 Kathleen
FerrierBach - Mass in B minor with Schwarzkopf, Ludwig, Schöffler. Poell, Herbert von Karajan Conducting This Guild release commemorates the 50th anniversary of the death of this beloved, world-famous contralto. It offers the complete broadcast of the Bach B Minor Mass from 1950 on the 200th anniversary of Bach’s death, in which Ferrier’s singing of the Agnus Dei brought the implacable Von Karajan to tears while he conducted. The album also includes the broadcast, with commentary, of Ferrier singing Brahms’ Four Serious Songs, conducted by Sir Malcom Sargent and two complete recitals from 1949 and 1952. The booklet offers an interesting article by Derek Adlam on the singer and the performances together with texts for the Bach and Brahms works. GHCD 2260/62 |
 Petite
Messe Solenelle - Rossini - 9 April 1939Westminster Choir - New York Philharmonic Symphony barbirolli rarities - Verdi - Saint Saëns - Wagner - Richard Strauss with Pauly, Tibbett, Bonelli - 1938 - 1940 Rossini’s rarely performed mass, written in his old age, is sung by famed vocal artists from the 1930s joined by Leonard Warren in the year of his Met debut. And while some of Rossini’s music is slight, the dramatic power and soaring melodic beauty of the final Agnus Dei will surprise and thrill you. The second CD presents Barbirolli rarities taken from broadcasts in 1938 and 1940. This includes Tibett’s Eri Tu, the Grail scene from Parsifal with Bonelli and others, two songs by Richard Strauss sung by Rosa Pauly and the final scene from Salome. In all, a fond remembrance of Sir John’s years as director of the New York Philharmonic and a memento of his love of vocal music. Includes broadcast commentary, article on the performances and biography of Sir John. GHCD 2254-55 |
