Yefim Bronfman, David Zinman, Tonhalle-Orchester Zürich - Ludwig van Beethoven: Piano Concertos Nos. 1 & 2 (2007)

Posted By: ArlegZ
Yefim Bronfman, David Zinman, Tonhalle-Orchester Zürich - Ludwig van Beethoven: Piano Concertos Nos. 1 & 2 (2007)

Yefim Bronfman, David Zinman, Tonhalle-Orchester Zürich - Ludwig van Beethoven: Piano Concertos Nos. 1 & 2 (2007)
EAC | FLAC | Image (Cue & Log) ~ 228 Mb | Total time: 67:01 | Scans included
Classical | Label: Arte Nova Classics | # ANO 825870 | Recorded: 2005

"I don't think I've ever heard Bronfman play better." - Gramophone

Philippe Herreweghe, Collegium Vocale, Ghent, Barbara Schlick - Johann Sebastian Bach: Mass in B minor (2009)

Posted By: ArlegZ
Philippe Herreweghe, Collegium Vocale, Ghent, Barbara Schlick - Johann Sebastian Bach: Mass in B minor (2009)

Philippe Herreweghe, Collegium Vocale, Ghent, Barbara Schlick - Johann Sebastian Bach: Mass in B minor (2009)
EAC | FLAC | Image (Cue & Log) ~ 482 Mb | Total time: 54:30+52:09 | Scans included
Classical | Label: Virgin Veritas | # 6 93197 2 | Recorded: 1988

Originally recorded in 1988, this was one of the recordings that made historical performance practice the mainstream when it came to Bach's major choral works. Every moment of the mass was thought through anew, every bit of conventional piety purged. Major B minor mass recordings in the following years have developed one aspect or another further than conductor Philippe Herreweghe does here; Masaaki Suzuki's Bach Collegium Japan chisels out the counterpoint in greater detail, and for grand reverential warmth there's always John Eliot Gardiner. But for a constant sense of wonder that makes even the larger harmonic structure of the mass seem surprising as it unfolds – for a real sense of a group responding not only to a conductor's control but to his artistic vision – this reading by Herreweghe and his Collegium Vocale Ghent remains unexcelled.

Julien Chauvin, Le Concert de la Loge - Antonio Vivaldi: Concerti per violino X 'Intorno a Pisendel' (2022)

Posted By: ArlegZ
Julien Chauvin, Le Concert de la Loge - Antonio Vivaldi: Concerti per violino X 'Intorno a Pisendel' (2022)

Julien Chauvin, Le Concert de la Loge - Antonio Vivaldi: Concerti per violino X 'Intorno a Pisendel' (2022)
EAC | FLAC | Image (Cue & Log) ~ 403 Mb | Total time: 60:10 | Scans included
Classical | Label: Naïve | # OP 7546 | Recorded: 2021

This tenth volume of violin concertos marks the return of Julien Chauvin and his Concert de la Loge to the Vivaldi Edition, with works linked to Pisendel, a major musical figure in the court of Dresden in the 18th century. Julien Chauvin and his Concert de la Loge released a hugely successful volume of Vivaldi concertos with a theatrical theme in 2020. In this new album they perform works focusing on Johann Georg Pisendel (1687-1755), konzertmeister at the Dresden Court chapel, and pupil and friend of Vivaldi, who played a key role in the popularity of the Red Priest's music in Dresden.

Manlio Benzi, Orchestra Internazionale d'Italia - Charles Gounod: Polyeucte (2005)

Posted By: ArlegZ
Manlio Benzi, Orchestra Internazionale d'Italia - Charles Gounod: Polyeucte (2005)

Manlio Benzi, Orchestra Internazionale d'Italia - Charles Gounod: Polyeucte (2005)
EAC | FLAC | Image (Cue & Log) ~ 670 Mb | Total time: 76:54+75:31 | Scans included
Classical | Label: Dynamic ‎| CDS 474/1-2 | Recorded: 2004

There is much to enjoy in this forgotten (save for an aria or two), late (1878) Gounod opera. Essentially the same story as Donizetti’s Poliuto, its title character is a convert to Christianity under the Romans, and his wife Pauline tries to protect him. The Emperor’s envoy, Sévère, still loves Pauline, to whom he was once betrothed–but despite his hatred of Christians, Sévère is noble and tries to save Polyeucte. But the latter insists on making a public scene denouncing idols, and at the end, along with Pauline “who has been converted by the grace of God”, goes to his death in the public arena. Aside from a sappy baptism scene the likes of which would make the Massenet of Thaïs blush with shame, the opera is tuneful, with exciting arias and duets and an ensemble or two, although none of it remains very long in the memory.

