Artist: Nicola Benedetti.
Album: Homecoming - A Scottish Fantasy.
Recording Label: Decca.
Recording Date: 2014.
Homecoming - A Scottish Fantasy
1-4 Scottish Fantasy Bruch
5 Ae Fond Kiss Burns
6 Auld Lang Syne Variations Burns
7 My Love is Like a Red Red Rose Burns
8 Hurricane Set Skinner
9 The Dean Brig o'Edinburgh Skinner/Banks Hornpipes Trad.
10 Aberlady Cunningham
11 Mouth Music and Tunes Set Trad./Cunningham/MacDonald
12 The Gentle Light That Wakes Me Cunningham
13 Coisish a Ruin (Walk My Beloved) Trad.
14 Bonnie Banks of Loch Lomond Trad.
Impressions:
Nicola Benedetti is a Scottish violinist. She won Young British Classical Musician for 2011. I've listened to her on YouTube.com and see her perform. Benedetti is good. I bought her latest album, which is called Homecoming - A Scottish Fantasy. BBC Radio 3 and the Scottish BBC orchestra back her up. The various works sample different aspects of Scottish music. I enjoyed listening to it.
Recommended for Xmas.
Monday, December 22, 2014
Sunday, December 7, 2014
Review of The Last of the Mohicans Soundtrack
Album: The Last of the Mohicans Soundtrack.
Recording Studio: Morgan Creek Records.
Recording Date: 1992.
Soundtrack:
Main Title
Elk Hunt
The Kiss
The Glade Part II
Fort Battle
Promontory
Munro's Office/Stockade
Massacre/Canoes
Top of the World
The Courier
Cora
River Walk and Discovery
Parlay
The British Arrive
Pieces of a Story
I Will Find You
There aren't many movies about the Seven Years War or the French and Indian Wars. The Last of the Mohicans is one of them. Today's classical music is Hollywood soundtracks. I enjoyed this movie when it came out in theaters. I bought the soundtrack. It puts me in the mood for a Seven Years War game.
Recommended.
Recording Studio: Morgan Creek Records.
Recording Date: 1992.
Soundtrack:
Main Title
Elk Hunt
The Kiss
The Glade Part II
Fort Battle
Promontory
Munro's Office/Stockade
Massacre/Canoes
Top of the World
The Courier
Cora
River Walk and Discovery
Parlay
The British Arrive
Pieces of a Story
I Will Find You
There aren't many movies about the Seven Years War or the French and Indian Wars. The Last of the Mohicans is one of them. Today's classical music is Hollywood soundtracks. I enjoyed this movie when it came out in theaters. I bought the soundtrack. It puts me in the mood for a Seven Years War game.
Recommended.
Saturday, November 22, 2014
Review of Mahler Symphony No. 1 "Titan"
Artist: The St. Louis Symphony Orchestra.
Album: Mahler Symphony No. 1. "Titan."
Recording Company: Arch Media.
Recording Date: 1999.
Mahler Symphony No. 1. "Titan."
St. Louis Symphony with Hans Vonk.
I. Langsam, Schleppend
II. Kraftig Bewegt
III. Feierlich und Gemessen, Ohne Zu Schleppen
IV. Sturmisch Bewegt
Overview and Impressions:
The late Hans Vonk and the St. Louis Symphony did a workman like recording of Mahler's Symphony No. 1. "Titan." I don't listen to it often. But I enjoy hearing it when I do. But I'm not a big fan of Mahler. I'd rather listen to Bruckner all day. Or hear some Brahms.
Still, I recommend the album.
Album: Mahler Symphony No. 1. "Titan."
Recording Company: Arch Media.
Recording Date: 1999.
Mahler Symphony No. 1. "Titan."
St. Louis Symphony with Hans Vonk.
