|
J.S. BACH
Bach: Köthener Trauermusik Pygmalion, Raphaël Pichon [ Harmonia Mundi / CD - due 27/Feb/2026 ] When Leopold of Anhalt - Cöthen died in 1728, his former Kapellmeister had not forgotten the five brilliant years he had spent in the prince's service. He dedicated to his memory a mourning cantata almost entirely based on the music of two major... |
|
J.S. BACH
Bach: Mass in B minor Ensemble Pygmalion, Raphael Pichon [ Harmonia Mundi / 2 CD - released 4/Apr/2025 ] A visionary synthesis of the art of a composer who, here more than anywhere else, gives meaning to the world in which he lives, and reveals to us something of what lies beyond, the Mass in B minor is one of the supreme peaks of Bach's... |
|
SCHUBERT / SCHUMANN / BRAHMS / WAGNER
MARBECKS COLLECTABLE: Schubert / Schumann / Brahms / Wagner: Les Filles Du Rhin / Rhinemaidens Bernarda Fink (mezzo), Anneke Scott, Joseph Walters, Olivier Picon, Chris Larkin (horns) Ensemble Pygmalion, Raphaël Pichon [ Harmonia Mundi / CD - released 18/Mar/2016 ] "The vocal ensemble Pygmalion, resident at the Opera de Bordeaux, are suitably seductive sirens - and even Bernarda Fink makes a cameo appearance in Schubert's D920 Grillparzer Ständchen, her serenading awash with fellow female songsters, and harp." |
|
MEINRAD SCHUTTER / CHRISTIAN HENKING / LEOS JANACEK
Bap Nos - In Memoriam Meinrad Schutter Cappella Nova, Raphael Immoos, with Susanne Doll (organ) & Vera Schnider (harp) [ Guild / CD - released 2/Feb/1996 ] The Swiss composer Meinrad Schütter would be celebrating his 100th birthday in 2010. Reason enough and about time to finally introduce this highly original composer to an interested, international audience. |
|
JACQUES OFFENBACH / FRIEDRICH GULDA
Offenbach / Gulda: Cello Concertos Edgar Moreau (cello) / Les Forces Majeures, Raphaël Merlin [ Erato Classics / CD - released 15/Feb/2019 ] "Moreau is a commanding presence, singing tone that illuminates Offenbach's debt to bel canto. His virtuosity can be thrilling…The Menuett [of the Gulda] is done especially beautifully, with plenty of rhythmic point." Gramophone |
|
SIR ARTHUR BLISS
MARBECKS COLLECTABLE: Bliss: A Colour Symphony / The Enchantress / Concerto for Cello and Orchestra Linda Finnie (mezzo-soprano) Raphael Wallfisch (cello) / Ulster Orchestra / Vernon Handley (conductor) [ Chandos Enchant / CD - released 8/Sep/1997 ] 'Chandos's generous compilation is an ideal introduction to his music… the Ulster Orchestra is outstanding and, as ever, Chandos' engineering produces a luxurious sound, highlighting the brilliance and richness of Bliss's orchestration.' - BBC Music |
|
KENNETH LEIGHTON
MARBECKS COLLECTABLE: Leighton: Cello Concerto / Symphony No. 3 'Laudes musicae' Neil Mackie (tenor) Raphael Wallfisch (cello) / Scottish National Orchestra, Bryden Thomson [ Chandos / CD - released 3/May/1989 ] 'Raphael Wallfisch plays the Concerto as if his life depended on it, and the Symphony draws every bit as much dedication from its performers. The recording is very immediate, and has stunning clarity and detail.'- The Penguin Guide |
|
JOHANNES BRAHMS
Brahms: The Two String Quintets The Raphael Ensemble [ Hyperion / CD - released 1/Jul/2011 ] CLASSIC CD 100 GREATEST DISCS OF THE DECADE |
|
SCHULHOFF / MARTINU
MARBECKS COLLECTABLE: Schulhoff / Martinu: String Sextet / Sextet & Three Madrigals The Raphael Ensemble [ Hyperion Helios / CD - released 1/Jul/2008 ] "This enjoyable disc...offers warmly aerated performances, persuasively realised" (MusicWeb Sept 2008) |
|
JOHN IRELAND
Ireland - Music for String Orchestra Raphael Wallfisch (cello) / Orchestra of the Swan, David Curtis [ Naxos / CD - released 15/Jun/2016 ] "The British Music Society and the John Ireland Trust are to be thanked for supporting such an enterprising album" (MusicWeb June 2016) |