DCD 113 - 20th Century American 4-Hand Piano Music

20th Century 4-Hand Piano Music. The title for this podcast episode looks like a mouthful, but it accurate describes the music we play this time -- and it also is the name of the recording we feature.

Laurel Records released a unique CD from the piano duo of Margret Elson and Elizabeth Swarthout back in 1996. It does indeed include only music composed by Americans in the 20th Century, written for piano four-hands.

Although that seems to be a fairly narrow focus, the duo still had more than enough music to choose from. The disc opens with "Gazebo Dances" from then young and up-and-coming composer John Corigliano. It's a treat to hear this seldom-performed work.

The release surveys the field well. Included are duos by earlier composers such as Wallingford Rieger and Vincent Persichetti, as well as a 1996 composition by Claire Polin.

All in all, it's an exciting program of music that, because it's for piano duo, is not often heard by the public.

Remember, you don't need an iPod to listen to our podcast! Just click on the link below:

DCD Classical 'Cast Enhanced Podcast #113 - 20th Century American 4-Hand Piano Music

 - Ralph Graves

This program we play selections from "20th Century American 4-Hand Piano Music" by the Elon-Swarthout Duo. Including:

John Corigliano: Gazebo Dances, Mvts. 1 & 2

Vincent Pershicetti: Concerto for Piano 4 Hands (final mvt.)

Claire Polin: Phantasmagoria

Wallingford Rieger: Evocation

DCD 112 - Alain Organ Music

James Higdon is well-qualified to perform the music of organist/composer Jehan Alain. He's a recognized authority of the French organ repertoire, and studied with Marie-Claire Alain, the daughter of the composer and one of the stars of the organ world.

Higdon recorded Jehan Alain's complete works for organ, performing on one of the few instruments in this country that matched the original registrations Alain had in mind.

A master musician performing works he intimately understands on an instrument perfectly suited for the music. What more could anyone ask for?

You don't need an iPod to listen to our podcast! Just click on the link below:

DCD Classical 'Cast Enhanced Podcast #112 - Alain Organ Music

 - Ralph Graves

This program we play excerpts from Jehan Alain: Complete Works for Organ, Vol. 2 with James Higdon

Alain: Variations on a Theme of Clement Jannequin

Alain: Prelude et Fugue

Alain: Deuxieme Fantasie

Alain: Variations sur Lucis Creator

DCD 111 - Teatro Imaginario: Scarlatti Sonatas

The VGo label specializes in high-quality classical guitar recordings -- with one exception. They also released a harpsichord recording, done with the same high production values as the rest of the VGo line.

The disc, entitled "Teatro Imaginario" features fifteen harpsichord sonatas by Dominico Scaraltti

Patrice Mathews is a well-known harpsichordist, and has a solid reputation both as a soloist and as an in-demand player with early music ensembles. The disc presents some of Scarlatti's most popular harpsichord sonatas (out of the 550 he wrote). In this podcast we select four from the album, sort of a "best of the best."

You don't need an iPod to listen to our podcast! Just click on the link below:

DCD Classical 'Cast Enhanced Podcast #111 - Teatro Imaginario

 - Ralph Graves

This program we play excerpts from "Teatro Imaginario: Scarlatti Sonatas" with Patrice Mathews

Scarlatti: Presto in A major, K. 4

Scarlatti: Allegro in E minor, K. 147

Scarlatti: Allegro in C-sharp minor, K. 247

Scarlatti: Allegro in A minor, K. 532