CD-Charts Position 1
Average Rating:

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Bate - Concerto for Viola & Orchestra; Vaughan Williams - Romance

by: Bate/Bell/Vaughan Williams

Release Date November 03, 2008
I had eagerly anticipated a CD of a major work by Stanley Bate (1911 - 1959), and this stunning performance of his Viola Concerto confirms that he was a composer of considerable substance, whose neglect is incomprehensible (the BBC and Britten both hated Bate, which may have something to do with it). It is a big work, with memorable themes, that grows in stature with every playing. Yes, there is a strong whiff of Vaughan Williams about it and echoes of the Walton Concerto, as well as hints of Prokofiev and Shostakovitch. But the composer's own character shines through, and the first movement in particular is magnificent. Perhaps we can now have a recording of his Third Symphony that caused such a sensation at the Cheltenham Festival in 1954. ... Read More:

CD-Charts Position 2
Average Rating:

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Vaughan Williams - The Pilgrim's Progress

by: Covent Garden Royal Opera House Orchestra

Release Date October 01, 1999
I had eagerly anticipated a CD of a major work by Stanley Bate (1911 - 1959), and this stunning performance of his Viola Concerto confirms that he was a composer of considerable substance, whose neglect is incomprehensible (the BBC and Britten both hated Bate, which may have something to do with it). It is a big work, with memorable themes, that grows in stature with every playing. Yes, there is a strong whiff of Vaughan Williams about it and echoes of the Walton Concerto, as well as hints of Prokofiev and Shostakovitch. But the composer's own character shines through, and the first movement in particular is magnificent. Perhaps we can now have a recording of his Third Symphony that caused such a sensation at the Cheltenham Festival in 1954. ... Read More:

CD-Charts Position 3
Average Rating:

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Barbirolli Conducts Elgar and Vaughan Williams

from: British Composers

Release Date July 06, 1998
As a professional tuba player myself, the definitive recording of the Vaughan Williams concerto is that made by John Fletcher in the 1970s with Andre Previn and the LSO. The tempi on this recording are on the slow side and the tuba sound is "fluffy". Nevertheless, for historic reasons this is an interesting and enjoyable performance.

However, the rest of the album is excellent - I especially enjoyed the 7th Symphony.

Even if you are not a "Tuba-anorak" buying for the historic recording - buy it for Barbirolli's sheer brilliance as a conductor.

CD-Charts Position 4
Average Rating:

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The Very Best Of William Bell

by: William Bell

Release Date August 27, 2007
As a professional tuba player myself, the definitive recording of the Vaughan Williams concerto is that made by John Fletcher in the 1970s with Andre Previn and the LSO. The tempi on this recording are on the slow side and the tuba sound is "fluffy". Nevertheless, for historic reasons this is an interesting and enjoyable performance.

However, the rest of the album is excellent - I especially enjoyed the 7th Symphony.

Even if you are not a "Tuba-anorak" buying for the historic recording - buy it for Barbirolli's sheer brilliance as a conductor.

CD-Charts Position 5
Average Rating:

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Perpetual Motion

from: Sony Classical

Release Date November 05, 2001
Nice to see that Bela has expanded his classical repertoire from the single piece that he used to play on stage (and on his DVD).
Having been a fan of his for many years and having been fortunate enough to catch him "Live" at The Mean Fiddler" in Harlesden a few years ago, I am delighted to see him go from strength to strength.
He has also moved The Banjo from what was perceived by many to be an instrument of derision to a thing of considerable beauty!

Let's face it, Bela could play anything, if he set his mind to it.His ability and talent seem boundless.

I look forward with anticipation to see where he decides to go from here.

CD-Charts Position 6
Average Rating:

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Barber/Walton: Violin Concertos / Bloch: Baal Shem

by: Joshua Bell Baltimore Symphony Orchestra David Zinman

Release Date June 14, 2004
Nice to see that Bela has expanded his classical repertoire from the single piece that he used to play on stage (and on his DVD).
Having been a fan of his for many years and having been fortunate enough to catch him "Live" at The Mean Fiddler" in Harlesden a few years ago, I am delighted to see him go from strength to strength.
He has also moved The Banjo from what was perceived by many to be an instrument of derision to a thing of considerable beauty!

Let's face it, Bela could play anything, if he set his mind to it.His ability and talent seem boundless.

I look forward with anticipation to see where he decides to go from here.

CD-Charts Position 7
Average Rating:

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Barber/Walton: Violin Concertos

from: Decca

Release Date May 12, 1997
I know only the Barber Violin Concerto and can say that Joshua Bell brings a very poetic and understated look at this work. There is a lot of subtle nuances not picked up by many other performers (and I have four recordings of this work). The sound is good, and doesn't need turned up or down to compensate as sometimes happens annoyingly in other recordings. One recording that is definitely worth listening to to get fresh ideas on this piece which is a work probably better understated than overly-romantically played. Better sentimental than over the top in my opinion. The finale is absolutely assured with fantastic nuances despite the incessant triplets... again things I have yet to hear on other recordings.

CD-Charts Position 8
Average Rating:

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Gershwin Fantasy

by: Joshua Bell, George Gershwin, Williams, LSO

Release Date July 28, 1998
I know only the Barber Violin Concerto and can say that Joshua Bell brings a very poetic and understated look at this work. There is a lot of subtle nuances not picked up by many other performers (and I have four recordings of this work). The sound is good, and doesn't need turned up or down to compensate as sometimes happens annoyingly in other recordings. One recording that is definitely worth listening to to get fresh ideas on this piece which is a work probably better understated than overly-romantically played. Better sentimental than over the top in my opinion. The finale is absolutely assured with fantastic nuances despite the incessant triplets... again things I have yet to hear on other recordings.

CD-Charts Position 9
Average Rating:

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A Lark and a Cuckoo - Music by Vaughan Williams and Delius

by: London Philharmonic Orchestra

Release Date May 06, 2002
I know only the Barber Violin Concerto and can say that Joshua Bell brings a very poetic and understated look at this work. There is a lot of subtle nuances not picked up by many other performers (and I have four recordings of this work). The sound is good, and doesn't need turned up or down to compensate as sometimes happens annoyingly in other recordings. One recording that is definitely worth listening to to get fresh ideas on this piece which is a work probably better understated than overly-romantically played. Better sentimental than over the top in my opinion. The finale is absolutely assured with fantastic nuances despite the incessant triplets... again things I have yet to hear on other recordings.

CD-Charts Position 10
Average Rating:

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Wagner: Parsifal

from: EMI

Release Date September 25, 1995
Not so long ago, I reviewed Kubelik's Parsifal and gave it five stars. I still think Kubelik's is one of the best Parsifals in the discography but personally, I prefer the Goodall by a whisker.

What drew me to the Goodall originally were reports of its slow tempi. Rather than putting me off, this actually encouraged me to buy it, as I have been finding myself increasingly drawn back of late to the 1951 Knappertsbusch recording, with its very slow
tempi. Goodall's tempi are even slower - a minute slower in the first Act, some fifteen minutes slower in the second and six minutes slower in the third, which makes it the slowest Parsifal in the discography and indeed in history. But it never drags.
Goodall ... Read More: