Music for Brass and Percussion – 4

Kensington Symphonic Brass
Conductors: Johan Katz and Russell Keable
Live Recording
CD DRD0256 – £10-95 UK

Conducted by Johan Katz
[1]	Mutations from Bach Samuel Barber (1910-1981)
[2]	Fantasy on Purcell’s Fantasia upon One Note Elliott Carter (b. 1908)
Symphony for Brass and Percussion Gunther Schuller (b. 1925)
[3]	1. Andante
[4]	2. Vivace
[5]	3. Lento desolato
[6]	4. Allegro
Conducted by Russell Keable
[7]	Tall Tale Henry Cowell (1897-1965)
[8]	Angels Carl Ruggles (1876-1971)
[9]	Rondo Henry Cowell (1897-1965)
Romeo and Juliet (suite) Sergei Prokofiev (1891-1953) arr. Martyn Brabbins
[10]	1. The Montagues and the Capulets
[11]	2. Juliet, the Little Girl
[12]	3. Friar Laurence
[13]	4. Dance
[14]	5. Scene: The Street Awakens
[15]	6. Madrigal
[16]	7. Minuet
[17]	8. The Death of Tybalt

Music for Brass and Percussion – 3

Kensington Symphonic Brass
Conductor: Russell Keable
Live Recording
CD DRD0255 – £10-95 UK

[1]	Fanfare for Brass (1943) No.1 Michael Tippett (1905-98)
Canzoni Giovanni Gabrieli (c.1557-1612)
[2]	Canzon XXVIII (1608 edition)
[3]	Canzon XIII (1615 edition)
Symphony for Brass, Op.123 (1979) Malcolm Arnold (b.1921)
[4]	1. Allegro moderato
[5]	2. Allegretto grazioso
[6]	3. Andante con moto
[7]	4. Allegro con brio
[8]	Ceremonial Fanfare (1969) Aaron Copland (1900-1990)
Morgenmusik (1932) Paul Hindemith (1895-1963)
[9]	1. Mässig bewegt
[10]	2. Song
[11]	3. Bewegt
Music for the Royal Fireworks (1749) George F. Handel (1685-1759) arr. Elgar Howarth (b.1935)
[12]	1. Overture
[13]	2. Bourée
[14]	3. La Paix
[15]	4. Minuet
[16]	5. La Réjouissance (segue)
[17]	6. Final Minuet

Music for Brass and Percussion – 2

Kensington Symphonic Brass
Conductor: Russell Keable
Live Recording
CD DRD0254 – £10-95 UK

[1]	Arbos (1977 rev. 1986) Arvo Pärt (b. 1935)
Canzoni Giovanni Gabrieli (c. 1557-1612)
[2]	Canzon Duodecimi Toni à 10 (no.4) (1597 edition)
[3]	Sonata Pian’e Forte (1597 edition)
[4]	Canzon in Double Echo (attributed to Gabrieli)
The Four Temperaments (1982) Robert Simpson (1921-97)
[5]	1. Sanguine (Scherzo)
[6]	2. Phlegmatic (Intermezzo)
[7]	3. Melancholic (Elegy)
[8]	4. Choleric (Fantasia)
Symphony from Act IV of The Fairy Queen (1692) Henry Purcell (1659-1695)
[9]	1. Allegro marziale –Canzona
[10]	2. Largo
[11]	3. Allegro maestoso – Adagio
Pictures at an Exhibition (1874) M. Mussorgsky (1839-1881) arr. E. Howarth (b. 1935)
[12]	1. Promenade
[13]	2. The Gnome
[14]	3. Promenade
[15]	4. The Old Castle
[16]	5. Promenade
[17]	6. The Tuileries Gardens
[18]	7. Bydlos
[19]	8. Promenade
[20]	9. Ballet of the Chicks in their Shells
[21]	10. Two Jews: one Rich, one Poor
[22]	11. Promenade
[23]	12. The Weekly Market at Limoges
[24]	13. The Catacombs
[25]	14. With the Dead in a Language Dead
[26]	15. Baba Yaga
[27]	16. The Great Gate of Kiev

