Hyperion
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This new two-CD set is as fascinating as any and contains many recordings which are thought to be first, and which are probably the first performances at all for more than 100 years. A pair... —
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the dynamic range and palette of tonal colours that Herrick conjures up and the exemplary clarity of the recording make this a highly satisfying release...it's a cleverly contrasted selection... —
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Prokofiev - Cello Concerto & Symphony-Concerto
Alban Gerhardt (cello)
Bergen Philharmonic Orchestra, Andrew Litton
Whatever conclusions one draws from a direct comparison between the two works, there is little doubt that Alban Gerhardt is equally committed to both. …he performs with consummate authority,... —
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There can never be too many recordings of Grieg's masterpiece, Haugtussa ('The Mountain Maid')… In the mezzo-soprano of Katarina Karnéus, Haugtussa becomes a darkly erotic tale… —
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Reducing the string size of Strauss's Metamorphosen from 23 to the seven of the composer's short score… might seem to be going light on the tragic force of this great wartime elegy. Not so... —
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Leos Janácek - Orchestral Works
Gweneth-Ann Jeffers (soprano) & Adrian Thompson (tenor)
Edinburgh Festival Chorus & BBC Scottish Symphony Orchestra, Ilan Volkov
Janáček's 'legend' The Eternal Gospel is a seemingly odd undertaking for its agnostic composer… but its prophecy of a universal kingdom of love inspired him to music of surging lyricism. As... —
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Echoes of Nightingales
Encores as sung by Kirsten Flagstad, Eileen Farrell, Helen Traubel and Eleanor Steber
Christine Brewer (soprano) & Roger Vignoles (piano)
unlike many dramatic sopranos, Brewer here demonstrates a clarity of enunciation and a variety of tone that suits this lighter material...Irresistable. —
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Mozart: Missa solemnis & other works
Lynda Russell (soprano), Lina Markeby (mezzo-soprano), James Oxley (tenor) & David Wilson-Johnson (baritone), Simon Johnson (organ)
St Paul's Cathedral Choir & St Paul's Mozart Orchestra, Andrew Carwood
Most of the music here is performed by the good soloists and enthusiastic chorus with gusto, so the chief impression is of lusty praise...The St Paul's team seems to be enjoying itself, though... —
