A belated thank you for your support, Antonio.

Saturday, May 30, 2015

Arthur Honegger - Symphonies (Serge Baudo)


Information

Composer: Arthur Honegger

CD1:
  1. Symphony No. 1 in C major, H75: 1. Allegro marcato
  2. Symphony No. 1 in C major, H75: 2. Adagio
  3. Symphony No. 1 in C major, H75: 3. Presto
  4. Symphony No. 2 for strings & trumpet ad lib in D major, H153: 1. Molto moderato - Allegro
  5. Symphony No. 2 for strings & trumpet ad lib in D major, H153: 2. Adagio mesto
  6. Symphony No. 2 for strings & trumpet ad lib in D major, H153: 3. Vivace non troppo
  7. Symphony No. 3 "Liturgique", H186: 1. Dies irae. Allegro marcato
  8. Symphony No. 3 "Liturgique", H186: 2. De profundis clamavi. Adagio
  9. Symphony No. 3 "Liturgique", H186: 3. Dona nobis pacem. Andante
CD2:
  1. Symphony No. 4 "Deliciae Basiliensis", H191: 1. Lento e misterioso - Allegro
  2. Symphony No. 4 "Deliciae Basiliensis", H191: 2. Larghetto
  3. Symphony No. 4 "Deliciae Basiliensis", H191: 3. Allegro
  4. Symphony No. 5 in D major "Di Tre Re", H202: 1. Grave
  5. Symphony No. 5 in D major "Di Tre Re", H202: 2. Allegretto - Adagio - Allegretto
  6. Symphony No. 5 in D major "Di Tre Re", H202: 3. Allegro marcato
  7. Pacific 231 (Mouvement symphonique No. 1), H53
  8. Pastorale d'été, H31
  9. Chant de joie, H47

Czech Philharmonic Orchestra
Serge Baudo, conductor
Dates: 1960 (Nos. 2 & 3), 1963 (No. 5 & H53), 1973 (Nos. 1 & 4), 1986 (H48a & H83)
Label: Supraphon

More info & reviews:
http://www.amazon.com/Honegger-Symphonies-Serge-Baudo/dp/B000025R6S.


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Arthur Honegger (10 March 1892 – 27 November 1955) was a Swiss composer, who was born in France and lived a large part of his life in Paris. He was a member of Les Six. His most frequently performed work is probably the orchestral work Pacific 231, which was inspired by the sound of a steam locomotive. His style is weightier and more solemn than that of his colleagues in Les Six.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Arthur_Honegger

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Serge Baudo (born 16 July 1927, Marseille) is a French conductor, the son of the oboist Étienne Baudo. He is the nephew of the cellist Paul Tortelier. Serge Baudo was one of the leading French conductors of the twentieth century, although he never quite achieved the international celebrity status of Pierre Monteux or even Jean Martinon.

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Friday, May 29, 2015

Arthur Honegger - Orchestral Works (Jean Martinon)


Information

Composer: Arthur Honegger
  1. Pacific 231, symphonic movement No. 1
  2. Rugby, symphonic movement No. 2
  3. Pastorale d'été, symphonic poem
  4. Une Cantate de Noël, cantata for baritone, chorus, organ & orchestra

Camille Maurane, baryton-martin (The highest baritone-voice, named after the French singer, Martin, and found only in French repertoire) (4)
Henriette Puig-Roget, organ (4)
Choeur d'oratorio et Maîtrise de l'ORTF (4)
Orchestre National de l'ORTF
Jean Martinon, conductor
Date: 1971
Label: EMI

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Reviews

ARTISTIC QUALITY: 9 / SOUND QUALITY: 7

There may have been better played performances of Pacific 231 (Zinman’s recent Decca recording, for example), but Jean Martinon’s typically clear, expertly balanced effort reveals more detail than most, and the slight coarseness in execution arguably suits the locomotive subject matter. Both Rugby and Pastorale d’été also work well, the first appropriately muscular and athletic, the second subtly colored and bittersweet, its sinuous woodwind lines clinging like ivy to a supporting trellis of strings. The most important item, however, is the Christmas Cantata, a deliciously un-tacky contrapuntal mélange of traditional tunes and stylistically appropriate original material–one of the finest works of its type. With Baudo’s excellent Supraphon recording currently unavailable, this MHS reissue of EMI’s becomes the only show in town, and a fine one it is. Self-recommending.

