RICHARD STRAUSS
Strauss, (R.): Tanzsuite Divertimento, Op 85 New Zealand Symphony Orchestra, Jun Märkl [ Naxos / CD - released 23/Oct/2020 ] Richard Strauss was appointed co-director of the Vienna State Opera in 1919 and soon set about composing a new ballet for the refurbished historic Redoutensaal in the city. At carnival in February 1923 the work was unveiled - a delectable series of... |
EVE DE CASTRO-ROBINSON
Releasing the Angel David Chickering (cello) / New Zealand Symphony Orchestra / Kenneth Young [ Atoll Records / CD - released 22/Jul/2011 ] Eve de Castro-Robinson crafts her material like a musical sculptor. Intensity, whimsy, poetry, theatricality and unpredictability are heard in her music, which ranges from these large scale orchestral canvasses to intimate solos, vocal and... |
DAVID FARQUHAR
Farquhar: Three Symphonies New Zealand Symphony Orchestra. Kenneth Young [ Trust / CD - released 18/May/2004 ] "Trust Records have released what must be one of the most eagerly anticipated CDs of the year and deserve a collective medal for allowing us to have David Farquhar's three symphonies at our fingertips." (William Dart NZ Herald) |
FRANZ LISZT
Liszt: Symphonic Poems (Vol. 3) Incls 'Battle of the Huns' New Zealand Symphony Orchestra, Michael Halasz [ Naxos / CD - released 8/Aug/2006 ] "There is some absolutely brilliant playing on this disc...With this sort of playing Liszt's orchestrations come fully alive, allowing us to appreciate some music that is very easy to see as inflated." (John Dutton ***** five stars Dominion Post) |
LILBURN / FARR / RITCHIE / PSATHAS / FARQUHAR
Island Song - a collection of beautiful NZ music from the Trust Records catalogue New Zealand Symphony Orchestra / NZ Trio / NZSO Chamber Orchestra / Kenneth Young / Marc Taddei [ Trust Records / CD - released 1/Sep/2010 ] A collection of beautiful NZ classical music from the Trust Records catalogue. This mid-price album features classical pieces written by five celebrated New Zealanders: Gareth Farr, John Psathas, Douglas Lilburn, David Farquhar and John Ritchie.... |
JEAN SIBELIUS
Sibelius: Scenes historiques I and II / King Christian II Suite New Zealand Symphony Orchestra, Pietari Inkinen [ Naxos / CD - released 26/Jan/2008 ] "As an addition to the ever-growing Sibelius catalogue this is most welcome" (MusicWeb Feb 2008) |
RON GOODWIN
Goodwin: Drake 400 (includes the New Zealand Suite) New Zealand Symphony Orchestra, Ron Goodwin [ Naxos British Light Music / CD - released 9/Sep/2022 ] Ron Goodwin is famous for several iconic film scores such as the rousing 633 Squadron. His was an instantly recognisable musical voice, combining an innate ability to write both memorable tunes and to evoke the many moods demanded by film directors. |
YASUSHI AKUTAGAWA
Akutagawa: Ellora Symphony / Trinita Sinfonica / Rhapsody New Zealand Symphony Orchestra / Takuo Yuasa, conductor [ Naxos Japanese Classics / CD - released 14/Jun/2005 ] "Thanks be to Naxos for continuing to plumb the mines of interesting and unusual music, and presenting it at their ever-attractive price. Highly recommended." (MusicWeb June 2005) |
TOSHIRO MAYUZUMI
MARBECKS COLLECTABLE: Mayuzumi: Bugaku / Mandala Symphony / Rumba Rhapsody New Zealand Symphony Orchestra, Takuo Yuasa (conductor) [ Naxos Japanese Classics / CD - released 15/Jan/2006 ] "Excellent performances from New Zealand and very fine recording throughout." (MusicWeb April 2006) |
PSATHAS / KELLY / NORRIS / AXTENS / FARR / GRENFELL
Spark The New Zealand Trio [ Trust / CD - released 15/Nov/2005 ] The brightest new stars in the firmament of New Zealand chamber music, The New Zealand Trio here make their debut recording with a programme of works they have made their own in concerts throughout New Zealand and overseas. |
