Nov 2014 – Alto CD

Glorious Mud ! – The Best of Flanders & Swann

amuletts — Wed, 31 Jan 2024 23:41:51 +0000

“Their performances together were likened to ‘Falstaff singing duets with Hamlet’” (Parlophone). “the songs and sketches became household favourites throughout the English-speaking world and a hugely successful USA tour began in 1959. A second show later toured other British cities, Australia, New Zealand, North America and Hong Kong. …Flanders’ spoken introductions were intimate and ahead of their time, and the show as a whole, 50 years on, remains strikingly topical” (James Murray)

At the Drop of a Hat (Fortune Theatre, London)

[1] A Transport of Delight (London Omnibus) 4:35
[2] Song of Reproduction 3:29
[3] A Gnu 6:09
[4] Design for Living 4:29
[5] Je Suis Le Ténébreux 2:13
[6] Songs for Our Time
(Philological Waltz; Satellite Moon; A Happy Song) 5:38
[7] A Song of the Weather 1:52
[8] The Reluctant Cannibal 4:22
[9] Greensleeves 6:08
[10] Misalliance 3:54
[11] Kokoraki – A Greek Song 3:11
[12] Madeira, M’Dear? 5:42
[13] Hippopotamus 4:19

The Bestiary of Flanders and Swann – Excerpts

[14] The Warthog (the Hog Beneath the Skin) 4:10
[15] The Whale (Mopy Dick) 3:26
[16] The Rhinoceros 2:32
[17] The Elephant 2:37
[18] The Armadillo 3:48
[19] The Spider 2:16
[20] The Ostrich 2:53

The Rat Pack – ‘Cool Cat’ Classics

amuletts — Wed, 31 Jan 2024 23:41:51 +0000

“The new Rat Pack gigs, perceived as the height of cool, featured the group clowning around with what Dickinson called ‘total abandoned fun’. They performed on stage as in life, disrupting each others acts, pretending to be drunk and directing sexist remarks at show girls. Amongst the clowning they sang now-immortal songs from the Great American Songbook.“ (James Murray)

1. Memories are Made of This – Dean Martin 2:15
2. The Lady is a Tramp – Frank Sinatra 3:14
3. That’s Amore – Dean Martin 3:06
4. Cheek to Cheek – Frank Sinatra 3:04
5. Sway – Dean Martin 2:42
6. Something’s Gotta Give – Sammy Davis Jr. 2:02
7. One for My Baby (and One More for the Road) – Frank Sinatra 4:24
8. Mambo Italiano – Dean Martin 2:18
9. Just in Time – Sammy Davis Jr. 3:20
10. Autumn Leaves – Frank Sinatra 2:50
11. Hey There ! – Sammy Davis Jr. 2:38
12. Return to Me (Ritorna a me) – Dean Martin 2:23
13. Blues in the Night– Frank Sinatra 4:43
14. Volare – Dean Martin 2:58
15. You Belong to Me – Dean Martin 3:02
16. Begin the Beguine – Sammy Davis Jr. 3:22
17. Bye Bye Blackbird – Dean Martin 3:03
18. Try a Little Tenderness – Frank Sinatra 3:20
19. When You’re Smiling – Dean Martin 3:02
20. Love is Here to Stay – Frank Sinatra 2:40
21. That Old Black Magic – Sammy Davis Jr. 3:17
22. I Can’t Give You Anything but Love – Dean Martin 2:39
23. Kiss – Dean Martin 2:20
24. September Song – Sammy Davis Jr. 2:41
25. Makin’ Whoopee – Frank Sinatra 3:06

Vladimir Horowitz (encores): Last of the Romantics

amuletts — Wed, 31 Jan 2024 23:41:50 +0000

“His wizardry was undeniable, his technique unique. Playing with almost flat fingers, which requires great strength, and with minimum use of the pedal, he was frequently praised for making the most demanding works appear easy … excitement generated at his concerts was white-hot and his pyrotechnics left audiences open-mouthed: Emanuel Ax commented that Horowitz was always in complete control, while suggesting ‘that everything was just on the verge of going haywire’.”(James Murray)

Mozart: Rondo alla Turca 3:43
Chopin: Waltz No.3 in A minor, Op.34, No.2 4:58
Chopin: Barcarolle, Op.60 8:40
Mendelssohn: Songs Without Words
Elégie/Spring Song/The Shepherd’s Complaint 7:03
Mendelssohn/Horowitz: Wedding March
and Variations after Liszt 6:05
Schumann: Arabesque, Op.18 6:35
Liszt/Horowitz: Hungarian Rhapsody No.2 8:48
Liszt/Horowitz: Hungarian Rhapsody No.19 9:46
Scriabin: Sonata No.9 in one movement
‘Black Mass’, Op.68 6:22
Moszkowski: Étincelles 2:12
Debussy: Children’s Corner
Serenade for the Doll 2:55
Bizet/Horowitz: Variations on Themes from Carmen 3:35
Sousa/Horowitz: Stars and Stripes Forever 3:53

