Classical Favourites. NSO/Alexander Anissimov, Gerhard Markson (Naxos, 2 CDs, £9.99)
Recorded in the wake of September's programmes celebrating the NSO's golden jubilee, these 19 evergreens ranging from Mozart and Beethoven through Offenbach, Ponchielli and Johann Strauss to Debussy, Dukas, Elgar and Mahler are shared between principal conductor Alexander Anissimov and principal guest conductor Gerhard Markson. It's Markson who turns in the more reliable performances. Anissimov sets out to stretch the boundaries a little, and doesn't always manage to master his self-imposed challenges, for instance, the slow tempo he sets for the slow movement of Beethoven's Pastoral Symphony. A well-filled, handy collection rather than an inspiring one.
Michael Dervan
Martha Argerich plays concertos by Prokofiev and Bartok (EMI). Clifford Curzon plays Beethoven (Audite)
The Argentinian pianist Martha Argerich is renowned for brilliance of technique, a mercurial temperament, a child-of-nature ease at the keyboard (no need for heavy practising), and the abandonment of solo work in favour of concerted music-making. Prokofiev has long been one of her happiest associations. The Third Concerto, recorded here for the second time, is an especial favourite, though the First is new to her recorded repertoire as is Bartok's Third. In partnership with Charles Dutoit's Montreal SO she delivers all three with the expected panache and glitter. Clifford Curzon, in live 1977 Bavarian Radio performances of Beethoven's last two concertos, is as from another world, unassuming, introverted. With Rafael Kubelik an ever-sensitive partner, the Fourth is as sheerly lovely as you'll ever hear, the Emperor staunch and noble.
Michael Dervan
Biber: Sonatae tam aris quam aulis servientes. Rare Fruits Council/Manfredo Kraemer (Auvidis Astree)
Heinrich Biber (1644-1704) was one of the greatest violinists of his time - I've even seen him described as the greatest virtuoso before Paganini - and his Mystery Sonatas, of which Maya Homburger presented a selection at Kilkenny Arts Week in August, are among the finest works in the violin repertoire. The 12 Sonatae tam aris quam aulis servientes ("for the altar or the court") don't call for the extraordinary special tunings of the Mystery Sonatas. They're written for strings (violins and viols) with five of them using one or two trumpets. The part-writing is rich, the textures often sumptuous, characteristics emphasised by the Rare Fruits Council's harpsichord-less continuo which includes harp, theorbo and organ. The performances, nicely balanced between fancy, level-headedness and wit, are well worth exploring.
Michael Dervan
