DCD Classical 'Cast Episode #037 Posted

The first podcast for 2008 was pretty easy to put together. I just took our two newest arrivals and put them together. "Orthodox Voices" featured fairly lengthy works, and "Imagen," Steve Lin's debut solo album had mostly short pieces, so the two discs blended very well (I think) together.

Troubadisc's SACD releases really have to be heard on an SACD-compatible system to fully appreciate the quality of their recordings. Nevertheless, while the sound quality of our podcasts are good (but not great), I believe you can still get an idea of how exciting these performances really are.

- Ralph

A new release from VGo Recordings

Steve Lin's new release on VGo Recordings isn't his first appearance on the label. He shared an earlier release with Joseph Williams II.

One of the prizes for the Boston GuitarFest was a recording with VGo -- but the judges deemed both Lin and Williams co-winners, and so they shared the prize (and their debut recording).

This time Lin's on his own, playing the music he loves. "Imagen" features works by noted flamenco composers Augustin Barrios, Antonio Lauro, and Benito Canónigos. If you enjoyed his joint release with Williams, then you'll really like "Imagen."

- Ralph

A New Direction for Troubadisc

Troubadisc's latest release represents a new direction for the German label. "Orthodox Singers: Contemporary Sacred Music from Estonia" is their first choral recording.

Since 1991 this German label has been producing quality chamber music recordings, so they're well-versed in the art of intimate recording sessions. Even though this is a stereo CD release, it sounds full of detail with a natural spaciousness that's well-suited to these works.

Fans of Arvo Part will want this one.

- Ralph

Steve Lin, guitar

Steve Lin, one of the winners of the Boston GuitarFest, releases his first solo CD, "Imagen." As you might expect from this young performer, it's a guitar recital full of energy and excitement.

Lin plays works by the composers who most inspired him: Benito Canonigos, Antonio Lauro, and the great Agustin Barrios Mangore.

Look for this VGo recording on our website!

- Ralph

Part 2 of the DCD Holiday Special Podcast Posted

Today we posted Part 2 of our holiday special -- and that wraps up our podcasting for the year. We'll return in January with some fresh new music.

I can't give away all the details as yet, but Troubadisc will be sending us their latest SACD project, and it represents a major step forward in the development of the label.

We also should have several new releases coming in from Sweden, courtesy of Musica Rediviva. And with any luck, we'll see the rerelease of an old favorite.

What's in store for DCD Records in 2008? We'll find out together!

- Ralph

Part 1 of the DCD Holiday Special Podcast Posted

Today we finished recording both parts of the DCD Holiday Special podcast. Part 1 has been posted to the web, and we should have Part 2 ready within the next few days.

This program's all about singing. We play two seasonal selections from the Seattle Pro Musica, as well as a Charpentier work performed by the Convivium Vocale.

Look for Part 2, and if you still want more, remember that last year's holiday episodes (DCD 015 and 016 respectively) are also available to download.

Happy Holidays!

- Ralph

Episode #34 posted

I just posted Episode #34 of the DCD Classical 'Cast. When we received the new CD by Grisha, I knew we had to do a feature on this remarkable artist. This podcast we play selections from Grisha's two recordings on the VGo label. It was a fun show to put together, and Grisha's performances kept the energy level high throughout the program.

And we've put together a special package of Grisha's two albums. Purchase them together, and you can save 20%. We want to help this young man continue to be successful!

- Ralph