Signum Classics
626 products
Josquin Des Pres - Master Of Musicians
Includes work(s) by various composers, Josquin Des Préz, Heinrich Isaac, Jean Japart, Alexander Agricola, Alonso, Tylman Susato. Ensemble: Musica Antiqua of London. Conductor: Philip Thorby.
VIVALDI: 12 Sonatas for Violin and Continuo, Op. 2
TALLIS: Complete Works (The), Vol. 6
Love In London - James Rhodes Live In Concert
The inimitable James Rhodes performs live in an intimate concert recorded live at the Arts Theatre, London.
Aksel! / Rykkvin, Short, Orchestra of the Age of Enlightenment
Norwegian boy-soprano Aksel Rykvvin has quickly built a reputation as a rare talent, combining an intelligent musicality with a beautifully resonant treble voice. On his debut recording he is accompanied by The Orchestra of the Age of Enlightenment under Nigel Short. Many of the arias performed are considered too technically demanding for boy singers in the present day.
Rachmaninov: Symphony No. 3 & Symphonic Dances / Ashkenazy, Philharmonia Orchestra
Marking their latest collaboration with their conductor laureate Vladimir Ashkenazy, the Philharmonia returns with a stellar live-performance recording of two late works by Rachmaninov – the Symphonic Dances and Symphony No. 3 in A Minor. This release is third and final in a new series of Rachmaninov’s symphonic works, conducted by Vladimir Ashkenazy in live performances with the Philharmonia Orchestra. The previous volumes, which included Symphonies Nos. 1 and 2, were met with critical acclaim. “Perhaps the most satisfying of all…” (BBC Music Magazine) “Ashkenazy knows how to shape detail and soar in the big melodic moments. The PHilharmonia sound is muscular and alert, from the opening woodwind solos to the mighty, stirring symphonic tutti of the finale.” (The Observer)
Mozart in London / Page, The Mozartists

The Mozartists present an unprecedented survey of Mozart’s childhood stay in London from 1764-65. The wide-ranging programme includes Mozart’s remarkable first symphony (composed when he was eight years old), along with his two other London symphonies and his first concert aria. The repertoire also explores music that was being performed in London during Mozart’s stay, including works by J. C. Bach, Thomas Arne, Abel, Pescetti, Perez, George Rush and William Bates, many of which have not previously been recorded. The album features an outstanding line-up of soloists comprising sopranos Ana Maria Labin, Anna Devin, Rebecca Bottone, Martene Grimson and Eleanor Dennis, mezzo-soprano Helen Sherman, tenors Ben Johnson and Robert Murray and harpsichordist Steven Devine. The album was recorded live during a weekend of performances at London’s Milton Court in February 2015 as part of the opening season of MOZART 250, and includes over a dozen world premiere recordings.
Rachmaninov: Symphony No. 2 / Ashkenazy, Philharmonia Orchestra
Marking their latest collaboration with their conductor laureate Vladimir Ashkenazy, the Philharmonia have returned to recording with a stellar live-performance of Rachmaninov’s ebullient Symphony No.2 in E Minor. This is the second release in a new series of Rachmaninov’s symphonies, conducted by Vladimir Ashkenazy in live performances with the Philharmonia Orchestra. The first release of Symphony No. 1 (SIGCD484) was met by critical acclaim: “Perhaps the most satisfying of all [Ashkenazy’s recordings of the Symphony]…” (BBC Music Magazine) “Ashkenazy knows how to shape detail and soar in the big melodic moments. The Philharmonia sound is muscular and alert, from the opening woodwind solos to the mighty, stirring symphonic tutti of the finale.” (The Observer)
Tavener: Missa Wellensis / Owens, Wells Cathedral Choir
This release explores the works of British composer John Taverner (1944-2013). Taverner is particularly noted for his output of religious music. His "The Protecting Veil" was recorded by Steven Isserlis and became a best selling album, and his "Song for Athene" was performed at the funeral of Princess Diana. Matthew Owens is the Organist and Master of the Choristers of Wells Cathedral. Owens is responsible for the choral tradition of daily worship at Wells Cathedral, and has also toured widely and recorded extensively with the Choir. In 2011, the Choir was named by a Gramophone international jury as the best choir in the world with children, and the sixth best overall. This release features multiple world-premiere recordings, most of which were commissioned especially for the choir. Among these are the "Preces and Responses" as well as "They Are All Gone into the World of Light".
