Showing posts with label Romantic Piano Concerto. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Romantic Piano Concerto. Show all posts

Thursday, March 5, 2009

The Romantic Piano Concerto Vol.45 - Hiller


The Romantic Piano Concerto Vol.45 - Hiller
250 MB | EAC | APE+CUE | no scans | 2007
The Romantic Piano Concerto series continues to bring undiscovered works to the listening public, performed by the greatest piano virtuosos of today. The composer Hiller was admired by Schumann, who described him as the exemplar of ‘how to combine orchestra and piano in brilliant fashion’. One of the most imposing musical personalities of the nineteenth century, close friends with the likes of Rossini, Liszt, Berlioz and particularly Mendelssohn, Hiller was nevertheless largely forgotten less than twenty years after his death as musical fashion changed. The Second Concerto is a genuine forgotten masterpiece, and Hyperion has been looking for the right opportunity to record it for many years. The First and Third concertos are both first recordings, and indeed the Third was never published. A combination of the appealing and the unknown makes this a classic RPC disc. Howard Shelley is a veteran of the Romantic Piano Concerto series. He conducts the Tasmanian Symphony Orchestra here from the piano.

Piano Concerto No 1 in F minor, Op 5
1.Movement 1: Allegro moderato [10'20]
2.Movement 2: Adagio [5'52]
3.Movement 3: Allegro moderato e con grazia [8'09]

Piano Concerto No 2 in F sharp minor, Op 69
4.Movement 1: Moderato, ma con energia e con fuoco [8'23]
5.Movement 2: Andante espressivo [6'05]
6.Movement 3: Allegro con fuoco [5'25]

Piano Concerto No 3 in A flat major 'Concerto espressivo', Op 170
7.Movement 1: Allegro con anima [12'35]
8.Movement 2: Andante quasi adagio [8'04]
9.Movement 3: Allegro con spirito [10'56]


Sunday, March 1, 2009

The Romantic Piano Concerto Vol.41 - Kalkbrenner


The Romantic Piano Concerto Vol.41 - Kalkbrenner (2005)
192 MB | EAC | APE+CUE | no scans

More superlative performances of early 19th-century concerto repertoire from Howard Shelley and his Tasmanian Orchestra. Following on the heels of Moscheles and Herz, this time it’s Kalkbrenner, another of those virtuosi hugely acclaimed in their time and now forgotten. Kalkbrenner’s music bridges the gap between the classical and romantic styles and such was his fame that his presence in Paris resulted in that city becoming the pianistic centre of the romantic movement in the 1830s with Chopin, Liszt and Thalberg all basing themselves there; indeed Chopin originally planned to study with the older composer, only declining when Kalkbrenner told him he must not play in public for three years while under his tutelage. Both concertos are very much of their time, bursting with scales, arpeggios, thirds and octaves in their outer movements and lavishly decorated operatic ‘bel canto’ melodies in their slow movements. The fourth concerto is a first recording.

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Saturday, February 28, 2009

The Romantic Piano Concerto · Vol. 39 · Delius & Ireland


The Romantic Piano Concerto · Vol. 39 · Delius & Ireland
APE | Booklet | 276 MB | 2006



Piers Lane (piano), Ulster Orchestra, David Lloyd-Jones (conductor)


ORCHESTRAL CHOICE - BBC Music Magazine
CLASSICAL CD OF THE WEEK - Sunday Times

'Robert Threlfall's notes make a good case for regarding the three-movement original as having a greater validity, and this splendid first recording bears him out … Piers Lane, an eloquent advocate' (BBC Music Magazine)

'This Hyperion newcomer possesses many virtues. Piers Lane responds with nimble sensitivity, David Lloyd-Jones secures a tidy response from the Ulster Orchestra and the performance as a whole has a sparkle, eagerness and snap that are most refreshing' (Gramophone)

'Those who are familiar with (and those who have dismissed) Delius's Piano Concerto in the 1907 revision should make the acquaintance of the original version without more ado' (International Record Review)

'Lane makes a convincing case for the piece, and his performance is paired with an equally sparky one of John Ireland's concerto. His punchy abrasiveness undercuts the work's more fey moments, and gives it an almost neoclassical edge' (The Guardian)

