United Kingdom
EMI Classics: 2175752
Composers in Person
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Format: CD
Number of Discs: 22
Release Date: 6th October 2008
More Details on Composers in Person
There can be few, if any, musicians who have not wondered, whilst practising works written earlier than the 20th century, how the composer himself might have performed their music. There are reports, some of which are most skilful in their description, how the likes of Bach, Mozart and Beethoven may have played or improvised; furthermore there are lines of teacher/pupil relationships which can trace their lineage back to the pianistic greats such as Liszt, but still we have to imagine the sound since we cannot actually hear it.
Edison’s invention of a recording machine which developed through the Gramophone to the latest Hi-Fi system of today has been able to capture an extraordinary range of music which continues to give us endless pleasure, though some of us might occasionally even have sympathy with the perspicacious remark that Sir Arthur Sullivan recorded in a message to Edison congratulating him on his invention but expressing his terror “at the thought that much hideous and bad music may be put on record for ever”.
Some composers have left us an extensive catalogue of recorded performances, most notably Edward Elgar, Igor Stravinsky and Benjamin Britten. Others like Olivier Messiaen, Heitor Villa-Lobos and William Walton have left us significant, although limited, editions. All too many, however, have merely left us a mere fraction of their output and it was to bring these recordings to the record-buying public that the EMI Classics series 'Composers in Person' was planned and researched by Ken Jagger (1945-2007).
Most composers are found as either conductors or pianists (so sometimes both) although some appear on other instruments – Hindemith as violist as well as conductor and Messiaen, Widor, Vierne and Dupré as organist.
Contents:
Compact Disc 1 75.30
Béla Bartók 1881–1945
14 Bagatelles Op.6/Sz38/BB50 (1908)†
- No.2: Allegro giocoso
10 Easy Pieces Sz39/BB51
- No.5: Este a székelyeknél (Evening in Transylvania)
- No.10: Medvetánc (Bear Dance)
2 Romanian Dances Op.8a/Sz43/BB56 (1910)
- No.1: Allegro vivace
3 Burlesques Op.8c/Sz47/BB55 (1911)†
- No.2: Kicsit ázottan... (A bit drunk…)
Allegro barbaro Sz49/BB63 (1911)
Suite Op.14/Sz62/BB70 (1916)
Recorded: 5.XI.1929 & †20.XI.1929, Budapest
Mikrokosmos Sz107/BB105 (1926–39)
- Staccato (Allegretto mosso), Vol.V, No.124
- Ostinato (Vivacissimo), Vol.VI, No.146
Recorded: 5.II.1937, Abbey Road Studios, London
5 Hungarian Folk Songs from Sz33/BB97 (1906, rev. 1928)
- No.1: Elindultam szép hazámbol
- No.2: Által mennék én a Tiszán ladikon
- No.3: A gyulai kert alatt
- No.4: Nem messze van ide kis Margitta
- No.5: Végigmentem a tárkányi
Vilma Medgyaszay, soprano
Recorded: 5.XII.1928, Budapest
8 Hungarian Folk Songs Sz64/BB47 (1907–17)
- No.1: Fekete fód – No.2: Istenem, istenem –
- No.3: Aszszonyok, aszszonyok – No.5: Ha kimegyek arr’ a magos tetóre
Mária Basilides, contralto
- No.6: Tóltik a nagy erdő útját – No.7: Eddig való dolgom – No.8: Olvad a hó
Ferenc Székelyhid, tenor
Recorded: 7.XII.1928, Budapest
7 Hungarian Folk Tunes (transcribed 1926, by Joseph Szigeti from 7 pieces from For Children, 1909, for piano, Sz42)
6 Romanian Folk Dances (transcribed 1925, by Zoltán Székely from 6 Romanian Folk Dances, 1915, for piano, Sz56)
Béla Bartók, piano • Joseph Szigeti, violin
Ernő Dohnányi 1877–1960
Variations on a Nursery Song Op.25
Ernő Dohnányi, piano
London Symphony Orchestra / Lawrence Collingwood
Recorded: 21 & 23.II.1931, Kingsway Hall, London
Compact Disc 2 78.05
Paul Hindemith 1895–1963
Sonata for solo viola Op.25 No.1 (1922)*
Paul Hindemith, viola
Recorded: 23.I.1934, No.3 Studio, Abbey Road, London
Scherzo for viola and cello (1934)*
Paul Hindemith, viola • Emanuel Feuermann, cello
Recorded: 23.I.1934, No.3 Studio, Abbey Road, London
Nobilissima visione – Suite from the dance legend in six scenes (1938)
- I. Einleitung und Rondo
- II. Marsch und Pastorale
- III. Passacaglia
Philharmonia Orchestra / Paul Hindemith
Recorded: 21.XI.1956, Kingsway Hall, London
Symphonia serena (1946)
Philharmonia Orchestra / Paul Hindemith
Recorded: 21.XI.1956, Kingsway Hall, London
Compact Disc 3 78.55
Paul Hindemith
String Trio No.2 (1933)
Szymon Goldberg, violin • Paul Hindemith, viola • Emmanuel Feuermann, cello
Recorded: 21.I.1934, No.3 Studio, Abbey Road, London
Clarinet Concerto (1947)
Louis Cahuzac, clarinet
Philharmonia Orchestra / Paul Hindemith
Recorded: 22.XI.1956, Kingsway Hall, London
Horn Concerto (1949)
Dennis Brain, horn
Philharmonia Orchestra / Paul Hindemith
Recorded: 19.XI.1956, Kingsway Hall, London
Concert music for brass and strings Op.50 (1930)
Philharmonia Orchestra / Paul Hindemith
Recorded: 22–24.XI.1956, Kingsway Hall, London
Compact Disc 4 78.31
Aram Khachaturian 1903–1978
Masquerade – Suite (1944) from the incidental music (1941) to Lermontov’s play
Recorded: 27.XI & 4.XII.1954
Violin Concerto in D minor (1940)
26–27.XI.1954
Gayaneh – Orchestral Suite (1943) from the ballet in four acts (1939–42) • Scenario by Derzhavin
24. & 27.XI.1954
David Oistrakh, violin
Philharmonia Orchestra / Aram Khachaturian
Recorded: Kingsway Hall, London, recording dates as shown
Compact Disc 5 75.54
Arthur Honegger 1892–1955
Pastorale d’été (1920)
Orchestra conducted by Arthur Honegger
Cello Concerto (1929)
Maurice Maréchal, cello
Orchestre de la Société des Concerts du Conservatoire / Arthur Honneger
Recorded: I.1931, Paris
Francis Poulenc 1899–1963
Trois Mouvements perpétuels (1918)
Francis Poulenc, piano
Recorded: 7.III.1928; Paris
Trio pour piano, hautbois et basson (1926)
Roger Lamorlette, oboe • Gustav Dhérin, bassoon • Francis Poulenc, piano
Recorded: 7.III.1928, Paris
Deux Novelettes (1928)
Recorded: 11.VI.1932, Paris
Nocturnes
- No.1 in C (1929)
- No.2 in A (‘Bal des jeunes filles’) (1933)
- No.4 in C minor (‘Bal fantôme’) (1934)
Recorded: 20.XI.1934, Paris
Improvisations
- No.2 in A flat (1932)
- No.5 in A minor (1932)
- No.9 in D (1934)
- No.10 in F (‘Éloge des gammes’) (1934)
Recorded: 20.XI.1934, Paris
Francis Poulenc, piano
Aubade (1929): Concerto pour piano et 18 instruments (‘Concerto chorégraphique’)
Francis Poulenc, piano
Walther Straram Concerts Orchestra / Walther Straram
