DCD 106 - William Bergsma: Complete Piano Music

American composer William Bergsma didn't write much for solo piano. In fact, only three such works are represented in his catalog. Pianist Jill Timmons studied with Bergsma, and in the early 1990's recorded his complete output.

The three works benefit from Timmons' insights and discussions with the composer. In this podcast episode of the DCD Classical 'Cast we sample selections from the three compositions found in this outstanding Laurel Records release.

The longest work, "Tangents" is a series of short piano pieces collected together to make a suite. Bergsma used these sketches as a way to work out themes for his opera The Wife of Martin Guerre.

The other two works might be considered "pure" piano pieces. The Three Fantasies are short, engaging works for piano. The Piano Variations is a more involved work that thoroughly explores an original theme. 

Remember, you don't need an iPod to enjoy a podcast. Just click on the link below to download to your computer.

DCD Enhanced Classical 'Cast #106 - William Bergsma: Complete Piano Music

- Ralph Graves


This episode we play selections from William Bergsma: Complete Piano Music, including:

Tangents - Fanfare and Philosopies

Three Fantasies for Piano, Nos. 2 & 3

Piano Variations, Variations 5-9 and coda

DCD 105 - The Stanford String Quartet

The Stanford String Quartet was formed by members of the music faculty at Stanford University in 1984. They launched on an ambitious task of performing under-represented works, as well as commissioning new music for string quartet.

In 1991 they recorded three of the works they championed for Laurel Records. That recording is featured in this episode of the DCD Classical 'Cast.

William Bolcolm's Tenth Quartet was a commission by the ensemble, as was Ben Johnston's String Quartet No. 9 -- both of which are featured on the album. Although the third composition, Mark Neikrug's String Quartet "Stars' the Mirror," wasn't commissioned by the Stanford Quartet, it did receive its world recording premier on this CD.

Remember, you don't need an iPod to enjoy a podcast. Just click on the link below to download to your computer.

DCD Classical 'Cast #105 - The Stanford String Quartet

- Ralph Graves


This episode we play selections from The Stanford String Quartet release, including:

William Bolcolm: Tenth Quartet (excerpt)

Ben Johnston: String Quartet No. 9, mvts. 2 & 3

Mark Neikrug: String Quartet "Stars' the Mirror" (final section)

DCD 104 - Rhapsody: The Music of George Gershwin

This episode we showcase selections from the debut recording by the Spectrum Brass Quintet. This group has an unusual mission: to perform and record music with other musicians not normally associated with brass quintets.

Their first CD release, Rhapsody, does just that. The quintet performs the music of George Gershwin with drummer Alex Trahjano, pianist Aviram Reichart, and soprano Elizabeth Stoner.

It's a great album of attractive music for two reasons. The arrangements are first-rate, and the Spectrum Brass Quintet is made up of five outstanding musicians. Their virtuosity shines on this recording, but never gets in the way of the music.

Remember, you don't need an iPod to enjoy a podcast. Just click on the link below to download to your computer.

DCD Classical 'Cast #104 - Rhapsody: The Music of George Gershwin

- Ralph Graves

This episode we play selections from:

Rhapsody: The Music of George Gershwin
Spectrum Brass Quintet
Brass Jar Music

including:

Strike Up the Band

Bess, You Is My Woman Now
It Ain't Necessarily So
Oh, Lawd, I'm on My Way

The Man I Love
'S Wonderful

I Got Rhythm

DCD 103 - Beethoven: Early Dance Music

This episode we take a closer look at a release we've had before on the DCD Classical 'Cast. Monument Records is dedicated to recording music by Beethoven -- but not just any music. They're after the unusual, the obscure, the under-recorded and sometimes never recorded works by Beethoven.

The release, Beethoven: Early Dance Music, features three such works. The Ritterballet, Hess 89 and the Twelve Minuets for Piano, Hess 101 received their world recording premier with this CD.

The Ritterballet was composed when Beethoven was still in Bonn. While originally for a small orchestra, this incidental music to a "Knight's Play" was later arranged by Beethoven for the keyboard (which is the version included on this release).

In 1796 Beethoven was invited to provide dance music for a charity ball held in Vienna. He composed twelve minuets and twelve German dances for the occasion. All twenty-four of these short, charming dance pieces are included on this recording.

