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."

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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