Proper note new releases 03 10 feb 2014

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JAZZ/WORLD NEW RELEASE - 3/2/2014

Danilo Perez Panama 500

MAC1075 673203107526 CD MACK AVENUE £8.49 JAZZ/WORLD The Panamanian pianist Danilo Pérez has occupied the piano chair in tenor saxophonist Wayne Shorter’s acclaimed quartet since 2001. ‘Panama 500’ finds him with two different groups of musicians who perform Perez’s own compositions that celebrate the 500th anniversary of the historic crossing, in 1513, of the Panama isthmus by explorer Vasco Núñez de Balboa. Perez finds musical interpretation and inspiration for his compositions in two groups of players - one featuring bassist John Patitucci and drummer Brian Blade, fellow musicians in Shorter’s quartet, with contributions from percussionist Rogerio Boccato and cellist Sachi Patitucci. The other group features drummer Adam Cruz, bassist Ben Street, violinist Alex Hargreaves and percussionist Roman Díaz. Both groups are musical allies and stunning collaborators in Danilo's vision. The music is a multi-cultural mix of jazz, Latin American folk, classical music and blues with Middle Eastern and Asian sounds in the mix. In addition three tracks include music and narration from the Guna indigenous people of Panama. Personnel: Danilo Perez (piano, cowbell), John Patitucci (bass), Brian Blade (drums), Rogerio Boccato (percussion), Sachi Patitucci (cello), Adam Cruz (drums), Ben Street (bass), Alex Hargreaves (violin), Roman Díaz (percussion), Milagros Blades (repicador, caja, pujador), Ricaurte Villareal (caja, guiro) Tracks: 1. Rediscovery Of The South Sea 2. Panama 500 3. Reflections On The South Sea 4. Abia Yala (America) 5. Gratitude 6. The Canal Suite: Land Of Hope 7. The Canal Suite: Premonition In Rhythm 8. The Canal Suite: Melting Pot (Chocolito) 9. The Expedition 10. Narration To Reflections On The South 11. Panama Viejo 12. Celebration Of Our Land Promotion: Feature in Jazzwise (March issue)

Reviews confirmed in The Guardian, The Sunday Times, The Times, The Daily Telegraph, Independent on Sunday, Financial Times, The Evening Standard, The Scotsman, The Herald, The Irish Times, Jazzwise, Jazz Journal, MOJO, BBC Music Magazine, Record Collector, Echoes, Hi Fi News

Airplay: BBC Radio 3 Jazz on 3, BBC Radio 3 Jazz Line Up, BBC Radio 3 Late Junction, BBC Radio 2 Jamie Cullum, and regional BBC jazz programmes

Additional airplay on Jazz FM – Chris Philips (including interview), Mike Chadwick, Sarah Ward and Helen Mayhew




JAZZ NEW RELEASE - 10/2/2014

Chaos Orchestra Island Mentality

CC002 702811533332 CD CHAOS COLLECTIVE £7.99 JAZZ The debut album from the UK’s most exciting large jazz ensemble in recent years, founded by trumpeter/composer Laura Jurd. This hard hitting, cross-genre big band is reminiscent of the eighties powerhouse Loose Tubes, whilst developing a unique, ever-evolving identity of its own. ‘Island Mentality’ is a refreshing addition to the UK’s superb history of large jazz ensembles and composers. The music indulges heavily in folk/world influences and jazz fusion-inspired grooves, as well as dishing out material steeped in melody alongside the occasional splash of free improvisation. Showcasing the music of young British composers Laura Jurd, Simon Marsh and Alex Roth the record also features a track by saxophonist/composer Mark Lockheart. The Chaos Orchestra was born within the walls of Trinity Laban Conservatoire of Music and Dance and consists of Trinity Laban students past and present alongside fellow graduates from the Royal Academy of Music and other institutions. Captivating audiences with its youthful energy the band plays well-crafted compositions with a pleasing surprise around every corner, written by composers of skill way beyond their years. ‘Island Mentality’ takes you on a journey of hard-hitting tunes, energetic and spirited soloing amongst highly-sophisticated ensemble writing full of welcome surprises. The Chaos Orchestra will no doubt take the musical community by storm with a debut record which pulls out all the stops! Personnel: Laura Jurd (director & trumpet, track 5), Jennah Smart (flutes), Rob Cope (clarinets), Simon Marsh, Will Scott, Mike Underwood, Greg Sinclair, Leo Richardson (saxophones), Rob Greenwood, Tom Dennis, Mike Soper, Matt Roberts (trumpets), Raphael Clarkson, Emma Bassett, Rosie Turton, George Wrench (trombones), Alex Roth (guitar), Elliot Galvin (piano), Conor Chaplin (electric bass), Corrie Dick (drums), Lauren Kinsella (Vocals - tracks 1,4,6), Special guest: Mark Lockheart (soprano saxophone - track 6) Tracks: 1. No Man is an Island 2. Giant's Causeway 3. Zigaboo 4. Oh So Beautiful 5. Strange Attractors 6. Horses for Courses 7. Yoh! 8. The Charm of Impossibilities Launch date: 29th March, Kings Place, King’s Cross, London Reviews confirmed in The Guardian, The Observer, The Sunday Times, The Times, The Daily Telegraph, Independent on Sunday, Financial Times, The Evening Standard, The Scotsman, The Irish Times, Jazzwise, Jazz Journal, MOJO, BBC Music Magazine, Record Collector, Echoes, Prog, Hi Fi News Airplay: BBC Radio 3 Jazz on 3, BBC Radio 3 Jazz Line Up, BBC Radio 3 Late Junction, BBC Radio 2 Jamie Cullum, BBC Radio 6 Music Freak Zone and regional BBC jazz programmes Additional airplay on Jazz FM – Mike Chadwick, Chris Philips, Sarah Ward and Helen Mayhew





Karin Krog & John Surman

Songs About This and That

MR20 7041880102029 CD MEANTIME £8.49 JAZZ The music on ‘Songs About This and That’ originated from a commissioned work by singer Karin Krog and saxophonist John Surman for the Voss Festival in Norway. Known widely for their own individual albums as well as their collaborations on ECM Records, "Songs About This and That" reveals a different dimension to the creativity of these two incredible musicians. From the soundscape of the opening track, which has a Japanese traditional folk feel about it, through to jazz and theatrical rock with cabaret undertones, each track flows effortlessly into the next as though the varying styles are natural bedfellows. A 'suite' of songs with poetic and beguiling lyrics, the music is presented in different styles - some very structured, and others with a much broader improvised concept. The lyrics are personal and understanding them is left primarily to the imagination of the listener. Karin does offer some insights though; ‘’The Pebble Song was inspired by my watching our grand-daughter playing on the beach and picturing myself doing just the same as a child - the Rain Song, simply by observing life through a window on a rainy day. The Monk Song is, of course, a tribute to Thelonious Monk and the Question Song reflects light-heartedly on some of the ways we could look at life. As to the others, well, we hope that you discover your own meanings in them - or simply just enjoy the music!’’ - Karin Krog Personnel: Karin Krog (vocals), John Surman (soprano and baritone saxophones, bass clarinet, bass recorder), Bjørn Klakegg (guitar), Terje Gewelt (bass), Ivar Kolve (vibraphone), Tom Oldstad (drums) Tracks: 1. Mirror Song 2. Cherry Tree Song 3. Question Song 4. Circle Song 5. Happy Song 6. Moonlight Song 7. Rain Song 8. Pebble Song 9. Monk Song Reviews confirmed in The Guardian, The Observer, Independent on Sunday, Financial Times, The Scotsman, The Irish Times, Jazzwise, Jazz Journal, BBC Music Magazine Airplay: BBC Radio 3 Jazz on 3, BBC Radio 3 Jazz Line Up, BBC Radio 3 Late Junction, BBC Radio 6 Music Freak Zone and regional BBC jazz programmes Additional airplay on Jazz FM – Mike Chadwick, Sarah Ward and Helen Mayhew




