Thursday, July 26
Three "warhorses" or "chestnuts" (classical music's most famous works) are bunched in a row today. In this triple feature, Vladimir Ashkenazy plays Schubert's Wanderer Fantasy, Arthur Grumiaux solos in Bruch's First Violin Concerto and John Eliot Gardiner conducts Mozart's Symphony No. 36. Here are the latter two recordings:
Each time I program a Mozart symphony I think, "We've aired Gardiner so many times; is it time for someone else today?" I duly compare a few CDs from GPB's library. But I often end up coming right back to Gardiner and his period-style English Baroque Soloists, for their exciting precision and energy. The way they punch the high note in the climax of the last phrase of the "Linz" Symphony thrills me every time. As the work runs 42 minutes before that moment, I very much hope you agree about the performers' merits.
11 AM
- Bliss: Ceremonial Prelude. Denver Brass, Graham (Klavier 11165)
- Vierdanck: Canzona in G. Parnassi Musici (CPO 777 205)
- Schubert: Wanderer Fantasy. Vladimir Ashkenazy (London 417 327)
- Bruch: Violin Concerto No. 1 in G minor. Arthur Grumiaux, Philharmonia Orch, Wallberg (PentaTone 5186 120)
- Mozart: "Linz" Symphony (No. 36 in C). English Baroque Soloists, Gardiner (Philips 422 419)
- Fasch: Trio in G minor. Epoca Barocca (CPO 777 204)
- Shostakovich: Ballet Suite No. 4. U.S. Air Force Band, Graham (Klavier 11167)
- Bach: Viola da Gamba Sonata No. 3. Walhout, Schenkman (Centaur 2715)
- Szymanowski: Dryads and Pan. Kramer, Durcan (Naxos 8.557748)
- Alnaes: Piano Concerto in D: Finale. Piers Lane, Bergen Phil, Litton (Hyperion 67555)
