Sinfonieorchester Basel, Ivor Bolton, Mark Padmore – Britten: Our Hunting Fathers, Op. 8 (2022) [Official Digital Download 24bit/96kHz]

Sinfonieorchester Basel, Ivor Bolton, Mark Padmore - Britten: Our Hunting Fathers, Op. 8 (2022) [Official Digital Download 24bit/96kHz] Download

Sinfonieorchester Basel, Ivor Bolton, Mark Padmore – Britten: Our Hunting Fathers, Op. 8 (2022)
FLAC (tracks) 24 bit/96 kHz | Time – 28:43 minutes | 431 MB | Genre: Classical
Studio Masters, Official Digital Download | Front Cover | © Prospero Classical

Ivor Bolton has been principal conductor of the Basel Symphony Orchestra since the beginning of the 2016 / 17 season and has always had a special affinity with British music. The present album with rather unknown music by Benjamin Britten was therefore a very special concern for him from the beginning. The program consists of the early cycle Our Hunting Fathers (with the tenor Mark Padmore), the Quatre Chansons francaises (a stroke of genius by the only 14-year-old) and the suite from the unfortunately rarely performed opera Gloriana, which, by the way, was written for the coronation of Queen Elizabeth II.
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Sinfonieorchester Basel, Ivor Bolton – Saint-Saëns: Symphonic Poems (2023) [Official Digital Download 24bit/96kHz]

Sinfonieorchester Basel, Ivor Bolton - Saint-Saëns: Symphonic Poems (2023) [Official Digital Download 24bit/96kHz] Download

Sinfonieorchester Basel, Ivor Bolton – Saint-Saëns: Symphonic Poems (2023)
FLAC (tracks) 24 bit/96 kHz | Time – 49:13 minutes | 852 MB | Genre: Classical
Studio Masters, Official Digital Download | Digital Booklet, Front Cover | © Prospero Classical

To mark the 100th anniversary of the death of Camille Saint-Saens, the Basel Symphony Orchestra under its conductor Ivor Bolton had set itself the goal of giving the public an insight into the composer’s well-known as well as lesser-known symphonic works.

The present recording is dedicated to the lesser known, but nevertheless no less important symphonic poems.

Been recorded for the first time, including the popular “Bacchanale” from Samson et Dalila, according to Hugh Macdonalds’ new critical edition published by Barenreiter.
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Sinfonieorchester Basel, Ivor Bolton – The Secret Fauré 2 (2019) [Official Digital Download 24bit/96kHz]

Sinfonieorchester Basel, Ivor Bolton - The Secret Fauré 2 (2019) [Official Digital Download 24bit/96kHz] Download

Sinfonieorchester Basel, Ivor Bolton – The Secret Fauré 2 (2019)
FLAC (tracks) 24 bit/96 kHz | Time – 01:06:32 minutes | 1,16 GB | Genre: Classical
Studio Masters, Official Digital Download | Digital Booklet, Front Cover | © Sony Classical

For the album “The Secret Fauré”, released in 2018, the Basel Symphony Orchestra under the direction of Principal Conductor Ivor Bolton received fantastic reviews: “The music of Fauré … unfolds its attraction only gradually and very subtly, with a gentle, addictive spell can make.” (NDR Kultur) In his new album, the orchestra presents a number of other orchestral and concert works by the French composer, Gabriel Fauré. Most of the recordings are based on the new critical edition of Fauré’s works published by Bärenreiter-Verlag, whose score has been edited according to the latest scientific criteria. The recording begins with the famous “Berceuse”, originally for violin and piano, which premiered in February 1880 with Fauré on the piano. The piece appears on this album in the version for violin and orchestra by Fauré, which premiered in April of the same year. The “Romance”, originally composed for violin and piano and premiered in 1883, was later orchestrated by Fauré himself. But after the disappearance of the manuscript created Philippe Gaubert a new orchestral version. Fauré’s elegant “Ballade” reminiscent of Chopin and anticipating Debussy was inspired by “Waldweben” in Wagner’s Siegfried. Originally written for solo piano in 1879, it was later adapted by Fauré for piano and orchestra on the advice of Liszt. This piece appears on this album as a world premiere release after the new Bärenreiter Complete Edition, which was recently released. The “Élégie”, originally for violoncello and piano and remarkable for its sad melody, was premiered in late 1883 and orchestrated in 1895. The musical comedy “Masques et Bergamasques”, first performed in Monte Carlo in 1919, is composed in part of previously composed pieces that Fauré compiled into a rousing orchestral suite. Fauré’s famous “Pavane” enjoys great popularity today, especially in its numerous arrangements, but can be experienced on this album in its original version for orchestra. The “Allegro” of the F major symphony has long been known only in the transcription for piano four hands. The orchestral version of the work, which was now entitled Symphony, was premiered in 1874. However, Fauré decided not to include it in his catalog raisonné. Also the “Allegro” of the F major symphony appears on this album as a world premiere recording after the new complete edition of Fauré’s works.
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Sinfonieorchester Basel, Ivor Bolton – Messe de Requiem, Op. 48/N 97b (2020) [Official Digital Download 24bit/96kHz]

