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ID: SIGCD089
CDs: 2
Type: CD
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Collection: Organ Collection
Subcollection: Organ
On this special 2-CD set, with a programme conceived to show the kaleidoscopic range of the Grand Organ of Westminster Cathedral, transcriptions and arrangements of the music of Brahms and Wagner are superbly performed by one of the rising stars of the UK organ world, Robert Quinney.
On this special 2-CD set 19th century repertoire is coupled with the works of one of the world's first international organ virtuosi, Marcel Dupré, who gave the opening recital on the Grand Organ in 1924 and who shines as the leading light of the French school of organist-improviser-composers.
Royal College of Organists 'Performer of the Year' 2002, Robert Quinney enjoys a growing reputation as a dynamic performer, whose repertoire stretches from the sixteenth century to the present day. He served as Assistant Master of Music of Westminster Cathedral from 2000 to 2004 and is currently Sub-Organist of Westminster Abbey. His playing, as a soloist and in ensemble - has received critical acclaim on both sides of the Atlantic. This is his first solo recording. |
| 26.00 eur Buy |
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ID: SIGCD329
CDs: 2
Type: CD
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Subcollection: Organ
Symphony Organ of Symphony Hall, Birmingham
David Goode
MAX REGER
ORGAN WORKS
CD 1
Introduction, Variations and Fugue on an Original Theme, Op. 73
1. Introduction [6.53]
2. Variations [23.59]
3. Fugue [5.17]
Introduction, Passacaglia and Fugue in E minor, Op. 127
4. Introduction [5.14]
5. Passacaglia [15.49]
6. Fugue [10.38]
Total timings: [67.52]
CD 2
Five Easy Preludes and Fugues, Op. 56
No. 1 in E major
1. Prelude [6.09]
2. Fugue [3.54]
No. 2 in D minor
3. Prelude [3.18]
4. Fugue [2.53]
No. 3 in G major
5. Prelude [5.03]
6. Fugue [5.50]
No. 4 in C major
7. Prelude [3.42]
8. Fugue [2.37]
No. 5 in B minor
9. Prelude [6.23]
10. Fugue [5.08]
Two Bach Transcriptions
Prelude and Fugue in G major (Book II, Well-Tempered Clavier)
11. Prelude [3.14]
12. Fugue [1.35]
Prelude and Fugue in C-sharp minor (Book I, Well-Tempered Clavier)
13. Prelude [3.50]
14. Fugue [5.59]
Total timings: [59.39]
DAVID GOODE
SYMPHONY ORGAN
SYMPHONY HALL, BIRMINGHAM
The two major organ works on these discs (his longest for organ) show Max Reger at the height of his powers; not only do they sustain a structural coherence over an impressive span, but they show an almost inexhaustible proliferation of invention.
As well as the large-scale Variations and Fugue on an Original Theme and the Introduction Passacaglia and Fugue in E minor, this 2CD set includes a collection shorter preludes and fugues - the Five Easy Preludes and Fugues and two transcriptions of preludes and fugues by JS Bach from the Well-Tempered Clavier. |
| 26.00 eur Temporarily out of stock |
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ID: SIGCD109
CDs: 2
Type: CD
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Collection: Baroque
Subcollection: Choir
Music of the seventeenth century was little known to the concertgoing or record-buying public, up until fifty years or so ago when Monteverdi’s Vespers were performed under the inspiration of figures such as Michael Tippett as part of a modern revival of early music. Subsequently, it has been one of the most celebrated works both with choral societies and early music specialists.
Here, the Rodolfus Choir offer their interpretation of one of the most magnificent works of the seventeenth century. Following their highly successful release with Signum earlier this year, Choral Arrangements by Clytus Gottwald, the Rodolfus Choir perform earlymusic as sensitively and musically as they perform music of the twentieth-century. |
| 26.00 eur Buy |
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ID: SIGCD077
CDs: 2
Type: CD
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Collection: Renaissance
Subcollection: Historical Instruments
This selection recreates the sounds of the Globe Theatre of London with spoken word material from Shakespeare and seventeenth-century music, both performed in the manner of the era.
Celebrating Elizabethan and Jacobean Theatre brought to life by the actors and musicians of Shakespeare's Globe Theatre London, with words and music recreating the unique Globe experience. Actors Liam Brennan, Tom Burke, John McEnery and Mark Rylance are featured in their performances as Romeo, Orsino, John of Gaunt and King Richard II.
Also featuring material from Twelfth Night, Measure for Measure and Much Ado About Nothing with introductions in the original pronounciation of Shakespeare's time, all music played on period instruments plus the special treat of excerpts of live performances on the Globe stage.
Disc 1 - The Play's The Thing is a whistle-stop journey, a sampler and guide to 'hearing at the Globe' - words and music combining to tell tales of adrent lovers, noble men, earthy peasants and bitter kings. Audience and actor can be heard together in some rare recordings of live performances from the Globe stage itself.