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Laura Jurd Landing Ground

CC001PN 610370589670 CD CHAOS COLLECTIVE £7.99 JAZZ An impressive debut CD from trumpeter/composer Laura Jurd. Conceived as a unified whole, the album with its six pieces and three improvised dialogues reveals a young composer of character and immense promise. The album deals with themes of departure and return. With both a jazz and a string quartet (the Ligeti Quartet), the music is at the increasingly traversed borders of contemporary classical music and jazz. From Kind of Blue era Miles Davis, to echoes of Messiaen, Alban Berg and Shostakovich, a distinctive individual and appealing voice emerges. Three free-improvised dialogues where Laura Jurd responds in real time to the imaginative narratives of pianist (Elliot Galvin) cellist (Ben Davis) and drummer (Corrie Dick) provide the ideal counterweight to the six structured and planned compositions. Nine carefully programmed tracks, which, through thematic and musical connections, build to a satisfying whole. Personnel: Laura Jurd (trumpet), Elliot Galvin (piano), Ben Davis (cello), Corrie Dick (drums), Ligeti Quartet Tracks: Flight Music / Duet I / The Lady of Bruntal / Happy Sad Song / Duet II / Landing Ground / Tales of the Old Country / Duet III / The Cross-Atlantic Antics of Madame Souza Press quotes: “(4 stars) Jurd stands out even from the UK jazz conservatoires' well-schooled and adventurous current crop” - The Guardian “(4 stars) Her trumpet playing already has a quirky yet penetrating signature of her own. Listening to Laura Jurd maturing becomes a fascinating prospect.” - Jazzwise “A stunning debut by anyone's standards, but coming from a 21-year-old musician it's quite miraculous.” - Mark Lockheart (Polar Bear)





Let Spin Let Spin

FP013 5070000037127 CD EFPI RECORDS £7.99 JAZZ Debut album from genre-crossing quartet Let Spin that features members of Acoustic Ladyland, Led Bib, Moss Project and Efpi labelmates Beats & Pieces Big Band. Their music has been described as "knotty improv, rock fury - quirky themes, killer riffage - gleefully bizarre, sonic overload.” Let Spin were formed in June 2012 as a collaboration between four of the UK's top genre-crossing instrumentalists: Guitarist Moss Freed (Moss Project), bassist Ruth Goller (Acoustic Ladyland), saxophonist Chris Williams (Led Bib) and drummer Finlay Panter (Beats & Pieces Big Band). Inspired by discovering a shared musical space the band quickly found their own unique language and just two months later they recorded their eponymous debut album, Let Spin. The members of Let Spin met through a merging of the London and Manchester music scenes. Goller and Williams have played together in various projects since their studies at the University of Middlesex, and both met Freed working with his group, Moss Project. Freed and Panter met on the Manchester music scene, playing together in many contexts, and through Freed moving to London the band was born. With each member contributing compositions, influences as far-reaching as Rage Against The Machine, Beck, Bill Frisell, Jim Black and Middle Eastern folk music collide to form a cohesive mix of angular riffs, wistful melodies, euphoric improv and heavy grooves. Personnel: Moss Freed (guitar), Ruth Goller (bass), Chris Williams (saxophone), Finlay Pante (drums) Tracks: Castle, Sea, Ferry / Awowowa / How To Woo A Dolphin / Shapes & Sizes / 102 Hill Street / Piper / Up And At Them / A Change Is Coming




EASY LISTENING NEW RELEASE - 10/2/2014

Various Artists

The Wizard of Oz (The 75th Anniversary Anthology)

SEPIA1246 5055122112464 CD SEPIA £4.48 EASY LISTENING Sepia Records celebrates the 75th anniversary of the iconic Wizard of Oz with this anthology CD featuring songs from the movie (and some dropped) performed "live" for a promotional radio broadcast by the stars such as Judy Garland, Bert Lahr, Ray Bolger, and also including recordings by composer Harold Arlen and popular performers of the day such as Glenn Miller and his orchestra. Most of the tracks here are not from the movie sound track but recordings made to promote the movie such as "live" radio broadcasts. Included are four versions of the ever popular Over the Rainbow performed by Judy Garland - the movie version, a "live" version, a "pop" version and finally, one with the Tommy Dorsey orchestra recorded for radio broadcast to sell government war bonds. The big band orchestras are represented here by Glenn Miller, Vincent Lopez and Frankie Masters, each performing their "dance band" version of songs from the movie. Tracks: 1. The Wizard Of Oz Overture - The NBC Orchestra 2. Behind The Scenes: How A Picture Is Created - narrated by Robert Young 3. Over The Rainbow - Judy Garland with orchestra conducted by Meredith Willson 4. The Wizard Of Oz Medley 1: If I Only Had A Brain - Ray Bolger and Judy Garland / If I Only Had A Heart -Robert Young / If I Only Had The Nerve - Bert Lahr 5. Munchkinland Musical Sequence: 1 Come Out, Come Out Wherever You Are / It Really Was No Miracle / Ding-Dong! The Witch Is Dead - Judy Garland & The NBC Chorus 6. If I Were King Of The Forest - Bert Lahr with Judy Garland & Ray Bolger 7. The Wizard of Oz Finale Medley: The Merry Old Land Of Oz - Frank Morgan / Over The Rainbow Judy Garland / If I Only Had A Brain - Ray Bolger / If I Only Had The Nerve - Bert Lahr / We're Off To See The Wizard - NBC Chorus / Over The Rainbow - NBC Chorus 8. Over The Rainbow - Judy Garland with Victor Young and his Orchestra 9. Munchkinland Musical Sequence 2 - The Ken Darby Singers with Victor Young and his Orchestra 10. Follow The Yellow Brick Road / We're Off To See The Wizard - Victor Young and his Orchestra 11. If I Only Had A Brain - Harold Arlen with Victor Young and his Orchestra 12. If I Only Had A Heart / If I Only Had The Nerve - Bud Lyon and Garney Bell with Victor Young and his Orchestra 13. The Merry Old Land Of Oz - Victor Young and his Orchestra with The Ken Darby Singers 14. The Jitterbug - Judy Garland, Harold Arlen, Bud Lyon and Garney Bell with Victor Young and his Orchestra 15. Over The Rainbow - Glenn Miller and his Orchestra with vocal refrain by Ray Eberle 16. Ding-Dong! The Witch Is Dead - Glenn Miller and his Orchestra with vocal refrain by Marion Hutton 17. If I Only Had A Brain - Vincent Lopez and his orchestra with Vocal Refrain by Sonny Schuyler 18. The Merry Old Land Of Oz - Frankie Masters and his Orchestra 19. The Jitterbug - Vincent Lopez and his Orchestra with vocal refrain by Betty Hutton 20. Over The Rainbow - Judy Garland with the M-G-M Studio Orchestra 21. The Wizard Of Oz Medley 2: If I Only Had A Brain - Ray Bolger and Judy Garland / If I Only Had A Heart -Jack Haley and Adriana Castelotti / If I Only Had The Nerve - Bert Lahr / We're Off To See The Wizard - Judy Garland, Ray Bolger, Jack Haley, Bert Lahr 22. Dialogue: Dorothy's Farewell - Judy Garland 23. Over The Rainbow - Judy Garland with Tommy Dorsey and his Orchestra





Cinerama Symphony Orchestra & Jack Shaindlin

Cinerama Holiday (Original Soundtrack)

SEPIA1247 5055122112471 CD SEPIA £4.48 EASY LISTENING Appearing here for the first time on CD is the original movie sound track to the 1955 released 'Cinerama Holiday'. Re-mixed from the movie audio tapes and combined with music from the studio recording issued on the LP, making this Morton Gould score release as complete as possible for sound track buffs. The second of the Cinerama productions, 'Cinerama Holiday' was a major world-wide hit but no sound track LP was issued, only a studio recording was issued consisting of part of the movie score. In line with Sepia's 'Windjammer' sound track (SEPIA1234), this movie score finally makes its long awaited debut release. Tracks: Cinerama Holiday Main Title / New England Carnival Music, Long Version / New England Carnival Music, Love Old Sweet Song / Swiss Train / Finale, Act II / New Hampshire Scenic, Opening & Insert / New Hampshire Closing Sequence / Cartoon To Bobsled / Swiss Waltz Entr’acte / Aircraft Carrier / Paris Promenade, Part A / Finale, Second Section / Band Holiday Finale / Paris / Exterior Theatre / Early Morning Market And Bike Ride / Interior Theatre / Catapult / Notre Dame To Art Class / Joan Of Arc / Arc De Triomphe / Arc De Triomphe, End Section Brighter / Paris, Part II / New York Ancillary Music / The Carrier / Paris Waltz, #2 / Exit Music / Cinerama Overture / Cinerama Holiday March / Over The Alps / Skating Waltz / On The Slopes / Hup-Sa-Sa - Bertely Studer and Ernst Berchtold / Skiers / Souvenirs Of Paris / Paris Promenade / The Louvre / Holiday In Rio / Paris Theme / Out West / New York Town / Hail To Our Land - The United States Naval Academy Choir

