Your basket is empty

Categories:
Narrow my search:

Results 1 to 20 out of a total of 5112
From
HI-RES$25.29
CD$21.89

Verdi: Un ballo in maschera (Remastered)

Erich Leinsdorf

Classical - Released January 1, 1967 | Sony Classical

Hi-Res
From
CD$14.39

Véronique Gens. "Tragédiennes"

Véronique Gens

Classical - Released May 1, 2006 | Warner Classics

From
CD$26.09

Verdi: Un ballo in maschera

Giuseppe Verdi

Opera - Released January 1, 1961 | Urania

From
CD$19.77

Verdi: Un ballo in maschera (Live)

Orchester der Wiener Staatsoper

Opera - Released April 8, 2016 | Orfeo

From
HI-RES$34.98
CD$27.98

Verdi: Un ballo in maschera

Orchestre Philharmonique de Monté-Carlo

Opera - Released June 16, 2023 | PentaTone

Hi-Res Booklet
Studio recordings of full operas are not so common anymore, but among the few positive side effects of the COVID-19 pandemic was that it did spawn several. This one sounds a bit buttoned-up, perhaps because of the restrictions of the time; the album was made in the summer of 2021, and the contributions of the Transylvania State Choir were downloaded from afar (actually, this would be hard to tell by listening), but there is a lot that is distinctive about the performance of this Verdi opera, whose tragicomic quality has made it a special favorite in modern times. Verdi moved the action from Sweden to Boston to circumvent a censorship restriction; nowadays, the Swedish setting is generally preferred, but the curious American colonial setting somehow seems to fit the mixture of elements in the opera, loading political intrigue onto the old comic trope of the masked ball. The biggest news is the presence of tenor Freddie De Tommaso in the lead role of Riccardo. He has been bubbling under the surface of the opera scene, and with this recording, he takes a major step into the spotlight. Consider one of his big numbers, like "Forse la soglia attinse" in Act III, for an idea of why his performance is bringing to mind some of the greats who have recorded this opera. He is ably backed by a strong cast, including the rougher but powerfully dramatic Lester Lynch as Renato, making a compelling contrast with De Tommaso and Saioa Hernández as Amelia. This vocally strong Un ballo in maschera is well worth the attention of Verdi lovers.© James Manheim /TiVo
From
HI-RES$24.70
CD$19.76

Atys

Christophe Rousset

Opera - Released January 5, 2024 | Château de Versailles Spectacles

Hi-Res Booklet
Backed by the Sun King despite a lukewarm audience reception at first, Lully's Atys (1676) went on to become one of the composer's most successful operas, with revivals at French court theaters as late as 1753. In modern times, however, it is a considerably rarer item due to the massive forces and time required. Christophe Rousset was in the pit as harpsichordist when conductor William Christie gave the first modern revival of the work in the late '80s. That experience marks this 2024 release, which made classical best-seller lists at the beginning of that year. That is not common for a hefty five-act Baroque opera, but even a bit of sampling will confirm why it happened: Rousset, from the keyboard, brings tremendous energy to the opera. He pushes the tempo in the numerous dances and entrance numbers, and the musicians of Les Talens Lyriques and the singers of the Choeur du Chambre de Namur, all of whom have worked closely with Rousset in the past, keep right up. The singers in the solo roles are all fine; haut-contre Reinoud Van Mechelen in the title role and Ambroisine Bré as the goddess Cybèle, who sets the tragic plot in motion, are standouts. The sound from the increasingly engineering-expert Château de Versailles label is exceptionally clear in complex textures, and the sensuous cover art (representing, it is true, not the Roman mythological figure of Atys but Hippomène and Atalante) is a bonus. In the end, this is Rousset's Atys, and that is a very good thing.© James Manheim /TiVo
From
HI-RES$27.98
CD$22.58

Rodgers & Hammerstein's Oklahoma! (Complete original score)