Agnus Dei (Barber) / Miserere (Allegri) Classics for Choirs’

amuletts — Wed, 31 Jan 2024 23:41:50 +0000

“The choir of Trinity College, Cambridge under Richard Marlow add substantially to their reputation … strong in rhythm as in full-bodied tone … skilful in shaping, secure in intonation, sensitive in balance.” (Gramophone) “Marlow gets good results from his singers; anthems are eloquently done and beautifully recorded.” (Penguin Guide)

Agnus Dei (Barber) / Miserere (Allegri)
Classics for Choirs’

Miserere Mei, Deus ALLEGRI 8:20
Rejoice, Rejoice BYRD 1:02
O Ignis Spiritus Paracliti HILDEGARD 5:21
Vom Himmel Hoch PRAETORIUS 2:22
Ave, Verum Corpus MOZART 2:52
Ave Maria SCHUBERT 3:37
Hear My Prayer MENDELSSOHN 10:15
Shepherd’s Farewell BERLIOZ 3:25
Panis Angelicus FRANCK 3:28
(Requiem): In Paradisum FAURE 3:38
Videntes Stellam POULENC 3:09
O Salutaris Hostia SAINT-SAENS 2:08
Te Deum STANFORD 6:07
Nunc Dimittis BURGON 2:56
Evening Hymn BALFOUR GARDINER 5:32
Agnus Dei BARBER 9:31

J S Bach: The Six Motets

amuletts — Wed, 31 Jan 2024 23:41:50 +0000

“I have little but praise for the accomplished singing on this disc. Trinity College Choir consist not of boys’ voices at the top but of girls’ … Marlow articulates the music so coherently that he neatly side-steps any impression of aimlessness … . carefully graduated dynamics, close attention to the meaning and spirit of the text and disciplined singing result in readings which sparkle with life …Trinity College Choir are so secure in this respect and so comfortably on top of the task which Bach sets them that my previously longheld predilection for (more) instrumental support has taken a severe knock . These are serene but radiant performances which deserve an elevated place among their competitors … the accomplishment is beyond question. Recommended” (Gramophone)

Der Geist Hilft unsrer Schwachheit auf, BWV 226

[1] BWV226: Der Geist hilft 3:24
[2] BWV226: Der aber die Herzen 2:12
[3] BWV226: Du heilige Brunst 1:48

Komm, Jesu, komm, BWV 229

[4] BWV229: Komm, Jesu, komm 7:35
[5] BWV229: Drum schliess ich 1:42

Jesu, meine Freude, BWV 227

[6] BWV227: Jesu, meine Freude 1:09
[7] BWV227:Es ist nun nichts Verdammliches 2:54
[8] BWV227:Unter deinem Schirmen 1:18
[9] BWV227:Denn das Gesetz 0:52
[10] BWV227:Trotz dem alten Drachen 2:13
[11] BWV227:Ihr aber seid nicht fleischlich 2:32
[12] BWV227:Weg mit allen Schätzen! 1:11
[13] BWV227:So aber Christus 1:46
[14] BWV227:Gute Nacht, o Wesen 3:42
[15] BWV227:So nun der Geist 1:34
[16] BWV227:Weicht, ihr Trauergeister 1:23

Fürchte dich nicht, BWV 228

[17] BWV228: Fürchte dich nicht 8:23

Lobet den Herrn, BWV 230

[18] BWV230: Lobet den Herrn 4:51
[19] BWV230: Halleluja ! 1:22

Singet dem Herrn ein neues Lied, BWV 225

[20] BWV225: Singet dem Herrn 4:58
[21] BWV225: Wie sich ein Vater 5:04
[22] BWV225: Lobet den Herrn – Halleluja ! 3:31

Erik Satie: ‘Velvet Gentleman’s’ Album for Piano

amuletts — Wed, 31 Jan 2024 23:41:50 +0000

(‘A Gramophone TOP CHOICE’ “Dickinson has made Satie’s music a centrepoint of his repertoire, and his thoughtfull approach to this highly rewarding music is all his own … his variety of articulation and colour is fully at the service of the composer.” (Penguin Guide) “Dickinson’s recital is recommended in our Good CD Guide and deservedly so. I thought highly of the playing and rich- sounding recording when I first heard it … (he) expertly conveys the unique blend of humour and gravity in his wide-ranging choice of pieces … an attractive compilation as well as a generous one.” (Gramophone)

Trois Gymnopédies (1888)

[1] Gymnopédies: Lent et douloureux 3:14
[2] Gymnopédies:Lent et triste 2:39
[3] Gymnopédies:Lent et grave 2:29
[4] Le Piège de Méduse (1913) 3:18