'this first recording of the original version from 1904 reveals a work stamped with far more rhapsodic gusto and genuine heartache than the composer's misguided revisions suggest. Lane's performance is very enjoyable; the recording does the players proud' (The Times)

'Delius's Piano Concerto gets strong advocacy from Lane, Lloyd-Jones and the Ulster Orchestra. The two Ireland works, Legend and the Piano Concerto, make ideal companions on this highly attractive, collectable disc' (Sunday Times)

'it is interesting to hear Delius in a robust frame of mind, and the performance itself is one of great allure and power' (The Daily Telegraph)

'Lane gives engagingly virtuoso, extrovert and affectionate performances throughout' (Classic FM Magazine)

'Throughout, Piers Lane is sympathetic, sensitive and a virtuoso, and the support from David Lloyd-Jones and the Ulster Orchestra is exact. The vivid recording presents an exemplary balance between piano and orchestra' (Fanfare, USA)



CD
Piano Concerto in C minor, original 1904 version Frederick Delius (1862-1934)
Piano Concerto in E flat major John Ireland (1879-1962)

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Friday, February 27, 2009

The Romantic Piano Concerto · Vol. 38 · Rubinstein & Scharwenka


The Romantic Piano Concerto · Vol. 38 · Rubinstein & Scharwenka
APE | Booklet | 266 MB | 2005

Marc-André Hamelin (piano), BBC Scottish Symphony Orchestra, Michael Stern (conductor)

GRAMOPHONE EDITOR'S CHOICE

'Described by one respected critic as the greatest living pianist, Marc-André Hamelin soars to ever new heights of virtuosity … Hamelin is superbly partnered and recorded, and lovers of lush, romantic melody embellished with hundreds and thousands of winking sequins need look no further' (Gramophone Magazine)

'Marc-André Hamelin gives a dazzling account' (BBC Music Magazine)

'Hamelin's legendary technique thrills at every turn, and in the Rubinstein his scorching virtuosity and emotional intensity mesmerises from beginning to end. Anyone who loves Tchaikovsky or Rachmaninov should investigate this stunning disc without delay!' (Classic FM Magazine)

'Rubinstein's Fourth Concerto can hold its own against Tchaikovsky's infinitely better known First and, on the strength of this recording, deserves to regain a place in the classical repertoire. There is musical swagger, pathos, poetry and heroism in both of the works couple on this album' (Music Week)

'Hamelin, who makes out the best possible case for the music, is now the version to have. In any case, his many admirers will flock, and rightly, to acquire this excellently recorded disc of two fairly unfamiliar concertos which, whatever their virtues and failings, provide ideal vehicles for Hamelin's abundant talents' (International Record Review)

'We have been in need of a modern recording by a pianist of the stature of Hamelin who can deliver Rubinstein's passion, impetuosity, quick changes of mood, and technical demands with ease. He gives a performance of the last movement that is so rousing that it has never sounded so convincing on disc … an excellent disc that is highly recommended' (International Piano)

'This will appeal to experts as well as those who only know, say, the Rachmaninov or Tchaikovsky concertos. Another fabulous disc (and as usual excellent sleeve-notes). Rolls-Royce stuff' (HMV Choice)

'Virtuoso repertoire, virtuoso playing - there's breathtaking snap and clarity to the rhythms, imposing weight to the climaxes … surely one of the peaks of Hyperion's 'Romantic Piano Concerto' series. All in all, urgently recommended' (Fanfare, USA)

CD
Piano Concerto No 1 in B flat minor, Op 32 Franz Xaver Scharwenka (1850-1924)
Piano Concerto No 4 in D minor, Op 70 Anton Rubinstein (1829-1894)

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The Romantic Piano Concerto · Vol. 37 · Nápravník & Blumenfeld


The Romantic Piano Concerto · Vol. 37 · Nápravník & Blumenfeld
FLAC | Booklet | 293 MB | 2005


Evgeny Soifertis (piano), BBC Scottish Symphony Orchestra, Alexander Titov (conductor)


'it's hard to dismiss music that tries so hard to be likeable. Certainly, if you've been collecting the rest of Hyperion's 'Romantic Piano Concerto' series, you'll enjoy this latest addition as well. There are strong notes and typically fine Hyperion engineering' (International Record Review)

