Comment:Janacek's earliest surviving orchestral work is coupled with Mahler's arrangement of Schubert that he made in 1894.
Comment:Cube Bohemia recording stars, the Smetana Trio, are BBC Music Magazine Award Winners of 2007. On this CD the Smetana Trio accompany Beethoven's Triple Concerto with Vorisek's delightful Grand Rondeau, composed in 1825.
Comment:Blu-ray music! Unique two CD set presents the Trondheim Solistene in standard CD, SACD and on the second disc in Blu-ray audio formats. Full technical detalis in the booklet. The performances are stunningly beautiful.
Comment:Unique performances by Karel Ancerl and the Czech Philharmonic. The Beethoven dates from 1966 and the Smetana from 1968, as the storm clouds were gathering over the Prague Spring. Plus documentary-Who is Karel Ancerl? Format: 4:3 B & W All Region.
Comment:Amazing collection of original Benjamin Britten recordings made by EMI and Decca. The 10 CDs are housed in a book-style case. David Hemmings who sings in Saint Nicolas went onto play the photographer in Antonioni's Blow Up!
Comment:Debut CD from North-East of England based singer Zoe Gilby, with Graham Hearne, piano, Russell Pearson, bass, Tony Faulkner, drums, Ernie Jackson, percussion, Russell Berg, sax, Mike Carton/Andy Hillier, trombone, Graham Hardy, trumpet/flugel.
Reviews:"A sparkling debut by an exuberant singer whose lively personality comes across on every track of this fine CD." Jazz UK February/March 2008.
Comment:Members of the Czech Philharmonic formed the Rudolfinum Jazz Orchestra. Alongside leading Czech Jazz soloists they play this tribute to pre-war musical avant-gardeist Jaroslav Jezek. Great Big-Band Jazz, with a few surprises!
Comment:Italian TV production from 1956! The cast includes: Rosanna Carteri as Susanna and Luigi Alva as Don Basilio. Directed by Herbert Graf. Format: All Region 4:3 Black and White
Reviews:"With a predominantly Italian cast, this is a worthy performance, allowing one to see the faces of singers who were just voices on LP." International Record Review - June 2008
Comment:In wartime Italy, a Partisan (Tito Gobbi) befriends a shot-down RAF pilot (Michael Denison) who is also a composer. He meets Alida (Valentina Cortese) and his opera, The Glass Mountain, is inspired by their love. Format: 4:3 All Region