Recorded: 20–22.I.1930, Théâtre des Champs-Élysées, Paris
Compact Disc 6 76.38
Charles-Marie Widor 1844–1937
Symphonie V in F minor Op.42 No.1 (1880)
- V. Toccata: Allegro
Symphonie gothique in C minor Op.70 (1895)
Charles-Marie Widor, organ
Recorded: 28–9.IV.1932, Saint-Sulpice, Paris
Louis Vierne 1870–1937
Trois Improvisations (1928)
- I. Marche épiscopale
Pièces de Fantasie, Suite No.1 Op.51 (1926)
- II. Andantino
- III. Cortège
Louis Vierne, organ
Recorded: XII.1928, Notre-Dame de Paris
Marcel Dupré 1886–1923
Suite bretonne Op.21 (1923)
- I. Berceuse
Marcel Dupré, organ
Recorded: 18.VI.1929, Queen’s Hall, London
Trois Préludes et Fugues Op.7 (1912)
- No.3 in G minor
Marcel Dupré, organ
Recorded: 25.VI & 27.X.1926, Queen’s Hall, London
Olivier Messiaen
Le Banquet céleste (1926, rev. 1932)
L’Ascension (1934)
Olivier Messiaen, organ
Recorded: 26.VII & 13–25.VI.1956, L’Église de la Trinité, Paris
Compact Disc 7 74.55
Edward Elgar 1857–1934
Violin Concerto in B minor Op.61
Yehudi Menuhin, violin
London Symphony Orchestra / Sir Edward Elgar
Recorded: 14–15.VII.1932, No.1 Studio, Abbey Road, London
Cello Concerto in E minor Op.85
Beatrice Harrison, cello
New Symphony Orchestra / Sir Edward Elgar
Recorded: 23.II.1928, Kingsway Hall, London
Compact Disc 8 71.21
Olivier Messiaen 1908–1992
Apparition de l’Église éternelle (1932)
La Nativité du Seigneur (1935)
Olivier Messiaen, organ
Recorded: 4.VI.1956 †15–22.VI.1956, Église de la Sainte-Trinité
Compact Disc 9 79.24
Sergei Prokofiev 1891–1953
Piano Concerto No.3 in C Op.26 (1921)
Sergei Prokofiev, piano
London Symphony Orchestra / Piero Coppola
Recorded: 27–28.VI.1932, No.1 Studio, Abbey Road, London
Suggestion diabolique (No.4 from 4 Pieces, Op.4 – 1908)
Recorded: 4.III.1935, Paris
Visions fugitives Op.22 (1915–17)
- No.3: Allegretto
- No.5: Molto giocoso
- No.6: Con eleganza
- No.9: Allegretto tranquillo
- No.10: Ridicolosamente
- No.11: Con vivacità
- No.16: Dolente
- No.17: Poetico
- No.18: Con una dolce lentezza
Recorded: 12.II.1935, Paris
Gavotte Op.25 (1916–17)
Transcribed for piano from Symphony No.1 in D ‘Classical’, movement III
Recorded: 26.II.1935, Paris
Sonata No.4 Op.29 (1908–17)
- II. Andante assai 6.12
Recorded: 4.III.1935, Paris
Gavotte (No.3 from 4 Pieces, Op.32 – 1918)
Recorded: 4.III.1935, Paris
Sergei Prokofiev, piano
Alexander Glazunov 1865–1936
The Seasons: Ballet in 1 Act Op.67 (1901)
Orchestra conducted by Alexander Glazunov
Recorded: 10, 13 & 14.VI.1929, Portman Rooms, Baker Street, London
Compact Disc 10 78.30
Heitor Villa-Lobos 1887–1959
Bachianas brasileiras No.2 (1930)
- IV. Toccata: Un poco moderato (‘O Trenzinho do Caipira’)
Recorded: 11.V.1956, Salle de la Mutualité, Paris
Bachianas brasileiras No.5
- I. Aria (Cantilena): Adagio (1938)
- II. Dança (Martelo): Allegretto (1945)
Victoria de los Angeles, soprano
8 cellos • Fernand Benedetti, solo cello
Recorded: 7 & 13.VI.1956, Salle de la Mutualité, Paris
Miniaturas
- No.2: Viola (1916)
Modhinas e Cançÿes, Vol.1
- No.3: Cantilena (1938)
Frederick Fuller, baritone • Heitor Villa-Lobos, piano
Recorded: 12.II.1948, No.3 Studio, Abbey Road, London
Momoprecoce – Fantasy for piano & orchestra (1929)
Magda Tagliaferro, piano
Recorded: 9–10.VI.1954, Théâtre des Champs-Élysées, Paris
Bachianas brasilerias No.4 (1939–41)
Recorded: 14.V.1957, Salle de la Mutualité, Paris
Chôros No.10 ‘Rasga o Coraçâo’ (1926)
Chorale des Jeunesses Musicales de France chorus master Louis Martini
Recorded: 24.V.1957, Salle de la Mutualité, Paris
Orchestre National de la Radiodiffusion Française / Heitor Villa-Lobos
Compact Disc 11 75.14
Hans Pfitzner 1869–1949
Das Christelflein Op.20 (1906, rev. 1917)
- Overture
Recorded: 1927, Berlin
Palestrina (1912–15), Opera in three acts
- Prelude, Act I 6.59
- Prelude, Act II 6.01
- Prelude, Act III 7.21
Recorded: 1931, Berlin
Duo for violin, cello and small orchestra Op.43 (1937)
Max Strub, violin • Ludwig Hoelscher, cello
Orchester der Staatsoper, Berlin / Hans Pfitzner
Recorded: II.1938, Berlin
Hast du von den Fischerkindern Op.7 No.1 (Müller von Königswinter)
Recorded: 4.II.1938, Electrola Studios
Der Gärtner Op.9 No.1 (Eichendorff)
Die Einsame Op.9 No.2 (Eichendorff)
Zum Abschied meiner Tochter Op.10 No.3 (Eichendorff)
Michaelskirchplatz Op.19 No.2 (Busse)
In Danzig Op.22 No.1 (Eichendorff)
Nachts Op.26 No.2 (Eichendorff)
Abbitte Op.29 No.1 (Hölderlin)
Recorded: X.II.1939, Electrola Studios
Hussens Kerker Op.32 No.1 (Meyer)
Säerspruch Op.32 No.2 (Meyer)
Leuchtende Tage Op.40 No.1 (Jakobowski)
Herbstgefühl Op.40 No.4 (Greif)
Recorded: 4.II.1938; Electrola Studios
Gerhard Hüsch, baritone • Hans Pfitzner, piano
Compact Disc 12 77.03
Darius Milhaud 1892–1974
La Création du monde Op.81 (1923), Ballet (Scenario: Blaise Cendrars)
Orchestra of 19 Soloists, Darius Milhaud
Recorded: II & III.1932, Studio Albert, Paris
Scaramouche Op.165b (1937)
Marcelle Meyer • Darius Milhaud - pianos
Recorded: 6.XII.1938, Studio Albert, Paris
Producer: unknown • Balance engineer: M. Hamard
Saudades do Brasil Op.67 (1921)
Suite provençale Op.152b (1936)
The Concert Arts Orchestra / Darius Milhaud
Recorded: 11–12.IX.1956 (Saudades); 13.IX.1956 (Suite), Studio ‘A’, Capitol Tower, Hollywood
Le Bœuf sur le toit Op.58 (1919), Scenario: Jean Cocteau
Orchestre du Théâtre des Champs-Élysées / Darius Milhaud
Recorded: 16, 18 & 19.III.1958, Théâtre des Champs-Élysées, Paris
Compact Disc 13 76.21
Francis Poulenc
Le Bestiaire (Apollinaire) (1919)
Recorded: 11.XII.1945, No.3 Studio, Abbey Road, London
Chansons gaillardes (anon) (1926)
- 4. Invocation aux Parques
- La belle jeunesse
Recorded: 7.VII.1936, Studio Albert, Paris
Tel jour, telle nuit (Paul Éluard) (1936–7)
Recorded: 26.VI.1946; No.3 Studio, Abbey Road, London
Producer: Walter Legge • Balance engineer: Robert Beckett
Deux poèmes de Guillaume Apollinaire (1938)
- 1. Dans le jardin d’Anna
Recorded: 2.VII.1946; No.3 Studio, Abbey Road, London
Métamorphoses (Louis de Vilmorin) (1943)
- 1. Reine des mouettes
- 2. C’est ainsi que tu es
- 3. Paganini
Deux poèmes de Louis Aragon (1943)
Montparnaste Deux mélodies de Guillaume Apollinaire
Recorded: 11.XII.1945, No.3 Studio, Abbey Road
Pierre Bernac, baritone • Francis Poulenc, piano
Benjamin Britten 1913–1976 P 2008*
Seven Sonnets of Michelangelo Op.22 (1940)
Recorded: 20.XI.1942, No.3 Studio, Abbey Road, London
