![Diana Damrau – Meyerbeer – Grand Opera (2017) [FLAC 24 bit, 96 kHz]](https://imghd.xyz/images/2022/12/19/0190295848965_600.md.jpg)
Diana Damrau – Meyerbeer – Grand Opera (2017) [FLAC 24 bit, 96 kHz]
Giacomo Meyerbeer, the French composer with an Italian-German name (adopted) and a Jewish background, was the toast of Paris for much of the middle 19th century, the musical collaborator of the great Eugène Scribe, and the single person in whose hands the genre of grand opera most clearly took shape. His music fell out of fashion among the late Romantics, was further depressed by Nazi bans, and has taken a while to come back into style. This fine anthology by German soprano Diana Damrau will help his cause. Plainly a labor of love, the album includes arias in German (one very early) and Italian as well as French, and among the latter from opéras comiques as well as grand opera. Some of the music sounds like Rossini, some like Wagner (whom Meyerbeer backed early in his career and was repaid by an anti-Semitic campaign), but most of it has a distinctive voice marked above all by splendid vocal writing. The music often hangs in the soprano’s top register, and Damrau evokes how Meyerbeer’s audiences must have felt on the knife’s edge. There are examples of Meyerbeer’s masterful orchestration, such as the flute duo from L’étoile du Nord, and the support from the Orchestra and Chorus of the National Opera of Lyon is top-notch, as is Erato’s engineering. One gets the impression here that no expense was spared, rare enough in opera these days, and that the money was well spent. To hear it all tied together, sample “O beau pays de la Touraine”, with Damrau excelling in both the haunting middle section and the fireworks of the finale. Brava!
![David Fray – Chopin (2017) [FLAC 24 bit, 88,2 kHz]](https://imghd.xyz/images/2022/12/07/0190295896423_600.md.jpg)
David Fray – Chopin (2017) [FLAC 24 bit, 88,2 kHz]
Chopin’s music had been absent from Fray’s active repertoire for some 15 years before he recorded this recital, which comprises seven of the composer’s nocturnes, three mazurkas, a polonaise, a waltz and an impromptu. When Fray talks about Chopin – who died in Paris in 1849 aged just 39, having exercised a transformative influence on the piano repertoire – it becomes clear that he sees the composer’s work in archetypally Romantic terms: “For me, Chopin’s music is very fragile, vaporous, perfumed … somewhat intangible. It is so fluid and evanescent – you need to feel that it could just disappear at any moment. What makes it so touching is this ephemeral quality – the mazurkas are like something that you write in the sand … You know that it will be washed away, but the memory will remain. His music palpitates with a sense of the unexpected, the inspiration of the moment. If you tried to engrave it into marble, it would die.”
![Dennis Brain, Philharmonia Orchestra, Herbert von Karajan – Mozart: Horn Concertos (1954/2012) [FLAC 24 bit, 96 kHz]](https://imghd.xyz/images/2022/12/13/pYB5IeX.md.jpg)
Dennis Brain, Philharmonia Orchestra, Herbert von Karajan – Mozart: Horn Concertos (1954/2012) [FLAC 24 bit, 96 kHz]
Extraordinary horn player Dennis Brain is joined by Herbert von Karajan and the Philharmonia Orchestra as the ensemble renders riveting adaptations of Mozart’s four horn concertos. His unmistakable and immediately recognizable tone has made Brain an ideal Mozartian. Dubbed by Boyd Neel as one of the finest Mozart players of his generation, this collection exemplifies Brain’s unworldly virtuosity.
![Diana Damrau, Orchestra Teatro Regio Torino, Gianandrea Noseda – Fiamma del belcanto (2015) [FLAC 24 bit, 96 kHz]](https://imghd.xyz/images/2022/12/19/0825646166695_600.md.jpg)
Diana Damrau, Orchestra Teatro Regio Torino, Gianandrea Noseda – Fiamma del belcanto (2015) [FLAC 24 bit, 96 kHz]
In her first recital album devoted entirely to Italian opera, soprano Diana Damrau takes the golden age of bel canto, the early 19th century, as the starting point for an exploration of theatrical and musical passion that leads to the high-octane verismo drama of the 1890s. “Italian opera is an art form that deals with real feelings,” she says of the arias she has chosen by Bellini, Donizetti, Verdi, Puccini and Leoncavallo, lit up by her coloratura pyrotechnics and dramatic prowess.
