LEOS JANACEK
Janacek: The Cunning Little Vixen (complete opera recorded in 1995) BLU-RAY Théâtre Musical de Paris - Châtelet / Thomas Allen, Eva Jenis, Hannah Minutillo , Ivan Kusnjer / Charles Mackerras (cond) [ Arthaus Legendary Performances BLU-RAY / Blu-ray Disc - released 1/Mar/2016 ] This enchanting production by Nicholas Hytner, sung in the original Czech, is conducted by Charles Mackerras, a master of the best Janáček style. Through myriad shifts of scene, the episodic story is presented in brightly coloured sets and costumes... |
CLAUDIO MONTEVERDI
Monteverdi: L'Orfeo Ensemble Lundabarock; Höör Barock; Ensemble Altapunta Fredrik Malmberg, musical direction / organ [ BIS SACD / 2 CD - released 7/May/2021 ] "The singers' intensity - and the bold, sometimes unusual distribution of instrumental parts - distinguish this Orfeo from earlier recordings. Malmberg's energy that gives this performance a brilliant edge." BBC Music Opera Choice Oct 2021 |
Musical
Highlights from Miss Saigon [ Geffen Records / CD - released 26/Jan/1990 ] |
WOOD / FARNON / WALTON / COATES / VAUGHAN WILLIAMS / GIBBONS / etc
The Three Elizabeths (music from the times of the Three Queens) A musical celebration of Britain through the centuries. Various artists [ Naxos / 2 CD - released 24/Aug/2002 ] a two-disc compilation of Naxos recordings |
SCARLATTI / CAVALLI / PAISIELLO / CALDARA / MARCELLO / HANDEL
Quella Fiamma - Arie Antiche Nathalie Stutzmann (contralto/musical direction), Shai Kribus (oboe), Patrick Langot (cello), Marie-Domitille Murez (harp) & Miguel Rincòn (theorbo) [ Erato / Warner Classics / CD - released 15/Nov/2017 ] "One has to admire Parisotti's taste, as well as (not for the first time) Stutzmann's rich, win-dark voice, noble emotional articulation and, when required, flashing virtuosity. Some of these arias are simply ravishing in her hands" Gramophone |
ANTON WEBERN
The Complete Music of Anton Webern Robert Craft (conductor & musical director) with Marni Nixon, Grace-Lynne Martin, Richard Robinson, Charles Scharbach & others [ Sony Classical Masters / 4 CD Box Set - released 10/Dec/2021 ] The most comprehensive collection of Anton Webern. All of the performers, as well as additional instrumentalists and choral singers, were selected from Hollywood film studios. |
HECTOR BERLIOZ
Les Troyens (complete opera recorded in 2003) BLU-RAY Theatre Musical de Paris / Yannis Kokkos, Susan Graham, Gregory Kunde / Orchestre Revolutionnaire et Romantique, Sir John Eliot Gardiner [ Opus Arte / BBC Blu-Ray / 2 Blu-ray Disc - released 1/Aug/2011 ] "The magnificent high-definition recording does it ample sonic and visual justice. For anyone who loves Les Troyens, this is a revelatory and essential performance." (The Gramophone Classical Music Guide) |
HENRY KRIEGER
Dreamgirls In Concert Heather Headley, Audra McDonald, Lillias White, Darius de Haas, Billy Porter / Seth rudetsky (musical dirctor) [ Nonesuch / 2 CD - released 15/Apr/2002 ] In the 20 years since it opened on Broadway, DREAMGIRLS has acquired a mythic reputation few musicals achieve. With a vibrant score by Henry Krieger that captures the Motown sound of the 60's, coupled with a backstage story full of ebullience,... |
The Graduate Choir, Calico Jam, Nelson Ecumenical Congregation, Christchurch Community Choir, Musical Island Boys, Wellington Youth Choir, etc
MARBECKS COLLECTABLE: Praise Be [ Frequency Media Group / CD - released 1/Dec/2011 ] 30 tracks carefully chosen to best represent the outstanding choral standards in NZ and the broad styles of Christian music that 'Praise Be' has recorded over the years, for all seasons of the liturgical year. |
CHRISTOPH WILLIBALD GLUCK
Gluck: Orphee et Eurydice (Complete opera recorded in 2000) Theatre Musical de Paris / Magdalena Kozena, Madeline Bender, Patricia Petibon / Monteverdi Choir / English Baroque Soloists / Sir John Eliot Gardiner [ Warner Classics DVD / DVD - released 10/Oct/2009 ] When the historic Theatre du Chatelet in Paris re-opened after a period of extensive refurbishment, the first two productions mounted in the theatre were Gluck's Alceste and Orphée et Eurydice. |