News from the Naxos Music Group

Label of the Month

Check the email message for your free download link

Label of the Month – Naxos

Naxos was founded in 1987 and has developed from being known primarily as a budget label focusing on standard repertoire into a virtual encyclopaedia of classical music with a catalogue of unparalleled depth and breadth. Innovative strategies for recording exciting new repertoire with exceptional talent have enabled the Naxos label to develop one of the largest and fastest-growing catalogues of unduplicated repertoire. Over 10,000 titles are currently available at affordable prices, recorded in state-of-the-art sound, both in hard format and on digital platforms. Naxos works with artists of the highest calibre and its recordings have been recognised with numerous GRAMMY® awards, Penguin Guide 3-star recommendations, Gramophone Editor’s Choice Awards and many other international honours. Through relentless search for new repertoire, and through affordable prices, Naxos has enabled newcomers and life-long classical music lovers alike to discover both music they love and music they didn’t know existed.

NOVEMBER AND DECEMBER HIGHLIGHTS

WAGNER, R. Ring des Nibelungen (Der): Götterdämmerung [Opera]

8.660428-31

Also available in
Blu-ray Audio format (NBD0075A)

WAGNER, R.: Ring des Nibelungen (Der) [Operas]

8.501403

8.660444-46

RIHM, W.: Violin and Orchestra Music, Vol. 1

8.573812

Also available
with slipcase (8.551404)

ROSSINI, G.: Piano Music, Vol. 11 - Péchés de vieillesse: Chamber Music and Rarities, Vol. 4

8.573964

CASTELNUOVO-TEDESCO, M.: Violin Concerto No. 3 / String Trio / Sonata for Violin and Cello

8.574003

Instrumental Ensemble Music (Baroque) (A German Christmas)

8.551398

Orchestral Music (Baroque) - LULLY, J.-B. / MUFFAT, G. / MARAIS, M. (The Versailles Revolution)

8.573868

MARX, J.: Orchestral Works, Vol. 1 - Natur-Trilogie (Nature Trilogy)

8.573831

Harp Recital: Netzer, Elisa - HODEL, S. / KHACHATURIAN, A.I. / MAAYANI, A. / MORTARI, V. / PARADIES, P.D. / ROTA, N. / SCARLATTI, A.

8.573835

TWARDOWSKI, R.: Violin Concerto / Spanish Fantasia / Serenade / Niggunim / Capriccio in Blue

8.579031

SCARLATTI, D.: Keyboard Sonatas (Complete), Vol. 21

8.573795

HAYDN, J.: Schöpfung (Die) (The Creation) [Oratorio]

2.110581

Also available in
Blu-ray format (NBD0080V)

2.110582

Also available in
Blu-ray format (NBD0081V)

ROSTROPOVICH, Mstislav: Indomitable Bow (The) (Documentary, 2017) (NTSC)

2.110583

Also available in
Blu-ray format (NBD0082V)

GAVEAUX, P.: Léonore, ou L'amour conjugal [Opera] (Opera Lafayette, 2017) (NTSC)

2.110591

Also available in
Blu-ray format (NBD0085V)

www.naxos.com

Composer Lalo Schifrin receives Honorary Oscar®

© Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences

On November 18 the Academy of Motion Pictures Arts and Sciences presented an Honorary Oscar to Argentine composer Lalo Schifrin at the 2018 Governors Awards, which is the annual ceremony honouring extraordinary distinction in lifetime achievement, exceptional contributions to the state of motion picture arts and sciences, or outstanding service to the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences itself. This year, the ceremony took place at the Ray Dolby Ballroom in Hollywood, California, at which Schifrin was one of three to receive a coveted Honorary Oscar, along with actress Cicely Tyson and publicist Marvin Levy.

Born and raised in Argentina, Schifrin studied classical music and jazz in France before beginning to compose for film in Buenos Aires in the mid-1950s. He has written scores for more than 100 films, including The Cincinnati Kid, Bullitt, Dirty Harry, Enter the Dragon and Rush Hour. His memorable theme for the television series Mission: Impossible has been a hallmark of the recent film series. He has received six Oscar® nominations, for the original scores for Cool Hand Luke (1967), The Fox (1968), Voyage of the Damned (1976) and The Amityville Horror (1979), the original song People Alone from The Competition (1980) and the adaptation score for “The Sting II” (1983).

