Immaculate pianist Ashkenazy made a name for himself in the 1970s with marvellous recordings of the Rachmaninov concertos and works for solo piano that were bestsellers. But this is the first time the legendary Russian pianist has recorded these two dazzling masterpieces that were obvious omissions from the earlier discography.
Both are early works by the composer, the Chopin Variations, based on the C minor Prelude, written in 1902 and Sonata in D minor five years later. Rachmaninov himself was one of the greatest of all Chopin pianists and his Variations pay homage to the master, with elegance and due romanticism.
The Sonata is a monumental work of passion and grandeur, with contrasting hushed moments.
Highlight: Master pianist still has the touch.
Welsh choral composer Mealor wrote Ubi Caritas, sung at the royal wedding of Prince William and Catherine in 2011. (This CD is dedicated to the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge.) Television choirmaster Gareth Malone (The Choir, Military Wives) observes: "Paul Mealor has the rare gift of being able to create joyous melody within music that is both sincere and profound.
This is an album with hints of Celtic mystery, moments of great solemnity, splendiferous singing and above all sumptuous tunes."
Tenebrae, conducted by Nigel Short, provides the rich harmony and the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra joins in for Mealor's setting of the Stabat Mater 13th-century text. Four madrigals, Now sleeps the crimson petal, are among 14 tracks on this contemporary, calming music.
Highlight: Gorgeous, serene, new choral music.