Trevor Pinnock, The English Concert ‎- Handel: Music for the Royal Fireworks, Concerti a due cori (1985)

Posted By: ArlegZ
Trevor Pinnock, The English Concert ‎- Handel: Music for the Royal Fireworks, Concerti a due cori (1985)

Trevor Pinnock, The English Concert ‎- Handel: Music for the Royal Fireworks, Concerti a due cori (1985)
EAC | FLAC | Tracks (Cue & Log) ~ 277 Mb | Total time: 53:28 | Scans included
Classical | Label: ARCHIV Produktion | # 415 129-2 | Recorded: 1984

This disc, very well recorded in 1984, presents the Fireworks music on period instruments but in the version that includes the strings. Pinnock later recorded the version that used a large wind band. The rest of this disc features two concertos for two horns which prove to be thoroughly entertaining.

Michel Chapuis - Johann Sebastian Bach: Complete Organ Works [14CDs] (2013)

Posted By: ArlegZ
Michel Chapuis - Johann Sebastian Bach: Complete Organ Works [14CDs] (2013)

Michel Chapuis - Johann Sebastian Bach: Complete Organ Works [14CDs] (2013)
EAC | FLAC | Image (Cue & Log) ~ 4,35 Gb | Total time: 14:45:12 | Scans included
Classical | Label: United Archives | # NUA05 | Recorded: 1966-1970

This set gathers the Bach recordings released by Michel Chapuis for the French label Valois (now Naive) between 1966 and 1970. These highly regarded recordings were reissued by Naive in 1999 and soon became unavailable again. Faultless registration, dramatic flair, dazzling technique and pinpoint clarity in counterpoint make these recordings a cornerstone of any Bach and organ discography. The booklet includes a detailed index by BWV numbers and another by alphabetical order of titles.

Marcel Pérès, Ensemble Organum - In Memoria Eterna (2021)

Posted By: ArlegZ
Marcel Pérès, Ensemble Organum - In Memoria Eterna (2021)

Marcel Pérès, Ensemble Organum - In Memoria Eterna (2021)
EAC | FLAC | Image (Cue & Log) ~ 319 Mb | Total time: 76:17 | Scans included
Classical | Label: Harmonia Mundi | # HMM 905319 | Recorded: 2019

In 1997, Marcel Pérès and his Ensemble Organum began a simultaneous exploration of the Mozarabic rite (the liturgical chant peculiar to the Christians living in Spain at the time of Arab rule) and of the Samaa spiritual practice of Morocco. Setting aside the theological differences between the two faiths, the artists discovered a great deal of kinship between the two forms of musical expression. A veritable utopia, the idea for this recording then suggested itself: through music, to regain the lost accord of human brotherhood.

Julie Roset, Leonardo García Alarcón, Millenium Orchestra - George Frideric Handel: Salve Regina (2022)

Posted By: ArlegZ
Julie Roset, Leonardo García Alarcón, Millenium Orchestra - George Frideric Handel: Salve Regina (2022)

Julie Roset, Leonardo García Alarcón, Millenium Orchestra - George Frideric Handel: Salve Regina (2022)
EAC | FLAC | Image (Cue & Log) ~ 366 Mb | Total time: 73:56 | Scans included
Classical | Label: Ricercar | # RIC 442 | Recorded: 2021

Julie Roset, a young French soprano from Avignon, immediately attracted attention with her first recital for Ricercar (Nun danket alle Gott with Clematis) and went on to record a recital of works by Sigismondo d'India with Mariana Flores that met with great critical acclaim. In this new recording she tackles several of Handel's masterpieces on religious themes: his Salve Regina, Gloria and the motet Silete venti were all composed at the time when the young Handel had been inspired to new heights by his discovery of Roman musical life.

