W. A. MOZART
MARBECKS COLLECTABLE: La Finta Semplice (complete opera recorded in 1983) Helen Donath, Anthony Rolfe Johnson, Robert Holl, Teresa Berganza / Mozarteumorchester Salzburg, Leopold Hager(cond) [ Brilliant Classics Opera Collection / 3 CD Box Set - released 20/May/2012 ] "Helen Donath is her usual bright-toned and fluent self and she has a fine trill; Teresa Berganza is lovely too, nuanced as always and still in creamy voice. Light and springy, even more delectable is Jutta-Renate Ihloff in the soubrette role." |
JOSEPH HAYDN
MARBECKS COLLECTABLE: Haydn: The Creation (complete oratorio in German) Helen Donath, Robert Tear, Jose van Dam / Philharmonia Orchestra & Chorus, Rafael Fruhbeck de Burgos [ EMI Classics for Pleasure / 2 CD - released 20/Nov/1992 ] Recording Date: November 14, 1977 & November 17, 1977 Recording Location: Kingsway Hall, London, England |
Helen Henderson
London [ Rainui Records / CD - released 1/May/2018 ] "London" features 10 tracks from the recently resurfaced London tapes, recorded between 1978 and 1980 which have been re-recorded and re-imagined. |
Helen Henderson
Twisting Wind [ Ranui Records / CD - released 1/Jan/2009 ] |
Helen Humes
Three Classic Albums Plus (Songs I Like To Sing! / Swingin' With Humes / Helen Humes) [ Avid Jazz / 2 CD - released 6/Aug/2021 ] AVID Jazz continues with its Four Classic Albums series with a re-mastered 2CD release from Helen Humes, complete with original artwork, liner notes and personnel details; |
JENNY McLEOD
McLeod: The Emperor and the Nightingale / Rock Concerto / etc Helen Medlyn (narrator) & Eugene Albulescu (piano) / New Zealand Symphony Orchestra / Uwe Grodd [ Naxos / CD - released 1/Oct/2011 ] New Zealand-born composer Jenny McLeod's wide musical background is here distilled into three works of highly enjoyable directness. The Emperor and the Nightingale is a colourful score which accompanies the narration of a Hans Christian Andersen... |
WOLF / SCHUMANN / SCHUBERT / BRAHMS
Helen Watts - Lieder Recital Helen Watts (contralto), Geoffrey Parsons (piano) [ Decca Australian Eloquence / 2 CD - released 1/Aug/2019 ] Presented on CD for the first time and newly remastered, a pair of Romantic Lieder recitals by the Welsh contralto who inherited the mantle of Kathleen Ferrier. |
PETER MAUNDER
Under the surface Helen Webby (harp), Lisette Wesseling (soprano), Peter Maunder (trombones) [ Atoll Records New Zealand / CD - released 1/Dec/2010 ] Unusually beautiful instrumental combination of trombone and harp, plus the luminescent voice of Lisette Wesseling. |
Red Norvo Feat Helen Humes
Four Classic Albums (Dancing On The Ceiling / Red Norvo In Stereo / Red Plays The Blues / Music To Listen To Red Norvo By) [ Avid / 2 CD - released 17/Nov/2014 ] |
FELIX MENDELSSOHN
MARBECKS COLLECTABLE: Mendelssohn: Elias (Elijah) (Complete Oratorio in German) Alastair Miles, Jard van Nes, Helen Donath / Israel Philharmonic, Kurt Masur [ Teldec / 2 CD Box Set - released 1/May/1993 ] Contains comprehensive book and translations |
COLE PORTER
MARBECKS COLLECTABLE: Ben Bagley's Cole Porter Revisited Vol. III - show tunes -- many of them never before recorded. Georgia Engel, Helen Gallagher, Dolores Gray, Lynn Redgrave, Arthur Siegel, Elaine Stritch, etc [ Painted Smiles Records / CD - released 5/May/1994 ] Ben Bagley was an American musical producer and record producer. In 1971, Ben embarked on a new and impressive career. He produced 47 highly distinctive albums of show tunes -- many of them never before recorded. |
FREDERICK DELIUS
Delius in Norway [incls 'On hearing the first cuckoo in spring' & 'Eventyr'] Ann-Helen Moen (soprano) / Bergen Philharmonic Orchestra, Sir Andrew Davis [ Chandos SACD / Hybrid SACD - released 1/Feb/2014 ] "A string of orchestral and vocal works inspired by the composer's love for the landscape of the Scandinavian country" Financial Times |
