Japanese SHM-CD pressing. Universal. 2024.

Japanese CD pressing. 2014.

Japanese CD pressing. 2014.

Japanese reissue. Decca. 2020

Japanese UHQCD pressing. Universal. 2023.

GERMAN REQUIEM

Japanese SHM-CD pressing. Universal. 2023.

Following on from the successful release of Passacaglia on a Theme of Benjamin Britten and Other Organ Works (PFCD174-5), organist Simon Passmore returns to the organ of St. Ann's Church, Manchester, for this second volume of organ music by British composer Richard Pantcheff. This new disc comprises works for organ solo, as well as works written for organ with other instruments: Violin (Benedict Holland), and Flugelhorn (Neil Fulton). The programme contains highly melodic modal works, including the Sonata for Violin and Organ (Opus 74) and it's forerunner 'Agnus Dei' (Opus 41). The more contemporary Nocturnus I (Opus 90, No. 1) for Flugelhorn and Organ is complemented here by the solo organ work which completes the Nocturnus series of compositions, Nocturnus VI (Opus 90, No. 6). Both works were completed while the composer was living in South Africa. Lastly, the six Chorale Preludes (2021/No. 2) for solo organ are here recorded in full for the first time. Written during the depths of the pandemic, these sparse, elevated, works are like icons in music: where time seems to stand still, and the listener is immersed in the intense spiritual dialogue presented in the music. Simon Passmore is originally from Hexham, Northumberland. He was a chorister at Hexham Abbey where he received piano lessons from the Directors of Music, John Green and Michael Haynes, and later with Newcastle University's Head of Keyboard, David Murray. He completed a BMus at the Royal Northern College of Music in Manchester, studying with Murray McLachlan, and went on to take a Postgraduate Diploma in Repetiteur Studies, supported by a full scholarship. Simon was Director of Music at St Ann's Church between 2015-2022, and had previously been organ scholar there from 2011, studying with the late Ronald Frost. Simon currently lives in Altrincham and works full-time at Chetham's School of Music as a staff pianist.

Japanese SHM-CD pressing. Universal. 2023.

After Brass (RCO 07002) and Brass Too (RCO 14010), recorded by the Brass of the Royal Concertgebouw Orchestra, the Woodwinds of the RCO proudly present their own CD. Traditionally most RCO members love to engage in chamber music as well and the woodwinds section of the orchestra is no exception. In the past woodwind ensembles like the Concertgebouw Sextet (1909-1937) and the Danzi Quintet (1958-1978) have even been very successful outside of the Netherlands. This SACD pays homage to this tradition.

Japanese SHM-CD pressing. Universal. 2024.

Japanese SHM-CD pressing. Universal. 2024.

Japanese SHM-CD pressing. Universal. 2022.

SAINT-SAENS: LE CARNAVAL DES ANIMAUX

Japanese 2 x SACD-SHM pressing. Universal. 2021.

Japanese SACD pressing.

Japanese SHM-CD reissue. Universal. 2025.

Japanese Blu-spec CD2 pressing. Sony. 2021.

The music of Brahms held an important place in Sir John Barbirolli's repertoire, and these recordings of the symphonies, made with the Vienna Philharmonic in 1966 and 1967, stand as one of the peaks of his discography. Barbirolli's relationship with this music is rooted in his time as an orchestral cellist, and these performances are notable for their rich, ripe sonorities and expansive warmth. The two mighty Piano Concertos were also recorded in 1967 in distinguished versions with Daniel Barenboim. Playing the violin concerto here, Fritz Kreisler as a young man had been part of Brahms's outer circle in Vienna and drew his approach to this music straight from the source. Last but not least is the Double Concerto, of which Geraint Lewis wrote in Gramophone, "The great underestimated Alfredo Campoli showed what a rich tone and innate musicality he had at his command alongside an equally eloquent Andr� Navarra."

The second release in LSO Live's cycle of Jan�cek opera recordings, Katya Kabanova tells a story of love, entrapment and, ultimately, tragedy. Captured live at the Barbican in January 2023 under the baton of Sir Simon Rattle, the cast includes the superb tenor Simon O'Neill and, appearing in one of her signature roles as seen at the Royal Opera House, Covent Garden, Amanda Majeski as Katya. Young, sensitive and desperate for love, Katya is trapped in a remote country village with a bored husband and his snobbish family with no way out - until a summer thunderstorm changes everything. Uncompromisingly honest, and pulsing with intensely human emotion, the story of Katya Kabanova is written in music that cuts straight to the chase. The LSO's concert stagings of classic operas always make headlines: and this one was no different.

ART OF COURTLY LOVE

BRUCKNER: SYMPHONY NO. 9

Japanese SHM-CD pressing. Universal. 2024.

Japanese SHM-CD pressing. Universal. 2024.

Japanese SHM-CD pressing. Universal. 2024.