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| |  | Dvorak: Symphony No. 9Live recordings from the Mann Auditorium Tel-Aviv, March 2007
Mehta recorded both these works with the Los Angeles Philharmonic Orchestra in the '70's - performances full of enthusiasm and lightning. Notwithstanding the high quality of those recordings, it is interesting to note the depth and maturity this veteran conductor has acquired over the years, especially in Strauss' post-romantic Zarathustra - music to which he always returns, a particular favourite of Mehta's, and a reading which stands with the best. | | | Usually despatched in 3 - 4 working days. |
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| |  | Dvorak, Suk & Smetana: String Quartets
The distinctive and passionate sound of Romantic Czech music is gloriously showcased in this new disc by the Sacconi Quartet. The new recording is released on the Quartetʼs own label, Sacconi Records. It contains works by three prodigious Bohemian composers all of whom were featured in the outstanding 2010 Sacconi Chamber Music Festival in Folkestone, entitled ʻTales of Bohemiaʼ. The Meditation on the Old Czech Hymn, Saint Wenceslas by Josef Suk is a largely undiscovered gem; a work of great power and presence. Suk, the student and later son-in-law of Antonín Dvořák, wrote the short, hauntingly beautiful piece at the outbreak of the First World War. Bedřich Smetanaʼs String Quartet No. 1 in E minor, From My Life is one of the great autobiographical works. Written at the end of the composerʼs life when he was completely deaf, it is a deeply personal work reflecting a life tinged with tragedy and sadness. The String Quartet No. 12 in F major, opus 96, American by Antonín Dvořák is a wonderful work full of soul as well as joyous themes. It is firmly established as one of the best-loved quartets in the repertoire. The Sacconi Quartet is one of the UK's leading string quartets. Since its formation at the Royal College of Music in 2001, it has established a secure and substantial reputation. The Quartet is recognised for its unanimous and compelling ensemble, performing with style and commitment and consistently communicating with a fresh and imaginative approach. Its four founder members demonstrate a shared passion for string quartet repertoire, infectiously reaching out to audiences with their energy and enthusiasm. Over the past decade they have enjoyed a highly successful international career, performing regularly throughout Europe, at Londonʼs major venues, in recordings and radio broadcasts. “The Sacconi, a fast-rising British string quartet, bravely tackle Czech masterpieces recorded many times before, and bring something fresh and distinctive. Dvorák’s American Quartet has a light touch and springy rhythms that suit the music perfectly.” The Times, 25th June 2011 *** “This Czech programme suits the infectious bounce and fizz of the Sacconis, who bring Dvořák's songful "American" quartet to vivid life and drive along the dance-like second movement of Smetana's Quartet No 1 with an irrepressible swing. But it's not all party hats and streamers...the sensitive Sacconis bear solemn witness to [Smetana's] sorrowful journey into silence. Equally, they create a reverential stillness in Suk's Meditation on an Old Czech Hymn” The Observer, 3rd July 2011 “The Sacconi Quartet's performance, aided by a rich recorded sound, is ideal: quietly intense without resorting to sentimentality...There is clear relish for the American's abundant lyricism...their performance of the Scherzo captures its volatile ebb and flow delightfully, and the finale certainly has the requisite levels of energy.” BBC Music Magazine, October 2011 ***** | | | Usually despatched in 2 - 3 working days. |
