One of the most famous English contraltos of the twentieth century sadly passed away at a young age. However, she left behind several memorable recordings, including those made with some of the greatest conductors of the period. These recordings are meticulously restored from the original sources.

Musica ricercata is a kind of journey through the fossils of European musical culture after the explosion of the two World Wars. Like all composers living in the shadow of nuclear threat, Ligeti sees time as the great enemy: he cages it, crystallizing it into an eternal present so material, that it prevents the flow of Chance within it.

Featuring two Russian composers, this album presents two very rare recordings under the direction of one of the most impressive Russian conductors, Evgeny Svetlanov. Evgeny Svetlanov was born in Moscow into a family of musicians and artists. His parents were both members of the Bolshoi Theatre company, and from early childhood, Evgeny was captivated by the theater. He studied at the Gnessin school and at the Moscow Conservatory. His conducting mentor was Alexander Gauk, the founder of the USSR State Symphony Orchestra, which is heard on this recording. He gave his first performances as a conductor on the radio in 1953, while he was still a student. Two years later, he returned to the Bolshoi as principal assistant, and in 1962 was appointed principal conductor. He went on to hold prestigious posts with numerous other ensembles, and he completed more than three thousand recordings throughout his career. The present release features a recording from 1968.

Classical Music

Classical Music

Classical Music

SYMPHONY NO. 9

Classical Music

Classical Music

Classical Music

PIANO CONCERTOS

Beethoven: Missa Solemnis, Choral Fantasy & Symphony No. 5 (

PIANO CONCERTOS

OPERATIC EXCERPTS & LIEDER

WINTERREISE SCHWANENGESANG

Classical Music

Classical Music

Classical Music

PIANO CONCERTO DIVERTIMENTO

Schubert: Die Zauberharfe & Clarinet Chamber Music

BUDAPEST QUARTET: XX CENTURY

La Favorita is, among Donizetti's operas, the most difficult in terms of reference editions. In fact, besides the original French version, there are several chances also in Italian. This high quality edition from 1955 is one fo the best recordings to date. Beyond the magical detail in the recording, this is one of the most beautiful discographic edition for its vocal and interpretative cast. Raimondi is here, caught in its best period - the voice color and the ability to involve the mezzo-soprano Fedora Barbieri, the only one, before Cossotto to play the role of Leonora, Carlo Tagliabue, the legendary baritone of the thirties and finally the presence of Giuio Neric, a deep bass quite unusual in the panorama of those years. All of these details make this version of Favorita a reference recording with an already small reference discography.

TRISTAN & ISOLDE

DIE WALKUERE

Recorded in Mosca between 1958 and 1964, these rare interpretations by conductor Kirill Kondrashin include works by Rachmaninov and Khachaturian. With the exception of Khachaturian’s Masquerade, which is performed by the RCA Victor Symphony Orchestra, all of these works are performed by the Moscow Philharmonic Orchestra. This two-disc set is presented with outstanding stereophonic quality.