BBC Music Magazine Choices,
BBC Music Magazine - January 2023 Choices
An 'imaginatively devised, generously filled and sumptuously recorded' programme of Stravinsky (comprising the Symphony in C, Symphony in 3 Movements, Divertimento on material from Le Baiser de la Fée, Circus Polka and Greeting Prelude) from Sir Andrew Davis and the BBC Philharmonic on Chandos takes the laurels in the January issue, with reviewer noting that it 'strongly reinforces Andrew Davis’s credentials as one of the finest of all Stravinsky interpreters'.
Also mentioned in despatches are American soprano Julia Bullock's debut solo album Walking in the Dark (featuring music by John Adams, Samuel Barber, Connie Converse and Billy Taylor) on Nonesuch, Rick Stotijn's 'high-octane' recording of double bass concertos by Vivaldi and Bottesini on BIS, and Mathieu van Bellen & Mathias Halvorsen's ingenious transcription of Puccini's La Bohème for violin and piano on Backlash Music.
Recording of the Month
'With exemplary control of orchestral balance, clarity of texture and a capacity to draw a fabulous array of colours from the music, these performances are guaranteed to keep the listener riveted from first bar to last.'
Available Formats: SACD, MP3, FLAC, Hi-Res FLAC
Orchestral Choice
'The Lahti Symphony Orchestra under former principal music director Dima Slobodeniouk delivers a compelling performance [of the Britten] with some particularly stunning string playing in the rhythmically propulsive finale.'
Available Formats: SACD, MP3, FLAC, Hi-Res FLAC
Concerto Choice
Doppio espressivo
Rick Stotijn (double bass), Johannes Rostamo (cello), Olivier Thiery (double bass), Bram van Sambeek (bassoon); Camerata RCO
'The recording’s playful title, Doppio espressivo, brings to mind the dark intensity of a double espresso and, certainly, the group’s high-octane playing on dusky-hued double basses, cellos and bassoons is every bit as vitalising as a shot of caffeine.'
Available Formats: SACD, MP3, FLAC, Hi-Res FLAC
Opera Choice
Anthony Davis: The Life and Times of Malcolm X
(Davóne Tines (Malcolm X), Whitney Morrison (Louise/Betty), Ronnita Miller (Ella), Victor Robertson (Street), Joshua Conyers (Reginald); Boston Modern Orchestra Project, Gil Rose
'With its roots in classical modernism and various genres of popular music as well as jazz and even improvisation, Davis’s score brings all these styles together purposefully and regularly to keen dramatic effect. The result is an opera whose time has undoubtedly (if belatedly) come.'
This title is not currently available from Presto Music, but can be purchased directly from Boston Modern Orchestra Project here.
Choral & Song Choice
Walking in the Dark
Julia Bullock (soprano), Philharmonia Orchestra, Christian Reif (piano/conductor)
'The tracks for voice and piano are a highlight. Bullock’s performance of ‘City Called Heaven’, a traditional Black spiritual in an arrangement by Hall Johnson, is quite something...The jazz-based numbers are also outstanding and showcase the rare depth and richness of Bullock’s voice.'
Available Formats: CD, MP3, FLAC, Hi-Res FLAC, Hi-Res+ FLAC
Chamber Choice
Puccini: La Bohème (Arr. M. van Bellen & M. Halvorsen for Violin & Piano)
Mathieu van Bellen (violin), Mathias Halvorsen (piano)
'Such is the emotional commitment of the two musicians, the sense of immediacy in the recording, and the lush, dynamic playing...that by the time we reach the end it is quite possible to forget that we have not been listening to ‘the real thing’. Bravi, van Bellen and Halvorsen, for this ravishing achievement.'
Available Formats: 2 CDs, MP3, FLAC, Hi-Res FLAC
Instrumental Choice
'A particular highlight is the radiance of the A major Sonata Op. 18 No. 5. Duo Pleyel also exceeds our high expectations for the Mozart works, and their interpretations are an essential addition to the recorded legacy of this music. The sonatas Kk. 358 and 381 are erudite and enchanting, and the K501 Variations are absolutely revelatory.'
Available Formats: CD, MP3, FLAC, Hi-Res FLAC
Jazz Choice
'I only heard Jones in person a couple of times. It was like witnessing an organic melding of Gene Kelly and an avalanche, but there was also, as on this album, ample evidence of his ability to play with crisp precision and even melodic delicacy. Music didn’t (and doesn’t) come more compelling than this.'
Available Formats: 2 CDs, MP3, FLAC, Hi-Res FLAC
Chris O'Reilly - Chief Executive
