Feb 2017 – Alto CD https://altocd.com Classical Music and Nostalgia CDs Wed, 31 Jan 2024 23:44:01 +0000 en-US hourly 1 Shostakovich Violin Concertos 1, 2 Suite from ‘Alone’ https://altocd.com/product/shostakovich-violin-concertos-1-2-suite-from-alone/ Wed, 31 Jan 2024 23:43:42 +0000 https://amuletts.com/altocd/?post_type=product&p=51999 Shostakovich Violin Concertos 1, 2 Suite from 'Alone' David Oistrakh Leningrad / Mravinsky Moscow Phil/ Kondrashin USSR State S.O / Rozhdestvensky Catalogue Number: ALC 1337 Number of Discs: 1 Date/Runtime: Time: 79:00 stereo 1956/74 Barcode: 5055354413377]]> “Similar feelings (soaring spontaneity and deeply perceptive intelligence) attend his readings of the Shostakovich concertos – added to which is my growing certainty that this version of No.I (accompanied by the great Mravinsky) is his finest. … It was with Mravinsky and the Leningrad that Oistrakh (as dedicatee) gave the first performance … Oistrakh plays as impeccably as ever, and the Leningrad Philharmonic gives admirably vital support” (Op.126) “taken as a whole, this is a most rewarding work and gets a most eloquence performance from Oistrakh who plays with his familiar virtuosity and sweetness of tone.” (Gramophone)

  • Violin Concerto in A minor Op.99 [36:29]
  • [1] Nocturne: Moderato 11:52
  • [2] Scherzo: Allegro 6:18
  • [3] Passacaglia: Andante – Cadenza (attacca) – 13:30
  • [4] Burlesque: Allegro con brio – Presto 4:46
  • Violin Concerto No. 2 in C sharp minor Op.129 (1967) [29:45]
  • [5] Moderato 12:43
  • [6] Adagio 8:52
  • [7] Adagio-allegro 8:10
  • Suite from the Film “Alone” Op.26 [12:33]
  • [8] March 4:17
  • [9] Largo 2:14
  • [10] Allegretto 6:02
]]> ‘Aleko’ (complete Opera, One Act) https://altocd.com/product/aleko-complete-opera-one-act/ Wed, 31 Jan 2024 23:43:42 +0000 https://amuletts.com/altocd/?post_type=product&p=52000 'Aleko' (complete Opera, One Act) Based on Pushkin's The Gypsies. Nesterenko Volkova - Fedin Matorin - Kotova USSR TV and Radio Large Chorus Moscow Philharmonic DIR: Kiatenko Catalogue Number: ALC 1342 Number of Discs: 1 Date/Runtime: Time 60:00 DDD 1987 Barcode: 5055354413421]]> “first performance arranged at the prestigious Bolshoi, where it shared a double bill with Tchaikovsky’s Iolanta (at his insistence). The composition was highly esteemed by the examiners’ board which included Taneyev and Arensky. Rachmaninov got the highest mark, and was awarded the gold medal. In 1897, Aleko premiered in St Petersburg, the title role taken by the famous bass Feodor Chaliapin, who would go on to record the cavatina, endearing it to generations of record collectors. Russian bass Evgeni Nesterenko joined Moscow’s famed Bolshoi Opera in 1971 and has taken on all of the major Russian bass roles and recorded widely.” (J.Murray)

  • [1] Introduction 3:12
  • [2] Chorus 4:17
  • [3] The old man’s story (old man, chorus) 5:31
  • [4] Scene and chorus (Aleko, Zemphira, young gypsy, chorus) 1:53
  • [5] Women’s dance 3:51
  • [6] Men’s dance 5:22
  • [7] Chorus 3:37
  • [8] Duettino (young gypsy, Zemphira) 2:39
  • [9] Scene at the Cradle (Zemphira, Aleko) 4:19
  • [10] Aleko’s Cavatina 5:51
  • [11] Intermezzo 2:40
  • [12] The young gypsy’s romance 1:27
  • [13] Duet and finale (whole cast) 14:37
]]> Rimsky Korsakov: Suites & Overtures https://altocd.com/product/rimsky-korsakov-suites-overtures/ Wed, 31 Jan 2024 23:43:42 +0000 https://amuletts.com/altocd/?post_type=product&p=52001 Rimsky Korsakov: Suites & Overtures Rimsky Korsakov USSR Symphony Evgeni Svetlanov Catalogue Number: ALC 1345 Number of Discs: 1 Date/Runtime: Time: 76:54 mins stereo 1971/85 Barcode: 5055354413452]]> “..excellent performances of some captivatingly colourful music. (Russian Easter Festival) splendidly exuberant playing from players who naturally have the stuff of the music in their bones…marvellous gravity and resonance. …(Dubinushka) only a trifle, but quite a rare one. Rimsky-Korsakov heard the song during the 1905 “revolution” – both his liberal instincts and his musical invention were fired …scored by the master hand and very effective (The Golden Cockerel) excellently played under Svetlanov (he has a marvellously strangled trumpet for the cock-crow) ”.
( © Gramophone)