'Napravnik's Concerto symphonique throws just about everything into the melting pot, from Verdi's Requiem to Tchaikovsky. The Fantaisie opens arrestingly with a massive rendition of The Volga Boatmen, and if Blumenfeld's Allegro proves slightly less individual, in performances as fiery and impassioned as these, it makes an indelible impact' (Classic FM Magazine)

'Star of the show is pianist Evgeny Soifertis … His bravura style is all there, but some pianissimo playing and tender melodic phrasing, not least in the slow movements, might have lifted the works out of obscurity' (Pianist Magazine)

'Evgeny Soifertis throws it all off in great style and musical intelligence' (BBC Music Magazine)

'Evgeny Soifertis' effervescent, colourful virtuosity never fails to delight' (Classics Today USA)

'Hyperion's recorded sound is excellent, soloist Evgeny Soifertis contributes impeccably manicured playing, and the orchestra performs with immaculate accuracy under Russian maestro Alexander Titov. So if you are interested in exploring the Romantic concerto literature at its most obscure, here's your opportunity' (Fanfare, USA)

CD
Concerto symphonique in A minor, Op 27 Eduard Nápravník (1839-1916)
Allegro de concert in A major, Op 7 Felix Blumenfeld (1863-1931)
Fantaisie russe in B minor, Op 39 Eduard Nápravník

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Thursday, February 26, 2009

The Romantic Piano Concerto · Vol. 36 · Moscheles 4 & 5


The Romantic Piano Concerto · Vol. 36 · Moscheles 4 & 5
FLAC | Booklet | 287 MB | 2005

Howard Shelley (piano), Tasmanian Symphony Orchestra, Howard Shelley (conductor)

'You have to hand it to Howard Shelley. It's one thing to lead a concerto from the keyboard, but to do this when the solo part is so demanding and with such insouciance is quite another thing … Completed by Henry Roche's trenchant and engaging booklet notes, this is an issue which I cannot praise too highly' (Gramophone)

'Imagine Paganini's Rossinian verve, Schumann's poetic sensibility and Mendelssohn's gentle humanity rolled into one, and you won't be far from the sound-world of these wonderful concertos' (Classic FM Magazine)

'Directing the performances from the keyboard, Shelley takes every prestidigitational hurdle with immaculate precision and aristocratic aplomb. He displays an exemplary range of touch and fluidity, communicates an intense pleasure in the music and indeed seems to revel in its abundant charm. The recording is of the same excellent standard as previous releases in this series. Listeners who have already enjoyed the other Moscheles concertos will not hesitate; if you haven't, this is a good place to start' (International Record Review)

'Pianist-conductor Howard Shelley... delivers very fine and sensitive performances on a Steinway piano. This recorded is a valuable addition for listeners interested in building their collection of nineteenth-century concertos or in tracing the history of the genre' (Nineteenth-century Music Review)

'All in all, if you're curious about this repertoire, I'd recommend you turn to the Hyperion series. This latest installment is as good a place as any to start' (Fanfare, USA)



CD
Piano Concerto No 4 in E major, Op 64 Ignaz Moscheles (1794-1870)
Piano Concerto No 5 in C major, Op 87
Recollections of Ireland, Op 69

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Wednesday, February 25, 2009

The Romantic Piano Concerto · Vol. 35 · Herz 1, 7 & 8


The Romantic Piano Concerto · Vol. 35 – Herz 1, 7 & 8
APE | Booklet | 233 MB | 2004

Howard Shelley (piano), Tasmanian Symphony Orchestra, Howard Shelley (conductor)


'If you've enjoyed previous volumes in Hyperion's Romantic Piano Concerto Series, you'll certainly warm to this delightful release' (BBC Music Magazine)

'Shelley makes even the most plainspun of phrases sound like long-lost treasure being discovered anew. First-rate accompaniment and resplendent sonics round out an unexpected delight' (Classic FM Magazine)

'There are few more dextrous or musicianly pianists then Shelley … and I am more than grateful for an artist who, like Herz himself, can make you think 'that a bird had escaped from his fingers and went undulating and singing through the air' (The New York Times in 1946)' (Gramophone)

