> Pure Diva. Cheryl Barker (soprano), Queensland Symphony Orchestra. Melba CD.
The final four tracks, accompanied by pianist Timothy Young, contrast with the preceding drama - Hammond's encore pieces, including Home Sweet Home and The Last Rose of Summer, and rarity Shadows, written by an Australian composer.
Detailed recording, lyrics and excellent notes (did you know Joan Hammond was born in Christchurch in 1912, but moved to Sydney as a baby?).
Highlight: Dvorak's haunting Song to the Moon.
> Best Ballet 50. EMI 3 CDs.
The Russian quota includes Tchaikovsky's "Polonaise" from Eugene Onegin, as well as music by Prokofiev, Khachaturian and Shostakovich.
The third disc has ballets by French composers Herold, Adam, Drigo, Gounod, Delibes, and Messager.
Mostly well-known, popular works are played by top orchestras under famous conductors, with bright, clean sound.
The booklet disappoints, most of it devoted to advertising other sets in the "50" series rather than anything illuminating about ballet music or the selections. Yet this might be a good introduction to the genre for some listeners - or three and a-half hours of sprightly background music.
Highlight: Prokofiev's Romeo and Juliet excerpts (Previn and LSO).
