April 2017 – Alto CD https://altocd.com Classical Music and Nostalgia CDs Wed, 31 Jan 2024 23:44:14 +0000 en-US hourly 1 Shostakovich: Symphonies 1 & 3 (‘1st of May’) https://altocd.com/product/shostakovich-symphonies-1-3-1st-of-may/ Wed, 31 Jan 2024 23:43:43 +0000 https://amuletts.com/altocd/?post_type=product&p=52008 Shostakovich: Symphonies 1 & 3 ('1st of May') USSR Ministry of Culture Symphony Orchestra Gennadi Rozhdestvensky Catalogue Number: ALC 1344 Number of Discs: 1 Date/Runtime: Time 66:55, stereo 1984/5 Barcode: 5055354413445]]> (Sym.1) “a good performance, with a strong feeling of chamber music to it and a remarkable attention to (occasionally exaggeration of) the quieter dynamic markings (Sym.3) “a much better recorded account of the Third Symphony, is brilliantly played and very vividly characterized . I was particularly struck by Rozhdestvensky’s use of solo instead of tutti strings in the slow section (with what justification I have no idea , but it is poignantly effective) and by his powerful dramatization of those huge orchestral recitatives that prepare for the choral finale: they are massively and balefully eloquent, qualities that rivals miss by taking them very fast.” (Gramophone)

    Symphony No. 1 in F minor, Op. 10
    [1] I. Allegro – Allegro non troppo
    [2] II. Allegro
    [3] III. Lento
    [4] IV. Lento – Allegro molto – Largo – Presto

    Symphony No. 3 in E flat major, Op. 20 ‘The First of May’
    (‘Pervomayskaya’) Words from original poem by S. Kirsanov
    [5] Allegretto – Allegro
    [6] Andante

]]> Richard Strauss Eine Alpensinfonie / Mahler: Adagio (Symphony 10) https://altocd.com/product/richard-strauss-eine-alpensinfonie-mahler-adagio-symphony-10/ Wed, 31 Jan 2024 23:43:43 +0000 https://amuletts.com/altocd/?post_type=product&p=52009 Richard Strauss Eine Alpensinfonie / Mahler: Adagio (Symphony 10) European Union Youth Orchestra James Judd Catalogue Number: ALC 1346 Number of Discs: 1 Date/Runtime: Time 78:27, DDD, 1991 Barcode: 5055354413469 ]]> “the truly astonishing playing of the Orchestra … all sections cover themselves with glory … exciting sound of the off-stage horns, woodwind full and mellow-toned …the storm is impressive … and perfect tribute to the conducting” (Gramophone)

    An Alpine Symphony / Eine Alpensinfonie
    [1] Nacht, Sonnenaufgang / Night, Sunrise 4:48
    [2] Der Anstieg / The Ascent 2:13
    [3] Eintritt in der Wald / Entering the Forest 5:04
    [4] Wanderung neben den Bache / By the Brook
    Am Wasserfall / By the Waterfall
    Erscheinung / Apparition 1:48
    [5] Auf blumigen Wiesen / Flower Meadows
    Auf der Alm / In Mountain Pasture
    Durch Dickicht un Gestrüpp auf Irrwegen / Into the Woods
    Auf dem Gletscher / On the Glacier 6:07
    [6] Gefahrvolle Augenblicke / Precarious moments
    Auf dem Gipfel, Vision / On the Summit, View 9:45
    [7] Nebel steigen auf / Rising Mists
    Die Sonne verdüstert sich allmählich, Elegie /
    The Sun gradually dims, Elegy 3:19
    [8] Stille vor dem Sturm / Calm before the Storm 2:51
    [9] Gewitter un Sturm, Abstieg /
    Thunderstorm, Descent 3:59
    [10] Sonnenuntergang / Sunset 3:00
    [11] Ausklang, Nacht / Epilogue, Night 8:43
    Gustav Mahler
    Symphony No. 10 in F sharp Minor (Adagio)
    [12] Adagio 26:33
]]> Evensong from Oxford https://altocd.com/product/evensong-from-oxford/ Wed, 31 Jan 2024 23:43:43 +0000 https://amuletts.com/altocd/?post_type=product&p=52010 Evensong from Oxford Christ Church Cathedral Choir, Oxford Stephen Darlington Clive Driskill-Smith (organ) Catalogue Number: ALC 1349 Number of Discs: 1 Date/Runtime: Time: 70:47, DDD, 2002 Barcode: 5055354413490]]>
“Superb performance all round” (Andrew Palmer / Cathedral Music) (of Hymns collection) “Nothing is overstated or outlandish, and the singing has a very pleasing polished and bright sound. Highly recommended” (Music Web International)