Music for Brass and Percussion – 1

Kensington Symphonic Brass
Conductor: Russell Keable
Live Recording
CD DRD0253 – £10-95 UK

[1]	Fanfare for the Common Man (1942) Aaron Copland(1900–1990)
[2]	Russian Funeral (1936) Benjamin Britten (1913–1976)
Brass Sextet (1962/1964) Philip Glass (born 1937)
[3]	i. Hymn
[4]	ii. Ballad
[5]	iii. Finale
Four canzonas:
[6]	Canzona for St. Cecilia’s Day Op.158 Edmund Rubbra (1901–1986)
[7]	Canzona from Fiori Musicali (1635) Girolamo Frescobaldi (1583–1643)
[8]	Canzona for Brass (1958) Robert Simpson (1921-97)
[9]	Canzon XXVIII (1608) Giovanni Gabrieli (c.1557–1612)
[10]	Fanfare for a Coming of Age (1937) Arthur Bliss(1891–1975)
[11]	Funeral March in memory of Richard Nordraak (1866/1878) Edvard Grieg(1843–1907)
[12]	Mutations from Bach (1967) Samuel Barber(1910–1981)
Nonetto in C minor (1839) Félicien-César David (1810-1876)
[13]	i. Allegro agitato
[14]	ii. Allegretto
[15]	iii. Scherzo
[16]	iv. Final

Shostakovich: Concerto for Cello and Orchestra No.2 in G major, Op.126 Shostakovich: Symphony No.12 in D minor, Op.112 (The Year 1917 – in Memory of Lenin)

London Shostakovich Orchestra
Conductor: Christopher Cox
Cello: Jonathan Ayling
Live Recording
CD DRD0234 – £10-95 UK

Concerto for cello and orchestra No. 2 in G, Op.126
[1]	I Largo
[2]	II Allegretto
[3]	III Allegretto
Symphony No. 12 in D minor, Op. 112 (The Year 1917 – in Memory of Lenin)
[4]	I Revolutionary Petrograd
[5]	II Razliv
[6]	III Aurora
[7]	IV The dawn of humanity
[8]	Applause (foreshortened)
Total time:78:54 Reviews & Comments Luck…enabled me to be in London to hear both of these recorded London Shostakovich Orchestra (LShO) concerts, and especially to hear the excellent cellist, Jonathan Ayling. …this performance of Cello Concerto No.2 is excellent. Soloist Jonathan Ayling does a great job with this incredibly demanding piece, full of melancholy at the opening, making many strangled emanations, and giving a full emotional range through this work’s varied travels. The bubliki motif is played with a slyly sardonic yet sad tone, until it becomes almost murderous in the climax. …In the ending, while in the midst of deathly percussive clacking, Ayling continues with his sarcastic little pizzicati and ends just right with the little “giving the finger” gesture Shostakovich calls for – “Ha, I’m not yet dead.” The…Twelfth Symphony…is performed by Cox and his musicians with all the stops out, after a slow, uncertain, and overly ponderous opening. Shostakovich certainly does not write a symphony of glory here: the music constantly shifts between overly-driven optimism, brooding sadness, and wrenching struggle, and just as often mixes them. …Performances that can bring meaning to this work of ambiguity are few and far between: Cox does a very credible job and should open some listener’s ears to the value of op.112. There is some superb playing – the percussion in Revolutionary Petrograd, the horn, flute and bassoon solos in Razliv, the strings in the Khachaturian-like sections of Razliv, the horn solo in Dawn of Humanity. …The ending is done in all its wrenching dissonance, non-triumph, and stupefying oppression. Extracts from Richard Pleak’s review, DSCH Journal No.24 – January 2006, pp.88 & 89. The Symphony No.12 is subtitled “The Year 1917 – in Memory of Lenin”. Is it a genuine tribute to Lenin or is it something more subtle? Probably it is the latter, but its plethora of gorgeous melody and energetic rhythms comes up as fresh as paint in this committed performance by the London Shostakovich Orchestra, formed in 1999 mainly from younger players, whose freshness and enthusiasm certainly shine through here. That said, many people will seek out the disc for the Second Cello Concerto. Written, like its predecessor, for Rostropovich, it has never quite achieved the popularity of the First. As with the 12th Symphony, lyricism and “deeper meaning” compete for the listener’s attention. Here it finds a passionate advocate in Jonathan Ayling who (like the Orchestra) makes up in dedication what he (so far) lacks in experience. His commitment carries the listener along, especially in the sardonic middle movement, so bitingly characteristic of its composer, whether he is in lighter or more serious vein, but the lyrical invention of the longer outer movements remains at least as much in the memory. . This is, as I say, a “live” performance, in St. Cyprian’s Church, London, NW1, with all the problems that raises for the performers who cannot correct wrong notes and for the recording engineer who is unable to experiment with the positioning of microphones or indeed of the performers, but for me these considerations are more than compensated for by the sense of occasion conveyed by this very recommendable release. Philip L. Scowcroft 0234 PLS rev [The complete review will be sent gladly on request.]