Sauter-Finegan and Their Orchestra

The Return of the Doodletown Fifers / Pop Concert

SEPIA1248 5055122112488 CD SEPIA £4.48 EASY LISTENING Two of the best albums by Eddie Sauter and Bill Finegan, two of the Swing Era's most innovative and idealistic arrangers on one set - 'The Return of the Doodletown Fifers' (1960) and 'Pop Concert' (1961). In the January issue of Mojo Frank Sinatra Jr describes The Return of the Doodletown Fifers as “one of the absolute pure jazz band albums.” Sauter and Finegan ran their own orchestra in the early 1950s and by 1953 Time magazine had declared them as "the most original band heard in the U.S. in years." These brilliant, stereo recordings of two of their best albums, "The Return of the Doodletown Fifers" and "Pop Concert," made in 1960 and 1961, respectively, show on CD more clearly and convincingly than ever what a unique orchestral combination The Sauter-Finegan Orchestra was. Naturally, included is the tune most people associate them with, "Doodletown Fifers", adapted from a Civil War song. Also included is "Doodletown Races", based on De Camptown Races composed in 1850 by Stephen Foster. Tracks: Doodletown Fifers / April In Paris / The Churchmouse / When Hearts Are Young / One Is A Lonely Number / Doodletown Races / Sleighride / Moonlight On The Ganges / A Foggy Day / Rain / Thursday’s Child / Darn That Dream / Blue Moon / The Bilbao Song / Lullaby Of The Leaves / Messin’ Around / Trust In Me / Rama Lama Ding Dong / The Pony Dance / I’ve Told Every Little Star / You Can Depend On Me / That Old Black Magic





Connie Francis

The International Connie Francis

SEPIA1249 5055122112495 CD SEPIA £4.48 EASY LISTENING Not only was Connie Francis one of the biggest recording stars in the English-speaking world, she also triumphed in many other foreign countries. Consequently her record label had her make discs of her hits in languages such as German, French and Japanese, and this album brings together twenty-six tracks of Connie singing in nine languages, many of them becoming major hits in those countries. On this CD you will hear Connie sing "Vacation" in Japanese, "Where The Boys Are in Spanish", "Mr Twister" in French and "Don't Break The Heart That Loves You" in German. Many tracks here are appearing on CD for the first time. Tracks: Die Liebe Ist Ein Seltsames Spiel [Everybody's Somebody's Fool] (German Version) / Pretty Little Baby (Swedish Version) / Vacation (Japanese Version) / Monsieur Twister [Mr Twister] (French Version) / Dime Que Pasó [Many Tears Ago] (Spanish Version) / Shein Vi Di Levone (in Yiddish) / Never On Sunday (partly in Greek) / Chitarra Romana [Roman Guitar] (in Italian) / Paradiso (in German) / Wenn Du Gehst (in German) / Jamais [La Paloma] (French Version) / Mon Coeur Est Un Violon [Love Is Like A Violin] (in French) / Donde Hay Chicos [Where The Boys Are] (Spanish Version) / Tu' Mir Nicht Weh [Don't Break The Heart That Loves You] (German Version) / Lili Marleen (German Version) / C'est Lui Que Je Veux [Someone Else's Boy] (French Version) / Too Many Rules (Japanese Version) / Malaguena (in Spanish) / Hava Nagilah (in Hebrew) / Gondola D'amore (in German) / Mond Von Mexico (in German) / Eine Insel Für Zwei (in German) / No One (Japanese Version) / Immer Wenn's Am Schönsten Ist (in German) / Einmal Komm' Ich Wieder (in German) / Breakin' In A Brand New Broken Heart (Japanese Version)





David Whitfield

Cara Mia - The Very Best of David Whitfield

GLMY52 5060088440971 CD3 MEMORY LANE £6.30 EASY LISTENING This 3CD set celebrates the voice of David Whitfield who was a singing superstar in the 1950s and whose career extended into the 1960s and 70s. Whitfield’s singing style was closer to light opera than that of a popular balladeer, yet he won the respect of a devoted audience who remained loyal throughout the years that saw the emergence of rock 'n' rock. Today, his magnificent voice still sounds enticing and beguiling as this tribute to this golden star amply demonstrates. Disc 1: Cara Mia / My Son John / Cry My Heart / The Right To Love / When You Lose The One You Love / The Adoration Waltz / Ev'rywhere / My Only Love / Santo Natale (Merry Christmas) / I'll Find You (from the film 'The Sea Wife') / My September Love / Beyond The Stars / Angela Mia / Dream Of Paradise / Our Love Waltz / Angelus / The Book / Answer Me / Farewell, My Love / Willingly (Melodie Perdue) / Song Of The Dreamer / Rags To Riches / My Unfinished Symphony Disc 2: On The Street Where You Live / The Song Of The Vagabonds / The Sound Of Music / Climb Ev'ry Mountain / Lover Come Back To Me / The White Dove / Only A Rose / Rose Marie / You'll Never Walk Alone / The Song Of The Mounties / O Maiden, My Maiden / Blue Heaven / Your Eyes / My Heart And I / You Are My Heart's Delight / The Desert Song / Goodbye / March Of The Grenadiers / If I'm Dreaming / Maria / Serenade / Indian Love Call Disc 3: Trees / You Are Too Beautiful / Hear My Song, Violetta / I Believe / The Blue Danube / I Kiss Your Hand Madame / Can I Forget You / Look For The Silver Lining / Mama / Unless / When I Grow Too Old To Dream / Smile / Lady Of Madrid / I'll Never Stop Loving You / Gold And Silver / Vienna, City Of My Dreams / Throw Open Wide Your Window / William Tell (TV Series Theme) / Pappa Piccolino / Marta / Bridge Of Sighs / Tell Me Tonight




ROCK & ROLL NEW RELEASE - 3/2/2014

Various Artists

The Fabulous Fifties: Hits on 45

GLMY47 5060088440926 CD MEMORY LANE £4.00 ROCK & ROLL Was there ever a better time to be a pop fan than in the late 1950s? Back in the days of Dansette record players and youth club skiffle groups, it was the sound of Cliff, Elvis, Billy Fury, Adam Faith, the Everly Brothers that lit up our lives - all creators of truly classic hits that still sound every bit as amazing well over 50 years later! Tracks: 1. The Everly Brothers - ('Til) I Kissed You 2. Ricky Nelson - Poor Little Fool 3. Cliff Richard - Living Doll 4. Eddie Cochran - C'mon Everybody 5. Chuck Berry - Johnny B. Goode 6. Jackie Wilson - Reet Petite 7. Adam Faith - What Do You Want? 8. The Avons - Seven Little Girls Sitting In The Back Seat 9. Tommy Steele - Singing The Blues 10. Billy Fury - Maybe Tomorrow 11. The Platters - The Great Pretender 12. Sam Cooke - You Send Me 13. Elvis Presley - Don't Be Cruel 14. Connie Francis - Whose Sorry Now? 15. Marty Wilde - Endless Sleep 16. Brenda Lee - Dynamite 17. Johnny & The Hurricanes - Red River Rock 18. Lord Rockingham's XI - Hoots Mon 19. Pat Boone - A Wonderful Time Up There 20. Marvin Rainwater - Whole Lotta Woman 21. Buddy Holly - Oh Boy 22. Johnny Otis - Ma (He's Making Eyes At Me) 23. The Four Preps - Big Man 24. Johnnie Ray - Yes Tonight Josephine 25. Jerry Keller - Here Comes Summer 26. Emile Ford - What Do You Want To Make Those Eyes At Me For 27. Conway Twitty - It's Only Make Believe 28. Neil Sedaka - I Go Ape




