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See Terms & Conditions for p&p rates. | |  | Jorge Bolet: His earliest recordings
From the mid 1970’s until his death, Cuban born Jorge Bolet emerged as one of the world’s truly great pianists and one of the last representatives, along with the likes of Cherkassky, Horowitz and Earl Wild, of the great Romantic tradition of pianism. His pedigree was marvellous - a student of Godowsky-disciple David Saperton at the Curtis Institute, there he was also able to play for Godowsky himself and Josef Hofmann. He won the Naumburg competition in 1937 and looked set for a great career, but the war interrupted the flow of things and he struggled through the 1950s & 60s, mainly playing in the USA and not quite making the international ‘big-time’. His big break came with an RCA contract and the release on LP of a stunning live Carnegie Hall concert in 1974. Shortly after, he was signed to Decca and went on to make many award winning discs. But what of the early years? There’s not much, but here, for the first time on CD, we have the four LPs he made in the 1950s. His very first disc was of Latin-American repertoire that he was never to record again. Here also is the first ever recording of Prokofiev’s Second Piano Concerto in a performance that is still up there with the best. These almost unknown discs are sure to fascinate, and fill an important gap in the mystery of Bolet’s early career. “This invaluable reissue of discs dating from 1952-53 is a reminder of Jorge Bolet's early stature. The first-ever recording of Prokofiev's malignant, ferociously demanding Second Concerto is of so much more than documentary interest...nothing can dim one's sense of Bolet's massive and unswerving authority, a quality at once lyrical and magisterial...A true aristocrat of the keyboard, his warmth and humanity strike you at every turn.” Gramophone Magazine, December 2011 | | | In stock - usually despatched within 1 working day. |
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“Right from the opening appassionato phrase on the G string, Jean-Jacques Kantorow goes for broke… Kantorow can be delicate too, while his brisk speeds… ensure that nothing sags - the second movement, which Cooper calls a 'floating barcarolle', is precisely that, and the finale fizzes with nervous energy.” BBC Music Magazine, March 2007 *****  BBC Music Magazine
Disc of the month - March 2007 |
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| |  | Saint-Saëns: Music for Piano and Cello and Piano
“Croshaw is a first-rate artist, as her musical characterisation fully demonstrates, and is perfectly balanced in the First Cello Sonata with her partner Christina Shillito, who favours a comparatively restrained lyricism...Excellent recording throughout ensures that altogether this is a morerewarding duet-recital.” Gramophone Magazine, January 2012 “she is clearly a most gifted pianist and a fine interpreter of this composer's music; she is a splendid partner for the gifted Christina Shillito in the two works for cello and piano by Saint-Saens, and all in all, this is a most invigorating issue, very well recorded, which I commend highly.” Musical Opinion, May/June 2011 “Her nuanced, revelatory pianism seems almost outside of time in its understated eloquence, and in a way the chosen repertoire is perfectly suited. Her artless poetry at the keyboard is evident in Saint-Saëns' retro, and magical, Piano Suite...Her athletic legerdemain...seems undiminished...[in] the Allegro Appassionato op.70” MusicWeb International, November 2011 | | | Usually despatched in 8 - 10 working days. |
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| |  | Kyung Wha Chung: Con Amore
“A violinist at the height of her powers, in performances that are affectionate, powerful, playful or virtuosic, as the music requires. Especially attractive are the many Kreisler originals or arrangements.” BBC Music Magazine, September 2011 ***** | | | Usually despatched in 2 - 3 working days. |
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| |  | Alfred Cortot: 1929-1937 Recordings
Bach, J S: | Organ Concerto in D minor (after Vivaldi), BWV596 arr. Cortot. Recorded on 18th May 1937 in EMI Studio No. 3, Abbey Road, London Arioso (Largo) from Keyboard Concerto in F minor, BWV1056 arr. Cortot. Recorded on 18th May 1937 in EMI Studio No. 3, Abbey Road, London | Franck, C: | Prélude, Choral et Fugue, M21 Recorded on 8th March 1932 in EMI Studio No. 3, Abbey Road, London | Mendelssohn: | Variations sérieuses in D minor Op. 54 Recorded on 19th May 1937 in EMI Studio No. 3, Abbey Road, London Song without Words, Op. 19b No. 1 in E major 'Sweet Remembrance' Recorded on 19th May 1937 in EMI Studio No. 3, Abbey Road, London | Purcell: | Minuet in G major arr. Henderson. Recorded on 26th October 1937 in EMI Studio No. 3, Abbey Road, London Sicilienne in G minor arr. Henderson. Recorded on 26th October 1937 in EMI Studio No. 3, Abbey Road, London Gavotte in G major arr. Henderson. Recorded on 26th October 1937 in EMI Studio No. 3, Abbey Road, London Air in G major arr. Henderson. Recorded on 26th October 1937 in EMI Studio No. 3, Abbey Road, London | Saint-Saëns: | Etude en forme de valse Op. 52 No. 6 Recorded on 13th May 1931 in the Small Queen’s Hall, London |