-- David Hurwitz, ClassicsToday


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Arthur Honegger (10 March 1892 – 27 November 1955) was a Swiss composer, who was born in France and lived a large part of his life in Paris. He was a member of Les Six. His most frequently performed work is probably the orchestral work Pacific 231, which was inspired by the sound of a steam locomotive. His style is weightier and more solemn than that of his colleagues in Les Six.

***

Jean Martinon (10 January 1910 – 1 March 1976) was a French conductor and composer. He studied at Paris Conservatory under Albert Roussel for composition, under Charles Munch and Roger Désormière for conducting, under Vincent d'Indy for harmony, and under Jules Boucherit for violin. Martinon's repertoire focused on the works of early twentieth century French and Russian composers.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jean_Martinon

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Wednesday, May 27, 2015

Antonio Vivaldi - Concerti per mandolini; Concerti con molti strumenti (Europa Galante; Fabio Biondi)


Information

Composer: Antonio Vivaldi
  • Concerto for 2 mandolins in G major, RV 532
  • Concerto con molti strumenti in C major, RV 558
  • Concerto con molti stromenti in G minor "dedicato a Sua Altezza Reale di Sassonia", RV 576
  • Concerto for 2 violins, 2 cellos in D major, RV 564
  • Concerto for violin in G minor "dedicato a sig. Pisendel", RV 319
  • Concerto for mandolin in C major, RV 425
  • Concerto con molti stromenti in C major, RV 555

Europa Galante
Fabio Biondi, violin & conductor
Date: 2002
Label: Erato (original recorded for Virgin)

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Reviews

ARTISTIC QUALITY: 10 / SOUND: QUALITY: 10

This delicious collection contains two of Vivaldi's most remarkable creations, the Concertos RV 555 and RV 558, scored for a vast ensemble including solo mandolins, recorders, oboes, chalumeaux, cellos, harpsichords, theorbos, viole all'inglese, and something called "violini in tromba marina", which no one to this day is entirely sure about. And my, how Fabio Biondi and Europa Galante do play! At first the tempos sound excessively fleet, but when you hear how well these players handle their solo episodes, and sense their joy in the excesses of Baroque instrumental writing and the opportunities for virtuosity that it offers, then it's practically impossible not to be swept away in the sheer excitement of it all. That said, if you love this music you also should hear Leonard Bernstein's wonderful performance (on Sony) of Alfredo Casella's edition of RV 558, rescored for an equally extravagant ensemble of modern instruments.

The heart of this collection lies in the three concertos featuring solo mandolin (RV 532 actually requires two), which number among Vivaldi's most piquantly appealing inspirations. RV 576, scored for solo violin, two recorders, three oboes, and solo bassoon, also represents the composer at his most inventive and expansive, and the quality of the wind playing here is second to none in the period instrument world. In short, you will find in these performances more than sufficient evidence to refute the notion that Vivaldi wrote the same concerto 600 times. Or at all events, he only did it 593 times: these seven works remain outstanding for their character and individuality, and you won't find them better played or more immaculately recorded anywhere.

-- David Hurwitz, ClassicsToday

More reviews:
http://www.musicweb-international.com/classrev/2002/Nov02/vivaldi_concertos_for_mandolins.htm
http://www.allmusic.com/album/vivaldi-concerti-per-mandolini-mw0001405703
http://www.classical.net/music/recs/reviews/v/vir45527a.php

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Antonio Vivaldi (4 March 1678 – 28 July 1741) was an Italian composer and violinist. He is recognized as one of the greatest Baroque composers, known mainly for composing many instrumental concertos, sacred choral works and more than forty operas. His best-known work is a series of violin concertos known as The Four Seasons.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Antonio_Vivaldi

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Fabio Biondi (born 15 March 1961 in Palermo, Italy) is an Italian violinist and conductor. Biondi is Italy's leading period instrument and Baroque violinist and is one of the leading European violinists. In 1989, he founded Europa Galante, Italy's first dedicated Baroque original instruments orchestra. Since then, he has served as its conductor and music director, as well as solo violinist.