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This highly acclaimed production from the Bayerische Staatsoper was a veritable sensation and the performance of up-and-coming Latvian soprano, Kristīne Opolais was rightly hailed by the press as “one of the most vivid and striking accomplishments seen on an opera stage in a long time” (Vienna’s leading daily “Der Standard”). With her supple and velvety soprano voice, her captivating physical beauty and her hauntingly moving stage presence, Kristine Opolais perfectly embodies the role of water nymph who becomes a human being in order to find love. Directed by renowned director Martin Kušej. Recorded at the Bayerische Staatsoper, 2010. Total: 193 minutes (Opera: 156 min. + Bonus 36 min.) DTS 5.1, PCM Stereo Opera: English, German, French, Spanish, Korean, Chinese Bonus: English “Whatever reservations one might have about the production, the performance as a whole is remarkable. The cast has clearly bought into the producer's concept and they deliver a devastating ensemble performance. Kristine Opolais as Rusalka is vocally superb and acts magnificently..Tomáš Hanus draws some wonderful playing from the Bavarian State Orchestra and paces the musical-dramatic flow flawlessly.” BBC Music Magazine, October 2011 **** “In Martin Kusej’s brilliantly executed, up-to-the-minute interpretation of Dvorák’s fairy tale, first seen in Munich a year ago, Rusalka is the victim of a psychopathic abductor (the water goblin), irretrievably damaged in body and mind...Opolais gives a harrowing performance, at the head of a strong cast” Financial Times, 17th September 2011 ***** “The grim modern tale is acted out with undeniable intensity. Kristine Opolais's Rusalka may not have the vocal beauty of some but she gives her all in a moving portrayal...Vogt is almost perfectly cast, capturing equally the poetic naivety and Wagnerian grandeur of Dvorak's music. There could be no more frightening Fritzl/Water Goblin than Günther Groissböck...The conductor, Tomáš Hanus, paces the score with energy” Gramophone Magazine, Awards Issue 2011 “[Kusej imposes] on Dvorak's work a harrowingly contemporary sexual violence. This is in its way a riveting conception, although it eliminates every trace of romance from the opera...Opolais's Rusalka exudes all-out commitment. The young Latvian soprano moves, acts and sings beautifully...Singing with velvety tone of imposing breadth, Gunther Groissbock proves terrifyingly convincing in putting across Kusej's dissolute, sexually brutal view of the Water Goblin.” International Record Review, September 2011 “Some scenes are almost unwatchable…But it's superbly done and is notable for a brave, perhaps career-best performance from Kristine Opolais in the title role. Klaus Florian Vogt is her emotionally insensitive Prince; Gunther Groissböck her truly horrifying father. It's forcefully conducted by Tomáš Hanus, too.” The Guardian, 8th December 2011 *** “Not for the faint-hearted, Martin Kusej’s 2010 Munich production...transposes Dvorák’s water nymphs and goblins to the living-nightmare contemporary world of Josef Fritzl...there’s no denying the power of the staging. The soprano Kristine Opolais is a revelation in the title role and the music outstanding under Tomas Hanus’s baton.” The Times, 13th August 2011 **** | | | Usually despatched in 2 - 3 working days. |
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This highly acclaimed production from the Bayerische Staatsoper was a veritable sensation and the performance of up-and-coming Latvian soprano, Kristīne Opolais was rightly hailed by the press as “one of the most vivid and striking accomplishments seen on an opera stage in a long time” (Vienna’s leading daily “Der Standard”). With her supple and velvety soprano voice, her captivating physical beauty and her hauntingly moving stage presence, Kristine Opolais perfectly embodies the role of water nymph who becomes a human being in order to find love. Directed by renowned director Martin Kušej. Recorded