Croquis et agaceries d’un gros bonhomme en bois (1913)

[5] Tyrolienne turque 1:57
[6] Danse maigre 2:43
[7] Españana 1:18
[8] Poudre d’or (c.1901) 4:27

Chapitres tournés en tous sens (1913)

[9] Celle qui parle trop 1:02
[10] Le porteur de grosses pierres 2:19
[11] Regrets des enfermés – Jonas et Latude 1:22

Le fils des étoiles (c.1891)

[12] Prelude to Act 1 – Le Vocation 3:25
[13] Prelude to Act 2 – L’Initiation 2:58
[14] Prelude to Act 3 – L’Incantation 3:09
[15] Le Piccadilly (1904) 1:54
[16] Prélude en tapisserie (1906) 3:18

Véritables préludes flasques (pour un chien) (1912)

[17] pour un chien: I. Sévère reprimand 0:52
[18] pour un chien: II. Seul à la maison 1:31
[19] pour un chien: III. On joue 0:42
[20] Je te veux (Valse pour piano) (c.1901) 5:16

Sonatine bureaucratique: (1917)

[21] Sonatine bureaucratique:Allegro 1:02
[22] Sonatine bureaucratique:Andante 1:25
[23] Sonatine bureaucratique:Vivache 1:30

Pièces froides (Airs à faire fuir) (1897)

[24] D’une manière très particulière 2:58
[25] Modestement 1:19
[26] S’inviter 3:01

Sports et divertissements: (1914)

[27] Sports et divertissements:Nos. 1-5 2:52
[28] Sports et divertissements:Nos. 6-10 3:02
[29] Sports et divertissements:Nos. 11-16 2:59
[30] Sports et divertissements:Nos. 17-21 3:19
[31] Vexations (1893) 3:52

Debussy: La Mer / Nocturnes / Prelude a L’Apres-Midi d’une Faune

amuletts — Wed, 31 Jan 2024 23:41:50 +0000

“strong in Mediterranean atmosphere, … La Mer has an underlying grip … concentrates on evocation at the opening and creates a real pianissimo, helped by the wide dynamic range of the recording … overall there is plenty of excitement, with the LSO virtuosity in the finale matched by the rich-toned ardour of the strings when they rise to the emotional peak of Jeux de vagues … Fetes proceeds spectacularly, glittering in colour … not conventional readings but full of impulse and superbly recorded” (© Penguin Guide, 3 stars)

La Mer – Trois esquisses symphoniques

1. La Mer: De l’aube à midi sur la mer 8.33
2. La Mer: Jeux de vagues 6.56
3. La Mer: Dialogue du vent et de la mer 7.51

Nocturnes

4. Nocturnes: Nuages 8.01
5. Nocturnes: Fetes 6.17
6. Nocturnes: Sirènes 9.57
7. Prélude à L’après-midi d’une Faune 11.01

Fauré: Piano Selection

amuletts — Wed, 31 Jan 2024 23:41:50 +0000

“A most enjoyable recital, and one for which many listeners will be grateful. . . . What is Impressive here is the pianist’s integration of fragility and firmness, simplicity and complexity …” (Gramophone) “nothing but praise for her playing: Stott is at once so warmly intense, so poetic, so refined. She also draws the loveliest variegated tone from her piano, to which her engineers do full justice throughout the whole gamut.” (BBC Radio 3)

Nocturne in E flat minor, opus 33 No 1. 8:22
Impromptu No 2 in F minor, opus 31 3:23
Barcarolle No 1 in A minor, opus 26 5:10
Nocturne No 6 in D flat major, opus 65 8:53
Barcarolle No 11 in G minor, opus 105 5:07
Barcarolle No 6 in E flat major, opus 70 3:12
Barcarolle No 7 in D minor, opus 90* 4:03
Barcarolle No 2 in G major, opus 41* 7:13
Barcarolle No 5 in F sharp minor, opus 66 6:13
Nocturne No 4 in E flat major, opus 36 8:11
Barcarolle No 4 in A flat major, opus 44 4:14
Barcarolle No 12 in E flat major, opus 106* 3:50
Valse-caprice No 4 in A flat major, opus 62* 8:27

Christmas in Oxford – Early, Victorian and Modern Carols

amuletts — Wed, 31 Jan 2024 23:41:50 +0000

“These two famous anthologies of carols from the earliest 15th century to the 20th here hold 29 in total, including many popular ones but also many rare discoveries. “Magdalen College, Oxford, played an important part in the Victorian revival of the celebration of Christmas and especially of carol singing. A key figure in this was J. R. Bloxam, Fellow of Magdalen. The College records suggest that Bloxam first held a musical entertainment for the Magdalen choristers in his rooms in college on Christmas Eve in 1840 or 1841 and it became the tradition” (c) John Harper

