DCD 021 - Beethoven and beyond

This program we welcome a new label -- Monument Records. The label's founder, James F. Green is a Beethoven scholar, and Monument presents unknown and previously unrecorded works by Beethoven. This program we sample some selections from the solo piano version of the "Creatures of Prometheus" -- Beethoven's own original transcription.

We also conclude our survey of New York Latvian Concert Choir label releases, and feature an unusual work from the Laurel Records catalog.

- Ralph

This program we play:

Janis Kalnins: Potter’s Field, overture and first movement
Janis Sprogis, tenor; Latvian Radio and Sonsum choirs; Latvian national Symphony Orchestra; Andrejs Jansons, conductor
NYLCC

Beethoven: Die Geschoöpfe des Prometheus, Act I
Stephen Hess, piano
Monument Records

David Baker, Sonata for Cello and Piano – final movement
Janos Starker, cello and Alain Planes, piano
Laurel Records

DCD 020 - An Estonian Mass

This podcast we continue our survey of the NYLCC record label catalog. Our main selection comes from the Requiem Mass of Helen Tobias Duesberg. The daughter of a renowned Estonian composer, Duesberg drew from the music of her naive land for inspiration.

We also feature a work from one of Laurel Records' landmark recordings, a collection of piano music by Blind Boone. Nearly forgotten today, this African-American composer was one of the sensations of the late nineteenth and early twentieth century. Boone enjoyed the same degree of fame as his friend Scott Joplin, although his compositions were focussed on romantic classical forms rather than ragtime. The original release generated a renewed interest in the life and work of this American composer.

- Ralph

This program we play:

Duesberg: Requiem, mvts. 1-3
SONORE Choir; RLB Symphony Orchestra; Andrejs Jansons, conductor
NYLCC

Boone: The Last Dream Waltz
Frank Townsell, piano
Laurel Records

Schubert: Moments Musicaux No. 6, D. 780
Allan Krantz, guitar
DTR