CLASSICAL NEW RELEASE - 3/2/2014

Various Artists

British Light Music Favourites

GLMY83 5060088441312 CD2 MEMORY LANE £5.60 CLASSICAL Here in two nostalgia-packed CDs is British light music at its finest, created by such giants of the genre as Robert Farnon, Eric Coates, Ron Goodwin and Charles Williams, and played in stunning fashion by Britain's legendary light orchestras. Richly familiar signature tunes from radio's golden age like By the ‘Sleepy Lagoon’ (Desert Island Discs) and ‘Coronation Scot’ (Paul Temple) mingle alongside such celebrated classics as ‘The Warsaw Concerto’ and ‘Elizabethan Serenade’ - every one a tried and true British light music favourite that will enrich, delight and relax with every hearing. Tracks: 1. Orchestre Raymonde & Robert Preston - Run-Away Rocking Horse (Edward White) 2. Eric Coates and His Orchestra - Calling All Workers (Eric Coates) 3. Queen's Hall Light Orchestra & Charles Williams - Melody On The Move (Clive Richardson) 4. Queen's Hall Light Orchestra & Sidney Torch - Muse In Mayfair (Vivian Ellis) 5. Queen's Hall Light Orchestra & Sidney Torch - Jamaican Rumba (Benjamin, Primrose) 6. Mantovani and His Orchestra - Greensleeves (Trad. Arr. Ronald Binge) 7. Queen's Hall Light Orchestra & Eric Coates - Waltz From 'The Three Bears' (Eric Coates) 8. Queen's Hall Light Orchestra & Robert Farnon - Manhattan Playboy (Robert Farnon) 9. Queen's Hall Light Orchestra & Robert Farnon - Pictures In The Fire (Robert Farnon) 10. New Century Orchestra & Sidney Torch - Metropolis (Jack Brown) 11. Woolf Phillips and His Orchestra - Parisian Mode (Woolf Phillips) 12. Louis Kentner, London Symphony Orchestra & Muir Matheson - The Warsaw Concerto (Richard Addinsell) 13. London Symphony Orchestra & Edward Elgar - Chanson de Matin (Edward Elgar) 14. London Symphony Orchestra & Edward Elgar - Bavarian Dance No 1 (Edward Elgar) 15. Symphony Orchestra & Eric Coates - London Bridge - March (Eric Coates) 16. The Band of HM Coldstream Guards & Maj J Mackenzie-Rogan - The Arcadians, Medley (Lionel Monckton) 17. Boyd Neel String Orchestra & Boyd Neel - Capriole Suite: Pavane (Peter Warlock) 18. Boyd Neel String Orchestra & Boyd Neel - Capriole Suite: Pieds-en-l'air (Peter Warlock) 19. Symphony Orchestra & Eric Coates - London Suite: Tarantelle - 'Covent Garden' 20. Symphony Orchestra & Eric Coates - London Suite: Meditation - 'Westminster' 21. Symphony Orchestra & Eric Coates - London Suite: March - 'Knightsbridge'




BLUES NEW RELEASE - 3/2/2014

Little Devils Diamonds & Poison

LD002CD 5031802037029 CD LITTLE DEVILS £7.99 BLUES Little Devils deliver their second album, a recording of 21st Century blues. Funk-tinged blues/rock and a mixture of gritty R&B is overlaid with bluesy sax and guitar. “Deep Inside” from ‘Diamonds & Poison’ is the lead track on the budget compilation, ‘Krossborder Kompilation No 1 - The Best British Blues.’ “More originality than 99% of bands on the scene today. There is a buzz about Little Devils. Quite understandable as they are superb musicians and their sound is completely unlike anyone else around at the moment.” - Music News Personnel: Yoka (vocals), Vivienne Soan (saxophone), Spike (guitars), Graeme Wheatley (bass, vocals), Bill Austin (drums) Tracks: Party At The End Of Time / Don't Close The Door / Black Diamond / Soho By Night (Beds Of Broken Dreams) / Chinese Whispers / Little Boy Lost / 21st Century Blues / Same Old Brand New Good News Blues..Again / Orphans Of The Storm / Head In The Clouds / Last Orders Tour Dates: Jan 16 – The Ranelagh Blues Bar, Brighton; Jan 25 – Skehan’s Music Bar, London SE14; Jan 26 – Gt British Rock & Blues Festival, Skegness; Feb 23 – Broadstairs Blues Bash; March 14 – Sydenham Blues Club; March 15 – Duck & Drake, Leeds; March 16 – Blues Café, Harrogate; March 19 – Malt Shovel Tavern

Little Devils This is How it Starts

LD001CD 5031802029628 CD LITTLE DEVILS £7.99 BLUES The first album from blues band Little Devils brings the blues into the 21st Century blending elements of classic songwriter, funk, classic rock and jazz with the sound of classic Blues. The 14 tracks on “This is How it Starts” put narrative story telling and fine musicianship to the fore and Dylan-like wordplay features on tracks like Little Devil, Don’t Kill the Kat and DressDown Friday. “A relief from the predictability that pervades modern day music. It is imaginative and cohesive; from the classy artwork to the music itself. For once the lyrics to the songs are really worth a read and have depth and the ring of authenticity. Altogether an interesting album that warrants repeated listens.” Blues Matters Personnel: Yoka (vocals, flute), Vivienne Soan (saxophone, vocals), Alex Brewood (guitar, vocals), Phil Nice (keyboards, harmonica, vocals), Graeme Wheatley (bass, vocals), Bill Austin (drums), Special guests: Kelvin Van Beeny (vocals), Geoff Grange (lead guitar, harp, vocals), Helen Moore (vocals), John Whitfield (accordion), Christine Taylor (accordion), Helen Moore (vocals) Tracks: Little Devil / Now You're Gone / Damaged Goods / Rock And Roll Shoes / Another Pack Of Lies / Don't Kill The Kat / This Stranger's Waltz / The River / Hang My Head / The Wind Blows / Dressdown Friday / Live Outside The Law / Orphans Of The Storm / Then U Smile





Kremerata Baltica & Gidon Kremer

Mieczyslaw Weinberg - Orchestral & Chamber Works

4810669 028948106691 CD2 ECM NEW SERIES £14.99 CLASSICAL The music of Mieczyslaw Weinberg is finally beginning to get the hearing it has long deserved. Weinberg’s lifetime spanned the 20th century: born 1919 in Warsaw, he died 1996 in Moscow, in semi-obscurity. Along the way, his allies and supporters had included Dmitri Shostakovich, who considered him one of the great composers of the age. This double album by violinist Gidon Kremer and his Kremerata Baltica, recorded in Neuhardenberg and Lockenhaus, makes an excellent case for that claim. Effectively a portrait album, it opens with one of Weinberg’s most remarkable creations, the extraordinary and complex third violin sonata of 1978 brilliantly performed by Gidon Kremer. The violinist ranks this work alongside Bartók’s Sonata for Solo Violin as one of the masterpieces for the instrument. With friends (including star pianist Daniil Trifonov) he explores some chamber music - the Trio op 48 (composed 1950) and the Sonatina op.46 (1949) - and the commitment and skills of the Kremerata musicians are brought to bear on two strikingly-contrasting compositions for string orchestra, the graceful and lyrical Concertino op. 42 (1948) and the adventurous and gripping Symphony No 10 (1968), bringing 12-tone rows and chordal structure into unexpected juxtapositions. Latvian-born master violinist Gidon Kremer founded Kremerata Baltica in 1997 to foster outstanding young musicians from Latvia, Estonia and Lithuania, the three Baltic States. Their other ECM recordings are Hymns and Prayers with works by Tickmayer, Franck and Kancheli; a pairing of the adagio of Mahler’s unfinished Symphony No 10 and the 14th Symphony of Shostakovich; Schubert’s G Major String Quartet orchestrated by Victor Kissine; Gubaidulina’s Lyre of Orpheus; Kancheli’s In l’istesso tempo; Kissine’s Between Two Waves, and, in the Edition Lockenhaus box set, Messiaen’s Trois petites Liturgies de la Présence Divine and Strauss’s Metamorphosen. Personnel: Gidon Kremer (violin & director), Daniil Grishin (viola), Giedre Dirvanauskaite (cello), Daniil Trifonov (piano), Kremerata Baltica Disc 1: 1. Sonate Nr. 3 (op. 126) Trio op. 48 2. Allegro con moto 3. Andante 4. Moderato assai 5. Sonatine op. 46, Allegretto 6. Lento 7. Allegro moderato Disc 2: 1. Concertino (op. 42) Symphonie Nr. 10 (op. 98) 2. Concerto grosso. Grave 3. Pastorale. Lento 4. Canzona. Andantino 5. Burlesque. Allegro molto 6. Inversion. L istesso tempo Promotion includes advertising in BBC Music Magazine & Gramophone. Email marketing includes ECM Newsletter & ECMPlayer

