CD Album reviews
Reviews on the Web
May 2025 ∙ MusicWeb International ∙ Rob Challinor ∙ Poldi Mildner ∙ German Broadcast Recordings 1933-1961
The treasures keep on coming in this third packed volume of Poldi Mildner’s dynamic and exciting playing. Meloclassic’s three volumes thankfully grant us a wider picture of her big repertoire for solo piano and give us a wonderful opportunity to learn more about this rather forgotten pianist. Production, restoration and presentation are all first class and pretty much everything here makes me hungry for more – though I’d better not push my luck with the archive gods.
May 2025 ∙ MusicWeb International ∙ Stephen Greenbank ∙ Legendary Italian Violinists · Wanda Luzzato · Aldo Ferraresi · Renato de Barbieri
This 2 CD set from Meloclassic focuses its attention on three Italian violinists who made their careers in the twentieth century. By 2016, when Meloclassic issued their volume of Wanda Luzzato recordings, the violinist’s name had faded into obscurity. One reason for this is that she never made any commercial recordings. What we have in this latest volume are her interpretations of previously unreleased Swiss radio broadcasts of three major violin concertos. Apparently there are no alternative recordings of these works by the violinist, which adds to the allure. The contents of this twofer are seeing the light of day on CD for the first time, and very welcome they are too. Lynn Ludwig’s particularly fine restorations ensure that these valuable aural documents are heard in the best possible light. The liner notes are exemplary.
February 2025 ∙ MusicWeb International ∙ Stephen Greenbank ∙ Aline van Barentzen ∙ Radio Archives Edition
With access to superb source material, Lynn Ludwig’s restorations are beyond reproach. Purchasers of this wonderful set are treated to a remarkably substantial biography of the pianist by Dr. Jürgen Linsenmeyer in the accompanying booklet. In addition to a detailed tracklisting there are a cache of fascinating photographs provided. Pianophiles will warmly embrace this latest addition to the Meloclassic roster.
January 2025 ∙ MusicWeb International ∙ Rob Challinor ∙ Aline van Barentzen ∙ Radio Archives Edition
An absolute feast of piano recordings that greatly expands our knowledge of a pianist who has been very undeservedly forgotten. I have had an enormous amount of pleasure exploring these discs and it really is an incredible homage to a pianist who is undeservedly little known, expanding our knowledge of her playing in ways that I never expected. The sound is excellent throughout and the booklet includes full documentation, an excellent and detailed biography by Dr. Jürgen Linsenmeyer and photos of the pianist and examples of recital posters including one from 1926 that includes many of the works heard here forty years later. I cannot praise this beautifully presented set enough and give it my heartiest recommendation.
December 2024 ∙ MusicWeb International ∙ Stephen Greenbank ∙ Edith Peinemann ∙ Radio Archives Edition
Recommended: A set to treasure. What we’ve got are nine discs of live recordings, new to the Peinemann discography and all in marvellous sound and newly remastered. I found Dr. Christof Honecker’s substantial and detailed biography of the artist particularly enlightening. I’ll end by saying that this is a set to treasure.
October 2024 ∙ MusicWeb International ∙ Stephen Greenbank ∙ Arthur Grumiaux ∙ Live Concert Performances
These superbly restored and well-engineered recorded documents open the door to much elevated music making. Here are two discs which will be a boon to the artist’s admirers, revealing many diverse aspects of Grumiaux’s refined and compelling musicianship. Dr Christof Honecker’s booklet contribution, documenting a detailed biographical profile, couldn’t be bettered.
October 2024 ∙ MusicWeb International ∙ Rob Challinor ∙ Madeleine de Valmaléte & Monique Haas ∙ The Swiss Piano Recitals
Meloclassic have done it again, lifting the veils that have shaded our view of these two fine pianists; if I say that I have a special admiration and affection for the playing of Madeleine de Valmalète that is not to diminish my appreciation of the exuberant and elegant playing of Monique Haas. There is so much here that neither pianist recorded commercially, even more reason to seek out this set. As always biographical information is fulsome and the audio restoration of these old studio recordings is excellent.