![Samson François – Chopin: Études, Op.10 & 25 (1966/2012) [FLAC 24 bit, 96 kHz]](https://imghd.xyz/images/2022/11/13/q1mpfBC.md.jpg)
Samson François – Chopin: Études, Op.10 & 25 (1966/2012) [FLAC 24 bit, 96 kHz]
Accomplished pianist Samson Francois interprets masterworks by Chopin. His execution is powerful and precise, driven by his sophisticated intellect. Francois moves effortlessly through these demanding works producing a spine-tingling experience that exudes pianism at its finest. A must have for any collection.
![Samson François – Chopin: Preludes, Op.28; 4 Impromptus (1959/2012) [FLAC 24 bit, 96 kHz]](https://imghd.xyz/images/2022/11/13/Pwz0fWC.md.jpg)
Samson François – Chopin: Preludes, Op.28; 4 Impromptus (1959/2012) [FLAC 24 bit, 96 kHz]
Esteemed pianist Samson Francois interprets pieces by Chopin. His performance is poised, powerful and exhilarating, driven by his deep appreciation for Chopin’s works. With astounding sound quality, Francois exudes pianism at its finest. A definitive collection for any audiophile.
![Christina Pluhar – Rossi: La lyra d’Orfeo & Arpa Davidica (2019) [FLAC 24 bit, 44,1 kHz]](https://imghd.xyz/images/2022/11/21/p5u44soovbgwa_600.md.jpg)
Christina Pluhar – Rossi: La lyra d’Orfeo & Arpa Davidica (2019) [FLAC 24 bit, 44,1 kHz]
Christina Pluhar has long been interested in the vocal music of the 17th century, in particular that of composer Luigi Rossi born around 1597 in the beautiful province of Puglia. He was the titular composer to the Medicis in Florence before taking a job with Cardinal Barberini in Rome. In France, Cardinal Mazarin commissioned him to produce the first Italian opera written specifically for the French court. In a manner of speaking, Rossi is at the root of the productions that another Italian, Lully, would later write for Louis XIV.
![Wiener Philharmoniker, Carl Schuricht – Bruckner: Symphony No.9 (1962/2012) [FLAC 24 bit, 96 kHz]](https://imghd.xyz/images/2022/09/15/nUX6ESX.md.jpg)
Wiener Philharmoniker, Carl Schuricht – Bruckner: Symphony No.9 (1962/2012) [FLAC 24 bit, 96 kHz]
With immaculate sound quality and sonics, renowned conductor Carl Schuricht leads the Vienna Philharmonic Orchestra through Bruckner’s historic Ninth Symphony. Commanding with gentle assurance and unparalleled artistry, Schuricht delivers an intense reading overflowing with vitality. The orchestra’s performance is powerful and detailed.
![New Philharmonia Chorus & Orchestra, Otto Klemperer – Beethoven: Missa Solemnis (1965/2012) [FLAC 24bit, 96 kHz]](https://imghd.xyz/images/2022/08/25/9IdHoqI.md.jpg)
New Philharmonia Chorus & Orchestra, Otto Klemperer – Beethoven: Missa Solemnis (1965/2012) [FLAC 24bit, 96 kHz]
This is an ear-shattering performance of a masterpiece by the legendary composer Beethoven. His Missa Solemnis was written to inspire feelings of profound enlightenment executed brilliantly by this cast of exquisite musicians. Otto Klemperer built a formidable reputation as one of the greatest conductors of the twentieth century and he is joined by Elisabeth Soderstrom, Marga Hoffgen, Waldemar Kmentt, Martti Talvela and the New Philharmonia Orchestra and Chorus. Klemperer’s command of the score and control of the orchestra is magnificent and the soloists display masterful virtuosity. Absolutely essential.