Schifrin is the third composer in the Academy's history to receive such an award; Alex North was a recipient in 1985, Ennio Morricone in 2006. You may watch the video of Schifrin’s full acceptance speech in the following video:

GP776

In November 2017 Grand Piano released a recording of Schifrin’s piano works performed by a fellow Argentinian, pianist Mirian Conti. The album includes several world premiere recordings, including a unique piano arrangement of the famous theme to “Mission: Impossible” and his Jazz Piano Sonata No. 1. It received a 5-star rating from Film Score Monthly, commenting “Conti’s performances connect well with the rhythmic vitality of Schifrin’s music, ably delivering the gorgeous melodic content and rich, extended jazz harmonies. The recording features a crisp, dry acoustic that allows for good clarity.”

In the following podcast, Raymond Bisha introduces this recording of his stylistically intriguing piano works that encompass a jazz sonata, tango, Argentine folk dance, and a Lullaby for Jack.

Podcast: Lalo Schifrin. An immense talent. A wide reach.

Love film music? The following playlists feature some of the most iconic music from TV and film including Star Wars, Superman, Star Trek, E.T. (Extra-Terrestrial), Harry Potter and other classical favourite from recognizable commercials.

Paganini Genova Festival 2018

As a tribute to Nicolò Paganini, one of history's greatest violinists, his home town organised the Paganini Genova Festival that comprised a full programme of concerts, artistic and cultural events. The festival took place between 2 and 28 October and featured a series of top-level international performances staged all around the city, including at Paganini’s memorial sites.

Dynamic was invited to the festival as part of the label’s 40th anniversary celebrations. Danilo Prefumo, Dynamic's artistic director, gave a presentation about the label’s history, culminating with a performance by violinist Giulio Plotino, who played a selection of items from the Paganini album he released in May this year.

Danilo Prefumo,
Dynamic's artistic director

Violinist Giulio Plotino

Violinist Luca Fanfoni, Dynamic’s label director Alberto Dellepiane and Dynamic’s artistic director Danilo Prefumo

Historical recording machines

Alberto Dellepiane with historical recording machine

PAGANINI, N.: Paganini Edition (Complete) (40-CD Box Set)

CDS7734.40

To mark its 40th anniversary this year, Dynamic released the most important product in its entire catalogue with all of Paganini's works collected in a single 40-CD box set. The collection was enthusiastically received by critics and the public alike, as can be seen from the following reviews.

“This attractively-priced big box deserves a home in the music libraries of classical radio stations and conservatories.” – ClassicsToday.com

“This is perhaps one of the most important releases in the entire Dynamic catalogue and perhaps even in the entire recording history.” – Stretto.be

Paganini was not only supremely proficient with a violin, but he played the cello and guitar as well, and also composed music for these instruments. This special recording from Dynamic features some of Paganini's most beautiful works for the violin, cello and guitar, superbly performed by violinist Giulio Plotino, cellist Clemens Hagen and guitarist Matteo Mela on instruments originally owned by Paganini himself.

“Giulio Plotino settles in for an hour of tasteful, enjoyable chamber works, and he gets to work with two apparently like-minded artists.”
– American Record Guide

“Much the same can be said of Matteo Mela’s captivating guitar playing, which emerges free of highly strung intensity (in every sense) and Clemens Hagen’s magnificent Stradivari, which can be heard in a glowing performance of the Terzetto.” – The Strad

PAGANINI, N.: Terzetto / Guitar Sonata No. 33 / Sonata concertata (His Music, His Instruments)

CDS7795

You may also follow the “Paganini: The Virtuoso” playlist, featuring outstanding interpreter of Paganini such as Ruggiero Ricci, Luigi Alberto Bianchi, Massimo Quarta, Stefan Milenkovich, Franco Mezzena and more.

ICMA 2018 Nominations

Eight recordings from the Naxos label are among the recently announced nominations for the 2019 International Classical Music Awards (ICMA). The Naxos releases appear in seven categories.

TCHAIKOVSKY, B.: Piano Trio / Cello Sonata / Cello Suite

8.573783

LIPIŃSKI, K.: Trios for 2 Violins and Cello, Opp. 8 and 12

8.573776

We received two nominations in the Chamber Music category, the first for a programme of music by Boris Tchaikovsky (8.573783), who distinguished himself as one of the most original composers of the post-Shostakovich generation. Two works on the release—the Cello Sonata and Solo Cello Suite—were written for Mstislav Rostropovich who declared, ‘I consider him to be a genius, whose contribution to the cello repertoire has yet to be sufficiently appreciated.’ The second nomination in this category is for a highly attractive programme of trios for 2 violins and cello (Opp. 8 and 12) by the Polish-born virtuoso and composer Karol Józef Lipiński (8.573776).