Holy Sonnets of John Donne Op.35 (1945)
Recorded: 29.VIII & 12.XII.1947, No.3 Studio, Abbey Road, London
Compact Disc 14 76.11
Dmitri Shostakovich 1906–1975
Concerto for piano, trumpet and strings in C minor Op.35 (1933)
Dmitri Shostakovich, piano • Ludovic Vaillant, trumpet
Piano Concerto No.2 in F Op.102 (1957)
Dmitri Shostakovich, piano
Orchestre National de la Radiodiffusion Française / André Cluytens
24–26.V.1958; Salle Wagram, Paris
Three Fantastic Dances Op.5 (1922)
Preludes and Fugues Op.87 (1950–51)
- No.1: Moderato in C 4.56
- No.4: Andante – Adagio in E minor 7.24
- No.5: Allegretto in D major 2.48
- No.23: Adagio – Moderato con moto 6.42
- No.24: Andante – Moderato† in D minor 11.42
Dmitri Shostakovich, piano
Recorded: 30.V (Op.5) & 12.IX.1958 (Op.87), Salle Wagram, Paris
Compact Disc 15 77.42
Igor Stravinsky 1882–1971
Les Noces (1917–23): Russian choreographic scenes
Part I
- Scene 1: The Bride’s Chamber 5.16
- Scene 2: At the Bridegroom’s – 5.37
- Scene 3: The Bride’s Departure – 2.57
Part II
- Scene 4: The Wedding Feast 9.44
Kate Winter, soprano • Linda Seymour, contralto • Parry Jones, tenor • Roy Henderson, baritone • BBC Chorus
Berkeley Mason, Leslie Heward, Ernest Lush, Edwin Benbow - piano
Percussion ensemble / Igor Stravinsky
Sung in the English version by D. Millar Craig
Recorded: 10.VII.1934, No.1 Studio, Abbey Road, London
Octet for wind instruments (1923)
Marcel Moyse, flute • Émile Godeau, clarinet • Gustave Dhérin, Marus Piard - bassoon • Eugène Foveau, Pierre Vignol - trumpet • André Lafosse, Raphaël Delbos - trombone
Igor Stravinsky
Recorded: 6 & 9.V.1932, Studio Albert, Paris
Capriccio for piano and orchestra (1929)
Igor Stravinsky, piano
Walther Straram Concert Orchestra / Ernest Ansermet
Recorded: 8–10.V.1930, Théâtre des Champs-Élysées, Paris
Symphony of Psalms (1930)
Alexis Vlassov Choir
Walther Straram Concerts Orchestra / Igor Stravinsky
Recorded: 17–18.II.1931, Théâtre des Champs-Élysées, Paris
Compact Disc 16 77.35
Igor Stravinsky
Pastorale (1907/transcribed† 1933 for violin and wind quartet)
Samuel Dushkin violin • Louis Gromer, oboe • George Durand, cor anglais • André Vacellier, clarinet • Gabriel Grandmaison, bassoon
Igor Stravinsky
Recorded: 6.VI.1933; Studio Albert, Paris
L’Oiseau de feu (1910/transcribed 1932 for violin and piano)
- Scherzo
- Berceuse
Recorded: 6.VI & 6.IV.1933, Studio Albert, Paris
Petrushka (1911/transcribed 1932 for violin and piano)
- Danse russe
Recorded: 6.IV.1933, Studio Albert, Paris
Le chant du rossignol (1917/transcribed† 1932 for violin and piano)
- Airs du rossignol
- Marche chinoise
Recorded: 8.VI.1933, Studio Albert, Paris
Samuel Dushkin, violin • Igor Stravinsky, piano
Ragtime for 11 instruments (1918)
Aladar Racz, cimbalon • Roland Charmy, Henri Volant - violins • Étienne Ginot, viola • Louis Juste, double bass • Lucien Lavaillotte, flute • Émile Godeau, clarinet • Eugène Foveau, trumpet • Jean Devemy, horn • Roger Tudesq, trombone • Jean Morel, percussion
Igor Stravinsky
Recorded: 13.VII.1934, Studio Albert, Paris
Piano-rag-music (1919) 3.12
Igor Stravinsky, piano
Recorded: 5.VII.1934, Studio Albert, Paris
Suite italienne (1920/transcribed† 1933 for violin and piano from Pulcinella)
- II. Serenata 2.54
- V. Scherzino 1.22
Samuel Dushkin, violin • Igor Stravinsky, piano
Recorded: 7.IV.1933, Studio Albert, Paris
Serenade in A (1925)
Igor Stravinsky, piano
Recorded: 5–6.VII.1934, Studio Albert, Paris
Duo concertante for violin and piano (1932)
Samuel Dushkin, violin • Igor Stravinsky, piano
Recorded: 6–7.IV.1933, Studio Albert, Paris
Concerto for two solo pianos (1935)
Soulima Stravinsky, Igor Stravinsky - pianos
Recorded: 14 & 16.II.1938, Studio Pathé-Marconi, Paris
Compact Disc 17 72.47
Richard Strauss 1864–1949
Ein Alpensinfonie Op.64 (1911–15)
Bayerische Staatskapelle / Richard Strauss
Recorded: V.1941, Saal des Deutschen Museums, Munich
Der Rosenkavalier – film music (1952): Orchestral transcriptions from the opera [1910], with a March in D [1906]
- Introduction…love scene (Marschallin & Octavian) (Act 1)
- Marschallin’s Monologue (Act 1)
- Presentation March (‘De Brandenburgsche Mars’ – No.1 from Zwei Militärmärsche, 1906)
- The Presentation of the Silver Rose (Act 2)
- Love Duet (Octavian & Sophie) (Act 2)
- Waltz (Act 3/Act 2)
- Trio (Octavian, Marschallin & Sophie) (Act 3)
- Final Duet (Sophie & Octavian)…Coda (Act 3)
Augmented London Tivoli Theatre Orchestra / Richard Strauss
Recorded: 13.IV.1926, Large Queen’s Hall, London
Compact Disc 18 76.13
Enrique Granados 1867–1916
Danzas españolas Op.31 (1892–1900)
- No.7: Valenciana (Calasera)
- No.10: Danza triste
Goyescas (1911)
- Improvisation on No.7: El pelele
Enrique Granados, piano
Manuel de Falla 1876–1946
Siete canciones populares españolas (1914)
- I. El paño moruno
- II. Seguidilla murciana
- III. Asturiana
- IV. Jota
Recorded: 31.III.1928, Studio Albert, Paris
- V. Nana
- VI. Canción
- VII. Polo
Recorded: 3 & 5.VI.1930, Studio Albert, Paris
El amor brujo (1915)
- Canción del fuego fátuo
Soneto a Córdoba (L. de Góngora) (1927)
Recorded: 3 & 5.VI.1930, Studio Albert, Paris
Maria Barrientos, soprano • Manuel de Falla, piano
Harpsichord Concerto (1926)
Manuel de Falla, harpsichord • Marcel Moyse, flute • George Bonneau, oboe • Émile Godeau, clarinet • Marcel Darrieux, violin • Auguste Cruque, cello
Recorded: 2 & 7.VI.1930, Studio Albert, Paris
Federico Mompou 1893–1987
- Jeunes filles au jardin (Scènes d’enfants, No.5) (1915–18)
- El carrer el guitarrisra i el vell cavall (Suburis, No.1) (1916–17)
- Canción y danza (cançó i dansa) No.5 (1942)
- La fuente y la capaña (Paiajes, No.1) (1942)
- Canción y danza (cançó i dansa) No.6 (1942)
- Canción y danza (cançó i dansa) No.8 (1946)
Federico Mompou, piano
Recorded: 6–7 & 9–10.II.1950, No.3 Studio, Abbey Road, London
Joaquín Nin 1879–1949
20 cantos populares españoles
- No.3 Tonada de la niña perdida
- No.4 Montañesa
- No.6 Malagueña
- No.7 Granadina
- No.19 Canto Andaluz
- No.20 Polo
Ninon Vallin soprano • Joaquín Nin piano
Recorded: 3.XII.1929, Salle du Conservatoire, Paris
Compact Disc 19 69.57
Edward Elgar
Variations on an original theme (‘Enigma’) Op.36 (1899)
Royal Albert Hall Orchestra / Sir Edward Elgar
Recorded: 28.IV & 30.VIII.1926, Queen’s Hall, London
Gustav Holst 1874–1934
The Planets Op.32 (1914–1916)
London Symphony Orchestra / Gustav Holst