September 2024 ∙ MusicWeb International ∙ Rob Challinor ∙ Stefan Askenase ∙ Live Concert Performances
With four Askenase releases now under their belt Meloclassic are doing us a real service adding to the discography of this wonderfully sensitive pianist and this is Chopin playing well worth hearing.
September 2024 ∙ MusicWeb International ∙ Rob Challinor ∙ Alexander Brailowsky ∙ Live Concert Performances in Europe
The sets opens with a Tschaikowsky B flat minor concerto from 1951 that is actually staggering. The concerto is the very model of a romantic piano concerto, packed to the gills with drama, big tunes and exhilarating pianism and all are present here in abundance. Carl Garaguly and his Swedish players absolutely do their bit but Brailowsky is very much centre stage with pin-point fingerwork, utterly dazzling virtuosity and an overwhelming presence. Horowitz’s is the closest comparison I can imagine, Brailowsky sharing his rifle shot octaves and precision. The excellent booklet by Ulrich Karla gives a balanced view of his career and whilst he details the highlights and triumphs he acknowledges that Brailowsky wasn’t a pianist for everyone.
September 2024 ∙ MusicWeb International ∙ Stephen Greenbank ∙ Max Rostal ∙ Concert Tours 1956-1965
This is the second volume of live recordings of violinist Max Rostal issued by Meloclassic. All told, this well-compiled set of live performances is enthusiastically welcomed. Restorations are excellent, and the accompanying documentation is first class.
July 2024 ∙ MusicWeb International ∙ Stephen Greenbank ∙ Pina Carmirelli ∙ Concert Tours 1964-1971
Meloclassic have just released their third volume of live recordings by the Italian violinist Pina Carmerelli. Lovingly presented in a double gatefold, it all amounts to an attractive package. This fine collection, in addition to being very well documented, has some excellent fascinating photographs. Lynn Ludwig’s restorations have been very well realised. Aficionados of the art of violin playing will find this latest release indispensable.
July 2024 ∙ MusicWeb International ∙ Stephen Greenbank ∙ Guila Bustabo ∙ Unearthed Broadcast Recordings
This is yet another welcome and wonderful addition to Meloclassic’s roster of, mainly off-the-radar, violinists. It constitutes a worthy addition to the meagre Bustabo discography. I’ve already referred to the booklet notes, and they are outstanding in every respect. These live studio recordings from the 1960s have been well-preserved and are in amazing shape.
May 2024 ∙ MusicWeb International ∙ Stephen Greenbank ∙ Wilhelm Kempff ∙ Live Concert Edition
Those who cherish the artistry of Wilhelm Kempff will be immensely grateful to Meloclassic for unearthing these valuable audio documents. They are indeed worthy of preservation, and provide a desirable supplement to the pianist’s commercial legacy. All the recordings have scrubbed up well in the restoration and remastering process and emerge vibrant and bathed in wonderful clarity and definition. Some audience presence is registered and applause is retained. The producer of this fine set, Lynn Ludwig, has written a detailed biographical account of Kempff’s life, and the booklet also contains some very interesting black and white photographs.
February 2023 ∙ MusicWeb International ∙ Rob Challinor ∙ Concert Tours in Germany 1958-1971 ∙ Halina Czerny-Stefańska ∙ Concert Tours in Germany 1958-1971
Having previously only heard the odd track by Czerny-Stefańska I was delighted to have this wonderful cavalcade of concertos and solos presented here in such vivid sound and offer my thanks and congratulations to Meloclassic for the hard work and effort put into bringing these valuable old recordings to life.