8.573706

The nomination in the Symphonic Music category goes to our recording of Louise Farrenc’s Symphonies 2 and 3, (8.573706) performed by Solistes Européens, Luxembourg, conducted by Christoph König. Pursuing a musical career was no easy matter for women in the 19th century, but Farrenc’s character and determination resulted in her becoming a much respected figure on the European scene.

HOSOKAWA, Toshio: Orchestral Works, Vol. 3

8.573733

Volume 3 in our series of recordings of Toshio Hosokawa’s orchestral works (8.573733) receives a nomination in the Contemporary Music category. The programme features an orchestral triptych—Meditation, Nach dem Sturm and Klage—which represents the award-winning composer’s response to the 2011 Tōhoku earthquake and tsunami.

RACHMANINOV, S.: Piano Concerto No. 3 / Variations on a Theme of Corelli

8.573630

Our nomination in the Assorted Programmes category is for Boris Giltburg’s widely acclaimed performance of Rachmaninov’s Piano Concerto No. 3 (8.573630), coupled with the same composer’s Variations on a Theme of Corelli for piano solo. This echoes Boris’ nomination in last year’s awards for a similar pairing of works by Shostakovich.

SIBELIUS, J.: Incidental Music (6-CD Box Set)

8.506032

Our 6-disc boxed set of Sibelius’ incidental music (8.506032) receives a nomination in the Best Collection category. This body of work for the theatre is often overshadowed by the composer’s great symphonies, but conductor Leif Segerstam leads the Turku Philharmonic in thoroughly engaging performances, collectively described by Gramophone as “an absorbing journey of discovery.”

HANDEL, G.F.: Agrippina [Opera] (Theater an der Wien, 2016) (Blu-ray, HD)

NBD0078V

Handel’s opera Agrippina (NBD0078V) receives a nomination in the Video Performance category. Arguably Handel’s definitive opera, it brims with overwhelming melodic power, vivid characterisations and sheer theatrical power, topped off by a wonderful performance by star soprano Danielle de Niese in a production by the internationally respected stage director Robert Carsen.

NBD0063-64V

Finally, our nomination in the Video Documentaries category goes to Bel Canto – The Tenors of the 78 Era (NBD0063-64V), our documentary series about the great tenors and bel canto style of singing in the first half of the 20th century by Jan Schmidt-Garre. Using a wealth of rare restored material, this thirteen-part documentary series presents the great tenors from Enrico Caruso to Jussi Björling.

Naxos’ affiliated labels together received a further twenty nominations, distributed as follows: Capriccio (2), Oehms Classics (9) Ondine (5), Opus Arte (1), Orfeo (2), SWR (1). Further details of these recordings can be found on www.naxos.com.

PROKOFIEV, S.: Ivan the Terrible (reconstructed original motion picture score)

C5311

C5326

OC974

DALLAPICCOLA, L.: Prigioniero (Il) [Opera]

OC970

Vocal Recital (Baritone): Kränzle, Johannes Martin - KLEIN, R.R. / MAHLER, G. / MARTIN, F. / RAVEL, M. (Das ewige Rätsel)

OC1887

OC972

GLAZUNOV, A.K.: Seasons (The) / TCHAIKOVSKY, P.I.: Serenade

OC1889

OC971

RACHMANINOV, S: Piano Concerto No. 3 / Corelli Variations / Piano Sonata No. 2

OC1896

SIBELIUS, J.: Symphony No. 2 / GRIEG, E.: Symphonic Dance, Op. 64, No. 2 / Våren

OC457

STRAVINSKY, I.: Symphony in E-Flat Major / Suites Nos. 1 and 2

OC1888

BARTÓK, B.: Violin Concertos Nos. 1 and 2

ODE1317-2

BEETHOVEN, L. van: Piano Concertos Nos. 2 and 4

ODE1311-2

ODE1316-2

LINDBERG, M.: Tempus fugit / Violin Concerto No. 2

ODE1308-5

TÜÜR, E.-S.: Illuminatio / Whistles and Whispers from Uluru / Symphony No. 8

ODE1303-2

Violin Concertos - BERNSTEIN, L. / KORNGOLD, E.W. / RÓZSA, M. (American Concertos)

