’s Seventh Symphony was composed and dedicated to the city of Leningrad (now St Petersburg), and although officially a response to the German invasion of 1941 it has been accepted by listeners around the world as a universal response of resistance to totalitarianism. Led by their musical director and chief conductor Yuri Temirkanov, the orchestra brings this sense of union and defiance to life in an exhilarating live performace.

ORCHESTRAL

The St Petersburg Philharmonic Orchestra

“Whether you believe Shostakovich’s seventh to be a noble expression of defiance in the face of nazism or a crude outpouring of patriotic fervour, there is no denying the power of it when played so proudly by an orchestra from the city for which it was written.” The Guardian, April 2010

184

Romantic Novelties for Violin and Orchestra

1. Fantasie on Russian themes, Op.33 Rimsky Korsakov2. Capriccio in A minor Gade3. Mazurka, Op.10 No.2 * Ysaÿe 4. Méditation, Op.32 Glazounov5. Saltarelle Carnavalesque, Op.Posth * Ysaÿe6. Serenade Mélancolique, Op.26 Tckaikovsky7. Variations in E minor Joachim

* World Premieré Recordings


Track Listing

Hideko Udagawa has performed extensively throughout the world and captivates international audiences with her artistry and enthusiasm. As a protégée of Nathan Milstein, she has inherited the great Russian romantic tradition of violin playing, and brings it to the fore in this collection of works by Rimsky-Korsakov, Tchaikovsky, Glazounov, Gade and Ysaÿe.Includes two world premiere recordings of works by Eugène Ysaÿe – Mazurka Op.10 No.2 and Saltarelle Carnavalesque, Op.Posth.

ORCHESTRAL

Hideko Udagawa, Philharmonia Orchestra

NEW 2010 Release



185

Highly enjoyable

Messiah

DISC 1 1. Overture 2. Allegro moderato 3. Recitative Comfort ye (tenor) 4. Aria Every Valley (tenor) 5. Chorus And the Glory of the Lord 6. Recitative Thus saith the Lord (bass) 7. Aria But who may abide (bass) 8. Chorus And He shall purify 9. Recitative Behold! A Virgin (alto) 10. Aria O thou that tellest good tidings to Zion (alto) 11. Recitative For behold,

darkness shall cover the earth (bass) 12. Aria The people that walked in darkness (bass) 13. Chorus For unto us a Child is born 14. Pastoral Symphony Recitative There were shepherds (soprano) 15. Accompagnato And lo!, the Angel (soprano) 16. Recitative And the Angel said unto them (soprano) 17. Accompagnato And suddenly there was with the Angel (soprano) 18. Chorus Glory to God [47 Tracks on both CDs]

BBC Music Magazine


Track Listing

Sir Charles Mackerras leads the Huddersfield Choral Society, The Royal Philharmonic Orchestra and a stellar line up of soloists in this 2 CD recording of one of the world’s most enduring masterpieces. Soloists include Dame Felicity Lott (soprano), Philip Langridge (tenor), Felicity Palmer (alto) and Robert Lloyd (bass).

ORCHESTRAL—CHORAL

Huddersfield Choral Society, cond. Sir Charles Mackerras



186

Beyond the Score: Organ improvisations for Whit Sunday

1—10. Variations Veni creator 11—15. Messe de la Pentecote 16—19. Machaut-fantasie 20—24. Suite des Danses4.


Track Listing

A disc of spectacular improvisations based on the plainchant of the feast of Whitsuntide. This disc is one of the first recordings of the re-built organ at Gloucester Cathedral. Beyond The Score marks and contributes to the emerging ‘English Renaissance’ in organ improvisations.

ORGAN

Alexander Mason



187

Colm Carey’s debut recording drew deservedly high praise. This new disc enhances his reputation

“1937” Romantic Works for Organ

1. Sonata in C minor: Grave - Animato 2. Sonata in C minor: Canzona 3. Sonata in C minor: Scherzetto 4. Sonata in C minor: Choral 5. Sonata in E flat: Andante serioso, ma con moto 6. Sonata in E flat: Allegro giocoso 7. Sonata in E flat: Maestoso 8. Flourish for an occasion

The Gramophone


Track Listing

The year 1937 was surely one of the richest years of the 20th Century for the English organ repertoire. This disc contains two major organ sonatas by English composers Percy Whitlock and Edward C. Bairstow, both composed in the same year. Also included is William H. Harris’s ‘Flourish for an occasion’, rounding off this celebration of English Organ music.

ORGAN

Colm Carey



188

...a perfect example of the union of musical excellence and spiritual enlightenment. I cannot recommend it highly enough.

J.S. Bach: The Art of Fugue

1. Contrapunctus I 2. Contrapunctus ii 3. Contrapunctus iii 4. Contrapunctus iv 5. Contrapunctus v 6. Contrapunctus vi 7. Contrapunctus vii 8. Contrapunctus viii 9. Contrapunctus ix 10. Contrapunctus x 11. Contrapunctus xi 12. Contrapunctus xii

The Organ


Track Listing

Die Kunst der Fuge: is one of J.S.Bach’s great contrapuntal masterpieces - extraordinary for each movement being in the same key. Playing the van Leeuwen/Flentrop organ in the Dutch Church, London, Colm Carey confronts and examines the nature of the music; its emotional impact and relevance in the context of the early 21st Century.

ORGAN

Colm Carey



189

A truly stunning performance of this monumental work

Christus

Disc 1 1-13 Movement 1 14-20 Movement 2 21-26 Movement 3 Disc 2 1-5 Movement 4 6-19 Movement 5

Cathedral Music

2 CD (Price of 1)Catalogue Code: SIGCD062Barcode: 635212006221

Track Listing

This extraordinary work is a virtuosic masterpiece, and one that many-an-organist might be fearful of performing, let alone recording, ‘live’. Jeremy Filsell’s masterly musicianship and skill on this two disc set produce a stunning live account of this important work.

ORGAN

Jeremy Filsell



190

Filsell, famously untroubled by technical demands, concentrates on wringing every last drop of sonority in deeply-felt, idiomatic performances

The Complete Louis Vierne Organ Symphonies

Disc 1 1—6. Symphonie 1 7—11. Symphonie 2 Disc 2 1—5. Symphonie 3 6—10. Symphonie 5 Disc 3 1—5. Symphonie 4 6—10. Symphonie 5

BBC Music Magazine


Track Listing

Louis Vierne, one of the great concert organists and composers of the 20th Century, is best known for his organ works. In each of the six Symphonies for Organ, Vierne explores a method of generating a symphony from just a few themes. Presented as a 3 CD set.

ORGAN

Jeremy Filsell



191

A debut disc of a player demonstrating considerable musical and technical assurance, we should look forward to his next release

The Organ of Buckingham Palace

1. Passacaglia in C Minor BWV 582 2. Rhosymedre 3. Sonata No.3 in A, Con moto maestoso 4. Sonata No 3in A, Andante tranquillo 5. Toccata 6. Dance Suite, March-On Ilkley Moor 7. Dance Suite, Dancing Feet 8. Dance Suite, Waltz 9. Dance Suite, Dance des Papillons 10. Dance Suite, Line Dance

Organist’s Review


Track Listing

Following the success of Joseph Nolan’s appearance in Music for the Coronation of James II (SIGCD094), he returns to Signum with a solo disc of organ music, capturing music from some of the finest composers of the instrument. With J.S. Bach’s famous Passacaglia in C Minor to Noel Rawsthorne’s Dance Suite, (with inspiration from Michael Flatley’s Lord of the Dance) this disc certainly pushes the boundaries of organ music.

ORGAN

Joseph Nolan



192

Joseph Nolan’s approach to Boëllmann’s Suite Gothique is monumental and impressive … [he] may have moved to Australia but his concert calendar and recordings like this help to keep us all in touch with a very fine performer

The Organ of Saint Sulpice, Paris

1. Suite Gothique, Op. 25: Introduction – Chorale 2. Suite Gothique, Op. 25: Menuet Gothique 3. Suite Gothique, Op. 25: Prière à Notre-Dame 4. Suite Gothique, Op. 25: Toccata 5. Sonata No. 2 for organ, Op. 87a: Introduction 6. Sonata No. 2 for organ, Op. 87a: Toccata 7. Sonata No. 2 for organ, Op. 87a: Fugue 8. Sonata No. 2 for organ, Op. 87a: Cadenza 9. Sonata No. 2 for organ, Op. 87a: Coda 10. Poema and Toccata Beorma: Poema 11. Poema and Toccata Beorma: Toccata Beorma 12. Fantasie und Fuge über den Chorale ‘Ad nos, ad salutarem undam’: Fantasia (Moderato – Allegro – Tempo giusto – Vivace) 13. Fantasie und Fuge über den Chorale ‘Ad nos, ad salutarem undam’: Adagio – Allegro decisio 14. Fantasie und Fuge über den Chorale ‘Ad nos, ad salutarem undam’: Fuga (Allegretto con moto – Allegro con brio – Vivace molto – Piu mosso – Adagio)

The Organ


Track Listing

The Organ of Saint Sulpice, Paris, is widely considered to be a prime example of the pinnacle of 19th-Century French organ building. Joseph Nolan expertly demonstrates the full capabilities of this mighty organ with this programme of Romantic organ music, performing favourite works by Boëllmann, Elgar, Liszt and Thalben-Ball.

ORGAN

Joseph Nolan



193

For all that one is used to Hakim’s coruscating brilliance, the sheer technical skill and white-hot intensity of the Hakim imagination in blending these dirge-like themesinto music left this Scotsman duly open mouthed

… plays the organ of Glenalmond College

1. Te Deum 2. Recit de tierce en taille 3—14. Sakskøbing Præludier 15. Chorale No. 3 in A minor 16. Prière à Notre-Dame 17—20. Glenalmond Suite 21. Improvisation on Amazing Grace

Choir & Organ Magazine


Track Listing

The World Premier recording of two of Naji Hakim’s latest works entitled Sakskøbing Præludier and Glenalmond Suite are performed by the composer himself in this fantastic collection of organ works. Hakim arranged this programme to articulate the timbres of the new 26 stop organ at Glenalmond College, including works by Grigny, Boëllmann and Franck as well as opening with Te Deum, one of the most famous pieces by Jean Langlais.