I. Langsam, Schleppend
II. Kraftig Bewegt
III. Feierlich und Gemessen, Ohne Zu Schleppen
IV. Sturmisch Bewegt
Overview and Impressions:
The late Hans Vonk and the St. Louis Symphony did a workman like recording of Mahler's Symphony No. 1. "Titan." I don't listen to it often. But I enjoy hearing it when I do. But I'm not a big fan of Mahler. I'd rather listen to Bruckner all day. Or hear some Brahms.
Still, I recommend the album.
Friday, July 25, 2014
Real life gets in the way of art...
My dream of getting a double barreled Yamaha French horn will have to remain a dream for the foreseeable future. My car was totaled last week. I need to buy another vehicle. So I can't afford to save for a French horn, if that's the case. It a case of being pragmatic. But I don't like the situation...
Thursday, May 1, 2014
The Vivaldi Album by Cecilia Bartoli
Artist: Cecilia Bartoli.
Album: The Vivaldi Album.
Recording Company: Decca.
Recording Date: 1999.
Dell'aura al susurrar Dorilla in Tempe
Dopo un'orrida procella Griselda
Di due rai languir costante Foa 28
Qual favellar? ... Andero, volero, gridero L'Orlando finto pazzo
Zeffiretti, che sussurrate Foa 28
Alma oppressa Dite, oime La fida ninfa
Sventurata navicella. Sorte, chem invitasti ... Ho nel petto un cor si forte Giustino
Tra le follie ... Siam navi all'onde algenti L'Olimpiade
Gelido in ogni vena Farnace
Anch'il mar par che sommerga Bajazet
Di trombe guerriere Tenzzone
These are selections of Vivaldi's lesser know operas. The album is worth listening to. Recommended.
Album: The Vivaldi Album.
Recording Company: Decca.
Recording Date: 1999.
Dell'aura al susurrar Dorilla in Tempe
Dopo un'orrida procella Griselda
Di due rai languir costante Foa 28
Qual favellar? ... Andero, volero, gridero L'Orlando finto pazzo
Zeffiretti, che sussurrate Foa 28
Alma oppressa Dite, oime La fida ninfa
Sventurata navicella. Sorte, chem invitasti ... Ho nel petto un cor si forte Giustino
Tra le follie ... Siam navi all'onde algenti L'Olimpiade
Gelido in ogni vena Farnace
Anch'il mar par che sommerga Bajazet
Di trombe guerriere Tenzzone
These are selections of Vivaldi's lesser know operas. The album is worth listening to. Recommended.
Saturday, April 5, 2014
Review of Twilight of the Gods: The Essential Wagner Collection
Artist: Richard Wagner.
Album: Twilight of the Gods - The Essential Wagner Collection.
Recording Studio: Deutsche Grammophone.
Copyright: 1998.
Disc One: Songs of Power, Conflict, and Death
Ride of the Valkyries from THE VALKYRIES
Siegfried's Funeral March from TWILIGHT OF THE GODS
Prelude to Act III from LOHENGRIN
Overture from THE FLYING DUTCHMAN
Sailors' Chorus from THE FLYING DUTCHMAN
Journey to Nibelheim from THE RHEINGOLD
Overture from THE MASTER SINGER OF NUREMBURG
Overture from TANNHAUSER
Entry of the Guests from TANNHAUSER
Tannhauser's Pilgrimage from TANNHAUSER
Act III Orchestral Interlude from SIEGFRIED
Siegfried's Rhine Journey from TWILIGHT OF THE GODS
Finale from TWILIGHT OF THE GODS
Entry of the Gods into Valhalla from THE RHEINGOLD
Disc Two: Music of Love, Ecstasy, & Redemption
Prelude to Act I from LOHENGRIN
Bridal Chorus from LOHENGRIN
Prelude to Act I from PARSIFAL
Good Friday Music from PARSIFAL
Transformation Scene from PARSIFAL
Venusburg Music from TANNHAUSER
Pilgrims' Chorus from TANNHAUSER
Prelude to Act III from THE MASTER SINGER OF NUREMBURG
Vision of Valhalla (Scene II Introduction) from THE RHEINGOLD
Siegfried Idyll
Brunnhilde's Awakening from SIEGFRIED
Prelude to Act III from TRISTAN AND ISOLDE
Death of Isolde from TRISTAN AND ISOLDE
Overview:
This is 2.5 hours of Richard Wagner, who is responsible for the death of the Romantic era in classical music. Aside from being an anti-Semite, Wagner was a musical genius. Composers either admired or hated his work.