Confirmed reviews in Gramophone, BBC Music Magazine, International Record Review, The Strad, Classical Music, Tempo, The Times, Independent, Guardian, Sunday Times, Observer, Irish Times

Airplay on BBC Radio 3 (Late Junction, Essential Classics); RTÉ Lyric FM





Estonian National SO, Olari Elts, Arianna Savall & Ensemble Vox Clamantis

Helena Tulve: Arboles Lloran Por Lluvia

4764500 028947645009 CD ECM NEW SERIES £9.49 CLASSICAL Recorded by the Estonian National Symphony Orchestra and various soloists and ensembles in churches in Tallinn as well as the Estonian Concert Hall, the five compositions heard on Arboles lloran por lluvia (Trees cry for rain) give deeper insight into the unique sound-world of Estonian composer Helena Tulve, into music that is nourished by both contemporary and ancient currents. Tulve draws upon a wide-range of inspirational sources. She explores the raw fabric of sound and the nature of timbre in both analytical and instinctive ways, in compositions that are unmistakably her own, yet her work is inclusive - here incorporating aspects of Gregorian chant, melody from Yemenite Jewish tradition, and texts from Sufi, Sephardic and Christian mystic poetry. Reyah hadas 'ala (The Perfume of the Myrtle Rises) unites the ensemble of the Gregorian chant and the early music instruments. This is the only work in which Tulve has used a pre-existing melody, a song of the Yemenite Jews. Extinction des choses vues (The Extinction of the Things Seen) is an orchestral piece in which the musical ideas are derived from a text by the Jesuit thinker Michel de Certeau called Extase blanche (White Ecstasy). Strong performances by the soloists, above all by soprano (and harpist) Arianne Savall - featured on silences/larmes (silences/tears), L’Équinoxe de l’âme (The Equinox of the Soul) and the title composition - and the choral, chamber and orchestral forces marshalled by conductors Jan-Eik Tulve and Olari Elts make Helena Tulve’s second ECM New Series recording a most impressive successor to the critically-acclaimed Lijnen (4766389, released in 2008). Collective Personnel: Arianna Savall (soprano, triple harp), Taniel Kirikal (countertenor), Charles Barbier (countertenor), Riivo Kallasmaa (oboe), Marco Ambrosini (nyckelharpa), NYYD Quartet, Helena Tulve (glasses, wind chimes), Ensemble Vox Clamantis / Ensemble Hortus Musicus, Jaan-Eik Tulve (conductor), Estonian National Symphony Orchestra, Olari Elts (conductor) Tracks: 1. Reyah hadas ’ala (2005) 2. silences/larmes (2006) 3. L’Équinoxe de l’âme (2008) 4. Arboles lloran por lluvia (2006) 5. Extinction des choses vues (2007) Promotion includes advertising in Gramophone. Email marketing includes ECM Newsletter

Confirmed reviews in Gramophone, International Record Review, Choir & Organ, Tempo, Independent, Guardian, Observer, Irish Times

Airplay on BBC Radio 3 (Late Junction); RTÉ Lyric FM (The JK Ensemble)





Wiener Kammerorchester & Gilbert Kaplan

Mahler: Symphony No. 2 in C Minor “Resurrection” (Arrangement for Small Orchestra by Gilbert Kaplan and Rob Mathes)

AV2290 822252229028 CD2 AVIE £9.99 CLASSICAL Gilbert Kaplan, the best-selling Mahler interpreter in history, conducts the Wiener Kammerorchester, Wiener Singakadamie and soloists soprano Marlis Petersen and mezzo-soprano Janina Baechle, in a unique new version of Mahler's Symphony No. 2 'Resurrection': his own arrangement, with Rob Mathes, for small orchestra, designed for chamber, community and regional opera orchestras to perform this work which normally requires more than 100 musicians. Gilbert Kaplan is one of today’s most authoritative and acclaimed interpreters of Mahler’s Symphony No. 2, having conducted the work at the invitation of more than 65 orchestras. His 1987 recording with the London Symphony Orchestra is the best-selling Mahler recording in history, with sales approaching 200,000 copies. A second recording, with the Vienna Philharmonic, based on the New Critical Edition of the score for which Kaplan served as co-editor, was released in 2003 on DG. With sales of almost 50,000 copies, it is the best-selling recording of Mahler’s Second since the date of its release. Now, with his third recording, based on a live performance at the Konzerthaus in Vienna, Kaplan is set to make history once again - not only capturing the imagination of his vast worldwide followers, but also providing an opportunity for chamber, community and regional opera orchestras to perform this work which normally requires more than 100 musicians (there are only 56 musicians performing on this recording). His recording with the Vienna Chamber Symphony sets the benchmark. While reducing the instrumentation, Kaplan and his co-arranger Rob Mathes remain faithful to Mahler’s musical intentions and orchestral colours. They take a page, of sorts, out of Mahler’s book - the composer made numerous arrangements himself, often adding (rather than subtracting) instruments to symphonic staples by Mozart, Beethoven, Schubert and Schumann. In another nod to history, the Kaplan/Mathes chamber arrangement recalls Schoenberg’s scaled down versions of Mahler’s Das Lied von der Erde and Symphony No. 4. Personnel: Marlis Petersen, soprano; Janina Baechle, mezzo-soprano; Wiener Singakademie, Heinz Ferlesch, Chorus Master, Wiener Kammerorchester, Gilbert Kapla Tracks: Gustav Mahler: Symphony No. 2 in C minor “Resurrection” arrangement for Small Orchestra by Gilbert Kaplan and Rob Mathes Disc 1: 1. I. Allegro maestoso Disc 2: 1. II. Andante moderato 2. III. In ruhig fliessender Bewegung 3. IV. “Urlicht” (from Des Knaben Wunderhorn) 4. V. Im Tempo des Scherzo





Netherlands Opera, Netherlands Philharmonic Orchestra & Marc Albrecht Manfred Trojahn: Orest (+Book)

CC72605 608917260526 Hybrid SACD CHALLENGE CLASSICS £10.69 CLASSICAL Orest, the latest opera by the German composer Manfred Trojahn, was written for the Netherlands Opera. The world premiere took place in Amsterdam, amid spectacular splashes of gore and commensurate splatters of sound, in December 2011 and this recording was made during those performances. The Netherlands Philharmonic Orchestra is conducted by Marc Albrecht, and the title role of Orestes is sung by the celebrated German baritone Dietrich Henschel with Rosemary Joshua as Helen.

Manfred Trojahn’s Orest is a music theatre work in six scenes set to the composer’s own libretto. This 2011 premiere production by Netherlands Opera was directed by Katie Mitchell with set designs by Giles Cadle. Netherlands Opera commissioned Trojahn’s sixth opera to finish a series that focused on the House of Atreus, rounding off the cycle of violence by adding the murder of Helen of Troy to the carnage surrounding Iphigenie, Idomeneo and Elektra. Trojahn’s libretto is based on Euripides and the narrative follows the Greek story closely. The subject matter, with its myriad musical and literary allusions, seems to have steered the composer towards a harmonic language more rooted in the past than he might otherwise have adopted. Certainly Richard Strauss’s influence is amply audible.

Personnel: Netherlands Opera, Netherlands Philharmonic Orchestra, Marc Albrecht (conductor)

Cast: Orest – Dietrich Henschel (baritone), Helena – Rosemary Joshua (soprano), Menelaos – Johannes Chum (tenor), Apollon/Dyonisos – Finnur Bjarnason (high tenor), Hermione – Romy Petrick (soprano), Elektra – Sarah Castle (mezzo-soprano)

Tracks: 1. Scene 1: Frauenstimmen, Orest, Dionysos 2. Scene 2: Helene, Elektra, Hermione 3. Scene 3: Menelaos, Orest, Frauenstimmen, Elektra 4. Scene 4: Orest, Elektra 5. Intermezzo 6. Scene 5: Hermione, Helena, Elektra 7. Scene 6: Acht Manner von Argos, Menelaos, Elektra, Orest, Dionysos, Frauenstimmen, Herminone





Netherlands Radio Philharmonic Orchestra, Christoph Poppen & Osmo Vansak Karl Amadeus Hartmann: Symphonies Nos. 1-8

CC72583 608917258325 Hybrid SACD3 CHALLENGE CLASSICS £25.99 CLASSICAL Karl Amadeus Hartmann (1905-1963) is one of the most significant but least-known symphonic composers of the 20th century. This set of three hybrid SACDs, issued to mark the 50th anniversary of the German composer’s death, features his eight symphonies played by the Netherlands Radio Philharmonic and Chamber Philharmonic Orchestras under the batons of several major conductors, including Christoph Poppen, Osmo Vanska, James Gaffigan and Markus Stenz.