Remember, you don't need an iPod to enjoy a podcast. Just click on the link below to download to your computer.

DCD Enhanced Classical 'Cast #103 - Beethoven: Early Dance Music

- Ralph Graves


This episode we play:

Beethoven: Musik zu einem Ritterballett for piano, Hess 89, Nos. 1-5
Stephen Beck, piano
Monument Records

Beethoven: Twelve Minuets for piano, Hess 101, Nos. 4-7
Stephen Beck, piano
Monument Records

Beethoven: Twelve German Dances for piano, Hess 100, Nos. 8-12
Stephen Beck, piano
Monument Records

DCD 102 - Nadia Boulanger: Lieder and Chamber Music

Nadia Boulanger was best known as a teacher of composers. The number of pupils who studied with her between 1907 and 1979 is staggering -- especially when you consider how many of them would go on to become internationally known composers and performers. The list includes Aaron Copland, Lennox Berkeley, Roy Harris, and Philip Glass to name but a few.

But first and foremost, Boulanger was a talented composer. This episode of the DCD Classical 'Cast we feature selections from a Troubadisc CD that explores Boulanger's early work. The disc, Nadia Boulanger: Lieder und Kammermusik,  includes a number of art songs,  a solo piano piece, and a chamber composition that give the listener a good idea of Boulanger's style.

Remember, you don't need an iPod to enjoy a podcast. Just click on the link below to download to your computer.

DCD Enhanced Classical 'Cast #102 - Nadia Boulanger: Lieder und Kammermusik

- Ralph Graves

This episode we play selections from Nadia Boulanger: Lieder und Kammermusik, a Troubadisc release, including:

Nadia Boulanger: Five Lieder, Nos. 1-3
Melinda Paulson, mezzo soprano; Angele Gassenhuber, piano

Nadia Boulanger: Vers la Vie nouvelle for piano
Angela Gassenhuber, piano

Nadia Boulanger: Doute
Melinda Paulson, mezzo soprano; Angela Gassenhuber, piano

Nadia Boulanger: J'ai frappe
Melinda Paulson, mezzo soprano; Angela Gassenhuber, piano

Nadia Boulanger: Three Pieces for Cello and Piano
Friedemann Kuspa, cello; Angela Gasenhuber, piano

DCD 101 - In a Landscape

Daniel Berg is a talented marimbist based in Sweden. In this episode of the DCD Enhanced Classical 'Cast we feature selections from his debut album, "In a Landscape."

The CD collects some of Berg's favorite works for solo marimba together, and provides a fascinating snapshot of the breadth of compositional styles that make up the repertoire. The composers hail from the Americas, Europe, and Japan, where a good number of prominent solo marimba players come from.

If you think of the marimba as only something heard in the background of South American dance music, then this is a CD well worth checking out. Daniel Berg's performances show that the marimba is as expressive as any orchestral instrument.

Remember, you don't need an iPod to enjoy an enhanced podcast -- just the iTunes program. Click on the link below to download to your computer.

DCD Enhanced Classical 'Cast #101 - In a Landscape

- Ralph Graves


This episode we play:

Tokuhide Nimi: For Marimba I
Daniel Berg, marimba
from "In a Landscape"
Musica Rediviva

Miklos Maros: Marimbacapriccio
Daniel Berg, marimba
from "In a Landscape"
Musica Rediviva

Minoru Miki: Marimba Spirituals, Mvt. 2
Daniel Berg, marimba
from "In a Landscape"
Musica Rediviva

DCD 100 - Henri Lazarof: Music for Strings

Hershel Burke, founder of Laurel Records, was a successful film composer. But he was also active in the Los Angeles classical music scene. That was where he met UCLA-based composer Henri Lazarof.

Burke was impressed with Lazarof's well-crafted music, and decided it needed a wider audience. The result were several Laurel Record albums exclusively devoted to Lazarof's compositions -- many of them world premier recordings.

This edition of the DCD Classical 'Cast we feature works from one of those releases -- Henri Lazarof: Music for Strings. The album has four pieces for various chamber groups that Lazarof composed between 1980 to 1987. The CD was released originally in 1989.

Lazarof's compositional style is an interested and original blend of traditional forms and forward-thinking harmonies. We'll present more of his music on future podcasts -- it's well worth hearing!

