Sept 2019 – Alto CD

Scott Joplin: Ragtime Piano Gems

amuletts — Wed, 31 Jan 2024 23:45:32 +0000

“Bolcom is known as a pianist who made excellent LPs of ragtime, Gershwin, and several types of American ‘vernacular’ music. He claims three American idols: Charles Ives, Scott Joplin and George Gershwin … his music is firmly rooted in the popular American melodic tradition with a great emotional range … 1968 slipped past without any recognition that it marked the centenary of one of America’s most remarkable composers; possibly the first genuinely American composer – Scott Joplin … Euphonic Sounds illustrates how adventurous this composer could be and also provides a near-perfect example of ragtime – a little masterpiece” (Gramophone).

[1] Original Rags 4:34
[2] Fig Leaf Rag 5:00
[3] Maple Leaf Rag 3:06
[4] Eugenia 5:15
[5] The Entertainer 4:36
[6] Nonpareil 4:39
[7] Elite Syncopations 3:49
[8] Country Club 4:17
[9] Sugar Cane 3:42
[10] Bethena 5:25
[11] The Ragtime Dance 4:03
[12] Solace 6:00
[13] Searchlight Rag 4:50
[14] Euphonic Sounds 3:24
[15] Gladiolus Rag 4:52
[16] Magnetic Rag 4:00

Sibelius: Incidental Music for Theatre

amuletts — Wed, 31 Jan 2024 23:45:32 +0000

“no (others) are more idiomatic, and the programme here makes for an enjoyable and generous concert…. King Christian …with some particulary expressive string playing…and Karelia ..share of excitement…Vivid sound” (Penguin Guide) “Tjeknavorian is a serious and thoughtful [Sibelius] interpreter… we [do not] find him trying to score interpretative points or playing to the gallery” (Gramophone)

Pelléas & Mélisande (Suite) Op.46 (for Maeterlinck’s play)
Karelia Overture Op.10 & Karelia Suite Op.11
King Christian II (Suite), Op.27 (for Paul’s play)

- Pelléas & Mélisande op.46**
- [1] At the Castle Gate 3:19
- [2] Mélisande 4:58
- [3] On the Sea Shore 1:33
- [4] Spring in the Park 1:54
- [5] Three Blind Sisters 2:07
- [6] Pastorale 1:52
- [7] Mélisande at the Spinning Wheel 1:47
- [8] Entr’acte 3:14
- [9] Death of Mélisande 8:12
- [10] Karelia: Overture Op.10* 7:34

Karelia Suite Op.11*

- [11] Suite: I: Intermezzo 3:36
- [12] Suite: II: Ballade 7:32
- [13] Suite: III: Alla marcia 4:32

King Christian II Suite Op.27*

[14] I: Nocturne 7:35
[15] II: Elégie 6:03
[16] II: Musette 2:09
[17] III: Sérénade 4:35
[18] IV: Ballade 5:16

Dvořák: Symphony No. 9 in E minor, Op. 95

amuletts — Wed, 31 Jan 2024 23:45:32 +0000

(Symphony 9) “’Davis offers a story and a sense of conviction that place his performance in a wholly different league.’ (BBC Music Magazine 5 stars) “Unmissable … Superb in all respects. Sound quality doesn’t come any better than this whatever the price. Don’t hesitate!” (Classic CD)

Dvořák: Symphony No. 9 in E minor, Op. 95
(‘From the New World’) Carnival Overture, Op. 92
Brahms: Variations on a theme by Haydn Op. 56a**
‘St Anthony Variations’

[1] Dvořák: Carnival Overture, Op. 92 (1891)* (B.Tuckwell) 9:48
Brahms: Variations on a theme by Haydn Op. 56a**
‘St Anthony Variations’ (V.Gergiev) [17:03]
[2] Theme. Chorale St.Antoni. Andante 1:53
[3] Var.I. Poco più animato 1:16
[4] Var.II. Più vivace 0:57
[5] Var.III. Con moto 1:38
[6] Var.IV. Andante con moto 1:57
[7] Var.V. Vivace 0:54
[8] Var.VI. Vivace 1:20
[9] Var.VII. Grazioso 2:30
[10] Var.VIII.Presto non troppo 1:08
[11] Finale. Andante 3:27
Dvořák: Symphony No. 9 in E minor, Op. 95
‘From the New World’ [44:12] (Sir Colin Davis)
[12] I. Adagio – Allegro molto 12:08
[13] II. Largo 12:54
[14] III. Scherzo. Molto vivace 7:54
[15] IV. Allegro con fuoco 11:15

