Used Bin Troll Tweets C.

Ethelbert Nevin

[September 2013.]

“Cathy Berberian sings Monteverdi.” Claudio MONTEVERDI: Madrigals from Book VII: “Se i languidi miei sguardi,” “Con che soavità” (1619); Lamento d’Arianna (1623); excerpts from L’Orfeo (1607), L’incoronazione di Poppea (1642).  Cathy Berberian (sop), Concentus musicus Wien, Nikolaus Harnoncourt (cond.). Teldec 0630-10032-2 (1 CD) (http://www.warnerclassics.com/).

Looking back, the “Incomparable” seems warbly, even unsteady. How can both plush and mannered be possible? Times have definitely changed. NO.

Anton BRUCKNER: Symphony No. 9 (1887-96; compl. Nicola SAMALE, John A. PHILLIPS, Benjamin-Gunnar COHRS, Giuseppe MAZZUCA, 1983-2012). Berliner Philharmonic, Simon Rattle (cond.). EMI 50999 9 52969 2 0 (1 CD) (http://www.emimusic.com/).

The familiar three movements are nice. Methinks this patchwork Finale needs yet more revision. The acme still hides behind clouds. MAYBE.

John ADAMS: Harmonielehre (1984-85); Short Ride in a Fast Machine (1986). San Francisco Symphony, Michael Tilson Thomas (cond.). SFSmedia SFS 821936-0053-2 (1 SACD) (http://www.sfsymphony.org/).

Adams’ philosophical love-note to Schoenberg might be the best remnant from the Big-Hair Decade. But a 47:11 SACD? All right, YES.

“Donatoni Edition VII: Dieci anni dopo.” Franco DONATONI: Hot (1989)*; Flag (1987); Tema (1981); Luci (1995)**; Rasch II (1985)***. Mario Marzi* (sax), Lorenzo Missaglia** (fl), Italian Saxophone Quartet***, Divertimento Ensemble, Sandro Gorli (cond.). Stradivarius STR 33838 (1 CD) (http://www.stradivarius.it/).

A Donatoni retrospective marking the 10th anniversary of his passing. Fluorescent instrumental combos. What’s not to like? YES, per favore.

Johann Christoph VOGEL: Three Symphonies (1784). Bayerische Kammer-Philharmonie, Reinhard Goebel (cond.). Oehms OC 735 (1 CD) (http://www.oehmsclassics.de/).

Forgotten Classical Parisian symphonies vividly explored. Sturm und Drang-ish though lacking Haydn’s flair. YES but best in single exposures.

Henri-Joseph RIGEL: Symphony No. 4, Op. 12, No. 4 (1774); Symphony No. 7 (1780); Symphony No. 8 (1783); Symphony No. 10, Op. 21, No. 2 (1786); Symphony No. 14, Op. 21, No. 6 (1786). Concerto Köln. Berlin Classics 0016432BC (1 CD) (http://www.berlinclassics.com/).

Only one catchy tune among five fast-slow-faster symphonies. While Concerto Köln usually produces magic, Rigel’s blandness says NO.