ORGAN

Naji Hakim



194

This is a great recording – I’ve no hesitation in saying it’s one of the best organ CDs you’ll ever hear

The Organ of Westminster Cathedral

Disc 1 1. Academic Festival Overture Op 80 2—11. Variations on a theme by Haydn Op 56 12. Wir wandelten Op 96 no 2 13. Adagio from Violin Sonata No 3 Op 108 14. Siegfried-Idyll 15. Prelude to Act 1, Die Meistersinger von N¨rnberg Disc 2 1—6. Three Preludes and Fugues Op 7 7—18. Variations sur un Noël Op 20 19—21. Evocation Op 37 22. Cortége et Litanie Op 19 no 2i

The Gramophone


Track Listing

One of the rising stars of the Organ world delivers his stunning 2 CD debut release; Robert Quinney performs a stellar programme designed to show the kaleidoscopic range of the Grand Organ of Westminster Cathedral. Includes works by Brahms, Wagner & Dupre.

ORGAN

Robert Quinney



195

...trademark virtuosity, dazzlingly displayed ... as a communicative, musical and absorbing performance, this is unbeatable ... this disc is an absolute must have.

Royal Albert Hall: Organ Restored

1. Overture to the Oratorio ‘St Paul’, Op 36 2. Six Fugues on B-A-C-H, Op 60: Langsam 3. Six Fugues on B-A-C-H, Op 60: Lebhaft 4. Six Fugues on B-A-C-H, Op 60: Mit sanften Stimmen 5. Six Fugues on B-A-C-H, Op 60: Masig, doch nichet zu langsam 6. Six Fugues on B-A-C-H, Op 60: Lebhaft 7. Six Fugues on B-A-C-H, Op 60: Masig, nach und nach scheller 8. Free Fantasia on ‘O Zion, Haste’ and ‘How Firm a Foundation’ 9. The Brothers Gershwin 10. Valse Mignonne, Op 142, No 2 11. Sonata Eroica, Op 94



Track Listing

With a programme to test any instrument to its limits, Simon Preston displays the majestic power and extremes of the newly refurbished Royal Albert Hall organ. The repertoire spans nearly 2 centuries, contrasting 19th Century works by Schumann and Mendelssohn with contemporary offerings by Jongen and George & Ira Gershwin.

ORGAN

Simon Preston



196

The word ‘arrangement’ as Burnside suggests, doesn’t do justice to the inventive piano writing and pacing of so many of these pieces ... Soprano Ailish Tynan’s feeling for the musical idiom and, above all, the poetry of her countrymen, matched by Burnside’s delightfully poetic pianism, prove irresistible. Highly recommended

A Purse of Gold: Irish Songs by Herbert Hughes

1. Reynardine 2. The Fanaid Grove 3. The Leprechaun 4. When through life unblest we rove 5. Oh, brethe not his name 6. I’m a decent good Irish boy 7. She weeps over Rahoon 8. The Magpie’s Nest 9. Johnny Doyle 10. Cruckhaun Finn 11. Johnny hardly knew ye 12. The Gartan Mother’s Lullaby 13. YOu couldn’t stop a lover 14. I will walk with my love 15. She moved thro’ the

fair 16. The Bard of Armagh 17. The old turf fire 18. O father, father build me a boat 19. B for Barney 20. She lived beside the anner 21. The stuttering lovers 22. I know where I’m goin’ 23. A young maid stood in her father’s garden 24. The Spanish Lady 25. Tigaree torum orum

Classic FM Magazine


Track Listing

Irish songs set and arranged by Herbert Hughes. The 25 folk songs tell of stories both happy and sad and make this disc as much a literary landscape as a musical one with words by Thomas Moore & James Joyce. Beautifully performed by Ailish Tynan & Iain Burnside.

VOCAL

Ailish Tynan & Iain Burnside



197

Kennedy has a big, bright, expressive tenor voice and uses it with fervour, delicacy and imagination ... A thoughtfully realised recital

On Wenlock Edge

1. On Wenlock Edge 2. From far, from eve and morning 3. Is my team ploughing 4. Oh, we I was in love with you 5. Bredon Hill 6. Clun 7. When smoke stood up from Ludlow 8. Fair in a western brookland 9. ‘Tis time, I think, by Wenlock town 10. Ludlow Fair 11. On the idle hill of summer 12. When I was one and twenty 13. The Lent Lily 14. Easter Hymn 15. When green buds hang in elm like dust 16. Oh who is that young sinner? 17. Because I liked you better



Track Listing

Andrew Kennedy performs Vaughan Williams’ great and innovative work, On Wenlock Edge, nearly one hundred years after its premiere performance in 1909. Written for tenor, piano and string quartet Williams explored a chamber combination previously unexplored by other English composers. Followed by Ludlow & Teme and Songs of Eternity & Sorrow Op.36 by Ivor Gurney & Ian Venables, this disc provides the listener with renditions from three great English composers ranging from the late nineteenth- century to the present day, performed beautifully by Andrew Kennedy, Simon Crawford-Phillips & the Dante Quartet.

VOCAL

Andrew Kennedy



198

Patrick Hawes has carved out a niche as a contemporary composer who writes melodic, atmospheric and, frankly, beautiful music

Fair Albion: Visions of England

1. The Call 2. Reflexionem 3. Ascension 4. Fair Albion 5. A Birthday 6. Three Broadland Piano Preludes: Ranworth 7. Three Broadland Piano Preludes: Fenside 8. Three Broadland Piano Preludes: Remembrance 9. Requiem Aeternam 10. Gloriette 11. How Hill 12. Cantate Domino 13. After the Rain 14. The Darkling Thrush 15. Quanta Qualia

The Gramophone


Track Listing

In recent years, Patrick Hawes has emerged as one of the country’s most popular and inspirational composers. Born in Lincolnhire, he studied music as an organ scholar at Durham University, and soon went on to make an impact in the world of choral music. April 2009 saw the release of Patrick’s latest album Song of Songs which was made CD of the week on Classic FM.

