DCD 024 - Bach, Beethoven and Silesu

The program continues our survey of the Monument Records catalog. This time it's Beethoven's variations on "God Save the King" -- and its as imaginative as any of his more famous theme and variations compositions.

We also feature a new release from VGo Recordings. The Boston GuitarFest offers a prize for Best New Artist -- a recording with VGo. This year the jury had four members, who split 2-2 in their voting. So, this recording features the co-winners of the competition, Steve Lin and Joseph Williams, II. This podcast I play a selection performed by Steve Lin. Next time I'll feature another track by Joseph Williams II.

The last work comes from the Inedita label. We present an excerpt of Lao Silesu's "Muse Champetre." Silesu was an Italian composer working in Paris in the first part of the 20th Century. Also he's lapsed into obscurity, Inedita's release demonstrates Sileus is a composer worth rediscovering.

- Ralph

This program we play the following:

Beethoven: Theme and Variations on "God Save the King", WoO 78
Steven Beck, piano
Monument Records

Bach: Prelude, Fugue and Allegro, BWV 998
Steve Lin, guitar
VGo Records

Silesu: Muse Champetre (mvts. 3 and 4)
Sassari Symphony Orchestra
Alberto Peyretti, conductor
Inedita

DCD 023 - Allegri and Mozart

Gregor Allegri's Miserere at one time could only be performed in the Sistine Chapel for the exclusive pleasure of the Pope. That lasted until a very young Mozart heard the work performed, and wrote it down afterwards completely from memory. After that, the monopoly was broken, and Miserere became an important part of the choral repertoire.

This program we feature a performance of Allegri's masterwork, as well as a piece by his nemesis, Mozart.

We also continue our series showcasing Monument Records. Their catalog of under-recorded and world premiere recordings of Beethoven's music is remarkable indeed.

- Ralph

This program we play the following:

Beethoven: Nine Contradanses, Hess 102
Steven Beck, piano

Allegri: Miserere
The Seattle Pro Musica; Karen P. Thomas, conductor

Mozart: Violin Sonata in F major, K.46D
Gary Levinson, violin; Eugene Levinson, bass