Musica Antica e Nuova from the Colt Klavier Collection

Here's an lp from an interesting series that the old Oryx label rleased as part of it's "Colt Klavier Collection" series. This is volume six featuring fortepianist
Celia Bizony leading the Musica Antica e Nuova in a fine program of 18th century music by CPE Bach, Schobert, and JC Bach. This is a "parlor" type program of chamber music with voice that is sure to please the listener as all the pieces are well crafted, enjoyable on the ear and immaculately rendered.

I hope to acquire the other 5 volumes in this series at some point.


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Music by the Sons of Bach

Some wonderful weekend listening. Music by the four musical sons of JS Bach, beautifully rendered by Gunter Kehr and his Mainz Chamber Orchestra.

Talented boys these Bachs were and there is much to enjoy from the quirky rhythms of CPE to the classical excellence of the "London" Bach, JC. I especially enjoy the one Op 18 symphony here of JC - a real shame that Kehr did not record the complete set of them since his involvement and shaping of the work is beyond reproach. It's that fine an effort!

It's always great to have a go at JCF Bach too, the "Buckeburg" Bach. Some years ago, I had a Nonesuch two LP set of his music, marvelously realized by Helmut Muller Bruhl and his Cologne Chamber Orchestra. Too bad I don't have it to transfer. JCF was a talented musician and hardly inferior to his three better known brothers.

This record dates from the early 60's and my copy is monaural. Enjoy the Sons of Bach.

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A Composer's arrangements of other composers

I always enjoy listening to and experiencing what one composer does with another composer's work. Often times, the results have the listener hearing a whole new angle on a piece that they thought they knew inside and out. Perhaps the greatest example of this type of transcription is Ravel's brilliant work with Mussorgsky's equally brilliant piano masterpiece "Pictures at an Exhibition."

I offer the contents of two lps, one led by Vladimir Golschmann and the other by probably the best "resident" conductor of the last century (at least in the US), Louis Lane. The first recording in stereo features Lane conducting "The Good Humored Ladies" and "The Wise Virgin"; this is music based on Domenico Scarlatti and J S Bach.  Lane leads strong performances where the musicians sound like they are enjoying themselves immensely. One would think that Lane probably came as a welcome alternative to the hardriving Szell, at least for these players in Cleveland.

The mono Golschmann lp is, in my opinion, of extreme interest for it features Golschmann's own arrangements of Chopin piano pieces. These little gems are marvelously orchestrated and are a fond reminder of the"complete" musician that Golschmann was. It's rather too bad that they are all but forgotten since they would make terrific encores or selections in a "pops" program. The second side of the Golschmann disc showcases a delicious Rossiniana.

Nice, lighter fare here available in FLAC format.

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CPE Bach conducted by.....Pierre Boulez?!

Though I've got a few other offerings in the "can," I had to commence work on this recording of works by CPE Bach posthaste (release 1962), since the name Pierre Boulez appeared on the record cover! When I picked up the Vox recording (the cover above is from another issue of the record), I just could not believe Pierre Boulez...Pierre Boulez??!! CPE Bach!?? ..should it be Ligeti or Stockhausen??

Let me say that this is an extremely lively, well played, and enjoyable record. Bach's d minor flute concerto is played quite beautifully by none other than Jean Pierre Rampal and the cello concerto in A major is deftly handled by Robert Bex. The orchestra is identified as "Chamber Orchestra" but it may, in fact, be the Paris Opera Orchestra.

For those that think Boulez a rather clinical modernist, this is a good example of the all around, exceptional musician he is...or was, at least in his youth.

I've added a couple of fillers by Mozart from an older Vox (1954 release)LP, performed by soloists of the Pro Musica Orchestra Vienna (VSO) with no conductor credited. We have the Andante in C for flute and orchestra and, the rare Adagio and Rondo for Glass harmonica, flute, viola, cello etc..The latter is so childlike and innocent, I think you will think of fairies and pixies while having a listen! Details are included in the download.

Next up...I hope...is a transfer of Mozart Cassastions with Paul Sacher conducting. And, I do owe Buster that 12 inch of Collins conducting Delius!

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