PREVIOUS RELEASES (since August 2004)

MARCH 2007:  No new releases this month: we are concentrating on re-launching the Metier catalogue of 75 CDs - which is enough to keep us busy!

FEBRUARY 2007: Amongst the many fine British composers writing music in traditional, tonal fashion is John Jeffreys, whose specialism is song. "The Far Country" is a recital of 26 beautiful songs on English texts from sources ranging from Shakespeare to Yeats, Housman and Gibson.   Performed by tenor James Gilchrist and pianist Anna Tilbrook who are in great demand for both concerts and broadcasts. Rightly so, their performance on this CD is exquisite.  (dda25049)

JANUARY 2007:  A most important disc by Goldstone & Clemmow of music for two pianos by Mozart: this includes the world première of a "new" Sonata for two pianos which has been realised and completed by Anthony Goldstone from Mozart's sketches.  Already, this work has received high praise from eminent Mozart scholars, including this: “I must say that I admired your bravery in everything you did and among a number of truly authentic sounding things that turned out to be by you, not Mozart, I must single out the remarkable continuation of the first movement exposition, with its deeply touching slip into minor inflections - Mozart would not have been displeased!”
- Anthony Payne, eminent composer, who realised Elgar’s Third Symphony from the composer’s sketches.    dda25046

"Forbidden Voices" is a disc of songs written by German and Czech composers of Jewish background, whose work was banned by the Third Reich, and in three cases who died in concentration camps. Music of this "lost generation" is now very sought-after and this CD includes several world première recordings. Judith Sheridan (soprano), with Craig Combs at the piano. (dda25044)

Another recital of songs, but in new arrangements for clarinet and piano, provides a fresh look at some well-known lieder and art-song and an attractive programme of romantic pieces.  21 tracks ranging from the baroque (Caccini), through the major Classicists including Brahms, Schubert and Wolf, to the 20th century and Vaughan Wiliams, Poulenc and Cole Porter ( and many more!)  Top Spanish clarinettist Cristo Barrios is accompanied by Clinton Cormany on dda25040

DECEMBER 2006 : THE ROSSLYN DISCOVERY
Followers of "The Da Vinci Code", and all matters esoteric, will know of Rosslyn Chapel, near Edinburgh, famed for many things including its supposed connection with the Freemasons, Knights Templar and the Holy Grail.  All these matters are conjectural but are given much impetus by the discovery of ancient music encoded in carvings in the chapel. The discovery was made after exhaustive investigation by musician Thomas J.Mitchell, whose realisation has been arranged for performance by his son Stuart, also a professional composer. The result, which has recently been featured in films on UK Channel 4 and Fuji TV and on BBC News programmes, was recorded exclusively for Divine Art (diversions ddv24122).

Also we are publishing the companion book by Thomas Mitchell, entitled "Rosslyn Chapel - The Music of the Cubes" (b4122), which charts the discovery and its connection to the universal language which underpins music, mathematics, and quantum physics. More details here.

OCTOBER 2006
In our acclaimed Historic Sound series, following the great demand for the Moeran & Coates Violin Concertos disc, we have issued a disc (27808) containing all of Moeran's music which was commercially recorded during his lifetime. This includes probably the best ever performance of his Symphony, the superb String Trio, and five songs, all presented by the top British musicians of the day. Then one of the truly great early opera recordings:  Bizet's Carmen, in French, from the Paris Opera-Comique company (though originally labeled as "Choeur & Orchestre Symphonique de Paris", under Elie Cohen with the legendary Georges Thill as José and Raymonde Visconti as Carmen, recorded in 1928 (27809). 

In our new recordings, on 21206 we continue our series of discs of the music of James Cook. This 2 CD set is the most ambitious yet with two major symphonies for organ and several other works, in Cook's very distinctive style:  approachable, ethereal and spiritual. Better-known music abounds, but in unusual form, in Goldstone & Clemmow's latest disc, "Grieg for Piano Duo". This includes the FIRST EVER recording of Grieg's famous Piano Concerto, in the two-piano version.  As always, these musicians present faultless, skilful and completely absorbing musicianship. Full details on the info page for 25042.  Our duettists are well established, and have cemented their fine reputation, but we also introduce an awesomely brilliant new artist in the form of Korean pianist Sinae Lee.  Her new recording of the complete piano works of Szymanowski (a mighty task for a debut album!) is utterly fabulous - to say the least. One expert on Szymanowski states that this new performance makes the other (acclaimed) "complete" versions seem amateurish by comparison" . This generous 4-CD set (21400)is issued at a bargain price.

SEPTEMBER 2006
Two more 2 CD sets at mid-price: 21209 is devoted to Villa-Lobos, with a sparkling selection of his exotic vocal music stunningly sung by Anna Maria Bondi - originally recorded in 1972 and winner of the Grand Prix du Disque the following year.  A superb recital.  Peter Seivewright plays the piano music of Danish romantic composer Louis Glass in a 2-CD set (21205) - wonderful music strangely little-known and not otherwise available.