Peter Neumann, Collegium Cartusianum, Kölner Kammerchor - George Frideric Handel: Belshazzar (2001)

Posted By: ArlegZ
Peter Neumann, Collegium Cartusianum, Kölner Kammerchor - George Frideric Handel: Belshazzar (2001)

Peter Neumann, Collegium Cartusianum, Kölner Kammerchor - George Frideric Handel: Belshazzar (2001)
EAC | FLAC | Image (Cue & Log) ~ 775 Mb | Total time: 65:57+66:22+31:20 | Scans included
Classical | Label: MDG | # 332 1079-2 | Recorded: 2001

Belshazzar is one of Handel’s works that could be called a total failure at the time of its first performance. Premiered in 1745 to a nearly empty house, contemporary reports say that it was a disastrously bad performance. This oratorio never gained popularity in Handel’s lifetime, and he only performed it twice after the first performance. Yet this is no minor work. Full of great Handelian arias, and stirring choral movements, this oratorio deserves to stand among his greatest works. Drama and energy play like a flame through the pages of this work. It has everything a Handel oratorio needs: tension, excitement, and attractive melodies.

Gerhard Jenemann, Concerto Köln, Süddeutscher Kammerchor - Johann Christian Bach: Mailänder Vesperpsalmen (2010)

Posted By: ArlegZ
Gerhard Jenemann, Concerto Köln, Süddeutscher Kammerchor - Johann Christian Bach: Mailänder Vesperpsalmen (2010)

Gerhard Jenemann, Concerto Köln, Süddeutscher Kammerchor - Johann Christian Bach: Mailänder Vesperpsalmen (2010)
EAC | FLAC | Image (Cue & Log) ~ 394 Mb | Total time: 60:01+32:25 | Scans included
Classical | Label: Carus | # 83.347 | Recorded: 2009

For the arch-Protestant Bach Family – as for German musicology in the 19th and early 20th centuries – through his conversion to Catholicism and his turning to Italian opera Johann Christian Bach was considerd the “black sheep” of the family. Prior to his brilliant career as an opera composer and impresario in London, from 1757 to 1760 he held the position of organist at the Milan Cathedral. During this period he composed numerous sacred works which are least well-known among the works of the youngest Bach son. Under the direction of Gerhard Jenemann, the renowned solo quartet centered around Joanne Lunn and Thomas E. Bauer, the Süddeutsche Kammerchor and Concerto Köln bring to light a completely unknown Johann Christian Bach and they make clear why the “London Bach” was also called the “Milan Bach.”

Jean-Claude Malgoire, La Grande Écurie et la Chambre du Roy - Neukomm: Missa Solemnis & Requiem (2018)

Posted By: ArlegZ
Jean-Claude Malgoire, La Grande Écurie et la Chambre du Roy - Neukomm: Missa Solemnis & Requiem (2018)

Jean-Claude Malgoire, La Grande Écurie et la Chambre du Roy - Neukomm: Missa Solemnis & Requiem (2018)
EAC | FLAC | Tracks (Cue & Log) ~ 575 Mb | Total time: 71:30+59:25 | Scans included
Classical | Label: Accent | # ACC 24344 | Recorded: 2008

Sigismund Neukomm (1778-1858) was one of the most remarkable characters of the music scene in the classical and early romantic era. He started as a pupil of Johann Michael Haydn, and later had close ties with his older Joseph Haydn. During his life he came into contact with almost every composer of fame. He travelled throughout Europe, but didn't stay very long at one place. It is assumed he has written about 2,000 works. Among them are 50 masses, three funeral services and four Requiems.