C932182A

EINEM, G. von: Philadelphia Symphony / Geistliche Sonate / Stundenlied

C929181A

Lieder Recital: Wunderlich, Fritz - BEETHOVEN, L. van / BRAHMS, J. / SCHUBERT, F. / SCHUMANN, R. / WOLF, H. / STRAUSS, R. (1955-1965)

SWR19064CD

DEAN, B.: Hamlet [Opera] (Glyndebourne, 2017) (NTSC)

OA1254D

The ICMA is one of the most important awards bodies of the global classical music scene, representing the opinions of eighteen professional music critics from different countries. The ICMA nominations recognise creativity, imagination in choice of repertoire and artistic excellence. The final results announcing the ICMA winners will be published in January 2019, and we wish all artists, musicians, producers and everyone involved in creating these recordings the best of luck!

For more information, visit www.icma-info.com.

Götterdämmerung –
Wagner’s legendary finale

Götterdämmerung – Wagner’s legendary finale

8.660428-31

The four-year epic saga of the Hong Kong Philharmonic Orchestra’s Wagner Ring Cycle finally comes to the end with Götterdämmerung. Conducted by the orchestra’s music director Jaap van Zweden, the conclusion of this highly-acclaimed project features an all-star international Wagner cast, led by soprano Gun-Brit Barkmin in her debut as Brünnhilde, tenor Daniel Brenna as Siegfried, bass-baritone Shenyang as Gunther, bass Eric Halfvarson as Hagen, soprano Amanda Majeski as Gutrune and mezzo-soprano Michelle DeYoung as Waltraute, with the Bamberg Symphony Chorus, Latvian State Choir and the Hong Kong Philharmonic Chorus.

In the following videos, Jaap van Zweden and the singers talk about their role in Götterdämmerung.

Jaap van Zweden, conductor

Gun-Brit Barkmin, Soprano (Brünnhilde)

Eric Halfvarson, Bass (Hagen)

Shenyang, Bass-baritone (Gunther)

Michelle DeYoung, Mezzo-soprano (Waltraute)

Daniel Brenna, Tenor (Siegfried)

8.501403
[14-CD Boxed Set]

The complete Der Ring des Nibelungen is also released as a special boxed set this month. Containing 14 CDs, the box also features a USB Card loaded with extra content, including the libretti to all four operas, concert photos and behind-the-scenes videos.

Difficult to sit through almost 15 hours of the complete Ring Cycle? Then check out this playlist of selected highlights from the tetralogy, now available on Spotify and Apple Music!

OPUS ARTE joins
Naxos Music Group

OPUS ARTE joins Naxos Music Group

Naxos is happy to announce its acquisition of the Opus Arte label from the Royal Opera House. The acquisition marks an important step in the company's expansion of its audiovisual activities, as video is gaining importance in the classical music industry.

The Naxos Music Group has been distributing the label worldwide almost since its launch in 1999. Opus Arte is one of the most important top-line international DVD and Blu-ray labels today, focused on opera, ballet and theatre. The acquisition includes an important catalogue of some 600 productions, many of which are also available for licensing for television and video on demand. While productions of the Royal Opera House are central to its activities, Opus Arte also regularly releases productions of its key partners, such as the Royal Shakespeare Company, The Globe and Glyndebourne.

With the addition of the Opus Arte catalogue, the Naxos Music Group holds rights to some 1,600 audiovisual programmes and is now a major player in the business of performing arts on screen. Along with the acquisition of Opus Arte, the Naxos Music Group signed a long-term cooperation agreement with the Royal Opera House, giving Naxos the first option to distribute and market new and upcoming audiovisual recordings of opera and ballet performances from the Royal Opera House on DVD and Blu-ray, as well as to television, video on demand platforms and educational and other licensing partners.

Royal Opera House Chief Executive Alex Beard said: “We are delighted to hand over the reins to Naxos, the world’s leading classical music label. Naxos will take Opus Arte on to its next exciting phase, ensuring the multi-platform production and distribution company remains at the forefront of delivering high-quality opera, theatre and ballet to audiences world-wide.”