JOSEF HAYDN
Haydn: Nelson Mass (with Croft: Burial Service & Bach: St John Passion [excerpts]) Sylvia Stahlman, Helen Watts, Wilfred Brown, Tom Krause / Choir of King's College Cambridge, David Willcocks [ ALTO / CD - released 17/Mar/2013 ] "What is very obvious is the vigour and general sense of responsiveness to the music from choir, orchestra and soloists. Sylvia Stahlman in the important soprano part sings with a mixture of firmness and agility as the part demands.It is good to have... |
GRACE WILLIAMS
MARBECKS COLLECTABLE: Williams: The Dancers / Two Choruses / Ave Maris Stella / Six Gerard Manley Hopkins Poems Eiddwen Harrhy (soprano) Helen Watts (contralto) Caryl Thomas (harp) / Richard Hickox Singers, City of London Sinfonia, Richard Hickox [ Chandos Classics / CD - released 17/Mar/1999 ] "The recorded sound is excellent. .. I found this a fascinating disc. Anyone interested in fine choral writing and singing - or in exploring a new pathway in music - should seek it out. And I predict we will be hearing more of Grace Williams." A.R.G. |
EDWARD ELGAR
MARBECKS COLLECTABLE: Elgar: Three Movements for Piano Trio [arr Rooke] (with chamber works by Maddison & Bridge) The Fibonacci Sequence: Benjamin Nabarro (violin) Benjamin Hughes (cello) Kathron Sturrock (piano) Helen Paterson (violin) Louise Williams (viola) [ Dutton Epoch / CD - released 20/Mar/2009 ] "The biggest revelation… may be the 1916 Piano Quintet by Adela Maddison (1862? - 1929). French influences are patent, but this is overall a captivating work with a gorgeous slow movement and vivacious scherzo and finale." BBC Music |
WILLIAM SHAKESPEARE
Shakespeare: The Taming of the Shew (recorded live at the Globe Theatre London in 2012) Globe Theatre / Tom Godwin, Tom Anderson, Patrick Driver, Sarah MacRae, Helen Weir, Samantha Spiro, Simon Paisley Day [ Opus Arte DVD / DVD - released 1/Oct/2013 ] "A laugh-out-loud production" Time Out |
FRANZ SCHUBERT
MARBECKS COLLECTABLE: Schubert: The Great Masses (D678 & D 950) Helen Donath, Peter Schreier, Ingeborg Springer, Theo Adam, Staatskapelle Dresden, Wolfgagng Sawallisch [ Philips / 2 CD Box Set - released 16/Jun/2003 ] Schubert's six masses cover the period 1814-28 and deserve to be much better known than they are at present. |
SAMUEL COLERIDGE-TAYLOR
MARBECKS COLLECTABLE: Coleridge-Taylor: Hiawatha (complete opera with libretto) Helen Field, Arthur Davies, Bryn Terfel / Orchestra of the Welsh National Opera, Kenneth Alwyn [ Argo / 2 CD Box Set - released 5/Nov/2007 ] "The performance is both spirited and sensitive...Bryn Terfel is splendid in his dramatic strength and sharpness of focus" Gramophone |
GILLIAN WHITEHEAD
Alice Helen Medlyn (mezzo-soprano) / New Zealand Symphony Orchestra, Marc Taddei [ Atoll / CD - released 24/Oct/2013 ] Alice was written for Helen Medlyn and the Auckland Philharmonia while Gillian Whitehead was composer‐in‐residence. The first performance was given by Helen Medlyn and the Auckland Philharmonia, conducted by Miguel Harth‐Bedoya, on 17 July 2003... |
Helen Reddy
The Woman I Am: The Definitive Collection [ Universal Music / CD - released 9/Oct/2020 ] Helen Reddy, the empowering and endearing vocalist with songs that have inspired women around the world, Featuring her Grammy award winning vocals on 'I Am Women' to her Oscar nominated vocals on 'Candle on the Water' the listener is soon reminded of... |
Helen Shapiro
The Very Best of Helen Shapiro [ Not Now Music Limited / 2 CD - released 30/Jun/2016 ] |
VARIOUS COMPOSERS