Disc 2 - Groundlings to Gods assembles a wide range of music from Shakespeare's time. The collection reflects the hierarchy of Elizabethan and Jacobean society, which the Globe's architecture itself embodies - music of the gods, tears of the muses, fanfares for kings and princes, courtly dances, music for banquets, songs, exuberant jibs and bawdy entertainment for taverns and brothels.
William Shakespeare's original playhouse is brought to life on disc with music and words recreating the unique Globe experience. With a wealth of historical fanfares, dances and songs played by the Mucicians of Shakespeare's Globe on period instruments, the company performs material from acclaimed productions including Romeo and Juliet, Richard II, Twelfth Night, Measure for Measure and Much Ado About Nothing. |
| 26.00 eur Buy |
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ID: SIGCD091
CDs: 2
Type: CD
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Collection: Cello Collection
Subcollection: Cello
Bach's Solo Cello Suites are unsurpassed masterpieces. depicting a complex universe of spirit, thought and human emotion. The inventiveness, breadth of wisdom and unsurpassed beauty of Bach's intention are represented in this intensely personal new recording by David Kenedy which captures the serenity and profundity of the music, as well as it's joyous expression as Dance.
From both his frequent recitals and broadcasts in both Europe and the USA, David Kenedy has won international acclaim for his prolific work as a chamber musician. As well as being a founder member of the London Mozart Trio, he has twice had the honour of being invited to play in the Jaqueline du Pré Memorial Concerts in Lambeth Palace and the Wigmore Hall. Since 1990 he has been professor of 'cello and Chamber Music at Trinity College of Music, London
"I thoroughly enjoyed David Kenedy's performances - indeed so taken was I by his innate musicality and his self-evident joy of playing that I listened to the first three Suites straight off, first time around. On my returning to them individually several times, my initial reaction has not changed: I like these performances very much … Throughout this set the overriding impression given is that we are listening to a very musical player whose technique is first-class and whose approach to individual tempos is generally excellent. Kenedy has the measure of this difficult music and I prefer his account to that of a number of other, far more well-known cellists. … In sum, these are most musical and intelligent readings, combining brilliance and elegance with a sincere musical purpose. The recordings are very good indeed and this set is warmly recommended." |
| 26.00 eur Buy |
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ID: SIGCD074
CDs: 2
Type: CD
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Collection: Sacred Music
Subcollection: Choir
A stellar line-up of soloists, conductor, choir and orchestra combine forces in the re-mastered 2 CD set of Mozart's arrangement of Handel's much loved 'Messiah'.
In April 1742, shortly after the first performance of Messiah in Dublin for the city's Charitable Musical Society, the Dublin Journal reported that the oratorio "was allowed by the greatest of Judges to be the finest Compostion of Musick that was ever heard".
Sir Charles Mackerras continues the constantly evolving performance history of one of the world's most enduring masterpieces. |
| 26.00 eur Buy |
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ID: SIGCD105
CDs: 2
Type: CD
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Collection: Choral Collection
Subcollection: Choir
Following its successful premiere performance earlier this year, Francis Pott’s highly anticipated recording of The Cloud of Unknowing is likely to be musical milestone and a choral great.
Drawing together a variety of texts and musical influences, Pott weaves together a deep and emotional work with an ethos reminiscent of Michael Tippett’s ‘War Oratorio’. |
| 26.00 eur Buy |
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ID: SIGCD154
CDs: 2
Type: CD
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Collection: Opera Collection
An Opera in two acts by David Carlson. Libretto by Colin Graham
World Premiere Recording
Synopsis: Anna Karenina
ACT ONE
Prolog, Moscow, December. Anna visits her brother Stiva and his wife Dolly, hoping to save their marriage. A man falls under the train. When Anna meets Vronsky, she is so disturbed by the accident that she hardly notices him. He's very taken with her. 1.1 Stiva's house. Anna persuades Dolly to forgive Stiva's infidelity. 1.2 The ball at Betsy's, St. Petersburg, New Year, 1875. Levin proposes to Kitty and is refused because she is infatuated with Vronsky. Anna is compromised by Vronsky's too-obvious attentions. She is affected by his declarations but resists him. Karenin notices others' reactions. 1.3 At Karenin's. Karenin insists that Anna make an effort to preserve appearances for the sake of society. Trying to persuade her to open her heart to him, he discovers that it is locked against him. 2.1 - 2 Stiva's home, next spring/Levin's house in the country. Dolly, comforting Kitty, tries to persuade her that Vronsky is not worthy of her. She also asks about Kitty's feelings for Levin. Even the feeling of life reborn in the spring is not enough to comfort Levin. Stiva visits and gives him news of Kitty and of Vronsky's dangerous infatuation with Anna. 2.3 Karenin's country house. Anna reveals to Vronsky that she is to bear his child. He tries to persuade her to leave her husband, but she refuses because the Russian divorce laws would cause her to lose her son Seriosha. 3.1 A box at the races that afternoon. Vronsky suffers a severe accident. Karenin insists that the distraught Anna comport herself properly. She informs him that she cannot bear the sight of him and that she loves Vronsky. 3.2 Karenin's study some days later, night. Karenin cannot decide what to do. While hoping to preserve his marriage to Anna, who, he tries to persuade himself, is evil and corrupt, he must at all costs preserve his reputation. He writes to her insisting that she return to him and continue as before: He will not consider a divorce. 3.3 Anna, incensed, realizes that she must choose between her lover and her son. She tells Vronsky of her recurring death-dream, connected with the accident at the station. He is unable to comfort her, and she suspects him of selfishness when he again urges her to go away with him. She goes to Karenin and tells him she cannot continue as before, but begs him to let her have her son. Consumed with rage and disgust, he refuses.