Klaus Heymann, the Founder and Chairman of the Naxos Music Group, expresses his delight at the new acquisition and with the future relationship: "Our group has been distributing Opus Arte for many years and I am familiar with the outstanding artistic and technical quality of the productions. I am happy that the distribution relationship has changed into ownership and one of close cooperation in future productions. We are delighted to advise that the experienced team that has run the label for many years will stay on board and develop and further expand the label, to maintain and strengthen its position in the market, now as part of the Naxos Music Group.”

L-R: David Blake, Managing Director, Select UK; Jeremy Wilkinson, Head of Label, Opus Arte; Klaus Heymann, Chairman, Naxos Music Group; Erwin Stürzer, General Manager, Naxos Audiovisual Division; Rameses Villanueva, Chief Financial Officer, Naxos Music Group; Volker Schirp, Label Coordinator, Opus Arte

RECENT AND NOTABLE RELEASES
Available in both DVD and Blu-ray formats

NOV 2018

BERNSTEIN CELEBRATION - Yugen / The Age of Anxiety / Corybantic Games [Ballets] (Royal Ballet, 2018) (NTSC)

OA1276D

NOV 2018

ROSSINI, G.: Cenerentola (La) / Il barbiere di Siviglia [Operas] (Glyndebourne, 2005-2016) (3-DVD Box Set) (NTSC)

OA1277BD

NOV 2018

SHAKESPEARE, W.: Coriolanus (Royal Shakespeare Company, 2017) (NTSC)

OA1274D

BENJAMIN, G.: Written On Skin (Royal Opera House, 2013) (NTSC)

OA1125D

GLASS, P.: Einstein on the Beach (Châtelet, 2014) (NTSC)

OA1178D

ADAMS, J.: Doctor Atomic (DNO, 2007) (NTSC)

OA0998D

www.opusarte.com

Haydn’s Die Schöpfung –
a stunning multimedia production

Haydn’s Die Schöpfung – a stunning multimedia production

Haydn’s oratorio Die Schöpfung (The Creation) is one of the greatest masterpieces in the repertoire. Its libretto was constructed by Gottfried van Swieten who took texts from the Book of Genesis, the Psalms, and his own original poetry. In this radical and compelling staging by the ground-breaking Catalan theatre collective, La Fura dels Baus, and stage director Carlus Padrissa, the oratorio is seen through the prism of a stream of refugees expelled from Paradise. For Padrissa, the work was less a political statement but more the ‘theatre paying attention to the adventure of life’, and as he explained: ‘Everything is political if you take it from life. Theatre must be about testing our freedoms and trying to mobilise the audience.’

HAYDN, J.: Schöpfung (Die) (The Creation) [Oratorio] (NTSC)

2.110581

The performance is conducted by Laurence Equilbey (musical director of the critically acclaimed period instruments ensemble Insula orchestra and the choir accentus)who is acknowledged for her demanding, open-minded approach to conducting. It also features the Norwegian soprano Mari Eriksmoen, whose ‘voice is a delight from start to finish’ (Le Monde), leading Austrian baritone Daniel Schmutzhard, and the Austrian tenor Martin Mitterrutzner. Stunning light projections envelop the stage, while the philosophical and scientific perspectives that are presented make this truly an oratorio for our time.

Also available in Blu-ray (NBD0080V)

Tenor John Dazsak as Gustav von Aschenbach (left) and Company | © Javier del Real

Tenor John Dazsak as Gustav von Aschenbach (center) and Company | © Javier del Real

Tenor John Dazsak as Gustav von Aschenbach | © Javier del Real

More full-length videos? NaxosVideoLibrary.com brings you an extensive streaming video library of classical music performances, opera, ballet, live concerts and documentaries. Watch the world's greatest opera houses, ballet companies, orchestras and artists perform on demand! NaxosVideoLibrary.com offers over 2,800 full-length videos, accessible anytime, anywhere.

Subscribe to Naxos' YouTube channel for the latest trailers featuring our exciting new releases.

The Favourite

The final volume of Rossini's
Péchés de vieillesse

The final volume of Rossini's Péchés de vieillesse

This is the eleventh and final volume in our series representing the flip-side of Rossini the opera composer, namely the complete edition of his intimate Péchés de vieillesse that comprise Rossini's complete piano works and other chamber music pieces. While there are alternative recordings of parts of the Péchés de vieillesse, our comprehensive approach includes numerous premiere recordings and puts the Naxos edition way ahead of the field.