Andreas Skouras - Domenico Scarlatti and the Modern Era of the Harpsichord (2018)

Posted By: ArlegZ
Andreas Skouras - Domenico Scarlatti and the Modern Era of the Harpsichord (2018)

Andreas Skouras - Domenico Scarlatti and the Modern Era of the Harpsichord (2018)
EAC | FLAC | Image (Cue & Log) ~ 355 Mb | Total time: 62:13 | Scans included
Classical | Label: Neos | # NEOS 21102 | Recorded: 2009

In this unusual recording Andreas Skouras demonstrates the tremendous range of tonal and expressive possibilities offered by the harpsichord. The program is highly personal but also dramaturgically cogent: A selection from the sonatas of Domenico Scarlatti is juxtaposed with four works from the 20th century.

Paolo Arrivabeni, Orchestra e Coro del Teatro La Fenice di Venezia - Gaetano Donizetti: Pia de Tolomei (2005)

Posted By: ArlegZ
Paolo Arrivabeni, Orchestra e Coro del Teatro La Fenice di Venezia - Gaetano Donizetti: Pia de Tolomei (2005)

Paolo Arrivabeni, Orchestra e Coro del Teatro La Fenice di Venezia - Gaetano Donizetti: Pia de Tolomei (2005)
EAC | FLAC | Image (Cue & Log) ~ 615 Mb | Total time: 66:25+61:35 | Scans included
Classical | Label: Dynamic | # 488/1-2 | Recorded: 2005

Composed for Venice in 1837, just a year-and-a-half after the fantastic success of Lucia di Lammermoor, Pia de' Tolomei "pleased altogether", in the composer's words. He revised it a couple of times thereafter and it was shown at various theaters as distant as Malta until 1855, after which it disappeared. It takes place in 13th-century Siena: Pia is married to Nello; his cousin Ghino loves her but she refuses his advances. Ghino angrily accuses Pia of adultery with an unknown man, who turns out to be Pia's brother, Rodrigo, and Nello imprisons her. Ghino eventually feels remorse and confesses his deception, but not soon enough to save Pia from being poisoned by Nello.

Rudolph Palmer, Brewer Baroque Chamber Orchestra - George Frideric Handel: Siroe (1991)

Posted By: ArlegZ
Rudolph Palmer, Brewer Baroque Chamber Orchestra - George Frideric Handel: Siroe (1991)

Rudolph Palmer, Brewer Baroque Chamber Orchestra - George Frideric Handel: Siroe (1991)
EAC | FLAC | Image (Cue & Log) ~ 774 Mb | Total time: 55:29+52:10+53:00 | Scans included
Classical | Label: Newport Classic | # NCD 60125 | Recorded: 1989

''Siroe'' (1728), the Italian opera that the huge popularity of ''The Beggar`s Opera'' drove from the London stage (and nearly ruined poor Handel), is hardly less fascinating. The plot resembles that of ''King Lear'' and is buoyed along by some of the most subtle and varied music Handel ever wrote for the theater. Again, the realization by members of Palmer`s ''stock company''

Fatma Said - Kaleidoscope: Massenet, Straus, Strauss, Offenbach, Gounod, Loewe, Berlin, Weill, Gardel, Piazzolla, Lehár (2022)

Posted By: ArlegZ
Fatma Said - Kaleidoscope: Massenet, Straus, Strauss, Offenbach, Gounod, Loewe, Berlin, Weill, Gardel, Piazzolla, Lehár (2022)

Fatma Said - Kaleidoscope: Massenet, Straus, Strauss, Offenbach, Gounod, Loewe, Berlin, Weill, Gardel, Piazzolla, Lehár (2022)
EAC | FLAC | Image (Cue & Log) ~ 335 Mb | Total time: 68:28 | Scans included
Classical | Label: Warner Classics | # 5054197139215 | Recorded: 2021

‘A dancer’s blood runs in my veins’ announces the heroine of Léhar’s Giuditta in the beguiling bolero-cum-waltz ‘Meine Lippen, sie küssen so heiß!’ which blazes into life around fifteen minutes into today’s Recording of the Week from Egyptian soprano Fatma Said, the Orchestre Philharmonique de Monte-Carlo and special guests including lutenist David Bergmüller, Quinteto Ángel and the vision string quartet.