  • [1] Dubinushka 4:44
  • Suite from Coq d’Or
  • [2] Tsar Dodon at his Palace 11:08
  • [3] Tsar Dodon on the March 4:40
  • [4] Tsar Dodon at the Queen of Shemakha’s home 7:53
  • [5] Dodon’s Wedding and Unhappy End 6:16
  • *Suite from “Snow Maiden”
  • [6] Birds’ Dance 3:02
  • [7] Tsar Berendei’s Procession 2:00
  • [8] Dance 3:25
  • *Two pieces from “Pan Voyevoda”
  • [9] Nocturne 4:30
  • [10] Polonaise 6:18
  • From “The Maid of Pskov”
  • [11] In the Woods, Tsar’s Hunt and Storm 7:58
  • [12] Russian Easter Festival Overture 14:18
]]> C.P.E Bach Flute Concertos https://altocd.com/product/c-p-e-bach-flute-concertos/ Wed, 31 Jan 2024 23:43:42 +0000 https://amuletts.com/altocd/?post_type=product&p=52002 C.P.E Bach Flute Concertos Jennifer Stinton (Flute) Orchestra of St.John's Smith Square. John Lubbock Catalogue Number: ALC 1347 Number of Discs: 1 Date/Runtime: 5055354413476 Barcode: Time: 66:48 DDD 1993]]> “Stinton finds plenty of interest in the music and interprets it with spirit and virtuosity. Her phrases are well thought-out and articulation clear and effective. The beautifully written and emotionally charged finale of the D minor Concerto comes over well … crisp, responsive orchestral playing, well-chosen tempos and clean, incisive ensemble. I thoroughly enjoyed this playing of some wonderfully inventive music…. helpful background notes” (Gramophone)

  • Concerto in D minor Wq 22/H 426
  • 1. I . Allegro 7.32
  • 2. II. Un poco Anadante 8.13
  • 3. III. Allegro di molto 6.43

    • Concerto in A minor Wq 168/H 438

  • 4. I . Allegro 6.03
  • 5. II. Largo con sordini, mesto 8.54
  • 6. III. Allegro assai 5.06
  • Concerto in G minor Wq 169/H 445
  • 7. I . Allegro di molto 10.56
  • 8. II. Largo 7.28
  • 9. III. Presto 5.49
]]> Beethoven Violin Concerto & Two Romances https://altocd.com/product/beethoven-violin-concerto-two-romances/ Wed, 31 Jan 2024 23:43:42 +0000 https://amuletts.com/altocd/?post_type=product&p=52003 Beethoven Violin Concerto & Two Romances Beethoven Wolfgang Schneiderhan Berlin Philharmonic Eugen Jochum David Oistrakh Royal Philharmonic Orchestra Eugene Goossens Catalogue Number: ALC 1350 Number of Discs: 1 Date/Runtime: Time, 62:25mins 1961/2 stereo Barcode: 5055354413506]]>
“Schneiderhan’s version is amongst the greatest recordings: the serene spiritual beauty of the slow movement and the playing of the second subject in particular have never been surpassed … Jochum provides a background tapestry of breadth and dignity” (Penguin Guide Rosette) “technically the best stereo version in the catalogue … slow-movement cadenza is rather good, with its hint of the finale theme just before the end … after the second cadenza in the finale, Jochum brings the ‘cellos and basses in with tremendous effect” (Gramophone)

  • Concerto for Violin in D major, Op.61
  • [1] Allegro ma non troppo (D major) 24:32
  • [2] Larghetto (G major) 10:45
  • [3] Rondo. Allegro (D major) 10:51
  • (cadenzas Schneiderhan)
  • Wolfgang Schneiderhan
  • Romances for Violin & Orchestra Opp.40 & 50
  • [4] Romance No. 1 in G major, Op. 40 7:19
  • [5] Romance No. 2 in F major, Op. 50 8:46
  • David Oistrakh
]]> Russian Favourites! https://altocd.com/product/russian-favourites/ Wed, 31 Jan 2024 23:43:42 +0000 https://amuletts.com/altocd/?post_type=product&p=52004 Russian Favourites! Don Cossack Choir Red Army Ensemble Catalogue Number: ALN 1959 Number of Discs: 1 Date/Runtime: Barcode: 5055354419591]]>
“Cascading Russian harmonies in this highly enjoyable selection of familiar tunes by the two best-known international ensembles” (MusicalMerit)