VOCAL

Elin Manahan Thomas, Julian Lloyd Webber & The Raven Quartet



199

All those who admire the more traditional end of twentieth-century English song should find things to enjoy here

Poetry Serenade

1. Written in March 2. Lord of the Winds 3. He Wishes for the Cloths of Heaven 4. I Remember, I Remember 5. The Daffodils 6. The Soldier 7. Night Mail 8. Do Not Stand At My Grave And Weep 9. She Walks In Beauty 10. In Memoriam 11. I Sing Of A Maiden 12. Weathers 13. Come, Sweetheart, Come 14. Crossing The Bar 15. The Lake Isle Of Innisfree 16. A Child’s Sleep 17. Everyone Sang 18. Love Came Down at Christmas

MusicWeb.co.uk


Track Listing

Poetry Serenade brings together four top british singers to perform the newest masterpieces from Brian Knowles, based on the work of poets including William Wordsworth, Thomas Hood and Christina Georgina Rossetti. The eighteen songs on Poetry Serenade have been chosen to give the listener an eclectic array of the differing texts and contrasting styles of composition. A disc marvelled with talent, not only from the principle voices but also the RSVP Voices, the Brighton Festival Youth Choir and the City of Prague Philharmonic Orchestra.

VOCAL

Elin Manahan Thomas, Juliette Pochin,Jon Christos & Nick Garrett



200

Emilia

1. Laschia ch’io Pianga 2. Nella Fantasia 3. I’ll Walk with God 4. Over the Hills and Far Away 5. IF 6. Finlandia 7. Panis Angelicus 8. When a Knight Won his Spurs 9. Miri It Is / Sumer is Icumen In 10. Suo Gân 11. The Last Rose of Summer 12. Steal Away 13. Ave Maria 14. God Be In My Head1 CD


Track Listing

Emilia is one of the most promising new talents of her generation, and in her short career has already performed before illustrious figures such as Princess Anne and Archbishop Desmond Tutu. Aged 11 when this disc was recorded, Emilia is one of Signum Record’s youngest artists. Emilia made her debut singing Rule Britannia at The Sail for Gold Ball 2004 when she was just nine. Since then she has completed a full-time chorister post at Salisbury Cathedral, leaving in July 2008 with a music scholarship. During this period she has sung in Venice (San Marco) and many of the Great Cathedrals of Tuscany and a tour of Vienna and Salzburg. The young soprano sings a selection of traditional folk tunes including The Last Rose of Summer and Steal Away, alongside Handel’s Laschia ch’io Pianga and IF by Michael Nyman, who stated Emilia’s technique and sound is “absolutely gorgeous”.

VOCAL

Emilia Dalby



201

There is something monumental about John Mark Ainsley’s Beethoven. Iain Burnside’s fluid playing is delightful, while Ainsley’s artistry is fascinating

Beethoven Lieder und Gesänge: Iain Burnside & John Mark Ainsley

1. Resignation 2. Abendlied unterm gestirnten Himmel 3. Andenken 4. La Tiranna 5. An die Hoffnung, Op. 32 6. Ruf vom Berge 7. Klage 8. Selbstgespräch 9. Adelaide 10. Op. 83, I: Wonne der Wehmuth 11. Op. 83, II: Sehnsucht 12. Op. 83, III: Mit einem gemahlten Band 13. Gesang aus der Ferne 14. Die laute Klage 15. Lebensgluck 16. Der Wachtelschlag 17. An die Hoffnung, Op. 94 18. An die ferne Geliebte

The Independent


Track Listing

The second in a two part set of Beethoven’s Lieder und Gesänge, with the luminous collaboration between the tenor, John Mark Ainsley and his accompanist Iain Burnside. Beethoven himself was not a keen song writer, yet despite this almost half of his total works call for a voice. This disc includes some of the best of those compositions.

VOCAL

John Mark Ainsley & Iain Burnside



202

This inspirational recital ... imaginatively conceived disc, wonderfully performed

Remember Your Lovers

1. Song 2. The Heart’s Assurance 3. Compassion 4. The Dancer 5. Remember your lovers 6. If music be the food of love 7. Music 8. Music for a while 9. Boyhod’s End 10. Sweeter than Roses 11. An evening hymn 12. Canticle 1 13. An Epithalamium (A Wedding Song) 14. What shall I do? 15. Twas within a furlong of Edinburgh Town 16. A Hymn to God the

Father 17. Ah! How Sweet it is to Love 18. I attempt from love’s sickness 19. Come unto these yellow sands 20. Full fathom five 21. Where the bee sucks

Evening Standard


Track Listing

This disc marks the first collaboration between BBC Radio 3’s ‘Voices’ programme and Signum Classics. This stunning recital, featuring world-reknowned tenor John Mark Ainsley accompanied by Iain Burnside, features the two song cycles of Sir Michael Tippett. Although he did not write many in his lifetime, they are dazzling in their quality, contrasted here with other works by of his sources of inspiration - Henry Purcell.

