Alfred Deller was ‘discovered’ by Michael Tippett, and with the supprt of Tippett, Walter Bergmann and others, re-introduced the countertenor voice to the current music repertoire. His influence cannot be overstated. This CD is a tribute to Deller by musicians who have carried on his tradition in major contributions to music both in Britain and around the globe. Music from the late 17th century to the end of the 20th, of incredible beauty and charm.
Genre: Chamber Music
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John Garth – Accompanied Keyboard Sonatas, Op. 2 & Op. 4
Along with his friend and teacher Charles Avison, Garth was one of the leading lights of the music scene in northern England in the late baroque era (late 18th century). His music was completely neglected until re-introduced by The Avison Ensemble in concerts and with their groundbreaking recording of his Cello Concertos in 2007 (DDA 25059). In his lifetime Garth was best known for his Op. 2 Sonatas, written in the northern English style with accompaniment by two violins and cello; this and the Op. 4 set represent almost the last flowering of the true baroque era. Each sonata is in two-movement form and while thoroughly ‘conventional’ in style, include some masterful composition and endlessly fascinating listening.
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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.
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Trio Anima Mundi – Romantic Piano Trios
The debut disc from one of Australia’s foremost ensembles which is making a very big name in its own territory and will shortly be well known worldwide if this album is anything to go by. Wonderful performances of high-Romantic pieces. Also check out their highly acclaimed recording of English Piano Trios – rare romantic gems.
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Absolutely! – Music for string quartet and jazz soloists
When issued, this was our disc of the year, this is so new, different and unique we just love it… not mundane and simplistic crossover but a true fusion and blend of soft jazz solos and improvisations, over standard ‘straight’ classical playing: bring together the top performers Uwe Steinmetz, composer and saxophonist, jazz violinist Mads Tolling and the renowned Fitzwilliam String Quartet. Beautiful, atmospheric and a wonderful experience from beginning to end……
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Sounds of the Chionistra
The Chionistra is the beautiful Mount Olympus in Cyprus where the crocuses grow (not the one in Greece where the ancient gods ruled) … and close to home for Greek Cypriot composer Cilia Petridou, who though she moved to England in 1965, was deeply affected by the Turkish invasion of Cyprus in 1974 and the still unresolved partition of the island. CD1 (songs) and CD2 (Chamber works) reflect this tragedy and the loss of the city of Famagusta, contrasted with the happy memories of an idyllic childhood, in deeply felt, Romantically styled works beautifully performed – all first recordings.
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Haydn: Complete Notturni & Scherzandi
Among the chamber orchestral works of Joseph Haydn, these are relatively little known – his eight Nocturnes and the six Scherzandi are lovely unassuming but well balanced pieces ideal for both concert hall and salon.
This release has been sponsored and supported by the Haydn Society of Great Britain whose President, Denis McCaldin, is also the conductor here.
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Guido: The Four Seasons
Vivaldi’s Four Seasons is perhaps the “classical” work best known to the general public; until very recently this work by Giovanni Antonio Guido was almost forgotten. It is a splendid work and some scholars now think it was the first to be written and may well have been known by Vivaldi and inspired him to write his own version. In any case, this is a superb baroque work and beautifully performed by The Band of Instruments under their director Roger Hamilton.
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Antony Hopkins – A Portrait
Antony Hopkins is a phenomenon – a fact which escapes much of the public and even press who still confuse him with the actor (Anthony). Composer, pianist, conductor, broadcaster, lecturer, author … a true man of music. A live wire at the age of 91, (as we write in May 2012), his genius has suffered from fickle fashion, his ‘serious’ music being lyrical and tuneful though certainly deep and complex; his lighter music now seen as ‘period’ – and just ripe for rediscovery. This double album contains much fine music including eight pieces written by top British composers as tributes to Antony. For all interested in the evolution of 20th century music this album will be invaluable, and it’s also made with wit and humour, to suit the character of Hopkins himself.
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Magical Places
Locations can be magical in many ways – musically they can be exotic, inspired by a holiday taken by the composer, expressions of a culture or of nature; here, special places range from England (Britten’s Aldeburgh) to Siberia to North Africa. These evocative symphonic poems for piano duet all express some fascination with locale which have excited a composer and brought about these exquisite and Romantic pieces.
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Hans Gál – The Complete Piano Duos
The music of Austrian composer Hans Gál is being rediscovered and appreciated more and more for its infectious tunefulness and verve, and bears close comparison with the music of Dvorak and the other mid European late Romantics. Here is the first and only recording of his works for piano duo : the album was previously released on Olympia but only weeks before that label’s demise, so it will be new to almost everyone.
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Terzetti: Trios for Flute, Viola and Harp
This disc contains beautifully atmospheric 20th century works for flute, viola and harp, from the well known Zodiac Trio of Mathias, to the lesser-known gem by Dubois. Three of Britain’s foremost soloists join to provide a memorable program.