  • 1. Song of the Plains/Meadowland) (Knipper)(solo:B.Balatine) 2:21
  • 2. Stenka Razin (solo J.Assur) 3:51
  • 3. Kajushka with Troika (Live Paris) 1:56
  • 4. Evening Bells 2:37
  • 5. Green Grass / Kalinka (solos G.Tymchenko; J.Seiffert; P.Myhalik) 3:23
  • 6. Dark Eyes 3:54
  • 7. Kamarinskaya* 2:15
  • 8. Monotonously Rings the Little Bell 3:46
  • 9. Dubinushka* 3:40
  • 10. Lezginka 3:35
  • 11. Cavalry Song (solo J.Beresoff) 2:32
  • 12. Credo (Gretchaninov)(solos:G.Tymchenko; P.Myhalik) 4:29
  • 13. The Cuckoo 2:27
  • 14. Worship the Power of Love (Bortniansky) 3:13
  • 15. Russian Polka 1:55
  • 16. God Save Thy People 2:55
  • 17. Soldiers’ Marching Song (solos: I.Corvin-Egle; J.Resnikoff) 2:19
  • 18. Legend of the 12 Thieves (solo J.Assur) 5:48
  • 19. Along the Street (Warlamoff) (solo: I.Corvin-Egle) 2:37
  • 20. Don Cossack Anthem 1:33
  • 21. The Warriors’ Prayer (solos: N.Naneff; P.Myhalik 4:34
  • 22. A Birch Tree Stood in a Meadow* 3:22
  • 23. You Are Always Beautiful* (Mokrousov) 3:23
  • 24. Anthem of the Soviet Union* 3:40
]]> Scriabin Symphony no.1/Poem of Ecstasy https://altocd.com/product/scriabin-symphony-no-1-poem-of-ecstasy/ Wed, 31 Jan 2024 23:43:20 +0000 https://amuletts.com/altocd/?post_type=product&p=51959 Scriabin Symphony no.1/Poem of Ecstasy USSR Symphony Evgeni Svetlanov Catalogue Number: ALC 1329 Number of Discs: 1 Date/Runtime: stereo 1963/6 time 71:13 Barcode: 5055354413292]]> “This ‘poème de l’extase is something else altogether. …this develops into a thrillingly intense, even intimidating experience. Subtle refinement is scarcely on the agenda, yet the sheer theatrical fervour of this account is hard to resist, and those malignant sneers from muted USSR SO trombones at 8:27 onwards have to heard to be believed (was this particular passage ever more evil-sounding than here?). What a pity the applause was edited out—I was on my feet long before the end!” © Gramophone

  • Symphony No. 1 in E major, Op. 26 [48:54]
  • [1] I. Lento 7:56
  • [2] II. Allegro dramatico 8:16
  • [3] III. Lento 9:38
  • [4] IV. Vivace 3:20
  • [5] V. Allegro 6:59
  • [6] VI. Andante 12:43
  • Poem of Extasy, Op. 54
  • [7] Poem of Ecstasy / Le Poème d’extase 22:08
]]> Richter Plays Liszt https://altocd.com/product/richter-plays-liszt/ Wed, 31 Jan 2024 23:43:20 +0000 https://amuletts.com/altocd/?post_type=product&p=51960 Richter Plays Liszt Sviatoslav Richter (1-9) with London Symphony Orchestra / Kirill Kondrashin Catalogue Number: ALC 1332 Number of Discs: 1 Date/Runtime: Time: 75:06, stereo 1958/62 Barcode: 5055354413322]]> “Richter’s performances are very distinguished indeed … playing is unforgettable and so is his rapport with Kondrashin” (Penguin Guide 3 stars) “equally brilliant with two quite different sides of this composer, with the luxuriant virtuosity of the the Etudes in particular being thrown off with a zestful freedom that must always be rare in such complex pieces . All connoisseurs should have these performances”. (Gramophone)

  • Piano Concerto No.1 in Eb major, S124 [18:09]
  • 1. Allegro maestoso 5:08
  • 2. Quasi Adagio 4:58
  • 3. Allegretto vivace – Allegro animato 3:57
  • 4. Allegro marziale animato – Presto 4:04
  • Piano Concerto No.2 in A major, S125 [20:35]
  • 5. Adagio sostenuto assai – Allegro agitato assai 7:17
  • 6. Allegro moderato 4:56
  • 7. Allegro deciso – Marziale un poco meno allegro 3:44
  • 8. Allegro animato – Stretto (molto accelerando) 4:36
    (both above, London –studio–1961)
  • 9. Hungarian Fantasia for Piano and Orchestra, S123 14:26
    (R.A.H London, 1961)
  • 10. Funérailles (Harmonies Poétiques et Religieuses, No.7) 11:07
  • 11. Gnomenreigen (Konzertetuden, No.2) 2:29
  • 12. Liebestraum No.3 4:25
    (above all in concert Budapest, 1958)
  • 13. Feux Follets (Etudes d’exécution transcendente, No.5) 3:27
    (in concert Sofia, 1958)
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