John Wilson

Theatre Music - Released September 15, 2023 | Chandos

Hi-Res Booklet
While the recordings of highlights and hits from Rodgers & Hammerstein's still-popular Oklahoma! have been issued over the years, the complete, as originally orchestrated score (by Richard Rodney Bennett) had yet to be recorded. However, following a live-staged performance at the 2017 BBC Proms, conductor John Wilson took it upon himself to deliver this premiere. He sticks with the original orchestra dimensions as well, which is a good thing since the handpicked members of his Sinfonia of London are powerful enough in this smaller group. Wilson also took advantage of the quality theaters around London, bringing in soloists and a cast ensemble of veterans from stages across England. He does well in selecting a cast here; while all are more than capable singers, they are also able to deliver the vocal acting that is necessary to pull this off. Leading the cast are Nathaniel Hackmann, reprising his role as Curly from the Proms performance, and Sierra Boggess as Laurey. The vocalists and orchestra take full advantage of the space and recording setup, which allows the orchestra to play full out while not overstraining the singers. The beauty of Rodgers' music paired with Hammerstein's book is evident, even if you are unfamiliar with anything but the titular state (if even that!); the imagery of ranches and open cattle land easily comes to mind. This recording should be welcomed with open arms by those who are familiar with the musical, be it either from a stage (generally edited and with cuts) or in its film version with its edits. Oh, what a beautiful mornin', indeed.© Keith Finke /TiVo
From
HI-RES$17.49
CD$13.99

Pancrace Royer: Surprising Royer, Orchestral Suites

Les Talens Lyriques

Symphonic Music - Released May 5, 2023 | Aparté

Hi-Res Booklet
Beyond the neglect of French Baroque music in general, it is a bit hard to understand why composer Pancrace Royer was almost completely unknown until Christophe Rousset came along to champion him, first in harpsichord music and now, with these suites of music drawn from operas, in orchestral music. In the 18th century, Royer was quite well known and admired among others by Rameau, whose music he helped along considerably. Royer certainly inhabited Rameau's stylistic world, but from the evidence here, his music is distinctive and merits the adjective "surprising" that Rousset has attached to it. It is colorful, given to unexpected turns of harmony, and vivid in its evocation of the exotic scenes of French opera. Sample the "Air pour les turcs" ("Air for the Turks") from Zaïde, reine de Grenade, with its crackling percussion. Royer challenged his orchestra with virtuoso ensemble writing in the likes of the "Premier et second tambourins" from Almasis, and Rousset and Les Talens Lyriques step up with precise, vigorous readings that one imagines would have made the composer overjoyed. The inclusion of two alternate versions for movements from Zaïde is also unusual and gives insight into the compositional thinking of the day. Essential for specialists and enthusiasts interested in the French Baroque, this album is a lot of fun for anyone, with only overdone church sound detracting from the overall effect. © James Manheim /TiVo
From
HI-RES$17.59
CD$15.09

Berlioz: Symphonie Fantastique

Royal Concertgebouw Orchestra

Classical - Released January 1, 1974 | Decca Music Group Ltd.

Hi-Res
Admirers of Colin Davis' legendary Berlioz performances know that his 1974 recording of Symphonie fantastique was an outstanding LP in the Philips catalog, and that it has been reissued several times since on CD, each time to renewed praise. Davis is almost ideal for this work, which is precariously balanced on the knife edge between Classicism and Romanticism; few other conductors have the intellect and temperament to control the Apollonian and Dionysian impulses in Berlioz, and the sympathy for both the elegant and grotesque aspects so evident in this revolutionary masterpiece. This performance is a classic rendition that will satisfy both casual listeners and connoisseurs: there are no controversial choices made here (e.g., in the manner of Roger Norrington's period instrument recording, or dubious decisions, as in Paavo Järvi's wildly Romantic but distorted reading). Instead, Davis takes the Concertgebouw Orchestra through all the intense passions and hallucinations of Berlioz' over-the-top program, yet at the same time observes all the formal aspects of the work, preserving its shape and trajectory. Handled this way, Symphonie fantastique is compelling as a story of love, death, and the supernatural, and also fully convincing as a symphony, albeit one extended beyond the conventions of its time and filled with many innovations. This reissue is highly recommended.© TiVo
From
HI-RES$31.79
CD$24.59

Elisabeth Jacquet de la Guerre: Céphale et Procris

Reinoud Van Mechelen

Classical - Released February 9, 2024 | Château de Versailles Spectacles

Hi-Res Booklet Distinctions Diapason d'or
From
HI-RES$18.09
CD$15.69

Flying In A Blue Dream

Joe Satriani

Rock - Released October 1, 1989 | Epic

Hi-Res
Recorded at Fantasy Studios in Berkeley, CA ; Hyde Street Studios, Different Fur, Coast Recorders and Alpha & Omega Recording in San Francisco, CA. Mixed at Alpha & Omega Recording & Fantasy Studios. First release in November 13, 1989. Flying in a Blue Dream was certified Gold on January 25, 1990 and received a nomination for 'Best Rock Instrumental Performance' at the '1991 Grammy Awards'. First reissue on May 27, 1997 through Epic Records.
From
HI-RES$24.70
CD$19.76

