Soundbite 60 Reviews

Here we write a short précis of a CD or DVD giving you a concise summary in a sixty-word soundbite.

Rachmaninov 1
Still one of the best ‘Rach 1s’, the Suisse Romande Orchestra post-Ansermet playing with weight, spirit and brilliance. Decca’s analogue sound – a superb LP – has terrific impact and…
December 5, 2006
Gluck Opera Arias/Janet Baker
The measure of these artists’ greatness is just how stylish everything still sounds. Numerous arias from various operas are intensely enacted by Janet Baker. With able support from Raymond Leppard…
December 4, 2006
Weber’s Clarinet
All of Weber’s clarinet-and-orchestra music – full of melody, fantasy, and show-stopping antics for the soloist. Martin Fröst plays quite brilliantly – with lyrical intensity, derring-do, a range of dynamics…
December 3, 2006
Sibelius/Colin Davis
A brooding, atmospheric Pohjola’s Daughter; a veiled Valse triste; a Karelia Suite given time to parade, narrate and stroll; an En saga with a light scenic touch; a visceral Tapiola….
December 2, 2006
Max Bruch/Arthur Grumiaux
Arthur Grumiaux’s aristocratic poise, impassioned attack and honeyed lyricism pay many dividends in Max Bruch’s evergreen concerto; a lively account with an eloquent, roaming Adagio. Bruch is not a one-piece…
December 1, 2006
French Orchestral Songs/Elly Ameling & Hildegard Behrens
Hildegard Behrens here relishes Berlioz’s cycle, delivering a sensuous performance of surprising delicacy – ‘Le spectre de la rose’ is particularly fine. The remainder of the disc belongs to Elly…
November 29, 2006
A Leroy Anderson Christmas
A short-measure compilation, but having Leroy Anderson (1908-1975) conducting his four Christmas confections adds considerable value: all the old favourites are present, somewhere, and in very skilled arrangements. Arthur Fiedler…
November 26, 2006
Haydn Cello Concertos/Christophe Coin
Two of Haydn’s most popular works, the charming yet dramatic Cello Concerto in C and its deceptively personable brother, are given the transparent and detailed (yet never dry) performances you…
November 24, 2006
William Primrose Viola Transcriptions
The reticent and introspective viola here sounds honeyed and outgoing while remaining soulful. Roberto Diaz, former principal in the Philadelphia Orchestra, turns many mellifluous phrases and dances numerous jaunty rhythms….
November 22, 2006
Christmastime Is Here
No expense spared! Full choirs and orchestra: a spectacular Christmas singsong brimful of sentiment and festivity. Medleys embrace ‘Away in a Manger’, ‘The Holly and the Ivy’ and ‘Greensleeves’! Superb…
November 19, 2006