Wagner wrote for the stage. Opera was his forte. Most of his stories revolve around lust, power, love, and murder. There are also tales of redemption and hope. If you want to hear most of Wagner's musical work without much of the operatic singing, this two disc collection is for you. Recommended.
Album: Twilight of the Gods - The Essential Wagner Collection.
Recording Studio: Deutsche Grammophone.
Copyright: 1998.
Disc One: Songs of Power, Conflict, and Death
Ride of the Valkyries from THE VALKYRIES
Siegfried's Funeral March from TWILIGHT OF THE GODS
Prelude to Act III from LOHENGRIN
Overture from THE FLYING DUTCHMAN
Sailors' Chorus from THE FLYING DUTCHMAN
Journey to Nibelheim from THE RHEINGOLD
Overture from THE MASTER SINGER OF NUREMBURG
Overture from TANNHAUSER
Entry of the Guests from TANNHAUSER
Tannhauser's Pilgrimage from TANNHAUSER
Act III Orchestral Interlude from SIEGFRIED
Siegfried's Rhine Journey from TWILIGHT OF THE GODS
Finale from TWILIGHT OF THE GODS
Entry of the Gods into Valhalla from THE RHEINGOLD
Disc Two: Music of Love, Ecstasy, & Redemption
Prelude to Act I from LOHENGRIN
Bridal Chorus from LOHENGRIN
Prelude to Act I from PARSIFAL
Good Friday Music from PARSIFAL
Transformation Scene from PARSIFAL
Venusburg Music from TANNHAUSER
Pilgrims' Chorus from TANNHAUSER
Prelude to Act III from THE MASTER SINGER OF NUREMBURG
Vision of Valhalla (Scene II Introduction) from THE RHEINGOLD
Siegfried Idyll
Brunnhilde's Awakening from SIEGFRIED
Prelude to Act III from TRISTAN AND ISOLDE
Death of Isolde from TRISTAN AND ISOLDE
Overview:
This is 2.5 hours of Richard Wagner, who is responsible for the death of the Romantic era in classical music. Aside from being an anti-Semite, Wagner was a musical genius. Composers either admired or hated his work.
Wagner wrote for the stage. Opera was his forte. Most of his stories revolve around lust, power, love, and murder. There are also tales of redemption and hope. If you want to hear most of Wagner's musical work without much of the operatic singing, this two disc collection is for you. Recommended.
Sunday, March 16, 2014
Review of Caroline Goulding
Artist: Caroline Goulding.
Album: Caroline Goulding.
Recording Company: Telarc.
Release Date: 2009.
Fritz Kreisler (1875-1962)
La Gitana
Gypsy Caprice
Berceuse Romantique
Syncopation
John Corigliano (b. 1938)
The Red Violin Caprices for Solo Violin
Paul Schoenfield (b. 1947)
Four Souvenirs for Violin and Piano
Henri Vieuxtemps (1820-1881)
Souvenir D'Amerique Variations on "Yankee Doodle"
George Gershwin (1898-1937)
Selections from Porgy and Bess
Traditional Cape Breton Island Fiddling:
Hector the Hero
Hey, Johnny Cope!; Tulllochgorum; Jean's Reel
I heard Caroline Goulding on NPR a while back. This was her debut album at age 16. She's moved onto touring in Europe after spending sometime at the New England Conservatory. Goulding's playing is amazing. Recommended.
Album: Caroline Goulding.