'... Shelley et les Tasmaniens jouent avec une verve, une beauté de sonorité, un noble abandon qui attisent les bravos' (Diapason, France)

'Howard Shelley, who performs the dual role of piano soloist and orchestral director, delights in the charm and the considerable technical challenge of it all, and with his always fluent and controlled fingerwork, he makes it sound easy' (International Record Review)



CD
Piano Concerto No 1 in A major, Op 34 Henri Herz (1803-1888)
Piano Concerto No 7 in B minor, Op 207
Piano Concerto No 8 in A flat major, Op 218

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Tuesday, February 24, 2009

The Romantic Piano Concerto Series · Vol. 34 · Gabriel Pierné



The Romantic Piano Concerto · Vol. 34 · Gabriel Pierné
Flac Booklet 300 MB


Stephen Coombs (piano), BBC Scottish Symphony Orchestra, Ronald Corp (conductor)


'Stephen Coombs savours the more exotic keyboard writing with confidence and a sure sense of style, contributing appropriately dazzling and light-fingered virtuosity when required' (International Record Review)

'This is the greatest thing since ice cream! ... Coombs and conductor Ronald Corp catch the concerto's sly leg-pull and puff the airy graciousness suffusing these youthful pieces with soufflé-like savoir faire' (Fanfare, USA)

'Every track on this disc is an absolute winner. Stephen Coombs revels in the myriad of notes that tear around the keyboard in such light-hearted mood, the pro-active orchestral partnership captured in a superb recording' (The Yorkshire Post - The Guide)

CD
Piano Concerto in C minor Op 12
Poëme symphonique in B flat major
Fantaisie-Ballet in B flat major
Scherzo-Caprice in D major

Stephen Coombs
BBC Scottish Symphony Orchestra
Ronald Corp

http://rapidshare.com/files/155622740/RomPiaCon_Vol._34.part1.rar
http://rapidshare.com/files/155629123/RomPiaCon_Vol._34.part2.rar

Monday, February 23, 2009

The Romantic Piano Concerto Series · Vol. 33 · Xaver Scharwenka · Piano Concertos 2 & 3


The Romantic Piano Concerto · Vol. 33 · Xaver Scharwenka · Piano Concertos 2 & 3
APE 3.99 | CUE | Booklet | 255 MB

Seta Tanyel (piano), Radio Philharmonie Hannover des NDR, Tadeusz Strugala (conductor)


'Seta Tanyel's outstanding performances are suffused with the very epitome of the romantic soul' (American Record Guide)

'an admirable addition to an admirable series. The recordings retain their original excellence and Tadeusz Strugula and the German orchestra back their stylish soloist to the hilt' (Gramophone)

'there is a meaty flamboyance to both these concertos, giving them a personality of their own. Seta Tanyel brings to them an impressive strength of purpose and a rhapsodic lyrical spirit that project the music with appealing panache' (Daily Telegraph)

CD
Piano Concerto No 2 in C minor Op 56
Piano Concerto No 3 in C sharp minor Op 80

Seta Tanyel
Radio Philharmonie Hannover des NDR
Tadeusz Strugala

http://rapidshare.com/files/155576445/RomPiaCon_Vol33.part1.rar
http://rapidshare.com/files/155594322/RomPiaCon_Vol33.part2.rar

Sunday, February 22, 2009

The Romantic Piano Concerto · Vol. 32 · Moscheles 1, 6 & 7


The Romantic Piano Concerto, Vol. 32 · Moscheles 1, 6 & 7
FLAC | Booklet | 285 MB | 2003


Howard Shelley (piano), Tasmanian Symphony Orchestra, Howard Shelley (conductor)


'I defy anyone not to be captivated by this delightful, witty, rhythmically vital and spontaneously inventive work, especially when played as stylishly as here' (International Record Review)

'Shelley’s expertise, his immaculate charm and brio cast a brilliant light on every page. His Tasmanian orchestra is with him all the way and Hyperion’s sound and balance are of demonstration quality. An exemplary issue; I can scarcely wait for Volume 3' (Gramophone)

