WFIU: Featured Classical Recordings

Sarasate: Virtuoso Violin Works

David Wood — Mon, 02 Nov 2009 13:00:16 +0000

Playwright and music critic George Bernard Shaw wrote of Pablo de Sarasate that he “left criticism miles behind him,” and by all contemporary accounts the Spanish violin virtuoso was unique. In this week’s featured recording violinists Gil Shaham and Adele Anthony pay homage to the great Sarasate with a collection of his most outstanding works.

Vivaldi Bassoon Concertos – Volume 3

David Wood — Fri, 23 Oct 2009 17:54:39 +0000

Naxos has released 5 volumes in their complete Vivaldi bassoon series, and we’re listening to music from the third. Bassoonist Tamás Benkócs performs on all five recordings with the Nicolaus Esterházy Sinfonia, conducted by Béla Drahos.

Trendsetters: Music for Wind Band

David Wood — Mon, 28 Sep 2009 13:00:02 +0000

The versatility of the wind band has been widely recognized and utilized throughout the history of Western music. The beginning of the 20th century was no exception, and that’s why the Peabody Conservatory Wind Ensemble offers four of the century’s best known compositions in this style on their latest release Trendsetters: Music for Wind Band.

Sonatas for Viola da Gamba

David Wood — Mon, 21 Sep 2009 13:00:26 +0000

It has never been easy for cellist to adapt the Bach sonatas for viola da gamba to their instrument. Since Bach wrote no works for cello and accompaniment, these three sonatas are the closest they have! Cellist Audrey Cienniwa has attempted to bridge the performance gap by placing the sonatas on the the five stringed piccolo cello.

Brahms: 21 Hungarian Dances

David Wood — Tue, 08 Sep 2009 15:46:51 +0000

At the age of 18, Johannes Brahms was asked to tour with renowned Hungarian violinist Eduard Hoffman. Brahms was drawn to the music which Hoffman played, a combination of gypsy music and traditional "classical music. So it came as little surprise when he created two volumes of Hungarian dances taking advantage of the four-hands technique.

Italian Trumpet Concertos

David Wood — Fri, 28 Aug 2009 16:02:34 +0000

The role of concerto soloist in the early 18th century was moving away from a violin-centered view to incorporate wind instruments. At this time, the trumpet was still seen as an instrument whose days had passed. But thanks to some ambitious composers, it resumed a place of prominence, even before the advent of the valved trumpet.

Rebel: Violin Sonatas

David Wood — Mon, 10 Aug 2009 13:00:03 +0000

We head into the WFIU vault for this week’s featured recording, all the way back to 1999, for three of the early music world’s most celebrated musicians on one CD! "Rebel: Violin Sonatas" may have been released ten years ago, but the quality of this recording stands the test of time.

American Choral Premieres

David Wood — Mon, 03 Aug 2009 13:00:33 +0000

The acclaimed William Ferris Chorale adds to their discography with a look at new music being written in America and some works that have been overlooked by recording ensembles. Premiere recordings from Hovhannes, Rochberg, and the ensemble’s founder, William Ferris, are among the many gems on this CD.

Twelve Celebrated Fantaisies and Aires Varies

David Wood — Mon, 27 Jul 2009 13:40:51 +0000

We’re back from vacation, but if you’ve been following the WFIU website, you’ll have noticed we didn’t stop featuring recordings. So this week, we’ll look back, however briefly, at the featured CDs for July.

West of the Sun: Music of the Americas

David Wood — Mon, 13 Jul 2009 13:00:03 +0000

The idea for West of the Sun developed from a series of concerts featuring music from the Americas. Pianist Joel Fan has long been interested in the rich history of the New World and the array of cultures that have populated it and influenced its music. He performs music from a variety composers, each illustrating a facet of the complex hemisphere.

Chopin: 21 Mazurkas

David Wood — Tue, 30 Jun 2009 14:33:27 +0000

Even a poor pianist like me has been exposed to the compositions of Frédèric Chopin. His music is almost synonymous with the instrument. Chopin is also exceedingly well-known for his use of ethic music types in classical composition, including the folk dance from his native county, Poland, the mazurka. .