We have two very different piano discs: all unique in their own way.  Our latest CD from piano duo Goldstone & Clemmow brings world première recordings of Schubert works arranged for duet by his close friend and duet partner Josef von Gahy - 25039.  This is the second volume of "Unauthorised" Schubert duos, following volume 1 on 25026.  A different kind of piano is heard in Joanna Leach's new recital of Scarlatti sonatas - she plays an 1823 square piano rather than the ubiquitous harpsichord and brings out a new aspect of the music on 23025. 

AUGUST 2006
The Roman Catholic Church has long had a musical tradition, stretching back to the days of Gregorian chant and before.  In England this has been further inspired by the Anglican choral tradition. Two of the finest modern church choirs can be found at the Church of Our Lady and the English Martyrs (OLEM) in Cambridge, and they have joined to perform music ancient and modern in a tribute to the late Pope John Paul II.  "Tu es Petrus" is found on the Opera Omnia label (OP4918)

JULY 2006
The National Youth Orchestra of Wales celebrates its 60th anniversary this year. It is playing the Elgar Second Symphony at the Welsh Proms this month, and has also recorded the symphony in the studio - and a startlingly good performance it is: no surprise given the quality of the young musicians, and the status of their conductor Owain Arwel Hughes.   Also including the Investiture Dances by Alun Hoddinott on 25045.

Two new mid price Diversions CDs - both special in their own way.   On 24119, guitarist Jonathan Richards gives a beautiful recital of romantic miniatures from around the world including some well known pieces and quite a few rarities.   Jonathan's third CD for us attracted a record number of  pre-release subscriptions  and will prove the ideal accompaniment to soft lights, smooth wine and log fires!

We have worked for over three years to achieve a release of our second July disc, which includes tracks licensed from three Australian companies one of which ceased recording many years ago!   Peter Clinch is acknowledged as by far the best saxophonist from Australia and among the best in the world, and a very fine clarinettist too.  "The Art of Peter Clinch" (24120) showcases his amazing musical talent, in a programme which is of itself something special. The only available recordings of superb works by three Australian composers and three major pieces by English composer William Lovelock.

MAY 2006
Both new CDs feature 20th/21st century music, of different kinds.  The sixth Divine Art album by piano duo Goldstone & Clemmow brings to CD for the first time the magnificent and dramatic music of English composer Graham Whettam. A major voice in contemporary music better known for orchestral scores, his music for soloist and for piano duet is presented with consummate skill  and musicianship on 25038.

While Graham Whettam celebrates his 80th birthday soon, composer James Cook is half that age. Following the two CDs of his choral music and the Organ Symphony disc, we present the rather unusual (but very effective) combination of organ and harp. Cook's Symphony and Trilogy for those instruments are accompanied by three of his heartfelt and attractive songs. Samuel Hudson (organ) and Tacye Phillipson (harp) lead the cast of artists on 24121

MARCH 2006
Two new "historic" recordings this month, with some very rare and unduly neglected music.  We feature the wonderful music of Darius Milhaud on 27807 in fine performances dating from 1936 to 1953. Two British Violin Concertos are found on 27806 - the concerto by E J Moeran is a fine work surprisingly neglected, while that by Douglas Coates had been thought lost.  Broadcast by the BBC in 1951 (and the tape subsequently destroyed), the composer was so depressed by the then "modernist" attitudes of the BBC and the msuical establishment that he also destroyed the score.  By pure good fortune we located a set of 78 discs which the composer had made off-air, so luckily this beautiful work with echoes of Bax and Delius has been preserved, even though it can never again be performed.

FEBRUARY 2006
To mark Sir Malcolm Arnold's 85th birthday, we isue the first ever recording of his cantata "The Return of Odysseus" - undemanding and great fun. Also on the CD are Vaughan Williams' lovely setting of Whitmans "Toward the Unknown Region" and the unduly neglected "Suite Française" by Milhaud. A really special CD, by the City of Glasgow Chorus and the Orchestra of Scottish Opera, conducted by Graham Taylor.(25035).  Another British world première comes from Benjamin Britten (The Little Idyll) which is a track on Anthony Goldstone's latest CD, with music by Britten, Bridge, Ireland, Stevenson, Berkely and Matthews.  Great British 20th century piano music (24118). And for baroque music lovers, Jill Crossland plays an 1824 Jirikowsky fortepiano in a live recital of Bach, Handel and Scarlatti (25036).

