RICHARD WAGNER
Wagner: Gotterdammerung (complete opera recorded in 2021) BLU-RAY Berlin Opera / Nina Stemme, Clay Hilley, Thomas Lehmann, Aile Asszonyi / Sir Donald Runnicles (cond) [ Naxos Blu-ray / 2 Blu-ray - due 17/May/2024 ] Götterdämmerung ('Twilight of the Gods') is the final opera of Wagner's epic tetralogy Der Ring des Nibelungen ('The Ring of the Nibelung') in which his visionary masterpiece reaches its cataclysmic conclusion. Betrayal and death, murder and remorse,... |
RICHARD WAGNER
Wagner: Die Walkure (complete opera recorded in 2021) Berlin Opera / Nina Stemme, Iain Paterson, Ya-Chung Huang, Tobias Kehrer / Sir Donald Runnicles (cond) [ Naxos DVD / 2 DVD - due 19/Apr/2024 ] Siegfried is the third of the four operas that comprise Wagner's epic tetralogy Der Ring des Nibelungen ('The Ring of the Nibelung'). Siegfried, raised by the evil dwarf Mime, discovers that he is the son of Siegmund and Sieglinde. He must negotiate... |
RICHARD WAGNER
Wagner: Die Walkure (complete opera recorded in 2021) BLU-RAY Berlin Opera / Clay Hilley, Nina Stemme, Iain Paterson, Ya-Chung Huang, Tobias Kehrer / Sir Donald Runnicles (cond) [ Naxos Blu-ray / 2 Blu-ray - due 19/Apr/2024 ] Siegfried is the third of the four operas that comprise Wagner's epic tetralogy Der Ring des Nibelungen ('The Ring of the Nibelung'). Siegfried, raised by the evil dwarf Mime, discovers that he is the son of Siegmund and Sieglinde. He must negotiate... |
CHARLES GOUNOD
MARBECKS COLLECTABLE: Gounod: Symphonies 1 & 2, Faust Ballet Music Academy of St Martin in the Fields. Conducted by Sir Neville Marriner [ Philips / CD - released 1/Dec/1998 ] Recorded: 1997 Recording Venue: Henry Wood Hall, London |
W. A. MOZART
Alicia de Larrocha Plays Mozart Alicia de Larrocha (piano), André Previn (piano) / English Chamber Orchestra, The Orchestra of St. Luke's, Sir Colin Davis [ Sony / RCA Classical Masters / 6 CD Box Set - released 13/Mar/2020 ] "...this is a profound reading with many subtleties of touch and altogether a more weighty approach, especially evident in the slow movement. K491 is predictably dramatic. Marriner's orchestra is excellent." classical-music |
WILLIAM WALTON
MARBECKS COLLECTABLE: Walton: Belshazzar's Feast / Violin Concerto / Coronation Te Deum Benjamin Luxon (baritone), London Philharmonic Choir & Orchestra, Sir Georg Solti / Kyung Wha Chung (violin) London Symphony Orchestra, Andre Previn [ Decca The World of British Classics / CD - released 14/Apr/1994 ] Three classic performances on one budget CD |
RICHARD WAGNER
Wagner: Der Ring Des Nibelungen (complete operas recorded in 2021) BLU-RAY Berlin Opera / Nina Stemme, Iain Paterson, Brandon Jovanovich, Elisabeth Teige / Sir Donald Runnicles (cond) [ Naxos Blu-ray / 4 Blu-ray Box Set - released 15/Sep/2022 ] "Donald Runnicles leads an impressive account of the score. His deep knowledge of the music comes through in the naturalness of the discourse, the easy communication with the singers and the vibrant colours he draws from the orchestra." Fanfare |
PYOTR Il'yich TCHAIKOVSKY
Tchaikovsky: Eugene Onegin (complete opera) Bernd Weik, Teresa Kubiak, Stuart Burrows / Royal Opera House, Covent Garden / Sir Georg Solti [ Decca Music Group Limited DVD / DVD - released 16/Aug/2004 ] Director Petr Weigl is celebrated for his sumptuous opera films, using magnificent natural settings and casting photogenic actors in the principal roles. |
BIRGIT NILSSON
La Nilsson (arias and songs by Wagner, Weber, Beethoven, Gounod, etc) Birgit Nilsson (soprano) / Orchestra of the Royal Opera House, Covent Garden / Sir Edward Downes (with Ake Leven, organ) [ Decca ABC Australian Eloquence / CD - released 1/Sep/2008 ] One of the greatest soprano legends of all time, Nilsson's 1963 Decca recital with Sir Edward Downes of popular opera arias by Wagner, Weber, Beethoven, et.al. has never been fully issued. Here it is on CD - issued complete for the first time and in... |
GEORG FRIDERIC HANDEL
