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

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!

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

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 109 - Arthur Bliss String Quartets

British composer Arthur Bliss was extremely self-critical. Although he composed four string quartets, only three were ever performed, and he allowed only two to be published. His first two quartets were written when he was a young man, and these were the works he later withdrew. It wasn't until after his fiftieth birthday that he wrote a chamber work that he thought worthy of public performance. This would be designated his String Quartet No. 1.

In 1950, Bliss completed his second and last string quartet, a work he regarded as one of his best chamber music compositions.

This program we play selections from an outstanding recording by the German ensemble the Fanny Mendelssohn Quartett. The CD includes both of Arthur Bliss' approved string quartets, and wonderful works they are!

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

DCD Classical 'Cast #109 - Arthur Bliss String Quartet

 - Ralph Graves

This program we play excerpts from the Troubadisc release "Arthur Bliss: String Quartets"

Arthur Bliss: String Quartet No 1, Mvts. 1 & 2

The Fanny Mendelssohn Quartett

Arthur Bliss: String Quartet No. 2, Mvts. 3 & 4

The Fanny Mendelssohn Quartett

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 107 - David Baker: Jazz Concertos

David Baker has enjoyed a remarkable career both as a jazz musician and a classical composer. He's worked with some of the biggest names in both fields (and currently serves as conductor and artistic director of the Smithsonian Jazz Masterworks Orchestra.

When Baker first started composing in the "third stream," he was commissioned by James Pellerite, a fellow faculty member at Indiana University School of Music at Bloomington. The result was a flute concerto, which was recorded by Laurel Records.

Also on this Laurel Records release is Baker's concerto for violin and jazz band. For the recording, an all-star group was assembled by Carmen Dragon, who conducted the work for the session.

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 #107 - David Baker: Jazz Concertos

- Ralph Graves


This episode we play selections from this David Baker concerto release:

Baker: Concerto for Flute, String Quartet, and Jazz Band, Mvt. 1
James Pellerite, flute
David Baker, conductor


Baker: Concerto for Violin and Jazz Band
James Getzoff, violin
Carmen Dragon, conductor

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