One of the most characteristic features of Hartmann’s work is the way in which he forges contrasting stylistic elements and techniques from various periods of music history into a seamless unit. Moreover, one melody is found in all his symphonies, concealed to varying degrees. This melody is based on the Jewish song 'Elijahu hanavi' about the prophet Elijah, whom the Jews anxiously await to bring them redemption. This yearning quality lies at the heart of the composer’s music.

Two types of movement, adagio and scherzo, form the unmistakable axis of Hartmann’s symphonic works, and the result is that the musical discourse continually takes place between expansion and energy, monumental stasis and a dynamic primal force toppling everything in its path. Hartmann’s symphonic legacy most certainly deserves its rightful place in the canon, especially in English-speaking countries where it’s been often overlooked.

Personnel: Netherlands Radio Philharmonic Orchestra, Netherlands Radio Chamber Philharmonic Conductors: Christoph Poppen / Osmo Vanska /James Gaffigan / Ingo Metzmacher / Michael Schønwandt / Markus Stenz Disc 1: Symphony No. 1 “Versuch eines Requiems” 1. I Introduktion: Elend “Ich sitze und schaue aus” 2. II Frühling - “Als jüngst der Flieder blühte” 3. III Thema mit vier Variationen 4. IV Tränen - “In der Nacht der Einsamkeit” 5. V Epilogue: Bitte - “Ich hörte die Allmutter” 6. Symphony No. 2 “Adagio” Symphony No. 3 7. I Largo ma non troppo - Allegro con fuoco (Virtuose Fuge) 8. II Adagio - Andante - Allegro moderato - Andante - Adagio Disc 2: Symphony No. 4 1. I Lento assai - Con passione 2. II Allegro di molto, risoluto 3. III Adagio appassionato Symphony No. 5, ‘Sinfonia concertante’ 4. I Toccata 5. II Melodie 6. III Rondo Symphony No. 6 7. I Adagio, 8. II Toccata variata

Disc 3: Symphony No. 7 1. I Introduction und Ricercare 2. II Adagio mesto cantanto e tranquillo Symphony No. 8 3. I Cantilene 4. II Dithyrambe: Scherzo - Fuga





Netherlands Youth String Orchestra, Cora Burggraaf & Liza Ferschtman

Nostalgia and Humility - Tchaikovsky, Andriessen & Takemitsu

CC72629 608917262926 CD CHALLENGE CLASSICS £8.49 CLASSICAL

The Netherlands Youth String Orchestra’s aim is to train young budding professional musicians and provide concerts at the highest level. On this CD the ensemble performs three pieces, Tchaikovsky’s ever-popular Serenade for strings, and two 20th century works, Nostalghia for violin and string orchestra by Toru Takemitsu and Miroir de Peine by Dutch composer Henrik Andriessen. The Netherlands Youth String Orchestra works on three programmes each year, and every session ends with a series of concerts at important venues in the Netherlands and abroad. The group’s live programmes always consist of a special mix of standard and less familiar repertoire. “Everyone is convinced by the enormous energy, infectious enthusiasm and extremely high musical and technical standards of this young orchestra,” says conductor Bas Wiegers. The Dutch composer Hendrik Andriessen (1892-1981) wrote his song-cycle Miroir de Peine in 1923 as a setting of texts by the French poet Henri Ghéon, sung here by mezzo-soprano Cora Burggraaf. The sonnets deal with the suffering of Christ, but viewed from the perspective of his mother Mary. Nostalghia by the Japanese composer Toru Takemitsu, in which the soloist is violinist Liza Ferschtman, was inspired by the 1983 film of the same name by Andrei Tarkovsky. The film exudes an air of dreamy abstraction and Takemitsu's music is equally visionary. Personnel: Netherlands Youth String Orchestra, Bas Wiegers (conductor), Cora Burggraaf (mezzo-soprano), Liza Ferschtman (violin)

Tracks: Tchaikovsky: Serenade for Strings Op. 48 1. I. Pezzo in forma di sonatina: Andante non troppo - Allegro moderato 2. II. Valse: Moderato - Tempo di Valse 3. III. Elégie: Larghetto elegiaco 4. IV. Finale: Andante - Allegro con spirito Henrik Andriessen: Miroir de Peine, for voice and string orchestra 5. I. Agonie au jardin 6. II. Flagellation 7. III. Couronnement dépines 8. IV. Portement de croix 9. V. Crucifixion 10. Toru Takemitsu: Nostalghia, for violin and strings





Capella de la Torre

Luther’s Wedding Day

CC72598 608917259827 CD CHALLENGE CLASSICS £8.49 CLASSICAL

“Luther’s Wedding Day” attempts to reconstruct a programme of music that may have been played at the great German religious reformer’s marriage. It is performed by the highly-regarded early music ensemble Capella de la Torre and its leader/musical director Katharina Bauml. The disc features pieces by some of the greatest composers of the time including Josquin Desprez, Heinrich Isaac, Ludwig Senfl, and Johann Walter. A historically “exact” reconstruction for the music to Martin Luther’s wedding is obviously not possible, but the programme presented on this recording does its best to keep to what was both probable and likely. Luther himself possessed significant theoretical and practical musical skills. In fact he even wrote his own texts and melodies, the best known example being “Ein feste Burg ist unser Gott” (A Mighty Fortress is Our God), a paraphrase of the text of Psalm 46. He greatly admired composers like Josquin Desprez, and was personally acquainted with several others. He also collaborated very closely with Johann Walter, and was a close friend and correspondent of Ludwig Senfl. The ensemble Capella de la Torre gathers together musicians who have made a name internationally as specialists for historically informed performance. The ensemble’s ambition is to perform the rich and hitherto insufficiently appreciated music from the Middle Ages and the Renaissance on authentic instruments and thus make it live again in the general cultural awareness. The group’s first album for Challenge Classics, Vinum et Musica (CC72554), was released in 2012. Personnel: Capella de la Torre, Katharina Bäuml (direction), Cécile Kempenaers (soprano), José Pizarro (tenor), Matthias Gerchen (bass) Tracks: 1. ANON: Fanfare 2. HEINRICH ISSAC: Introitus: Psalm 119 V. 46-47/V1 - Loquebar de testimoniis LUDWIG SENFL: Missa Nisi dominus aedificaverit domum 3. Kyrie 4. Gloria 5. JOSQUIN DESPREZ: Zur Epistel: For espistle [sola gratia/sola fide] - In te domine speravi JOHANN WALTER: 6. Zum Evangelium [Seligpreisungen]: For Gospel [Beatitudes- Beati immaculati (Psalm 119) 5 7. Deutsches Credo: German Credo - Wir glauben all an einen Gott 8. HEINRICH ISSAC: Suesser Vater Herre Gott 9. JOHANN WALTER: Ein feste Burg ist unser Gott 10. HEINRICH ISSAC: Carmen 11. MICHAEL PRAETORIUS: Nun freut euch lieben Christen gmein 12. CLAUDIN DE SERMISY: Tant que vivray HEINRICH ISSAC: 13. Spiel: Play - La morra 14. Tanz: Dance - Tanz: Dance ANON. 15. Pavana “Le forze d’Hercole” - Le forze d’Hercole 16. Gagliarda - Gentil Madonna 17. Gagliarda - La Gambetta 18. JOSQUIN DESPREZ: Allégez moy ANON. 19. Pavana/ Galliarda - La Traditora 20. Saltarello - Torza





