Naxos of America to Distribute Ivory Classics.

Released Fall ’99
FEATURED CLASSICAL TITLES
NEW RELEASES • JUNE 2000
8.554509 – SRP: $6.99
Arnold Bax (1883-1953)
Symphony No.5
Symphony No.5 (Dedicated to Jean Sibelius)
The Tale the Pine-Trees Knew (Dedicated to John Barbirolli)
Royal Scottish National Orchestra / David Lloyd-Jones
Playing Time: 57:51
The young Arnold Bax was seen as the natural successor to Edward Elgar, a responsibility that he did not
welcome as it placed on him a burden of public expectation. He did enjoy considerable success with a series of
symphonic poems, The Tale the Pine Trees Knew being a fine example of this atmospheric and colourful group
of works. Yet it was his seven symphonies that were to create an international reputation for him.
The Symphony No.5, completed in 1932, was dedicated to Sibelius and inhabits the same musical world as the
great Finnish composer. The jagged rhythms, massive brass outbursts, and a sombre central movement,
create an imposing score, an unexpected mood of optimism bringing the work to a close.
Naxos repeats its success with Korngold’s Die tote Stadt by adding the only complete
recording of this important 20th century German opera to its repertory. Premiered one
year after Der Rosenkavalier, Der ferne Klang (The Distant Sound) concerns a young
composer in search of his musical identity. It is rich in mysterious motifs and beautiful
orchestral interludes. Fanfare says of this recording, "Der ferne Klang represents
Schreker at his shimmering best, this fine recording opens a long-closed door to reveal
a brilliant opera."
8.554791 – SRP: $6.99
Benjamin Britten (1913-1976)
English Choral Music -
Rejoice in the Lamb – Te Deum in C – Jubilate Deo – Antiphon – A Hymn to the Virgin –
Festival Te Deum – Missa Brevis in D – Hymn to St. Peter – A Hymn of Saint Columba –
Prelude and Fugue on a theme of Vittoria – Hymn to St. Cecilia
Choir of St. John’s College, Cambridge/Christopher Robinson
Playing Time: 73:48
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8.660074-75 – 2 CDs – SRP: $17.99
Franz Schreker (1878-1934)
Der ferne Klang (Opera in three acts)
Grete Graumann – Elena Griorescu / Fritz – Thomas Harper / Dr. Vigelius – Andreas Haller / A
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Ham Actor – Horst Fiehl / Old Graumann – Rudiger Bunse / Old Graumann’s Wife – Erica Pilari /
The Landlord – Paul Friess / A Woman’s Voice – Marisa Altmann-Althausen / The Count – Werner
Hahn / The Baron – Peter Nikolaus Kante / The Chevalier – Reinhard Leisenheimer
Hagen Opera Chorus / Hagen Philharmonic Orchestra
Michael Halász
Playing Time: 132:28
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Benjamin Britten’s compositional output was vast, covering every form of music from operas and ballets to simple
voice settings of folksongs. He was also a highly respected conductor, solo pianist, accompanist, and an eager
participant in many chamber groups. His large catalogue of choral works spans the whole of his compositional
career, much of his music in this genre employing sacred texts that were derived from contemporary poets.
They inspired Britten to fashion some of his most radiant scores, his unique use of boys’ voices providing such
a distinctive and exciting tonal quality that it has come to characterize British church music of the twentieth century.