Recorded: 22.VI (16 & 19); 2.VII & 14.IX (17); 2.VII (21); 14.IX (20) & 22.X.1926 (18 & 22), Large Studio, Petty France, London
Compact Disc 20 77.46
Franz Lehár 1870–1948
Die lustige Witwe (1905)
- Overtüre (1940)
Zigeunerliebe (1908) (Willner & Bodanzky)
- Hör’ ich Cymbalklänge (Akt III)
I.1942
Esther Réthy, soprano
Eva (1911) (Willner, Bodanzky & Spero)
- Vorspiel
- Im heimlichen Dämmer (Akt I)
I.1942
Maria Reining, soprano
Paganini (1925) (Knepler & Jenbach)
- Ich kann es nicht fassen…Liebe, du Himmel auf Erden (Akt II)
V.1940
Esther Réthy, soprano
Der Zarewitsch (1927) (Jenbach & Reichert)
- Einer wird kommen (Akt I)
I.1942
Esther Réthy, soprano
Friederike (1928) (Herzer & Löhner)
- Warum hast du mich wachgeküßt? (Akt II)
I.1942
Maria Reining, soprano
Wiener Philharmoniker (1 & 5) • Wiener Symphoniker (2–4, 6 & 7)
Franz Lehár
Recorded: Musikvereinssaal, Vienna, recording dates as shown
Das Land des Lächelns (1929) (Herzer & Löhner)
- Ich trete ins Zimmer…Immer nur lächeln (Akt I)
3.X.1929
- Mein lieber Prinz…Bei einem Tee en deux (Akt I)
3.X.1929
- Von Apfelblüten einen Kranz (Akt I)
4.X.1929
- Wer hat die Liebe in Herz gesenkt? (Akt II)
3.X.1929
- Dein ist mein ganzes Herz! (Akt II)
3.X.1929
- Alles vorbei!...Ich möcht’ wieder einmal (Akt II)
22.X.1929
- Ihr Götter, sagt…Kann es möglich sein? (Akt II)
4.X.1929
Vera Schwarz, soprano • Richard Tauber, tenor
Staatskapelle Berlin / Franz Lehár
Schön ist die Welt (1930) (Herzer & Löhner)
- Ich bin verliebt (Akt III)
I.1942
Recorded: Berlin (8–14) Musikvereinssaal, Vienna (15) recording dates as shown
Esther Réthy, soprano
Wiener Symphoniker / Franz Lehár
Giuditta (1943) (Knepler & Löhner)
- Freunde, das Leben ist lebenswert! (Auftrittslied) (1. Szene)
- Schön wie die blaue Sommernacht (2. Szene)
- Welch tiefes Rätsel ist die Liebe…Du bist meine Sonne! (3. Szene)
- Ich weiß es selber nicht…Meine Lippen, sie küssen so heiß (4. Szene)
- So wie um den Sonnenball (4. Szene)
- "Schönste der Frau’n" begann das Lied (5. Szene)
Recorded: 11.1.1934, Mittlerer Konzerthaussaal, Vienna
Jarmila Novotná, soprano • Richard Tauber, tenor
Wiener Philharmonica / Franz Lehár
Compact Disc 21 78.42
Nikolai Medtner 1880–1951
Russian Round Dance (A Tale) Op.58 No.1 (1944)
Benno Moiseiwitsch, Nicolas Medtner - pianos
Recorded: 24.X.1946, No.3 Studio, Abbey Road, London
Shto ty klonish nad vodami (The Willow) Op.24 No.2 (1912)
Shopot, robkoye dykhan’ye (Down in the garden) Op.24 No.7 (1912)
Recorded: 6.IX.1947, No.3 Studio, Abbey Road, London
Serenade Op.28 No.2 (1913)
Recorded: 9.IX.1947, No.3 Studio, Abbey Road, London
Oda Slobodskaya, soprano • Nikolai Medtner, piano
2 Tales Op.47 (1910)
- No.1: Allegro con espressione in B flat minor
- No.2: ‘Campanella’ (pesante. Minaccioso) in B minor
Nikolai Medtner, piano
Recorded: 21.IV.1936, No.3 Studio, Abbey Road, London
The Muse Op.29 No.1 (1913)
Recorded: 16.X.1950
The Rose Op.29 No.6 (1913)
22.XI.1950
The Waltz Op.32 No.5 (1914)
16.X.1950
When roses fade Op.36 No.3 (1923)
22.XI.1950
Elisabeth Schwartzkopf, soprano • Nicolas Medtner, piano
Recorded: No.3 Studio, Abbey Road, London, recording dates as shown
6 Tales Op.51
- No.1: Allegro molto vivace in D minor
Nikolai Medtner, piano
Recorded: 21 & 31.III.1947, No.3 Studio, Abbey Road, London
Zimniy vecher (Winter Evening) Op.13 No.1 (1907)
Recorded: 4.IX.1947
Mechtatelyu (To a Dreamer) Op.32 No.6 (1914)
6.IX.1947
Telega zhini (The Wagon of Life) Op.45 No.2 (1926)
19.IX.1947
Vorony (The Raven) Op.52 No.2 (1929)
19.IX.1947
Oda Slobodskaya, Tatiana Makushina - soprano
Nikolai Medtner, piano
Recorded: No.3 Studio, Abbey Road, London, recording dates as shown
6 Tales Op.51 (1929)
- No.2: Allegretto cantabile ed espressivo in A minor
Nicolas Medtner, piano
Recorded: 22.IV.1936, No.3 Studio, Abbey Road, London
Goethe-Lieder
- Elfenliedchen (Elves’ ditty) Op.6 No.3 (1904)
- Im Vorübergehen (In passing) Op.6 No.4 (1904)
22.XI.1950
- Selbstbetrug (Self-deception) Op.15 No.3 (1908)
22.XI.1950
- Aus ‘Lila’ (So tanzet) (From ‘Lila’) Op.15 No.5 (1908)
19.X.1950
- Meeresstille (Calm at sea) Op.15 No.7 (1908)
- Glückliche Fahrt (Prosperous voyage) Op.15 No.8 (1908)
22.XI.1950
- Einsamkeit (Solitude) Op.18 No.3 (1910)
16.X.1950
Elisabeth Schwarzkopf, soprano • Nikolai Medtner, piano
Recorded: No.3 Studio, Abbey Road, London, recording dates as shown
6 Tales Op.51 (1929)
- No.3: Allegretto tranquillo e grazioso – Allegro non troppo in A
Nikolai Medtner, piano
Recorded: 8.V.1936, No.3 Studio, Abbey Road, London
7 Lieder Op.46 (1927)
- No.1: Praeludium (Prelude)
- No.5: Winternacht (Winter night)
- No.6: Die Quelle (The Stream)
Elisabeth Schwarzkopf, soprano • Nicolas Medtner, piano
Recorded: 16.X (25–26) & 22.XI.1950 (27), No.3 Studio, Abbey Road, London
Forgotten Melodies Op.38 (1919)
- No.3: Danza festiva (Presto)
- Nikolai Medtner, piano
Recorded: 22.IV.1936, No.3 Studio, Abbey Road, London
Compact Disc 22 74.22
Albert Roussel 1869–1937
Le Festin de l’araignée Op.17 (1912): Fragments symphoniques
- Prélude
- Entrée des Fourmis
- Danse du Papillon
- Éclosion de l’Éphémère
- Danse de l’Éphémère
- Funérailles de l’Éphémère
- La nuit tombe sur le jardin solitaire
Orchestra conducted by Albert Roussel
Recorded: 1929, Paris
Cinq Mélodies
Claire Croiza, mezzo-soprano • Albert Roussel, piano
Recorded: 5.XII.1928 & †12.III.1929, Studio Albert, Paris
Florent Schmitt 1870–1958
Piano Quintet in B minor Op.51 (1908)
- II. Lent
Florent Schmitt, piano
Quatuor Calvet (Joseph Calvet • Daniel Guillevitch - violins • Léon Pascal, viola • Paul Mas, cello)
Recorded: 12.VI.1935, Paris
La Tragédie de Salomé Op.50 (1907): Poème symphonique (1910)
- I. Prélude
- Danse des perles
- II. (Lent)
- Les Enchantements sur la mer
- Danse des éclairs
- Danse de l’effroi
Walther Straram Concerts Orchestra / Florent Schmitt
Recorded: 18–19.IV.1930, Théâtre des Champs-Élysées, Paris
Edison’s invention of a recording machine which developed through the Gramophone to the latest Hi-Fi system of today has been able to capture an extraordinary range of music which continues to give us endless pleasure, though some of us might occasionally even have sympathy with the perspicacious remark that Sir Arthur Sullivan recorded in a message to Edison congratulating him on his invention but expressing his terror “at the thought that much hideous and bad music may be put on record for ever”.