    [1] Chorale Prelude for Organ ‘Christe redemptor 3:51
    omnium’
    [2] How Sweet the Name of Jesus 5:47
    [3] Versicles and Responses 1:24
    [4] Psalm 12 Help, Lord 3:46
    [5] Psalm 13 How long wilt Thou Forget me 3:02
    [6] Psalm 14 The Fool hath said in his Heart 5:02
    [7] First Lesson (Book of Haggai: 2,6-9) 0:47
    [8] Hymn: There’s a Wideness in God’s Mercy 1:51
    [9] Magnificat (The Great Service)
    [10] Second Lesson (Letter of Paul to the Ephesians:
    2,10-22) 0.47
    [11] Nunc Dimittis (The Great Service) 3:53
    [12] Creed 0:53
    [13] Responses, Lord’s Prayer and Collects 6:54
    [14] Bring us, O Lord God 4:21
    [15] Prayers 1:33
    [16] Hymn: Let all the World 1:49
    [17] Coronation Te Deum 10:44
    [18] The Grace 0:11
    [19] Responses & Dismissal 0:28
    [20] Paen 4:47
]]> Zdeněk Fibich: Piano Music (Moods, Impressions, Reminiscences; Studies of Paintings) https://altocd.com/product/zdenek-fibich-piano-music-moods-impressions-reminiscences-studies-of-paintings/ Wed, 31 Jan 2024 23:43:43 +0000 https://amuletts.com/altocd/?post_type=product&p=52011 Zdeněk Fibich: Piano Music (Moods, Impressions, Reminiscences; Studies of Paintings) Radoslav Kvapil Catalogue Number: ALC 1351 Number of Discs: 1 Date/Runtime: Time: 70:20; DDD, 1993 Barcode: 5055354413513]]>
“these vignettes (“Moods” etc, selection) are touching … and spring from a love affair … most are full of strong poetic feeling and beauty of melodic line … ‘An erotic diary for piano’ (Gerald Abraham)… played with great sensitivity and subtlety … haunting music, fine pianism” (Penguin Guide)

    Nálady, dojmy a upominky (opp. 41,44,47, & 57)
    (Moods, Impressions and Reminiscences)
    [1] No.358 Tema con variazione, E minor/major (0p.57) 8:04
    [2] No.20 Zárlivosti, g minor (Op.41) 2:11
    [3] No. 24 Sny, kdyby se ze žárlivosti zabil, g minor (Op.41) 2:15
    [4] No.35 a minor (Op.41) 1:28
    [5] No.67 Znaménka na Anežčine krku, C major (Op.41) 1:12
    [6] No.127 Jak jsme spolu rozmlouvali, C major (Op.41) 1:42
    [7] No.139 Večery na ž Zofine, D flat major (Op.41) 1:14
    [8] No.183 Anežčin portret, B flat major (Op.44) 2:53
    [9] No.21 Fantasticá soirée, b flat minor (Op.41) 1:27
    [10] No.25 Jak udelal Anežce bolest, f minor (Op.41) 2:30
    [11] No.19 e minor (Op.41) 2:22
    [12] No.103 a minor (op.41) 1:56
    [13] No.81 b flat minor (Op.41) 1:26
    [14] No.87 B flat major (Op.41) 0:54
    [15] No.94 Č, A flat major (Op.41) 2:21
    [16] No.281 d minor (Op.47) 1:35
    [17] No.282 f# minor (Op.47) 1:09
    [18] No.355 A major (Op.57) 2:46
    [19] No.368 d minor (Op.57) 2:46

    Malírské studie (Op.56) – Studies of Paintings
    [20] Lesní samota (Forest Solitude) F major 7:00
    [21] Spor masopustu s postem (Quarrel between
    Shrovetide and Lent), C major 5:12
    [22] Rej blažených (Dance of the Blessed Ones), C major 3:35
    [23] Jo a Jupiter (Io and Jupiter) , E minor 6:22
    [24] Zahradní slavnost (The Garden Party), C major 5:50

]]> Very Best of the Glasgow Orpheus Choir https://altocd.com/product/very-best-of-the-glasgow-orpheus-choir/ Wed, 31 Jan 2024 23:43:43 +0000 https://amuletts.com/altocd/?post_type=product&p=52012 Very Best of the Glasgow Orpheus Choir

Glasgow Orpheus Choir
Sir Hugh Roberton

Catalogue Number: ALN 1961
Number of Discs: 1
Date/Runtime: Time: 77:00, AAD
Barcode: 5055354419614