EARLY

1. Come all you Worthy Gentlemen 1:25
2. Nova, nova, AVE fit ex EVA 1:20
3. Goday, Sir Cristemas 1:47
4. Ave Maria. Hail Blessed Flower 1:39
5. Nowell. Out of your Sleep Arise 2:00
6. Lully, lulla, thou Little Tiny Child (The Coventry Carol) 3:16
7. Remember, O thou man 2.59
8. Lullaby, my Sweet Little Baby 4.33
9. This Day Christ was Born (A Carol for Christmas Day) 2:53

VICTORIAN

10. As Jacob with Travel was Weary One Day (Jacob’s Ladder) 2:21
11. The First Nowell 4:34
12. Why, most Highest? (Jesus in the Manger) 2:37
13. The Virgin Stills the Crying (Cradle-song of the Blessed Virgin) 2:17
14. The Moon Shines Bright 2:04
15. I Saw Three Ships Come Sailing in 1.57
16. What Child is this? 2.05
17. See, Amid the Winter’s Snow (Hymn for Christmas Day) 4:49
18. Sleep! Holy Babe! (Words: E. Caswall; Music: John B. Dykes) 3:44
19. Good Christian Men, Rejoice 1:45
20. Good King Wenceslas 2.38
21. A Babe is Born, all of a Maid 2:16
22. All this Night Bright Angels Sing (Carol for Christmas Day) 2:14
23. Here we Come a-wassailing (The Wassail Song ) 2:18
24. We Three Kings of Orient are 3:40

MODERN

25. A New Year Carol 2.13
26. I Sing of a Maiden 2.36
27. Lullay my Liking 3.04
28. Of One that is so Fair and Bright 1.34
29. This have I done for my True Love 4.48

Lucia di Lammermoor (donizetti) complete opera

amuletts — Wed, 31 Jan 2024 23:41:50 +0000

“full of fresh innocence, Sutherland’s coloratura virtuosity remains breathtaking, and the cast is a strong one, with a most understanding conductor” (Penguin Guide 3 stars) “Sutherland’s miraculous singing is not the only virtue of this set … There is hardly an operatic centre left which has not acclaimed Sutherland’s Lucia … (she) is without rival today in her command of the vocal arts – trills, scales and arpeggios, messa di voce, glissando. Her tone is beautiful, and each year becomes sweeter, rounder and fuller, in both gentle and brilliant passages. Her interpretation of Lucia is a fully conceived study … In this performance, passage after passage is melting, exquisite, dazzling, breathtaking … Cioni, currently Sutherland’s favoured partner, was a first-rate choice for Edgardo.” (Gramophone) Time 146:44 ADD, 1961

CD One (78:31)

Act One, Scene One

1. Percorrete le spiagge vicine 4.51
2. Tu sei turbato! 2.55
3. Cruda, funesta, smania 2.02
4. Il tuo dubbio è omai certezza 2.05
5. La pietade in suo favore 3.46

Act One, Scene Two

6. Introduzione 2.50
7. Ancor non giunse ! 1.53
8. Regnava nel silenzio 4.09
9. Quando, rapito in estasi 5.01
10. Egli s’avanza! 2.45
11. Sulla tomba che rinserra 2.52
12. Qui di sposa eterna fede …
Verranno a te sull’aure 6.40

Act Two, Scene One

13. Lucia fra poco a te verrà 4.17
14. Il pallor funesto 4.38
15. Soffriva nel pianto 3.24
16. Che fia? …
Suonar di giubilo, senti la riva? 1.23
17. Se tradirmi tu potrai 3.24
18. Ebben? … Di tua speranza 8.00

Act Two, Scene Two

19. Per te d’immenso giubilo 3.32
20. Dov’è Lucia? 4.06
21. Chi mi frena in tal momento? 3.47

CD Two (68:13)

1. T’allontana, sciagurato 5.30

Act Three, Scene One

2. Orrida è questa notte 8.59
3. D’immenso giubilo …
Deh, cessate quel contento! 2.30
4. Dalle stanze ove Lucia 2.41
5. Oh, qual funesto avvenimento! 2.22
6. Eccola! … Oh, giusto cielo! … Il dolce suono 4.22
7. Sparsa è di rose! … Ardon gl’incensi 7.26
8. S’avanza Enrico! 3.06
9. Spargi d’amaro pianto 4.06
10. Si tragga altrove, Alisa! 1.44

Act Three, Scene Two

11. Tombe degli avi miei 4.03
12. Fra poco a me ricovero 3.06
13. Oh, meschina! Oh, fato orrendo! 4.20
14. Tu che a Dio spiegasti l’ali 4.30
15. Ancor non giunse … Perchè non ho del vento 9.19 (alternative recit/aria)