'Shelley’s nimble, elegant playing, while leading his excellent Tasmanian players, is a musical wonder' (Classic FM Magazine)

'Howard Shelley and the Tasmanian Symphony Orchestra give solid accounts of these intriguing scores' (The Times)

'a thoroughly enjoyable disc' (BBC Music Magazine)

'Howard Shelley's account of the First, Sixth and Seventh of the eight Moscheles piano concertos provides powerful argument for their return to the repertoire' (International Piano)

'This disc … boldly captures the irresistible energy and sanguine life of Moscheles’ music' (Music Week)

'played with a taste and vivacity that reflect the temperament of the music … The thing that strikes you most about this music is its lively originality' (The Daily Telegraph)

'freshly performed and directed by Howard Shelley … No need for Hyperion to do anything other than hold their heads high over this one' (musicweb.uk.net)



CD
Piano Concerto No 1 in F major, Op 45 Ignaz Moscheles (1794-1870)
Piano Concerto No 6 in B flat major 'Fantastique', Op 90
Piano Concerto No 7 in C minor 'Pathétique', Op 93



http://rapidshare.com/files/191421204/Vol.32_Mosche.part1.rar
http://rapidshare.com/files/191428592/Vol.32_Mosche.part2.rar

Saturday, February 21, 2009

The Romantic Piano Concerto Series · Vol. 31 · Fuchs & Kiel


The Romantic Piano Concerto · Vol. 31 · Fuchs & Kiel · Piano Concertos
APE 3.99 | CUE | Booklet | 238 MB

Martin Roscoe (piano), BBC Scottish Symphony Orchestra, Martyn Brabbins (conductor)

'impressive additions to Hyperion’s superbly presented Romantic Piano Concerto series … they could hardly be performed in a more masterly and eloquent style … all lovers of a fascinating series will have to add this to their collection' (Gramophone)

'Both works are immediately attractive and good-hearted, stuffed full of engaging musical ideas satisfyingly exploited in craftsmanship of a high order … I enjoyed – am still enjoying – this disc enormously' (International Record Review)

'Needless to say, the performances and recording are immaculate' (Classic FM Magazine) 'You can’t fault the magic wand of Martyn Brabbins, the sincere advocacy of the superlative Martin Roscoe nor the spirited and sensitive playing of the BBC Scottish band' (BBC Music Magazine)

'This release has everything a Romantic piano concerto could wish for … the interplay between Roscoe and Brabbins lifts the music way above the dusted life it had for years' (Pianist)
CD
Fuchs · Piano Concerto in B flat, Op 27
Kiel · Piano Concerto in B flat, Op 30


Martin Roscoe pf
BBC Scottish Symphony Orchestra
Martyn Brabbins cond


http://www.megaupload.com/?d=UTZ1HQZW

Friday, February 20, 2009

The Romantic Piano Concerto Series · Vol. 30 · Sergei Lyapunov · Piano Concertos 1 & 2 · Rhapsody


The Romantic Piano Concerto Series · Vol. 30 · Sergei Lyapunov · Piano Concertos 1 & 2 · Rhapsody
APE 3.99 | CUE | Booklet | 214 MB


Hamish Milne (piano), BBC Scottish Symphony Orchestra, Martyn Brabbins (conductor)


'A disc as beautiful as it is comprehensive' (Gramophone)

'Yet another programme that makes incomprehensible the narrow choice of 19th-century piano concertos heard in our concert halls today' (BBC Music Magazine)

'Russian melodic flavour, colourful orchestration and sonorous piano writing is present in abundance throught this very welcome release … The combination of Lyapunov's complete piano-and-orchestra output on one disc, in excellent performances and superb recorded sound, make a favourable recommendation mandatory' (International Record Review)

'Throughout, Hamish Milne holds his head high, lucidly and affectionately commanding cascades of notes, and he is stylishly partnered by Martyn Brabbins' (Gramophone)

'Milne, as usual, offers resilient rhythms and tightly focused phrasing marked by a refreshing attention to detail … you’re unlikely to hear a better performance of this repertoire in the foreseeable future' (Fanfare, USA )

'This is one of the very best entries in Hyperion’s ongoing survey, and I’m pleased to recommend it to you without the slightest hesitation' (American Record Guide)

