Dream Academy,

Decca releases the world-premiere recording of this epic choral work, composed and conducted by the OSCAR, Grammy and BAFTA award-winning and UNESCO Global Goodwill Ambassador Tan Dun. The monumental work, involving massed choirs, large orchestra, six percussionists and an array of soloists including indigenous singers, traditional Chinese instruments and a dancing pipa player, is the first such ‘Passion’ on a Buddhist rather than Christian narrative. Set at the foot of the Himalayas and inspired by Chinese and Sanskrit texts, the captivating and life-affirming score fuses the ancient wisdom of Buddhism with the musical tradition of JS Bach’s Passions, featuring hypnotic orchestral textures and Eastern vocal techniques. Recorded at the Shanghai Oriental Art Center Concert Hall in 2029 with Orchestre National de Lyon and International Choir Academy Lübeck, conducted by Tan Dun with eminent Chinese soloists.

One of the leading experts in early music, Christopher Hogwood, leads the way as you hear the beautiful 17th-century theatre music of British composer Henry Purcell. The Academy of Ancient Music and the Taverner Choir perform Abdelazer; The Married Beau; Bonduca; Circe; Don Quixote; The Double Dealer; The Rival Sisters , and much more!

Dream Journal - Four works commissioned by the Network for New Music (2002)
Classical | EAC: FLAC+Cue+Log | 1 Cd, Covers | 295 Mb
Label: Albany - Date: 2002

Presented on this release are four pieces commissioned by the Philadelphia-based Network for New Music Ensemble. All prove to be worthy listens by composers of much ability…

Going by the title, the Retro: Active series from Canada's Hi-Bias label sounds like it could be a nightmare of new wave and '80s-alternative singles remixed by modern producers to put a new spin on old favorites. Thankfully, the label has simply plucked extended versions and remixes from previously existing 12" singles - like the ones you might have sitting in your closet, or the ones you heard in clubs or even on the radio.
A-ha, Erasure, The Cure, Orchestral Manoeuvres in the Dark, Alphaville, Duran Duran, INXS, New Order, Peter Schilling and many more.