VOCAL

John Mark Ainsley & Iain Burnside



203

4 stars Padmore’s clean tenor finds an ideal vehicle ... there’s a transparent, haunting beauty about it, and the accompaniments for violin, harp and guitar are a joy

Songs in Time of War

1. Thoughts while travelling at night 2. Grieving for the young prince 3. The Visitor 4. A Fine Lady 5. Dreaming of Li Bai 6. Moonlit Night 7. An Autumn Meditation 8. The old Cypress tree at the temple of Zhu-ge Liang 9. Spring Scene in time of war 10. To Wei Ba, who has lived away from the court 11. Ballad of the Army Carts 12. Thoughts while travelling at night 13. Cancion de la Luna 14. Danza de la Luna 15. The Tarrying Garden 16. The Master of Nets garden 17. The Gentle Waves Pavilion 18. The Humble Administrator’s Garden

The Times


Track Listing

The Chinese poet, Du Fu (712-770), received no recognition in his lifetime but is now regarded as one of China’s finest poets. His poems appear in Roth’s work, Songs in Time of War, a stunning compilation of songs from Du Fu’s experiences in civil war China, beautifully arranged for tenor, violin, harp and guitar. Inspired by a visit to Vancouver’s Chinese garden (in authentic Ming Dynasty style), Roth sketched musical ideas for the four songs, Chinese Gardens. The original version has since been revised for Mark Padmore and Morgan Szymanski who perform for the first time on this recording.

VOCAL

Mark Padmore



204

What an inspired idea not only to bring together Britten’s mature foreign language songs, but also to have the programme shared by two of Britain’s keenest and brightest singers ... The recital is vividly recorded, the voices well forward…

Britten Abroad

1—7. Seven Sonnets of Michelangelo, Op.22 8—13. The Poet’s Echo, Op. 76 14—17. Four French Folksong Arrangements 18. Um Mitternacht 19—24. Sechs Holderlin-Fragmente, Op. 61 25—28. Four French Folksong ArrangementsFolks

BBC Music Magazine


Track Listing

Britten’s extraordinary skill and fluency for setting his native language has sometimes obscured his flair for his settings of foreign poetry; some of his very finest are in German, Latin, Italian and Russian. Susan Gritton and Mark Padmore perform these songs with vigour, marvellously accompanied by Iain Burnside and do great justice to songs which many would regard as being the most distinctive and very finest examples of Britten’s art.

VOCAL

Mark Padmore, Susan Gritton & Iain Burnside



205

The entire program beautifully conveys as much as it can, the romantic, opulent atmosphere of the 18th Century pleasure garden.

Songs from the Pleasure Garden

1. Orpheus with his Lute 2. Orpheus and Euridice 3. How severe is my Fate 4. Spring Gardens 5. Belinda 6. Celia the Fair 7. The Steadfast Shepherd 8. A Shepherd loved a nymph so fair 9. The Curfew Tolls the bell 10. Think not, my love 11. Let no mortal sing to me 12. Go lov’ly Rose 13. Grant me, ye Gods 14. What is’t to Us? 15. Cupid, Make your Virgins Tender 16. The Non-Parreill 17. Go, Rose, My Chloe’s Bosom Grace 18. Jenny 19. Cymon and Iphigenia



Track Listing

Philip Langridge is joined by a fine cast of musicians for this recording of songs from the Georgian era, centred around the rural paradises in and around London, the Pleasure Gardens. Featuring works by some of the foremost composers of the day, this is a hugely entertaining and dramatic collection of songs where love, lust and lament are the main players.

VOCAL

Philip Langridge



206

The recording is excellent and with a playing time of almost 80 minutes we are offered a lot of music for our money. Signum can be congratulated on another five star disc, which should be heard by every lover of songs

Liszt Abroad

1. Oh! Quand je dors 2. Enfant, si j’étais roi 3. Gastibelza 4. Comment, disaient-ils 5. Im Rhein, im schönen Strome 6. Die Loreley 7. Die Vätergruft 8. Petrarch Sonnet No. 104: Pace non trovo 9. Petrarch Sonnet No. 47: Benedetto sia ‘l giorno 10. Petrarch Sonnet No. 123: I’ vidi in terra angelici 11. Go not, happy day 12. Gebet 13. Isten veled! 14. Morgens steh ich auf und frage

15. Ein Fichtenbaum steht einsam 16. Du bist wie eine Blume 17. Wie singt die Lerche schön 18. Blume und Duft 19. Und wir dachten der Toten 20. Über allen Gipfeln ist Ruh



Track Listing

Whether from his years touring Europe as a virtuoso pianist or from his later émigré life in Paris and Weimar, Franz Liszt reflects in his song texts his ‘polyglot’ attraction to 19th-Century culture, shown in these setting of French, German, Italian, English, Russian and Hungarian words.

NOMINATED FOR A 2010 BBC MUSIC MAGAZINE AWARD

VOCAL

Rebecca Evans, Andrew Kennedy, Matthew Rose & Iain Burnside



207

... the wonderful Roderick Williams who animates and energises everything he does ... and infectiously communicates pleasure. Iain Burnside provides vivid accompaniments

Beethoven: Lieder und Gesänge

Disc 1 1—12. 6 Lieder Op. 75 13—17. Vier Arirtten und ein Duett Op. 82 (Italian) Disc 2 2/1. An die Geliebte/1 2/2. Sehnsucht/1 2/3. An die Geliebte/1 2/4. Sehnsucht/2 2/5. Das Geheimnis 2/6. Sehnsucht/3 2/7. Als die Geliebte sich trennen wollte 2/8. Sehnsucht/4 2/9. Der Kuß Op. 128 2/10. Sehnsucht (Reissig) 2/11. Der Mann von Wort Op. 99

2/12. Seufzer eines Ungeliebten und Gegenliebe 2/13. In questa tomba oscura 14—21. 8 Lieder Op. 52

BBC Music Magazine


Track Listing

The first in a two part set of Beethoven’s Lieder und Gesänge. Beethoven himself was not a keen song writer, yet despite this almost half of his total works call for a voice. This disc includes some of the best of those compositions.