New Zealand Youth Choir
Hokorua [ NZ Youth Choir / 2 CD - released 6/Dec/2019 ] From Bruckner to Body, Mendelssohn to Mews, and Whitacre to Wehi to, this CD celebrates ensemble singing from the choral canon as much as the artistic voice of Aotearoa New Zealand's composers The New Zealand Youth Choir was founded in 1979 and... |
LEONIE HOLMES
Holmes: Solstice New Zealand Symphony Orchestra, Marc Taddei [ Atoll / CD - released 1/Jul/2014 ] Leonie Holmes has written works for orchestra, chamber, choral, vocal and solo instrument and receives commissions from ensembles and individuals throughout New Zealand. This compilation of her orchestral music spans 1997 to 2013. Notes on the... |
VARIOUS COMPOSERS
Passing: fresh orchestral sounds from 9 Australasian composers The New Zealand Symphony Orchestra, Kenneth Young [ Atoll / CD - released 16/Apr/2010 ] "An impressive collection of orchestral music from both sides of the Tasman defines state of the art." * * * * * (Five Stars) William Dart NZ Herald |
TCHAIKOVSKY / BEETHOVEN / SCHUMANN / LISZT / ALWYN / etc
Richard Farrell Complete Recordings Vol 3 Richard Farrell (piano) / National Orchestra of the New Zealand Broadcasting Service [ Atoll Records New Zealand / 3 CD Box Set - released 29/Nov/2019 ] "Richard Farrell brings new excitement and insights to familiar repertoire making listening an experience of rewarding re-discovery." (TheWholenote.com) |
GILLIAN WHITEHEAD
Puhake ki te rangi Richard Nunns (taonga puoro) Alexa Still (flute) / New Zealand String Quartet [ Atoll / 2 CD/DVD - released 22/Dec/2007 ] "In 1989, I heard for the first time, in a presentation given by Richard Nunns, the sounds of the taonga puoro (singing treasures), which spoke to me very strongly of the spirituality of my Maori heritage. I began working with these instruments... |
JACK BODY
Poems of Love and War Robert Easting (narrator) David Greco (bar) Somara Ouk, Budi Putra (vocals) Martin Riseley (violin) / New Zealand Symphony Orchestra, Kenneth Young [ Naxos / CD - released 28/Mar/2014 ] "works of immense skill and real communication that in these fabulous performances will give him a worldwide audience. Even the splendid Meditations on Michelangelo for violin and strings really catches the ear. Don't pass on thjis." (John Button) |
EDWARD ELGAR / GARETH FARR
Elgar: Cello Concerto in E minor op.85 / Farr: Cello Concerto 'Chemin des Dames' Sebastien Hurtaud (cello), New Zealand Symphony Orchestra Benjamin Northey (conductor) [ Rubicon / CD - released 6/Nov/2020 ] New Zealand composer Gareth Farr wrote his cello concerto after discovering some family history. His three great uncles left New Zealand to fight in France in World War I. All three were killed within weeks of arrival. Elgar's famous concerto was... |
JOHN PSATHAS
Psathas: Fragments Stephen Gosling (piano) Jeremy Fitzsimons (percussion) New Zealand String Quartet [ Trust / CD - released 18/Jun/2003 ] Like an injection of adrenalin direct to the heart of New Zealand classical music comes a new album of chamber music by John Psathas, featuring Jeremy Fitzsimons (percussion), Stephen Gosling (piano) and the New Zealand String Quartet. |
GARETH FARR / DON MCGLASHAN / ROSS HARRIS / MURRAY HICKMAN / KENNETH YOUNG / DAVID DOWNES
Strike - New Zealand Percussion Music Strike - New Zealand Percussion Music [ Morrison Music Trust / CD - released 28/Nov/2000 ] "Fans of percussion music or other drum ensembles are encouraged to give this album due attention. Just make sure you don't turn it up too loud" - MusicWeb April 2005 |