at the Bayerische Staatsoper, 2010. Total: 193 minutes (Opera: 156 min. + Bonus 36 min.) dts-HD MA 5.1, PCM Stereo Opera: English, German, French, Spanish, Korean, Chinese Bonus: English “Whatever reservations one might have about the production, the performance as a whole is remarkable. The cast has clearly bought into the producer's concept and they deliver a devastating ensemble performance. Kristine Opolais as Rusalka is vocally superb and acts magnificently..Tomáš Hanus draws some wonderful playing from the Bavarian State Orchestra and paces the musical-dramatic flow flawlessly.” BBC Music Magazine, October 2011 **** “In Martin Kusej’s brilliantly executed, up-to-the-minute interpretation of Dvorák’s fairy tale, first seen in Munich a year ago, Rusalka is the victim of a psychopathic abductor (the water goblin), irretrievably damaged in body and mind...Opolais gives a harrowing performance, at the head of a strong cast” Financial Times, 17th September 2011 ***** “The grim modern tale is acted out with undeniable intensity. Kristine Opolais's Rusalka may not have the vocal beauty of some but she gives her all in a moving portrayal...Vogt is almost perfectly cast, capturing equally the poetic naivety and Wagnerian grandeur of Dvorak's music. There could be no more frightening Fritzl/Water Goblin than Günther Groissböck...The conductor, Tomáš Hanus, paces the score with energy” Gramophone Magazine, Awards Issue 2011 “[Kusej imposes] on Dvorak's work a harrowingly contemporary sexual violence. This is in its way a riveting conception, although it eliminates every trace of romance from the opera...Opolais's Rusalka exudes all-out commitment. The young Latvian soprano moves, acts and sings beautifully...Singing with velvety tone of imposing breadth, Gunther Groissbock proves terrifyingly convincing in putting across Kusej's dissolute, sexually brutal view of the Water Goblin.” International Record Review, September 2011 “Some scenes are almost unwatchable…But it's superbly done and is notable for a brave, perhaps career-best performance from Kristine Opolais in the title role. Klaus Florian Vogt is her emotionally insensitive Prince; Gunther Groissböck her truly horrifying father. It's forcefully conducted by Tomáš Hanus, too.” The Guardian, 8th December 2011 *** “Not for the faint-hearted, Martin Kusej’s 2010 Munich production...transposes Dvorák’s water nymphs and goblins to the living-nightmare contemporary world of Josef Fritzl...there’s no denying the power of the staging. The soprano Kristine Opolais is a revelation in the title role and the music outstanding under Tomas Hanus’s baton.” The Times, 13th August 2011 **** | | | Usually despatched in 2 - 3 working days. |
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| |  | Antal Doráti conducts Smetana & Dvorak
Smetana’s Má vlast (My Country), his magnificent cycle of six symphonic poems, embodies both Czech nationhood and the country’s legendary history and was written when he was at the height of his creative powers. The cycle is lyrical, warm-hearted and dramatic with its exciting tales of heroic warriors, visions of the wide open Bohemian countryside, and the surging river Vitava that runs through it. The sweeping romantic melodies and the splendour of the triumphant brass are full of passionate patriotic feelings. The accompanying work on this 2-CD set also celebrates the Czech countryside: Dvorˇák’s overture ‘In Nature’s Realm’. This picturesque evocation of the composer’s home in the spruce forests of Bohemia is part of a trilogy, its closing epilogue featuring a chorale-like motif based on a Czech hymn. “A classic recording, beautifully played by a great orchestra. It springs along with balletic elegance, has oodles of inner detail, and a surging power where necessary.” BBC Music Magazine, June 2012 ***** | | | Usually despatched in 2 - 3 working days. |