Zuill Bailey, North Carolina Symphony, Grant Llewellyn, Natasha Paremski

Britten: Cello Symphony & Cello Sonata

TEL3441202 888072344129 CD TELARC £8.49 CLASSICAL As part of the Britten 100 celebrations this recording features the outstanding cellist Zuill Bailey performing two of the composer’s major works, the Cello Symphony and the Cello Sonata. The North Carolina Symphony Orchestra is conducted by Grant Llewellyn, while Bailey’s partner in the Sonata is the rising Russian-born virtuoso Natasha Paremski. With this new release, American cellist Zuill Bailey adds a pair of major works for cello by Benjamin Britten to an impressive discography that includes critically-acclaimed recordings of J.S. Bach’s Cello Suites, the complete works for cello and piano by Beethoven (with Simone Dinnerstein), music for cello and piano by Brahms, the CD Russian Masterpieces for Cello and Orchestra, Dvorak’s Cello Concerto and most recently, in early 2013, a stunning recording of the Elgar concerto. The Gramophone recently referred to Zuill Bailey as an “articulate, selfless and communicative musician”. He has built his reputation on deeply soulful performances of the great cello repertoire that eschew affectation and melodrama. Both pieces included on this disc were written in the early 1960s for Mstislav Rostropovich, one of the greatest cellists of the 20th century and one of Britten’s most important musical collaborators. While Zuill Bailey, who started playing cello the year that Britten died, never had the luxury of working with Britten, the two are nonetheless kindred spirits of sorts, reaching across the millennial line to express the full range and depth of both human sentiment and musical colour. The result is one of the most vital recordings to come out of the Britten centenary. Personnel: Zuill Bailey (cello), North Carolina Symphony Orchestra, Grant Llewellyn (conductor), Natasha Paremski (piano) Tracks: Cello Symphony, opus 68 1. I. Allegro maestoso 2. II. Presto inquieto 3. III. Adagio - cadenza ad lib 4. IV. Passacaglia: Andante allegro Cello Sonata in C major, opus 65 5. I. Dialogo: Allegro 6. II. Scherzo: Pizzicato 7. III. Elegia: Lento 8. IV. Marcia: Energico 9. V. Moto perpetuo: presto





Take Four Guitar Quartet

Orient Express

233800 885150338001 CD ARS MUSICI £8.49 CLASSICAL Orient Express is the second CD from Ars Musici to feature the highly-regarded Take Four Guitar Quartet. As its title suggests, the pieces represent music from countries along the route of the legendary train of that name. The selection includes arrangements of compositions by Khachaturian, Dvorak, Shostakovich, Liszt, Joseph Achron, Komitas, and a divertimento by Atanas Ourkouzounov. The guitarists who make up the Take Four Guitar Quartet - Pia Grees, Johan Fostier, Matthias Kläger and Luc Vander Borght - come from Germany and Belgium and all four studied under Alberto Ponce in Paris. The Quartet was formed in 1999 and has achieved great success at regular concerts around the world ever since. The group’s previous recording for Ars Musici, Tango Perpetuel (233055), was released early in 2013. The Orient Express programme opens with arrangements of music from Khachaturian’s exotic ballet Gayaneh and Dvorak’s wonderfully lyrical Serenade for strings. The Hebrew Melody by Joseph Achron provides evidence of the Russian composer’s need in exile to develop a truly Jewish music. Other works featured on the disc are Komitas’ Armenian Folk Dances, Liszt’s ever-popular Hungarian Rhapsody No. 2, Shostakovich’s Jazz Suite No. 1, the popular song Schöner Gigolo by Leonello Casucci, and Divertimento by the contemporary Bulgarian guitarist/composer Atanas Ourkouzounov. Tracks: KHACHATURIAN: Ballet - Gayaneh 1. Sabre dance 2. Lullaby 3. Dance of the Young Maidens DVORAK: Serenade in E Major, op.22 4. I Moderato 5. II Tempo di Valse 6. III Finale. Allegro vivace 7. JOSEPH ACHRON: Hebrew Melody, op.33 KOMITAS VARDAPET: Armenian Folk Dances 8. Chouchiki 9. Noubar-Noubar 10. Vararchabad 11. LISZT: Hungarian Rhapsody No. 2 SHOSTAKOVICH: Jazz Suite No.1 12. Foxtrot (Blues) 13. Waltz 14. Polka 15. ATANAS OURKOUZOUNOV: Divertimento 16. CASUCCI: Schöner Gigolo, armer Gigolo





Various Artists

Shakespeare in Music - Music inspired by the plays of William Shakespeare

600132 4053796001320 CD10 DOCUMENTS £8.49 CLASSICAL

No other dramatist has been the source of inspiration for so much music as William Shakespeare. This 10-CD compilation presents music by Beethoven, Mendelssohn, Sibelius, Verdi, Tchaikovsky, Berlioz, Liszt and Prokofiev based around many of the Bard’s greatest theatre works, among them Hamlet, Romeo and Juliet, A Midsummer Night’s Dream, The Merry Wives of Windsor, The Tempest, Much Ado About Nothing, Macbeth and King Lear.

Amongst several popular works featured in this set are Prokofiev’s suite to the ballet Romeo and Juliet, Tchaikovsky’s Fantasy Overture: Romeo and Juliet, Mendelssohn’s incidental music to A Midsummer Night’s Dream and the complete operas Falstaff and Macbeth by Verdi. Other highlights include Shakespeare texts set to the music by Henry Purcell sung by the inimitable Alfred Deller and his consort.

The recordings were made between 1950 and 2011, and feature a host of great names such as the conductors Herbert von Karajan, Sir Adrian Boult, Georg Solti and Ferenc Fricsay, renowned orchestras like the Berlin Philharmonic and the Royal Philharmonic, the pianist Clara Haskil, as well as a line-up of star singers Tito Gobbi, Anna Moffo, Rita Streich, Carlo Bergonzi and Leonie Rysanek. CD1 OVERTURES: BERLIOZ 1. Beatrice und Benedict, 2. King Lear Royal Philharmonic Orchestra / Sir Alexander Gibson. 1995 NICOLAI 3. Oberon, 4. The Merry Wives of Windsor Vienna Philharmonic Orchestra / Rudolf Kempe. 1958 SIBELIUS 5. The Tempest: Prelude London Philharmonic Orchestra / Sir Adrian Boult. 1956

CD2 1. TCHAIKOVSKY: Romeo & Juliet Fantasy - Overture PROKOFIEV: Romeo & Juliet Excerpts from Orchestral Suites Op. 64 a, b und 101 2. Die Montagues und Capulets, 3. Julia als Mädchen, 4. Pater Lorenzo, 5. Morgentanz, 6. Menuett, 7. Masken, 8. Tod des Tybalt, 9. Tanz, 10. Romeo am Grab Julias, Royal Philharmonic Orchestra / Yuri Simonov. 1996

CD3 MENDELSSOHN: A Midsummer Night’s Dream op. 21 & op. 61 1. Overture, 2. I. Scherzo: Allegro vivace, 3. II. L‘ istesso tempo (elfenmarsch:) Allegro vivace 4. III. Bunte Schlangen, zweigezüngt): Allegro ma non troppo, 5. V. Intermezzo: Allegro appassionato 6. VII. Nocturne: Con moto tranquillo, 7. IX. Hochzeitsmarsch: Allegro vivace, 8. XI. ein Tanz von Rüpeln: Allegro di molto, 9. XIII. Finale: Allegro di molto Rita Streich, Soprano; Diana Eustrati, Alto; RIAS Chamber Choir / Berliner Philharmonic / Ferenc Fricsay. 1950

CD4 BEETHOVEN String Quartet in F major op. 18 No. 1 1. I. Allegro con brio, 2. II. Adagio affettuoso ed appassionato, 3. III. Scherzo: Allegro molto 4. IV. Allegro Frank-Michael Erben, Conrad Suske – violins, Volker Metz - viola; Jürnjakob Timm – cello. 2003 Piano Sonata in D minor op. 31, 2 “The Tempest” 5. I. Largo. Allegro, 6. II. Adagio, 7. III. Allegretto Clara Haskil – piano. 1955