October 2022 ∙ Rondo Magazin ∙ Eleanore Büning ∙ Frieda Kwast-Hodapp ∙ German Radio Recordings 1948
Manchmal taucht sie noch, wie ein Gespenst, im Nebensatz auf: die legendäre Pianistin Frieda Elise Hodapp, verheiratete Kwast. Neulich zum Beispiel, im Programmheft der Berliner Philharmoniker. Die wagten sich an das f-Moll-Klavierkonzert von Max Reger, mit Marek Janowski am Pult und Marc-André Hamelin am Flügel, der dieses spätestromantische Wunderwerk fulminant über die Rampe brachte. Frieda Kwast-Hodapp, die es anno 1910 uraufgeführt hatte, sei, so hieß es dazu, seinerzeit die „bevorzugte Beethoven- und Brahms-Interpretin in den Konzerten von Arthur Nikisch bis Wilhelm Furtwängler“ gewesen. Und: „Sie muss über eine enorme ‚Pranke‘ verfügt haben, sonst wäre sie an Regers kraftstrotzendem Solopart unweigerlich gescheitert.“ Ja, hatte sie. Sogar noch im Alter. Davon zeugt das sensationelle Doppelalbum „German Radio Recordings 1948“ (Meloclassic/Danacord), das wieder aufgefundene Masterbänder präsentiert. Bislang gab es nur eine einzige Aufnahme (Scarlatti, Bach) mit Kwast-Hodapp. 1948, ein Jahr vor ihrem Tod, spielte sie dann für den RIAS besagtes Regerkonzert ein, live im Titania-Palast – eine Super-Pranke! Dazu Klavierstücke von Fortner, Skrjabin und Bach nebst Beethovens Hammerklaviersonate. Sie hatte da bereits mehr als elf Jahre lang pausiert, es sind ein paar Patzer zu hören. Aber auch toller Drive, starke Akzente, eine schlanke, unpompöse Diktion sowie Reste von kühl servierter Virtuosenbrillanz. Kwast-Hodapp war alles andere als eine zweite Elly Ney! Bevor sie selbst 1931 ihre Karriere abrupt beendete, hatte sie in ganz Europa konzertiert, mit Mengelberg, Busoni, Klemperer, Scherchen, Walter, Schuricht, Blech u.v.a.m. Ihr Comeback nach 1941/42 kam nie richtig in Gang. release.
October 2022 ∙ MusicWeb International ∙ Rob Challinor ∙ Frieda Kwast-Hodapp ∙ German Radio Recordings 1948
Kwast-Hodapp’s recorded legacy is greatly enhanced by these treasures from German radio. This is such a valuable document. The Reger Concerto will never set the world’s stages alight but to have such a convincing performance by the performer it was written for and who had worked on it with the composer himself is an absolute treasure. I enjoyed the few minutes of her recordings that she laid down in 1933 and never thought I would have the opportunity to get to know this wonderful pianist better and in such a wide and varied range of repertoire; thanks must go to Lynn Ludwig at Meloclassic for another first class release.
September 2022 ∙ MusicWeb International ∙ Rob Challinor ∙ Legendary Polish Pianists in East Germany
Meloclassic’s grand unearthing of radio treasures continues with four concertos played by pianists who have fallen into neglect. I have loved discovering these pianists and especially Hesse-Bukowska and Smendzianka who deliver performances that I will return to again and again. Production is excellent as always with good transfers of these broadcast recordings and there is plenty of detail in the biographical notes as well as a photo of Smendzianka and Sztompka at two pianos surrounded by his other students at the Conservatory of the Pomeranian Music Society. A set well worth exploring.
August 2022 ∙ MusicWeb International ∙ Rob Challinor ∙ Edith Farnadi ∙ Piano Recitals 1966-1968
Farnadi was known as a specialist in Liszt and the first item here ably demonstrates why. She recorded the first Mephisto waltz on 5th May, 1968 and it is immediately clear that here is a pianist who not only has a blistering technique but also one who doesn’t use it to turn the piece into a tired warhorse. There is plenty of light and shade even in the most extrovert passages and she exhibits lightness of touch, quick-fire reflexes and sudden, startling changes of dynamics. In the lyrical central section her legato is silky smooth and the impish flashes of quicker figuration remind me of Cziffra. The speed and security of the fast leaps in the latter half of the piece– and she makes no concession whatsoever to their difficulty – is frankly jaw dropping. There is a lot to enjoy on this disc and for me it is worth the price for the Mephisto waltz. Some spectacular playing from this Liszt specialist.
August 2022 ∙ MusicWeb International ∙ Rob Challinor ∙ Jan Smeterlin ∙ Piano Recitals 1951-1958
It is wonderful to hear him in music he did not record commercially thanks to Lynn Ludwig’s Meloclassic label unearthing these broadcasts from Dutch radio. His Liszt B minor Sonata, recorded in 1958, is grand and authoritative, not the performance of a showman but by no means lacking in technical mastery. Smeterlin has firm grasp on the structure of the work and never overdoes the climaxes, approaching them with skilfully graduated dynamics. Two more broadcasts date from seven years earlier and in October 1951 Smeterlin played another major work, Schumann’s Carnaval. Once again this contains fine playing; his tone is beautifully even in legato passages and there is a wonderful sense of rubato. Fans of Smeterlin, and I can safely add myself to that group, will be delighted to have these marvellous documents that give a more rounded picture of him as a pianist especially as the sound is so clear. The CD is in a gatefold sleeve with excellent, detailed notes, and the website listing for the CD also has links to a pupil’s memoire, reminiscences by Maurice Fitzmaurice who studied with Smeterlin between 1955 and 1962. A valuable release.
August 2022 ∙ MusicWeb International ∙ Rob Challinor ∙Alexander Uninsky ∙ Concert Tours in Europe ∙ 1951-1962
An excellent portrait of this Ukrainian pianist with a passionate and extrovert temperament. Uninsky’s star has faded somewhat and though you can still find his recordings there are several works here that he did not record commercially. The sound quality is wonderful allowing Uninsky’s decidedly full sound and clarity of articulation to shine through. As I often find with Meloclassic releases the notes are excellent, full of biographical information.
July 2022 ∙ August 2022 ∙ MusicWeb International ∙ Rob Challinor ∙ Julius Katchen Piano Recitals ∙ 1946-1965
Katchen recitals span two decades of superior music making. The recitals here were given in Paris, Hamburg, Prades, Stuttgart and Ludwigsburg, from the earliest to the most recent, and expand known reportorial strengths. The booklet notes enhance the fine transfers. These succinct but communicative series of recitals show Katchen at his considerable best.
June 2022 ∙ MusicWeb International ∙ Jonathan Woolf ∙ Frieda Kwast-Hodapp ∙ German Radio Recordings 1948
It’s especially valuable that these 1948 broadcast performances have survived because they include the Reger, which had been dedicated to her, as well as Bach, whose Preludes and Fugues she often performed. Melo Classic provides a note explaining that Kwast-Hodapp received serious injuries in a railway accident just before she made these radio broadcasts and thereafter had to rely on printed music; she could no longer play from memory. I’m sure this explains the finger slips in the Hammerklavier. But these are maters of superficial interest whereas this twofer is of huge significance. Considering the tribulations that the tapes have been through they sound fine and restoration work has clearly been deservedly lavished on them. This is something of a major undertaking which has been augmented by a first-class booklet note.
May 2022 ∙ MusicWeb International ∙ Jonathan Woolf ∙ Christian Ferras ∙ Violin Recitals in Germany 1953-1965
Ferras’ legacy remains in safe hands over two and a half hours, during which we are introduced to works new to his discography as well as those that he had played many times before but in different circumstances. The booklet documentation is first class and pays due thanks to Yann Barbizet for his assistance.
May 2022 ∙ MusicWeb International ∙ Jonathan Woolf ∙ Legendary Soviet Violinists ∙ Concerts in Germany ∙ 1950-1977
Three great Soviet performers are caught in this twofer, in excellent sound, finely remastered and outstandingly well documented. This album is especially valuable for access to the live and radio recordings made by Goldstein (1922-1987), a superbly gifted performer, whose career was sabotaged by Soviet discrimination and who emigrated to West Germany in 1974.
May 2022 ∙ MusicWeb International ∙ Jonathan Woolf ∙ Christian Ferras ∙ Concert Tours in Europe 1961-1974
This is a fine release that presents broadcast and live material both central to Ferras’ repertoire and new to it. Everything is in first class sound and the documentation is excellent too. The various recordings here have been well selected to amplify or extend his discography.
May 2022 ∙ MusicWeb International ∙ Jonathan Woolf ∙ Mikhail Waiman ∙ Concerts in East Germany ∙ 1950-1963
Waiman was a formidable performer in the best Soviet traditions. Though taken from different concert venues the sound quality and restoration of the tapes remains consistently good and the documentation is first-class.
