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Tuesday, April 24, 2012
New Release of the Week:
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Weinberg, M.: Symphony No. 6 / Rhapsody on Moldavian Themes (Glinka Choral College Boys' Choir, St. Petersburg State Symphony, Lande)
Naxos: 8.572779
Nearly forgotten in his own time, Soviet-era composer Mieczyslaw Weinberg is now considered one of the most significant musical figures of the latter 20th century. Rhapsody on Moldavian Themes embraces folk influences, is both melancholic and high spirited, and culminates in a joyous and unstoppable dance. Scored for a very large orchestra and a children’s choir, Symphony No 6 is a work of huge expression, encompassing lament, circus gallops, burlesque, and a cataclysmic and heartrending slow movement. Weinberg’s friend, Shostakovich, was so impressed that he used it as teaching material in his own classes. |
Other Featured New Releases:
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18th Century Music - Graun, J.G. / Nichelmann, C. / Frederick II / Bach, C.P.E. (Friedrich 1712 Der Grosse 2012) (Kallweit, Mai)
Harmonia Mundi: HMC902132
2012 is the tercentenary of the birth of Frederick the Great, whose political and military glory are remembered far more than his considerable musical ability. He was an excellent flautist, who penned several concertos for that instrument, but more significantly, he was the key figure of Berlin musical life in the 18th century - most of the composers collected here worked in his court at some time. |
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Rosetti, A.: Horn Concertos (Wallendorf, Willis)
CPO: 777714-2
Rosetti composed numerous horn concertos, probably for Nagel and Zwierzina the two best horn virtuosos of the Wallerstein court ensemble. According to American Record Guide, "The soloists play superbly and the recording is top notch." |
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Bach for Japan (Bach Collegium Japan, M. Suzuki)
BIS: BIS-CD-2011
Bach for Japan is the initiative of Bach Collegium Japan and Masaaki Suzuki to support the victims of the March 2011 earthquake. Suzuki writes in the introduction, 'in commemoration of the large number of people who lost their lives, to offer consolation to those who have suffered bereavement, and give them the strength to rebuild the country for the next generation.' |
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