Remember, you don't need an iPod to enjoy a podcast. Just click on the link below to download to your computer.

DCD Enhanced Classical 'Cast #100 - Henri Lazarof: Music for Strings

- Ralph Graves

This episode we play:

Lazarof: Serenade for String Sextet, Mvt. 1
The Chamber Music/LA Festival
A Laurel Records release

Lazarof: String Quartet No. 1, Mvts. 2 & 3
The Chamber Music/LA Festival
A Laurel Records release

Lazarof: Octet for Strings, Mvt. 3
The Chamber Music/LA Festival
A Laurel Records release

DCD 099 - Delius for Organ

This episode we play selections from a DTR Release, "Paradise Gardens." The CD is a Frederick Delius recital by Michael Stairs at the legendary Longwood Gardens organ. Even during the 1930's as Delius was composing many of his best-known works, organist Dom Gregory Murray was arranging them for organ. We hear his arrangement of "A Song Before Sunrise."

We also feature three other tracks from this CD, including Michael Stair's own arrangement of "La Calinda." It's a fascinating look at the music of Delius -- and one that works quite well, we believe.

Remember, you don't need an iPod to enjoy a podcast -- just click on the link below to listen.

DCD Enhanced Classical 'Cast #099 - Delius for Organ

 - Ralph Graves

This program we play:

Frederick Delius (arr. Dom Gregory Murray): A Song Before Sunrise

Michael Stairs, organ

A DTR release

Frederick Delius (arr. Ernest White): On Hearing the First Cuckoo of Spring

Michael Stairs, organ

A DTR release

Frederick Delius (arr. Michael Stairs): La Calinda

Michael Stairs, organ

A DTR release

Frederick Delius (arr. Robert Hebble): The Walk to the Paradise Garden, from "A Village Romeo and Juliet"

Michael Stairs, organ

A DTR release

DCD 098 - Mark Zestler Plays Rachmaninov and Prokofiev

In this edition of the DCD Classical 'Cast we showcase a remarkable 1995 release from Laurel Records. Renowned pianist Mark Zeltser teamed up with his fellow countryman, conductor Rudolf Barshai, to record two mainstays for piano and orchestra from their native Russia.

The Prokofiev Third Piano Concerto, Op. 26 bristles with emotion and energy in this recording. Zeltser captures Prokofiev's sly humor, while easily dealing with the massive technical challenges of the work.

Also on the CD is Rachmaninov's Rhapsody on a Theme by Paganini for piano and orchestra, Op. 43, another work that really puts the pianist through his paces. In this podcast we can only play an excerpt of this work due to time constraints, but rest assured the entire composition is well worth a listen. Zeltser and Barshai work in tandem to make this piece come alive.

Remember, you don't need an iPod to enjoy a podcast. Just click on the link below to download to your computer.

DCD Enhanced Classical 'Cast #098 - Zeltser Plays Rachmaninov and Prokofiev

- Ralph Graves

This episode we play:

Prokofiev: Concerto No. 3 for Piano and Orchestra, Op. 26, Mvt. 1
The Cologne Radio Symphony Orchestra; Rudolf Barshai, conductor
Mark Zeltzer, pianist
A Laurel Records release

Rachmaninov: Rhapsody on a Theme by Paganini for piano and orchestra, Op. 43, final variations
The Cologne Radio Symphony Orchestra; Rudolf Barshai, conductor
Mark Zeltzer, pianist
A Laurel Records release

DCD 097 - Max Reger: Piano Pieces

This edition of the DCD Classical 'Cast podcast we feature selections from an exciting new CD from Troubadisc. For some time now, this German-based label has been building up an impressive catalog of chamber and solo music by Max Reger.

The latest addition to the series, Max Reger: Piano Pieces showcases the artistry of pianist Wolfram Lorenzen. Lorenzen has appeared on several other of Troubadisc's Reger recordings, and his understanding and affinity for the music is clear and unmistakable.

The release includes two Sonatinas from Reger's Op. 89 set of four, and an early work, the Five Humoresques, Op. 20. The big piece, though, and the one most characteristic of Reger's mature style, is the Variations and Fuga on a Theme by Johann Sebastian Bach, Op. 89. It combines Reger's love for Bach's music with his own inventive and contrapuntal talents in one large work.