CD
Piano Concerto No 1 in E flat minor Op 4
Rhapsody on Ukrainian Themes
Piano Concerto No 2 in E major Op 38

Hamish Milne
BBC Scottish Symphony Orchestra
Martyn Brabbins

http://rapidshare.com/files/149788408/RomPiaConVol30.part1.rar
http://rapidshare.com/files/149797768/RomPiaConVol30.part2.rar

Thursday, February 19, 2009

The Romantic Piano Concerto · Vol. 29 · Moscheles 2 & 3


The Romantic Piano Concerto · Vol. 29 · Moscheles 2 & 3
FLAC | Booklet | 305 MB | 2002



Howard Shelley (piano), Tasmanian Symphony Orchestra, Howard Shelley (conductor)


'Very agreeable music of the Romantic era, well constructed and melodious. Highly recommended' (International Record Review)

'Two concertos in richly-textured performances, full of decorative appeal and romantic melody' (The Daily Telegraph)

'Highly recommended' (Fanfare, USA)

'Howard Shelley … in his triple role of pianist, conductor and producer, offers yet another disc of aristocratic brilliance and distinction' (Gramophone)

'Shelley is one of our finest pianists and an excellent musician, and his playing has that crisp clarity which energises and highlights the music … Hardly a dull moment during this highly enjoyable disc' (musicweb.uk.net)



CD
Piano Concerto No 2 in E flat major, Op 56 Ignaz Moscheles (1794-1870)
Piano Concerto No 3 in G minor, Op 58
Anticipations of Scotland 'A grand fantasia', Op 75


http://rapidshare.com/files/191402170/Vol.29_Mosch_2_3.part1.rar
http://rapidshare.com/files/191412343/Vol.29_Mosch_2_3.part2.rar

Wednesday, February 18, 2009

The Romantic Piano Concerto Series · Vol. 28 · Zytmung Stojowski · Piano Concertos 1 & 2


The Romantic Piano Concerto · Vol. 28 · Zytmung Stojowski · Piano Concertos 1 & 2
APE 3.99 | CUE | Booklet | 230 MB

Jonathan Plowright (piano), BBC Scottish Symphony Orchestra, Martyn Brabbins (conductor)

DISC OF THE MONTH (MUZYKA 21, POLAND)


'This is a simply tremendous release … A truly great recording, an award-winner if ever I heard one' (International Record Review)

'Jonathan Plowright’s performances are a rare example of technical and musical integrity … both sound and balance are natural and exemplary' (Gramophone)

'A composer with a strong personal identity that never falls back on the commonplace or routine. Jonathan Plowright is on breathtaking form' (International Piano)

'This is a welcome addition to the Romantic Piano Concerto series that Hyperion is issuing. Jonathan Plowright plays both concertos brilliantly, and Martyn Brabbins leads the orchestra enthusiastically. The sound is superb' (American Record Guide)

'Jonathan Plowright has the chops and instinct for this kind of music … The first piano concerto alone would make this new release a must for mavens of neglected Romantic era works. However, its companion piece takes matters entirely to a new level. Stojowski’s Piano Concerto No. 2 deserves to be far better known, and this recording supplies an excellent introduction' (Fanfare, USA)

'Stojowski could hardly have found a better interpreter than Jonathan Plowright, who plays with affection, understanding and sometimes breathtaking virtuosity' (BBC Music Magazine)

CD
Piano Concerto No 1 in F sharp minor Op 3
Piano Concerto No 2 in A flat major (Prologue, Scherzo and Variations) Op 32

Jonathan Plowright
BBC Scottish Symphony Orchestra
Martyn Brabbins

http://rapidshare.com/files/149761264/RomPianoConVol28.part1.rar
http://rapidshare.com/files/149776627/RomPianoConVol28.part2.rar

Tuesday, February 17, 2009

The Romantic Piano Concerto Series · Vol. 27 · Saint-Saëns · Works for Piano and Orchestra


The Romantic Piano Concerto
Vol. 27 · Saint-Saëns · The Complete works for Piano and Orchestra

Flac | Booklet | 612 MB


Stephen Hough (piano), City of Birmingham Symphony Orchestra, Sakari Oramo (conductor)