Vivaldi and Piazzolla’s Four Seasons

David Wood — Mon, 22 Jun 2009 13:00:42 +0000

The last thing anyone needs is ANOTHER recording of Vivaldi's The Four Seasons, right? Not necessarily. Violinist Lara St. John teams up with the hit of last year's BBC Proms, the Simon Bolivar Youth Orchestra of Venezuala for a pairing you won't forget.

Dowland : The Queen’s Galliard – Lute Music, Vol. 4

David Wood — Mon, 15 Jun 2009 13:00:19 +0000

Lutenist Nigel North is at it again. This time it's for volume four of John Dowland's lute music, titled "The Queen's Galliard." This recording is completely devoted to Queen Elizabeth I's favorite courtly dance of French origin, the Galliard. Over 25 tracks you'll hear Dowland's many variations on this dance form.

Carole Terry Plays The Watjen Concert Organ

David Wood — Mon, 08 Jun 2009 13:00:47 +0000

This week's featured CD is the premiere recording on the Watjen Concert Organ. Organist Carole Terry tours the repertoire for this release on Loft Recordings.

Between Flute and Guitar

David Wood — Mon, 01 Jun 2009 15:16:18 +0000

The Noteworthy Duo perform music of Latin American on "Between Flute and Guitar."

Sol Gabetta: Cantabile and Shostakovich

David Wood — Wed, 27 May 2009 16:27:13 +0000

Sol Gabetta's fourth CD, "Cantabile", was released simultaneously with her third in September of 2008. So for this week, we'll take a listen to both of them.

Anne Akiko Meyers “Smile”

David Wood — Mon, 11 May 2009 13:00:10 +0000

Violinist Anne Akiko Meyers was introduced the American public through two appearances on The Tonight Show Starring Johnny Carson and the Emmy Awards at the age of 11. Her latest project is a journey that takes this 39 year-old artist across many borders of musical cultures.

An American Heritage of Spirituals

David Wood — Mon, 04 May 2009 15:15:14 +0000

This week we turn the clock back 13 years. In 1996, the Mormon Tabernacle Choir released the CD “An American Heritage of Spirituals” under conductor Albert McNeil.

Intimate Barrios

David Wood — Mon, 27 Apr 2009 13:00:50 +0000

On her most recent CD, Berta Rojas pays homage to Agustin Barrios in a compilation of works from his catalog; many of which she performs based on versions from Barrios’ recording and manuscript copies.

Gustav Mahler: Das Lied von der Erde

David Wood — Wed, 22 Apr 2009 14:33:42 +0000

After reading Hans Bethge’s The Chinese Flute, Gustav Mahler was struck by the depiction of earthly beauty and chose to set verses to set in "Das Lied von der Erde", (The Songs of the Earth).

Biber: Balletti And Sonatas For Trumpets And Strings

David Wood — Mon, 13 Apr 2009 13:00:01 +0000

Heinrich Ignaz Franz von Biber (1644-1704) was one of the most important composers of the during the late 17th century. His compositional output has kept many baroque musicians in gigs, so when René Clemencic and his Clemencic Consort were deciding on music for trumpet and violin, there wasn't too much guesswork as to what they'd be recording.

Leroy Anderson: Orchestral Music, Vol. 4

David Wood — Wed, 08 Apr 2009 14:47:19 +0000

Leroy Anderson is a name you don't normally hear outside of the Christmas season. He's probably best known for his holiday classics like "Sleigh Ride" and "Bugler's Holiday", but he was no one trick pony. Anderson composed well over 60 concert works, many of them programmatic in nature with themes ranging from The Typewriter to the songs of Scotland.

J.S. Bach: Orgelbüchlein

David Wood — Mon, 30 Mar 2009 13:00:03 +0000

For four weeks in the year 1717, Johann Sebastian Bach was held in custody by his Patron, the Duke of Weimar. During those weeks of November it seems that Bach began the Little Organ Book or "Orgelbüchlein" a project meant to instruct the young organist in the playing of chorales. The Ensemble Mare Nostrum has recorded the full 45 chorales, joined by soprano Céline Scheen.