Elgar: The Dream of Gerontius, Op. 38

amuletts — Wed, 31 Jan 2024 23:45:32 +0000

“a deeply felt, thoughtful and, where needed, highly dramatic interpretation of an indisputable masterpiece.” (Gramophone) “orchestral textures were sensuously coloured, and the vast symphonic structure flawlessly paced and handled. The choral singing, thrilling in its immediacy and clarity, can only be described as electrifying from start to finish” (The Guardian) “For Davis Elgar is a European composer, and the links to Wagner are clear … Davis is the star: guiding shaping, enhancing the beauty and the flow.” (The Times) “so magical is Davis’s phrasing that there are times that one dare not breathe for fear of breaking the spell.” (International Record Review)

[Disc 1] [1] No. 1, Prelude to Part One 9:50
[2] No. 2, “Jesu, Maria – I Am Near to Death” 3:54
[3] No. 3, “Kyrie Eleison… Holy Mary, Pray for Him” 2:12
[4] No. 4, “Rouse Thee, My Fainting Soul” 0:51
[5] No. 5, “Be Merciful, Be Gracious” 2:51
[6] No. 6, “Sanctus Fortis, Sanctus Deus” 4:47
[7] No. 7, “I Can No More” 2:05
[8] No. 8, “Rescue Him, O Lord” 2:10
[9] No. 9, “Novissima Hora Est” 1:19
[10] No. 10, “Profisciscere, Anima Christiana” 2:06
[11] No. 11, “Go, in the Name of Angels and Archangels” 4:29
[Disc 2] [1] No. 12, Prelude to Part Two 1:38
[2] No. 13, “I Went to Sleep” 3:54
[3] No. 14, “My Work is Done” 8:14
[4] No. 15, “Low-born Clods of Brute Earth” 2:03
[5] No. 16, “The Mind Bold and Independent” 2:23
[6] No. 17, “I See Not Those False Spirits” 3:01
[7] No. 18, “Praise to the Holiest” 3:12
[8] No. 19, “Glory to Him” 1:12
[9] No. 20, “But Hark! A Grand Mysterious Harmony” 0:42
[10] No. 21, “And Now the Threshold as we Traverse It” 0:35
[11] No. 22, “Praise to the Holiest in the Height” 6:51
[12] No. 23, “Thy Judgment is Now Near” 2:17
[13] No. 24, “Jesu! By that Shuddering Dread” 5:35
[14] No. 25, “Praise to His Name” 1:28
[15] No. 26, “Take Me Away” 3:13
[16] No. 27, “Lord, Thou Hast Been Our Refuge” 1:02
[17] No. 28, “Softly and Gently, Dearly-ransomed Soul” 8:19

‘Best of Play Bach Jazz’

amuletts — Wed, 31 Jan 2024 23:45:32 +0000

“Well, Loussier shows that Bach can be adapted to jazz … Turning a deaf ear to any cries of sacrilege, let me say that I have enjoyed this and I find its appeal has not diminished despite repeated plays. I wish I could say the same about all I receive for review ! … drummer Garros is a tower of rhythmic strength, never once putting a hand or foot wrong. Michelot, of course, is one of the great bass players in jazz, while Loussier, knows what jazz is about.” (Gramophone)

[1] Air on the G string (‘Hamlet advert’) 3:24
(from Suite No.3 in D major BWV 1068)
Italian Concerto BWV 971 [14:21]
[2] Allegro 5:06 [3] Andante 4:46 [4] Presto 4:28
[5] Fantasie in C minor (BWV 906) 4:59
Prelude & Fugue No.1 in C major BWV 846 [10:18]
[6] Prelude 5:20 [7] Fugue 4:58
Prelude & Fugue No.2 in C minor BWV 847 [7:00]
[8] Prelude 4:16 [9] Fugue 2:44
Prelude & Fugue No. 5 in D major BWV 850 [3:40]
[10] Prelude 1:50 [11] Fugue 1:49
[12] Prelude No.6 in D minor BWV 851 2:07
[13] Prelude No.21 in B flat major BWV 866 2:45
Toccata & Fugue in D minor BWV 565 [8:48]
[14] Toccata 2:13 [15] Fugue 6:35
[16] Jesu Joy of Man’s Desiring (from Cantata BWV 147) 4:06
[17] Sleepers Wake! Chorale Prelude 4:49
(Wachet auf, ruft uns die Stimme BWV 645 from BWV 140)
Partita No.1 in B flat BWV 825 (excerpts) [9:21]
[18] Allemande 6:14 [19] Gigue 3:07

Nikolai Myaskovsky Complete Symphonies 1- 27 Pathetique Overture; Salutatory Overture

amuletts — Wed, 31 Jan 2024 23:45:32 +0000

“The complete legendary set, very well-filled discs, BUT using the Olympia masters, plus their ground-breaking expert music notes within 36PP book !”

