Myra Hess: The complete solo and concerto studio recordings - REVIEW

Myra Hess: The complete solo and concerto studio recordings
APR 7504 (5CD)
We are in Mark Obert-Thorn's debt for the finest transfers these wonderful recordings have had to date, and in APR's for collecting them in such a handy and affordable package. The early recordings have a winning combination of grace and elan, those made in her sixties a simplicity and wisdom that speak of a truly great artist. Sample her Schumann or her late Beethoven and be won over.
*****

Clara & Robert Schumann: Piano Trios - REVIEW

Clara Schumann: Trio in G minor, Op.17
Schumann: Fantasiestucke, Op.88; Trio no.3 in G minor, Op.110
Swiss Piano Trio
Audite 92549 (hybrid SACD)
A generous, warmly recorded programme that helpfully pairs Robert Schumann's less well-known trios with Clara's sole contribution to the genre. Still a rarity in concert, it is a much finer piece than her own evaluation ("womanish and sentimental") and here enjoys playing of finesse and sensitivity. If her husband is marginally less well-served by these artists, this is because the competition is considerably stronger; but anyone wanting these three pieces will not be disappointed.
****

Wagner: Die Walkure - REVIEW

Wagner: Die Walkure
Jonas Kaufmann, Nina Stemme, Rene Pape, etc; Mariinsky Orchestra, Valery Gergiev
Mariinsky MAR0527 (4 hybrid SACD)
Gergiev proved himself a naturally authoritative Wagnerian with performances in Cardiff and London, but this first instalment of a complete Mariinsky 'Ring' cycle is if anything even more impressive, red-blooded and exciting. The leads are luxuriously cast: Kaufmann dark-hued Siegmund matches Stemme perfectly, and Pape is an utterly convincing Wotan. Warmly recorded in both stereo and surround sound.
****

Beethoven: Sonatas Opp.7, 27/2 & 78; Fantasy Op.77 - REVIEW

Beethoven: Sonatas Opp.7, 27/2 & 78; Fantasy Op.77
Jonathan Biss (piano)
Onyx 4094
The second volume in Biss' Onyx cycle finds him in superbly concentrated form. Cleverly, he frames the 'Moonlight' with contrasts: the early, slightly gauche, E flat Sonata opens the disc in dramatic fashion, while in pairing Fantasy and Op.78 Sonata he almost seems to be inventing a new composite piece. Thoughtful, direct and muscular, Biss is setting an impressively high standard for the remaining discs in the series.
****

Stanford; Parry: Sacred music - REVIEW

Stanford; Parry: Sacred music
Choir of The King's Consort; The King's Consort, Robert King
VIVAT 101
The debut recording from a label promising authentic performances of early music celebrates, surprisingly and imaginatively, the 'greatest hits' of Stanford and Parry. When Stanford's Evening Services are performed with as much colour and vibrancy as here, underpinned by instruments of the period, one soon forgets the usual organ version. For a unusual twist on familiar repertoire, and for a wholly winning musical experiance, this makes an appealing package.
*****