Producer and Restoration Engineer: Ward Marston “Here are some examples of what makes Cortot special...The combination of poetic inwardness and virtuoso exuberance is magical.” BBC Music Magazine, March 2011 ***** “Everything here is delectable but the very disc itself would object if I did not single out the pianist's arrangement of the Largo from Bach's F minor Concerto, something for everyone's desert island and enough to bring tears to the eyes of even the most puritan listeners.” Gramophone Magazine, December 2010 | | | Usually despatched in 2 - 3 working days. |
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| |  | Saint-Saëns & Ysaÿe: Rare transcriptions for violin & piano
Philippe Graffin’s voyage of discovery researching little-known works for the violin by well-known masters has already seen a particularly well received disc of Rare French works for violin and orchestra, and now we have a disc of works for violin and piano that also emerged from his investigations. These pieces have been uncovered in private collections and various libraries, including the Library of Congress in Washington, D.C. These are fascinating transcriptions by Saint-Saëns, one of the most celebrated pianists of his time, and the equally celebrated violinist Ysaÿe. Having assisted in bringing them to light, Graffin performs them here with his customary virtuosity and grace, accompanied by the equally deft French pianist, Pascal Devoyon, on a disc that will educate, delight and amaze. “Fascinating … Graffin and Devoyon offer fine, committed performances … Graffin produces a beguiling tone” BBC Music Magazine “Beautifully played by virtuoso musicians, this is a thoughtful and insightful recording, enhanced by the lovely Fantaisie for violin and harp” Classic FM Magazine “Strongly recommended” Fanfare “Graffin’s tone throughout is sweet and seductive, his phrasing a thing of pure joy … a wonderful disc. Buy it” Gramophone Magazine | | | Usually despatched in 2 - 3 working days. |
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| |  | The Michael Rabin Collection, Volume 3
Creston: | Violin Concerto No. 2, Op. 78 (World Premiere) November 17, 1960 Los Angeles Philharmonic Orchestra, Georg Solti | Engel, Carl: | Sea-Shell arr. Zimbalist. Australian tour, Sydney Town Hall. July 1952 | Glazunov: | Violin Concerto in A minor, Op. 82 March 3, 1968 Radio-Orchester Beromester, Zurich, Erich Schmid | Godowsky: | Triakontameron No. 11 'Alt Wien' arr. Heifetz | Kreisler: | Tambourin Chinois, Op. 3 | Mendelssohn: | Song without Words, Op. 19b No. 1 in E major 'Sweet Remembrance' arr. Heifetz. Australian tour, Sydney Town Hall. July 1952 | Mozart: | Violin Concerto No. 4 in D major, K218 February 9, 1960 The Denver Symphony Orchestra, Saul Caston | Paganini: | Caprice for solo violin, Op. 1 No. 9 in E major 'The Hunt' January 20, 1970, New York WQXR Radio (The listening room) The Bell Telephone Hour Orchestra, Donald Voorhees Caprice for solo violin, Op. 1 No. 21 in A major Caprice for solo violin, Op. 1 No. 11 in C major Caprice for solo violin, Op. 1 No. 16 in G minor | Prokofiev: | The Love for Three Oranges: March arr. Heifetz. Australian tour, Sydney Town Hall. July 1952 | Ravel: | Tzigane | Saint-Saëns: | Etude en forme de valse Op. 52 No. 6 Australian tour, Sydney Town Hall. July 1952 Introduction & Rondo capriccioso, Op. 28 | Scriabin: | Étude Op. 8 No. 10 in D flat major arr. Szigeti | Tchaikovsky: | Violin Concerto in D major, Op. 35 October 29, 1964 Oslo Philharmonic Orchestra, Ivin Fjeldstad The Seasons, Op. 37b: October ('Autumn Song') | Wieniawski: | Polonaise brilliante No. 1 in D major, Op. 4 |
Michael Rabin, who died in 1972, was an American violinist of Romanian-Jewish descent. Rabin played in a bel canto style. He toured widely, playing in all the major cities of the U.S., Europe, South America and Australia. | | | Usually despatched in 4 - 5 working days. |
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| |  | The Great Pianists Volume 10 - Alfred CortotMasters of the Piano Roll series
The Franco-Swiss pianist and conductor Alfred Cortot is regarded as one of the greatest 20th century musicians, especially renowned for his poetic insight into the Romantic period piano works and is particularly associated with those of Chopin. A must for enthusiasts of piano music and great performances. | | | Usually despatched in 8 - 10 working days. |
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| |  | The Great Pianists Volume 6 - Eugène d’AlbertMasters of the Piano Roll series
Albert, E: | Airs from 'Tiefland' | Bach, J S: | Passacaglia & Fugue in C minor, BWV582 | Beethoven: | Bagatelles (6), Op. 126: No. 4 Piano Sonata No. 27 in E minor, Op. 90 movements 1 & 2 | Chopin: | Ballade No. 2 in F major, Op. 38 Nocturne No. 3 in B major, Op. 9 No. 3 | Debussy: | Préludes - Book 2: No. 6, General Lavine - eccentric | Liszt: | Valse-Impromptu, S.213 Polonaise No. 2 in E major, S223 No. 2 | Saint-Saëns: | Etude en forme de valse Op. 52 No. 6 | Schubert: | Impromptu in G flat major, D899 No. 3 |
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| |  | Les Pianos de la Nuit - Richard Strauss
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Gramophone Awards 2007
Gramophone Magazine
BBC Music Magazine Awards 2008