New Releases

Critics rightfully have called soprano Eli Kristin Hanssveen “the new opera diva”. Her spectacular voice has been the catalyst for a steadily rising career, and she is known for her unique charisma and acting talent. In 2002 she made her opera debut at the Norwegian National Opera and Ballet, where she has been soloist since 2010.

Tchaikovsky’s The Sleeping Beauty was the second of his ballets, conceived on a grand scale and the most symphonic in nature. Of his three ballets, it was possibly the best received by the public and critics alike. This iconic 1959 recording from Ernest Ansermet marks one of his many highlights in his long recording career with Decca Records.

A stunning release featuring some of the finest works composed by Prokofiev which fully demonstrates his love for ballet, orchestral, film and opera composition. All brought together by two outstanding conductors – Dimitri Mitropulos and Ernest Ansermet.

Recorded between 1954 -1961

This compendium covers a golden age, a century during which the ballet emerged from being a court entertainment to the cutting-edge of 20th century modernity. The majority of the works represented on this 3-CD set are French or Russian. Classical ballet has its origins in the baroque opera-ballets of the 18th century French court and it is hardly surprising that the growing cosmopolitanism and wealth of the Russian court should see French composers and ballet –masters drawn to Russia. It was not long before Russian composers, too, began composing for the ballet.

The history of Beethoven symphonies on record began with the November 1913 recording of the fifth Symphony by Arthur Nikisch and the Berlin Philharmonic. It reaches a fascinating chapter with these recordings by the Philharmonia Orchestra conducted by Herbert von Karajan, recorded by EMI’s Columbia label. They also mark a fascinating stage in the controversial career of Herbert Von Karajan. Not least, they form part of the remarkable legacy of a tenacious record producer/ impresario/entrepreneur.

EMI Columbia Recording dates 1951-1956

It was billed as a battle of titans. Franz Liszt had invited the leading pianists of his time to compose variations on Bellini’s “March of the Huguenots.” The international keyboard stars Chopin, Thalberg, Pixis, Czerny, and Herz had agreed to compete, but they never actually performed together in Princess Beliojoso’s Paris salon. Claudius Tanski has now recreated this event with his master pupils.

Kathleen Ferrier, Joan Hammond and Nellie Melba, three of the 20th Centuries greatest singers presented on a 3CD set featuring their most popular recordings. Masterfully restored to optimum sound quality, the recordings by each of the singers are presented on one disc apiece with an average playing time of over 68 minutes on each disc. The set includes an extensive booklet containing liner notes and archive photographs.

Accompanist on these recordings include pianists Phyllis Spurr, John Newmark, Ernest Lush, and Gerald Moore; conductors Sir Adrian Bolt and Sir Malcolm Sargent with the LSO, and Constant Lambert with the LPO. On the Dame Nellie Melba disc the accompanists include pianists Landon Ronald and Harold Craxton, and Vincenzo Beliezza conducting The Royal Opera House Orchestra.

Britain’s Kathleen Ferrier and Australia’s Joan Hammond and Nellie Melba were almost

unassailable as purveyors of popular and classical repertoire alike. Their recordings and performances dominated the world, making them legends in their own lifetimes and beyond.