December 2021 ∙ ResMusica ∙ Des moments de grâce avec le violon de Roman Totenberg
La Clef d’or ResMusica: Une sélection des meilleures parutions ayant obtenues des Clefs ResMusica tout au long de l’année, par catégories. Sélection archives: “Des moments de grâce avec le violon de Roman Totenberg.”
August 2021 ∙ MusicWeb International ∙ Wilhelm Kempff · Piano Recitals in France 1955-1961
These live recordings provide a valuable and welcome addition to the pianist’s discography. This 2 disc set comes with exemplary booklet notes, offering some biographical background to the pianist. The well-preserved sources of the recordings offer a pleasant aural experience. These precious documents reveal a pianist of formidable musical intellect and elevated musicianship.
July 2021∙ ResMusica ∙ Stefan Askenase · Piano Recitals in Germany 1952-1968
Meloclassic ne cesse de surprendre en publiant des enregistrements rares et inédits de maîtres du XXème siècle. Parmi les dernières offres du label, il convient de noter en particulier un double album contenant des œuvres de Chopin, Ravel, Schumann et Soler, interprétées par Stefan Askenase, pianiste légendaire de Lviv (né en 1896).
July 2021 ∙ MusicWeb International ∙ Daniil Shafran · Concert Tours in Germany 1957-1973
This is the second volume of Daniil Shafran’s live airings emanating from the Meloclassic stable that I’ve had the pleasure of reviewing. As in the previous single volume (review), this 2 CD set features recordings sourced from German radio. The recordings have been expertly restored and make a fine addition to the Shafran discography.
July 2021 ∙ MusicWeb International ∙ Christian Ferras ∙ Concert Tours in Germany 1954–1961
The Prokofiev Concerto from 1961 is the highlight of the set for me. The radio recordings are in excellent sound for their age and provenance, and are an eloquent testimony to the refined artistry of a great violinist. It’s a tragedy that Ferras died far too young, but these recordings certainly do his memory proud.
May 2021 ∙ MusicWeb International ∙ Andor Foldes · Piano Recitals in Germany 1950-1968
These fine-sounding radio broadcasts have been given a new lease of life, due to the sterling efforts of Lynn Ludwig. The accompanying booklet provides a well-written biographical portrait. In common with all the Foldes’ recordings I’ve encountered, these performances deliver elevated and artful musicianship.
March 2021 ∙ MusicWeb International ∙ Christian Ferras ∙ Violin Recitals in Hamburg 1951-1964
Recommended Recording. Outstanding in every respect, this release is strongly recommended. Sound quality is consistently good throughout, with the two artists well-balanced. Lynn Ludwig’s restorations are carried out with her usual dedicated skill and expertise. The accompanying liner gives a comprehensive biography of the violinist’s life with its accompanying vicissitudes.
March 2021 ∙ MusicWeb International ∙ Christian Ferras ∙ Concert Tours in Germany 1954–1961
Recommended Recording. The Meloclassic recordings here – all of D major concertos – are of concerts from Ferras’s German tours between 1954 and 1961. I don’t expect to hear a finer set of discs this year by a violinist than these. These are superb performances by an absolute master of the instrument.
March 2021 ∙ MusicWeb International ∙ Lilia d’Albore ∙ Violin Recitals in Germany 1939-1955
Listening to the recent releases from Meloclassic has been a learning-curve for me. I refer to the numerous first encounters with long-forgotten artists. The Italian violinist Lilia d’Albore (1911-1988) is one such. Once again I’m thankful for the detailed biographical booklet notes. These live airings derive from four recitals taped between 1939 and 1955. All are denoted as radio studio recordings, and each originates from Stuttgart. This is an artist worthy of your ‘ear-time’.
March 2021 ∙ MusicWeb International ∙ Legendary Soviet Pianists in East Germany 1953–1960
I found this particular release from Meloclassic especially interesting, as it features two pianists I wasn’t familiar with. I have to admit that I’d never heard of Nina Yemelyanova (1912-1998) before. She possesses both stamina and strength in the recording of Rachmaninoff’s Third Concerto. Goldfarb tackles the Tchaikovsky First. It’s a compelling, full-blooded account. Konwitschny proves a sensitive and supportive collaborator. The slow movement overflows with rapt intensity, and the third movement has sufficient bite and tenacity, certainly packing a punch. The accompanying liner provides biographical portraits of the pianists, which is very useful as the internet yields very little information on Yemelyanova and Goldfarb.