JANUARY 2006
Our release schedule proper starts next month, so only one item this month, due for release around 20 January: this is the re-issue of the famous recording by Peter Katin of Clementi piano sonatas, played on a period square piano made by the composer's family firm of Clementi & Co. There can be no more authentic version!  Previously issued on Athene the disc is now on Diversions 24113

NOVEMBER 2005
A wide range of new issues this month. From the standard repertoire is Bernard d'Ascoli's set (2CD for the price of one) of the complete Chopin Nocturnes (23201) while from the field of contemporary music (or as we call it "sonic art") is the début CD from leading new-music ensemble [rout]. This CD single is a great introduction to cutting edge sounds (29001). Two brilliant new issues in the Historic Sound series include Bach's Art of Fugue (27804) and the superb British National Opera recordings of Cavalleria Rusticana and Pagliacci from 1927 (27805)

OCTOBER 2005
By popular demand, we have re-issued on CD the very first Divine Art recording, featuring organist Henry Wallace FRCO at the very fine Walker organ in the tiny church of St. Mungo, Simonburn. "Organ in the Hills" is now on Diversions 24101    "Tzigane" is a programme of gipsy-inspired music for piano, and is we believe one of the most stunning recitals ever recorded.  With fantastic excitement, four world premieres, and great playing. Can you ask for more?  Anthony Goldstone's "Tzigane" is on 25033.  And for something completely different, try out "Five-Fifteen" by the Swing Swindlers.  This CD is a tribute to the great BBC Dance Orchestra and its 1930s conductor, Henry Hall. Almost 78 minutes of super tracks,newly recorded in fantastic digital sound.  "Five-Fifteen" is on Divine Art 25034 which has been chosen as one of "Musical Opinion" magazines Christmas CD choices of 2005.

JULY 2005
Our two new CDs for the end of July include a magnificent recital of Lieder by Brahms, Schumann and Robert Franz, performed by Stephan Loges with Alexander Schmalcz on piano (23202), and a fine CD by baroque specialists Lesley Holliday, Peter Harrison and Rachel Gray, with music for flute by Haydn and Stamitz, (24117)

JUNE 2005 saw the release of Goldstone & Clemmow's latest CD of music for four hands on one or two pianos ("Orientale" - CD25032 for details). This time all the music is inspired by the East and includes several important world premières. Our other new disc this month again features the music of James Cook, whose sacred choral music has appeared on two previous CDs. The new disc is of Cook's organ music including the fine Organ Symphony (for details: 25031)

APRIL 2005 saw the launch of our Historic Sound series. The first three discs are: Beethoven Piano Trios (27803) from 1942/1952 (Trio Santoliquido), Sibelius Symphonies from 1932 and 1934 (27801) and on 27802 a delightful and rivetting performance of Mendelssohn's "Elijah" from 1930. This was the first ever (almost) complete recording - with only a few minor cuts - and though the sound quality is variable the singing is superb.  All three discs are receiving glowing reviews.

FEBRUARY 2005 The first CD of 2005 is a fine disc by pianist Bernard d'Ascoli, containing the complete Scherzi and Impromptus by Chopin. This brand new recording is at MID PRICE (Athene 23024) and will be in stock at the beginning of January. Bernard has also recorded the complete Chopin nocturnes in a version that will challenge the best and this will be released in the summer. (2CDs at at the price of one CD)

Schubert Impromptus, D. 899 and D. 935 (Peter Katin).   More properly a re-release, this critically acclaimed recording previously on Athene has been re-issued at mid price.  While there are many versions of Schubert's eight great Impromptus available, this is a unique authentic period recording made on an 1832 Clementi square piano.   For information click here. Peter Katin is a highly esteemed pianist and has recently celebrated 50 years of performing. To mark the event a limited edition CD has been produced. This disc is available in selected stores in the UK only, and may well become a collector’s item. You can obtain it here. See infopage for details.Also newly available is a mid price reissue of Peter Katin's acclaimed and unique recording of very early and very late works by Chopin (played on a period square piano - previously on Athene CD11). Now at mid price on Diversions 24116.

DECEMBER 2004  Following the success of "Tchaikovsky for Four Hands" (CD25020), "Explorations" (CD25024) and the Schubert Piano Duos disc (CD25026) by Goldstone & Clemmow, we are delighted to announce the release of their new CD, containing the piano-duet versions of Dvorak's "New World " symphony and Mendelssohn's "Scottish"  (world premiere recording). These are not reductions for amateurs but the composers' own alternative versions of these works, and very fine too. 25028. Featured on BBC radio 3, January 25th.  Anthony Goldstone as a solo pianist has also recorded a disc of Beethoven piano works (again including a world premiere) which is now available, and has already attracted fine reviews. 25029

Also re-released is Raymond Clarke's magnificent recording of the piano sonatas of William Mathias and John Pickard (24111)

OCTOBER 2004 Following the release of the first volume of James Cook's choral music ("Heaven's Happiness" - 25023), we are pleased to announce the release of another CD of this fine contemporary yet traditional and approachable music. "The Way to Heaven" is on 25027 . James has just completed an organ symphony, which we have recorded together with other Cook organ music. (see above)

AUGUST 2004 The Monckton album promises to be our best selling CD yet! The reaction has been amazing - with customers even telephoning the office to say how much they enjoyed this fantastic recording. Two tracks from the CD were featured on Classic FM on 25 July 2004, and Brian Kay's Light Programme (BBC Radio 3) played an extended extract on October 14, 2004.

A very special CD from Goldstone & Clemmow sees piano duo transcriptions of Schubert's music by other composers, including Czerny's incredible version of the "Trout" Quintet.  All recorded for the first time, "Scubert: The Unauthorised Piano Duos" is on 25026.