“The artist who brings all these diverse works together (and who has made it a labor of love to bring about this series) is pianist Alessandro Marangoni. In addition to being a real advocate for Rossini’s piano music, [he plays] these works with elegance and genuine Rossini style… Marangoni should be commended for his dedication to this rather neglected body of work and Naxos is to be applauded for bringing us this series of CDs.” – American Rossini Society

8.573964

Volume 11 completes Alessandro Marangoni’s monumental project to record all 200 or so individual works comprising the Péchés de vieillesse or ‘Sins of Old Age’ (including some preliminary sketches). Highlights include all four duets from the collection, from the highly operatic Le gittane to Un sou, in which two beggars try to sell the collar of their dead dog. Rossini’s sacred or pious songs, such as the surprisingly intense Ave Maria (su due note) prompted Richard Wagner’s response, ‘the Parisian salons have turned into prayer cells…extraordinary!’ The closing piece of this edition is appropriately a setting by Rossini of his own name.

Click here to read a behind-the-scenes interview with Alessandro Marangoni.

PREVIOUS RELEASES IN THE PÉCHÉS DE VIEILLESSE EDITION

ROSSINI, G.: Piano Music, Vol. 1 - Peches de vieillesse, Vols. 7, 9

8.570590-91

“[Marangoni] seems to have a very good feel for Rossini. He has a beautiful legato touch and a keen sense of phrasing-both qualities absolutely essential for this music.”
– American Record Guide

ROSSINI, G.: Piano Music, Vol. 2 - Peches de vieillesse, Vol. 6

8.570766

“This music, all surfaces reflecting gilded salons, requires a high level of artistry to pull off. Marangoni sparkles and seduces over and over again.”
– Toronto Star ★★★★

ROSSINI, G.: Piano Music, Vol. 3 - Peches de vieillesse, Vol. 5

8.572315

“Naxos’s cycle of the Péchés by the young Italian pianist Alessandro Marangoni has been consistently enjoyable.”
– AllMusic.com

ROSSINI, G.: Piano Music, Vol. 4 - Peches de vieillesse, Vols. 8, 9

8.572608-09

“It is the richness, the contrast among these pieces that makes them so delightful to hear, and Marangoni’s free-and-easy virtuosity lets listeners focus on the delights of the music.”
– Infodad.com

ROSSINI, G.: Piano Music, Vol. 5 - Peches de vieillesse, Vol. 12

8.573050

“Marangoni is convinced there is value in this music, and has been making his case the only way he knows how: with sparkling, totally committed performances that belie its technical challenges.”
– Musical Toronto

ROSSINI, G.: Piano Music, Vol. 6 - Peches de vieillesse, Vols. 4, 6, 10 and 14

8.573107

“This is an elegant pianist who can also ‘sing’.”
– American Record Guide

★★★★

ROSSINI, G.: Piano Music, Vol. 7 - Péchés de vieillesse, Vols. 1-3, 10, 11 and 14

8.573292

“Marangoni remains as consistently attentive to the lightness of touch that Rossini brought to composing as he has been in the preceding releases.”
– Examiner.com

ROSSINI, G.: Piano Music, Vol. 8 - Péchés de vieillesse: Chamber Music and Rarities, Vol. 1

8.573822

“The lightness and irony that we find in the interpretations of Alessandro Marangoni and his companions… seduce the listener from the first to the last note.”
– Musica ★★★★★

ROSSINI, G.: Piano Music, Vol. 9 - Péchés de vieillesse: Chamber Music and Rarities, Vol. 2

8.573864

“Pianist Alessandro Marangoni is a superb partner with all three soloists; his depth of expression and ensemble are flawless. He especially has a gift for Viennese-type flexibility in waltz.”
– American Record Guide

8.573865

“A delightful record.”
– Ritmo

Christmas with
choral master John Rutter

Christmas with choral master John Rutter

Like holly and ivy, frankincense and myrrh, John Rutter and Christmas were made for each other. Cue 'sweet singing in the choir' and the sweetest of all probably implicates one or more of the carols that have become his trademark calling card. Composed while Rutter was still at school, The Shepherd's Pipe Carol has danced its way through concerts and festive services for over half a century now, en route the sheet music selling comfortably north of a million copies.

