Divine Art Records

Label: Divine Art

  • John Ellis – Music for Organ, Vol. 2

    John Ellis – Music for Organ, Vol. 2

    Volume 1 of the John Ellis Organ music was recorded by Ronald Frost and received much acclaim. This CD featuring the extremely talented young organist Robin Walker continues the theme of music which is very firmly in the English Cathedral tradition, but which, as several critics have commented, also displays a very remarkable and distinctive voice – and is as suitable for recital performance as much as within the confines of liturgical use. The brilliant Symphony is perhaps the prime example of this genre to be written in recent years. A recording we are delighted to have in our catalogue. See volume 1 here.

    WE ARE SORRY TO NOTE THAT JOHN ELLIS DIED ON APRIL 26, 2010. A GREAT LOSS TO MUSIC.

  • Mahler: Symphony No. 10

    Mahler: Symphony No. 10

    The unfinished yet magnificent Tenth is a fitting climax to probably the most glorious and exceptional symphonic oeuvre; truly the spirit of music. The first movement was transcribed for piano by Ronald Stevenson, and with his guidance and encouragement, the remaining four movements have been transcribed by Christopher White, who here presents the premiere recording of what is not only a transcription but a very fine and substantial work for solo piano.

  • Russian Piano Music, Vol. 4 – Lyapunov

    Russian Piano Music, Vol. 4 – Lyapunov

    Our series continues with one of the lesser known figures of 20th century Russian music – and some wonderful music which is brilliantly constructed. This is high Romantic music at its very best; a sumptuous Sonata, and several more pieces which can be considered equal to the established repertoire and is truly among the most virtuosic and rich music ever written.

    (previously very briefly available on Olympia)

  • Russian Piano Music Vol. 2 – Rebikov

    Russian Piano Music Vol. 2 – Rebikov

    Apart from the regular use of some his works in examination syllabuses, the music of Rebikov (1866-1920) is shockingly neglected – most items on this CD are receiving their first recording – and this is the composer who was once called ‘the father of Russian modernism’. One of the first proponents of the whole-tone scale, his music is in a bewildering array of styles, foreshadowing composers as diverse as Debussy, Stravinsky, Copland and Villa-Lobos.

    The music here, apart from the 20-minute Esclavage et liberté, consists of a number of suites of impressionist music. Modern, but bright, direct and often humorous music makes Rebikov the perfect composer for pianists and piano enthusiasts whatever their preferences in genre.

  • Russian Piano Music Vol. 3 – Glière

    Russian Piano Music Vol. 3 – Glière

    Unknown piano gems written from 1906 to 1909 by the late-Romantic doyen of Russian early/mid 20th-century music, including the towering 25 Preludes, Op. 30, Mazurkas and Esquisses. Exquisite high Romantic music from a composer far better-known for his epic symphonies and orchestral works.

    (previously released on Olympia)

  • Bach: The Six Partitas

    Bach: The Six Partitas

    Though published as Bach’s Opus 1, the Partitas were composed as Bach was approaching 40 and working in Leipzig. Their varied and changeable movement styles differentiate them considerably from the structure of works such as the French and English Suites, which are otherwise like sets of dance movements.

    Judith Lambden is a well established Australian pianist with a long-established reputation as an interpreter of Bach. In this, her first CD for Divine Art, she gives us all a chance to re-evaluate splendid works which (in terms of Bach’s output) are relatively little known. At almost 80 minutes on each CD, a true high-value set at mid-price.

  • Russian Piano Music Vol. 1 – Shostakovich and Comrades

    Russian Piano Music Vol. 1 – Shostakovich and Comrades

    McLachlan has long had a fine reputation as a performer of Russian music, as well as championing brilliant but little-known composers such as Williamson and Chisholm (see the composer index). On this CD, he presents the Piano Sonatas nos 1 and 2 by Shostakovich with works by composers in his circle; though not Russian, the piece by Roland Stevenson is included both because it is based on Shostakovich’s name, but also because Stevenson, politically, can genuinely be called a ‘comrade’ of those devoted to Socialism but fighting the Stalinist regime.

    Save %%%% with the entire Series up to vol. 12. More albums being added regularly.

  • The Piano at the Carnival

    The Piano at the Carnival

    Carnival is a concept of public merry making enjoyed in many countries and a natural inspiration for composers. In the second of his trilogy of piano music related to public entertainments Anthony Goldstone again excels in musicianship in a superb programme which includes the first recording of the entirety of Khachaturian’s Masquerade Suite in the piano version.

    Be sure also to check out Anthony Goldstone’s companion CDs The Piano at the Ballet, vol. 1 (DDA25073), The Piano at the Ballet, vol. 2DDA 25148 and A Night at the Opera (DDA25067).

  • Unaccompanied

    Unaccompanied

    It takes a particular and extreme level of skill and dedication to perform virtuoso works for unaccompanied solo violin; suffice it to say these are qualities held by George Zacharias without doubt. This is a tour-de-force of musicianship and technique – and wonderful music too. Bartok’s Sonata is presented in its original version and of the two awesome Paganini works, the ‘God Save the King’ Variations are very rarely heard.

  • Sacred Hearts & Secret Music

    Sacred Hearts & Secret Music

    This CD stands on its own merits as an exceptional programme of early sacred music, transcribed for and performed by the etherially beautiful voices of Musica Secreta and Celestial Sirens. However, like their earlier CD (DDA 25062) it has an added rationale, as the ‘virtual sound-track’ to the superb new novel ‘Sacred Hearts’, by Sarah Dunant. The music on the CD refers directly to many of the scenes and events in the book, allowing the reader/listener to more fully absorb themselves into the ancient world and characters so wonderfully portrayed.

    ‘Sacred Hearts’ is published in the UK by Virago, and in the USA by Random House. The book and CD have been heavily featured in the media in the UK including BBC Radio ‘Woman’s Hour’, the South bank Festival and so on.

  • Haydn : Stabat Mater, Libera Me etc.

    Haydn : Stabat Mater, Libera Me etc.

    Haydn’s wonderful Stabat Mater is far less well known than those of Pergolesi and other composers; this recording made in Paris in 1978 was a pioneering version using reconstructed scores and revised by renowned musicologist and scholar H C Robbins Landon. Also included is the even rarer LIBERA ME, only discovered in the mid 20th century. The soloists are: ANNA MARIA BONDI (soprano), CLAUDIA EDER (mezzo), AXEL REICHARDT (tenor) and KÜRT KRATTINGER (bass) with the Choral Philippe Caillard.

    As bonus tracks, we include classic 1964 recordings of the 44th Symphony (Trauersinfonie) and the rare Double Concerto for Violin and Harpsichord, which features violinist Jacques Francis Manzone and harpsichordist Françoise Petit.

  • Avison: Trio Sonatas, op. 1 and Keyboard Sonatas, op. 8

    Avison: Trio Sonatas, op. 1 and Keyboard Sonatas, op. 8

    The fourth in our series of Avison’s music, and part of the Complete Edition completed at the end of 2009. These hitherto unknown works are real baroque gems. The op. 1 Trio Sonatas led by the strings, are accompanied by Robert Howarth on chest organ continuo; while Robert moves front of stage and to the harpsichord in the Keyboard Sonatas, op. 8.

    These recordings issued at bargain price help further to confirm that 18th century England was a place of fine creative artistry in music. Purchase the low-price five-volume set.