EMI Classics: "Debut"
Dial-a-track code: 1311
The name of James Crabb has stuck in my mind ever since I heard about his accordion transcriptions of Messiaen's organ music. He appears on disc now in partnership with Norwegian Geir Draugsvoll in a canny collection of quart from a pint pot transcriptions for two accordions. Curiously, the down sizing of Stravinsky's Petrushka turns out to be even more effective than the up sizing of either the same composer's short Tango or Mussorgsky's Pictures At An Exhibition.
Also in EMI's new, low priced Debut series are a generous, introverted Bach recital from harpsichordist Richard Egan, and an enterprising recital of Italian songs from Welsh soprano Rebecca Evans.
Brahms: "Clarinet Sonatas" (Naxos)
Dial a track code: 1421
The Hungarian clarinettist Kalman Berkes is best known as the founder of the Budapest Wind Ensemble, with which he is an infectiously exuberant guide to the outdoor world of wind partitas, serenades and divertimentos.
Earlier in his career he was heard in Ireland in memorable musical partnership with the original Takacs Quartet, and in recent years he's been returning to mainstream chamber repertoire on the £4.99 Naxos label.
The familiar Berkes hall marks, acute musical observation presented with a strong at fresco feeling and a tone which rides freely into areas of pressured astringency are enjoy ably evidenced in the two late Brahms sonatas with Jend Jando, here working on a piano which strains under some of the music's demands.
Gaetano Donizetti:
"Caterina Cornaro" (Agora Music)
Dial a track code: 1531
This year marks the 200th anniversary of Donizetti's birth, and it would be a bonus for Donizetti fans if more of his 65 operas were to make it to the operatic mainstream to join the handful which are performed with any regularity. On the evidence of this recording, Caterina Cornaro is a strong runner. The story of a 15th century Venetian noble woman who became queen of Cyprus, it contains all the ingredients necessary for a successful weepie an insoluble love triangle, a scheming scoundrel, a blameless heroine, a heartbroken lover and a fistful of mouthwatering, tear jerking set pieces. This set - recorded live at last year's Donizetti Festival in the composer's birthplace, Bergamo, sweeps you into the drama from the opening ecstatic loveduet and never lets you go thereafter.