PRINT OR DOWNLOAD NOTES IN PDF FORMAT

Tracklist – Volume 1

Symphony No.1 in C Minor, Op.3 (1908, Rev. 1921) [41:50]

1. I. Lento, Ma Non Troppo – Allegro 17:16

2. II. Larghetto (Quasi Andante) 15:16

3. III. Allegro Assai E Molto Risoluto 9:12

Symphony No.25 in D Flat Major, Op.69 (1946, Rev.1949) [35:07]

4. I. Allegro 16:03

5. II. Moderato 5:21

6. III. Allegro Impetuoso 13:43

Tracklist – Volume 2

Symphony No.2 in C Sharp Minor, Op.11 (1911) [46:57[

1. I. Allegro 13:52

2. II. Molto Sostenuto – Attacca – 16:21

3. III. Allegro Con Fuoco 16:41

Symphony No.18 in C Major, Op.42 (1937) [23:55]

4. I. Allegro Risoluto 6:29

5. II. Lento, Ma Non Troppo 12:04

6. III. Allegro Giocoso 5:16

Tracklist – Volume 3

Symphony No.3 in A Minor, Op. 15 (1914) [46:24]

1. I. Non Troppo Vivo; Vigoroso 20:48

2. II. Deciso e Sdegnoso 25:36

Symphony No.13 in B Flat Minor, Op. 36 (1933) In One Movement

3. Andante Moderato 20:30

Tracklist – Volume 4

Symphony No. 4 In E Minor, Op. 17 (1918) [41:06]

1. I. Andante, Mesto Con Sentimento 19:04

2. II. Largo, Freddo E Senza Espressione 10:46

3. III. Allegro Energico E Marcato 11:00

Symphony No.11 in B Flat Minor, Op.34 (1931) [34:46]

4. I. Lento – Allegro Agitato 13:04

5. II. Andante – Adagio, Ma Non Tanto 11:19

6. III. Precipitato – Allegro 10:13

Tracklist – Volume 5

Symphony No. 5 in D Major, Op.18 (1918) [44:05]

1. I. Allegretto Amabile 14:34

2. II. Lento (Quasi Andante) – Andante 14:24

3. III. Allegro Burlando 4:05

4. IV. Allegro Risoluto E Con Brio 10:52

Symphony No.12 in G Minor, Op. 35 (1931-32) [32:35]

5. I. Andante – Adagio Severo – Allegro Giocoso – Andante 13:16

6. II. Presto Agitato 8:52

7. III. Allegro Festivo E Maestoso 10:24

Tracklist – Volume 6

1. Pathétique Overture in C Minor, Op. 76 (1947) 13:45

Symphony No.6 in E Flat Minor, Op.23 (1921-23, Rev.1947) [64:36]

2. I. Poco Largamente – Precipitato – Allegro Feroce 20:41

3. II. Presto Tenebroso – Andante Moderato – Tempo I 8:35

4. III. Andante Appassionato 18:16

5. IV. Allegro Vivace (Quasi Presto) 16:55

Tracklist – Volume 7

Symphony No.7 in B Minor, Op.24 (1921-22) [23:48]

1. I. Andante Sostenuto, Calmo – Allegro Minaccioso,

Poco Stravagante 10:13

2. II. Andante – Allegro Scherzando E Tenebroso 13:35

Symphony No.26 in C Major, Op. 79 (1948) [42:43]

3. I. Andante Sostenuto – Allegro 16:15

4. II. Andante Quasi Lento – Allegro Giocoso –

Tempo I (A Doppio Meno Mosso) 12:48

5. III. Adagio – Allegro Maestoso 13:29

Tracklist – Volume 8

Symphony No.8 in A Major, Op.26 (1924-25) [52:27]

1. I. Andante – Allegro 14:02

2. II. Allegro Risoluto E Con Spirito 7:41

3. III. Adagio 16:40

4. IV. Allegro Deciso – Piu Animato – Tempo I 14:00

Symphony No. 10 In F Minor, Op. 30 (1927)

5. (in One Movement unmarked) 16:45

Tracklist – Volume 9

Symphony No.9 in E Minor, Op. 28 (1926-27) [41:38]

1. I. Andante Sostenuto 13:56

2. II. Presto 6:53

3. III. Lento Molto 9:56

4. IV. Allegro Con Grazia – Moderato Pesante – Tempo I 10:48

Symphony No.20 in E Major, Op.50 (1940) [27:02]

