WHO KNOWS WHERE THE TIME GOES? - FAIRPORT CONVENTION FOLKPRINT FP005PLP.

This limited edition of 1000 pressings of the band's latest release as a vinyl picture disc has been produced in conjunction with Woodworm Records, who originally released these tracks on CD. This collector's item is the first commercial vinyl release from Fairport Convention since 1992's Five Seasons and preserves the high quality sound of the original. The number of tracks has been trimmed from 12 to 9 but still includes Sandy Denny singing the title song as well as the band’s versions of John Gaudie, Sailing Boat, Kristina Olsen’s Dangerous, Spanish Main, Life’s A Long Song, Bowman’s Retreat, The Wishfulness Waltz, Moonlight On The Water, Who Knows Where The Time Goes? and Heard it Through the Grapevine.

BRAHMS VIOLIN CONCERTO - ERICA MORINI SPEAKERS CORNER - WESTMINSTER WST 14037

Erica Morini’s 60-year career included concert performances with leading orchestras such as the Leipzig Gewandhaus and Berlin Philharmonic but regrettably she made few recordings. It’s a rare pleasure, therefore, to hear this supreme violinist at her finest in this stereo recording of Brahms’s Violin Concerto in D major, which the 61-year-old Morini made with the Philharmonic Orchestra, conducted by Artur Rodzinski. It was recorded in 1956 at Walthamstow Assembly Hall in London for the Westminster label and clearly demonstrates the performer’s clean and highly differentiated timbre, lyrical expression, technical perfection, and the thrilling passion that was her trademark. This outstanding LP is one the collector will treasure for its documentary value and which the music-lover will appreciate for its insight into the work of an artist of real musical integrity.

SWAN LAKE - TCHAIKOVSKY    SPEAKERS CORNER - DECCA SXL 2107-8.

A true delight for ballet fans and music-lovers, this recording of Tchaikovsky’s most popular ballet, Swan Lake, by Ernest Ansermet and the Orchestre de la Suisse Romande is a masterly performance now available as a new pressing in vinyl. This double LP, although not a complete recording, comprises the most beautiful and expressive scenes and captures both the tragic moments of the fairy tale and the festive dance scenes.

THE ART OF CLARA HASKILL   SPEAKERS CORNER - WESTMINSTER XWN 18381

Clara Haskil began her career late in life and left few recordings to posterity. Perhaps for this reason the Rumanian pianist’s recordings possess a magical aura and her interpretation of Domenico Scarlatti’s Sonatas has taken on legendary status. Always careful to preserve the baroque clarity of these unique pieces, she allows the playful, lithe piano miniatures to unfold and conjures moments of delicate expression. The tonal character of her instrument, a ‘cross’ between a harpsichord and a historical hammerklavier, is ideal and the old mono recording technique is perhaps better suited to preserve piano music than stereo. With such fresh and spacious sound reproduction, no one minds becoming a mono fan.

DAPHNIS ET CHLOE - RAVEL         SPEAKERS CORNER - DECCA SXL 2164.

Pierre Monteux conducts the London Symphony Orchestra, with the Chorus of the Royal Opera House at Covent Garden, in this wonderful historic recording from 1959. Daphnis et Chloe - the complete ballet score is performed here - originally had mixed reviews but is now seen as one of Ravel’s masterworks.

SYMPHONIE FANTASTIQUE          SPEAKERS CORNER - DECCA SXL 2009.

The Symphonie Fantastique by Berlioz was one of the most powerful musical compositions of its day and provoked much controversy. The various scenes of the intoxicating programme music are approached with daring; dreadful, macabre ideas are presented in a low, gloomy and dark timbre until finally a heroic attitude comes to the fore, accompanied by thundering drum rolls, when the death sentence is pronounced. Fantastique! Ataulfo Argenta conducts the Paris Conservatoire Orchestra.

PETRUSHKA - STRAVINSKY           SPEAKERS CORNER - DECCA SXL 2011.

Stravinsky’s inspired setting of the story of the puppet Petrushka to music is one of the greatest achievements ever in ballet music. On this LP Ernest Ansermet the Orchestre de la Suisse Romande show an infallible perception of Stravinsky’s compositional language, admirably presenting the varied colouring of the highly complex score.

SMETANA - MA VLAST         SPEAKERS CORNER - DECCA SXL 2064/5.

Smetana’s symphonic poem Má Vlast (My Country) is wonderfully played by the Vienna Philharmonic Orchestra conducted by Rafael Kubelik. Má Vlast consists of several individual compositions which the composer put together at a later date to form a cycle and is one of the greatest testimonies to Czech national music. The Bohemian countryside and sagas areevocatively brought to life from Bohemia’s Woods and Fields, while the programmatic Moldau occupies a rightful place among the most outstanding works written in the late 19th century. Thanks to its popular folk melodies and brilliant orchestration, the work has never failed to arouse the enthusiasm of a wide public. Rafael Kubelik won a deserved reputation as the Smetana connoisseur the Vienna Philharmonic Orchestra is perfect in the gentle, gossamer-light orchestral passages, yet powerful and smooth when required. A thoroughly satisfying performance is enhanced by the excellent recording technique and can be recommended to all collectors.

JOHNNY HODGES/BILLY STRAYHORN         SPEAKERS CORNER - VERVE V6-8452

This album celebrates the legacy of alto saxophonist Johnny Hodges, Billy Strayhorn and The Orchestra’ in concert performaces recorded from 1961. In the lyrical, gentle solos of Hodges the notes seem to pour effortlessly out of his instrument in melodies were almost always penned by Billy Strayhorn, Duke Ellengton’s friend and alter ego. Johnny Hodges had already released more than a dozen LPs when this recording captured him at the summit of his career. Tracks include Your Love Has Faded, Tailor Made, Don’t Get Around Much Anymore, Day Dream and I’m Just A Lucky So And So. These catchy melodies make this album excitingly accessible and it’s a pleasure to hear members of the Ellington Band so obviously enjoying performing in the background for a change. Speakers Corner are to be congratulated for making these marvelous recordings available again in a welcome re-release of Verve 8452.