DISCUSSION: John Dante Prevedini leads a discussion about Improvisation in the classical world and beyond, including contributions from David Arditti, James Lewitzke, James Ross and Steve Vasta.
WORD SEARCH: Can you solve Allan Rae's classical music word search puzzles? We're currently publishing one per month.
The German classical record label Hänssler Classic was founded in 1975 by Friedrich Hänssler junior as the German music publisher Hänssler-Verlag's in-house label. It releases between fifty and sixty new recordings each year, and, since 2000, has worked in cooperation with the German broadcasting network SWR (Südwestrundfunk). Hänssler also runs the label Profil Medien GmbH.
Further information: www.haenssler-classic.de
Spotlight. Richness of Surprise - Gerald Fenech urges you to invest in this cycle of Haydn symphonies from Johannes Klumpp and the Heidelberger Sinfoniker. 'It's a joy for a lifetime.'
Spotlight. Uncanny Precision - Gerald Fenech recommends Frieder Bernius' recording of 'L'Olimpiade' by Hasse. 'Frieder Bernius has a convincing way with Hasse.'
CD Spotlight. Truly Unique - Patrick Maxwell pays homage to a 1955 Parsifal from the Bayreuth Festival. 'All these impressive voices, heard here in their prime, combined with Knappertsbusch's wonderful orchestra, make a sound which is truly intimate and doubly intense.'
CD Spotlight. Grace and Elegance - Italian concertos heard by Gerald Fenech. 'Boundless enjoyment from beginning to end.'
CD Spotlight. Full of Warmth and Devotion - Gerald Fenech unreservedly recommends Helmuth Rilling's recordings of the J S Bach secular cantatas. '... this eight CD set will prove to be a revelation ...'
CD Spotlight. A Marriage between Drama and Comedy - Gerald Fenech is impressed by recordings of five Mozart operas. '... I have never heard Mozart played with such finesse and beauty.'
CD Spotlight. Tremendously Vivid - Gerald Fenech listens to Volume 27 of Hänssler Classic's Haydn symphonies series. '... Klumpp's utter dedication to the project shines brightly with an intensity that makes the music leap from its pages.'
CD Spotlight. Songful and Inventive - Franz Schubert's Mass in A flat, recorded in Stuttgart and enthusiastically recommended by Gerald Fenech. '... evocative, passionate and often gloriously mystical ...'
CD Spotlight. A Transcendental Experience - Choral music by Franz Joseph Haydn, unreservedly recommended by Gerald Fenech. '... these interpretations overflow with humanity, humility, sincerity and, above all, a heartfelt spontaneity ...'
CD Spotlight. Exhilarating Interpretations - Unknown Haydn symphonies, unreservedly recommended by Gerald Fenech. '... gloriously expressive playing ...'
CD Spotlight. Absolutely Riveting - Gerald Fenech listens to Mozart's Sinfonia Concertante and Violin Concerto No 5. '... the Pochekin duo exudes brilliance, virtuosity and an ebullient sense of occasion ...'
CD Spotlight. An Epic Undertaking - Hänssler Classic's C P E Bach edition, recommended by Gerald Fenech. '... an exhilarating collection of C P E Bach's works ...'
CD Spotlight. A Treasure for Posterity - Complete operas and fragments by Modest Musorgsky, heard by Gerald Fenech. 'This is a unique musical document of inestimable historic value and staggering interpretative beauty.'
CD Spotlight. A Rich Culture - Russian music from SWR Vokalensemble, appreciated by Howard Smith. '... a gift for those eager to hear voices in chorus ...'
CD Spotlight. Very Refreshing - Vocalensemble Lalá, heard by Geoff Pearce. '... always musical and beautifully under control.'
CD Spotlight. Sheer Delight - C P E Bach complete solo piano music, appreciated by Robert Anderson. '... Ana-Marija Markovina has the technique and sensitivity do it full justice.'
CD Spotlight. On Top Form - Géza Anda plays Bartók and Tchaikovsky, heard by Robert Anderson. '... splendid unanimity between pianist and conductor.'
CD Spotlight. Exceptional Assurance - J S Bach organ sonatas, heard by Howard Smith. '... an immensely satisfying conclusion.'
CD Spotlight. Undivided Artistry - Remus Azoitei plays Enescu, reviewed by Howard Smith. '... a truly commanding performance.'
CD Spotlight. Soul-cleansing - Pergamenschikow plays the Bach solo cello suites, appreciated by Tess Crebbin. '... he goes beyond what is written ...'