Recording Company: Telarc.
Release Date: 2009.
Fritz Kreisler (1875-1962)
La Gitana
Gypsy Caprice
Berceuse Romantique
Syncopation
John Corigliano (b. 1938)
The Red Violin Caprices for Solo Violin
Paul Schoenfield (b. 1947)
Four Souvenirs for Violin and Piano
Henri Vieuxtemps (1820-1881)
Souvenir D'Amerique Variations on "Yankee Doodle"
George Gershwin (1898-1937)
Selections from Porgy and Bess
Traditional Cape Breton Island Fiddling:
Hector the Hero
Hey, Johnny Cope!; Tulllochgorum; Jean's Reel
I heard Caroline Goulding on NPR a while back. This was her debut album at age 16. She's moved onto touring in Europe after spending sometime at the New England Conservatory. Goulding's playing is amazing. Recommended.
Saturday, February 22, 2014
Review of Hero Soundtrack
Album Name: Hero - Music From the Original Soundtrack.
Record Label: Sony Classical.
Recording Date: 2004.
Hero: Overture
For the World - Theme Music
Warriors
Gone with Leaves
Longing
At Emperor's Palace
In the Chess Court
Love in Distance
Spirit Fight
Swift Sword
Farewell, Hero
Sorrow in Desert
Above Water
Snow
Yearning for the Peace
Music composed and conducted by Tan Dun. China Philharmonic Orchestra and Chorus. I liked the movie Hero. I enjoyed the soundtrack even more. Izkak Perlman is on this album. I wish it had been a straight up historical film, instead of a fantasy martial arts piece. But I still enjoyed the music. Recommend.
Record Label: Sony Classical.
Recording Date: 2004.
Hero: Overture
For the World - Theme Music
Warriors
Gone with Leaves
Longing
At Emperor's Palace
In the Chess Court
Love in Distance
Spirit Fight
Swift Sword
Farewell, Hero
Sorrow in Desert
Above Water
Snow
Yearning for the Peace
Music composed and conducted by Tan Dun. China Philharmonic Orchestra and Chorus. I liked the movie Hero. I enjoyed the soundtrack even more. Izkak Perlman is on this album. I wish it had been a straight up historical film, instead of a fantasy martial arts piece. But I still enjoyed the music. Recommend.
Friday, February 7, 2014
Review of The Canadian Brass Plays the Pachelbel Canon
Artists: The Canadian Brass.
Album: The Canadian Brass Plays The Pachebel Canon.
Recording Studio: RCA Red Seal.
Recording Date: 1980.
J.S. Bach:
Toccata and Fugue in D minor
Sheep May Safely Graze
"Giggue" Fugue
"Little" Fugue
Wachet Auf
Passacaglia and Fugue in C minor
Handel:
Suite from "Water Music"
Frescobaldi:
Toccata
Pachelbel:
Canon
The Canadian Brass consists of Fredrick Mills, Ronald Romm, Graeme Page, Eugene Watts, and Charles Daellenbach. This is one of their earlier recordings on the RCA Red Seal label. It consists of the Pachelbel Canon, J.S. Bach's works, Handel's "Water Music," and Frescobaldi's Toccata all on one disc. This along with The Canadian Brass's other work, High, Bright, Light, and Clear: The Glory of Baroque Brass is recommended for those who like 17th century and early 18th century Baroque masters.
Album: The Canadian Brass Plays The Pachebel Canon.
Recording Studio: RCA Red Seal.
Recording Date: 1980.
J.S. Bach:
Toccata and Fugue in D minor
Sheep May Safely Graze
"Giggue" Fugue
"Little" Fugue
Wachet Auf
Passacaglia and Fugue in C minor
Handel:
Suite from "Water Music"
Frescobaldi:
Toccata
Pachelbel:
Canon
The Canadian Brass consists of Fredrick Mills, Ronald Romm, Graeme Page, Eugene Watts, and Charles Daellenbach. This is one of their earlier recordings on the RCA Red Seal label. It consists of the Pachelbel Canon, J.S. Bach's works, Handel's "Water Music," and Frescobaldi's Toccata all on one disc. This along with The Canadian Brass's other work, High, Bright, Light, and Clear: The Glory of Baroque Brass is recommended for those who like 17th century and early 18th century Baroque masters.