Some composers have left us an extensive catalogue of recorded performances, most notably Edward Elgar, Igor Stravinsky and Benjamin Britten. Others like Olivier Messiaen, Heitor Villa-Lobos and William Walton have left us significant, although limited, editions. All too many, however, have merely left us a mere fraction of their output and it was to bring these recordings to the record-buying public that the EMI Classics series 'Composers in Person' was planned and researched by Ken Jagger (1945-2007).
Most composers are found as either conductors or pianists (so sometimes both) although some appear on other instruments – Hindemith as violist as well as conductor and Messiaen, Widor, Vierne and Dupré as organist.
Contents:
Compact Disc 1 75.30
Béla Bartók 1881–1945
14 Bagatelles Op.6/Sz38/BB50 (1908)†
- No.2: Allegro giocoso
10 Easy Pieces Sz39/BB51
- No.5: Este a székelyeknél (Evening in Transylvania)
- No.10: Medvetánc (Bear Dance)
2 Romanian Dances Op.8a/Sz43/BB56 (1910)
- No.1: Allegro vivace
3 Burlesques Op.8c/Sz47/BB55 (1911)†
- No.2: Kicsit ázottan... (A bit drunk…)
Allegro barbaro Sz49/BB63 (1911)
Suite Op.14/Sz62/BB70 (1916)
Recorded: 5.XI.1929 & †20.XI.1929, Budapest
Mikrokosmos Sz107/BB105 (1926–39)
- Staccato (Allegretto mosso), Vol.V, No.124
- Ostinato (Vivacissimo), Vol.VI, No.146
Recorded: 5.II.1937, Abbey Road Studios, London
5 Hungarian Folk Songs from Sz33/BB97 (1906, rev. 1928)
- No.1: Elindultam szép hazámbol
- No.2: Által mennék én a Tiszán ladikon
- No.3: A gyulai kert alatt
- No.4: Nem messze van ide kis Margitta
- No.5: Végigmentem a tárkányi
Vilma Medgyaszay, soprano
Recorded: 5.XII.1928, Budapest
8 Hungarian Folk Songs Sz64/BB47 (1907–17)
- No.1: Fekete fód – No.2: Istenem, istenem –
- No.3: Aszszonyok, aszszonyok – No.5: Ha kimegyek arr’ a magos tetóre
Mária Basilides, contralto
- No.6: Tóltik a nagy erdő útját – No.7: Eddig való dolgom – No.8: Olvad a hó
Ferenc Székelyhid, tenor
Recorded: 7.XII.1928, Budapest
7 Hungarian Folk Tunes (transcribed 1926, by Joseph Szigeti from 7 pieces from For Children, 1909, for piano, Sz42)
6 Romanian Folk Dances (transcribed 1925, by Zoltán Székely from 6 Romanian Folk Dances, 1915, for piano, Sz56)
Béla Bartók, piano • Joseph Szigeti, violin
Ernő Dohnányi 1877–1960
Variations on a Nursery Song Op.25
Ernő Dohnányi, piano
London Symphony Orchestra / Lawrence Collingwood
Recorded: 21 & 23.II.1931, Kingsway Hall, London
Compact Disc 2 78.05
Paul Hindemith 1895–1963
Sonata for solo viola Op.25 No.1 (1922)*
Paul Hindemith, viola
Recorded: 23.I.1934, No.3 Studio, Abbey Road, London
Scherzo for viola and cello (1934)*
Paul Hindemith, viola • Emanuel Feuermann, cello
Recorded: 23.I.1934, No.3 Studio, Abbey Road, London
Nobilissima visione – Suite from the dance legend in six scenes (1938)
- I. Einleitung und Rondo
- II. Marsch und Pastorale
- III. Passacaglia
Philharmonia Orchestra / Paul Hindemith
Recorded: 21.XI.1956, Kingsway Hall, London
Symphonia serena (1946)
Philharmonia Orchestra / Paul Hindemith
Recorded: 21.XI.1956, Kingsway Hall, London
Compact Disc 3 78.55
Paul Hindemith
String Trio No.2 (1933)
Szymon Goldberg, violin • Paul Hindemith, viola • Emmanuel Feuermann, cello
Recorded: 21.I.1934, No.3 Studio, Abbey Road, London
Clarinet Concerto (1947)
Louis Cahuzac, clarinet
Philharmonia Orchestra / Paul Hindemith
Recorded: 22.XI.1956, Kingsway Hall, London
Horn Concerto (1949)
Dennis Brain, horn
Philharmonia Orchestra / Paul Hindemith
Recorded: 19.XI.1956, Kingsway Hall, London
Concert music for brass and strings Op.50 (1930)
Philharmonia Orchestra / Paul Hindemith
Recorded: 22–24.XI.1956, Kingsway Hall, London
Compact Disc 4 78.31
Aram Khachaturian 1903–1978
Masquerade – Suite (1944) from the incidental music (1941) to Lermontov’s play
Recorded: 27.XI & 4.XII.1954
Violin Concerto in D minor (1940)
26–27.XI.1954
Gayaneh – Orchestral Suite (1943) from the ballet in four acts (1939–42) • Scenario by Derzhavin
24. & 27.XI.1954
David Oistrakh, violin
Philharmonia Orchestra / Aram Khachaturian
Recorded: Kingsway Hall, London, recording dates as shown
Compact Disc 5 75.54
Arthur Honegger 1892–1955
Pastorale d’été (1920)
Orchestra conducted by Arthur Honegger
Cello Concerto (1929)
Maurice Maréchal, cello
Orchestre de la Société des Concerts du Conservatoire / Arthur Honneger
Recorded: I.1931, Paris
Francis Poulenc 1899–1963
Trois Mouvements perpétuels (1918)
Francis Poulenc, piano
Recorded: 7.III.1928; Paris
Trio pour piano, hautbois et basson (1926)
Roger Lamorlette, oboe • Gustav Dhérin, bassoon • Francis Poulenc, piano
Recorded: 7.III.1928, Paris
Deux Novelettes (1928)
Recorded: 11.VI.1932, Paris
Nocturnes
- No.1 in C (1929)
- No.2 in A (‘Bal des jeunes filles’) (1933)
- No.4 in C minor (‘Bal fantôme’) (1934)
Recorded: 20.XI.1934, Paris
Improvisations
- No.2 in A flat (1932)
- No.5 in A minor (1932)
- No.9 in D (1934)
- No.10 in F (‘Éloge des gammes’) (1934)
Recorded: 20.XI.1934, Paris
Francis Poulenc, piano
Aubade (1929): Concerto pour piano et 18 instruments (‘Concerto chorégraphique’)
Francis Poulenc, piano
Walther Straram Concerts Orchestra / Walther Straram
Recorded: 20–22.I.1930, Théâtre des Champs-Élysées, Paris
Compact Disc 6 76.38
Charles-Marie Widor 1844–1937
Symphonie V in F minor Op.42 No.1 (1880)
- V. Toccata: Allegro
Symphonie gothique in C minor Op.70 (1895)
Charles-Marie Widor, organ
Recorded: 28–9.IV.1932, Saint-Sulpice, Paris
Louis Vierne 1870–1937
Trois Improvisations (1928)
- I. Marche épiscopale
Pièces de Fantasie, Suite No.1 Op.51 (1926)
- II. Andantino
- III. Cortège
Louis Vierne, organ
Recorded: XII.1928, Notre-Dame de Paris
Marcel Dupré 1886–1923
Suite bretonne Op.21 (1923)
- I. Berceuse
Marcel Dupré, organ
Recorded: 18.VI.1929, Queen’s Hall, London
Trois Préludes et Fugues Op.7 (1912)
- No.3 in G minor
Marcel Dupré, organ
Recorded: 25.VI & 27.X.1926, Queen’s Hall, London
Olivier Messiaen
Le Banquet céleste (1926, rev. 1932)