DCD Enhanced Classical 'Cast #097 - Max Reger: Piano Pieces

Remember, you don't need an iPod to enjoy a podcast -- just click on the link above to start listening.

- Ralph

This program we play:

Max Reger: Sonatina Op. 89, No. 1 mvt. 1
Wolfram Lorenzen, piano
Troubadisc

Max Reger: Five Humoresques, Op. 20, Nos. 2-4
Wolfram Lorenzen, piano
Troubadisc

Max Reger: Sonatina, Op. 89, No. 3, mvts. 2-3
Wolfram Lorenzen, piano
Troubadisc

Max Reger: Variations and Fuga on a Theme by Johann Sebastian Bach, Op. 89, variations XII-XIV and Fuga
Wolfram Lorenzen, piano
Troubadisc

DCD 096 - Luciano Simoni, Italian Symphonist

The story of Luciano Simoni is a fascinating one. This gifted Italian studied composition with one of Respighi's pupils while pursuing a degree in electrical engineering. In time, Simoni was recognized as one of the leading researchers in the field of electrical insulation in the world, and held a prestigious post at the University of Bologna.

Yet all the while he continued to compose -- and not just little piano pieces, either. Most of Simoni's works are for large-scale forces such as orchestras and massed choirs. Of course Simoni isn't the first composer to hold down a "day job." Borodin was a professional chemist while Charles Ives had a successful career in insurance.

Italy's Inedita label has released several discs of Simoni's music, and this episode we take a closer look at one of them. We share selections from Simoni's Fourth Symphony and his powerful Concerto for Violin. And if you're wondering what classical music in the 21st Century sounds like, well, download this podcast. The symphony and the concerto both date from 2005, and are fresh and innovative with sweeping melodic gestures that carry the listener along.

DCD Enhanced Classical 'Cast #096 - Luciano Simoni, Italian Symphonist

Remember, you don't need an iPod to enjoy a podcast -- just click on the link above to start listening.

 - Ralph

This program we play:

Luciano Simoni: Symphony No. 4, Op. 58, Mvt. 1
Targu-Mures Philharmonic Orchestra; Romeo Rimbu, conductor
Inedita

Luciano Simoni: Symphony No. 4, Op. 58, Mvt. 3
Targu-Mures Philharmonic Orchestra; Romeo Rimbu, conductor
Inedita

Luciano Simoni: Concerto for Violin and Orchestra, Op. 57, Mvt. 3
Gabrile Croitoru, violin
Targu-Mures Philharmonic Orchestra; Romeo Rimbu, conductor
Inedita

DCD 095 - Centennial Celebration, Part 2

 In 1995 the University of Wisconsin at Madison School of Music celebrated its 100th anniversary. To commemorate the event, the school commissioned six composers with ties to Wisconsin to write works for the various student and faculty ensembles. The composers were then invited to the school to serve as artists in residence, and to be present for the premier of their works. This year-long celebration was recorded, and resulting two-CD set, Centennial Commissions,  is a stunning collection of both the creativity of these six composers and the high level of musicianship of the commissioning ensembles.

In order to give this music its due, we're taking two podcast episodes to explore this release. In this part, we sample selections by composers Ralph Shapey and Libby Larson from the second disc in the set.

DCD Enhanced Classical 'Cast #095 - Centennial Celebration, Part 2

Remember, you don't need an iPod to enjoy a podcast -- just click on the link above to start listening.

 - Ralph

This program we play:

Ralph Shapey: String Quartet No. 9, Mvts. 1 & 2
from "Centennial Commissions"
UW-Madison School of Music release

Libby Larsen: Concert Dances, Mvts. 2-4
UW-Madison Wind Ensemble; James Smith, conductor
from "Centennial Commissions"
UW-Madison School of Music release

DCD 094 - Centennial Celebration, Part 1

 In 1995 the University of Wisconsin at Madison School of Music celebrated its 100th anniversary. To commemorate the event, the school commissioned six composers with ties to Wisconsin to write works for the various student and faculty ensembles. The composers were then invited to the school to serve as artists in residence, and to be present for the premier of their works. This year-long celebration was recorded, and resulting two-CD set, Centennial Commissions,  is a stunning collection of both the creativity of these six composers and the high level of musicianship of the commissioning ensembles.

