One of the terrific things about Naxos is the number of ways in which I can have my cake and eat it too … musically speaking, that is. If we don’t distribute a label physically, I mostly likely can stream it on Naxos Music Library or download it on ClassicsOnline. Of course, there are labels we don’t distribute–either physically or digitally–but I’m not complaining! I have plenty to choose from and enjoy. And I won’t lie: because of my job, I am entitled to promos. I love CDs, so I have a lot of music in my apartment. In fact, two floor-to-ceiling shelves are no longer adequate to hold my collection. The following is a random selection of recordings from my personal library. I’ve indicated if a recording is available on COL (Classicsonline), NML (Naxos Music Library), and/or for purchase (NaxosDirect; Amazon; Arkivmusic.com; Barnes & Nobles, etc.)
I never go anywhere without ATMA ACD2 2522, Suzie LeBlanc’s first disc of Acadian songs, Tout Passe. This recording is on my iPod, and I can’t think of anyplace I’ve recently visited where I haven’t listened to it from beginning to end. (COL; NML; purchase)
Another of my favorite female singers is the extraordinary Polish contralto Ewa Podles. Her two Delos recordings: DE 3253 Handel Arias, and DE 3298 Russian Arias–are albums I couldn’t live without. Her performance of Konchakovna’s Cavatina from Borodin’s Prince Igor still moves me to tears. (COL, NML, purchase)
Also from the Delos catalog, and a longtime favorite, is pianist Carol Rosenberger’s beautiful reading of Hindemith’s The Four Temperaments, DE 1006. This recording also features James DePreist and the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra.
A recording that I think got ‘lost’ and has consistently been on my listening list is LPO-0091: Mark Anthony Turnage’s Twice Through the Heart, Hidden Love Song, and The Torn Fields, which features conductor Marin Alsop and the London Philharmonic Orchestra. Soloists include the great Canadian baritone Gerald Finley (Doctor Atomic ), mezzo-soprano Sarah Connolly, and soprano saxophonist Martin Robertson. The song cycles are emotionally shattering, and the performances of all three works are superb. (purchase only)
Any recording with the amazing Simone Kermes is one I want to hear, but Joseph Martin Kraus’ La Primavera (”Cantate per una primadonna”) on the Phoenix label (Phoenix Edition 101) was a big surprise. I knew Kermes would be great; I just didn’t know how much fun Kraus’ music would be. (COL, NML, purchase)
The Danish label Dacapo consistently releases first-rate recordings of composers whose music often hasn’t resonated much with U.S. audiences. In September, Dacapo releases Corona: Works by Choir by Hanne Ørvad (Dacapo 8226534), featuring stunningly beautiful choral works by Ms. Ørvad performed by the Danish National Vocal Ensemble, Danish National Chamber Choir, and Danish National Girls’ Choir. (The label will be releasing a major recording of music by Pelle Gudmundsen-Holmgreen in October featuring Kronos and Paul Hillier. If you aren’t familiar with this composer’s music you can still find BIS 256, a recording which includes his Triptykon for percussion and orchestra (1985)—as well as Per Nørgard’s I Ching and Psappha by Xenakis.) The German label CPO has a series of extremely fine recordings of symphonies by Finnish composer Aulis Sallinen. I’m working my way through the entire series and highly recommend CPO 999970-2, Aulis Sallinen: Symphonies 3 & 5. (This isn’t yet available on COL, but it will be; NML; purchase)
Wigmore Hall Live: WHLive0013: Lorraine Hunt Lieberson (November 30, 1998). What can anyone possibly say? This recital is a MUST for anyone who is fan of the late Ms. Lieberson. Everything about this recording is superb, and if her rendition of Deep River doesn’t reduce you to a whimpering blob, I think you might have to check your pulse. (COL; NML; purchase)
Tango Notturno (MVCD1176), Isabel Bayrakdarian. Okay, I hear groans from those of you who THINK you don’t like tango. You do, but you just haven’t heard it done right. This CBC recording features the radiant soprano Isabel Bayrakdarian, pianist Serouj Kradjian, and his superb tango ensemble in a wonderfully diverse selection. Will I ever forget Teresa Stratas’ version of Youkali? Absolutely not. But Ms. Bayrakdarian’s version comes very, very close and this recording also features tangos by Carlos Gardel, Jacob Gade (yes, a Danish tango), Arno Babadjanian, Fareed El Atrache, and Astor Piazzolla. (Not yet available on COL, but will be; NML; purchase)
The Austrian-American-Canadian pianist Anton Kuerti has long been a household name among pianophiles (is there such a word?) I’ve been aware of his recordings for decades–collectors like me have his complete Beethoven Piano Sonatas on our shelves alongside Schnabel and Kempff. Another terrific recording for Kuerti lovers is the recently re-issued two-CD set on CBC of the complete Beethoven Piano Concerti/SMCD5246-3, which features Kuerti and the Toronto Symphony Orchestra, led by Sir Andrew Davis. These performances were recorded in Massey Hall in 1986 and were originally released separately. (Not yet available on COL; NML; purchase)
MORE…
The following additional list of recordings can all be downloaded from Classicsonline or purchased:
CHANDOS 9332: Schnittke Choir Concerto: Russian State Symphonic Cappella; Valery Polyansky (Thank you Steve Smith for bringing this Schnittke work to my attention.)
BIS 1038: Einojuhani Rautavaara: Angel of Light; Dances with the Winds; Cantus Arcticus; Lahti Symphony Orchestra; Osmo Vänskä, conductor
BIS 834: Arvo Pärt: SUMMA (Tapiola Sinfonietta, Jean-Jacques Kantorow) CD includes Fratres, Collage sur BACH, Cantus in memoriam Benjamin Britten; Tabula rasa; Festina lente and Summa.
MCVD1164: Isabel Bayrakdarian: Granados/Rodrigo/de Falla songs
Ondine/ODE 856: Karita Mattila: Sibelius Songs
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