CD5 BERLIOZ Romeo & Juliet op. 17 (Excerpts) 1. Roméo seule. Tristesse. Bruits lontaines de concert et de Bal. Grand fête chez les Capulet. 2. Scène d’amour Orchèstre du Théâtre National de l’Opéra / André Cluytens. 1957 3. LISZT: Hamlet – Symphonic Poem No. 10 Vienna Academy Orchestra / Martin Haselböck. 2011 CD6 VERDI: Falstaff 1-12: Act 1, 13-20: Act 2 (Beginning) Falstaff: Tito Gobbi - baritone; Fenton: Luigi Alva –tenor, Ford: Rolando Panerai - bass; Dr. Cajus: Tomaso Spataro - tenor Bardolfo: Renato Ercolani - tenor; Pistola: Nicola Zaccaria – bass, Alice Ford: Elisabeth Schwarzkopf; Nannetta: Anna Moffo – soprano, Meg Page: Nan Merriman - mezzo-Soprano Mistress Quickly: Fedora Barbieri - mezzo-soprano Philharmonia Orchestra & Chorus / Herbert von Karajan. 1956 CD7 VERDI: Falstaff (cont.) 1-10: Act 2 (conclusion) 11-26: Act 3 Cast: as CD6 Philharmonia Orchestra & Chorus / Herbert von Karajan. 1956 CD8 VERDI: Macbeth 1. Prelude, 2-5: Act 1. Scene 1, 6-12: Act 1. Scene 2, 13-14: Act 2. Scene 1 15-18: Act 2. Scene 2 (beginning) Macbeth: Leonard Warren - baritone; Banco: Jerome Hines - bass Lady Macbeth: Leonie Rysanek – soprano, Kammerfrau der Lady Macbeth: Carlotta Ordassy – soprano, Macduff: Carlo Bergonzi - tenor; Malcolm: William Olvis – tenor, Ein Arzt: Gerhard Pechner – baritone, Macbeths Diener: Harold Sternberg – bass, Ein Mörder: Osie Hawkins – baritone, Drei erscheinungen: Calvin Marsh – baritone Emilia Cundari - soprano; Mildred Allen – soprano Metropolitan Opera Orchestra & Chorus / Erich Leinsdorf. 1959

CD9 VERDI: Macbeth (cont.) 1-2: Act 2. Scene 2 (conclusion), 3-7: Act 3, 8-10: Act 4. Scene 1, 11-12: Act4. Scene 2 13-17: Act 4. Scene 3 Cast: as above Metropolitan Opera Orchestra & Chorus / Erich Leinsdorf. 1959 CD10 PURCELL 1. Epithalamium (The Fairy Queen), 2. If music be the food of love (Twelfth Night/Heveningham), 3. Retired from any mortal’s sight (Richard II), 4. Hark, how all things (The Fairy Queen) MORLEY 5. It was a lover and his lass (As you like it), 6. O Mistress mine (Twelfth Night) 7. WILSON: O take those lips away (Measure for Measure) JOHNSON 8. Where the bee sucks (The Tempest), 9. Full fathom five (The Tempest) ANON 10. Sing, willow, willow, willow (Othello), 11. Peg-a-Ramsay (Twelfth Night), 12. Caleno custure me (Henry V), 13. Greensleves (The Merry Wives of Windsor), Alfred Deller - Countertenor WALTON: Two Pieces for Strings 14. Passacaglia: The Death of Falstaff, 15. Touch her soft lips and part (Henry V-Suite) Philharmonia String Orchestra / William Walton. 1945





Philharmonia Orchestra, Otto Klemperer & Rudolf Kempe

Beethoven & Brahms: Complete Symphonies

600135 4053796001351 CD10 DOCUMENTS £8.49 CLASSICAL

This 10-CD set includes the nine symphonies of Beethoven and the four symphonies of Brahms in performances by two of the greatest German conductors of the 20th century, Otto Klemperer and Rudolf Kempe. The recordings feature Klemperer directing Beethoven with the Philharmonia Orchestra in 1960, and Kempe conducting Brahms with the Munich Philharmonic in 1975 and 1976.

In 1945 the great German conductor Otto Klemperer began a close association with the Philharmonia Orchestra of London. One of the high points of this collaboration is this series of live recordings from performances in Vienna in 1960 of all nine Beethoven symphonies.

Rudolf Kempe (1910-1976) was regarded as an outstanding opera conductor appearing regularly at the Bavarian State Opera, the Bayreuth festival and the opera houses of New York and London. He followed Sir Thomas Beecham as conductor of the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra, and from 1965 to 1972 he undertook the artistic directorship of the Tonhalle orchestra, Zurich. The Munich Philharmonic chose him in 1967 as their general music director, a position Kempe held until 1976.

Personnel: Philharmonia Orchestra, Otto Klemperer (conductor), Munich Philharmonic Orchestra, Rudolf Kempe (conductor)

CD 1 BEETHOVEN 1. Overture: Egmont, op. 84 Symphony No. 1 in C Major, op. 21 2. I Adagio molto – Allegro con brio, 3. II Andante cantabile con moto, 4. III Menuetto (Allegro molto e vivace), 5. IV Finale (Adagio – Allegro molto e vivace) 6. Overture: Coriolan, op. 62 7. Overture: The Creatures of Premetheus, op. 43 Philharmonia Orchestra / Otto Klemperer. 1960 CD 2 BEETHOVEN: Symphony No. 3 in E Flat Major “Eroica”, op. 55 1. I Allegro con brio, 2. II Marcia funebre (Adagio assai), 3. III Scherzo (Allegro vivace), 4. IV Finale (Allegro molto)hilharmonia Orchestra / Otto Klemperer. 1960 CD 3 BEETHOVEN Symphony No. 2 in D Major, op. 36 1. I Adagio molto – Allegro con brio, 2. II Larghetto, 3. III Scherzo (Allegro), 4. IV Allegro molto Symphony No. 7 in A Major, op. 92 5. I Poco sostenuto – Vivace, 6. II Allegretto, 7. III Presto – Assai meno presto, 8. IV Allegro con brio Philharmonia Orchestra / Otto Klemperer. 1960 CD 4 BEETHOVEN Symphony No. 4 in B Flat Major, op. 60 1. I Adagio – Allegro vivace, 2. II Adagio, 3. III Allegro vivace, 4. IV Allegro ma non troppo Symphony No. 8 in F Major, op. 93 5. I Allegro vivace e con brio, 6. II Allegretto scherzando, 7. III Tempo di Menuetto, 8. IV Allegro vivace Philharmonia Orchestra / Otto Klemperer. 1960 CD5 Symphony No. 5 in C Minor, op. 67 I Allegro con brio, 2. II Andante con moto, 3. III Allegro, 4. IV Allegro Symphony No. 6 in F Major, op. 68 5. I Allegro ma non troppo, 6. II Andante molto mosso, 7. III Allegro, 8. IV Allegro, 9. V Allegretto Philharmonia Orchestra / Otto Klemperer. 1960





CD 6 Symphony No. 9 in D Minor, op. 125 1. I Allegro ma non troppo, un poco maestro, 2. II Molto vivace, 3. III Adagio molto e cantabile 4. IV Presto – Allegro assai Wilma Lipp – soprano; Ursula Boese – alto, Fritz Wunderlich – tenor; Franz Crass – bass, Wiener Singverein der Gesellschaft der Musik Freunde Philharmonia Orchestra / Otto Klemperer. 1960 CD7 BRAHMS: Symphony No. 1 in C Minor, op. 68 1. I Un poco sostenuto. Allegro, 2. II Andante sostenuto, 3. III Un poco allegretto e grazioso 4. IV (Fin.)Adagio. Piú andante. Allegro non troppo, ma con brio. Più Allegro Munich Philharmonic Orchestra / Rudolf Kempe. 1975 CD 8 BRAHMS: Symphony No. 2 in D Major, op. 73 1. I Allegro non troppo, 2. II Adagio non troppo, 3. III Allegretto grazioso (Quasi Andantino) 4. IV Allegro con spirito Munich Philharmonic Orchestra / Rudolf Kempe. 1975 CD 9 BRAHMS 1. Variations on a theme by Haydn, op. 56a Symphony No. 3 in F Major, op. 90 2. I Allegro con brio, 3. II Andante, 4. III Poco allegretto, 5. IV Allegro Munich Philharmonic Orchestra/ Rudolf Kempe. 1976 CD 10 BRAHMS: Symphony No. 4 in E Minor, op. 98 1. I Allegro non troppo, 2. II Andante moderato, 3. III Allegro giocoso, 4. IV Allegro energico e passionato (Tema con variazioni) Munich Philharmonic Orchestra / Rudolf Kempe. 1975

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