DCD 097 - Max Reger: Piano Pieces

This edition of the DCD Classical 'Cast podcast we feature selections from an exciting new CD from Troubadisc. For some time now, this German-based label has been building up an impressive catalog of chamber and solo music by Max Reger.

The latest addition to the series, Max Reger: Piano Pieces showcases the artistry of pianist Wolfram Lorenzen. Lorenzen has appeared on several other of Troubadisc's Reger recordings, and his understanding and affinity for the music is clear and unmistakable.

The release includes two Sonatinas from Reger's Op. 89 set of four, and an early work, the Five Humoresques, Op. 20. The big piece, though, and the one most characteristic of Reger's mature style, is the Variations and Fuga on a Theme by Johann Sebastian Bach, Op. 89. It combines Reger's love for Bach's music with his own inventive and contrapuntal talents in one large work.

DCD Classical 'Cast #097 - Max Reger: Piano Pieces

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

- Ralph

This program we play:

Max Reger: Sonatina Op. 89, No. 1 mvt. 1
Wolfram Lorenzen, piano
Troubadisc

Max Reger: Five Humoresques, Op. 20, Nos. 2-4
Wolfram Lorenzen, piano
Troubadisc

Max Reger: Sonatina, Op. 89, No. 3, mvts. 2-3
Wolfram Lorenzen, piano
Troubadisc

Max Reger: Variations and Fuga on a Theme by Johann Sebastian Bach, Op. 89, variations XII-XIV and Fuga
Wolfram Lorenzen, piano
Troubadisc

DCD 096 - Luciano Simoni, Italian Symphonist

The story of Luciano Simoni is a fascinating one. This gifted Italian studied composition with one of Respighi's pupils while pursuing a degree in electrical engineering. In time, Simoni was recognized as one of the leading researchers in the field of electrical insulation in the world, and held a prestigious post at the University of Bologna.

Yet all the while he continued to compose -- and not just little piano pieces, either. Most of Simoni's works are for large-scale forces such as orchestras and massed choirs. Of course Simoni isn't the first composer to hold down a "day job." Borodin was a professional chemist while Charles Ives had a successful career in insurance.

Italy's Inedita label has released several discs of Simoni's music, and this episode we take a closer look at one of them. We share selections from Simoni's Fourth Symphony and his powerful Concerto for Violin. And if you're wondering what classical music in the 21st Century sounds like, well, download this podcast. The symphony and the concerto both date from 2005, and are fresh and innovative with sweeping melodic gestures that carry the listener along.

DCD Classical 'Cast #096 - Luciano Simoni, Italian Symphonist

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

 - Ralph

This program we play:

Luciano Simoni: Symphony No. 4, Op. 58, Mvt. 1
Targu-Mures Philharmonic Orchestra; Romeo Rimbu, conductor
Inedita

Luciano Simoni: Symphony No. 4, Op. 58, Mvt. 3
Targu-Mures Philharmonic Orchestra; Romeo Rimbu, conductor
Inedita

Luciano Simoni: Concerto for Violin and Orchestra, Op. 57, Mvt. 3
Gabrile Croitoru, violin
Targu-Mures Philharmonic Orchestra; Romeo Rimbu, conductor
Inedita

DCD 095 - Centennial Celebration, Part 2

 In 1995 the University of Wisconsin at Madison School of Music celebrated its 100th anniversary. To commemorate the event, the school commissioned six composers with ties to Wisconsin to write works for the various student and faculty ensembles. The composers were then invited to the school to serve as artists in residence, and to be present for the premier of their works. This year-long celebration was recorded, and resulting two-CD set, Centennial Commissions,  is a stunning collection of both the creativity of these six composers and the high level of musicianship of the commissioning ensembles.

In order to give this music its due, we're taking two podcast episodes to explore this release. In this part, we sample selections by composers Ralph Shapey and Libby Larson from the second disc in the set.

DCD Classical 'Cast #095 - Centennial Celebration, Part 2

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

 - Ralph

This program we play:

Ralph Shapey: String Quartet No. 9, Mvts. 1 & 2
from "Centennial Commissions"
UW-Madison School of Music release

Libby Larsen: Concert Dances, Mvts. 2-4
UW-Madison Wind Ensemble; James Smith, conductor
from "Centennial Commissions"
UW-Madison School of Music release