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Antonio Vivaldi - Concerti including "L'amoroso" (The English Concert; Trevor Pinnock)


Information

Composer: Antonio Vivaldi
  • Concerto in A major for strings, RV 159
  • Concerto in E major for violin, RV 271 - "L'amoroso"
  • Concerto in E minor for bassoon, RV 484
  • Concerto in G major for flute, RV 436
  • Concerto in D minor for viola d'amore & lute, RV 540
  • Concerto in G major for oboe & bassoon, RV 545

The English Concert
Trevor Pinnock, conductor & harpsichord
Date: 1986
Label: Deutsche Grammophon
More info & reviews:
http://www.amazon.com/Concerti-LAmoroso-Vivaldi/dp/B00000E3GR

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Antonio Vivaldi (4 March 1678 – 28 July 1741) was an Italian composer and violinist. He is recognized as one of the greatest Baroque composers, known mainly for composing many instrumental concertos, sacred choral works and more than forty operas. His best-known work is a series of violin concertos known as The Four Seasons.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Antonio_Vivaldi

***

Trevor Pinnock (born 16 December 1946) is an English harpsichordist and conductor. He is best known for his association with the period-performance orchestra The English Concert which he helped found and directed from the keyboard for over 30 years in baroque and early classical music

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Antonio Vivaldi - Concerti "L'estro Armonico" (Roberto Michelucci; I Musici)


Information

Composer: Antonio Vivaldi

CD1:
  • Concerto in D major for 4 violins, Op. 3 No. 1, RV 549
  • Concerto in G minor for 2 violins & cello, Op. 3 No. 2, RV 578
  • Concerto in G major for solo violin, Op. 3 No. 3, RV 310
  • Concerto in E minor for 4 violins, Op. 3 No. 4, RV 550
  • Concerto in A major for 2 violins, Op. 3 No. 5, RV 519
  • Concerto in A minor for solo violin, Op. 3 No. 6, RV 356
CD2:
  • Concerto in F major for 4 violins & cello, Op. 3 No. 7, RV 567
  • Concerto in A minor for 2 violins, Op. 3 No. 8, RV 522
  • Concerto in D major for solo violin, Op. 3 No. 9, RV 230
  • Concerto in B minor for 4 violins & cello, Op. 3 No. 10, RV 580
  • Concerto in D minor for 2 violins & cello, Op. 3 No. 11, RV 565
  • Concerto in E major for solo violin, Op. 3 No. 12, RV 265

Roberto Michelucci, violin
I Musici
Date: 1962
Label: Philips
More info & reviews:
http://www.deccaclassics.com/us/cat/4461692
http://www.amazon.com/LEstro-Armonico-Antonio-Vivaldi/dp/B0000041BZ

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Antonio Vivaldi (4 March 1678 – 28 July 1741) was an Italian composer and violinist. He is recognized as one of the greatest Baroque composers, known mainly for composing many instrumental concertos, sacred choral works and more than forty operas. His best-known work is a series of violin concertos known as The Four Seasons.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Antonio_Vivaldi

***

Roberto Michelucci (29 October 1922 – 1 November 2010) is an Italian classical violinist. His discographic recordings have been admired by many critics, and won many prizes at his label (Philips). His vast repertory included baroque through contemporary composers, and many authors composed works especially for him, for example the Concerto lirico per violino e orchestra by Valentino Bucchi.