![Philippe Jaroussky, Freiburger Barockorchester – Bach & Telemann: Sacred Cantatas (2016) [FLAC 24bit, 96 kHz]](https://imghd.xyz/images/2022/08/21/0825646491551_600.md.jpg)
Philippe Jaroussky, Freiburger Barockorchester – Bach & Telemann: Sacred Cantatas (2016) [FLAC 24bit, 96 kHz]
For her first recording on Erato as a newly-signed exclusive artist, Nathalie Stutzmann conducts her superb Orfeo 55 musicians playing on Baroque instruments, while singing some of Handel’s most virtuosic arias, all with a rare mastery of both arts – neither one in the shadow of the other.
Heroes from the Shadows makes stars of the unfairly overlooked roles – from Arsamene to Zenobia – who sing Handel’s hidden operatic jewels: Cornelia from Giulio Cesare (‘Son nata’ in duet with star countertenor Philippe Jaroussky as her guest), Dardano’s stately ‘Pena tiranna’ from Amadigi di Gaula, and the sublime, intimate ‘Senti, bell’idol mio’ sung by Claudio in Silla. Nathalie Stutzmann also relinquishes vocal duties to conduct Orfeo 55 in ravishing instrumental music: sinfonias from Poro, Partenope, Scipione and Serse.
![Quatuor Artemis – Brahms: String Quartets Nos. 1 & 3 (2015) [FLAC 24 bit, 96 kHz]](https://imghd.xyz/images/2022/09/10/0825646126552_600.md.jpg)
Quatuor Artemis – Brahms: String Quartets Nos. 1 & 3 (2015) [FLAC 24 bit, 96 kHz]
The Artemis Quartet pairs Brahms’ intense First Quartet with his lighter-spirited Third Quartet, both works that the Artemis’ cellist, Eckart Runge, describes as “remarkable and multi-faceted”. He says that “Brahms marries a Romantic spirit with the structure and forms of Classicism. There is an almost symphonic approach in the writing, but at the same time the quartets are imbued with a sense of warmth, immediacy, friendship and love that is interwoven with a more spiritual, timeless beauty”.
![Bertrand Chamayou – Ravel: Complete Works for Solo Piano (2016) [FLAC 24bit, 96 KHz]](https://imghd.xyz/images/2022/09/02/0825646026777_600.md.jpg)
Bertrand Chamayou – Ravel: Complete Works for Solo Piano (2016) [FLAC 24bit, 96 KHz]
For his second release on Erato, Bertrand Chamayou is dedicating two CDs to the complete solo piano music of Ravel. “My style of playing and the way I imagine sound can be largely attributed to Ravel,” says Chamayou. “Recording his music is not just a return to my roots, but also a natural stage in my development.” This new set makes a fitting successor to Chamayou’s debut disc for the label: released in early 2014 and devoted to music by Schubert, it was praised by the Sunday Times as an “affecting, beautifully performed disc,” by Pianist magazine for “playing of intellectual conviction paired with a singing tone of heart-breaking beauty,” and by the Telegraph for “playing that radiates a generous Schubertian spirit, thoughtful in its shaping, structurally cohesive, absorbing in a spectrum of pianism that draws you into the music’s expressive heart.”