VOCAL

Roderick Williams, Ann Murray & Iain Burnside



208

“The songs here are shared between soprano Lisa Milne and baritone Roderick Williams, who capture perfectly the fragile sensitivity of the best songs”

Moonstruck: The songs of F G Scott

1. Milkwort and Bog-cotton 2. Crowdiknowe 3. Moonstruck 4. The Eemis Stane 5. The Sauchs in the Reuch Heuch Hauch 6. Ay Waukin, O 7. Amang the Trees 8. The Discreet Hint 9. Je descendis dands mon jardin 10. Florine 11. Lourd on my Hert 12. The Watergaw 13. Country Life 14. Wheesht, Wheesht 15. O, wha my babie-clouts will buy? 16. My wife’s a wanton wee

thing 17. The Innumerable Christ 18. I wha aince in Heavens’ Heicht 19. An Apprentice Angel 20. Hungry Waters 21. Te Deil o’Bogie 22. To a Lady 23. Cupid and Venus 24. The Old Fisherman 25. Im Tiroler Wirsthaus 26. In Time of Tumult 27. The Man in the Moon 28. First Love 29. Empty Vessel 30. The Wren’s Nest 31. Love of Alba 32. The Wee Man

The Guardian


Track Listing

Iain Burnside returns to explore the works of another prodigious talent of Scottish songwriting. Often described as Scotland’s Hugo Wolf, the songs of F.G.Scott stems as much from the composers keen insight into Scottish literature, culture and politics as it does from music. This disc presents a treasure-trove of some of his best songs and settings (performed by Lisa Milne and Roderick Williams), including The Eemis Stane, The Watergaw and the title piece Moonstruck.

VOCAL

Roderick Williams, Lisa Milne & Iain Burnside



209

Connolly’s lovely singing reaches to the sensuous core

The Exquisite Hour

1. Arianna a Naxos 2. Standchen 3. Da unten im Tale 4. Nachtwandler 5. Feldeinsamkeit 6. Alte Liebe 7. Die Mainacht 8. Von ewiger Liebe 9. A Chloris 10. L’Enamouree 11. Trois jours de vendange 12. L’Heure exquise 13. Quand je fus pris au pavillon 14. Gluckwunsch 15. Alt-Spanisch 16. Sterbelied 17. Gefasster abschied 18. Lost in the stars

19. Speak Low 20. Her song 21. Tit for Tat

The Independent


Track Listing

Following Sarah Connolly’s series of title roles at English National Opera, Glyndebourne and New York’s Metropolitan Opera in 2005, this live recital was recorded at St. John’s, Smith Square, London, having been premiered at Carnegie Hall earlier in the year. Accompanied by Eugene Asti, Sarah Connolly sings songs by Haydn, Brahms, Hahn, Korngold and Weill.

VOCAL

Sarah Connolly



210

Not everyone warms to the music of Erich Wolfgang Korngold, but this excellent selection of songs from his Viennese days, with a couple of examples also dating from his Hollywood heyday, might convert even the sternest naysayer

Sonnett fur Wien: Songs of Erich Korngold

1. Sonnett fur Wien, Op. 41 2—5. Vier Abschiedslieder, Op. 14 6—8. Drei Lieder, Op. 18 9—11. Drei Lieder, Op. 22 12—15. Four Shakespeare Songs, Op. 31 16—20. Unvergänglichkeit, Op. 27 21—25. Songs of the Clown, Op. 29 26—30. Funf Lieder, Op. 38

The Gramophone, Best Discs of 2009


Track Listing

Erich Korngold is perhaps best known as the pioneering émigré composer whose grand orchestral scores defined the sound of film during the golden age of Hollywood. As well as this though, his output for voice in the form of Lieder and Song highlighted the strong bond that Korngold forever held with his homeland and the city of Vienna, a place inextricably linked to the High-Romantic style that Korngold so ably perfected. This collection of songs and lieder are beautifully performed by Sarah Connolly (mezzo-soprano) and William Dazeley (baritone), accompanied by renowned pianist and broadcaster Iain Burnside.

VOCAL

Sarah Connolly, William Dazeley and Iain Burnside



211

Few living composers can be so original, so intellectually rich, so many layered

On Buying a Horse: The Songs of Judith Weir

1. On buying a horse 2. Ox Mountain was Covered by Trees 3—6. Songs from the Exotic 7—11. Scotch Minstrelsy 12—17. The Voice of Desire 16—18. A Spanish Liederbooklet 19—22. King Harald’s Saga

23. Ständchen

The Independent


Track Listing

With works ranging from minature to epic, these songs showcase the originality and talent of one of music’s great storytellers. Superbly accompanied by Iain Burnside, the strong performances by Susan Bickley, Ailish Tynan and Andrew Kennedy masterfully bring together Weir’s diverse range of literary and musical influences from many international sources, including China, Africa and Serbia as well as her native Scotland.

VOCAL

Susan Bickley, Ailish Tynan, Andrew Kennedy & Iain Burnside



212

Tim Travers-Brown sings with a sinewy grace throughout and Jeremy Filsell accompanies with mercurial charm.