February 2021∙ ResMusica ∙ Roman Totenberg ∙ Violin Recitals in Germany 1958-1970
Qui se souvient aujourd’hui de Roman Totenberg ? Dans ses prestations, Roman Totenberg subjugue par une profonde musicalité qui lui permet de déployer une large palette des teintes, d’associer une sonorité « lisse » à des accents résolument âpres. Les prises de son comme les reports sont de bonne qualité. Grâce au travail de restauration de Lynn Ludwig à partir des bandes originales conservées dans les archives des stations de radio allemandes, voici un double disque indispensable pour les amoureux du violon.
February 2021 ∙ MusicWeb International ∙ Roman Totenberg ∙ Violin Recitals in Germany 1958-1970
It’s regrettable that Totenberg’s star hasn’t shone as brightly as some of Flesch’s top rank students. His repertoire embraced a wide spectrum ranging from Bach to William Schuman, yet his representation in the catalogue is minimal. Thanks to Meloclassic, the balance is somewhat redressed with this fascinating cache of live radio recordings in agreeable sound. I sincerely hope that more of the violinist’s art will surface from this label in the future. Totenberg was an admirable violinist, and his refined artistry is certainly deserving of wider currency.
February 2021 ∙ MusicWeb International ∙ Yara Bernette ∙ Piano Recitals in Germany 1961-1971
This new release from Meloclassic marks the 100th anniversary of the birth of pianist Yara Bernette (1920-2002) and captures the refined artistry of a pianist largely forgotten.
February 2021 ∙ MusicWeb International ∙ Miriam Solovieff ∙ Violin Recitals in France 1959 & 1966
This release will especially appeal to violin mavens who wish to seek out rare performances by forgotten artists. I must praise Meloclassic’s new slim-line gatefold; it’s both eco-friendly and space-saving. All told, this release is a valuable and most welcome discographical addition.
January 2021 ∙ Favourite Releases of 2020 by Mark Ainley
2020 saw another set of superb releases by the marvellous collectors’ specialist label Meloclassic, with 9 piano issues and other sets featuring fine violinists and other musicians. Each issue features either well-known artists in rare performances (and/or repertoire) or artists who have been overlooked by posterity. Each of the new sets last year feature inspiring performances by legends such as John Ogden (a jawdropping Hammerklavier and complete Chopin Op.25!), Wilhelm Kempff, Andor Foldes, and Monique Haas (in chamber music – a delight!) as well as less-appreciated artists such as Poldi Mildner (truly top-tier), Hans Richter-Haaser, and Madeleine de Valmalete. A 2-disc set of Soviet pianists included two new to me, Nina Yemelyanova and Tatyana Goldfarb – both fabulous – alongside better known Tatyana Nikolaeva and Lev Oborin. This was my first time to hear Yara Bernette – a 100th anniversary celebratory release – and the Stefan Askenase set was another welcome addition. Collectors know to pay attention when Meloclassic issues their productions and this latest batch is a treasure trove indeed.
January 2021 ∙ MusicWeb International ∙ Legendary Violinists in Live Concert Performances
This single disc features performances by three female violinists: Guila Bustabo, Michèle Auclair, Lola Bobesco, all near contemporaries. Each was a renowned performer who, for some reason, has migrated off the radar – unjustly in my view. Like many of these past legends, it’s been left to the Japanese and Koreans to keep the candle burning. This is yet another beautifully produced release from Meloclassic.
January 2021 ∙ MusicWeb International ∙ John Ogdon ∙ The Ludwigsburg Recital in 1967
Recommended Recording. This live Ludwigsburg recital from 1967 predates these vicissitudes and gives the listener the opportunity to experience this genius of the piano at the height of his powers. The sound quality here is excellent, allowing us to fully savour Ogdon’s wonderful playing. This is a highly desirable release and gets my wholehearted recommendation.