Monday, January 20, 2014
Review of Royal Brass by The Empire Brass Quintet
Artists: Empire Brass Quintet.
Album: Royal Brass - Music from the Renaissance and Baroque.
Recording House: Telarc.
Recording Date: 1990.
Mouret (1682-1738) - Rondeau
Holborne (d. 1602) - Five Pieces
- Elizabethan Dance Suite
Palestrina (1525-1594) - Riceracr del primo tuono
Scheidt (1586-1654) - Canzona bergamasca
Anonymous - Two 15th Century Fanfares
J.S. Bach (1685-1750) - March from Cantata 207a
- Trio Sonata in G major
- Fugue from Trio Sonata in C major
Albinoni (1671-1751) - Suite in G major
Handel (1685-1759) - Aria
Froberger (1616-1667) - Toccata
Pezel (1639 - 1694) - Sarabande
D. Scarlatti (1685-1757) - Sonata No. 49
Overview: This is a glorious CD of Baroque and Renaissance brass by the Dallas based Empire Brass Quintet. They are as good as the Canadian Brass CD I own. It's a good sampling of the Renaissance and Baroque composers. Highly recommended.
Album: Royal Brass - Music from the Renaissance and Baroque.
Recording House: Telarc.
Recording Date: 1990.
Mouret (1682-1738) - Rondeau
Holborne (d. 1602) - Five Pieces
- Elizabethan Dance Suite
Palestrina (1525-1594) - Riceracr del primo tuono
Scheidt (1586-1654) - Canzona bergamasca
Anonymous - Two 15th Century Fanfares
J.S. Bach (1685-1750) - March from Cantata 207a
- Trio Sonata in G major
- Fugue from Trio Sonata in C major
Albinoni (1671-1751) - Suite in G major
Handel (1685-1759) - Aria
Froberger (1616-1667) - Toccata
Pezel (1639 - 1694) - Sarabande
D. Scarlatti (1685-1757) - Sonata No. 49
Overview: This is a glorious CD of Baroque and Renaissance brass by the Dallas based Empire Brass Quintet. They are as good as the Canadian Brass CD I own. It's a good sampling of the Renaissance and Baroque composers. Highly recommended.
Thursday, January 2, 2014
Sarah Chang/Vivaldi/The Four Seasons
Artist: Sarah Chang.
Album: The Four Seasons.
Recording Studio: EMI Classics.
Recording Date: 2007.
Antonio Vivaldi (1678-1741)
Concerto No. 1 in E
Concerto No. 2 in G minor
Concerto No. 3 in F
Concerto No. 4 in F minor
Concerto in G minor
Sarah Chang recorded Vivaldi's The Four Seasons with the Orpheus Chamber Orchestra in 2007. The production is a bright, crisp recording. Though The Four Seasons have been recording many times by different artists, I enjoyed Ms. Chang's rendition of it. I got a chance to see her live once. And I've followed her career since.
Recommended.
Album: The Four Seasons.
Recording Studio: EMI Classics.
Recording Date: 2007.
Antonio Vivaldi (1678-1741)
Concerto No. 1 in E
Concerto No. 2 in G minor
Concerto No. 3 in F
Concerto No. 4 in F minor
Concerto in G minor
Sarah Chang recorded Vivaldi's The Four Seasons with the Orpheus Chamber Orchestra in 2007. The production is a bright, crisp recording. Though The Four Seasons have been recording many times by different artists, I enjoyed Ms. Chang's rendition of it. I got a chance to see her live once. And I've followed her career since.
Recommended.
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