The Frostbound Wood

1. My Little Sweet Darling 2. Take, O Take Those Lips Away 3. And Wilt Thou Leave Me Thus 4. Sleep 5. The Droll Lover 6. Mourn No More 7. My Own Country 8. The Painted Rose 9. So By My Singing Am I Comforted 10. Before Sleep 11. David’s Lament for Johnathan 12. A Hymn to the Virgin 13. May in the Grenewode 14. This Worldes Joie 15. Mrs MacQueen

16. When the Dew is Falling 17. Full Moon 18. To His Saviour, A Child: A Present, by a Child 19. To God; An anthem sung before the King in the chapel at Whitehall 20. To God 21. To His Angrie God 22. To His Sweet Saviour 23. My Gostly Fader 24. The Frostbound Wood 25. Bethlehem Night 26. The Night

The Observer


Track Listing

The 20th Century composers Peter Warlock, Herbert Howells, Michael Howard and Betty Roe were all inspired by the music of their country, both in the words they set in song and the music they composed. Tim Travers-Brown, accompanied by Jeremy Filsell, explore the counter-tenor’s role in British songwriting. Whilst Roe and Howard wrote specifically with this voice in mind, Warlock and Howells did not, providing the counter-tenor with a fantastic opportunity to highlight some of their best works in a new perspective. This programme forms a delicate balance between modern styles and historical influences.

VOCAL

Timothy Travers-Brown & Jeremy Filsell



213

Taking the Old testament as his inspiration, Classic FM’s former composer in residence has come up with a new choral disc of mystery and beauty.

Song of Songs: Patrick Hawes

1. Song of Songs: Love’s Promise 2. Song of Songs: Rhapsody 3. Song of Songs: Many Waters 4. Song of Songs: Faint with Love 5. Song of Songs: Love’s Echo 6. Song of Songs: Song of Songs 7. Perfect Love 8. When Israel was a Child 9. The Lord’s Prayer 10. O Lord Our Governor 11. The Vauday Part Songs: The Oaks 12. The Vauday Part Songs:

Stone 13. The Vauday Part Songs: The Carriageway 14. The Vauday Part Songs: In Memoriam 15. Toccata

Classic FM Magazine


Track Listing

The composer Patrick Hawes has established a reputation as one of the most popular contemporary English composers working today. This new disc of choral and organ works centres on the mystery and beauty of the words of the Old Testament, with stunning performances from Welsh soprano Elin Manahan Thomas and Patrick’s own choral group Conventus, as well as accompaniment from The English Chamber Orchestra.

VOCAL—ORCHESTRAL

Elin Manahan Thomas, Conventus & the English Chamber Orchestra



214

Falstaff

1. Act 1, Scene 1 - The member’s bar 2. Falstaff’s plan 3. Act 1, Scene 2 - The ladies foursome 4. Sneaking to Francis Ford QC 5. The young lovers 6. The ladies are plotting 7. The octet 8. Act 2, Scene 1 - Mrs Quickly’s proposition 9. Signor Fontana 10. Act 2, Scene 2 - Alice Ford’s house 11. The big seduction 12. Ford is home! 13. Bathroom action 14. Act 3, Scene 1 - off to the dump 15. Falstaff the health hazard 16. Mrs Quickly tries again 17. Alice and Ford counter-plotting 18. Act 3, Scene 2 - Herne’s oak 19. Herne the horny hunter 20. Wood nymphs and fairies 21. The revenge of the Mafia 22. The denoucement 23. The fugue 24. End titles

PAL & NTSCCatalogue Code: SIGDVD001

Barcode: 635212000199

Chapter Headings

Verdi’s timeless masterpiece brought up to date in a hilarious new English version, shot on and around a golf course. At a golf club near Windsor, “Big John” Falstaff props up the bar at the nineteenth hole, (the member’s bar) which is where he is invariably to be found. As the big man blunders from one catastrophe to another and the plot races towards its uproarious conclusion, Tony Britten’s trademark wit and accessibility perfectly compliments Verdi’s glorious comedy

DVD

Verdi / Boito

http://www.signumrecords.com/catalogue/sigdvd001/index.shtml


215

Peter Warlock: Some Little Joy

1. The Peter Warlock Society 2. Welcome to Eynsford 3. Delius and Jelka in France 4. Barbara and Philip 5. Edith and Walter 6. The bet 7. Off to Oxford 8. The Antelope 9. The Arts Club 10. The Journey home (“Pavane”) 11. Philip needs Winifred 12. “The Cloths of Heaven” 13. Off to Norfolk 14. The Peter Warlock Society 15. Puma 16. Philip drunk - The Five Bells, Eynsford 17. “Sleep” 18. A new start 19. Farewell to Eynsford 20. Philip and the Delius’s 21. Van Dieren at the Antelope 22. Philip and Winifred at

the lake 23. “The Fox” 24. Edith and Walter disappointed 25. “The Frostbound Wood” 26. The Peter Warlock Society 27. The end - “Pieds - en - l’air” 28. End titles


Barcode: 635212000298

Chapter Headings

A film about a man who, by his death at thirty six, had composed some of the most perfect gems of English songwriting and elevated hedonism to an art form. The best thing of its kind since Ken Russell’s Delius Michael Osbourne, The Oldie