Hungarian Music for Cello and Piano

David Wood — Mon, 23 Mar 2009 13:00:56 +0000

During the late 19th and early 20th centuries, the music Hungary saw a growth and world-wide popularity it hadn't seen before or since. Composers like Bela Bartok, Franz Liszt and Zoltan Kodaly became household names, at least in the homes of classical music aficionados. On this week's featured CD, cellist Mark Kosower and pianist Jee-Won Oh celebrate the music written by these composers and others for the versatile combination of cello and piano.

Opera Without Words

David Wood — Mon, 16 Mar 2009 12:00:23 +0000

The world of opera is ever expanding and constantly pulling in new listeners. But some folks out there just can get past the sound of the classically trained voice. If you're one of these people, then the BBC Concert Orchestra is your new best friend. On "Opera without Words" conductor Leonard Slatkin leads them in orchestral versions of classics from Leoncavallo, Verdi, Mozart and more.

Soprano Sharon Rostorf-Zamir: Schubert Lieder

David Wood — Mon, 09 Mar 2009 13:00:24 +0000

Franz Schubert may not have invented German art song or "Lieder" but he almost single-handedly cemented its importance in the development of music in the 19th century. He composed nearly 600 songs, many of which continue to play a crucial role in the training of the classical voice. On this recording from the Roméo Records label, soprano Sharon Rostorf-Zamir and pianist Daniel Gortler perform a selection of Schubert's best-loved lieder.

Lincolnshire Posy: Music for Band by Percy Grainger

David Wood — Mon, 02 Mar 2009 13:00:24 +0000

Our first recording for March comes is another release from the Dallas Wind Symphony. Jerry Junkin leads this internationally known ensemble on a CD dedicated to music for Band by Percy Grainger. Whether you played in your school band or are completely new to this literature, the works of Grainger hold a special place in the collection.

Rebecca Clarke: String Chamber Music

David Wood — Mon, 23 Feb 2009 13:00:21 +0000

This week we highlight a recording of chamber works for strings of the 20th century English composer Rebecca Clarke. Violist Kenneth Martinson and pianist Christopher Taylor perform with the Julstrom String Quartet.

William Alwyn: Orchestral Music

David Wood — Mon, 16 Feb 2009 13:00:01 +0000

This week we highlight two recordings of twentieth century orchestral composers, William Alwyn and Miklós Rósza.

Antonio Bazzini: Works for Violin and Piano

David Wood — Mon, 09 Feb 2009 12:00:03 +0000

Our classical recording this week features 22 year-old British violinist Chloë Hanslip and pianist Caspar Frantz performing Antonio Bazzini's works for violin and piano.

Phoenix Chorale: “Spotless Rose”

David Wood — Mon, 02 Feb 2009 13:00:22 +0000

One of the leading Choral Ensembles in North America is the Phoenix Chorale, an ensemble directed by Charles Bruffy. This week we feature the Phoenix Chorale's Grammy nominated recording of titled "Spotless Rose." A recording which highlights contemporary compositions devoted to the Virgin Mary.

Complete Piano Sonatas of Vincent Persichetti

David Wood — Mon, 26 Jan 2009 14:58:04 +0000

This week's featured CD is a collection of piano sonatas from 20-century composer and teacher, Vincent Persichetti.

Texas Horns

David Wood — Mon, 19 Jan 2009 16:01:29 +0000

This week's featured recordings mix Lone Star brass with European sonorities. Performances come from the Horn Sections of the Dallas and Houston Symphonies and violinist Jonathan Crow and pianist Paul Stewart.

The Light That is Felt: Songs of Charles Ives

David Wood — Mon, 12 Jan 2009 05:00:32 +0000

Americans, and classical music enthusiasts in general, have a love-hate relationship with Charles Ives. Although much of that is through reputation, it can be a little hard to wrap your brain around his unique sound. If you want to give Ives another shot, then his vocal music might be a good route; such as found [...]

Vienna Philharmonic: Holst’s “The Planets”

David Wood — Mon, 05 Jan 2009 18:06:10 +0000

Our first featured CD for the year comes from the vault. In a 1962 recording, the great Maestro Herbert von Karajan conducts Gustav Holst’s masterpiece, The Planets. He leads the Vienna Philharmonic and Vienna State Opera Chorus. The Planets covers the night sky in 7 movements, which may seem strange given that there are 9 planets… [...]