In order to give this music its due, we're taking two podcast episodes to explore this release. In this part, we sample selections from the first disc in the set.

DCD Enhanced Classical 'Cast #094 - Centennial Celebration, Part 1

Remember, you don't need an iPod to enjoy a podcast -- just click on the link above and enjoy!

 - Ralph

This program we play:

Daron Hagen: Concerto for Brass Quintet, mvts. 1 & 2
The Wisconsin Brass Quintet
from "Centennial Commissions"
UW-Madison School of Music release

David Ott: Gathering of Waters, mvts, 3 & 4
The Windgra Woodwind Quintet
from "Centennial Commissions"
UW-Madison School of Music release



Joan Tower: Rapids
Ursula Oppens, piano; UW-Madison Symphony Orchestra; David E. Becker, conductor
from "Centennial Commissions"
UW-Madison School of Music release

DCD 093 - October on Achill

Redmond O'Toole is a classical guitarist who moves easily between the classical world and that of traditional Irish music. His instrument, the "Brahms guitar" is an unusual eight-stringed guitar with a special resonating box and held like a cello.

O'Toole uses the instrument to great effect, especially on his first CD with VGo Records. October on Achill features O'Toole performing Irish music with many of the same musicians he's been playing informally with (on the island of Achill) for the past 15 years.

The result is of an hour's worth of excellent and exciting performances that successfully straddles Redmond O'Toole's two musical worlds.

DCD Enhanced Classical 'Cast #093 - October on Achill

Remember: you don't need an iPod to enjoy a podcast -- just click on the link above and enjoy!

- Ralph

This program we play:

Morrison's Jig/Drowsy Maggie/The Traveller - Traditional
Eleanor Plunkett - Turlough O'Carolan
Redmond O'Toole, guitar
from "October on Achill"
a VGo release

The Castle of Dromore - Traditional
The Boys of Blue Hill/Cronin's Hornpipe - Traditional
Redmond O'Toole, guitar
from "October on Achill"
a VGo release

Miss Bailey - Mauro Giuliani
The Nine Points of Roguery/The Lark in the Morning/The Kesh Jig - Traditional
Redmond O'Toole, guitar
from "October on Achill"
a VGo release

DCD 092 - Vicenzo Albrici: Concerti Sacre

Vinceno Albrici (1631-1696) spent a great deal of time in the service of Queen Christina of Sweden. So it's no surprise that Swedish-based label Musica Rediviva would release an album dedicated to this composer.

The compositions are all "sacred concertos." That is, works that adapted the new concerto style of vocal composition (contrasting arias and choruses) to liturgical use.

Albrici was a champion of the genre, along with Heinrich Schutz, who he worked with in Queen Christina's court. Schutz was a major influence on Johann Sebastian Bach -- and there's a connection to Albrici as well. After being dismissed from the court at Dresden, Albrici was hired as organist at Thomaskirche in Liepzig in 1681 -- a position Bach would later hold as well.

DCD Enhanced Classical 'Cast #092 -Vincenzo Abrici: Concerti Sacre

- Ralph

This program we play:

Vincenzo Albrici: Sinfonia fro two violins and basso continuo
Capella Augustina; Matteo Messori, conductor
Musica Rediviva

Vincenzo Albrici: Quantus amor Jesu for baritone and basso continuo
Capella Augustina; Matteo Messori, conductor
Musica Rediviva

Vincenzo Albrici: Ave Jesu Christe for two sopranos and basso continuo
Capella Augustina; Matteo Messori, conductor
Musica Rediviva

Vincenzo Albrici: Venite omnes gentes
Capella Augustina; Matteo Messori, conductor
Musica Rediviva

DCD 089 - Lazarof on Laurel

This program we feature works for a Laurel Records release: Chamber Music by Henri Lazarof.

Henri Lazarof has had a remarkable career, always at the forefront of modern expression in the arts. For the past four decades he's been a respected composer and teacher at UCLA. This collection of chamber music is one of four CDs Laurel has released of Lazarof's music.

Lazarof has a very distinctive musical voice that bridges tradition and the avant garde. This CD presents four works for various combinations of instruments, mostly written in the 1980's.

In this podcast we play excerpted movements from these works.

