New release from Laurel Records now available from DCD -- Ernest Bloch: Music for Viola http://ping.fm/kJH3g

New Release: Ernest Bloch - Music for Viola

The latest release from Laurel Records continues their line of Ernest Bloch recordings. "Music for Viola" features four different settings for the viola. In addition to the "Suite Hebraique" for viola and orchestra (one of Bloch's most famous compositions), the CD also includes his suite for viola and string quartet, viola and piano, and even for solo viola.

Grammy-nominated violist Karen Elaine Bakunin ably performs these works. According to the Los Angeles Times, Bakunin is "the soloist to bring the viola out of obscurity." And this disc amply demonstrates why.

Available now from DCD Records.

- Ralph

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