> 33004.
Ingolf Wunder (piano).
Deutsche Grammophon CD
It ranges chronologically from Scarlatti's Sonata in B minor K87 to Morricone's Playing Love and John Williams' Star Wars main title, both film music.
In between these are included a Mozart Sonata K333, Chopin Berceuse Op.57, Rachmaninov Prelude Op.23 No.5, Debussy Clair de Lune, Liszt Czardas Macabre and other brevities.
It is an exuberant homage to pianist Horowitz as he links pieces with Horowitz's own Danse Excentrique. There is also Valse Fantastique by Koczalski, Scriabin's Etude Op.8 No.12, and Rimsky-Korsakov's frantic 77-second Flight of the Bumblebee to add further sting to the 14 interesting choices.
Highlight: Volodos' spectacular transcription of Mozart's Rondo alla Turca.
King's Consort and Choir.
Vivat CD.
An impressive first disc for King's Consort's new label. It is the 100th album by the splendid choir and orchestra (conductor Robert King).
Not only are we treated to the four different versions of Stanford's Magnificat and Nunc Dimittis, properly backed by authentic instruments and full orchestra rather than just organ, but there is Parry's classic I Was Glad and Te Deum heard at George V's coronation in 1911.
The sumptuous double-choir setting of Parry's Blest Pair of Sirens is another feature rounded off by Parry's Jerusalem (orchestrated by Elgar) the feature of so many prom concerts.
The choir is in fine voice, with thrilling soloists soprano Carolyn Sampson and bass David Wilson Johnson.
Highlights: Stanford in four different keys; glorious ceremonial music.