]]> “Disaster was prophesied for a Choir which sang Psalm tunes and Hebridean airs, but Hugh Roberton and his Choir proved (them) wrong … He made arrangements pieces of great beauty and warmth, shaped to fit their voices … With this Choir, which became his life’s work, he strove to preserve the folk music of Scotland, to make people realise that tunes they knew and loved were of great musical worth and that … there is a rich treasure house of melody which must not be allowed to wither and die. He strove, in his own words, ‘to do a fine thing finely’, and he succeeded nobly.’ (Christian Science Monitor)

 

    • [1] Belmont – Hymn (By Cool Siloam’s Shady Rill) 4:02

 

    • [2] Peat-fire Smooring Prayer (from ‘Songs of the Hebrides) 4:04

 

    • [3] Ae Fond Kiss 3:15

 

    • [4] Bonnie Dundee 1:56

 

    • [5] Orlington (Psalm Tune) 3:56

 

    • [6] Scots Wha Hae wi’ Wallace Bled 2:14

 

    • [7] An Eriskay Love Lilt (from ‘Songs of the Hebrides) 3:45

 

    • [8] Ca’ the Yowes 2:51

 

    • [9] The Dashing White Sergeant 1:56

 

    • [10] Crimond (Scottish Psalm Tune) 3:33

 

    • [11] Hark, Hark The Echo Falling 1:50

 

    • [12] The Blue Bird 3:06

 

    • [13] Gretna Green 1:55

 

    • [14] Ellan Vannin (Dear Isle Of Man) 3:10

 

    • [15] All In The April Evening 3:40

 

    • [16] Jesu, Joy Of Man’s Desiring 3:17

 

    • [17] The Cloud Capp’d Towers 2:01

 

    • [18] The Faery Song 1:16

 

    • (Boughton;MacLeod)

 

    • [19] (a) Far Away (Londonderry Air) (Trad. arr.Jozé;Sigerson) 4:00

 

    • (b) The Old Woman (Roberton;Campbell)

 

    • [20] Go Lovely Rose (Thoman;Waller) 2:25

 

    • [21] O Can Ye Sew Cushions? (Lullaby) (Trad. arr.Bantock) 3:13

 

    • [22] Iona Boat Song (Trad. arr. Roberton) 2:36

 

    • [23] Mice And Men (Set To The Psalm Tune ‘Desert’) 2:03

 

    • (Trad. arr. Roberton)

 

    • [24] Stracathro (Old Scottish Psalm tune) 3:39

 

    • (Hutcheson arr. Roberton)

 

    • [25] Kedron (Roberton) 2:46

 

    [26] All Through The Night (Trad. arr. Roberton) 3:01
]]> Carl Orff: Carmina Burana Cantiones Profanae https://altocd.com/product/carl-orff-carmina-burana-cantiones-profanae/ Wed, 31 Jan 2024 23:43:42 +0000 https://amuletts.com/altocd/?post_type=product&p=52005 Carl Orff: Carmina Burana Cantiones Profanae London Symphony Orchestra Richard Hickox Catalogue Number: ALC 1336 Number of Discs: 1 Date/Runtime: Time 63:33, DDD, 1986 Barcode: 5055354413360]]>
“brilliantly recorded CD … choir makes us understand all about sexual abandon – ‘I am bursting out all over’ is a joy … soprano makes a rapturous contribution … delectable, ravishing climaxes” (Penguin Guide 3 stars) “the digital sound means we notice things not discovered before: the piano part, and superb tuba contributions … the clarity of the consonants when the chorus hisses out the words ‘O furtuna’ in the closing section is very telling … splendid playing – trumpets and horns are joyously thrusting, the solo bassoon most piquant, while in their round dance the strings are positively smoochy … this (Abbey Rd) version is demonstration class” (Gramophone)