Shostakovich: Concerto for Cello and Orchestra No.1 in E flat, Op.107;
Shostakovich: Concerto for Cello and Orchestra No.2 in G major, Op.126

London Shostakovich Orchestra
Conductor: Christopher Cox
Cello: Jonathan Ayling
Live Recording
CD DRD0233 – £10-95 UK

Concerto for cello and orchestra No.1 in E flat, Op.107
[1]	I Allegretto
[2]	II Moderato
[3]	III Cadenza
[4]	IV Allegro con moto
[5]	Applause (foreshortened)
Total time:28:46
Concerto for Cello and Orchestra No.2 in G major, Op.126
[6]	I Largo
[7]	II Allegretto
[8]	III Allegretto
[9]	Applause (foreshortened)
Total time:35:50 Total time (whole CD): 64:46 Reviews & Comments Though six months apart, these two performances are equally outstanding, with soloist, conductor and orchestra truly getting to the heart of Shostakovich, with the performers really well integrated, working as a single unit. In the 1st Concerto, the opening movement has a thrilling sense of urgency with its relentless intensity, followed by a marvellous contrast in the second movement where the sound of the string section is moving in its sonority behind the expressive solo cellist, whose passage in harmonics with the celesta, near to the end, is most effective. Unusually, the third movement is entirely given to a cadenza for the soloist, who here brings out a superb build-up of tension before the finale explodes into its exciting journey. As well as a great solo interpretation, there is much to admire in all sections of the orchestra throughout this concerto, and special mention must go to the fine horn solos of Jon Meecham. The less well known 2nd Concerto, with its more sparse and often desolate style typical of later Shostakovich, is also given an outstanding performance, the soloist being on top of the sustained virtuosity of the cello part, integrating so well with the orchestra who play magnificently. There is more sonorous string tone in the brooding first movement, excellent rhythmic precision in the central fast movement and a well balanced interpretation of the long finale including a terrifying climax and a magical quiet ending with delicate percussion behind the cello soloist. A most moving and memorable CD. Highly recommended. Ian Milnes 0233 IM rev [The complete review will be sent gladly on request.] This is not the most polished performance (of the Cello Concerto No.1) by soloist or orchestra… but it’s a somewhat raw, on-the-edge reading that draws one in. There are wonderful moments of wind, brass, and string playing here. Young Jonathan Ayling doesn’t play safe, and you can almost hear his sweat. You certainly do hear his bow movements and finger taps, but these are not at all distracting. …Ayling takes a thoughtful and probing approach to the cadenza, and …the sense of struggle is keen and appropriate. …Ayling is an accomplished cellist, already with a number of premieres and awards to his name. (Regarding the London Shostakovich Orchestra – LShO) …Given that the players do not perform together regularly, their concerts and recordings are an act of incredible devotion and inspired musicianship. Extracts from Richard Pleak’s review, DSCH Journal No.22 – January 2005, p.90

Dmitri Shostakovich

London Shostakovich Orchestra
Conductor: Christopher Cox
Leader: Jonathan Lee
Cello: Jonathan Ayling
Dual CD DRD0227 - £16-95 UK
[Symphony No. 5 available separately CD DRD0227B - £10-95 UK]

CD1 Concerto for cello and orchestra No. 1 in E flat,Op.107
[1]	I Allegretto
[2]	II Moderato
[3]	III Cadenza
[4]	IV Allegro con moto
[5]	Applause (foreshortened)
Total time: 28:46
CD2 Symphony No.5 in D minor, Op.47
[1]	I Allegro moderato
[2]	II Allegretto
[3]	III Largo
[4]	IV Allegro non troppo
[5]	Applause (foreshortened)
Total time: 55:33 Review (In the First Cello Concerto)...the soloist offers the right degree of impulse and introspection throughout... (In the Fifth Symphony)...there is undoubtedly real intensity throughout; trmolos and crescendos can be truly electrifying, lower strings give us the definitive clod-hopping article at the beginning of the scherzo and the brass, capped by a powerful first trumpeter, could at times be Svetlanov's boys. David Nice, "BBC music" magazine, November, 2004, 13 Number 3, p.63.

Cambridge University Brass Ensemble

20th Anniversary Reunion Concert, King's College Chapel, Cambridge
CD DRD0226 - £10-95 UK

Conductor: Philip Walsh
[1]	Sokol Fanfare (1926) Leos Janàcek (1854-1928)
[2]	Mutations from Bach (1967) Samuel Barber (1910-1981)
[3]	Funeral March in memory of Richard Nordraak(1886/78) Edvard Grieg (1843-1907)
[4]	Canzon Duodecimi Toni a 10 (no.4) (1597) Giovanni Gabrieli (c.1553-1612)
[5]	Canzona for Brass (1958) Robert Simpson (1921-1997)
[6]	Festfanfare (1978) Alfred Uhl (1909-1992)
[7] - [9]	Morgenmusik (1932) Paul Hindemith (1895-1963)
[10]	Feierlicher Einzug der Ritter des Johanniterordens (1909) Richard Strauss (1864-1949)
[11]	Applause (foreshortened)
Conductor: Russell Keable
[12]	Fanfare für die Wiener Philharmoniker (1924)* Richard Strauss (1864-1949)
[13]	Fanfare zu Eröffnung der Musikwoche der Stadt Wien (1924)* Richard Strauss (1864-1949)
Total time: 43:34 *From the 15th Anniversary Recital,1999, recorded at 16bit. Review ...the CUBE reunionists play with commendable expertise in an interesting programme, with Hindemith's characteristically flexible score played as intended by 'amateurs and students of varying abilities'. ... Grieg's funeral march...is worth hearing. Good sound and atmosphere from King's College Chapel. Peter Grahame Woolf http://www.musicalpointers.co.uk/reviews/cddvd/cube.htm ...some moving, expressive playing in the Barber and some imposing horns in the Grieg -- which is given a powerful interpretation. The recording quality is highly recommended. Ian Milnes, 2004. The choice of music -- including a rare outing for Barber's 'Mutations', Robert Simpson's 'Canzona' and Strauss's less familiar fanfares -- is exemplary. ...I would have enjoyed the concert enormously. Jonathan Freeman-Attwood, "The Gramophone" September, 2004, p.53.

