SOMM
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Facades - Music by William Walton and Constant Lambert
James Greer (tenor), Andrew West (piano), Ronald Woodley (piano)
Tenor James Geer has a recitalist’s voice...His contribution is thoughtful and enjoyable. The two-piano works are beautifully polished, and recording quality is excellent. This program is very... —
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Elgar from America, Vol. 1
Gregor Piatigorsky (cello)
NBC Symphony Orchestra, New York Philharmonic-Symphony Orchestra, Arturo Toscanini, John Barbirolli, Artur Rodziński
There are several live versions of Toscanini conducting Elgar’s Enigma Variations, but in Elgar from America his 1949 performance has the benefit of Lani Spahr’s expert sound restoration, making... —
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Alwyn: Symphony No. 3, etc.
BBC Symphony Orchestra & Royal Philharmonic Orchestra, Sir Thomas Beecham
The latest in Somm’s Beecham Collection includes the premiere of William Alwyn’s Third Symphony at the Royal Festival Hall, in October 1956. This is a powerful and impressive work in three movements,... —
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The Beecham Collection
René Soames (tenor), Vera Terry (soprano), Gordon Clinton (baritone), Olga Haley (soprano), Roy Henderson (baritone)
BBC Theatre Chorus, Royal Philharmonic Orchestra, London Select Choir, London Philharmonic Orchestra, Sir Thomas Beecham
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Handel: Joshua, HWV 64
Katherine Manley (soprano), Alexandra Gibson (mezzo-soprano), Allan Clayton (tenor) George Humphreys (bass) & Richard Rowntree (tenor)
London Handel Orchestra and Chorus, Laurence Cummings
….a beautifully paced reading, reflective and dramatic by turns and always stylish….The bright soprano of Catherine Manley as Achsah is particularly attractive, especially in the oratorio’s... —
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The Beecham Collection
Robert Rounseville (tenor), Dorothy Bond (soprano), Margherita Grandi (soprano), Monica Sinclair (mezzo-soprano)
Sadler's Wells Chorus, Royal Philharmonic Orchestra, Sir Thomas Beecham
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Playing on Bechstein and Steinway pianos from 1924 and 1925 respectively, Pizarro and Troncanetti create a gorgeous glow at the opening of the composer’s transcription of the orchestral poem... —
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The Beecham Collection
Hilde Konetzni (soprano), Richard Tauber (tenor), Fritz Krenn (bass), Heinrich Tessmer (tenor), Mary Jarred (mezzo-soprano)
Chorus of The Royal Opera House Covent Garden, The London Philharmonic Orchestra, Sir Thomas Beecham
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It says much for Charles Owen and his understanding of this composer that a young British pianist should present this music with such a distinctive voice. As is evident from the first of the... —
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Venables: Requiem
Jonathan Hope (organ), Catherine Perfect, Alex Taylor, Arthur Johnson, Matthew Clarke, Charles Lucas, Gloucester Cathedral Choir
