THE LILY OF KILLARNEY

THE LILY OF KILLARNEY

Clarinet fantasies from England and Ireland Robert Plane clarinetBenjamin Frith piano MPR 118 mikepurtonrecording.com At first glance this might seem to be a disc aimed at a somewhat small group of enthusiasts. However, in addition to the Fantasias on the themes from...
THE SPIRIT OF LOVE: Chamber Music by Ailsa Dixon

THE SPIRIT OF LOVE: Chamber Music by Ailsa Dixon

Villiers QuartetLucy Cox soprano Charlie Draper Ondes Martenot Resonus   RES10364 The story of Ailsa Dixon (1932 – 2017) is, sadly, not an unusual one. A composer of great promise, who happened to be a woman, studied at Durham University in the 1950s. She had to...
Seeking that one elusive record!

Seeking that one elusive record!

Dear Editor, I was very interested in the discussion on CD and vinyl collections. The member who asked for advice on what to do with CDs also mentioned the ridiculous prices asked for LPs. This is something I am very much aware of having spent a small fortune on...
VAUGHAN WILLIAMS: Symphonies 5 & 9

VAUGHAN WILLIAMS: Symphonies 5 & 9

London Symphony OrchestraSir Antonio Pappano Conductor LSO0900 This is hardly unfamiliar territory, I would think, for most BMS members, so there is not much point in indulging in too much description. Since stepping down as Music Director of the Royal Opera House Sir...
TIPPETT, BRITTEN & WALTON

TIPPETT, BRITTEN & WALTON

BBC Symphony OrchestraGeorge Vass conductorClare Hammond piano BIS-2604 In 1943 Walton revised his 1927 Sinfonia Concertante, reducing the orchestra and simplifying the piano part. I must confess to preferring the original which seems to have more meat on its bones....