L’Ascension (1934)
Olivier Messiaen, organ
Recorded: 26.VII & 13–25.VI.1956, L’Église de la Trinité, Paris
Compact Disc 7 74.55
Edward Elgar 1857–1934
Violin Concerto in B minor Op.61
Yehudi Menuhin, violin
London Symphony Orchestra / Sir Edward Elgar
Recorded: 14–15.VII.1932, No.1 Studio, Abbey Road, London
Cello Concerto in E minor Op.85
Beatrice Harrison, cello
New Symphony Orchestra / Sir Edward Elgar
Recorded: 23.II.1928, Kingsway Hall, London
Compact Disc 8 71.21
Olivier Messiaen 1908–1992
Apparition de l’Église éternelle (1932)
La Nativité du Seigneur (1935)
Olivier Messiaen, organ
Recorded: 4.VI.1956 †15–22.VI.1956, Église de la Sainte-Trinité
Compact Disc 9 79.24
Sergei Prokofiev 1891–1953
Piano Concerto No.3 in C Op.26 (1921)
Sergei Prokofiev, piano
London Symphony Orchestra / Piero Coppola
Recorded: 27–28.VI.1932, No.1 Studio, Abbey Road, London
Suggestion diabolique (No.4 from 4 Pieces, Op.4 – 1908)
Recorded: 4.III.1935, Paris
Visions fugitives Op.22 (1915–17)
- No.3: Allegretto
- No.5: Molto giocoso
- No.6: Con eleganza
- No.9: Allegretto tranquillo
- No.10: Ridicolosamente
- No.11: Con vivacità
- No.16: Dolente
- No.17: Poetico
- No.18: Con una dolce lentezza
Recorded: 12.II.1935, Paris
Gavotte Op.25 (1916–17)
Transcribed for piano from Symphony No.1 in D ‘Classical’, movement III
Recorded: 26.II.1935, Paris
Sonata No.4 Op.29 (1908–17)
- II. Andante assai 6.12
Recorded: 4.III.1935, Paris
Gavotte (No.3 from 4 Pieces, Op.32 – 1918)
Recorded: 4.III.1935, Paris
Sergei Prokofiev, piano
Alexander Glazunov 1865–1936
The Seasons: Ballet in 1 Act Op.67 (1901)
Orchestra conducted by Alexander Glazunov
Recorded: 10, 13 & 14.VI.1929, Portman Rooms, Baker Street, London
Compact Disc 10 78.30
Heitor Villa-Lobos 1887–1959
Bachianas brasileiras No.2 (1930)
- IV. Toccata: Un poco moderato (‘O Trenzinho do Caipira’)
Recorded: 11.V.1956, Salle de la Mutualité, Paris
Bachianas brasileiras No.5
- I. Aria (Cantilena): Adagio (1938)
- II. Dança (Martelo): Allegretto (1945)
Victoria de los Angeles, soprano
8 cellos • Fernand Benedetti, solo cello
Recorded: 7 & 13.VI.1956, Salle de la Mutualité, Paris
Miniaturas
- No.2: Viola (1916)
Modhinas e Cançÿes, Vol.1
- No.3: Cantilena (1938)
Frederick Fuller, baritone • Heitor Villa-Lobos, piano
Recorded: 12.II.1948, No.3 Studio, Abbey Road, London
Momoprecoce – Fantasy for piano & orchestra (1929)
Magda Tagliaferro, piano
Recorded: 9–10.VI.1954, Théâtre des Champs-Élysées, Paris
Bachianas brasilerias No.4 (1939–41)
Recorded: 14.V.1957, Salle de la Mutualité, Paris
Chôros No.10 ‘Rasga o Coraçâo’ (1926)
Chorale des Jeunesses Musicales de France chorus master Louis Martini
Recorded: 24.V.1957, Salle de la Mutualité, Paris
Orchestre National de la Radiodiffusion Française / Heitor Villa-Lobos
Compact Disc 11 75.14
Hans Pfitzner 1869–1949
Das Christelflein Op.20 (1906, rev. 1917)
- Overture
Recorded: 1927, Berlin
Palestrina (1912–15), Opera in three acts
- Prelude, Act I 6.59
- Prelude, Act II 6.01
- Prelude, Act III 7.21
Recorded: 1931, Berlin
Duo for violin, cello and small orchestra Op.43 (1937)
Max Strub, violin • Ludwig Hoelscher, cello
Orchester der Staatsoper, Berlin / Hans Pfitzner
Recorded: II.1938, Berlin
Hast du von den Fischerkindern Op.7 No.1 (Müller von Königswinter)
Recorded: 4.II.1938, Electrola Studios
Der Gärtner Op.9 No.1 (Eichendorff)
Die Einsame Op.9 No.2 (Eichendorff)
Zum Abschied meiner Tochter Op.10 No.3 (Eichendorff)
Michaelskirchplatz Op.19 No.2 (Busse)
In Danzig Op.22 No.1 (Eichendorff)
Nachts Op.26 No.2 (Eichendorff)
Abbitte Op.29 No.1 (Hölderlin)
Recorded: X.II.1939, Electrola Studios
Hussens Kerker Op.32 No.1 (Meyer)
Säerspruch Op.32 No.2 (Meyer)
Leuchtende Tage Op.40 No.1 (Jakobowski)
Herbstgefühl Op.40 No.4 (Greif)
Recorded: 4.II.1938; Electrola Studios
Gerhard Hüsch, baritone • Hans Pfitzner, piano
Compact Disc 12 77.03
Darius Milhaud 1892–1974
La Création du monde Op.81 (1923), Ballet (Scenario: Blaise Cendrars)
Orchestra of 19 Soloists, Darius Milhaud
Recorded: II & III.1932, Studio Albert, Paris
Scaramouche Op.165b (1937)
Marcelle Meyer • Darius Milhaud - pianos
Recorded: 6.XII.1938, Studio Albert, Paris
Producer: unknown • Balance engineer: M. Hamard
Saudades do Brasil Op.67 (1921)
Suite provençale Op.152b (1936)
The Concert Arts Orchestra / Darius Milhaud
Recorded: 11–12.IX.1956 (Saudades); 13.IX.1956 (Suite), Studio ‘A’, Capitol Tower, Hollywood
Le Bœuf sur le toit Op.58 (1919), Scenario: Jean Cocteau
Orchestre du Théâtre des Champs-Élysées / Darius Milhaud
Recorded: 16, 18 & 19.III.1958, Théâtre des Champs-Élysées, Paris
Compact Disc 13 76.21
Francis Poulenc
Le Bestiaire (Apollinaire) (1919)
Recorded: 11.XII.1945, No.3 Studio, Abbey Road, London
Chansons gaillardes (anon) (1926)
- 4. Invocation aux Parques
- La belle jeunesse
Recorded: 7.VII.1936, Studio Albert, Paris
Tel jour, telle nuit (Paul Éluard) (1936–7)
Recorded: 26.VI.1946; No.3 Studio, Abbey Road, London
Producer: Walter Legge • Balance engineer: Robert Beckett
Deux poèmes de Guillaume Apollinaire (1938)
- 1. Dans le jardin d’Anna
Recorded: 2.VII.1946; No.3 Studio, Abbey Road, London
Métamorphoses (Louis de Vilmorin) (1943)
- 1. Reine des mouettes
- 2. C’est ainsi que tu es
- 3. Paganini
Deux poèmes de Louis Aragon (1943)
Montparnaste Deux mélodies de Guillaume Apollinaire
Recorded: 11.XII.1945, No.3 Studio, Abbey Road
Pierre Bernac, baritone • Francis Poulenc, piano
Benjamin Britten 1913–1976 P 2008*
Seven Sonnets of Michelangelo Op.22 (1940)
Recorded: 20.XI.1942, No.3 Studio, Abbey Road, London
Holy Sonnets of John Donne Op.35 (1945)
Recorded: 29.VIII & 12.XII.1947, No.3 Studio, Abbey Road, London
Compact Disc 14 76.11
Dmitri Shostakovich 1906–1975
Concerto for piano, trumpet and strings in C minor Op.35 (1933)
Dmitri Shostakovich, piano • Ludovic Vaillant, trumpet
Piano Concerto No.2 in F Op.102 (1957)
Dmitri Shostakovich, piano
Orchestre National de la Radiodiffusion Française / André Cluytens