But Rutter is a composer for all seasons, not just Christmas. And if his music instinctively gravitates towards the human voice (frequently orbiting sacred texts), The Beatles Concerto for two pianos and orchestra of 1977 provides a classical home for some of the Fab Four's greatest hits. And among other large-scale works are the exuberant Gloria written for America, a jubilant Te Deum setting, and the Requiem, whose ensemble version was given its premiere recording by the Choir of Clare College, Cambridge (Rutter's alma mater) on Naxos. There's no getting away from it, though. Seasonal cheer is wired into Rutter's DNA: a new carol is in the offing, and the now-traditional concerts with the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra are just around the corner. Whether as conductor or arranger, he'll soon be as ubiquitous as Santa yet again. It's beginning to feel a lot like Christmas…

Click here to read the online article on BBC Music Magazine featuring an exclusive interview with John Rutter.

MORE RECORDINGS OF JOHN RUTTER’S MUSIC

RUTTER, J.: Psalmfest / This is the Day / Lord, Thou hast been our refuge / Psalm 150

8.573394

“An attractive, beautifully recorded recital that will greatly please fans of Rutter and fine singing.”
– Choir and Organ ★★★★★

8.557130

“This is one of Rutter's finest and most convincing works.”
– American Record Guide

RUTTER, J.: Gloria / Magnificat / Te Deum

8.572653

“Andrew Lucas’s St Albans choristers are on sparkling form, with first-class support from organist Tom Winpenny and the Ensemble DeChorum who scrupulously adhere to every one of the score’s markings.”
– Gramophone

RUTTER: Mass of the Children / Shadows / Wedding Canticle

8.557922

“Everything is brilliantly performed and caught in plush, colorful sound.”
– American Record Guide

Check out the following playlists and discover these collections of Christmas classics, the perfect soundtracks for all your holiday celebrations!

A Celebration of English Christmas Music

Specials from ArkivMusic

Podcast: Chamber music
by Castelnuovo-Tedesco

Marin Alsop begins first recording project with the Vienna RSO

Marin Alsop has been officially appointed as the next chief conductor at the ORF Vienna Radio Symphony Orchestra (Vienna RSO), succeeding Cornelius Meister. She takes up the post in September 2019, during the orchestra’s 50th anniversary. She is the orchestra’s first female chief conductor. Alsop took part in a press conference in Vienna on 7 November, together with ORF director general Alexander Wrabetz, ORF radio director Monika Eigensperger and RSO orchestra director Christoph Becher.

The first collaboration between Alsop and RSO Vienna took place in 2014 in a concert featuring works by Leonard Bernstein and Gustav Mahler. Alsop’s very first project for Naxos with RSO Vienna began this November and involves recordings of Robert Schumann’s Four Symphonies.

"This week in Vienna with the amazing musicians at Vienna RSO and Robert Schumann's wonderful music has once again increased my expectation of cooperation in the coming years. It is currently in the middle of planning for the orchestra’s 50th anniversary in 2019, and for the following concert seasons, working out a series of varied and unique programmes. I am honoured to be starting this journey in this great musical city - here's to the start of this new chapter,” said Alsop.

Here are some images from the first recording session:

CRITICALLY ACCLAIMED TITLES FEATURING MARIN ALSOP

BERNSTEIN, L.: Orchestral Music (Complete Naxos Recordings) (8-CD Box Set)

8.508018

“Performances as fine as Bernstein’s own, and sometimes even better.”
– ClassicsToday.com

★★★★★

PROKOFIEV, S.: Romeo and Juliet [Ballet]

8.573534-35

“First-rate performance … essential listening for Prokofiev fans.”
– AllMusic.com

★★★★★

★★★★

★★★★★

★★★★

DVORAK, A.: Symphony No. 9, "From the New World" / Symphonic Variations

8.570714

“An account full of warmth, moments of high drama, and, above all, finely paced with a flowing, spontaneous feeling.”
– Gramophone

BARTOK, B.: Concerto for Orchestra / Music for Strings, Percussion and Celesta

8.572486

“Full, rich, and warm sounding Bartók, with glorious string tone”
– American Record Guide

★★★★

SELECTED HIGHLIGHTS FROM THE VIENNA RADIO SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA’S DISCOGRAPHY

C5320

“The Vienna Radio Symphony does deliver what a good radio orchestra should, clarity and transparency.”
– Fanfare

★★★★★

★★★★

COATES, G.: Symphony No. 15 / Cantata da Requiem / Transitions

8.559371

“Performances do the music credit, and the sound is very good”
– Audiophile Audition

ZEMLINSKY, A.: Florentinische Tragödie (Eine) [Opera]

C5325

“The richness of the Vienna Radio Symphony Orchestra’s playing in this 2010 concert recording are…extremely compelling.”
– Gramophone

