DCD 055 - Odds and Ends

This program, Episode 55 of the "DCD Classical 'Cast" we feature some works that haven't been showcased before.

It's been a while since we've played anything by Patricia McCarty, and after listening to her lovely viola arrangement of Schubert's "Arpeggione" sonata, I wonder why I waited so long. We also include some heavenly music by Vincenzo Albrici, an Italian composer of the Baroque period cursed with wanderlust. He served the Queen of Sweden, played in England, and even worked in Germany for a while.

Speaking of the baroque, you'll hear guitarist Tom Leisek's arrangements of Jean Mouton. And we also include a chamber music arrangement of a Schumann piano sonata, performed by the Volkaert-Walther String Trio.

Enjoy! And remember, you don't need an iPod to listen to a podcast!

- Ralph

This program we play:

Franz Schubert: "Arpeggione" Sonata, D. 821
Patricia McCarty, viola; Martin Amlin, piano
Ashmont Music

Vincenzo Albrici: Concerti Sacri
Capella Augustana, Matteo Messori, conductor
Musica Rediviva

Jean Mouton: Allemand and Chaconne
Tom Leisek, guitar
VGo Recordings

Robert Schumann: Trio (after the Sonata for Piano, Op. 188, No. 3)
Volkert-Walther String Trio
Con Brio Recordings

DCD 054 - An Orchestral Omnibus

This edition of the DCD Classical 'Cast we feature a selection of orchestral works -- perhaps as a way to balance out our two previous programs of solo violin music!

Arnold Rosner is an American composer who still (in our opinion) doesn't receive the amount of recognition his music deserves. This time we feature an excerpt from his opera "The Chronicle of Nine," a dramatization of the nine-day reign of Lady Jane Grey. As you'll hear, Rosner captures the spirit of the Tudor period while still using a modern orchestral language.

We also play Earnest Bloch's "Scherzo Fantastique" for piano and orchestra. It's a real showpiece for both soloist and ensemble. And we finish with Luciano Simoni, an Italian composer whose lyrical music relishes the sonic beauty an orchestra can create.

- Ralph

Arnold Rosner: Prelude to Act II of "The Chronicle of Nine"
Jerusalem Symphony Orchestra; David Amos, conductor
Laurel Records

Ernest Bloch: Scherzo Fantastique for piano and orchestra
Michah Yui, piano; London Symphony Orchestra; David Amos, conductor
Laurel Records

Luciano Simoni - Symphony No. 4 (final movement)
Targu-Mures Philharmonic Orchestra; Romeo Rimbu, conductor
Inedita Records