Playlist for Wednesday, August 13

<- This is a new CD of Puccini's popular opera La Boheme. It's the first American Boheme recording in half a century.

Captured in concert in Atlanta in September 2007 and released this summer, it features a fresh young (i.e. age-appropriate), not-yet-brand-name cast, with the Atlanta Symphony Orchestra and Chorus led by Robert Spano. Norah Amsellem sings the part of the poor Parisian seamstress Mimi, and Marcus Haddock is the poet Rodolfo.

In the noon hour on GPB, we hear the second half of Act I, where Mimi and Rodolfo meet. They're in a cold garret, but as their hearts warm up the hit tunes come thick and fast.

(P.S. 8/18: The New York Times mentions the Atlanta Symphony's new Boheme recording in a substantial article about Puccini Sunday, August 17.)


11 AM

• Mozart: Piano Sonata in E-flat, K. 282. Leon Fleisher. Vanguard 1796.
• Vivaldi: Concerto in G minor for two cellos, RV 531. Academy of Ancient Music Berlin. Harmonia Mundi 901975.
• Ginastera: Malambo. Fernando Viani. Naxos 8.557911-12.
• Vaughan Williams: The Wasps, Aristophanic Suite. London Phil, Boult. EMI 47216.

12 N

• Winstin: Taliban Dances (Violin Concerto). Galyna Hornostai, Kiev Phil, Winstin. ERM 5555.
• Gaubert: Ancient Medallions. Smith, Lowe, Pinkas. Naxos 8.557305.
• Puccini: La Boheme, second half of Act I. Norah Amsellem, Marcus Haddock, Atlanta Sym Orch, Spano. Telarc 80697.
• Chen, P.: Autumn Moon on a Calm Lake. Li Fan. Centaur 2652.

1 PM

• Eccles: Orchestral Suite (made for the Queen's Coronation). Parley of Instruments, Holman. Hyperion 66817.
• Fibich: Quintet for piano, clarinet, horn, violin and cello, Op. 42. Endymion Ensemble. ASV 943.