DCD Classical 'Cast #089: Lazarof on Laurel

- Ralph

This program we play:


Lazarof: Momenti for solo cello, mvts. 1-3
Jeffery Solow, cello
Laurel Records

Lazarof: Piano Trio, mvts. 3-4
Jeffery Solo, cello; Yoko Matsudo, violin; Jerome Lowenthal, piano
Laurel Records

Lazarof: Trio for Wind Instruements, mvts. 3-4
Sheridan Stokes, flute; John Winter, oboe; Gary Gray, clarinet
Laurel Records

DCD 088 - Mendelssohn Pro Arte

This program we feature selections from Mendelssohn: String Quartets, a release from the Pro Arte Quartet. This CD, from the University of Wisconsin-Madison School of Music presents three works for string quartets that come from different stages of Mendelssohn's career.

His String Quartet in A minor, Op. 13 was composed when Mendelssohn was just 18. The String Quartet in D major, Op. 44, No. 1 completed when he was in his late twenties. And the final work on the album, the Fugue in E-flat major, Op. 81, No. 4 was written just before Mendelssohn's death in 1847.

In this podcast we play excerpted movements from this exceptional album.

DCD Classical 'Cast Enhanced Podcast #088: Mendelssohn Pro Arte

- Ralph

This program we play:


Mendelssohn: String Quartet in D major, Op. 44, No. 1, Mvt. 1
Pro Arte Quartet
University of Wisconsin-Madison School of Music

Mendelssohn: String Quartet in A minor, Op. 13, Mvt. 2
Pro Arte Quartet
University of Wisconsin-Madison School of Music

Mendelssohn: Fugue in E-flat major, Op. 81, No. 4
Pro Arte Quartet
University of Wisconsin-Madison School of Music

DCD 087 - Wolfram Lorenzen, Piano Concertos

Wolfram Lorenzen is a talented pianist, recording on the Troubadisc label. This latest release, Wolfram Lorenzen, Piano Concertos,  features three of his concerto recordings, done throughout his career.

This episode of the "DCD Classical 'Cast" we give you a sampling of Lorenzen's artistry. You'll hear Lorenzen both in the studio in a spirited rendition of the Mendelssohn Capriccio Brilliant for piano and orchestra. Then we play an excerpt from his thrilling live performance of the Max Reger Piano Concerto in F minor.


DCD Classical 'Cast Enhanced Podcast #087: Wolfram Lorenzen, Piano Concertos

And remember -- you don't need an iPod to enjoy a podcast. Just a computer, like the one you're using no.

 - Ralph

This program we play:

Felix Mendelssohn: Capriccio brilliant for Piano and Orchestra, Op. 22
Stuttgart Radio Symphony Orchestra; Ernest Bour, conductor
Wolfram Lorenzen, piano
Troubadisc


Max Reger: Concerto for Piano and Orchestra in F minor, Op. 114
Mvt. 3, Allegro con spirito
St. Gallen Symphony Orchestra; Rienhard Petersen, conductor
Wolfram Lorenzen, piano
Troubadisc

DCD 086 - Robert and Clara Schumann

Noted pianist Wolfram Lorenzen presents the music of husband and wife team Robert and Clara Schumann in a new release from Troubadisc. In this podcast we sample selections from each of the three works featured on the recording.

The CD opens with Robert Schumann's "Abegg Variations," his first published work -- and one not dedicated to Clara Wieck. Also included, though, is Schumann's "Novelettes" which was dedicated to his then-fiance, Clara Wieck.

Lorenzen also performs Clara Wieck Schumann's "Sonata in G minor," a work composed for her husband Robert as a wedding present. Lorenzen has a natural affinity for the romantic era repertoire, as is evident by his insightful performance of these compositions.

DCD Classical Cast Enhanced Podcast #086: Robert and Clara Schumann

And remember - you don't need an iPod to enjoy a podcast -- just a computer.

 - Ralph

This program we play:


Robert Schumann: Abegg Variations, Op. 1 - Theme and Variations 1-3
Wolfram Lorenzen, piano
Troubadisc

Clara Schumann: Piano Sonata in G minor - Mvt. 1
Wolfram Lorenzen, piano
Troubadisc

Robert Schumann: Novelettes, Op. 21 - Final mvt.
Wolfram Lorenzen, piano
Troubadisc

DCD 085 - Kanta Filipina

This episode of the DCD Classical 'Cast podcast, we showcase a new recording by classical guitarist Theresa Calpotura. The disc, "Kanta Filipina" is the end result of Ms. Calpotura's exploration of her Filipino musical heritage. Assisting her as composer Bayani Mendoza de Leon.