MARBECKS COLLECTABLE: Handel: Opera and Oratorio Arias (Judas Maccabaeus, Dettingen Te Deum, Serse +) Bryn Terfel (baritone) / Scottish Chamber Orchestra, Sir Charles Mackerras [ Deutsche Grammophon / CD - released 19/Jun/2000 ] "The singing here incorporates a good deal of embellishment, some of it of Sir Charles Mackerras's devising. He is an excellent conductor for Terfel, sharing with him an appreciation of the zest in Handel." Gramophone |
GIUSEPPE VERDI
MARBECKS COLLECTABLE: Verdi: Don Carlo (complete opera with libretto recorded in 1966) Carlo Bergonzi, Renata Tebaldi, Nicolai Ghiaurav, Dietrich Fischer-Dieskau / Orchestra and Chorus of the Royal Opera House / Sir Georg Solti [ Decca / 3 CD Box Set - released 1/Feb/1988 ] "A five-Act version of Verdi's opera, in the standard Italian translation, conducted with energy and boasting superior soloists. Carlo Bergonzi is especially fine in the title role." BBC Music Magazine, January 2009 **** |
GUSTAV MAHLER
Mahler: Symphony No. 7 Chicago Symphony Orchestra, Sir Georg Solti [ Decca Ovation / CD - released 20/Nov/1992 ] "This magnificent performance stresses above all the marvellously original scoring without losing a compelling overall grasp." (Gramophone) |
GUSTAV MAHLER
Mahler: Lieder eines fahrenden Gesellen / Kindertotenlieder / 5 Lieder Christa Ludwig (mezzo) / Philharmonia Orchestra, Otto Klemperer, Andre Vandernoot, Sir Adrian Boult (conds) [ Warner Classics Redline / CD - released 15/Oct/2018 ] "This disc is a classic, make no mistake." ArkivMusic.com |
CHOPIN / BALAKIREV / RACHMANINOV / DOHNANYI / etc
Cyril Smith: The Complete Solo Recordings HMV & Columbia recordings Cyril Smith (piano) with Philharmonia Orchestra, Royal Liverpool Philharmonic Orchestra, Sir Malcolm Sargent [ APR / 3 CD - released 10/Aug/2015 ] We tend to remember Cyril Smith (1909-1974) these days as the pianist who overcame the misfortune of a paralysing stroke to form a hugely successful duo for three hands with his wife, pianist Phyllis Sellick. Before then though, he had conquered the... |
SIR ARTHUR BLISS
Bliss: Mary of Magdala Dame Sarah Connolly (Mezzo-soprano), James Platt (Bass), BBC Symphony Chorus, BBC Symphony Orchestra, Sir Andrew Davis [ Chandos SACD / Hybrid SACD - released 1/Nov/2019 ] Bliss composed The Enchantress in 1951, the year of his sixtieth birthday, for Kathleen Ferrier. The text is a free adaptation of the Second Idyll of Theocritus, made by Henry Reed, and well suited to Bliss's love of classical Greek... |
GILBERT & SULLIVAN
MARBECKS COLLECTABLE: The World of Gilbert & Sullivan D'Oyly Carte Opera Company, Isidore Godfrey, Royston Nash, Sir Malcolm Sargent [ Decca / CD - released 14/Jul/1990 ] "If you are looking for a CD to cheer you up on a dull day this Decca (recording) will serve admirably." Rosette Recording. Penguin Stereo Guide. |
SIR ARTHUR BLISS
Sir Arthur Bliss: the Decca Originals Eileen Joyce (piano) Alfredo Campoli (violin) Griller Quartet (string quartet), Colin Hampton (cello), Philip Burton (viola) / Sir Arthur Bliss, Muir [ Decca Australian Eloquence / 2 CD - released 19/Jun/2020 ] "This is a convenient, well-transferred compilation of some of the finest performances of music by a still-underrated composer. Bliss's version of the Colour Symphony is better paced than many of its successors." BBC Music |
RICHARD STRAUSS / ALBAN BERG / MAURICE RAVEL / IGOR STRAVINSKY
Easter Festival Baden-Baden (recorded in 2018) BLU-RAY Elina Garanca (mezzo), Berliner Philharmoniker, Sir Simon Rattle [ EuroArts Blu-ray / Blu-ray Disc - released 30/Nov/2018 ] At this concert performance from the Easter Festival in Baden-Baden, the Berliner Philharmoniker, Sir Simon Rattle and the Latvian mezzo-soprano Elīna Garanča performed music from the early 20th century. |
W. A. MOZART
Mozart: Violin Concertos 3 & 4 Francesa Dego (violin), Francesca Leonardi (piano), Royal Scottish National Orchestra, Sir Roger Norrington (conductor) [ Chandos / CD - released 21/Sep/2021 ] "These performances capture the very essence of Mozart's Salzburg style best, setting up, meticulously matching and weaving in and out of the solo line with captivating suppleness and alertness." Five Stars BBC Music Recording of the Month Nov 21 |