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| |  | Dvorak: Sacred MusicLive Recordings from The Alte Oper Frankfurt, 1993
Dvorak: | Biblical Songs (10), Op. 99 Eva Randová (mezzo-soprano) Jiri Belohlávek Requiem, Op. 89 Lucia Popp (soprano), Eva Randová (mezzo-soprano), Peter Mikuláŝ (bass), Josef Protschka (tenor) Prague Symphony Orchestra & Prague Symphonic Chorus, Petr Altrichter Stabat Mater, Op. 58 Eva Urbanová (soprano), Katerina Kachlíková (mezzo-soprano), Peter Mikuláŝ (bass), ŝtefan Margita (tenor) Prague Symphony Orchestra & Prague Symphonic Chorus, Libor Peŝek Te Deum, Op.103, B.176 Lívia Ághová (soprano) & Ivan Kusnjer (baritone) Prague Philharmonic Choir, Jiri Belohlávek Violin Concerto in A minor, Op. 53 Ivan Zenaty (violin) Jiri Belohlávek |
The works of the quintessentially Czech composer Antonín Dvořák are, above all, enjoyable and perennial favourites of the Romantic repertoire. The concerts are performed by the Prague Symphony Orchestra and Chorus and the Prague Philharmonic Choir, with three leading Czech conductors on the podium: Petr Altrichter, Jiří Bělohlávek and Libor Pešek. Sound Format: PCM Stereo, DD 5.1, DTS 5.1 Picture Format: 4:3 DVD Format: 3 x DVD 9 / NTSC Subtitles: GB, DE, FR, ES Running Time: 281 mins FSK: 0 | | | Usually despatched in 2 - 3 working days. |
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| |  | Leibniz Trio play Dvorak, Martin & Finlay
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| |  | Kulenkampff Violin Concerto Recordings Volume 4
Georg Kulenkampff (violin) | | | Usually despatched in 2 - 3 working days. |
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| |  | Violin Romances
Borodin: | Serenade trans. Heifetz | Brahms: | Contemplations (Wie melodien zieht es mir) trans. Heifetz | Bruch: | Romance in A minor for violin & orchestra, Op. 42 | Castelnuovo-Tedesco: | Tango trans. Heifetz | Chopin: | Nocturne No. 16 in E flat major, Op. 55 No. 2 trans. Heifetz | Debussy: | Beau Soir trans. Heifetz | Dinicu: | Hora Staccato trans. Heifetz | Dvorak: | Romance in F minor, Op. 11 | Foster, S: | I Dream of Jeanie with the Light Brown Hair trans. Heifetz | Gershwin: | Summertime (from Porgy and Bess) A woman is a sometime thing (from Porgy and Bess) My man's gone now (from Porgy and Bess) It Ain't Necessarily So (from Porgy and Bess) Bess, you is my woman now (from Porgy and Bess) There's a boat dat's leavin' soon for New York (from Porgy and Bess) trans. Heifetz | Godowsky: | Triakontameron No. 11 'Alt Wien' trans. Heifetz | Goldmark: | Romance in A major, Op. 51 | Janacek: | Romance for violin and piano | Khachaturian: | Sabre Dance from Gayane trans. Heifetz | Kreisler: | Romance, Op. 4 | Liszt: | Romance oubliée, for viola/cello/violin & piano, S. 132 | Medtner: | Skazka (Fairy Tale), Op. 20 No 1 in B flat minor trans. Heifetz | Mendelssohn: | Song without Words, Op. 19b No. 1 in E major 'Sweet Remembrance' trans. Heifetz | Nielsen: | Romance for violin & piano, Op. 2 No. 1 | Ponce, M: | Estrellita trans. Heifetz | Prokofiev: | The Love for Three Oranges: March trans. Heifetz | Rachmaninov: | Melody, Op. 21 No. 9 trans. Heifetz How fair this spot, Op. 21 No. 7 trans. Heifetz | Ravel: | Valses nobles et sentimentales No. 6 in C major trans. Heifetz | Schumann, Clara: | Romances (3), Op. 22 | Sibelius: | Romance, Op. 78 No. 2 | Sinding: | Romance in E minor, Op. 30 | Svendsen: | Romance for Violin and Orchestra, Op. 26 | Turina: | La Oración del torero, Op. 34 trans. Heifetz | Valle, F: | Prelude XV, 'Ao pé da foguiera' trans. Heifetz | Vieuxtemps: | Romance, Op. 40 No. 1 | Wieniawski: | Romance sans paroles in D minor, Op. 9 Violin Concerto No. 2 in D minor, Op. 22: Romance |
Aaron Rosand (violin), Hugh Sung (piano), John Covelli (piano - Heifetz transcriptions) | | | Usually despatched in 8 - 10 working days. |
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