Critics’ Choice
June 2013

Dear Friends,

Here comes a selection of the most glowing, recent reviews: fresh from leading music journals, quality dailies and respected online review sites. Naxos continues to accumulate outstanding ratings and reviews for its new and recent releases; please use the critical acclaim to continue to promote these titles.

Naxos Releases

Naxos 8.573057
SHOSTAKOVICH, D.: Symphonies, Vol. 8 - Symphony No. 7, "Leningrad"
Royal Liverpool Philharmonic, Petrenko

   

“Fresh, beautifully phrased and vividly recorded Petrenko’s Symphony No 7 clamours to be heard.” - BBC Music Magazine

“Petrenko will keep you riveted from first note to last” - International Record Review

“Petrenko and the RLPO’s recording of Shostakovich’s Leningrad Symphony stands apart as a treasurable, terrific affirmation of a towering masterpiece” - Sinfini Music

“This is a big-boned, satisfying blast of a performance.” - The Arts Desk

Naxos 8.573151
VILLA-LOBOS, H.: Symphonies Nos. 3, "War" and 4, "Victory"
Sao Paulo Symphony, Karabtchevsky

“These performances are even better than the first release in this ongoing cycle.” - ClassicsToday.com

Naxos 8.573051
RACHMANINOV, S.: Symphony No. 3 / Symphonic Dances
Detroit Symphony, Slatkin

“these performances are solid winners that will reward repeated listening”
- ClassicsToday.com

PENDERECKI, K.: Sinfonietta Nos. 1 and 2 / Capriccio / 3 Pieces in Old Style / Serenade
Warsaw Philharmonic Chamber Orchestra, Wit
Naxos 8.572212

PENDERECKI, K.: Fonogrammi / Horn Concerto / Partita / The Awakening of Jacob / Anaklasis / De natura sonoris No. 1
Warsaw Philharmonic, Wit
Naxos 8.572482

PENDERECKI, K.: Piano Concerto, "Resurrection" / Flute Concerto
B. Douglas, Dlugosz, Warsaw Philharmonic, Wit
Naxos 8.572696

“Wit and the WPO combine to produce a series of outstanding performances, technically and expressively comparable to, sometimes even surpassing, those of Penderecki” - MusicWeb International

Naxos 8.572710-11
MAYR, J.S.: Innalzamento al trono del giovane re Gioas [Oratorio]
Brown, Frey, Sellier, Burkhart, Simon Mayr Choir and Ensemble, Hauk

“Andrea Lauren Brown is brilliant and expressive in the fiery role of Sebia”
- Opera News

Naxos 8.573034
MOERAN, E.J.: Cello Concerto / Serenade / Lonely Waters / Whythorne's Shadow
Johnston, Ulster Orchestra, Falletta

“Guy Johnston responds with heaps of poetry and selfless dedication” - Gramophone

Naxos 8.573078
Choral Music - The Lost City: Lamentations Through the Ages
Sospiri, C. Watson

“The intensity and beauty never falter when interpreted by this exceptional group of singers under Christopher Watson and the two outstanding soloists.” - Choir & Organ

Naxos 8.572540
Choral Concert: Choir of St. John's, Elora - TAVENER, J. / STAINER, J. POULENC, F. / STANFORD, C.V.
Psalms and Motets for Reflection

“This is an exceptional and very handy collection of international choral motets and psalms.” - Classical Net

Naxos AudioBooks NA0121
THACKERAY, W.M.: Barry Lyndon (Unabridged)

“British voice artist Jonathan Keeble brings this amusing tale to life with his rich and wonderfully faceted voice.” - Library Journal




Distributed Labels

Arthaus 100373
BRITTEN, B.: Owen Wingrave (Studio Production, 2001) (NTSC)

“this new effort is strong in virtually every role and production aspect, and is the only video disc of the work available, thus making it a most desirable acquisition for fans of Britten and 20th-century opera” - Classical Net

C Major 723208
VERDI, G.: Rigoletto (Teatro Regio di Parma, 2008)

Cantaloupe Music CA-21088
BERMEL, D.: Canzonas Americanas
Alarm Will Sound, Pierson

“Pierson and AWS turn in performances that throb with crisp intensity when called for, while also displaying sensitivity to the many timbral colors that make Bermel’s music pulse, zing, and shimmer.” - NewMusicBox

Cedille CDR90000-139
VIOLIN LULLABIES

“Pine makes a completely absorbing, thoroughly entertaining program out of these 25 short works…and she very tastefully adds virtuoso touches” - ClassicsToday.com

Dacapo 8.226073
HOLMBOE, V.: Chamber Music, Vol. 1 - Primavera / Gioco / Flute Sonata / Ballata / Quartet
Ensemble MidtVest

“The Ensembl MidtVest play with polished delicacy but genuine relish, handling with apparent ease more than a few challenges while making the most of DaCapo’s impeccable sound.” - MusicWeb International

Delos DE3443
CHOPIN, F.: Mazurkas
Klara Min

“Min’s approach is immacuately detailed. Her technically brilliant playing, superb control of dynamics and intuitive musicianship are to the fore in these wonderful, sensitive and polished performances. - Classic FM

Grand Piano GP621
SCHMITT, F.: Piano Duet and Duo Works (Complete), Vol. 1
Invencia Piano Duo

“They [Invencia] play together with impeccable timing and elegance, not to mention considerable virtuosity, as this recital demonstrates.
- MusicWeb International

Oehms Classics OC690
WAGNER, R.: Overtures (arr. for organ) (Organ Fireworks)
H. Albrecht

“Albrecht’s playing, vibrant and nuanced, captures the music’s epic grandeur. - BBC Music Magazine

Opus Arte OA1101D
JANACEK, L.: Cunning Little Vixen (The) (Glyndebourne, 2012) (NTSC)

Solo Musica SM186
WILLIAMS, J.: Escapades / NYMAN, M.: Where the Bee Dances / ESHPAI, A.: Saxophone Concerto
Schulte-Bunert, Neue Philharmonie Westfalen, Forster

“Four great classical concerti for saxophone(s) and orchestra
- Audiophile Audition

Yarlung Records YAR14148
Vocal Recital: Cooke, Sasha - ADAMS, J. / CHAUSSON, E. / HANDEL, G.F. / MAHLER, G. (If You Love for Beauty)

“A rising star in great repertory with fantastic sound. Need convincing?
- Audiophile Audition


 

All the best,

Ricky Tsang
Assistant Corporate Marketing Manager

Naxos Group of Companies
Level 11, Cyberport 1, 100 Cyberport Road, Hong Kong
Tel: +852 2993-5622 / Mobile: +852 9161-2203
Fax: +852 2760-1962
Ricky.Tsang@naxos.com
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