De Leon arranged several traditional Philippine melodies for guitar, as well as works by important Filipino composers. And he contributed some of his own compositions.

The end result is an exciting, beautifully melodic album that captures the best of Filipina musical tradition.

DCD Classical 'Cast 085 - Kanta Filipina

 - Ralph

This program we play:


Maglalatik - Coconut Meat Gatherers (trad.)
Theresa Calpotura, guitar
from "Kanta Filipina"
a VGo Recordings CD

Bayani Mendoza de Leon: Batikusan (Skirmish)
Theresa Calpotura, guitar
from "Kanta Filipina"
a VGo Recordings CD

Nicanor Abelardo: Maty ng Pastg (Maiden of the Pasig River)
Theresa Calpotura, guitar
from "Kanta Filipina"
a VGo Recordings CD

Lucio d. San Pedro: Sa Umaga (In the Morning)
Theresa Calpotura, guitar
from "Kanta Filipina"
a VGo Recordings CD

DCD 084 - Harpsichord Music, Old and New

This episode of the "DCD Classical 'Cast" podcast, we feature music from harpsichordist Elaine Comparone's recital CD for Laurel Records. Although the harpsichord is primarily known as an instrument of the baroque era, it wasn't completely supplanted by the fortepiano.

In the 20th century composers returned to the harpsichord, and contributed many important works to the instrument's repertoire. American composer Vincent Persichetti is one such contributor, and Ms. Comparone is directly responsible for several of his harpsichord works. After hearing her perform in 1982, Persichetti was inspired to write his second and third harpsichord sonatas -- works he dedicated to Elaine Comparone.

In addition to recording these works on the Laurel Records CD, Comparone also includes music by Dominico Scarlatti, whose output of 550 keyboard sonatas remains unrivaled in both quantity and quality.

- Ralph

This program we play:

Vincent Persichetti: Second Harpsichord Sonata, Op. 146, Mvt. 1
Elaine Comparone, harpsichord
from "Persichetti and Scarlatti: Harpsichord Sonatas"
Laurel Records

Dominico Scarlatti: Keyboard Sonata in A minor, K. 109
Elaine Comparone, harpsichord
from "Persichetti and Scarlatti: Harpsichord Sonatas"
Laurel Records

Vincent Persichetti: Fifth Harpsichord Sonata, Op. 152, Mvts. 2 & 3
Elaine Comparone, harpsichord
from "Persichetti and Scarlatti: Harpsichord Sonatas"
Laurel Records

Dominico Scarlatti: Keyboard Sonatas in C minor, K. 363 & K. 48
Elaine Comparone, harpsichord
from "Persichetti and Scarlatti: Harpsichord Sonatas"
Laurel Records

DCD 083 - La Suedoise

In episode #83 of the DCD Enhanced Classical 'Cast, we feature music from a fascinating Musica Rediviva release. Early music specialist Tommie Andersson performs Baroque music for lute and guitar. The collection, entitled "La Suedoise" is a selection of compositions from the Swedish court of Christina, Queen regent, and later Charles X Gustav.

Christina was vitally interested in the arts, prompting a flowering of creativity, especially in the field of music.

Andersson plays works for Baroque lute and guitar, and one can easily imagine an evening's courtly entertainment being built around these pieces.

- Ralph

This program we play:

Hinrich Niewerth: Allemande, Courante, Sarabande
Tommie Andersson
from "La Suedoise"
Musica Rediviva

Anonymous: Courante "La Suedoise"
Tommie Andersson
from "La Suedoise"
Musica Rediviva

Bechon: Praelude, Allemande, courante, Sarabande
Tommie Andersson
from "La Suedoise"
Musica Rediviva

Bechon: Praelude, Courante, Courante, Gigue, Sarabande
Tommie Andersson
from "La Suedoise"
Musica Rediviva

Gaspar Sanz: Dos Trompetas de la Reyna de Suecia
Tommie Andersson
from "La Suedoise"
Musica Rediviva