Dmitri Shostakovich

Symphony No. 4
London Shostakovich Orchestra
Conductor: Christopher Cox
Live recording
CD DRD0216B - £10-95 UK

Symphony No. 4 in C minor, Op.43
[1]	I Allegretto poco moderato
[2]	II Moderato con moto
[3]	III Largo - Allegro
[4]	Applause
Total time: 63:39 Review ...if this account of the Fourth is anything to go by, Christopher Cox is an interpreter to reckon with. Certainly no one could fault Cox's incisive uninhibited approach to the opening...momentum is unflagging tight up to the third subject which, after a cataclysmic transition, unwinds with the requisite pathos. Solo wind contributions are characterfully phrased...The mock-pathos of the funeral march at the start of the finale is strikingly well caught and Cox's steady tempo for the Allegro section brings out the music's grimly determined humour as readily as his deadpan approach to the lengthy 'divertissement' section gets to the heart of its disquieting nonchalance. Still, with sound that encourages a nominally unfavourable acoustic to yield both clarity and impact, this account conveys the symphony's tragic desperation much more tellingly than most 'professional' recordings to have appeared over the last two decades...part of an ongoing project that, live and on disc, clearly deserves support. Graham Simpson International Record Review, September 2004, p.49

The Art of Sergei Dukachev (Piano)

DRD0195 Live Recording - £10.95 UK

Dmitri Shostakovich
Piano concerto No.2
(Soloist: Marina Primachenko)
Symphony No.11

London Shostakovich Orchestra
Conductor: Christopher Cox
Live recording
Two-CD set DRD0193 - £16-95 UK
Symphony only CD DRD0193B - £10-95 UK

CD1 Piano concerto No.2 in F major, Op.102 ('To Maxim Dmitrievich Shostakovich')
[1]	I Allegro
[2]	II Andante
[3]	III Allegro
[4]	Applause (foreshortened)
Total time: 20:32
CD2 Symphony No.11 in G minor, Op.103 'The Year 1905'
[1]	I 'Palace Square': Adagio
[2]	II '9th January': Allegro
[3]	III 'In Memoriam': Adagio
[4]	IV 'Tocsin': Allegro non troppo
[5]	Applause (foreshortened)
Total time: 67:27 Reviews http://www.musicweb.uk.net/classrev/2003/Jun03/shost11dunelm.htm http://www.musicweb.uk.net/classrev/2003/Jun03/1aJun03-5.htm

Dmitri Shostakovich
Symphony No.7 in C major, Op.60
['Dedicated to the city of Leningrad']

CD DRD0184 Live recording - £10-95 UK

[1]	I Allegretto
[2]	II Moderato (poco allegretto)
[3]	III Adagio
[4]	IV Allegro non troppo
[5]	Applause (foreshortened)
Total time: 73:03 Reviews http://www.musicweb.uk.net/classrev/2003/Feb03/1aFeb03-5.htm http://www.musicweb.uk.net/classrev/2003/Feb03/shost7dunelm.htm

The music of Erik Chisholm

played by The Kelvin Ensemble
with Murray McLachlan – Piano
CD DRD0174 Live recording - £10-95 UK

The London Shostakovich Orchestra
plays music by
Khachaturian, Barber & Shostakovich

CD DRD0173 Live recording - £10-95UK

The Art of Veronica Freeman (Cello)

CD DRD0143 Live recording - £9.10 UK

The Passing of Time

The Passing of Time
Royal Holloway Symphony Orchestra
Conductor: Matthew Taylor
with Emma Clarke (clarinet) and Laura Bursey (bassoon)
Live recording
CD DRD0148 –- £10.95 UK

[1]	Duet – Concertino for clarinet and bassoon, with string orchestra and harp, AV147 (1947) Richard Strauss
[2]	Applause (foreshortened)
Symphony No. 4 “Of Time and the River” (1993/4)* John McCabe
[3]	Part 1
[4]	Part 2
[5]	Applause (foreshortened)

* Performed in the presence of the composer.