Divine Art Records

Composer: Felix Mendelssohn

  • Burkard Schliessmann: Live & Encores

    Burkard Schliessmann: Live & Encores

    As well as exceptional performances, this recording offers phenomenal sound. The recording was made on 3-5 April 2023 at the Fazioli Concert Hall in Sacile, Italy in 5-channel Dolby Atmos high-definition audio and is being produced as a hybrid multichannel SACD presented as a beautiful 2 CD boxed set and 60 page booklet.**

    The instrument used is a Fazioli F278 which Schliessmann has purchased. The recording was made ‘live’ in front of a specially invited audience and thanks to the amazing support of the Fazioli family will also be presented in concert in Venice in the near future.

    German pianist Burkard Schliessmann has been receiving glowing accolades everywhere for his concert performances and recordings, for his virtuosity and also for his individual and highly-considered interpretation of the great music from the late Baroque and Romantic eras particularly.

    Following five previous albums all of which have been exceptionally well received, ‘Live and Encores’ offers the opportunity to present different interpretations in single take recordings of a wide range of repertoire. The double Album displays a variety of stylistic elements from Bach to Mendelssohn (whose early Romantic work was highly influenced by Bach) through the High Romanticism of Schumann to Chopin, whose single waltz here represents the pinnacle of Romantic pianism.

  • Mind Music

    Mind Music

    An Album for Charitable Support.

    Parkinson's UK
    Proceeds from the sale of this CD are in aid of Parkinson’s UK

    Degenerative brain diseases (Parkinson’s and Alzheimer’s in particular) cause immense distress to sufferers and their families. This album is released to raise funds for research into cures, through Parkinsons UK. Both the soloists lost parents to these diseases hence their wish to support the research. They have chosen works by composers all of whom were similarly afflicted – either in themselves or their close families. Mendelssohn died at a very young age due to degenerative disease, Strauss wrote his work during a period of severe influenza and depression, and Kevin Malone and John Adams struggled to cope when their fathers both succumbed to Alzheimers.

    The works here are serious, often poignant, but also humorous and full of hope. A delightful performance by the two clarinet soloists is bolstered by the excellent Northern Chamber Orchestra.

  • The Expressive Voice of the Flute

    The Expressive Voice of the Flute

    Among the instruments, the flute is one which has one of the widest expressive tones, especially heard to advantage in this collection of 46 light classics, ranging from the dreamy and romantic to the lively and sparkling. Original works are joined by many arrangements of popular orchestral or piano pieces, many by the performers. A feast of virtuosity and superb for both concentrated listening or lightening the mood. Over 145 minutes of great music. This set is a sequel to ‘Flute Vocalise’ (DDV24156) another fine collection (single CD midprice).

    Some tracks on this set were previously available on ASV and have been remastered and new recordings added.

  • A Song Without Words – The Legacy of Paul Taffanel

    A Song Without Words – The Legacy of Paul Taffanel

    In the late 19th and early 20th century, Paul Taffanel was probably the most influential figure in the world of flute music, as performer and composer, but more so as inspirer, commissioner and supporter of fine works by a multitude of composers; this set contains many of those, most of which, having fallen out of fashion in the modernist 20th century, have never been recorded until now – indeed many have been unperformed for years. A great shame as these are without exception, exquisite and lovely works, beautifully performed. One or two well known pieces are included too. The artists have put an immense amount of dedication into this, their ‘magnum opus’. over 76 minutes on each CD all at mid price.

  • A Night at the Opera

    A Night at the Opera

    Paraphrases, transcriptions and variations on operatic themes for piano solo. Some well known pieces here and some very rare pieces, all stunningly performed and the most wonderful programme of delights. Be sure also to check out Anthony Goldstone’s companion CDs The Piano at the Ballet (DDA25073), Piano at the Ballet volume 2 (DDA 25148)and The Piano at the Carnival (DDA25076).

    “Played with real charm. Of all the CDs I’ve heard of these virtuoso showpieces based on other music this is one of the best … a great pianist.” – Rob Cowan (BBC Radio 3, 16 June 2008)

    Also available are two totally different sets of transcriptions played by Andrew Wright: The Operatic Pianist DDA 25113 and DDA 25153

  • Mendelssohn: ELIJAH

    Mendelssohn: ELIJAH

    The first ever complete recording of this favourite oratorio from 1930.
    Cast includes:
    HAROLD WILLIAMS as Elijah

    ISOBEL BAILLIE     as an Angel
    PARRY JONES as Obadiah
    CLARA SERENA as an Angel
    TOM PURVIS as Ahab, with
    BERKELEY MASON (organ), THE WIRELESS SINGERS,
    BBC NATIONAL CHORUS & ORCHESTRA
    conducted by STANFORD ROBINSON
    Superb vintage performances and much critical acclaim.

  • Dvorak & Mendelssohn Symphonies

    Dvorak & Mendelssohn Symphonies

    DVOŘÁK: “New World” Symphony
    MENDELSSOHN: “Scottish” Symphony
    both in the composers’ own four-hand versions

    There are hundreds of works which have been arranged for piano duet, many quite mediocre. But there are some magnificent works, including those selected by Goldstone & Clemmow, Britain’s top duo. The two symphonies on this disc are such examples, both having been written by the composers as original versions and not as an afterthought. We believe that this is the first recording of the “Scottish” Symphony in this version.