GRAMOPHONE RECORD OF THE YEAR, 2002
PENGUIN GUIDE ROSETTE
DIAPASON D'OR

'Superlative' (The Independent)

'Superb' (The Guardian)

'A delightful set that does this underrated composer full credit' (Classic FM Magazine)

'It is unalloyed pleasure to sit through all five at a sitting … the quite outstanding pianism of Stephen Hough makes this an unmissable addition to anyone remotely interested in the barnstorming, physically exhilarating concertos of the late nineteenth century' (International Record Review)

'Superb … Hough’s new set in Hyperion’s outstanding Romantic Piano Concerto series sweeps the board' (The Guardian)

'Marvellous performances, full of joy, vigour and sparkle. The recording is in the demonstration bracket and this Hyperion set includes no fewer than four encores. An easy first choice' (The Penguin Guide to Compact Discs)

CD1
Piano Concerto No 1 in D major Op 17
Piano Concerto No 2 in G minor Op 22
Piano Concerto No 3 in E flat major Op 29
Wedding Cage Vlase-Caprice

CD2
Piano Concerto No 4 in C minor Op 44
Piano Concerto No 5 in F major Op 103
Rapsodie d'Auvergne
Allegro appasionato
Africa

Stephen Hough (piano)
City of Birmingham Symphony Orchestra
Sakari Oramo (conductor)


http://www.megaupload.com/?d=UBW55LJZ
http://www.megaupload.com/?d=PKTZMKNF

Monday, February 16, 2009

The Romantic Piano Concerto · Vol. 26 · Litolff Concertos Symphoniques 3 & 5


The Romantic Piano Concerto · Vol. 26 · Litolff Concertos Symphoniques 3 & 5
FLAC | Booklet | 344 MB | 2001


Peter Donohoe (piano), BBC Scottish Symphony Orchestra, Andrew Litton (conductor)

GRAMOPHONE EDITOR’S CHOICE

‘I found the first Litolff disc delightful, and this new release is just as captivating. Very warmly recommended’ (Fanfare, USA)

‘Few pianists of any nationality could approach, let alone top, Peter Donohoe’s blistering virtuosity in these works. This is an invaluable issue for lovers of intriguing repertoire and piano-playing of pulverising mastery’ (Gramophone)

'Peter Donohoe … is the ideal man for such music, while the BBCSSO under Andrew Litton offers razor-sharp support. A wonderfully clear recording' (BBC Music Magazine)

‘Donohoe’s pianism is ideally suited to this music, calling as it does for a brilliant, incisive tone, a dazzling leggiero touch and rhythmic punch … dash out and buy the disc forthwith’ (International Record Review)



CD
Concerto Symphonique 'National Hollandais' No 3 in E flat, Op 45 Henry Charles Litolff (1818-1891)
Concerto Symphonique No 5 in C minor, Op 123



http://rapidshare.com/files/189856992/Vol.26_Lito.part1.rar
http://rapidshare.com/files/190209345/Vol.26_Lito.part2.rar

Sunday, February 15, 2009

The Romantic Piano Concerto · Vol. 25 · MacDowell


The Romantic Piano Concerto · Vol. 25 · MacDowell
APE | Booklet | 381 MB | 2001
Seta Tanyel (piano) · BBC Scottish Symphony Orchestra · Martyn Brabbins (conductor)



'Vol. 25 in this Hyperion series deserves to become a best-seller' (Hi-Fi News)

'The piano writing exudes scintillation and brilliance and seems custom-made for Seta Tanyel's lush, colourful sonority and effortless leggiero fingerwork' (International Record Review)

'Technically impeccable … vivid and well produced' (Gramophone)

'[Tanyel] can totally identify with this kind of post-Lisztian lyric bravura style' (BBC Music Magazine)

'The Piano Concerto No 2 is a barnstorming, big-hearted, tune-filled warhorse of a piece that audiences would love if they heard it' (Punch)

'Seta Tanyel's thoughtful and richly coloured new performances make a distinguished addition to the catalog … a winner. Strongly recommended' (Fanfare, USA)



