JOHN NEPOMUK HUMMEL
Hummel: Missa Solemnis / Te Deum David Griffiths (bass) Zan McKendree-Wright (alto) Patrick Power (tenor) Patricia Wright (sop) / TOWER Voices New Zealand / NZ Symphony / Uwe Grodd [ Naxos / CD - released 2/Apr/2004 ] Editor's Choice - Gramophone Magazine May 2004 - "This choir has a remarkable level of control, vocal development and musicality. The fact that they are all trained voices means that an effortless power is available to them, with a wide and dramatic... |
JENNY McLEOD
McLeod: The Emperor and the Nightingale / Rock Concerto / etc Helen Medlyn (narrator) & Eugene Albulescu (piano) / New Zealand Symphony Orchestra / Uwe Grodd [ Naxos / CD - released 1/Oct/2011 ] New Zealand-born composer Jenny McLeod's wide musical background is here distilled into three works of highly enjoyable directness. The Emperor and the Nightingale is a colourful score which accompanies the narration of a Hans Christian Andersen... |
ROSS HARRIS
Harris: Violin Concerto / Symphony No 5 Ilya Gringolts (violin), Sally-Anne Russell (mezzo-soprano) / Auckland Philharmonia Orchestra, Eckehard Stier & Garry Walker [ Naxos / CD - released 15/Jul/2016 ] "orchestral tone and clarity is smooth and clean" (MusicWeb) |
RALPH VAUGHAN WILLIAMS
Vaughan Williams: A Vaughan Williams Anthology [8 CD set] Joan Rodgers (sop) Christopher Maltman (bar) Jennifer Pike (violin) / Bournemouth Symphony Orchestra, New Zealand Symphony, Royal Liverpool Philharmon [ Naxos / 8 CD Box Set - released 8/Apr/2022 ] Ralph Vaughan Williams is one of Britain's most illustrious composers, and this specially curated selection of works demonstrates the sheer breadth of his achievement. |
GIACOMO MEYERBEER
Meyerbeer: Overtures and Entr'actes from the French Operas New Zealand Symphony Orchestra, Darrell Ang [ Naxos / CD - released 10/May/2014 ] "The New Zealand Symphony…plays with spirit and has been well trained. Singaporean conductor Darrell Ang brings to these performances an obvious love for the music, infusing them with taut rhythms, crisp attacks, and bountiful energy." Fanfare |
JOHN ANTILL
Antill: Corroboree / Outback Overture New Zealand Symphony Orchestra, James Judd [ Naxos / CD - released 30/Jun/2008 ] "This excellent recording of the complete ballet by James Judd and the New Zealand Symphony orchestra fills a big gap. With precision and charm, this disc brings out its originality and its primitivist colouristics." (Sydney Morning Herald) |
ALEXANDER ZEMLINSKY
Zemlinsky: Die Seejungfrau / Sinfonietta New Zealand Symphony Orchestra, James Judd [ Naxos / CD - released 1/Aug/2009 ] "James Judd… galvanises the New Zealand Symphony Orchestra into playing this challenging score with sensitivity and a good deal of virtuosity." BBC Music |
DOUGLAS LILBURN
Lilburn: The Three Symphonies New Zealand Symphony Orchestra / James Judd [ Naxos / CD - released 2/May/2002 ] "There's a freshness and enthusiasm in Judd's readings, and he takes care with the music, observing every detail. Throughout all three symphonies there is a greater breadth and warmth of emotion than we've heard before." - Sunday Star Times (May 2002 |
EDWARD ELGAR
Elgar: Orchestral Miniatures (Incls Chanson de matin & 3 Bavarian Dances) New Zealand Symphony Orchestra, James Judd (Conductor) [ Naxos / CD - released 9/Sep/2006 ] "Especially impressive are the woodwind, which excel the rest of the ensemble in both beauty of playing and ability to follow their conductor...the horns are also impressive. This orchestra has a great future in front of it." MusicWeb September 2006 |
RICHARD STRAUSS
Strauss, (R.): Tanzsuite Divertimento, Op 85 New Zealand Symphony Orchestra, Jun Märkl [ Naxos / CD - released 23/Oct/2020 ] Richard Strauss was appointed co-director of the Vienna State Opera in 1919 and soon set about composing a new ballet for the refurbished historic Redoutensaal in the city. At carnival in February 1923 the work was unveiled - a delectable series of... |
