New releases from the University of Wisconsin label added to our Amazon store. http://cli.gs/DCDAmazon

Podcast episode #59 posted

Part two of our holiday music special is now available. As always, I had a lot of fun putting these December shows together, and I hope they bring you some enjoyment.

We feature selections from two recordings. "A Longwood Gardens Christmas" starts off episode #59 of the "DCD Classical 'Cast." Organist Michael Stairs performs two familiar selections, "O Christmas Tree," and an arrangement of "In dulci jubilo."

Janis Lusens' "Child of the Stars" is a choral cantata that borrows heavily from Lusens' Latvian musical heritage, as well as some traditional holiday melodies.

And remember -- you don't need an iPod to enjoy a podcast! You can play the show through your computer, or transfer the MP3 file to any MP3 player or smart phone.

From the entire staff at DCD Records, we'd like to wish you a wonderful holiday season, and a safe and prosperous New Year.

- Ralph

Episode #56 of the DCD Classical 'Cast posted

Program #56 of the "DCD Classical 'Cast" features selections from the two new releases from the Con Brio label. And it just happens to be bi-coastal in the process!

Jocelyn Swigger is based at Sunderman Conservatory, in Gettysburg, Pennslyvania, and the Icicle Creek Piano Trio call Leavenworth, Washington their professional home. They may be seperated by a vast distance, but these recording artists are close together where it counts. Both releases feature imaginative performances and some darned good music-making.

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

- Ralph

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