Sinfonieorchester Basel, Ivor Bolton - Messe de Requiem, Op. 48/N 97b (2020) [Official Digital Download 24bit/96kHz] Download

Sinfonieorchester Basel, Ivor Bolton – Messe de Requiem, Op. 48/N 97b (2020)
FLAC (tracks) 24 bit/96 kHz | Time – 34:23 minutes | 599 MB | Genre: Classical
Studio Masters, Official Digital Download | Front Cover | © Sony Classical

Ivor Bolton and the Basel Symphony Orchestra continue their exploration into Fauré’s music with the third instalment in their series, devoted to religious music this time. Although he was the organist for the Madeleine Church in Paris, Fauré was not religious and only wrote a handful of religious pieces. While the Requiem is featured as the main attraction in this album and is still very well-known, by contrast, the Messe des pêcheurs de Villerville (Mass of the fisherman of Villerville) is a more simplistic treasure to be discovered.
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Jan Vogler, Ivor Bolton – Schumann: Cello Concerto & Symphony No. 2 (2016) [Official Digital Download 24bit/96kHz]

Jan Vogler, Ivor Bolton - Schumann: Cello Concerto & Symphony No. 2 (2016) [Official Digital Download 24bit/96kHz] Download

Jan Vogler, Ivor Bolton – Schumann: Cello Concerto & Symphony No. 2 (2016)
FLAC (tracks) 24 bit/96 kHz | Time – 59:04 minutes | 1,03 GB | Genre: Classical
Studio Masters, Official Digital Download | Digital Booklet, Front Cover | © Sony Classical

German cellist, Jan Vogler presents his 2nd recording of Schumann’s Cello Concerto (1st recording on Edel, 2001) but this time with his own orchestra, the Dresden Festival Orchestra, (alongside Ivor Bolton), that consists of more than 50 members from Europe’s most renowned early music ensembles. Exploring Schumann’s ‘original sound’, Jan Vogler plays on gut strings and the orchestra on period instruments. In addition to the cello concerto, the orchestra is playing Schumann’s 2nd symphony. The repertoire connects the Dresden Music Festival and its orchestra to the productive Dresden period of Schumann’s work (1844-50) since both works were composed during that time. The second Symphony was written between December 1845 and October 1846 in Dresden, the cello concerto immediately after he had left the city.
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The Royal Philharmonic Orchestra, Ivor Bolton – Franz Adolf Berwald: Symphonies Nos. 3 & 4 (2005) MCH SACD ISO + Hi-Res FLAC

The Royal Philharmonic Orchestra, Ivor Bolton – Franz Adolf Berwald: Symphonies Nos. 3 & 4 (2005)
SACD ISO (2.0/MCH): 3,18 GB | 24B/88,2kHz Stereo FLAC: 979 MB | Full Artwork: 91 MB
Label/Cat#: Membran # 222816-203 | Country/Year: Germany 2005 | 3% Recovery Info
Genre: Classical | Style: Romantic

This is the only Membran from the current batch thats getting 5 stars for both recording quality and performance. I am very fond of this music having grown to like the Bjorlin box of his 4 symphonies concertos and poems. I totally disagree that the later DGG version was anywhere near as good in either lp or CD format. The Chandos release was slightly better than the DGG but I am now totally convinced that this version by the same orchestra as Bjorlin used is a winner.

These two of his best symphonies are some where between Mendlessohn/Schumann/ Brahms and Schubert in style. If you are not familiar with these works I would suggest you just buy them and then start asking why his other works are not available. To be honest only the Violin concerto rises to the same heights.

Interestingly enough this was recorded at CTS studios London and its slowly becoming clear as to which venues produced the better sonics in these pretty varied quality Membran reissues.Its also nice to have something other than the standard rep…

60 minutes of delight. Strong recommendation..usual average out of date booklet and artwork with usual shortish gap between movements .Doesnt matter here…best of the batch so far …Dave sa-cd.net

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Ivor Bolton – Haydn: Il ritorno di Tobia (2020) [Official Digital Download 24bit/48kHz]

Ivor Bolton – Haydn: Il ritorno di Tobia (2020)
FLAC (tracks) 24 bit/48 kHz | Time – 02:58:28 minutes | 1,75 GB | Genre: Classical
Studio Masters, Official Digital Download | Front Cover | © Sony Classical

1775 – and thus a quarter of a century before his famous oratorios “The creation” and “The seasons” – Joseph Haydn (1732-1809) wrote his first oratorio, “Il ritorno di Tobia”. The work was enthusiastically celebrated by the audience at the Vienna premiere, which he directed. This masterpiece, forgotten despite its initial success in the 19th century, is now available in an excellent new recording with a dream cast for Haydn’s music. The Mozarteum orchestra Salzburg under its former chief conductor Ivor Bolton, the Bach Choir Salzburg and a top-class ensemble of soloists: Mauro Peter (Tenor), Lucy Crowe (soprano), Anna Bonitatibus (soprano), Bettina Ranch (Alto), and Neal Davies (Bass).