![Elisabeth Schwarzkopf, Dietrich Fischer-Dieskau, Philharmonia Orchestra & Chorus, Otto Klemperer – Brahms: Ein Deutsches Requiem (1961/2012) [FLAC 24 bit, 96 kHz]](https://imghd.xyz/images/2023/04/18/51HrDljlosL.jpg)
Elisabeth Schwarzkopf, Dietrich Fischer-Dieskau, Philharmonia Orchestra & Chorus, Otto Klemperer – Brahms: Ein Deutsches Requiem (1961/2012) [FLAC 24 bit, 96 kHz]
Otto Klemperer was one of the greatest conductors of the 20th century and built a renowned reputation for his monumental performances. Leading the Philharmonia Orchestra & Chorus, Klemperer delivers one of the greatest recordings of Brahms’ Ein Deutsches Requiem. At the height of their powers, the ensemble was able to combine the rugged spirituality and lyrical aspects of this score. Soprano Elisabeth Schwarzkopf and baritone Dietrich Fischer-Dieskau were in peak form adding stunning solo contributions. This audiophile download is essential for any music lover’s collection.
![Bertrand Chamayou – Bertrand Chamayou plays Schubert (2014) [FLAC 24bit, 96 KHz]](https://imghd.xyz/images/2022/09/02/0825646370450_600.md.jpg)
Bertrand Chamayou – Bertrand Chamayou plays Schubert (2014) [FLAC 24bit, 96 KHz]
Bertrand Chamayou, described by Gramophone as a “young French pianist of an impeccable pedigree”, is already firmly established as one of the most thoughtful and fascinating pianists of his generation. He has chosen Schubert – with the Wanderer-Fantaisie as the centrepiece – for his first release as an ERATO artist, and, in the course of 2014, the composer’s works will also feature in Chamayou’s recitals in Germany, Belgium, the US (New York), France and Austria.
![Marc Minkowski – J.S. Bach: Johannes-Passion (St John Passion) (2017) [FLAC 24bit, 96 kHz]](https://imghd.xyz/images/2022/08/22/0190295854027_600.md.jpg)
Marc Minkowski – J.S. Bach: Johannes-Passion (St John Passion) (2017) [FLAC 24bit, 96 kHz]
The foundations of Marc Minkowski’s career lie in Baroque music, and he has enjoyed a long relationship with Warner Classics, but this Johannes-Passion (St John Passion) is his first Bach for the label. The work’s terse drama – here presented through just nine singers – is ideally suited to both his scrupulous musicianship and his keen sense of theatre. The French conductor describes Bach’s great masterpieces as “a journey you have to prepare for meticulously, over a long period of time … You come back from it like an explorer comes back from Everest or the Moon – transformed.”
![Alexandre Tharaud – Tharaud plays Rachmaninov (2016) [FLAC 24bit, 96 kHz]](https://imghd.xyz/images/2022/06/08/0190295954659_600.md.jpg)
Alexandre Tharaud – Tharaud plays Rachmaninov (2016) [FLAC 24bit, 96 kHz]
French star pianist Alexandre Tharaud takes on the blockbuster ‘Rach 2’ concerto in a thrilling performance with the Royal Liverpool Philharmonic Orchestra and Russian maestro Alexander Vedernikov. It is coupled with more intimate Rachmaninov for piano six-hands (for which Alexandre is flanked by Alexander Melnikov and Aleksandar Madžar) and the icing on the cake: a sublime Vocalise in the original version for voice and piano, with pure-voiced French soprano Sabine Devieilhe.
![Alexandre Tharaud – Schubert: 4 Impromptus, D. 899 & 6 Moments musicaux (2021) [FLAC 24bit, 96 kHz]](https://imghd.xyz/images/2022/06/08/ne6vmq0diuatb_600.md.jpg)
Alexandre Tharaud – Schubert: 4 Impromptus, D. 899 & 6 Moments musicaux (2021) [FLAC 24bit, 96 kHz]
The programme for Alexandre Tharaud’s Schubert album comprises the four Impromptus D 899 (op 90), the six Moments musicaux and, in Tharaud’s own transcription for piano, four excerpts from the stage music for Rosamunde. When Tharaud performed the Impromptus at London’s Wigmore Hall in 2014, The Guardian wrote: “He got to the heart of the beauties and abysses of this music.”
