STRAVINSKY : The Rite of Spring; Concerto for Two Pianos; Circus Polka; Tango; Madrid (Hamelin-Andsnes) (2018) FLAC (image+.cue), lossless

 

Since the centenary of Igor Stravinsky's Le Sacre du printemps in 2013, recordings of the version for two pianos have increased, and many virtuoso pianists have taken up the challenge that Stravinsky's colorful transcription presents. For this 2018 release on Hyperion, Marc-André Hamelin and Leif Ove Andsnes team up to give one of the most brilliant and precise readings of the work, and followed it with a muscular rendition of the neoclassical Concerto for two solo pianos (1932-35), and delightful interpretations of Madrid from the Four Etudes (1917, revised in 1928), the Tango (1940), and the Circus Polka (1941-42), the last three pieces in arrangements by different hands. The intricate textures, complex rhythms, and explosive violence of Le Sacre du printemps are clearly communicated in this fascinating performance, and Hamelin and Andsnes successfully imitate the original orchestral sonorities and tone colors through controlled touch, varied accentuation, and carefully shaded dynamics. Listeners who are well acquainted with the orchestral version will find that Hamelin and Andsnes have come quite close to duplicating many of Stravinsky's effects, most powerfully in the Glorification of the Chosen One and the closing Sacrificial Dance, though with great subtlety in the softer sections. The Concerto is a bit drier in coloration and more involved with intricate counterpoint than evocative timbres, but the pianists play it with sufficient energy, clarity, and wit to hold the listener's attention. The final selections serve as encores, and Hamelin and Andsnes take the opportunity to have a little fun, which is welcome after the intensity of Le Sacre du printemps and the fairly cerebral Concerto. Highly recommended. by Blair Sanderson  

BRANFORD MARSALIS - Romances for Saxophone (1986) FLAC (tracks+.cue), lossless

Romances for Saxophone was released in 1986 by CBS Masterworks' Light Classics division. Branford Marsalis, usually known for his jazz background, asserts his mastery of the soprano saxophone on this excellent collection of romantic chamber music. Accompanied by the English Chamber Orchestra, Marsalis indulges us with some of his most fervent music yet. Each piece explores a different aspect of love and romance. Vocalese, originally for the soprano voice, portray the vocal lyricism and musicality of Marsalis' soprano saxophone. The "Rachmaninoff Vocalese" is an exceptional confirmation of the mastery of tone and musicianship that defines the music Marsalis is known for. Other well-known works, such as Debussy's L'Isle Joyeuse and Stravinsky's Pastorale, brilliantly contrast the air that Marsalis has played since 1981. The French and Russian compositions add a new dimension to the young Marsalis repertoire -- classical romantic. by Paula Edelstein
Tracklist:
1    L' isle joyeuse, for piano, L. 106    6:46
Claude Debussy
Orchestrated by Michel Colombier        
2    Pavane, for orchestra & chorus ad lib in F sharp minor, Op. 50 5:44  
Gabriel Fauré
Arabesques (2) for piano, L. 66  
3    Arabesque No.1, Orchestrated by Michel Colombier 4:15   
Claude Debussy
Vocalise, instrumental arrangement, Op. 34/14  
4    Vocalise, Edited by Michel Colombier 6:01  
Sergey Rachmaninov
5    Pastorale, song without words for voice & piano 2:43  
Igor Stravinsky
6    Emmanuel, for saxophone & orchestra 2:52      
7    Bachianas Brasileiras No. 5, for voice & 8 cellos, A. 389 5:36      
Heitor Villa-Lobos
8    Gymnopedie for piano No. 3 2:31  
Erik Satie
9    Prélude, for piano 3:19      
Maurice Ravel
Edited by Michel Colombier    
10    Vocalise-Étude en forme de Habanera, for voice & piano 2:44
Maurice Ravel
11    Sicilienne, for cello & piano, Op. 78    3:36  
Gabriel Fauré
Edited by Michel Colombier     
12    Serenade for piano in A major 2:59  
Igor Stravinsky
Pictures at an Exhibition (Kartinki s vïstavski), for piano  
13    The Old Castle, Edited by Michel Colombier 4:25
Modest Mussorgsky
Directed By – Andrew Litton
Orchestra – The English Chamber Orchestra
Orchestrated By – Michel Colombier
Soprano Saxophone – Branford Marsalis

STRAVINSKY : Symphony of Psalms; Symphony in Three Movements; Symphonies of Wind Instruments

STRAVINSKY : Symphony of Psalms; Symphony in Three Movements; 

Symphonies of Wind Instruments

 Berliner Philharmoniker

Pierre Boulez

[1999] DG / FLAC (tracks), lossless