Tír Na HiFi

Nielsen - Symphony No.1 (Colin Davis, London Symphony Orchestra, LSO Live)

Lovely easy listening.

Saint-Saens - Violin Sonata No.1

Ravel - Violin Sonata (Sarah Chang/Lars Vogt, EMI)

Tchaikovsky - Symphony No.3 Polish (Andrew Litton, Bournemouth Symphony Orchestra, Virgin Classics)

There is some lovely music on this CD. The Magnificat by Durante was particularly noteworthy.

This is one of the most important offerings in the LSO LIVE label. The challenge of conducting Les Troyens rejuvenated Sir Colin Davis, his conducting is as exciting and vigorous as in his 1969 Philips recording. The cast is sound and efficient. Ben Heppner may lack Jon Vickers individuality, but caught here in fine voice, just before his heart problems, he makes Aeneas the star of the show. Michelle DeYoung and Petra Lang may not be Janet Baker and Regine Crespin, but they certainly improve on the ladies of the Philips recording. The supporting roles are well taken, with the luxury of having Sara Mingardo no less, among them.
For the modest price, this Virgil/Berlioz extravaganza is A MUST.

Tchaikovsky - Capriccio italien & Eugene Onegin: Polonaise (Andrew Litton, Bournemouth Symphony Orchestra, Virgin Classics)

Brahms - Piano Trio No.1 (Julius Katchen/Josef Suk/Janos Starker, Decca)

R. Strauss - Divertimento for Small Orchestra (after Couperin) (Gerard Schwarz, New York Chamber Symphony, Warner Apex)

Glazunov - The Seasons (Neeme Jarvi, The Scottish National Orchestra, Chandos)