MARBECKS COLLECTABLE: Songs for Courtiers and Cavaliers [recorded 1956 - 1958] Helen Watts (contralto), Thurston Dart (harpsichord) Philomusica of London [ Decca Australian Eloquence / 2 CD - released 1/Aug/2019 ] Three L'Oiseau-Lyre LPs celebrating the art of a much-loved contralto, newly remastered and compiled together for the first time, including material new to CD. |
GEORG FRIDERIC HANDEL
Handel: Cantatas; Arias Helen Watts (contralto), Robert Tear (tenor) / Academy of St Martin in the Fields, Sir Neville Marriner [ Decca Australian Eloquence / CD - released 1/Aug/2019 ] Of the works by Handel presented here, three are cantatas devoted to the Patron Saint of music, St. Cecilia, another is an Italian cantata that was probably presented for a private patron in Rome, while the remaining two works are drawn from Handel's... |
LUDWIG van BEETHOVEN
MARBECKS COLLECTABLE: Beethoven: Fidelio, Op. 72 (Complete Opera recorded in 1970) Helga Dernesch, Jon Vickers, Zoltán Kéléman, Helen Donath / Berlin Philharmonic Orchestra, Herbert von Karajan [ EMI Classics Opera / 2 CD Box Set - released 1/Aug/1995 ] "Helga Dernesch as Leonare gives a glorious, thrilling peformance. The orchestral playing is superb." (Penguin Guide) |
W. A. MOZART
MARBECKS COLLECTABLE: Mozart: Sacred Music (Incls Requiem, Exsultate Jubilate, etc) Ileana Cotrubas, Helen Watts, Robert Tear / Academy of St Martins / Neville Marriner [ Double Decca / 2 CD - released 1/Jan/2001 ] A specially priced double CD |
HECTOR BERLIOZ
MARBECKS COLLECTABLE: Berlioz: Beatrice et Benedict (Complete opera) Janet Baker, Robert Tear, Christiane Eda-Pierre, Thomas Allen, Helen Watts, London Symphony Orchestra. Sir Colin Davis [ Philips / 2 CD - released 5/May/2005 ] Dame Janet Baker and Robert Tear lead an outstanding cast in this classic recording of Berlioz' operatic setting of Shakespeare's Much Ado About Nothing, under the baton of the distinguished Berlioz conductor Sir Colin Davis. |
RALPH VAUGHAN WILLIAMS
Vaughan Williams: The New Collector's Edition Joan Rodgers, William Shimmell, Vernon Handley, Adrian Boult, Richard Hickox, Helen Watts, Janet Baker, Robert Tear, etc [ Warner Classics / 30 CD Box Set - released 30/Sep/2022 ] This edition presents all the major orchestral, chamber, vocal and stage works, as well as many lesser pieces and rarities, in the finest interpretations. All your favourite Vaughan Williams is here, in over 34 hours of music on 30 CDs. |
BENJAMIN BRITTEN
Britten: The World Of The Spirit / King Arthur Suite / American Overture Martyn Hill (tenor), Pamela Helen Stephen (mezzo-soprano), Stephen Varcoe (baritone) / Britten Singers, BBC Philharmonic, Richard Hickox [ Chandos / CD - released 2/Feb/1996 ] "The recording is superbly wide in its range and offers a realistic quality." Gramophone |
GOOSSENS / DRING / RODNEY BENNETT / McGUIRE / SAMUEL / MUSGRAVE / ARNOLD
British Music for Flute, Oboe & Piano Nancy Ruffer (flute) John Anderson (oboe) Helen Crayford (piano) [ Dutton Epoch / CD - released 20/Apr/2007 ] "The performances are well-turned and responsive to the programme's varying demands." BBC Music |
Nat King Cole & Orchestra, Johnny Hartman & Erroll Garner, Modern jazz Quartet, Helen Forrest & Billy May, Dinah Washington, Four Freshman, etc
Harry Warren Songbook - September in the Rain [ Jazz Giants Play / CD - released 12/Oct/2005 ] Over a career spanning six decades, Warren wrote more than 800 songs. Well known Warren hits included, "Lullaby of Broadway", and, "I Only Have Eyes for You". Warren was one of America's most prolific film composers. |
J. S. BACH
Bach: Mass In B Minor Rotraud Hansmann, Emiko Iiyama, Helen Watts, Kurt Equiluz, Max Van Egmond / Vienna Boys' Choir, Viennensis Chorus, Concentus musicus Wien, Harnoncourt [ Warner Classics Das Alte Werk / 2 CD - released 12/Nov/2007 ] 50 GREATEST RECORDINGS OF ALL TIME (No 50) BBC MUSIC -'It has little of the sheen and polish of present-day recordings but a raw commitment and lithe pioneering spirit which is often intoxicating.' Gramophone 1995 |