ACT TWO
4.1 The Admiralty Gardens, St. Petersburg, early autumn. Levin cannot reconcile the problems and ironies of life and longs for death. Dolly insists that he come to meet Kitty at their house. Stiva learns with horror from Karenin of his impending divorce and begs him to talk to Dolly. Yashvin tries to persuade Vronsky to give up Anna for the sake of his career. He refuses. 4.2 A supper party at the Oblonskys'. Levin and Kitty meet for the first time since Betsy's ball and are both very moved. Karenin is angered by the general conversation concerning unfaithful wives and luckless husbands, and Dolly is unable to persuade him to forgive. Levin and Kitty declare their love for each other during a game of solitaire. "Not time to die yet!" exclaims a delighted Stiva. 4.3 Anna's bedroom that night. Karenin returns home to find Anna near death after a miscarriage. He is reconciled to Vronsky at her bedside and promises forgiveness. 5.1 Levin's house six months later. Although Levin is now happily married to Kitty, who is pregnant, he remains dissatisfied with what he regards as a useless and unproductive life, exemplified by news from Dolly that Anna, now recovered, has left Karenin for Vronsky and that Seriosha is being looked after by his aunt Lydia. 5.2 Letters. Anna writes to Karenin asking to be allowed to see Seriosha one last time, on his birthday. Lydia urges Karenin to forbid this. He does so, against his better judgment. 5.3 Seriosha's bedroom two days later. Anna forces her way into her son's bedroom. Since he had been told she was dead, he is overjoyed to see her. He does not realize that this is the last time he will see his mother, but he is distraught when Anna has to leave. 6.1 Anna's apartments at a hotel that evening. Anna, now addicted to opiates, is at the end of her tether: She doubts Vronsky's fidelity. Death is always on her mind: She is like a train hurtling to destruction. Dolly and Stiva are appalled at her condition when they bring Levin to meet her. Levin is much struck with this beautiful, sad woman and her situation. She asks him to tell Kitty not to forgive her, for to be able to do so, Kitty would have to suffer what Anna has herself suffered. When left alone with Vronsky, her jealousy leads to a schismatic quarrel. Vronsky leaves to visit his mother, and Anna is certain that he is in fact leaving her forever. She contemplates an overdose of morphia and then decides to follow Vronsky to the station to beg his forgiveness. 6.2 At the station. Everything passes like a dream. Anna has missed Vronsky and waits to follow him on the next train. She reviews her situation and the tortured life before her: She realizes, as if a light had suddenly illumined her soul, that death would release her from the pain and responsibility of life. When the train comes into the station, she throws herself beneath it. 6.3 Levin's country estate months later, in spring. In the aftermath of Anna's death, Levin cannot come to terms with the irony of life. Through the wisdom of his old nurse, he at last understands the reason for living: To live, love, and be loved; not to judge or envy others, nor to bewail their suffering; life is everything in itself. His blind eyes have been opened. -Colin Graham |
| 26.00 eur Buy |
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ID: SIGCD179
CDs: 2
Type: CD
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Collection: Orchestral Works
Subcollection: Orchestra
The Philharmonia Orchestra is widely recognised as the UK’s finest orchestra with an impressive recording legacy, this being their ninth release with Signum Records. This disc combines the Philharmonia’s renowned sound with the leadership of Maestro Davis, whose recording and performing career spans through all the great orchestras of the world. |
| 26.00 eur Buy |
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ID: SIGCD185
CDs: 2
Type: CD
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Collection: Instrumental
Subcollection: Piano
“As someone who has never been to a music college, done my diploma in piano playing or participated in any competitions, I feel particularly blessed to have been able to choose to learn pieces of music for the simple reason that I absolutely love them. I have never been forced to slave for hours over a piece of music that doesn’t make my skin crawl with pleasure or raise my heartbeat to almost viagra-induced levels. This CD is a perfect example of me as a musician and piano-fanatic choosing works that for as long as I can remember have blown my mind.”
James Rhodes |
| 26.00 eur Buy |
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