DCD 110 - An Orchestra of One

This episode of the DCD Classical 'Cast we feature selections from one of the many recordings Clipper Erickson made for the DTR label. The title of the release "An Orchestra of One" pretty much sums up the concept. Erickson performs a variety of works arranged for solo piano that really test the performer's mettle!

It's an outstanding album of pianistic virtuosity, played by a top-flight artist. This was a show I really enjoyed putting together!

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DCD Classical 'Cast #110 - An Orchestra of One

 - Ralph Graves

This program we play excerpts from "An Orchestra of One" by Clipper Erickson, including:

Johann Sebastian Bach, arr. Myra Hess: Jesu, Joy of Man’s Desiring from Cantata No. 147 BWV 147

Fritz Kriesler arr. by Sergei Rachmaninov: Liebesfreud

Margaret Bonds; Troubled Water

Charles Gounod, arr. by Franz Liszt: Waltz from 'Faust'

DCD 108 - Moments with Annette

Nowadays, Annette DiMedio is a respected pianist and teacher. A native of Philadelphia, she's soloed with the Philadelphia Orchestra as well as orchestras around the world, and currently serves on the faculty of the University of the Arts.

But when she was still a young girl with a promising career ahead of her, she made a recording with the DTR label. This episode we feature selections from that debut recording. The release features not only DiMedio's performances, but also poems she wrote to go with the works. It's an interesting document of an artist who we now know would fulfill the promise of this early recording.

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

DCD Classical 'Cast #108 - Moments with Annette

- Ralph Graves


This episode we play selections from the DTR release, Moments with Annette

Rachmaninoff: Etude Tableaux, Op. 39, No. 5
Annette DiMedio, piano

Chopin: Nocturne in C minor, Op. 48. No. 1
Annette DiMedio, piano

Debussy: La Cathedrale Engloutie
Annette DiMedio, piano

Ginaster: Piano Sonata, mvts. 3 & 4
Annette DiMedio, piano

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.

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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