![Alexandre Tharaud – Pesson, Abrahamsen & Strasnoy: Piano Concertos (2019) [FLAC 24bit, 48 kHz]](https://imghd.xyz/images/2022/06/08/ey973ek3uc9jc_600.md.jpg)
Alexandre Tharaud – Pesson, Abrahamsen & Strasnoy: Piano Concertos (2019) [FLAC 24bit, 48 kHz]
This album brings together world premiere recordings of three aesthetically diverse piano concertos that were written for Alexandre Tharaud. They are Left, alone by the Dane Hans Abrahamsen (b. 1952), Future is a faded song by the Frenchman Gérard Pesson (b.1958) and Kuleshov by the Argentian-born Frenchman Oscar Strasnoy (b.1970). Strasnoy has said that his concerto was “inspired by Alexandre Tharaud’s unique and inimitable phrasing and clarity of playing.” No doubt those words could apply to all three works on the album.
![Alexandre Tharaud – Beethoven: Piano Sonatas Nos 30-32 (2018) [FLAC 24bit, 96 kHz]](https://imghd.xyz/images/2022/06/08/x2yq4rdjy02nb_600.md.jpg)
Alexandre Tharaud – Beethoven: Piano Sonatas Nos 30-32 (2018) [FLAC 24bit, 96 kHz]
Alexandre Tharaud records Beethoven for the first time! Beethoven’s last three sonatas, Nos. 30, 31, 32, composed 1820-22 and are considered some of the most difficult works in the repertoire. The NY Times said “[Alexandre Tharaud] imbued the opening of Beethoven’s Sonata No.31 (Op. 110) with a poetic introspection…”
“Alexandre Tharaud is a musician of wide interests, as compelling in the Baroque as he is delightful in a favourite disc of mine, ‘Le boeuf sur le toit’ (12/12). Now he has gone mainstream, with Beethoven’s last three sonatas.
![Alexandre Tharaud – Barbara (2017) [FLAC 24bit, 44,1 kHz]](https://imghd.xyz/images/2022/06/08/0190295759070_600.md.jpg)
Alexandre Tharaud – Barbara (2017) [FLAC 24bit, 44,1 kHz]
For this double album, pianist Alexandre Tharaud invited a spectacular array of guest performers to join him in paying tribute to the great French singer-songwriter known simply as Barbara.
One of the icons of the poetic chanson française, Barbara shares a place of honour with two other ‘B’s’, Jacques Brel and Georges Brassens. Among her most celebrated songs are ‘Ma plus belle histoire d’amour’, ‘Göttingen’, ‘Dis, quand reviendras-tu?’, ‘Mes hommes’ and ‘Nantes’.
It is 20 years since Barbara died, aged 67, on November 24th 1997. Alexandre Tharaud’s idea for this album dates back to the day of her funeral. He, like many other fans, went to the cemetery in Bagneux on the outskirts of Paris. After the crowds and TV cameras had departed, a group of devotees remained at her grave and joined in an impromptu rendition of her songs. “I realised then that Barbara would live on through our voices,” says Tharaud. “I was young, but the recording studio was already central to my life. That morning, at Bagneux Cemetery, I vowed to make an album dedicated entirely to the music of Barbara. I needed time, and singers … The guests on this album are not those anonymous mourners, but dear friends I have invited to lend their own unique voices to this tribute” .
For Hommage à Barbara, Tharaud has assembled a rich and imaginative line-up of performers from a variety of generations and diverse artistic and cultural backgrounds. While there is inevitably a Gallic bias among them, many of their names are well known around the globe. Among them are: actress-singers Juliette Binoche, Vanessa Paradis and Jane Birkin; rock star Radio Elvis; singer-songwriters Bénabar, Juliette, Dominique A, Tim Dup, Jean-Louis Aubert and Albin de la Simone; singers Camélia Jordana, Rokia Traoré, Hindi Zahra and Luz Casal; actor-director Guillaume Gallienne; Erato violinist Renaud Capuçon, clarinettist Michel Portal and the Modigliani string quartet. Alexandre Tharaud himself plays on nearly all the tracks – not just piano, but also electronic organ and keyboards, celesta and bells.