FRANZ LISZT
Liszt: Symphonic Poems (Vol. 3) Incls 'Battle of the Huns' New Zealand Symphony Orchestra, Michael Halasz [ Naxos / CD - released 8/Aug/2006 ] "There is some absolutely brilliant playing on this disc...With this sort of playing Liszt's orchestrations come fully alive, allowing us to appreciate some music that is very easy to see as inflated." (John Dutton ***** five stars Dominion Post) |
JEAN SIBELIUS
Sibelius: Scenes historiques I and II / King Christian II Suite New Zealand Symphony Orchestra, Pietari Inkinen [ Naxos / CD - released 26/Jan/2008 ] "As an addition to the ever-growing Sibelius catalogue this is most welcome" (MusicWeb Feb 2008) |
RON GOODWIN
Goodwin: Drake 400 (includes the New Zealand Suite) New Zealand Symphony Orchestra, Ron Goodwin [ Naxos British Light Music / CD - released 9/Sep/2022 ] Ron Goodwin is famous for several iconic film scores such as the rousing 633 Squadron. His was an instantly recognisable musical voice, combining an innate ability to write both memorable tunes and to evoke the many moods demanded by film directors. |
YASUSHI AKUTAGAWA
Akutagawa: Ellora Symphony / Trinita Sinfonica / Rhapsody New Zealand Symphony Orchestra / Takuo Yuasa, conductor [ Naxos Japanese Classics / CD - released 14/Jun/2005 ] "Thanks be to Naxos for continuing to plumb the mines of interesting and unusual music, and presenting it at their ever-attractive price. Highly recommended." (MusicWeb June 2005) |
TOSHIRO MAYUZUMI
MARBECKS COLLECTABLE: Mayuzumi: Bugaku / Mandala Symphony / Rumba Rhapsody New Zealand Symphony Orchestra, Takuo Yuasa (conductor) [ Naxos Japanese Classics / CD - released 15/Jan/2006 ] "Excellent performances from New Zealand and very fine recording throughout." (MusicWeb April 2006) |
JACK BODY
Poems of Love and War Robert Easting (narrator) David Greco (bar) Somara Ouk, Budi Putra (vocals) Martin Riseley (violin) / New Zealand Symphony Orchestra, Kenneth Young [ Naxos / CD - released 28/Mar/2014 ] "works of immense skill and real communication that in these fabulous performances will give him a worldwide audience. Even the splendid Meditations on Michelangelo for violin and strings really catches the ear. Don't pass on thjis." (John Button) |
PETER SCULTHORPE
Sculthorpe: Earth Cry / Piano Concerto / Kakadu / etc William Barton (didgeridoo) / Maria Anna Cislovska (piano) / New Zealand Symphony Orchestra / James Judd, conductor [ Naxos / CD - released 2/Dec/2004 ] "Tasmanian composer Sculthorpe's psychedelic images of primeval times, nature and infinity are well worth your trouble. A superb and breathtakingly inexpensive disc. Miraculously good value at every level." - MusicWeb Nov 2004 |
GEORGES BIZET
The Best Of Bizet Various soloists / New Zealand Symphony Orchestra; Slovak Philharmonic Orchestra; Slovak Radio Symphony Orchestra [ Naxos / CD ] Compiled from recordings previously released by Naxos International |
CHEN GANG / XIAN XING-HI
The Yellow River Piano Concerto / The Butterfly Lovers Piano Concerto Chen Jie (piano) / New Zealand Symphony Orchestra, Carolyn Kuan [ Naxos / CD - released 20/Nov/2012 ] The Yellow River Concerto is one of the most popular of all Chinese works, a richly melodic exploration of scenic variety, and a forceful expression of patriotic pride. Written in 1958 by Chen Gang and He Zhanhao, The Butterfly Lovers Violin Concerto... |
FERDINAND RIES
Ries: Piano Concertos Vol 1: No 6 Op 123 & No 8 Op 151 Christopher Hinterhuber (piano) / New Zealand Symphony Orchestra / Uwe Grodd (conductor) [ Naxos / CD - released 25/Nov/2005 ] "If its successors are as good as this, the series will introduce us to a lot of very attractive music." (MusicWeb Jan 2006) |
