Bach, J S: Toccata & Fugue in D minor, BWV565

Ivan Ronda plays the Silbermann Organ of Arlesheim Cathedral (Switzerland)

Exquis! Stephen Hough presents an enchanting programme of French music, played with the filigree perfection and total command of the music’s expressive world that make him one of the most admired pianists of today. In typical Houghian style this recital is full of surprises and lesser-known gems from the repertoire, as well as works by the masters Fauré, Ravel, Debussy and Poulenc. A particular delight is Hough’s own arrangement of the Massenet song Crépuscule, a ravishing exercise in creative yet faithful transcription. This release is both a tribute to the lyric genius which flowered in nineteenth- and twentieth-century France, and a glimpse into the musical mind of a great pianist.

Recorded on the Great Tamburini-Bonato organ of Abano Terme, Padua

CD+DVD

DVD-ROM: Abode Acrobat Reader 9.0

Booklet 32 pages in English, French and German

This special multi-media project in a limited edition illustrates the encounter between an artist and an exceptional venue. This museum-quality publication, featuring Paradizo’s elegant packaging and presentation, includes recordings and documents witnessing one of the most important projects of the entire harpsichord revival and Early Music movement. Wanda Landowska’s performances and ideals at her Temple de la Musique Ancienne in Saint-Leu-la-Forêt, near Paris. This project commemorates Wanda Landowska’s vital impact on music making between the years 1927 and 1940. Wanda Landowska (1879 - USA 1959) recorded major Bach harpsichord works in 1935/36 in the legendary acoustics of her newly-built concert hall in Saint-Leu-la-Forêt, designed by Landowska and noted French architect Jean-Charles Moreux. These recordings are considered to be among the most remarkable Bach interpretations of the 20th -century. Remastered in 2010 with state-of-the-art transfers, they are accompanied by a DVD-ROM, containing over 150 images: photos, architect’s plans and letters on the Hall & Gardens from 1927-1940, with a commentary on each by Skip Sempe. It also includes unpublished documents from the archives of the architect Moreux. The DVD-ROM employs the latest version of Adobe Acrobat Reader.

Skip Sempe completes this project with an essay on the conception, design, architecture and history of the Temple de la Musique Ancienne and evoques the incredible musical emulation generated by this place and the major artist who was Wanda Landowska.

Paradizo is especially pleased to release this special project, which will help to increase awareness concerning plans for the restoration of the Temple de la Musique Ancienne and the revival of its activities. Hailed as "beautiful in conception and execution" since the first releases in 2006, Paradizo has scored the highest points throughout the major international music press - Gramophone, Diapason, Monde de la Musique, New York Times. Paradizo forged an immediate reputation which has ensured continued success through rave reviews, prestigious prizes and attractive sales figures. The Paradizo label was created by Skip Sempé after 15 years of recording for three major labels, many of which were distinguished with international awards. Paradizo features the new recordings of Skip Sempé as solo harpsichordist, chamber musician and director of the ensembles which he founded: Capriccio Stravagante, the Capriccio Stravagante Orchestra, the Capriccio Stravagante Renaissance Orchestra and the newly created Capriccio Stravagante – Les 24 Violons. Each title in the Paradizo catalogue is an indispensable reference for authoritative, bold music making, celebrating Skip Sempe and Capriccio Stravagante's renewed vision of creative interpretation of Renaissance and Baroque music.

Paradizo: Exuberant music making. Essential listening.

Please note that the whole text of the CD and of the enclosed booklet is ONLY IN ITALIAN LANGUAGE.

‘What I want to do with my lute is to sing’ Edin Karamazov

On his extraordinary debut album, the modern master of the lute explores all the colours of this most evocative and versatile of instruments - in music from the Renaissance to the modern day. The many voices of his lutes and guitars are joined by four of today’s most remarkable singers - Renée Fleming, Kaliopi, Andreas Scholl & Sting - in new interpretations of songs from the pop, folk and classical traditions.

Any collection of recordings by Johann Sebastian Bach (1685-1750) must include a good proportion of his compositions for the organ on which he must have been a master-performer and for which he provided a treasure trove of works. With organs requiring large acoustics they are usually to be found in churches, but such is the expense of maintaining them and the buildings in which they are housed that some are falling in to a state of disrepair or are being removed to be replaced by modern electrical or electronic instruments which, for all their good workmanship, completely fail to match the majesty of the original. Recordings, therefore, on a fine Hi-fi system are a fine alternative to travel long distances to sit on often uncomfortable pews in cold churches (however that is not to say that they should completely replace the chance of hearing an original in real life, like other forms of music a live performance has added dimensions, it is just that it is becoming harder to attend such performances). Lionel Rogg, in this first of several planned sets, brings together many of the more extended works which are set as either a Fantasia, Prelude or Toccata followed by a Fugue and include many favourites including the ever popular Toccata and Fugue in D minor, BWV 565.