DCD 067 - Henk Badings: Trio-Cosmos

Episode #67 of the "DCD Classical 'Cast" features an unusual composition and an unusual performance of it. Dutch composer Henk Badings wrote a series of sixteen trios for violins. These short works were designed for pedagogic purposes as well as being legitimate concert works. Their collective title, "Trio-Cosmos" is a nod to Bartok's "Microcosmos."

Violinist Vartan Manoogian set out to record all sixteen trios -- and to record three parts of each work. By doing so, he wanted to create not just a recording of each trio, but also "music-minus-one" versions that students could play along with. Unfortunately Manoogian died before completing his traversal, but the University of Wisconsin-Madison School of Music, where he served on the faculty, released some of his finished trio recordings, on a CD titled "Henk Badings: Trio -Cosmos."

Bedings writes in a very accessible style, and Manoogian, playing with overdubs of himself, turns in a marvelous interpretation of these works.

- Ralph

This program we play:

Henk Bedings: Trio-Cosmos II, movement 1
Vartan Manoogian, violins
UWMSM

Henk Bedings: Trio-Cosmos III, movements 2 & 3
Vartan Manoogian, violins
UWMSM

Henk Bedings: Trio-Cosmos IV, movements 2 & 3
Vartan Manoogian, violins
UWMSM

Henk Bedings: Trio-Cosmos VI, movements 3 & 4
Vartan Manoogian, violins
UWMSM

DCD 066 - American Masterpieces

Episode #66 of the DCD Classical 'Cast showcases the latest release from the Seattle Pro Musica. "American Masterpieces" is a collection of American choral works from the last 50 years (or thereabouts).

Samuel Barber and Leonard Bernstein are represented, as well as newer composers such as Morten Lauridsen. Also featured are works commissioned by the Seattle Pro Musica, and two selections by their director, Karen P. Thomas.

It's a beautiful collection of choral works, beautifully performed.

- Ralph

This program we play:

Morten Lauridsen: Se per havervi, oime from "Madrigali: Six Fire Songs on Italian Renaissance Poetry"
The Seattle Pro Musica; Karen P. Thomas, conductor

Samuel Barber: The Coolin' from "Reincarnations"
The Seattle Pro Musica; Karen P. Thomas, conductor

How Can I Keep From Singing?, arranged by Karen P. Thomas
The Seattle Pro Musica; Karen P. Thomas, conductor

Leonard Bernstein: Chichester Psalms
The Seattle Pro Musica; Karen P. Thomas, conductor

DCD 065 - Solo Guitar, Solo Winds

Episode #65 of the "DCD Classical 'Cast" features music from two new releases. Jerome Mouffe is a gifted young guitarist whose debut recording "Capriccio" just came out on VGo Recordings. Les Timming has been an active composer and wind performer for decades. A recording of his ground-breaking solo recital was recently reissued by the University of Wisconsin Madison School of Music.

What do these two artists have in common? An amazing command of their instruments, and truly unique artistic voices.

Mouffe's album focuses on the works written in the musical form of the caprice. The music is light, free-flowing, and technically demanding. Mouffe performs it all with ease.

Les Timming is equally at home in the classical and jazz worlds. His recording "Les Timmings - Solo" presents this artist performing a recital of his own compositions and improvisations. By using a different instrument for each piece, Timmings presents a variety of styles and moods all unified by his creative imagination.

I like to think this podcast has a little something for everyone!

- Ralph

This program we play:

Nicolo Paganini: Caprice No. 11
Jerome Mouffe, guitar
VGo Recordings

Les Timming: First Improvisation
Les Timming, alto flute
University of Wisconsin

Luigi Legnani: Caprice No. 22
Jerome Mouffe, guitar
VGo Recordings

Les Timming: Second Improvisation
Les Timming, soprano saxophone
University of Wisconsin

Luigi Legnani: Fantasia, Op. 19
Jerome Mouffe, guitar
VGo Recordings