FERDINAND RIES
Ries: Piano Concertos Vol 5: Piano Concerto in E flat, Op. 42 / Piano Concerto in G minor, Op. 177 / etc Christopher Hinterhuber (piano) / New Zealand Symphony Orchestra / Uwe Grodd (conductor) [ Naxos / CD - released 10/Dec/2012 ] The fourteen works for piano and orchestra of Ferdinand Ries stand alongside those of Hummel as the finest and most important of their kind from the early decades of the 19th century. Intensely lyrical and yet displaying at times a rugged... |
PYOTR ILYICH TCHAIKOVSKY
Tchaikovsky: Piano Concerto No. 2 / Concert Fantasia Eldar Nebolsin (piano) / New Zealand Symphony Orchestra, Michael Stern [ Naxos / CD - released 20/Sep/2016 ] "Nebolsin hardly puts a foot wrong, and Michael Stern secures rhythmically vibrant playing from the New Zealand Symphony Orchestra" BBC Music Magazine |
LONG ZHOU / YI CHEN
Symphony, "Humen 1839" / The Rhyme of Taigu / The Enlightened New Zealand Symphony Orchestra, Darrell Ang [ Naxos / CD - released 5/May/2015 ] "This is thrilling, cinematic music that, although challenging at times, is always gripping." The Kansas City Star |
TELEMANN / BARTOK / MOZART / HINDEMITH / BRAHMS / etc
Vivid Viola: Best loved classical viola music Ladislav Kyselák, Hong-Mei Xiao, Roger Chase, Roberto Díaz, Tabea Zimmermann, Heinrich Koll (Violas) [ Naxos / CD - released 1/Nov/2019 ] The viola is only slightly larger than the violin but possesses a middle range that is richly expressive and full of pathos. It has been played by some of the greatest composers, including JS Bach, Mozart, Beethoven, and Dvorak. |
ROSS HARRIS
Harris: Symphony No. 4, "To the memory of Mahinārangi Tocker" / Cello Concerto Li-wei Qin (cello) / Auckland Philharmonia Orchestra, Brett Dean, Garry Walker [ Naxos / CD - released 10/May/2014 ] "There is no question that the Auckland Philharmonic are superbly in control as is Brett Dean, himself a violist and composer and just forging an extra career as a conductor. The recording is vivid and allows the music space although the quiet passag |
LUDWIG van BEETHOVEN
Beethoven: Egmont (complete incidental music) / Ah! perfido, / Marches Madeleine Pierard (soprano) / New Zealand Symphony Orchestra / James Judd [ Naxos / CD - released 1/Feb/2010 ] "Those curious for some not too often heard music by Beethoven can safely invest in this well played disc" MusicWeb May 2010 |
DOUGLAS LILBURN
Lilburn: A Song of Islands / Aotearoa Overture / Forest / etc New Zealand Symphony Orchestra, James Judd [ Naxos / CD - released 5/Oct/2006 ] "A Kiwi legend is handsomely served by his homeland. James Judd and his New Zealand forces find an openness and an energy in the music that evokes all the majesty of that country's landscape." Editor's Choice - Gramophone Magazine (Dec 2006) |
AARON COPLAND
Copland: Symphony No 3 / Billy the Kid (Suite) New Zealand Symphony Orchestra, James Judd [ Naxos American Classics / CD - released 1/Jan/2002 ] "It's the Billy the Kid Suite that makes the stronger impression. The pace is compelling through to the end, the flavouring is sharp and fresh, and it's hard to keep the feet from tapping spontaneously in the Mexican Dance." - Stephen Johnson, BBC... |
EDWARD ELGAR
Elgar: Dream Children / Wand of Youth / Nursery Suite New Zealand Symphony Orchestra, James Judd, conductor [ Naxos / CD - released 2/Apr/2004 ] "The freshness of inspiration is a delight, superbly brought out in these fine performances from New Zealand, with James Judd always an idiomatic Elgarian. The Wand of Youth Suites in particular range wonderfully wide in mood and invention; they... |
RALPH VAUGHAN WILLIAMS