Songs of Joy and Peace

David Wood — Sun, 28 Dec 2008 04:01:22 +0000

This week we’re celebrating the New Year with the hope of peace in 2009. What better way than with a collection of musicians coming together with songs of joy and peace? Yo-Yo Ma proves he is the master of the classical crossover album again this recording. Here he teams up with everyone from James Taylor [...]

Leroy Anderson: Holiday Favorites

David Wood — Mon, 22 Dec 2008 04:01:09 +0000

During this holiday season we have two wonderful, yuletide themed collections for you. The first is from the BBC Concert Orchestra and the second from teh Cambridge Singers, Farnham Youth Choir and the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra.

The Symphonies of Leopold Mozart and Spotless Rose

David Wood — Fri, 12 Dec 2008 18:28:33 +0000

This week we highlight the Toronto Chamber Orchestra’s recording of the symphonies of Leopold Mozart. Much time is spent with the young Mozart, but the musical talents of the father are given a chance to shine here. And our quick pick is the Grammy nominated recording “Spotless Rose” from the Phoenix Chorale.

J.S. Bach – Goldberg Variations

David Wood — Mon, 17 Nov 2008 21:10:50 +0000

This week we take a listen to the new recording of Sitkovetsky’s arrangment of J.S. Bach’s “Goldberg Variations.” Jonanthan Crow, Douglas McNabey and Matt Haimovitz perform the version for string trio with incredible artistry. Our quick pick is music by Mark O’Connor.

Joshua Bell, Reneé Fleming and Canadian Brass

David Wood — Mon, 10 Nov 2008 13:00:05 +0000

This week we highlight the three classical CD package offered as a thank you during WFIU’s 2008 fund drive.

Santa Fe Desert Chorale “First Day”

David Wood — Sun, 02 Nov 2008 13:00:35 +0000

Linda Mack leads one of America’s most recognizable and respected vocal ensembles in a cd of highlights from their 2006-2007 season. Included are works by Randall Stroope, Judith Cloud and John David Earnest.

Shostakovich 24 Preludes and Fugues

David Wood — Mon, 27 Oct 2008 12:00:00 +0000

Pianist Kori Bond presents a complete recording of the Op. 97 Preludes and Fugues of Dmitri Shostakovich.

Music from the Viennese Court Chapel

David Wood — Mon, 20 Oct 2008 12:00:00 +0000

The WDR Radio Orchestra and Choir perform music from the great Austro-German composers who spent time in the Hofburg.

Introducing Shannon Lee

David Wood — Mon, 13 Oct 2008 12:00:00 +0000

Fifteen year-old violinist Shannon Lee makes her first mark on the recording world with a stunning performance of violin classics.

Ingenious Jestings: Eight Harpsichord Setts by James Nares

David Wood — Mon, 06 Oct 2008 12:00:00 +0000

Harpsichordist Julian Perkins performs the first eight of Nares’ pieces composed for his students. Also included is the Handel Suite in D (HWV 447) and our quick pick of the week.

Duos for Violin and Cello

David Wood — Mon, 29 Sep 2008 12:00:00 +0000

Violinist Rudens Turku and cellist Wen-Sinn Yang work in tandem on this recording featuring music from Kodaly to Dotzauer.

Souvenirs: Chamber Music for Horn, Flute and Piano

David Wood — Mon, 22 Sep 2008 12:00:00 +0000

Music for one of the most versatile chamber ensemble combinations by Telemann, Ewazen, Barboteu and more.

Songs of Franz Schreker

David Wood — Mon, 15 Sep 2008 12:00:00 +0000

A collection of lieder by the turn of the 20th-century composer, Franz Schreker.

88 Keys to Joy

David Wood — Mon, 01 Sep 2008 12:00:00 +0000

A review of pianist Yael Weiss’s second solo CD, “88 Keys to Joy.” And this week’s quick pick.

Sticky Melodies

David Wood — Mon, 25 Aug 2008 12:00:00 +0000

A review of a new 2-CD recording of the works of 20th-century composer, Johanna Magdalena Beyer. And this week’s quick pick.