"Brilliant performances and dazzling sound." -- The Washington Post | |
RR-907 [HDCD] Minnesota Orchestra Showcase contains highlights from each of their critically-acclaimed recordings for Reference Recordings - plus the first release anywhere of the orchestra's sizzling new performance of Richard Strauss' Don Juan! 
RR-100 [HDCD] A GRAMMY AWARD® WINNER Everything Argento writes, whether sprung from a vocal text or cast in purely instrumental language, originates in his love for the voice. Based on the letters of Elizabeth Barrett Browning, Casa Guidi was composed specifically for world renowned mezzo-soprano Frederica von Stade.  RR-99 [HDCD] Relaxing, beloved classics by Debussy, Satié, Ravel, Faure, Tchaikovsky, Sibelius and more, beautifully played by one of America's great orchestras. A balm for jangled nerves! The pace of the human heartbeat so appealed to the composers on this program that they harnessed their music to it. Yet they produced orchestral statements of such variety that a listener might not immediately discern their similar pace, which is described by the musical term "andante," or walking tempo. 
Symphonic Dances - Études - Tableux (orch. Respighi) - Vocalise. Sergei Rachmaninoff was one of the most beloved composers of the twentieth century. His music is redolent of his Russian homeland and it sings long, lush melodies that define the term "romantic". Everyone who knows and loves his piano concertos will enjoy these lyrical and dynamic works for orchestra. 
Belkis, Queen of Sheba Suite - Dance of the Gnomes - The Pines of Rome Belkis, Queen of Sheba was conceived as an evening-long ballet with singing whose lavishness has kept it from view since its La Scala premiere. This is only the second recording of a suite prepared by the composer - for the first time with the tenor solo (sung by Chad Shelton), and with the movements in the correct order.  
 Aaron Copland, America's best-known and best-loved composer would have been 100 years old this centennial year. Reference Recordings® is pleased to honor his memory with this memorial CD and LP of his most renowned and memorable works.  Orchestral Fireworks RR-92 [HDCD] Even before Ravel's BOLERO was featured in the hit movie "Ten", it was the most recognizable and the most popular piece of orchestral music ever written. Its hypnotic melodies, rhythms and brilliant orchestral colors have made it a favorite of conductors and audiences worldwide.  Valentino Dances RR-91 [HDCD] Dominick Argento is not only America's pre-eminent opera composer, but a creator of vocal, choral and orchestral music that places him on the top rank of living composers. This significant new release presents WORLD PREMIERE recordings of five important Argento works, all closely associated with the Minnesota Orchestra. 
Das Lied von der Erde RR-88 [HDCD] Although scored for a huge orchestra, Das Lied von der Erde abounds in passages of intricate chamber-music delicacy. These contrasts, plus the challenge of balancing the voices with the constantly-changing orchestration, make this work a monument which recording engineers approach with caution. "Prof." Keith Johnson has once again risen to the occasion with an HDCD® recording of astounding clarity and power.  RR-87 [HDCD] Leonard Bernstein's classic operetta Candide is full of infectious music. A new orchestral suite from this magical score has been arranged by long-time Bernstein collaborator Charlie Harmon, and this is its world premeire recording. Eiji Oue (a Bernstein protégé) and the Minnesota Orchestra worked closely with the arranger in rehearsing and performing the suite prior to the recording, so they could bring to it a unique authority.  Ein Heldenleben Suite from "Die Frau ohne Schatten" (arr. Leinsdorf) RR-83 [HDCD] A Hero's Life! Imperial virtuosity for these super-colorful, sonically dazzling scores. 
RR-82 [HDCD] Demons, ghouls, ghosts and goblins run amok in this potent witches' brew! Infernal favorites by Liszt, Mussorgsky, Liadov, Franck, Dukas, Saint-Saëns, Malcolm Arnold and more! RM-2510 [ 45rpm MASTERCUT 200gram DOUBLE LP ] 
RR-80 [HDCD] A hi-fi travelogue of popular tone poems. The incredible realism of these recordings will transport you from Orchestra Hall in Minneapolis to far corners of the world and back again! and other Ravel orchestrations RR-79 [HDCD] Mussorgsky's "Classical Top Ten" Favorite, plus orchestrations of piano music by Schumann, Chabrier, Debussy and Ravel himself. A real orchestral spectacular. 
 RR-71 [HDCD] RM-1505 [33 1/3rpm MASTERCUT 200gram LP] This recording includes Bacchanale by Saint-Saëns, Dance of the Seven Veils by Strauss, plus other favorites and rarities. A favorite with many audio enthusiasts now available as a Mastercut audiophile LP. 
RR-71SACD [Hybrid SACD / HDCD] HR-71 [HRx Digital File] This recording includes Bacchanale by Saint-Saëns, Dance of the Seven Veils by Strauss, plus other favorites and rarities. A favorite with many audio enthusiasts. 
RR-70 [HDCD] A GRAMMY® AWARD NOMINEE 1997 - Best Engineered Classical Recording RM-1502 [33 1/3rpm 200gram LP] A GRAMMY® AWARD NOMINEE 1997 - Best Engineered Classical Recording 
HR-70 [HRx Digital File] A GRAMMY® AWARD NOMINEE 1997 - Best Engineered Classical Recording  RM-1515 [45rpm 180gram LP] A GRAMMY® AWARD NOMINEE 1997 - Best Engineered Classical Recording | |
 CONCERTO NICOLÒ & CONCERTO FOR ORCHESTRA Gary Graffman, piano Minnesota Orchestra, Stanislaw Skrowaczewski RR-103 [HDCD] "Concerto Nicolò" for piano left hand and orchestra was commissioned especially for the legendary pianist Gary Graffman. The lighthearted piece by Stanislaw Skrowaczewski is based on the famous 24th Caprice by Paganini. This performance conducted by the composer can be considered definitive.  A GRAMMY® AWARD NOMINEE 1999 Best Engineered Classical Recording GOLDEN NOTE AWARD WINNER 1998 Best Original Recording The Minnesota Orchestra's Conductor Laureate, winner of the Gold Medal of the Bruckner-Mahler Society, brings a rare insight and sense of drama to the Viennese master's final symphony. | |
 with THE MINNESOTA CHORAL RR-102 [HDCD] World Premiere Recording of a Major Work by Sir John Tavener One of today's most celebrated composers, Sir John Tavener has earned a huge following worldwide for the combination of spiritual mysticism, reverent yearning and passion that suffuses all of his music. This work, originated as a commission for Jorja Fleezanis, concertmistress of the Minnesota Orchestra, on the occasion of the orchestra's Centennial. | |
Conducted by KEITH CLARK | |
Reference Recordings are distributed in Australia by Rockian Trading