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

Episode #32 of the DCD Classical Cast Posted

Episode #31 of the DCD Classical 'Cast was all about the new releases from Con Brio. This time, it's all about Laurel Records. Three new titles, all featuring chamber works by Ernest Bloch came in, and so -- just like the last episode -- the programming seemed obvious.

This time I borrowed a page from Top 40 radio -- less talk, more music. In order to really do justice to Bloch's compositions, I decided to go with two large, substantial movements rather than a bunch of shorter excerpts to fit in all three recordings.

So this time round, you'll hear a movement from Bloch's first string quartet, as well as a one from his first piano quintet.

We'll save the disc of his violoncello music for the next podcast -- along with the Con Brio recording and the John Biggs work that got bumped to make room for Bloch's chamber works.

- Ralph

A Special Offer From DCD

Now that Laurel Records has completed their cycle of Ernest Bloch string quartets (and piano quintets), I thought it only fitting to offer all four volumes at a special price.

Each disc can be purchased separately, of course, but if you don't have any of these recordings its a great way to get them all at once.

I'll be featuring some samples from this collection in the next podcast.

- Ralph

New Podcast Episode Posted

With the plethora of new releases arriving from Con Brio, Episode #31 of the DCD Classical Cast practically programmed itself. And I found that there was even some music left over. So this edition will have selections from most of Con Brio's new releases. We'll have to catch the rest next time.

It's a fairly eclectic mix of contemporary music. We start out with a work for cello and piano, move to a rhapsody for tuba and band, and finish with a little Third Stream jazz.

I enjoyed putting the program together -- I hope you enjoy listening to it.

- Ralph

New Podcast Episode Posted

Tonight I finished and posted Episode #30 of the "DCD Classical 'Cast." The program features selections from Troubadisc's latest SACD release, "Violin Solo, Volume 3." In addition to this new solo recording by Renate Eggebrecht, I also included some of her ensemble work.

You'll hear her performing with her husband, cellist Friedemann Kupsa in a Fanny Mendelssohn-Hensel piano trio. And I end the podcast with this husband and wife duo as half of the Fanny Mendelssohn Quartet performing Arthur Bliss' second string quartet.

And I've created a special offer. While all three discs in the "Violin Solo" series are available for sale separately, I've put them together in a set at a special 20% discount.

- Ralph

New Release from Troubadisc

We just received the latest SACD release from Troubadisc. It's "Violin Solo, Volume 3," performed by Renate Eggebrecht. Like the previous two volumes, Eggebrecht builds a program around a theme, and then expands on it.

This release presents the solo violin music of Paul Hindemith. Eggebrecht plays three of his sonatas, as well as two previously unrecorded works. She then includes works by two more contemporary composers: Romanian Anatol Vieru, and Russian minimalist Vladimir Martynov.

As with Volume 2 (also an SACD release), the recording is impeccable -- as is the playing. We're happy to add this exciting release to our catalog.

- Ralph

Podcast episode #29 now available

I just posted epispode #29 of the DCD Classical 'Cast. The title is "Summertime Fare." All of the selections have a light texture, which is the common theme.

We start with a Baroque lute duet performed by John Schneiderman, and then sample some short piano works of Brahms ably played by Vera Breheda.

The final selection is a concerto for double bass. The title may suggest a heavy work, but it's actually a short early classical composition for double bass and harpsichord. And so the podcast ends on a light (but very low) note.

- Ralph