MOZART: Piano ConcertoNo. 21 in C, K. 467. Piano Concerto No 23 in A, K, 488.
Simone Dinnerstein, piano. Havana Lyceum Orch / José Antonio Mendez Padrón, cond.
SONY CD 88985382442 TT: 57:00
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DVORÁK: Symphony No. 6 in D, Op. 60. Symphony No. 7 in D minor, Op. 70. Othello Overture, Op. 93
London Philharmonic Orch / Yannick Nézet-Séguin, cond,
LPO CD 95 (2 disks) TT: 58:48 / 40:21
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PURCELL: Fantazia No. 6 in F. Fantazia No. 8 in D minor. PURCELL-BRITTEN: Chaconny in G minor .BRITTEN: String Quartet No. 2 in C, Op. 36. String Quartet No. 3 in G, Op 94.
Emerson String Quartet
DECCA CD 002650902 TT: 74:00
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Renowned pianist Simone Dinnerstein began studying with Cuban teacher Solomon Mikowsky when only nine years old and has stayed in contact with him since. He organized a music festival in Havana, Cuba, and she was invited to perform Mozart with the Havana Lyceum Orchestra. This ensemble consists professors, students and graduates. Sessions were held in Havana's Oratorio San Felipe Neri with Jose Antonio Méndez Padrón conducting June 28-30, 2016. Dinnerstein's elegant pianism is ever apparent, and accompaniments are totally professional. The venue is very resonant which gives the rather small orchestra a pleasant big sound. Dinnerstein's many fans will welcome this, her first Mozart recording.

Canadian-born conductor Yannick Nézet-Séguin, (b. 1975) has an amazing career in the conducting world. He leads the Montreal Metropolitan Orchestra, the Philadelphia Orchestra and the Rotterdam Philharmonic. Next season he will be Music Director of the Metropolitan Opera. Quite a career, indeed! He also has a close relationship with the London Philharmonic of which he was principal guest conductor 2008 - 2014. These Dvorák oerfirnabces are live recordings made in Royal Festival Hall February 3, 2016 (Othello. Symphony No. 6) and May 27, 2009.Vibrant, dynamic performances indeed, and worthy additions to the catalog. However, as collectors are aware, competition is keen; there are countless recordings of both of these symphonies including memorable historic performances. This 2-disk se sells for the price of one full-price CD. It seems odd producers didn't include more music, as both CDs have limited playing time.

If you purchased the huge Emerson String Quartet set (52 disks (REVIEW)—essential in any chamber music collection—-you surely will be interested in their new CD called Chaconnes and Fantasias with music of Henry Purcell and Benjamin Britten. Purcell is represented by his Chaconne and three Fantazias, Britten by two of his three numbered string quartets. These are recent recordings and a fine supplement to the Emerson Quartet's huge set which contains no music of these composers.

R.E.B. (May 2017)