Rachmaninov: Piano Concerto No. 3 - Sibelius: Symphony No. 2 / Cox, Aimontche, Chineke! Orchestra
The Chineke! Orchestra return to Signum in a new live orchestral recording from the Royal Festival Hall, London. Drawn from exceptional musicians from across the continent, the orchestra is part of the Chineke! Foundation – a non-profit organization that provides career opportunities to young Black and Minority Ethnic (BME) classical musicians in the UK and Europe. Their motto is ‘Championing Change and Celebrating Diversity in Classical Music’. The Chineke! Orchestra is the brainchild of Chi-chi Nwanoku OBE, FRAM, who says: “My aim is to create a space where BME musicians can walk on stage and know that they belong, in every sense of the word. If even one BME child feels that their color is getting in the way of their musical ambitions, then I hope to inspire them, give them a platform, and show them that music, of whatever kind, is for all people.” In this live concert recording under conductor Roderick Cox they perform Sibelius’s 2nd Symphony and Rachmaninov’s Piano Concerto No.3, featuring multi-award-winning pianist Gerard Aimontche.
Shostakovich: String Quartets Nos. 4, 8 & 11
Universe Of Sound - Holst: The Planets / Salonen, Philharmonia Orchestra
Esa-Pekka Salonen leads the Philharmonia Orchestra in a unique performance of Holst's The Planets Suite, captured in High Definition by 37 cameras. This immersive experience takes the viewer to the heart of the Philharmonia as they perform this well-loved piece, using cameras placed in a multitude of positions and angles to create an extraordinary glimpse of the orchestra at work from within. As well as Holst's The Planets, the filmed performance also includes a new commission by UK composer Joby Talbot, Worlds, Stars, Systems, Infinity.
Additional features include a 'Making of' documentary feature, listening guide films for each planet, audio commentaries from conductor Esa-Pekka Salonen and principal players of the Philharmonia, and (for Blu-ray only) a bonus view option that allows a simultaneous view of the conductor and orchestra in action.
The Philharmonia Orchestra is committed to bringing classical music to new audiences in creative and exciting ways, and to this end has become a technological trailblazer in its adoption and adaptation of new technology. In 2010 the Re-Rite project allowed members of the public to experience Stravinsky's Rite of Spring for the first time from within the orchestra through audio/visual projections. Their 'Universe of Sound' project from which this release stems debuted at the Science Museum in London last year, and is set to tour the country in new installations during 2013.
Beauty And The Beatbox / Swingle Singers, Shlomo, Et Al
Includes work(s) by various composers. Ensemble: The Swingle Singers.
Music for the Coronation of James II, 1685
With a stunning selection of choral music that is truly fit for a King, Andrew Gant leads the Choir of the Chapel Royal & The Musicians Extra-Ordinary to re-create the music that accompanied the coronation of James II and Queen Mary in 1685.
REVIEWS:
The performances are very good, as is the 24-bit recording...The instrumental parts are no mere accompaniments: the ‘twenty-four violins’ of the royal orchestra were apparently used for some of these anthems and they often have the field to themselves, hence the title ‘symphony anthems’, but I would have liked a slightly more even balance.
That’s a small price to pay for hearing such fine music in such sympathetic performances. The notes in the booklet, too, are very informative, even making a case against the usual assumption that Blow was acting altruistically in yielding the post of organist to Purcell, perhaps more an act of convenience for a busy musician.
-- MusicWeb International
MACHAUT: Motets and Music from the Ivrea Codex
ASK
Signum Anniversary Series - Organ Collection
Dove: There Was A Child
Figure Humaine - Choral Works By Francis Poulenc / Tenebrae
FRANCIS POULENC. TENEBRAE; NIGEL SHORT, CONDUCTOR. MASS IN G; LITANIES A LA VIERGE NOIR; SALVE REGINA; UN SOIR DE NEIGE; FIGURE HUMAINE; QUATRE PETITES PRIERES DE SAINT FRANCOIS D'ASSISE.
If / Davies, Fretwork
When Michael Nyman started reinventing the English baroque back in the 1980s, one critic described the result as “pump- action Purcell”. This recording combines these two singular musical styles through the stunning voice of countertenor Iestyn Davies and viol consort Fretwork, serving as the bridge across three centuries. The programme combines bold harmonies, wondrous inventions, and melodies that will haunt your dreams – whether from the 17th century or the 21st. Recorded following a concert tour of the programme, the release includes the premiere recording of a new commission from Michael Nyman, Music after a While – based upon Purcell’s song, or more particularly upon its strikingly original bass-line, with its insidious rising chromatics. This was a near-perfect concert, contrasting two composers whose links are stronger than many people might think and performed by musicians at the top of their profession.” Early Music Reviews, following a concert of the programme.
Reger: Fantasias & Fugues
Widor: Solo Organ Works
Chilcott: The Seeds of Stars
Seasons: Oliver Davis; Antonio Vivaldi
