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