  • FORTUNA IMPERATRIX MUNDI
  • [1] O fortuna 2:44
  • [2] Fortuna plango vulnera 2:39
  • I PRIMO VERE
  • [3] Veris ieta facies 3:26
  • [4] Omnia sol temperat 1:47
  • [5] Ecce gratium 2:34
  • UF DEM ANGE
  • [6] Tanz 1:37
  • [7] Floret silva 3:14
  • [8] Chramer gip die varwe mir 3:11
  • [9] Rie, swaz hie gat umbe
    Chume, chum, geselle min: swaz hie gat umbe 3:48
  • [10] Were diu werlt alle min 1:25
  • IN TABERNA
  • [11] Estuans interius 2:14
  • [12] Olim lacus colueram 3:31
  • [13] Ego sum abbas 1:37
  • [14] In Taberna quando sumus 3:10
  • COUR D’AMOURS
  • [15] Amor volat undique 3:01
  • [16] Dies, noxet omnia 2:09
  • [17] Stetit puella 1:49
  • [18] Circa mea pectora 2:09
  • [19] Si Puer cum puellula 1:00
  • [20] Veni, veni, venias 1:03
  • [21] Intrutina 2:08
  • [22] Tempus est iocundum 2:14
  • [23] Dulcissime 0:39
  • BLANZIFORET HELENA
  • [24] Ave formosissima 1:47
  • FORTUNA IMPERATRIX MUNDI
  • [25] O fortuna 2:42
]]> Alfred Schnittke: Concerto Grosso 1, 2 https://altocd.com/product/alfred-schnittke-concerto-grosso-1-2/ Wed, 31 Jan 2024 23:43:42 +0000 https://amuletts.com/altocd/?post_type=product&p=52006 Alfred Schnittke: Concerto Grosso 1, 2 Tatiana Grindenko (violin) Moscow Philharmonic Soloists Yuri Bashmet Oleg Kagan (violin) Natalia Gutman (cello) USSR Ministry of Culture Symphony Orchestra Gennadi Rozhdestvensky Catalogue Number: ALC 1341 Number of Discs: 1 Date/Runtime: Time: 61:54, stereo 1986/8 Barcode: 5055354413414]]>
(C.G No.1) “This is a special work. It begins with a dialogue between the soloists, cello and viola which seems very elaborated. Then starts a Handel-like concerto grosso sound which is in that context very mad. Soon join drums and electrical guitar to the orchestra. This is a great fun and could be called a remix of old classical music with modern parts … Orchestra, Soloists and Conductor are the best of that time in Russia” (Discogs)

  • Concerto Grosso No. 1 for Two Violins, Harpsichord,
    Prepared Piano and Strings (1977)
  • [1] I. Prelude
  • [2] II. Toccata
  • [3] III. Recitative
  • [4] IV. Cadence
  • [5] V. Rondo
  • [6] VI. Postlude
  • Concerto Grosso No. 2 for Violin, Cello and Orchestra (1982)
  • [7] I. Andantino – Allegro
  • [8] II. Pesante
  • [9] III. Allegro
  • [10] IV. Andantino
]]> Tchaikovsky: Grand Sonata Op.37 & Children’s Album Op.39 https://altocd.com/product/tchaikovsky-grand-sonata-op-37-childrens-album-op-39/ Wed, 31 Jan 2024 23:43:42 +0000 https://amuletts.com/altocd/?post_type=product&p=52007 Tchaikovsky: Grand Sonata Op.37 & Children's Album Op.39 Mikhail Pletnev (piano) Catalogue Number: ALC 1343 Number of Discs: 1 Date/Runtime: Time 62:30, DDD, 1989 Barcode: 5055354413438]]> “Tchaikovsky wrote the Children’s Album and the Op.37 Sonata at the same time,b and they’re so different. It amazes me that these are so little known in UK. The Children’s Album is fantastic – a masterpiece. He wrote three volumes of piano music, and what of it is known here? … The trouble is, Tchaikovsky is almost always played badly! There are two wrong ways: the Russian wrong way and the Western wrong way. Most Russians make a rough sound, full of violent emotions, heart on the sleeve. Westerners often have a refinement that the Russians lack, and which is an important part of Tchaikovsky too, but it has no power.” (Mikhail Pletnev)

    Grand Sonata in G major, Op. 37
    [1] I. Moderato e risoluto 13:25
    [2] II. Andante non troppo quasi moderato 9:17
    [3] III. Scherzo. Allegro giocoso 2:49
    [4] IV. Finale. Allegro vivace 6:21

    Children’s Album, Op. 39
    [5] Prière du matin 1:38
    [6] Le matin en hiver 1:06
    [7] Maman 1:13
    [8] Le petit cavalier 0:39
    [9] Marche des soldats de bois 0:49
    [10] La nouvelle poupée 0:36
    [11] La poupée malade 2:58
    [12] Enterrment de la poupée 1:59
    [13] Valse 1:16
    [14] Polka 0:44
    [15] Mazurka 1:07
    [16] Chanson Russe 0:38
    [17] Le paysan prélude 1:19
    [18] Chanson populaire 0:35
    [19] Chanson Italienne 0:53
    [20] Mélodie antique Français 1:27
    [21] Chanson Allemande 0:54
    [22] Chanson Napolitaine 1:08
    [23] Conte de la vielle bonne 0:54
    [24] La sorcière 0:45
    [25] Douce reverie 2:36
    [26] Chant de l’alouette 0:56
    [27] A l’église 3:14
    [28] L’orgue de barbarie 1:00

]]>