Spring Waltz

Aaron Copland - Appalachian Spring, Billy the Kid & Rodeo - San Francisco Symphony, Michael Tilson Thomas (2005) {RCA-BMG}
EAC rip (secure mode) | FLAC (tracks)+CUE+LOG -> 336 Mb | MP3 @320 -> 179 Mb
Full Artwork @ 300 dpi (png) -> 59 Mb | 5% repair rar
© 2005 RCA / BMG Music | 82876-65840-2
Claccical / Contemporary Classical

I'm a big fan of Copland. His music can be dramatic, sad, joyful, and just plain fun. I also think his music is a good vehicle for personal expression of the performer/conductor. I don't think this is true for all composers–-I cringe at some interpretations of Bach–-but I usually enjoy it when a performance of Appalachian Spring or Bill the Kid contains some individual stamp that indicates the performer is really feeling and enjoying what they are doing. The combination of Copland's timeless compositions and subtle playing effects can be very sophisticated indeed.

Shostakovich's introspective Piano Quintet is one of the composer's supreme achievements. Perhaps it was the subtle nod to Baroque forms as well as the Beethoven-like use of fugue that earned this piece a permanent place in the chamber repertoire. The Nash Ensemble, led by Marcia Crayford and Elizabeth Clayton, shines especially in the playful and colorful Scherzo.

Nikita Magaloff was one of the more interesting and charismatic keyboard figures of the twentieth century. Many of his recordings are still available and in modern sound; yet here was a man who was a friend of Rachmaninov, Prokofiev, from whom he took composition lessons, and Ravel, who was an enthusiastic admirer. Magaloff concertized with the most important conductors and orchestras of the day and at the most prestigious festivals. He also collaborated with the leading string players, like violinist Joseph Szigeti.

Manifold Records present Spring Lounge 2012 - Sounds Like Sunshine. 30 excellent Chillout tracks from Frank Borell, Pascal Dubois, Chillwalker, Cafe Americaine and others.

Manifold Records present Spring Lounge 2011: Sounds Like Sunshine. 30 excellent Chillout tracks from Cafe Americaine, Pascal Dubois, The Man Behind C, Chillwalker, Noise Boyz and others.