DVD - Film Drama

Peter Warlock



216

21st-Century Bach: Vol 1

1. ‘Great’ Prelude and fugue in B minor (BWV 544) 2. Sonata II (BWV 526) 3. ‘Great’ Prelude and fugue in A minor (BWV 543) 4. Clavier-Übung III: Vater unser im Himmelreich (BWV 682) 5. Schu_bler Choräle: Wo soll ich fliehen hin? (BWV 646) and Wachet auf, ruft uns die Stimme (BWV 645) 6. Orgel-Bu_chlein: Wer nur den lieben Gott lässt walten (BWV 642), Alle Menschen mu_ssen sterben (BWV 643), Ach wie nichtig, ach wie flu_chtig (BWV 644), In dich hab ich gehoffet, Herr (BWV 640) 7. Achtzehn Choräle: Von Gott will ich nicht lassen (BWV 658) 8. ‘Weimar’ Prelude and fugue in C major (BWV 545) 9. Sonata I (BWV 525) 10. Partite diverse: Sei gegru_sset Jesu gu_tig (BWV 768) 11. Achtzehn Choräle: Allein Gott in der Höh sei Ehr- Adagio (BWV 662) 12. Orgel-Bu_chlein: Christ lag in Todesbanden (BWV 625), Jesus Christus, unser Heiland (BWV 626) Erstanden ist der heil’ge Christ (BWV 628), Erschienen ist der herrliche Tag (BWV 629)PAL & NTSC

Catalogue Code: SIGDVD003Barcode: 635212000397

Chapter Headings

The indisputable master of Baroque music, Johann Sebastian Bach’s reputation is greater now than ever. Now his entire organ works are to be made available on DVD for the first time through the release of the highly-acclaimed BBC2 television series, 21st - Century Bach. Played by the organist of York Minster, John Scott Whiteley, one of the world’s most accomplished Bach interpreters. This disc includes some of Bach’s greatest organ works. Bonus features include interviews with Harvard University Professor Christoph Wolff, and commentaries by the performer.

DVD - Organ Recital

J.S.Bach



217

Boheme

1. Act 1: The Mill 2. Act 2: The Pub 3. Act 3: Outside 4. Act 4: Back at the Mill


Barcode: 635212000496

Chapter Headings

The third DVD to be released between the collaborative foce of Signum Vision and Tony Britten. Puccini’s original masterpiece has been brought up to date in this moving English speaking version filmed in South East London.

DVD - Opera

Puccini



218

The King’s Singers: Live at the BBC Proms, Royal Albert Hall, London

1. Chansons Françaises, op. 130: La bell’ si nous étions - 2. Chansons Françaises, op. 130: La belle se sied au pied de la tour - Francis Poulenc 3. Chansons Françaises, op. 130: Clic, clac, dansez sabots - Francis Poulenc 4. Chansons Françaises, op. 130: Pilons l’orge - Francis Poulenc 5. Chansons Françaises, op. 130: Ah! Mon beau laboureur - Francis Poulenc 6. Chansons Françaises, op. 130: Les Tisserands - Francis Poulenc 7. Scenes in America Deserta - John McCabe 8. Dessus le marché d’Arras - Orlande de Lassus 9. Il est bel et bon - Pierre Passereau 10. Toutes les nuitz - Orlande de Lassus 11. La Guerre - Clément Janequin 12. Phillis is my only joy - John William Hobbs 13. The Little Green Lane - Trad. arr. S. E. Lovatt 14. The Goslings - Frederick Bridge 15. Greensleeves - Trad. arr. Bob Chilcott 16. Blow Away the Morning Dew - Trad. arr. Gordon Langford 17. The Turtle Dove - Trad. arr. Philip Lawson 18. Widdicombe Fair - Trad. arr. Gordon Langford 19. The Long Day Closes - Arthur Sullivan


Barcode: 635212000595

Chapter Headings

The King’s Singers celebrate their 40-year anniversary with a live BBC Proms performance from the Royal Albert Hall. This disc demonstrates the skill, flair and versatility you would come to expect from a King’s Singers performance, sampling the best from their vast repertoire. The King’s Singers have maintained their place at the apex of a cappella singing and are amongst the world’s elite classical performers. This DVD also includes interviews with the members of The King’s Singers, a glimpse into the ensemble’s past and a special audition for the group!

DVD - Live Concert Recording



219

Touch the Sound

1. Opening Credits 2. New York, USA 3. Cologne, Germany 4. CD Recording 1 5. Feeling Sound 6. Aberdeenshire, Scotland 7. Teaching to Feel Sound 8. Digital Displays 9. Cambridgeshire, UK 10. Rooftop Performance 11. Fuji City, Japan 12. Cacophony 13. CD Recording 2 14. Bar Performance 15. Rock Garden 16. Silence and Sound 17. CD Recording 3 18. Glennie Farm 19. CD Recording 4 20. New York, Lakeside 21. Santa Cruz, USA 22. Guggenheim 23. We Are Sound 24. Credits

PAL ONLYCatalogue Code: SIGDVD006

Barcode: 635212000694

Chapter Headings

“A mystical exploration of the sensory world as experienced by a renowned musician” (San Jose Mercury News), Touch the Sound passionately and delightfully shatters the way we think about sound. Gracefully guided by Grammy Award-winning percussionist Evelyn Glennie, who also happens to be deaf, this groundbreaking film opens the door to a world where sight, sound and touch magically converge to elevate our everyday sensory experiences. MIDEM CLASSICAL AWARD WINNER 2010

DVD - Music Documentary

Evelyn Glennie



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