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.

Monday, September 20, 2010

DCD 100 - Henri Lazarof: Music for Strings

Hershel Burke, founder of Laurel Records, was a successful film composer. But he was also active in the Los Angeles classical music scene. That was where he met UCLA-based composer Henri Lazarof.

Burke was impressed with Lazarof's well-crafted music, and decided it needed a wider audience. The result were several Laurel Record albums exclusively devoted to Lazarof's compositions -- many of them world premier recordings.

This edition of the DCD Classical 'Cast we feature works from one of those releases -- Henri Lazarof: Music for Strings. The album has four pieces for various chamber groups that Lazarof composed between 1980 to 1987. The CD was released originally in 1989.

Lazarof's compositional style is an interested and original blend of traditional forms and forward-thinking harmonies. We'll present more of his music on future podcasts -- it's well worth hearing!

Remember, you don't need an iPod to enjoy a podcast. Just click on the link below to download to your computer.


- Ralph Graves

This episode we play:

Lazarof: Serenade for String Sextet, Mvt. 1
The Chamber Music/LA Festival
A Laurel Records release

Lazarof: String Quartet No. 1, Mvts. 2 & 3
The Chamber Music/LA Festival
A Laurel Records release

Lazarof: Octet for Strings, Mvt. 3
The Chamber Music/LA Festival
A Laurel Records release

Friday, September 10, 2010

DCD 099 - Delius for Organ

This episode we play selections from a DTR Release, "Paradise Gardens." The CD is a Frederick Delius recital by Michael Stairs at the legendary Longwood Gardens organ. Even during the 1930's as Delius was composing many of his best-known works, organist Dom Gregory Murray was arranging them for organ. We hear his arrangement of "A Song Before Sunrise."

We also feature three other tracks from this CD, including Michael Stair's own arrangement of "La Calinda." It's a fascinating look at the music of Delius -- and one that works quite well, we believe.

Remember, you don't need an iPod to enjoy a podcast -- just click on the link below to listen.


 - Ralph Graves


This program we play:

Michael Stairs, organ
A DTR release

Michael Stairs, organ
A DTR release

Frederick Delius (arr. Michael Stairs): La Calinda
Michael Stairs, organ
A DTR release

Frederick Delius (arr. Robert Hebble): The Walk to the Paradise Garden, from "A Village Romeo and Juliet"
Michael Stairs, organ
A DTR release