Psyché

Christophe Rousset

Classical - Released January 13, 2023 | Château de Versailles Spectacles

Hi-Res Booklet
From
CD$10.79

Quintessence Schubert: Complete Symphonies, Rosamunde

Staatskapelle Dresden

Classical - Released October 1, 2019 | Brilliant Classics

Booklet
From
HI-RES$24.70
CD$19.76

Écho & Narcisse

Hervé Niquet

Classical - Released August 25, 2023 | Château de Versailles Spectacles

Hi-Res Booklet
From
HI-RES$16.59
CD$14.39

Berlioz: Symphonie fantastique, Op. 14

Otto Klemperer

Classical - Released July 19, 2023 | Warner Classics

Hi-Res
From
HI-RES$23.49
CD$16.49

Rameau : Zaïs

Christophe Rousset

Full Operas - Released September 3, 2015 | Aparté

Hi-Res Booklet Distinctions 5 de Diapason - Choc de Classica - Choc Classica de l'année
In 1745, the King of France granted Jean-Philippe Rameau the title of ‘Composer to the Court’, coupled with a healthy pension. This new period produced pieces of a much lighter character, with Rameau working alongside the librettist Louis de Cahusac, and the resulting collaborations are now counted amongst the Burgundian musician’s greatest masterpieces. Zaïs was presented on the stage of the Royal Academy of Music in 1748. This heroic ballet offers French music some of its most beautiful movements, both vocally and instrumentally. The entire work is a meditation on its famous opening chaos, and succeeds, surprisingly, through its theatrical stamp and in the audacity of the writing. The plot is, perhaps, tenuous – a lover (Zaïs) is in the throes of affection for his beloved (Zélidie), determining to cherish her – which serves as the pretext for endless entertainment, dancing, and the work’s magical character. Today, it remains surprising that a work as sumptuous as Rameau’s Zaïs is neglected in favour of the Indes Galantes or Hippolyte et Aricie. It is paradoxical, then, that in 1970 Gustav would combine the small amount of French music he truly appreciated with a reassessment of the beauties of this work. Gustav created a fascinating recording with La Petite Bande Sigiswald Kuijken (STIL), which has now become a true rarity, despite its questionable vocalists. Happily for us, Christophe Rousset, who cherishes Rameaus’s older work, has dedicated himself to it, and offers us this gorgeously captured rendition, with French singers working under the direction of his sharp and witty leadership. The opening of the Les Talens Lyriques recital is far more vivid than anything that has been achieved in over twenty years for L’Oiseau-Lyre, in which the Ouverture immediately sets the tone. Rousset completely captures the brilliance of the score, and his imagination – which here seems insatiable – liberates his singers, who are boundlessly invested in this work; complicit in a musical resurrection. An enchantment of sorts? No. A whirlwind, rather. © Qobuz
From
HI-RES$15.09
CD$13.09

She Composes Like A Man

tenThing

Classical - Released March 29, 2024 | Lawo Classics

Hi-Res Booklet
The brass chamber recital is not as common an item on recordings as it was in the days of the Canadian Brass and Philip Jones, but this one is so absolutely appealing that it might revive the fortunes of the whole genre. Trumpeter Tine Thing Helseth and her tenThing Brass Ensemble, an all-female group, have the liveliness that makes for a good entry in this genre, and the arrangements by Jarle Storløkken are fluent in the language of brass. Yet the lion's share of the credit here must go to Helseth herself, who presumably chose the pieces for arrangement. As the album title suggests, all the music is by women (the title apparently comes from a remark made about British composer Ethel Smyth, but probably all the composers heard something like it at one time or another). Into this framework, Helseth fits a marvelously imaginative yet logical sequence of events. There is music that is surprising she even knew, such as the organ piece Adoration of Florence Beatrice Price, which is not much played in Europe, and a Salvation Army hymn by Joy Webb. The program goes back to Maria Theresia von Paradis and forward to Grazyna Bacewicz, with stops along the way at truly unusual items like the modernist folk song setting of Rissolty Rossolty by Ruth Crawford Seeger. There is a kind of ebullient creativity to these selections, which probably does more for the cause of programming more music by women than any number of soberer releases. This album made classical best-seller lists in the spring of 2024.© James Manheim /TiVo
From
HI-RES$17.49
CD$13.99

Satie: Gymnopedies

Denis Pascal

Classical - Released December 2, 2022 | La Musica

Hi-Res Booklet Distinctions 4F de Télérama - Choc de Classica
From
HI-RES$14.99
CD$9.99

Purcell : King Arthur (Remastered)

Alfred Deller

Classical - Released January 1, 1979 | harmonia mundi

Hi-Res Booklet Distinctions 4F de Télérama - The Qobuz Ideal Discography