W. A. MOZART
Mozart: Violin Concertos, Vol. 2 Francesca Dego (violin) / Royal Scottish National Orchestra, Sir Roger Norrington [ Chandos / CD - released 14/Oct/2022 ] Following their critically acclaimed first volume of Mozart's violin concertos (CHAN 20234), Francesca Dego and Sir Roger Norrington complete the set, once again with outstanding support from a reduced Royal Scottish National Orchestra. |
RICHARD WAGNER
George London sings Wagner George London (bass-baritone) / Wiener Philharmoniker, Hans Knappertsbusch & Sir Georg Solti [ Decca SBS Australian Eloquence / CD - released 1/Sep/2013 ] " These are not merely good performances: they have that intense, imaginative re-recreation of the music which lifts them out of that category." (Gramophone) |
C. P. E. BACH / J. C. BACH / THOMAS ARNE
Arne, CPE Bach & JC Bach: Harpsichord Concertos George Malcolm (harpsichord) / Academy of St. Martin in the Fields, Sir Neville Marriner [ Decca Australian Eloquence / CD - released 16/Sep/2017 ] There were many worlds in George Malcolm's (1917-1997) universe - organist, harpsichordist, pianist, composer, choral director and conductor - and this one demonstrates his unique skill as a solo performer who, throughout his career, more than any... |
EDWARD ELGAR
Elgar: Cello Concerto / Sea Pictures / Overture: Cockaigne Jacqueline Du Pre (cello) Dame Janet Baker (mezzo) / London Symphony Orchestra, Sir John Barbirolli [ Warner Classics Original Jacket Reissues / CD - released 22/Aug/2015 ] GRAMOPHONE MAGAZINE 100 GREATEST RECORDINGS OF ALL TIME |
MAURICE RAVEL
MARBECKS COLLECTABLE: Ravel: Sheherazade (with lieder by Chausson, Duparc, Schumann & Brahms) [recorded in 1967] Janet Baker (mezzo-soprano) / New Philharmonia Orchestra, Sir John Barbirolli, London Symphony Orchestra, Andre Previn, & Dietrich Fischer-Dieskau (ba [ Warner Classics Original Jacket Reissues / 2 CD - released 10/Feb/1999 ] A classic recording of Ravel's Shéhérazade, evoking a wealth of moods and sensations. Janet Baker, an irresistible storyteller, is accompanied on her journey by Sir John Barbirolli, conducting the New Philharmonia with sensitivity and imagination |
GIUSEPPE VERDI
Verdi: La Traviata (complete opera recorded in 1962) Joan Sutherland, Carlo Bergonzi, Robert Merill / Orchestra del Maggio Musicale Fiorentino / Sir John Pritchard [ Decca Australian Eloquence / 2 CD - released 15/Mar/2012 ] "Sutherland's performance puts lovely things in the listener's way at every stage" (Gramophone) |
FALLA / GRANADOS / DEBUSSY / ALBENIZ / RAVEL
Falla: Noches en los jardines de Espana [Nights in the Gardens of Spain] (recorded in 2010) BLU-RAY Joaquín Achúcarro (piano) / Berliner Philharmoniker, Sir Simon Rattle [ EuroArts Blu-Ray / DVD - released 20/Sep/2011 ] "There is something special with Achucarro. Very few musicians can extract this kind of sound from the piano" Sir Simon Rattle |
RICHARD WAGNER
The Flagstad Recitals Vol 3: Opera Arias / Wesendonk-Lieder (with Mahler - Kindertotenlieder, etc) Kirsten Flagstad (soprano) / Vienna Philharmonic / Sir Georg Solti / Hans Knappertsbusch / Sir Adrian Boult [ Decca ABC Eloquence / 2 CD - released 12/Dec/2009 ] "The recorded sound is excellent and at Eloquence price this should be attractive for all lovers of great singing" (MusicWeb Jan 2010) |
LUDWIG van BEETHOVEN / RICHARD WAGNER / GIUSEPPE VERDI
Lise Davidsen: Beethoven - Wagner - Verdi Lise Davidsen (soprano) / London Philharmonic Orchestra, Sir Mark Elder [ Decca / CD - released 16/Apr/2021 ] GRAMOPHONE Award Nomination 2021 - Voice & Ensemble |
W. A. MOZART
MARBECKS COLLECTABLE: Mozart: Operatic Arias Magdalena Kozena (soprano) / Orchestra of the Age of Enlightenment / Sir Simon Rattle [ Archiv / Deutsche Grammophon / CD - released 6/Sep/2006 ] "Here is a singer with both a rich, colourful and 'alive'-sounding voice and the musical intelligence to use that gift." Recording of the Month - Gramophone Magazine (September 2006) |