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Antonio Vivaldi - Concerti "Le quattro stagioni" (Pina Carmirelli)


Information

Composer: Antonio Vivaldi
  1. Violin Concerto in E major, Op. 8, No. 1, R. 269 "La Primavera": 1. Allegro
  2. Violin Concerto in E major, Op. 8, No. 1, R. 269 "La Primavera": 2. Largo
  3. Violin Concerto in E major, Op. 8, No. 1, R. 269 "La Primavera": 3. Allegro (Danza pastorale)
  4. Violin Concerto in G minor, Op. 8, No. 2, R. 315 "L'estate": 1. Allegro non molto - Allegro
  5. Violin Concerto in G minor, Op. 8, No. 2, R. 315 "L'estate": 2. Adagio - Presto - Adagio
  6. Violin Concerto in G minor, Op. 8, No. 2, R. 315 "L'estate": 3. Presto (Tempo impetuoso d'estate)
  7. Violin Concerto in F major, Op. 8, No. 3, R. 293 "L'autunno": 1. Allegro (Ballo, e canto de' villanelli)
  8. Violin Concerto in F major, Op. 8, No. 3, R. 293 "L'autunno": 2. Adagio molto (Ubriachi dormienti)
  9. Violin Concerto in F major, Op. 8, No. 3, R. 293 "L'autunno": 3. Allegro (La caccia)
  10. Violin Concerto in F minor, Op. 8, No. 4, R. 297 "L'inverno": 1. Allegro non molto
  11. Violin Concerto in F minor, Op. 8, No. 4, R. 297 "L'inverno": 2. Largo
  12. Violin Concerto in F minor, Op. 8, No. 4, R. 297 "L'inverno": 3. Allegro

Pina Carmirelli, violin
I Musici
Date: 1982
Label: Philips
http://www.deccaclassics.com/us/cat/4100012

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Reviews

'What of I Musici’s performances? That they know the music inside out is beyond doubt. Both performances display a suitably chamber-scaled approach in the playing that is beneficial to obtaining clearly defined musical lines. Both soloists play with credit in their respective versions, although I marginally prefer the slightly rounder tone achieved by Federico Agostino on the DVD. Taken as a whole neither performance is likely to disappoint or leave feathers overly ruffled for the wrong reasons. Differences of tempi between the two versions are generally slight, and neither version is consistently faster than the other. On the whole the reading is more effective when a touch more time is allowed for the music to breathe and establish itself within the recorded acoustic.'

-- Evan Dickerson, MusicWeb International
reviewing Philips 000677810 (Vivaldi: Four Seasons - Pina Carmirelli, I Music [CD+DVD])

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'... For listeners who yearn for those long-gone days of warmth and sweetness, I Musici's performances will be just the thing. Start with leader and soloist Federico Agostini. His tone could melt the coldest heart, his intonation could soften the hardest mind, and his interpretations might even persuade the toughest period performance practice aficionado. And the players of I Musici are clearly cut from the same bolt of lush, plush cloth. Although old timers may recall the original I Musici as being warm but less insistent and sweet but less voluptuous, presumably they, too, would be unable to resist this I Musici's opulent charms. As captured in Philips' full, deep, and clear sound, this performance will make the old timers feel young and the youngsters wonder what they've been missing.'

-- James Leonard, AllMusic
reviewing Philips 000677810 (Vivaldi: Four Seasons - Pina Carmirelli, I Music [CD+DVD])

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Antonio Vivaldi (4 March 1678 – 28 July 1741) was an Italian composer and violinist. He is recognized as one of the greatest Baroque composers, known mainly for composing many instrumental concertos, sacred choral works and more than forty operas. His best-known work is a series of violin concertos known as The Four Seasons.

***

Pina Carmirelli (23 January 1914 - 26 February 1993) was an Italian violinist. She was a tenured professor of advanced studies at the Accademia di Santa Cecilia from 1941. She performed in recitals with Rudolf Serkin and Sergio Lorenzi and as a soloist under the direction of Carlo Maria Giulini. She was also first violin of I Musici. As musicologist she edited the critical edition of the work of Boccherini.

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