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 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