5. I. Allegro Con Spirito 8:09

6. II. Adagio 8:38

7. III. Allegro Inquieto 10:07

Tracklist – Volume 10

Symphony No.14 in C Major, Op.37 (1935) [37:16]

1. I. Allegro Giocoso 8:06

2. II. Andantino, Quasi Allegretto – Poco Più Mosso – Tempo I 7:37

3. III. Quasi Presto 3:54

4. IV. Andante Sostenuto 9:55

5. V. Allegro Con Fuoco 7:32

Symphony No.22 in B Minor, Op.54 (1941) [36:25]

6. I. Lento – Allegro Non Troppo

(‘Images of Peaceful Life Overshadowed

Sometimes by Menaces’) – Attacca – 16:45

7. II. Andante Con Duolo (Quasi Adagio)

(‘Listening to the Horrors ofWar’) – Attacca – 11:10

8. III. Allegro Energico, Ma Non Troppo Vivo

(‘And the Enemy Trembled’) 8:30

Tracklist – Volume 11

Symphony No.15 in D minor, Op.38 (1933-4) [36:40]

1. I. Andante- allegro appassionato 11:22

2. II. Moderato assai 9:08

3. III. Allegro molto, ma con garbo 6:52

4. IV. Poco pesante – Allegro ma non troppo 9:20

Symphony No. 27 in C minor, Op.85 (1949) [34:57]

5. I. Adagio – allegro animato 12:56

6. II. Adagio 14:32

7. III. Presto ma non troppo – Marciale – Tempo 1 7:30

Tracklist – Volume 12

Symphony No.16 in F major, Op.39 (1935-6) [45:53]

1. I. Allegro vivace 8:44

2. II. Andante e semplice (quasi allegretto) 10:07

3. III. Sostenuto – Andante marciale, ma sostenuto 14:13

4. IV. Tempo precedente – Allegro, ma non troppo 12:46

Symphony No.19 E flat major, Op.46 (1938-9) [23:36] For Wind band

5. I. Maestoso- Allegro giacoso 5:30

6. II. Moderato 6:25

7. III. Andante serioso 7:01

8. IV. Poco maestoso- Vivo 4:37

Tracklist – Volume 13

Salutatory Overture in C major, Op.48 (1939) [10:02]

1. Allegro con brio e maestoso 10:02

Symphony No.17 in G sharp minor, Op.41 (1936-7) [48:33]

2. I. Lento- Allegro molto agitato 15:51

3. II. Lento assai – Andantino (ma non troppo) 16:52

4. III. Allegro, poco vivace 5:15

5. IV. Andante – Allegro molto animato 10:29

Symphony No.21 in F sharp minor, Op.51 (1940) [18:40]

6. Andante sostenuto – Allegro non troppo,

ma non impeto – Tempo I 18:40

Tracklist – Volume 14

Symphony No.23 in A minor, Op.56 (1941) [33:30]

1. I. Lento 15:17

2. II. Andante molto sostenuto 10:23

3. III. Allegretto vivace 7:47

Symphony No.24 in F minor, Op.63 (1943) [39:00]

“to the memory of Vladimir Derzanovsky”

4. I. Allegro deciso 12:00

5. II. Molto sostenuto 14:43

6. III. Allegro appassionnato 12:13

Recorded 1991-93 (except Nos 3, 22) in Great Hall Moscow Conservatory (L. Abelian)

Re-Mastered extensively for Olympia by Jeffrey Ginn, London;

Executive Producer for Olympia: Jackie Campbell

Beethoven: Symphony No.9 in D minor, Op.125 ‘Choral’

amuletts — Wed, 31 Jan 2024 23:45:32 +0000

“the slow third movement… moves along at a pace few conductors would have employed fifty years ago. Yet it never sounds hurried, and the dramatic brass interruptions towards its close have an appropriately apocalyptic ring. The extraordinarily vivid recording, in which the basses are caught to stupendous effect – especially in their passages of recitative … before welcoming the ‘Ode to Joy’ theme – adds hugely to the effect.” (BBC Music magazine)
“a magnificent Ninth, done with total commitment under Haitink’s inspiring leadership…with splendid chorus and soloists in full cry, and orchestra in blazing form” (Sunday Times)

[1] I. Allegro ma non troppo, un poco maestoso 15:35
[2] II. Scherzo & Trio. Molto vivace 13:50
[3] III. Adagio molto e cantabile 14:11
[4] IV. Finale. Presto – Allegro ma non troppo – Vivace –
Adagio cantabile 24:28

