MOZART MEETS CUBA

This second volume of early Mozart symphonies features a really biting, vivid performance of the "little G minor" K. 183, with its prominent writing for four horns very well realized. The other treat comes in the form of the massive (more than seven minutes) Minuet K. 409, a magnificent work for trumpets and drums whose existence is often overlooked. The other major work here is the vibrant Symphony in G K. 199, a large piece in three movements lasting more than 20 minutes, composed in 1773. The remaining pieces are less consequential, and three of the symphonies here were fashioned from opera overtures: Ascanio in Alba, Il sogno di Scipione, and La finta giardiniera. As you might expect, they are all charming, and immaculately crafted.


Harnoncourt conducts all of this music with evident affection and a welcome absence of affectation. It's fun to hear how he treats minuets: you never know how the trio will relate to its surroundings, but somehow whatever Harnoncourt does always sounds right. It almost goes without saying that the playing of the Concentus Musicus Wien is excellent; the rich, fruity quality of the woodwinds sounds particularly fine in this music, and the sonics are terrific. In short, this is a very appealing release, and it's nice to see these early symphonies coming in a two-disc-per-set format rather than a single big box. This gives you the opportunity to savor each work without feeling obligated to wade through a ton of similar-sounding stuff in one shot.
--David Hurwitz, ClassicsToday.com

This is a DSD (Direct Stream Digital) recording

This is a DSD (Direct Stream Digital) recording

This live recording of Puccini's 'La Bohème' made by Austrian Radio in 1963 has almost as interesting an off-stage story as went on onstage. Performed at Vienna's legendary Wiener Staatsoper under the artistic direction of conductor Herbert von Karajan, the performance was the subject of international labor disputes, union troubles and such pronounced disharmony that the premiere was actually canceled.
That this performance was captured for posterity is a blessing for music lovers everywhere. Extraordinary performances, highlighted by that of previously unknown Mirella Freni (as Mimì) are a joy to behold. A reading vastly different than any that had come before, this 'La Bohème' pursued the inner-life of the characters with a success that may be the driving factor in subsequent reinterpretations of classic pieces.
The recording quality of this album evokes the sound of Vienna's classic opera house. Digital remastering has cleaned up any irregularities caused by the era's recording techniques, making this classic performance a collector's piece.

The music of MRS. HENDERSON PRESENTS blends a tuneful assortment of period 1930's songs with original score by noted film composer George Fenton.

ARIAS & SCENES

This release, seeing the light of day for the first time in this mid-priced series (the actual recording date isn't given), contains a selection of music from Grieg's Peer Gynt culled by Temirkanov from the complete score. You get all of the music from the two suites, plus such rarely heard numbers as Peer Gynt and the Woman in Green, Peer Gynt at the Statue of Memnon, the Whitsun Hymn (with chorus), and The Dance of the Mountain King's Daughter. The performances are very persuasive, with Termirkanov adopting some unusually expansive tempos (in Morning Mood) but also not stinting on the excitement (Peer Gynt's Homecoming and In the Hall of the Mountain King). The chorus sings very well and makes some effort to characterize its part, while Inger Dam-Jensen is something of a Solveig specialist. She sounds lovely.


Making this release even more attractive, Temirkanov includes lively and colorful performances of the four Norwegian Dances Op. 35, in the rarely heard contemporary orchestration by Danish composer Robert Henriques (Hans Sitt's are more commonly chosen). Per Dreier also used this edition in his pioneering recording of the complete Peer Gynt, but of course only included the first three, which found their way into subsequent productions. Having the complete set here is entirely apt and welcome. Johan Halvorsen's orchestration of the Bridal Procession from the piano solo Scenes from Country Life Op. 19 (No. 2) also partakes of the same spirit, making this disc an enjoyable and in some ways unique proposition. The sound also is very good, perhaps a touch studio-bound, but easy on the ear and well-suited to the music. No texts or translations are included--a cheap move, but one that does not detract from the disc's purely musical appeal. [6/28/2005]
--David Hurwitz, ClassicsToday.com

Principal cast includes: Jim Walton, Ann Morrison, Lonny Price, Sally Klein, Jason Alexander, Terry Finn, Liz Callaway, Daisy Prince, Tonya Pinkins.
Additional personnel includes: Paul Gemignani (conductor).
Composed by Stephen Sondheim.

MacMillan: Veni, veni Emmanuel

Schubert: String Quartets Nos. 13 & 14, "Death and the Maide

RUSSIAN STRING QUARTETS

This is a DSD (Direct Stream Digital) recording

BETWEEN HEAVEN & EARTH

SLEEPING WITH SCHUBERT