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Ivor Bolton, Sinfonieorchester Basel – Britten: Our Hunting Fathers, Quatre Chansons Françaises, Suite from “Gloriana” (2022) [Official Digital Download 24bit/96kHz]

Ivor Bolton, Sinfonieorchester Basel – Britten: Our Hunting Fathers, Quatre Chansons Françaises, Suite from “Gloriana” (2022)
FLAC (tracks) 24 bit/96 kHz | Time – 01:09:42 minutes | 1,03 GB | Genre: Classical
Studio Masters, Official Digital Download | Front Cover | © Prospero Classical

Ivor Bolton has been principal conductor of the Basel Symphony Orchestra since the beginning of the 2016 / 17 season and has always had a special affinity with British music. The present album with rather unknown music by Benjamin Britten was therefore a very special concern for him from the beginning. The program consists of the early cycle Our Hunting Fathers (with the tenor Mark Padmore), the Quatre Chansons francaises (a stroke of genius by the only 14-year-old) and the suite from the unfortunately rarely performed opera Gloriana, which, by the way, was written for the coronation of Queen Elizabeth II.

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Ivor Bolton, Bayerisches Staatsorchester, Vesselina Kasarova, Anja Harteros – Händel: Alcina (2007/2022) [Official Digital Download 24bit/96kHz]

Ivor Bolton, Bayerisches Staatsorchester, Vesselina Kasarova, Anja Harteros - Händel: Alcina (2007/2022) [Official Digital Download 24bit/96kHz] Download

Ivor Bolton, Bayerisches Staatsorchester, Vesselina Kasarova, Anja Harteros – Händel: Alcina (2007/2022)
FLAC (tracks) 24 bit/96 kHz | Time – 03:14:03 minutes | 3,42 GB | Genre: Classical
Studio Masters, Official Digital Download | Digital Booklet, Front Cover | © Farao Classics

The quality of the vocal performances in this live recording of Alcina can be strongly correlated to the singers’ prior experience in the Baroque repertoire. Contralto Sonia Prina, with a solid background in Baroque opera, is absolutely stellar in the role of Bradamante, a woman impersonating a man in her quest to release her lover from the spells of the sorceress Alcina. Her technique is completely secure, her tone is clear and bright, her coloratura is dazzling, and her characterization is impassioned. Soprano Veronica Cangemi, as Alcina’s sister Morgana, infatuated with the man she takes Bradamante to be, is equally remarkable, singing with lightness, fluidity, and florid brilliance. Likewise, tenor John Mark Ainsley as Oronte, Alcina’s general, is a veteran of early opera performance, and he sings with extraordinary grace and power. As the leads, Alcina and her bewitched lover, Ruggiero, soprano Anja Harteros and mezzo-soprano Vesselina Kasarova are very fine, but they don’t have the idiomatic security to bring the music and drama fully and easily alive. The role of Alcina seems to fall a little high for Harteros (whose recording of Violetta revealed her as a star of the first magnitude), and she doesn’t bring the luster and authority to the part that Renée Fleming does on the Erato recording. The timbre of Vesselina Kasarova’s dark mezzo is well suited to the trousers role or Ruggiero, and while she doesn’t have the effortless fluency with the idiom as some of the other soloists, her singing is often gorgeous, as in “Mi lusinga il dolce affetto.” The live recording captures the urgency of the recitatives, which nicely move the action along. Ivor Bolton leads the Bayerischen Staatsorchester, obviously operating with reduced forces, in a nuanced and expressive reading of the score. For a recording of this caliber, there is a surprisingly high level of stage noise, which the listener may be willing to accept as a tradeoff for the energy of the live performance.
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Alexander Melnikov, Sinfonieorchester Basel & Ivor Bolton – Johannes Brahms: Piano Concerto No. 1 & Tragic Overture – Cherubini: Éliza (Overture) (2021) [Official Digital Download 24bit/96kHz]

Alexander Melnikov, Sinfonieorchester Basel & Ivor Bolton – Johannes Brahms: Piano Concerto No. 1 & Tragic Overture – Cherubini: Éliza (Overture) (2021)
FLAC (tracks) 24 bit/96 kHz | Time – 01:14:08 minutes | 1,14 GB | Genre: Classical
Studio Masters, Official Digital Download | Front Cover | © harmonia mundi

A peak of the Romantic concerto. With his First Concerto, the young Brahms set his own course in the wake of Beethoven and Schumann and at the same time poured forth his personal emotions in this work of impressive dimensions. The Russian pianist Alexander Melnikov has chosen an instrument contemporary with the premiere, a magnificent Bl”uthner piano from 1859, a perfect match for the Sinfonieorchester Basel under its British conductor. In addition to Brahms’s Tragic Overture, the programme also includes the much rarer Overture to ‘Eliza, an opera by a composer whom Brahms greatly admired: Cherubini.

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