DCD 070 - Das Jahr

Episode 70 of the "DCD Classical 'Cast" features music by Fanny Mendelssohn-Hensel; specifically, "Das Jahr." This musical cycle for solo piano was completed in 1842 and remained unpublished during Fanny's lifetime. 

The work has twelve movements, each named for a different month of the year, and each with a different character. Wolfram Lorenzen, the pianist for this recording, clearly has an affinity for the work, balancing technical brilliance with a lightness of touch required for this mid-century masterwork.

This Troubadisc release is actually the first recording of the original manuscript version of this work, which makes Wolfram's performance of "Das Jahr" doubly enlightening.

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

 - Ralph

This program we play selections from:

"Das Jahr" by Fanny Mendelssohn-Hensel

Wolfram Lorenzen, piano

A Troubadisc release

DCD 069 - Two Sides of the Renaissance

Episode #69 of the DCD Classical 'Cast we sample music from two sides of the renaissance; the sacred and the secular. Representing the scared, we play two works by Luca Marenzio, performed by the Rudgers Collegium Musicum. They come from the DTR release "Madrigalists at Prayer."

Representing the secular is music from Mr. Arbeau's School of Dancing, as performed by the Convivium Musicum. Two different styles from the late 1500's. 

 - Ralph

This program we play:

Luca Marenzio: Domine, quando veneris

Rutgers Collegium Musicum; Andrew Kirkman, conductor
DTR

Thoinot Arbeau: Pavane D'Espange, Dance du Roy, Galliarde: la Traditore, Galliarde: La Traditore, Volet
Convivium Musicum; Sven Berger, director
Musica Rediviva

Luca Marenzio: Cantante Domino

Rutgers Collegium Musicum; Andrew Kirkman, conductor
DTR

Thoinot Arbeau: Branle de l'Official; Branle des poins; Branle des hermite; Branle de Poictou 
Convivium Musicum; Sven Berger, director
Musica Rediviva

DCD 068 - Mahler from Laurel

In episode #68 of the "DCD Classical 'Cast" we feature an extensive selection from an unusual recording. Rudolph Barashai performed the Mahler Fifth Symphony with Die Junge Deutsche Philharmonie. The resulting concert was electrifying, and fortunately it was recorded. Perhaps the most remarkable part of the story is that the Junge Deutsche Philharmonie is made up of talented high school students from around Germany. 

Laurel Records released the resulting performance, and it's well worth a listen!

We round out the podcast with an excerpt from another Laurel Records CD - the Miklos Rosza String Quartets, performed by the Pro Arte Quartet.

 - Ralph

This program we play:

Miklos Rosza: String Quartet No. 1, first movement

Pro Arte Quartet

Laurel Records

Gustav Mahler: Symphony No. 5, parts 4 & 5

Die Junge Deutsche Philharmonie; Rudolph Barshai, conductor

Laurel Records