David Earl is a fine British composer whose music is at once traditional in its tonality but also absolutely individual and distinctive. This is the first recording of his Cello Sonata, played by cellist George Corbett with James Sherlock (piano); the composer himself performs his exotic Piano Suite No. 3, a musical representation of Buddhist mandalas.
Booklet notes in English, French and German.
A fine recital of 20th century music for flute and piano by English composers including some rare pieces, all melodic and memorable. A special recording as it features the traditional “English” wooden flute rather than the metal flute now more prevalent. Its warm tone embellishes these works even more.
From one of the UK’s most celebrated and accomplished violinists comes a recording of personal favourites in a recital of romantic and lyrical music par excellence. Madeleine Mitchell is enjoying a highly successful career in both recording and live recitals, and her first CD for Divine Art is a joyful celebration of her chosen instrument. With highly accomplished pianist Andrew Ball, and joined in Strauss’s “Morgen” by soprano Elizabeth Watts, winner of the 2007 Recital Prize at the Cardiff “Singer of the World” competition. Included is the first ever recording of the newly-discovered Morceau Caracteristique by Frank Bridge.
Brian Chapple is a British composer of great skill who has not yet been as fully recognised as he deserves. This CD includes music for both solo piano and piano duo, demonstrating a range of styles from the very serious “Requies” to the fun-filled and jazz-inspired “Burlesque”. As ever, performed to perfection by Anthony Goldstone and Caroline Clemmow.
There are many fine compositions still lying undiscovered, and until recently this was true of the six Cello Concertos by John Garth. This native of Durham in Northern England proves to be a brilliant composer, and these concertos (which are believed to be the earliest examples of the Cello Concerto written in Britain) are surely the equal of those produced by Handel. Played on period instruments by one of Britain’s leading baroque-music ensembles.
Kenneth Smith is principal flute of the Philharmonia Orchestra, and also has a busy solo career; for many years he has partnered pianist Paul Rhodes, in a duo which has gained an enviable reputation for quality in both the concert hall and on recordings. The duo’s first CD for Divine Art features a glorious programme of French romantic music*.
Supplied in a high quality digipak. Cover art: from “Paris by Night” by the esteemed artist Nina Mikhailenko.
* We know Franck was Belgian – but he was also a Francophone, and spent much time in Paris.
Etienne Cutajar is a star of the future and an extraordinarily gifted horn player. This CD presents music for horn with piano, with harp and solo. Included are two world première recordings: the Fantasie Sonata by Charles Camilleri (who attended the recording sessions and was most delighted with the performance!) and Jean-Michel Damase’s “Aspects”.
Booklet notes in English, French, German.
Charles Avison was long neglected, but is now being recognised as one of the most brilliant and accomplished English composers of the 18th century. These 12 Concerti are based on Geminiani’s opus 1 violin sonatas,are played on period instruments and are recorded here for the first time, by the group which has itself made a reputation as one of the finest instrumental ensembles in Europe. The first of our series of major Avison releases. (All Five Volumes available in a single set at large discount!).
Three major works from the renowned Swiss composer Thomas Fortmann – including the first CD recording of his chamber works Ladyboy and Tango Catolico, which have been very popular in broadcast performances. In Requiem for an Unborn Child we hear a work which has received enormous acclaim in Europe – challenging, uncomfortable words, eclectic and distinctive yet completely accessible musical language which draws much upon the German music-theatre tradition of Weill and cabaret-song.
Mozart wrote one complete sonata for two pianos, the famous D major, here in a superb performance. But he also left sketches of a second work in B flat, which has been completed and realised by Anthony Goldstone. Together with Goldstone’s transcription of the Adagio and Rondo, originally written for glass harmonica, and arrangements by Busoni and Grieg, this is perhaps one of the most fascinating and unusual programmes of Mozart available.
A most important world première recording – possibly the world’s most loved piano concerto, in the arrangement for two pianos partly written by Grieg himself. The CD also contains the first recording of Grieg’s piano version of the Homage March indomitably played as always by Britain’s leading piano duo.
Though E.J. Moeran is one of the leading British composers of the 20th century,very little of his music was commercially recorded during his lifetime – this is all of it!
This performance of the Symphony from 1942 is still widely regarded as the best version ever recorded.
CD contains:
String Trio in G major (recorded 1941)
Jean Pougnet, Frederick Riddle, Anthony Pini
Symphony in G minor (recorded 1942)
The Halle Orchestra, conducted by Leslie Heward
Songs:
Diaphenia and The Sweet o’ the Year (recorded 1945)
Heddle Nash (tenor)
O Sweet fa’s the Eve (recorded 1925)
Can’t you Dance the Polka? (recorded 1925)
Sheep Shearing (recorded 1926)
John Goss (baritone) & Cathedral Male Voice Quartet