Afterbach Matinee

Reynaldo Hahn - Works for piano solo (2012) {4CD+DVD Box Set, Concerto Box 2015}
EAC rip (secure mode) | FLAC (tracks)+CUE+LOG -> 778 Mb | MP3 @320 -> 669 Mb
DVD5 -> 2.67 Gb | All Regions | NTSC 16:9 | LinearPCM, 2 ch | ~ 57 min | ISO Image
Subs: Francais, Italiano, English
Full Artwork @ 300 dpi (png) -> 130 Mb | 5% repair rar
© 2012 Concerto | Box 2015
Classical / Romantic / Belle Époque / Mélodie / Piano Solo

This album is a feast for the ears–4 CDs of little-played, virtually unknown solo piano music by Reynaldo Hahn, born in Venezuela but a resident of France from the age of 4, and therefore sounding more like French romantics like Debussy than Argentine composers like Piazolla–there's nary a tango in sight. What we have here are dozens of brief (many as short as 1 minute), delicious melodies expertly played by the hyper-talented Cristina Araiagno. There's also a bonus DVD about the making of the CD with more info on the composer and the pianist. Just when you thought you'd heard the entire piano repertoire, here comes a delightful surprise.

Many of the works on this recording are declarations of love; for example the infinitely heartfelt Serenade by Edward Elgar which was a gift from the composer to his wife on their third wedding anniversary, and had its premiere in Antwerp in 1896. Likewise, the song Jeg elsker dig (I love you) was composed by Edvard Grieg for his beloved wife, the singer Nina Hagerup. I was, however, much more inspired by the all-embracing concept of love and with the contemplation and feelings that arise when listening to this music. The most sublime expression of this is probably Du bist die Ruh (You are repose) by Franz Schubert one of those works which, regardless of its length, and with its mood of almost religious contemplation, its elevated gratitude and ensouled intimacy, is able to transfigure earthly existence into eternal bliss. It is among the most poignant works that a composers pen has ever produced. Naturally the selected repertoire is, in a veiled form, also an exploration of and immersion in my own roots; a manifestation of my identity. (Sofja Gülbadamova)

Although the great historical opera in five acts by the composer Daniel Francois Esprit Auber was able to experience its 500th performance in 1880, the opera is almost forgotten today and is rarely performed. In April 2010 the work premiered in the original language at the Anhaltisches Theater Dessau under the direction of GMD Antony Hermus and is finally available on cpo.

Excellent value box containing all of Berg's major works. The best performance is maybe Abbado's of Wozzeck. This is a live recording and sounds like it;very exciting orchestral playing that sometimes almost drowns out the voices . I dont think this is a problem as it kind of fits with opera's theme of helpless people up against forces they cant control etc. The Boulez recording of Lulu is also very good but here the lack of libretto in the package is a bit annoying as the opera has a very elaborate plot and the synopsis provided isnt really detailed enough to follow what's going on.