24–26.V.1958; Salle Wagram, Paris
Three Fantastic Dances Op.5 (1922)
Preludes and Fugues Op.87 (1950–51)
- No.1: Moderato in C 4.56
- No.4: Andante – Adagio in E minor 7.24
- No.5: Allegretto in D major 2.48
- No.23: Adagio – Moderato con moto 6.42
- No.24: Andante – Moderato† in D minor 11.42
Dmitri Shostakovich, piano
Recorded: 30.V (Op.5) & 12.IX.1958 (Op.87), Salle Wagram, Paris
Compact Disc 15 77.42
Igor Stravinsky 1882–1971
Les Noces (1917–23): Russian choreographic scenes
Part I
- Scene 1: The Bride’s Chamber 5.16
- Scene 2: At the Bridegroom’s – 5.37
- Scene 3: The Bride’s Departure – 2.57
Part II
- Scene 4: The Wedding Feast 9.44
Kate Winter, soprano • Linda Seymour, contralto • Parry Jones, tenor • Roy Henderson, baritone • BBC Chorus
Berkeley Mason, Leslie Heward, Ernest Lush, Edwin Benbow - piano
Percussion ensemble / Igor Stravinsky
Sung in the English version by D. Millar Craig
Recorded: 10.VII.1934, No.1 Studio, Abbey Road, London
Octet for wind instruments (1923)
Marcel Moyse, flute • Émile Godeau, clarinet • Gustave Dhérin, Marus Piard - bassoon • Eugène Foveau, Pierre Vignol - trumpet • André Lafosse, Raphaël Delbos - trombone
Igor Stravinsky
Recorded: 6 & 9.V.1932, Studio Albert, Paris
Capriccio for piano and orchestra (1929)
Igor Stravinsky, piano
Walther Straram Concert Orchestra / Ernest Ansermet
Recorded: 8–10.V.1930, Théâtre des Champs-Élysées, Paris
Symphony of Psalms (1930)
Alexis Vlassov Choir
Walther Straram Concerts Orchestra / Igor Stravinsky
Recorded: 17–18.II.1931, Théâtre des Champs-Élysées, Paris
Compact Disc 16 77.35
Igor Stravinsky
Pastorale (1907/transcribed† 1933 for violin and wind quartet)
Samuel Dushkin violin • Louis Gromer, oboe • George Durand, cor anglais • André Vacellier, clarinet • Gabriel Grandmaison, bassoon
Igor Stravinsky
Recorded: 6.VI.1933; Studio Albert, Paris
L’Oiseau de feu (1910/transcribed 1932 for violin and piano)
- Scherzo
- Berceuse
Recorded: 6.VI & 6.IV.1933, Studio Albert, Paris
Petrushka (1911/transcribed 1932 for violin and piano)
- Danse russe
Recorded: 6.IV.1933, Studio Albert, Paris
Le chant du rossignol (1917/transcribed† 1932 for violin and piano)
- Airs du rossignol
- Marche chinoise
Recorded: 8.VI.1933, Studio Albert, Paris
Samuel Dushkin, violin • Igor Stravinsky, piano
Ragtime for 11 instruments (1918)
Aladar Racz, cimbalon • Roland Charmy, Henri Volant - violins • Étienne Ginot, viola • Louis Juste, double bass • Lucien Lavaillotte, flute • Émile Godeau, clarinet • Eugène Foveau, trumpet • Jean Devemy, horn • Roger Tudesq, trombone • Jean Morel, percussion
Igor Stravinsky
Recorded: 13.VII.1934, Studio Albert, Paris
Piano-rag-music (1919) 3.12
Igor Stravinsky, piano
Recorded: 5.VII.1934, Studio Albert, Paris
Suite italienne (1920/transcribed† 1933 for violin and piano from Pulcinella)
- II. Serenata 2.54
- V. Scherzino 1.22
Samuel Dushkin, violin • Igor Stravinsky, piano
Recorded: 7.IV.1933, Studio Albert, Paris
Serenade in A (1925)
Igor Stravinsky, piano
Recorded: 5–6.VII.1934, Studio Albert, Paris
Duo concertante for violin and piano (1932)
Samuel Dushkin, violin • Igor Stravinsky, piano
Recorded: 6–7.IV.1933, Studio Albert, Paris
Concerto for two solo pianos (1935)
Soulima Stravinsky, Igor Stravinsky - pianos
Recorded: 14 & 16.II.1938, Studio Pathé-Marconi, Paris
Compact Disc 17 72.47
Richard Strauss 1864–1949
Ein Alpensinfonie Op.64 (1911–15)
Bayerische Staatskapelle / Richard Strauss
Recorded: V.1941, Saal des Deutschen Museums, Munich
Der Rosenkavalier – film music (1952): Orchestral transcriptions from the opera [1910], with a March in D [1906]
- Introduction…love scene (Marschallin & Octavian) (Act 1)
- Marschallin’s Monologue (Act 1)
- Presentation March (‘De Brandenburgsche Mars’ – No.1 from Zwei Militärmärsche, 1906)
- The Presentation of the Silver Rose (Act 2)
- Love Duet (Octavian & Sophie) (Act 2)
- Waltz (Act 3/Act 2)
- Trio (Octavian, Marschallin & Sophie) (Act 3)
- Final Duet (Sophie & Octavian)…Coda (Act 3)
Augmented London Tivoli Theatre Orchestra / Richard Strauss
Recorded: 13.IV.1926, Large Queen’s Hall, London
Compact Disc 18 76.13
Enrique Granados 1867–1916
Danzas españolas Op.31 (1892–1900)
- No.7: Valenciana (Calasera)
- No.10: Danza triste
Goyescas (1911)
- Improvisation on No.7: El pelele
Enrique Granados, piano
Manuel de Falla 1876–1946
Siete canciones populares españolas (1914)
- I. El paño moruno
- II. Seguidilla murciana
- III. Asturiana
- IV. Jota
Recorded: 31.III.1928, Studio Albert, Paris
- V. Nana
- VI. Canción
- VII. Polo
Recorded: 3 & 5.VI.1930, Studio Albert, Paris
El amor brujo (1915)
- Canción del fuego fátuo
Soneto a Córdoba (L. de Góngora) (1927)
Recorded: 3 & 5.VI.1930, Studio Albert, Paris
Maria Barrientos, soprano • Manuel de Falla, piano
Harpsichord Concerto (1926)
Manuel de Falla, harpsichord • Marcel Moyse, flute • George Bonneau, oboe • Émile Godeau, clarinet • Marcel Darrieux, violin • Auguste Cruque, cello
Recorded: 2 & 7.VI.1930, Studio Albert, Paris
Federico Mompou 1893–1987
- Jeunes filles au jardin (Scènes d’enfants, No.5) (1915–18)
- El carrer el guitarrisra i el vell cavall (Suburis, No.1) (1916–17)
- Canción y danza (cançó i dansa) No.5 (1942)
- La fuente y la capaña (Paiajes, No.1) (1942)
- Canción y danza (cançó i dansa) No.6 (1942)
- Canción y danza (cançó i dansa) No.8 (1946)
Federico Mompou, piano
Recorded: 6–7 & 9–10.II.1950, No.3 Studio, Abbey Road, London
Joaquín Nin 1879–1949
20 cantos populares españoles
- No.3 Tonada de la niña perdida
- No.4 Montañesa
- No.6 Malagueña
- No.7 Granadina
- No.19 Canto Andaluz
- No.20 Polo
Ninon Vallin soprano • Joaquín Nin piano
Recorded: 3.XII.1929, Salle du Conservatoire, Paris
Compact Disc 19 69.57
Edward Elgar
Variations on an original theme (‘Enigma’) Op.36 (1899)
Royal Albert Hall Orchestra / Sir Edward Elgar
Recorded: 28.IV & 30.VIII.1926, Queen’s Hall, London
Gustav Holst 1874–1934
The Planets Op.32 (1914–1916)
