Glazunov, A.K.: Orchestral Works, Vol. 5 - Symphonies Nos.

Glazunov, A.K.: Orchestral Works, Vol. 14 - Piano Concertos

Glazunov, A.K.: Orchestral Works, Vol. 11 - Concerto Ballata

Except for Respighi's delicious confection, which is heard in Malcolm Sargent's concert suite, the works on this recording are rarely heard. Puccini's youthful Preludio shows melodic invention and warmth anticipating his later operatic style. Rossini's little-known Bassoon Concerto is full of charm while Verdi's Capriccio fuses noble and carnivalesque qualities. Far more than a curio, Paganini's virtuosic Concertino for Horn, Bassoon and Orchestra offers an intriguing slant on the great violinist's work.

Includes work(s) by various composers. Soloists: Livia Sohn, Benjamin Loeb.

Opera Explained: PUCCINI - Turandot (Smillie)

A guide to Wagner's transformative music drama, with introduction and explanation written and read by expert author Christopher Cook.

This series introduces, in words and music, the plot and background of major operas. Using the principal themes and arias, taken from the Naxos recording of the complete work, Thomson Smillie is informative yet entertaining, enabling the listener to get more from this remarkable art form. Massenet's Werther combines a deeply tender story with music of beauty and eloquence. One act alone contains two of the greatest arias in the repertoire: the mezzo-soprano aria 'Va! Laisse couler mes larmes' and the tenor's 'Pourquoi me r�veiller'. In their sentimental power and melodic richness these arias encapsulate the qualities that account for the universal popularity of this great work.

This selection includes an explanatory commentary of this opera, written
by Thomson Smillie and narrated by David Timson.

Selection includes An Introduction to Debussy: Pelléas et Mélisande.
This CD contains an original commentary and analysis of this work, written by Thomson Smillie and narrated by David Timson.

This selection includes an explanatory commentary of this opera, written
by Thomson Smillie and narrated by David Timson.

Wagner's Ring, introduced by expert author Stephen Johnson with excerpts from the music dramas.

This selection features narration written by Thomson Smillie and narrated by David Timson. Excerpts from the Naxos recording of "La Bohème" (Naxos 8-660003/4) are used in this recording to illustrate passages from Smillies's text.

This disc contains narration by David Timson, which was written by Thomson
Smillie. Excerpts from the Naxos recording of "The Magic Flute" (Naxos 8-660030/31) are used in this recording to illustrate passages from Smillies's text.

Includes work(s) by various composers.