January 2021 ∙ MusicWeb International ∙ Pina Carmirelli ∙ Concerto Recordings 1963-1967
It’s with great enthusiasm that I welcome another batch of live and radio studio recordings from the Meloclassic label. Now, attention is turned to two radio studio recordings with orchestra set down in the 1960s of concertos by Brahms and Prokofiev. The restorations are beyond reproach, and both performances emerge fresh and fine. Documentation is first class. These recordings make a significant contribution to an otherwise scant discography and should be enthusiastically embraced by violin fanciers.
August 2020 ∙ MusicWeb International ∙ Edith Picht-Axenfeld ∙ German Radio Broadcast Recordings
It’s with great enthusiasm that I welcome another batch of live and radio studio recordings from the Meloclassic label. Now, attention is turned to two radio studio recordings with orchestra set down in the 1960s of concertos by Brahms and Prokofiev. The restorations are beyond reproach, and both performances emerge fresh and fine. Documentation is first class. These recordings make a significant contribution to an otherwise scant discography and should be enthusiastically embraced by violin fanciers.These well-preserved broadcasts are rewarding in every way, and have been lovingly restored. The detailed biography is more comprehensive than anything you’ll find elsewhere. This is a must-have collection for pianophiles, enabling you to fully savour the refined pianism of a long-forgotten artist.
August 2020 ∙ MusicWeb International ∙ Hugo Kolberg / Michel Schwalbé ∙ Legendary Concertmasters of the Berlin Philharmonic
This fascinating 2-disc set spotlights two former concertmasters of the Berlin Philharmonic, who can be heard in their solo ventures into concerto, sonata and short piece performances. Another thing they share in common is that they both originate from Warsaw, Hugo Kolberg being born there in 1898 and and Michel Schwalbé in 1919. This fulsomely annotated release, in superb transfers will appeal enormously to violin mavens the world over.
June 2020 ∙ MusicWeb International ∙ Walter Gieseking ∙ At the Hollywood Bowl 1955-56
The legendary pedal technique is utilised to achieve colour and texture, and the effect is almost hypnotic. The outdoor concerts have been well-captured by the NBC engineers, and the piano is bright and clear. Although his recording career was prolific, these historic documents make a valuable addition to an already well-packed discography. It’s always a pleasure to savour the playing of this wonderful pianist.
June 2020 ∙ MusicWeb International ∙ Wilhelm Kempff ∙ Piano Recitals in France
Elegantly presented in well-constructed gatefold format, these three live recitals, of historical importance, are a valuable addition to the Kempff discography, which devotees of the pianist will welcome. For inspirational pianism of the highest order, you need look no further.
April 2020 ∙ MusicWeb International ∙ Erick Friedman ∙ Live Performances in France 1965-1968
The recordings are in very good shape, and the accompanying liner supplies all that is needed. The two concerto performances on CD1 just predate that fateful Tchaikovsky Competition. On CD 2, we travel to the Salle Gaveau, Paris for a live recital taped by ORTF on the 5 March 1968. The pianist is Joseph Seiger, better known as the accompanist of violinist Mischa Elman between 1952-1967.
March 2020 ∙ MusicWeb International ∙ Tibor de Machula ∙ German Radio Recordings 1944-1952
Two of the radio recordings date from the mid 1940s, with the remaining airings set down in September 1952. Sound-wise, the earliest broadcast from April 1944, namely the Boccherini, is in coarser sound than the Schumann from a year later. The 1952 broadcasts sound significantly better to me, rendering more warmth, bloom and richness to the solo cello. The annotations, provide an excellent, detailed biography of the cellist. Although de Machula’s discography is fairly substantial, these broadcasts add significantly to his recorded legacy.
February 2020 ∙ MusicWeb International ∙ Reine Gianoli ∙ Recitals in France 1962-1966
Meloclassic’s attractive presentation includes a sturdy gatefold with the booklet notes fitting snugly between the two discs. The liner provides a detailed biography of the pianist together with selections of the pianist in her own words. Of special interest are her recollections of Alfred Cortot as a teacher. The black and white photographs are the icing on the cake.
January 2020 ∙ MusicWeb International ∙ Walter Gieseking ∙ At the Hollywood Bowl 1955-56
This twofer catches the pianist in unfamiliar open-air concerts performing romantic concertos and more intimate solo works. Mediating between projection and introspection is never easy in such circumstances and it’s fascinating to listen to the decision-making and compromises inherent in trying to do just that. Add two nuggets never before recorded and you have a release to ponder.
