Debut CD from pianist Jocelyn Swigger

Jocelyn Swigger is a respected member of the Sunderman Conservatory of Music. She's also a top-level pianist, as she demonstrates in her new recording from Con Brio. The disc, entitled "Piano Recital," is just that -- a survey of various works that demonstrate the range of Swigger's talent.

The disc includes perennial favorites such as Chopin and Mozart, as well as some more unusual works, such as Morton Gould's "Boogie-Woogie Etude."

We've just received this disc, and it's now available through DCD Records.

- Ralph

Icicle Creek Piano Trio Debut CD

Con Brio's latest release is a debut album by the Icicle Creek Piano Trio. This young ensemble features Jennifer Caine (violin), Sally Singer (cello), and Oksana Ezhokina (piano). The three perform with a refreshing insight and as with a single mind. Their debut release includes the Ravel Piano Trio in A minor, and the Schubert Piano Trio in E-flat major, Op. 100.

Now available!

- Ralph

Episode #055 of the "DCD Classical 'Cast" posted

Program #055 of our podcast presents a variety of odds and ends. There's no real theme, save that all of the tracks haven't appeared before on the show. You'll hear some interesting arrangement of Schubert, Schumann and French baroque composer Jean Mouton. And there's also music by another baroque musician, Vincenzo Albrici.

Remember, you don't need an iPod to listen to a podcast. Just follow the links and listen!

- Ralph

Episode #54 of the DCD Classical Cast published

DCD 054 - An Orchestral Omnibus is now posted.

This edition of the "DCD Classical Cast" features selections from three different orchestral works. We hear a prelude from Arnold Rosner's opera, "The Chronicle of Nine," set in Tudor England. We also play Ernest Bloch's "Scherzo Fantastique" for piano and orchestra, and the finale to Luciano Simone's Symphony No. 4.

- Ralph

Podcast episode No. 53 published

We just posted episode No. 53 of the "DCD Classical Cast." It continues the survey we started in the previous episode of Troubadisc's "Violin Solo" series. Last episode we featured selections from Volumes 1 and 4, the latest release in the series.

This program we play selections from volume 2 and volume 3. Renate Eggebrecht does an outstanding job in these recordings, creating interesting programs of solo violin music from contemporary composers both famous and obscure.

And remember -- you don't need an iPod, or even iTunes, to enjoy a podcast. You can just click on the link to listen, or subscribe by choosing the RSS feed. It's easy!

- Ralph

Podcast episode No. 52 published

We just posted the first installment of a two-part series looking at music for the solo violin. Renate Eggebrecht has recorded four discs of 20th Century solo violin music, and the range of composers, styles, and nationalities gives the series real depth and variety.

Episode 52 of the "DCD Classical Cast," we play music primarily from the newest release in the series, Violin Solo, Volume 4. We fill in with selections from the first volume, subtitled Solo Sonatas in the Spirit of J.S. Bach.

Next podcast we'll round out our look at the series with selections from volumes two and three from this Troubadisc series.

- Ralph

Podcast episode 50 published

Today we uploaded episode #50 of the "DCD Classical 'Cast." For this landmark edition, we went back to one of the themes of our early podcasts -- artist-run labels. Since we started the podcast back in 2006, the music industry has changed dramatically.

At one time an artist-run label would be considered little more than a vanity label. These days, its a standard business model. The artist gets to record what they want, connect directly with their audience over the Internet, and keep most of what their recordings earn (as opposed to the major label system which gives only a fraction of the income to the artist).

This program we feature three outstanding performers. Mark Gardner and Robert de Gaetano are both composers and piano virtuosos, and we feature them performing their own compositions. Violinist Gary Levinson is heard playing Martinu's "Three Madrigals."

Which also makes this a podcast of 20th century music.

Look for changes over the next 50 podcasts -- and don't forget to let us know what you want. You can e-mail us at info@dcdrecords.com, or simply leave a comment in the comment field of this blog.

- Ralph