Zoltán Kodály: Háry János Suite; Dances of Galánta ‘Peacock’ Variations; Dances of Marosszék

amuletts — Wed, 31 Jan 2024 23:45:32 +0000

“(Suite) “Suite is crisp and vigorous, excellent stereo …outstanding disc” (Penguin) (Dances) I much enjoyed Dorati’s way with these … The Dances from Marrossék and from Galánta are old favourites … compare Kodály’s ‘lusher’ harmonies and richer-toned orchestrations with Bartók’s more spare ones. These performances are the best of all, in my view. Dorati, a splendid conductor, shines in the music of his native Hungary. The playing of the Philharmonia Hungarica is strong and colourful” (Gramophone)

Dances of Galánta [15:05]
1. Lento 4:55 2. Allegretto moderato 2:39
3. Allegro con moto, grazioso 1:25 4. Allegro 2:53
5. Allegro vivace 3:12
Háry János Suite [21:48]
6. Prelude: The Fairy Tale Begins 3:25 7. Viennese Musical Clock 2:08
8. Song 4:54 9. The Battle and Defeat of Napoleon 3:32
10. Intermezzo 4:39 11. Entrance of the Emperor and his Court 3:07
Peacock Variations [24:37]
12. Moderato 4:18 13. Con brio 2:45 14. Vivo 2:51
15. Andante espressivo 2:25 16. Adagio – Tempo di marcia funebre 4:30
17. Andante, poco rubato 1:58 18. Allegro giocoso – Maestoso 1:56
19. Finale: Vivace – Andante cantabile – Allegro 3:50
Dances of Marosszék [13:41]
20. Maestoso – Con moto – Tempo I 4:58
21. Moderato – Tempo I – Allegro vivace – Tempo I 6:33
22. Allegro con brio 2:09

Hymns, Songs & Easter Matins from King’s College

amuletts — Wed, 31 Jan 2024 23:45:32 +0000

“A welcome guest for a Sunday night is “Hymns from King’s”. Most of them are friends for all seasons, plainly and unaffectedly sung by the choir of King’s College Cambridge under the direction of Sir David Willcocks we are spared any gimmicky accompaniments. Four Advent hymns, including Bach’s Wachet auf ! (the Nicolai harmonized version ) come from a carol procession. A bonus is Bach’s “Break forth, O Beauteous Heavenly Light” from the Christmas Oratorio, still inspiring…. (Gramophone)

[1] There is a Green Hill Far Away (Alexander/Horsley) 2:37
[2] When I Survey the Wondrous Cross (Watts/Miller) 3:49
[3] Hark! A Thrilling Voice is Sounding (C6,trans.Caswell/Monk) 3:00
[4] According to Thy Gracious Word (Montgomery/Tans’ur) 3:39
[5] Drop, Drop, Slow Tears (Fletcher/Gibbons) 1:35
[6] Glory Be to Jesus (Filitz, C18) 1:56
[7] Up! Awake! From Highest Steeple (Nicolai/Cento/Praetorius) 2:53
[8] Break Forth O Beauteous Heavenly Light (J.S.Bach) 1:38
[9] On Jordan’s Bank, the Baptist’s Cry (Coffin, trans Chandler) 3:15
[10] Holy Father, Cheer Our Way (Robinson/Filitz) 2:01
[11] Glory to Thee My God, This Night (Ken/Tallis) 2:49
[12] O Come, O Come, Emmanuel (C18 trans.T.A.Lacy) 4:16
[13] Abide with Me (Lyte/Monk) 4:53
[14] The Day Thou Gavest, Lord, is Ended (Ellerton/Scholefield) 3:20

Three Shakespeare Songs (R.Vaughan Williams)

[15] Full Fathom Five 3:25 [16] The Cloud Capp’d Towers 2:12
[17] Over Hill, Over Dale 1:07
[18] Folksong: The Turtle Dove (1924) 3:13

Two Elizabethan Part Songs (1913)

[19] The Willow Song (Othello) 1:56 [20] O Mistress Mine (Twelfth Night) 1:05
Easter Matins (music) directed by Boris Ord (Eric Fletcher, organ)
[21] Easter Carol: This Joyful Eastertide (Cowley Carol Book-Mowbray) 2:55
[22] Te Deum (Howells) 8:57 [23] Jubilate (Howells) 3:22
[24] Our Father (setting: Robert Stone, Day’s Psalter 1560) 1:08
[25] Anthem: Haec Dies (Byrd) 2:46
[26] Hymn: Jesus Lives (H.J. Gauntlett) 3:04