January 2020 ∙ MusicWeb International ∙ Johanna Martzy ∙ Swiss Radio Broadcast Recordings 1947-1969
Martzy’s cult status lives on in these glowing transfers, which are full of warmth and depth. The accompanying biography is the most detailed portrait of the artist I have read so far, supplying information I wasn’t aware of. For violin mavens, this is an essential purchase.
January 2020 ∙ MusicWeb International ∙ Edith Picht-Axenfeld ∙ German Radio Broadcast Recordings
In fact, this is a most valuable release, bringing to attention, in well-engineered transfers from the master tapes, a musician who has been largely forgotten but who deserves to be remembered.
December 2019 ∙ MusicWeb International ∙ György Cziffra ∙ The Besançon Recital 1961
Cziffra was nearly 40 when he gave this recital in Besançon in 1961. The recording quality is splendid as are the customarily excellent booklet notes. This notably fine recital shows the fire and the poetry at the heart of Cziffra’s art.
December 2019 ∙ MusicWeb International ∙ Samson François ∙ Salle Pleyel Recital 1965
The highlight of this recital for me is the Liszt Sonata. The reading in bold, courageous, passionate and intense, yet bejewelled with poetic lustre. The recital, a live recording from the Salle Pleyel, is dated 19 January 1965. The audio quality is first-rate, with air and resonance around the piano. It makes for a pleasing listen.
November 2019 ∙ MusicWeb International ∙ György Cziffra ∙ The Besançon Recital 1961
Here we have a live recital that György Cziffra gave on 16 September 1961 at the Théâtre municipal de Besançon. Most of the programme is the sort of repertoire the pianist favoured. Radio announcements bookend the recital, and audience applause is retained. Schumann’s Piano Sonata No 1 in F-sharp Minor, Op. 11 is the most substantial work here. Cziffra’s performance is utterly compelling, one of the finest I have heard. In a recording dusted down from the archives of Radiodiffusion-Télévision Française (RTF), the sound quality is exceptionally fine.
November 2019 ∙ MusicWeb International ∙ Hugo Kolberg / Michel Schwalbé ∙ Legendary Concertmasters of the Berlin Philharmonic
Two concertmaster-soloists, four concertos, one sonata and a raft of smaller pieces; that’s the premise of this twofer from Meloclassic. Both Hugo Kolberg (1898-1979) and Michel Schwalbé (1919-2012) were concertmasters of the Berlin Philharmonic and both had been born in, or very near, Warsaw. These fine sounding restorations are housed in a gatefold album with valuable notes. One of the photographs shows both men in the concertmaster positions of the Berlin Philharmonic watching on inscrutably as Karajan takes a grinning bow.
October 2019 ∙ MusicWeb International ∙ Conrad Hansen ∙ Four Beethoven Sonatas
Recommended Recording. The expert restorations sound very good to my ears. The detailed biographical essay supplies all the necessary background. This is Beethoven playing of the highest order, and it is to be hoped that more of the pianist’s sonata performances will surface in the not-too-distant future.
October 2019 ∙ MusicWeb International ∙ Johanna Martzy ∙ Swiss Radio Broadcast Recordings 1947-1969
Some of these performances derive from so early in Johanna Martzy’s career that they include her appearance in the final round of the 1947 Geneva Concours international competition when she was still only 22. But in fact, they delve even further back, charting a Swiss broadcast from March that year so those who want to hear this marvelous artist in her early years are in for a real treat. Transfers and documentation are invariably beyond reproach when it comes to Meloclassic’s discs. And Martzy is inevitably a draw for fiddle appreciators.
September 2019 ∙ MusicWeb International ∙ Janine Andrade / Jeanne Gautier ∙ Legendary French Violinists
The disc is devoted to two French violinists who have both appeared in previous releases from the label, Janine Andrade and Jeanne Gautier. The booklet notes admirably portray the two women’s biographies accompanied by some excellently reproduced photographs. As noted, the sound quality is first class. Because neither woman recorded these works commercially, their admirers will want to add this disc to their shelves.