FRANZ LEHAR
MARBECKS COLLECTABLE: Lehar: Das Land des Lachelns [The Land of Smiles] Siegfried Jerusalem, Helen Donath, Martin Finke / Munchner Rundfunkorchester, Willi Boskovsky [ EMI / 2 CD Box Set - released 18/Oct/1982 ] "This set comes with obvious pedigree. Siegfried Jerusalem is a first-rate, intelligent singer with an easy tenor voice that imparts to "Dein ist mein ganzes Herz" a natural passion and fluency." Gramophone |
JULE STYNE
Styne: Hazel Flagg Helen Gallagher & Thomas Mitchell / Original Broadway Cast [ Sepia Records / CD - released 7/Jun/2006 ] Hazel Flagg is a 1953 musical, book by Ben Hecht, based on a story by James H. Street. The lyrics are by Bob Hilliard, and music by Jule Styne. The musical is based on the 1937 screwball comedy film Nothing Sacred, the primary screenwriter of which... |
Helen Reddy
The Very Best of Helen Reddy [ EMI Music / CD - released 27/Apr/1999 ] |
ISAAC ALBENIZ
Albeniz: Piano Music Vol 1 [Incls Iberia, books 1-4 (complete)] Guillermo Gonzalez (piano) Helen Gonzalez (piano) [ Naxos Spanish Classics / 2 CD - released 1/Jan/2000 ] "I was sufficiently impressed with González'[s] interpretation of Iberia that even those who have heard it performed by other pianists will not want to pass by his recording." Examiner.com |
AMY BEACH
Quartet for Strings, Op. 89; Sonata for Violin and Piano, Op. 34; Pastorale, Op. 151; etc Ambache (with Gabrielle Lester (violin), Helen Keen (flute ) and Diana Ambache (piano) [ Chandos Classics / CD - released 28/Nov/2003 ] Penguin Stereo Guide (Rosette Recording) - 'Amy Beach's music inhabits conservative rather than progressive ground, a universe or two removed from American contemporaries like Ives. Nevertheless it is fine work, and it's good to welcome this... |
LUDWIG van BEEHOVEN
Beethoven: Symphony No. 9 'Choral' Ann-Helen Moen (soprano), Marianne Beate Kielland (alto), llan Clayton (tenor), Neal Davies (bass), Bach Collegium Japan, Masaaki Suzuki [ BIS SACD / CD - released 4/Oct/2019 ] " Masaaki Suzuki and the Bach Collegium Japan have given us an historically informed recording of the Beethoven Ninth that conveys the drama, humanity, and transformative release of this incomparable work." Fanfare |
RICHARD WAGNER
Wagner: Die Walkure (The Valkyries) (complete opera recorded live in 1941) Astrid Varnay / Helen Traubel / Lauritz Melchior / Kerstin Thorborg / Friedrich Schorr / Alexander Kipnis / Metropolitan Opera Orchestra / Erich Leins [ Naxos Great Opera Performances / 3 CD - released 1/Jan/2007 ] Saturday 6th December 1941 was a momentous afternoon in the history of the Metropolitan Opera House, New York, The opera - Die Walkure - was well enough known to the theatre and radio audiences that day, but this particular performance was eagerly... |
LUDWIG van BEETHOVEN
Beethoven: Missa Solemnis Ann-Helen Moen (soprano), Roxana Constantinescu (mezzo-soprano), James Gilchrist (tenor) / Bach Collegium Japan, Masaaki Suzuki [ BIS SACD / Hybrid SACD - released 9/Feb/2018 ] "All performers are in superb form and recorded with pristine clarity and balance. This is a must-listen - a different Beethoven comes forth with sublime beauty and insights beyond the symphony." (Nicholas Butler) |
KAROL SZYMANOWSKI
Szmanowski: Stabat Mater & Harnasie Lucy Crowe, Pamela Helen Stephen & Gabor Bretz / BBC Symphony Chorus & BBC Symphony Orchestra, Edward Gardner [ Chandos SACD / Hybrid SACD - released 8/Oct/2013 ] "Lucy Crowe especially has a beautifully clean and pure voice and makes the most ethereal sound in this gorgeous music. Her partnership with Pamela Helen Stephen is a joy to hear." (Musicweb) |