DVD Videos

PRESTO 2 is written and presented by Pierre Charvet, of FRANCE5, where Presto is a regular TV programme designed to familiarise viewers with classical music.

Directed by François-René Martin, of Mirare, Presto uses split-screen technology and graphic animation by Gregoire Pont, to illustrate four centuries of music, played by François Xavier Roth and his orchestra Les Siècles.

1 DVD, 2h 12min

PAL 16:9, Stereo, Language : Fr

No subtitles

NB: This is taken from a television-programme rather than a recital and therefore features some voice-over during the pieces.

Recorded in Stereo and 5.1 Surround Sound.

Contains DVD and a CD of the recital sound track.

Bonus Features include a tour of the organ and its history.

This new DVD and CD from Priory is the fifth in a series of organ recitals filmed in Britain’s great cathedrals. The programme is designed around the history of the building, and contains in particular a poignant reminder of the blitz in 1940, with the music of Samuel Barber’s Adagio.

Filmed beside the new nave console this is also the first recording since the instrument’s restoration; also seen are numerous pictures from inside and outside the Cathedral including the crypt and the whispering gallery, together with illustrations of the Great Fire of London. The music has been specially chosen to provide links with organists connected with St Paul’s, including Maurice Greene, Hubert Parry, Felix Mendelssohn and Georg Frederick Handel. Jeremiah Clarke’s famous Trumpet Voluntary was recorded to show off the west end royal trumpets – (and for hi-fi buffs listening in 5.1 surround sound these will be heard only from the rear speakers.) This we believe is Priory’s greatest DVD to date in terms of technical brilliance and recorded sound – every available trumpet and tuba combination has been demonstrated by Simon Johnson in this recital, and his visual ‘talk-through’ of Norman Cocker’s ‘Tuba Tune’ on one of the bonus features is fascinating both for students and general listeners alike.

Arrangements by Craig Hella Johnson.

This DVD captures the exquisite sound of Conspirare's Company of Voices, as heard and seen on national television in the US. In this one-hour concert contemporary music blends seamlessly with classical favourites, taking the viewer on a journey of innovative sound, vibrant images and thought-provoking ideas.The concert was performed and taped live on October 12 at Austin's Long Center for the Performing Arts.

Now in its 17th season, Conspirare is recognised for its emotionally resonant performances and an extraordinary ability to connect with audiences, providing listeners with an evocative and often transformative cultural experience. Under the artistic leadership of Craig Hella Johnson, Conspirare has recorded 3 CDs and received four Grammy nominations. Its inaugural project for harmonia mundi usa, Threshold of Night, was released in September, 2008.

William Pleeth, teacher of the legendary Jacqueline du Pré and many other internationally recognized cellists, celebrated his 80th birthday in 1996. To mark the occasion, he was filmed giving a series of eight one-hour classes at the renowned Britten-Pears School for Advanced Musical Studies in Snape, England. In the classics of the cello repertoire, he had the uncanny ability to guide and inspire talented young players. This series is the only filmed document of his extraordinary work as a teacher.

William Pleeth, teacher of the legendary Jacqueline du Pré and many other internationally recognized cellists, celebrated his 80th birthday in 1996. To mark the occasion, he was filmed giving a series of eight one-hour classes at the renowned Britten-Pears School for Advanced Musical Studies in Snape, England. In the classics of the cello repertoire, he had the uncanny ability to guide and inspire talented young players. This series is the only filmed document of his extraordinary work as a teacher.