The DCD Classical 'Cast is also available as an enhanced podcast. When played through iTunes, the DCD Enhanced Classical 'Cast displays the album art of the works as they play, and provide links to webpages where you can find out more information and purchase the selections.

Tuesday, July 21, 2009

DCD 073 - Token Creek Beethoven

This episode we continue our survey of the Token Creek Recordings catalog. Episode #73 of the "DCD Classical 'Cast" features excerpts from two live recordings from the Token Creek Chamber Music Festival 1997 season.

The CD has two Beethoven piano trios performed by members of the Token Creek Festival. One of the goals of the festival is to present fresh performances of chamber music to make audiences take a second look at well-known works.

These live recordings are no exception. I think you'll find them enjoyable and thought-provoking.

- Ralph

This program we play:

Beethoven: Piano Trio in E-flat major, No. 70 No. 2, Mvt. 1
Rose Mary Harbison, violin; Rhonda Rider, cello; Robert D. Levin, piano
Token Creek Recordings

Beethoven: Piano Trio in E major, Op. 1, No. 1, Mvts. 2 & 3

Rose Mary Harbison, violin; Rhonda Rider, cello; Judith Gordon, piano
Token Creek Recordings

Wednesday, July 15, 2009

DCD 072 - Token Creek Bach

This episode of the "DCD Classical 'Cast" we continue our survey of the Token Creek Recordings catalog. One of the purposes of the Token Creek Chamber Music Festival is to present familiar works in new and interesting ways -- and their performances of Bach concerti illustrate that nicely.

The festival's performance of Bach's Concerto for Two Keyboards features two very different makes of pianos, which provides dynamic contrast. The accompanying orchestra has been reduced to a very small chamber group, which throws the soloists into stark relief.

Also included on this CD are two "Brandenburg" Concerti, both with stripped-down orchestras that reveal the multiple layers of Bach's writing. The same is true of the festival's presentation of Bach's Violin Concerto in A minor, which features an amazingly fast (but perfectly appropriate) opening movement.

These live recordings must be heard in order to comprehend just how refreshingly original are the performances.

Remember, you don't need an iPod to enjoy a podcast -- just a computer.

- Ralph

This program we play:

Bach: Concerto for Two Keyboards in C major, BWV 1061, mvt. 1

Soloists: Judith Gorden & Christopher Taylor, piano
Rosemary Harbison, Rictor Noren, violin; John Harbison, viola; Parry Karp, cello; Ross Gilliland, bass
Token Creek Recordings

Bach: Brandenburg Concerto No. 6 in B-flat major, BWV 1051, mvt. 2
Soloists: Larry Neuman & Sally Chisholm, viola
Rictor Noren, John Harbison, viola; Karl Lavine, cello; Ross Gilliland, bass; John Chappell Stowe, harpsichord
Token Creek Recordings

Bach: Violin Concerto in A minor, BWV 1041, mvt. 1
Soloist: Rose Mary Harbison, violin
Kangwon Kim, Edith Hines, violin; John Harbison, viola; Rhonda Rider, cello; Ross Gilliland, bass; John Chappell Stowe, continuo
Token Creek Recordings

Bach: Brandenburg Concerto No. 2 in F major, BWV 1047, mvt. 2
Soloists; Adam Kuenzel, flute; Mark Fink, oboe
Rose Mary Harbison, Edith Hines, violin; John Harbison, viola; Rhonda Rider cello; Ross Gilliand, bass; John Chappell Stowe, continuo
Token Creek Recordings