★★★★★

BEETHOVEN, L. van: Symphony No. 2 / BRAHMS, J.: Rinaldo

OC673

“The chorus and orchestra…are excellent, as is Oehms’s multichannel recording.”
– Fanfare

Enjoy this playlist from Marin Alsop, featuring orchestral works by Bernstein, Prokofiev, Brahms, Mahler, Adams and more.

www.marinalsop.com • rso.orf.at/en/rsowien

Playlists
for November

Playlists for November

It’s already November, and as always, we have a varied slate of classical playlists to fill your month with the perfect musical accompaniment. First, we have a very special playlist featuring the conclusion of the highly-acclaimed, four-year epic saga of the Hong Kong Philharmonic Orchestra’s Wagner Ring Cycle featuring an all-star international Wagner cast led by legendary music director Jaap Van Zweden. Second, whether you’re celebrating Thanksgiving or hosting family and friends for a festive meal in your home, unCLASSIFIED’s Cooking with Classical can provide delightful entertainment as your culinary soundtrack. Next, we encourage you to take in the best that Grand Piano has to offer with its Critics’ Choice playlist, featuring the most critically acclaimed works in its illustrious catalogue. And finally, in honour of Veteran’s Day / Armistice Day is our In Memoriam playlist, to pay tribute to those who valiantly served their countries. Save these playlists to your libraries today to enjoy now and throughout the year.

Don’t forget to follow Naxos on these streaming sites

Artist of
the Month

JoAnn Falletta

Artist of the Month – JoAnn Falletta

“One of the most imaginative and dependable conductors at work today” – Fanfare

JoAnn Falletta serves as music director of the Buffalo Philharmonic and Virginia Symphony and is the principal guest conductor of the Brevard Music Center of North Carolina. She has guest conducted over a hundred orchestras in North America, and many of the most prominent orchestras in Europe, Asia, South America and Africa. She served as principal conductor of the Ulster Orchestra from 2011 to 2014, with whom she made her debut at London’s BBC Proms and recorded music of Gustav Holst, E.J. Moeran and John Knowles Paine. Recipient of the Seaver/National Endowment for the Arts Conductors Award, winner of the Stokowski Competition, and the Toscanini, Ditson and Bruno Walter conducting awards, Falletta became the first female conductor to lead a major American ensemble upon her appointment as music director of the Buffalo Philharmonic Orchestra in 1999. She has received twelve ASCAP awards, served on the U.S. National Council on the Arts, and is a member of the American Academy of Arts and Sciences. A champion of American music, she has presented over five hundred works by American composers including well over a hundred world premieres. Her Naxos recordings include the double GRAMMY® Award-winning disc of works by John Corigliano and GRAMMY® nominated discs of works by Dohnányi, Fuchs, Gershwin, Hailstork, Holst, Respighi, Schubert, Strauss and Tyberg.

Conductor Gerard Schwarz had a conversation with Falletta for his “Behind the Baton” series. In the following video, Falletta talks about her musical journey:

NOTABLE RELEASES FEATURING JOANN FALLETTA

OCT 2018

SCHREKER, F.: Geburtstag der Infantin Suite (Der) / Vorspiel zu einem Drama / Romantische Suite

8.573821

Franz Schreker was a prominent figure in early 20th-century Austro-German music, his reputation as an opera composer rivalling that of Richard Strauss. The Prelude to a Drama is the concert overture of Schreker’s acclaimed opera Die Gezeichneten, a lurid drama involving murder and madness. Conceived as a theatrical pantomime, The Birthday of the Infanta adapts Oscar Wilde’s tragic tale of an ugly dwarf who dies of a broken heart, while the Romantic Suite fully explores the composer’s colourfully detailed and translucent orchestration and lyrical expressiveness.

“JoAnn Falletta turns in another fine recording of less than familiar repertoire.” – ClassicsToday.com

AUG 2018

FUCHS, K.: Piano Concerto, "Spiritualist" / Poems of Life / Glacier / Rush

8.559824

Kenneth Fuchs is one of America’s leading composers. He celebrates his unique fifteen-year recording history with conductor JoAnn Falletta and the London Symphony Orchestra with this stunning release of three new concertos and an orchestral song cycle.

“This latest Fuchs/Naxos disc, marking 15 years of his recording with conductor Falletta, bears real gems.” – BBC Music Magazine ★★★★