London Symphony Orchestra / Gustav Holst
Recorded: 22.VI (16 & 19); 2.VII & 14.IX (17); 2.VII (21); 14.IX (20) & 22.X.1926 (18 & 22), Large Studio, Petty France, London
Compact Disc 20 77.46
Franz Lehár 1870–1948
Die lustige Witwe (1905)
- Overtüre (1940)
Zigeunerliebe (1908) (Willner & Bodanzky)
- Hör’ ich Cymbalklänge (Akt III)
I.1942
Esther Réthy, soprano
Eva (1911) (Willner, Bodanzky & Spero)
- Vorspiel
- Im heimlichen Dämmer (Akt I)
I.1942
Maria Reining, soprano
Paganini (1925) (Knepler & Jenbach)
- Ich kann es nicht fassen…Liebe, du Himmel auf Erden (Akt II)
V.1940
Esther Réthy, soprano
Der Zarewitsch (1927) (Jenbach & Reichert)
- Einer wird kommen (Akt I)
I.1942
Esther Réthy, soprano
Friederike (1928) (Herzer & Löhner)
- Warum hast du mich wachgeküßt? (Akt II)
I.1942
Maria Reining, soprano
Wiener Philharmoniker (1 & 5) • Wiener Symphoniker (2–4, 6 & 7)
Franz Lehár
Recorded: Musikvereinssaal, Vienna, recording dates as shown
Das Land des Lächelns (1929) (Herzer & Löhner)
- Ich trete ins Zimmer…Immer nur lächeln (Akt I)
3.X.1929
- Mein lieber Prinz…Bei einem Tee en deux (Akt I)
3.X.1929
- Von Apfelblüten einen Kranz (Akt I)
4.X.1929
- Wer hat die Liebe in Herz gesenkt? (Akt II)
3.X.1929
- Dein ist mein ganzes Herz! (Akt II)
3.X.1929
- Alles vorbei!...Ich möcht’ wieder einmal (Akt II)
22.X.1929
- Ihr Götter, sagt…Kann es möglich sein? (Akt II)
4.X.1929
Vera Schwarz, soprano • Richard Tauber, tenor
Staatskapelle Berlin / Franz Lehár
Schön ist die Welt (1930) (Herzer & Löhner)
- Ich bin verliebt (Akt III)
I.1942
Recorded: Berlin (8–14) Musikvereinssaal, Vienna (15) recording dates as shown
Esther Réthy, soprano
Wiener Symphoniker / Franz Lehár
Giuditta (1943) (Knepler & Löhner)
- Freunde, das Leben ist lebenswert! (Auftrittslied) (1. Szene)
- Schön wie die blaue Sommernacht (2. Szene)
- Welch tiefes Rätsel ist die Liebe…Du bist meine Sonne! (3. Szene)
- Ich weiß es selber nicht…Meine Lippen, sie küssen so heiß (4. Szene)
- So wie um den Sonnenball (4. Szene)
- "Schönste der Frau’n" begann das Lied (5. Szene)
Recorded: 11.1.1934, Mittlerer Konzerthaussaal, Vienna
Jarmila Novotná, soprano • Richard Tauber, tenor
Wiener Philharmonica / Franz Lehár
Compact Disc 21 78.42
Nikolai Medtner 1880–1951
Russian Round Dance (A Tale) Op.58 No.1 (1944)
Benno Moiseiwitsch, Nicolas Medtner - pianos
Recorded: 24.X.1946, No.3 Studio, Abbey Road, London
Shto ty klonish nad vodami (The Willow) Op.24 No.2 (1912)
Shopot, robkoye dykhan’ye (Down in the garden) Op.24 No.7 (1912)
Recorded: 6.IX.1947, No.3 Studio, Abbey Road, London
Serenade Op.28 No.2 (1913)
Recorded: 9.IX.1947, No.3 Studio, Abbey Road, London
Oda Slobodskaya, soprano • Nikolai Medtner, piano
2 Tales Op.47 (1910)
- No.1: Allegro con espressione in B flat minor
- No.2: ‘Campanella’ (pesante. Minaccioso) in B minor
Nikolai Medtner, piano
Recorded: 21.IV.1936, No.3 Studio, Abbey Road, London
The Muse Op.29 No.1 (1913)
Recorded: 16.X.1950
The Rose Op.29 No.6 (1913)
22.XI.1950
The Waltz Op.32 No.5 (1914)
16.X.1950
When roses fade Op.36 No.3 (1923)
22.XI.1950
Elisabeth Schwartzkopf, soprano • Nicolas Medtner, piano
Recorded: No.3 Studio, Abbey Road, London, recording dates as shown
6 Tales Op.51
- No.1: Allegro molto vivace in D minor
Nikolai Medtner, piano
Recorded: 21 & 31.III.1947, No.3 Studio, Abbey Road, London
Zimniy vecher (Winter Evening) Op.13 No.1 (1907)
Recorded: 4.IX.1947
Mechtatelyu (To a Dreamer) Op.32 No.6 (1914)
6.IX.1947
Telega zhini (The Wagon of Life) Op.45 No.2 (1926)
19.IX.1947
Vorony (The Raven) Op.52 No.2 (1929)
19.IX.1947
Oda Slobodskaya, Tatiana Makushina - soprano
Nikolai Medtner, piano
Recorded: No.3 Studio, Abbey Road, London, recording dates as shown
6 Tales Op.51 (1929)
- No.2: Allegretto cantabile ed espressivo in A minor
Nicolas Medtner, piano
Recorded: 22.IV.1936, No.3 Studio, Abbey Road, London
Goethe-Lieder
- Elfenliedchen (Elves’ ditty) Op.6 No.3 (1904)
- Im Vorübergehen (In passing) Op.6 No.4 (1904)
22.XI.1950
- Selbstbetrug (Self-deception) Op.15 No.3 (1908)
22.XI.1950
- Aus ‘Lila’ (So tanzet) (From ‘Lila’) Op.15 No.5 (1908)
19.X.1950
- Meeresstille (Calm at sea) Op.15 No.7 (1908)
- Glückliche Fahrt (Prosperous voyage) Op.15 No.8 (1908)
22.XI.1950
- Einsamkeit (Solitude) Op.18 No.3 (1910)
16.X.1950
Elisabeth Schwarzkopf, soprano • Nikolai Medtner, piano
Recorded: No.3 Studio, Abbey Road, London, recording dates as shown
6 Tales Op.51 (1929)
- No.3: Allegretto tranquillo e grazioso – Allegro non troppo in A
Nikolai Medtner, piano
Recorded: 8.V.1936, No.3 Studio, Abbey Road, London
7 Lieder Op.46 (1927)
- No.1: Praeludium (Prelude)
- No.5: Winternacht (Winter night)
- No.6: Die Quelle (The Stream)
Elisabeth Schwarzkopf, soprano • Nicolas Medtner, piano
Recorded: 16.X (25–26) & 22.XI.1950 (27), No.3 Studio, Abbey Road, London
Forgotten Melodies Op.38 (1919)
- No.3: Danza festiva (Presto)
- Nikolai Medtner, piano
Recorded: 22.IV.1936, No.3 Studio, Abbey Road, London
Compact Disc 22 74.22
Albert Roussel 1869–1937
Le Festin de l’araignée Op.17 (1912): Fragments symphoniques
- Prélude
- Entrée des Fourmis
- Danse du Papillon
- Éclosion de l’Éphémère
- Danse de l’Éphémère
- Funérailles de l’Éphémère
- La nuit tombe sur le jardin solitaire
Orchestra conducted by Albert Roussel
Recorded: 1929, Paris
Cinq Mélodies
Claire Croiza, mezzo-soprano • Albert Roussel, piano
Recorded: 5.XII.1928 & †12.III.1929, Studio Albert, Paris
Florent Schmitt 1870–1958
Piano Quintet in B minor Op.51 (1908)
- II. Lent
Florent Schmitt, piano
Quatuor Calvet (Joseph Calvet • Daniel Guillevitch - violins • Léon Pascal, viola • Paul Mas, cello)
Recorded: 12.VI.1935, Paris
La Tragédie de Salomé Op.50 (1907): Poème symphonique (1910)
- I. Prélude
- Danse des perles
- II. (Lent)
- Les Enchantements sur la mer
- Danse des éclairs
- Danse de l’effroi
Walther Straram Concerts Orchestra / Florent Schmitt
Recorded: 18–19.IV.1930, Théâtre des Champs-Élysées, Paris