EDWARD GRIEG / ROBERT SCHUMANN
Grieg / Schumann: Piano Concertos (Rec 1989) Murray Perahia (piano) / Bavarian Radio Symphony Orchestra, Sir Colin Davis [ Sony Classical Masters / CD - released 20/May/2011 ] "Murray Perahia's 1987 Schumann and Grieg concertos with Colin Davis remain the most recommendable digitally recorded pairing of these war-horses, and they bloom even more via Sony's Expanded Edition remastering." (ClassicsToday) |
ARTHUR SULLIVAN
Sullivan: Pineapple Poll / Henry VII / Victoria and Merrie England Philharmonia Orchestra, Sir Charles Mackerras / Royal Philharmonic Orchestra, Royston Nash [ Decca Australian Eloquence / CD - released 1/Nov/2010 ] "its glowing ambience casts a pleasing bloom over the spirited and elegantly polished playing of the Philharmonia Orchestra. Mackerras conducts with great warmth" Penguin Guide (Pineapple Poll) |
GILBERT and SULLIVAN
G & S: The Yeomen of the Guard / Trial by Jury (Complete operettas) Richard Suart / Felicity Palmer / Welsh National Opera / Sir Charles Mackerras [ Telarc Records / 2 CD Box Set - released 12/Nov/2000 ] Two all-time G & S favourites recorded in Telarc's 20-bit digital sound. |
EDWARD ELGAR
Elgar: Falstaff / Orchestral Songs / Grania and Diarmid Roderick Williams (baritone) / BBC Philharmonic Orchestra, Sir Andrew Davis [ Chandos SACD / Hybrid SACD - released 20/Jan/2018 ] "All told, a terrific anthology, and absolutely not to missed." Gramophone Editor's Choice January 2018 |
GIUSEPPE VERDI
MARBECKS COLLECTABLE: Verdi: La Traviata (Complete opera recorded in 1994) Royal Opera House, Covent Garden / Frank Lopardo, Angela Gheorghiu, Leo Nucci / Sir Georg Solti (cond) [ Decca Classics DVD / DVD - released 1/Jan/2017 ] "The singing is glorious, and this is one of the DVDs that should be the cornerstone in any collection. A superb stage spectacle." Penguin Guide Rosette Winner |
WAGNER
Wagner: Siegfried Simon O'Neill (tenor), Gerhard Siegel, Iain Paterson, Martin Winkler, Hallé, Sir Mark Elder [ Hallé / 4 CD - released 7/Jun/2019 ] The Hallé completes its highly regarded Ring cycle, with the live recording of its acclaimed Bridgewater Hall performance under Sir Mark Elder. "Roaring jubilation and radiant beauty from Elder and the Halle….Elder is a superb Wagnerian, acutely... |
RICHARD WAGNER
Wagner: Siegfried Simon O'Neill (Siegfried), Michael Volle (Der Wanderer), Peter Hoare (Mime), Symphonie-Orchester des Bayerischen Rundfunks, Sir Simon Rattle [ BR Klassik / 3 CD - released 6/Oct/2023 ] Following the 2015 release of Das Rheingold and of Die Walküre in 2019, BR-KLASSIK is now releasing Siegfried as part of the enthusiastically received Ring cycle under Sir Simon Rattle. |
GIUSEPPE VERDI
MARBECK COLLECTABLE: Verdi: La Traviata (complete opera recorded in 1994) Angela Gheorghiu, Frank Lopardo, Leo Nucci / Royal Opera / Sir Georg Solti [ Decca Classics / 2 CD Box Set - released 25/Oct/2012 ] "... the Decca engineers here offer one of the most vivid and involving versions ever of La Traviata ... Gheorghiu brings heartfelt revelations, using her rich and vibrant, finely shaded soprano with consistent subtlety." Rosette Penguin Guide |
Sir Howard Morrison
How Great Thou Art - The Very Best Of [ Sony / CD - released 30/Oct/2015 ] A brand new career retrospective for one of New Zealand's greatest ever entertainers Sir Howard Morrison. Lovingly curated by his family 'How Great Thou Art: The Very Best Of Sir Howard Morrison' draws content from his entire recording career. |
W. A. MOZART
Sir Colin Davis conducts Mozart Symphonieorchester des Bayerischen Rundfunks, Sir Colin Davisa, The Orchestra of St. Luke's, Sir Colin Davis [ Sony / RCA Classical Masters / 4 CD Box Set - released 10/Dec/2021 ] "Twelve of Mozart scintillating Overtures are given superlative performances with the justly famous Staatskapelle of Dresden conducted with great panache by Colin Davis on this marvellous CD." classical-music.com |