MARBECKS COLLECTABLE: Vaughan Williams: Tallis Fantasia / Norfolk Rhapsody No. 1 / Fantasia on Greensleeves and others New Zealand Symphony Orchestra / James Judd, conductor [ Naxos SACD / Hybrid SACD - released 15/Jan/2005 ] "Helped by vivid sound, James Judd conducts the New Zealand Symphony Orchestra in glowing performances of these favourite [sic] Vaughan Williams works." (Gramophone) |
JULES MASSENET
Massenet: Orchestral Suites 1-3 / Herodiade (Ballet Suite) New Zealand Symphony Orchestra, Jean-Yves Ossonce [ Naxos / CD ] "The playing of the New Zealand orchestra is first class, polished and vivid." Penguin Guide |
JEAN SIBELIUS
Sibelius: Symphonies Nos. 1 & 3 New Zealand Symphony Orchestra / Pietari Inkinen [ Naxos / CD - released 1/Nov/2010 ] "With this disc they start a cycle of the symphonies, and meet the challenge with a sensitivity and mellow charm that often eludes more virtuoso orchestras...the performance [of No. 1] has atmosphere and character. And by coupling it with the Third,... |
EINOJUHANI RAUTAVAARA
Rautavaara: Symphony No. 8, The Journey / Manhattan Trilogy / Apotheosis New Zealand Symphony Orchestra / Pietari Inkinen [ Naxos / CD - released 13/Apr/2008 ] "This is a very well-balanced ensemble, and Naxos has captured them in excellent sound." (AudAud.com May 2008) |
ARTHUR HONEGGER
Honegger: Symphony No. 3 / Liturgique / Rugby / Pacific 231 New Zealand Symphony Orchestra, Takuo Yuasa (conductor) [ Naxos / CD - released 1/Oct/2004 ] "His Third Symphony is one of his most powerful works, a purely musical requiem written towards the end of the Second World War and full of its horrors and its hopes for peace… The New Zealand Symphony Orchestra under Takuo Yuasa makes a highly... |
ROSS HARRIS
Harris: Face / Symphony No. 6 'Last Letter' Voices New Zealand Chamber Choir, Auckland Philharmonia Orchestra, Giordano Bellincampi, Antony Hermus [ Naxos / CD - released 4/Dec/2020 ] In Symphony No. 6 'Last Letter', Ross Harris explores settings of four poems by Vincent O'Sullivan, interlinking them with three musical interludes. The darkness of the subject matter draws from the composer music of powerful and at times despairing... |
VAUGHAN WILLAIMS
The Best of (Incls The Wasps Overture & Fantasia on a Theme by Thomas Tallis) Anthony Rolfe-Johnson (tenor) David Greed (violin) / Bournemouth Symphony / English Northern Philharmonia / New Zealand Symphony Orchestra / etc [ Naxos / CD - released 1/Jul/2008 ] One of the leading English composers of his generation, Vaughan Williams went some way towards creating a specifically English musical idiom, influenced by his interest in folk-song yet underpinned by a personal vision and language. |
EDWARD ELGAR
Very Best of Elgar (The) BBC Philharmonic Orchestra / Bournemouth Symphony Orchestra / New Zealand Symphony Orchestra and many more [ Naxos / 2 CD - released 25/Nov/2006 ] From raucous marches to private enigmas, the music of Elgar represents, for many, the ultimate symbol of England in the early 20th century, contrasting royal ceremonies with intimate family gatherings. This 2-CD set features Elgar's most frequently... |
FERDINAND RIES
Ries: Piano and Orchestra Works (complete) Christopher Hinterhuber (piano) / Gavle Symphony Orchestra, New Zealand Symphony Orchestra; Royal Liverpool Philharmonic Orchestra, Uwe Grodd [ Naxos / 5 CD Box Set - released 28/Jan/2022 ] Ferdinand Ries' works for piano and orchestra stand alongside those of Hummel as the finest and most important of their kind from the early decades of the 19th century. |
VAUGHAN WILLIAMS / HOWELLS / WALTON / BOWEN
British Music for Viola and Orchestra Helen Callus (viola) / New Zealand Symphony Orchestra, Marc Taddei [ Naxos / CD - released 1/Jun/2018 ] "Helen Callus plays with sumptuous tone matched by flawless intonation" Gramophone |