CD
Piano Concerto No 1 in A minor, Op 15 Edward MacDowell (1860-1908)
Second Modern Suite, Op 14
Piano Concerto No 2 in D minor, Op 23


http://rapidshare.com/files/189799305/Vol.25_MacDow.part1.rar
http://rapidshare.com/files/189828508/Vol.25_MacDow.part2.rar

Friday, February 13, 2009

The Romantic Piano Concerto · Vol. 23 · Holbrooke & Wood


The Romantic Piano Concerto · Vol. 23 · Holbrooke & Wood
FLAC | Booklet | 284 MB | 2000

Hamish Milne (piano), BBC Scottish Symphony Orchestra, Martyn Brabbins (conductor)

CLASSIC CD DISC OF THE MONTH

'Extremely well played by Hamish Milne and the excellent BBC Scottish Symphony. If you are attracted by the repertoire, give it a try: you will not be disappointed.' (International Record Review)

'Superlative performances of two forgotten British gems ... An altogether exemplary release.' (Gramophone)

'The playing is first class and the recording is super' (American Record Guide)

'Marvellous performances and recording' (Hi-Fi News & Record Review)

'Hamish Milne plays "to the manner born" in his elegant and mesmerizing realization of both scores. A must for the "Romantic" collector' (Fanfare, USA)

'One for the end of year awards. An outstanding issue in every way' (Classic CD)



CD
Piano Concerto No 1 'The Song of Gwyn ap Nudd', Op 52 Joseph Holbrooke (1878-1958)
Concerto in D minor for piano and orchestra Haydn Wood (1882-1959)


http://rapidshare.com/files/188333982/Vol23_Holb_Woo.part1.rar
http://rapidshare.com/files/188353497/Vol23_Holb_Woo.part2.rar

Thursday, February 12, 2009

The Romantic Piano Concerto Series · Vol. 22 · Busoni


The Romantic Piano Concerto · Vol. 22 · Busoni
APE | Booklet | 254 MB


Marc-André Hamelin (piano), City of Birmingham Symphony Orchestra, Mark Elder (conductor)

GRAMOPHONE EDITOR'S CHOICE
CLASSIC CD 100 GREATEST DISCS OF THE DECADE



'Sensational … Anyone who has the slightest doubts about Busoni's stature as a composer will surely be won over by this magisterial recording' (Piano International)

'Dark, turbulent, horribly difficult to play, very long - and probably my disc of the year … This fine new recording does full justice to every aspect of the work. [It] will surely help to establish Busoni as an unarguably major composer' (Classic CD)

'Busoni makes ridiculous demands on pianists, but in Marc-André Hamelin's hands, it all sounds perfectly reasonable. It isn't: it's noble, hilarious, impressive and gloriously over the top.' (BBC Music Magazine)

'Hamelin's account is quite extraordinary, especially in the cadenza, in which the virtuosity he unleashes reaches barely credible heights ... one of his finest achievements to date.' (International Piano Quarterly)

' A dazzling disc. If any pianist can clarify and define this bewildering work it is Hamelin, with his razor-sharp reflexes, a technique that knows no difficulties and, even more important, a ready sympathy for Busoni's abrupt changes of pace and direction ... a spine-tingling experience.' (Gramophone)

'Like no other performance that I've heard it proves what a richly enjoyable piece it is' (Gramophone)

'Another awe-inspiring feat from this prodigiously virtuosic Canadian' (Gramophone)


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Wednesday, February 11, 2009

The Romantic Piano Concerto Series · Vol. 21 – Dreyschock & Kullak


The Romantic Piano Concerto · Vol. 21 · Dreyschock & Kullak · Piano Concertos
FLAC | Booklet | 212 MB



Piers Lane (piano), BBC Scottish Symphony Orchestra, Niklas Willén (conductor)



'I can't stop playing the disk: the anticipation of a number of ear-tickling passages, notably in the Kullak, is too delicious for words. Effervescent, lightweight music transformed into entertaining and compelling minor masterpieces' (Classic CD)

'Performed with the kind of zestful spirit and communicative flair that his rightly won this series so many plaudits' (Gramophone)

'This is opne of the very finest of Hyperion's 'Romantic Piano Concertos' series (The Penguin Guide to Compact Discs)



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