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158 - Masters of Chopin

Arbiter 158: (4 cd set priced as 3)

Masters of Chopin
Ignaz Friedman · Ignace Tiegerman · Severin Eisenberger

cd 1: 78'46" Ignaz Friedman (1882-1948):

    Mendelssohn: Song Without Words:
  1. Op. 19/3 in A
  2. Op. 19/6 in g
  3. Op. 102/5 in A
  4. Op. 30/6 in f#
  5. Op. 38/2 in c
  6. Op. 38/6 in Ab
  7. Op. 53/2 in Eb
  8. Op. 53/4 in F
  9. Op. 67/2 in F#
    rec. 16 & 17 September 1930
  10. Scherzo, Op. 16/2 in e
    rec. 6 September 1926
    11. Chopin:
  11. Etude Op. 25/9 in Gb
  12. Etude Op. 10/5 in Gb
    rec. 2 October 1928
  13. Berceuse, Op. 57
    rec. 9 November 1928
  14. Impromptu Op. 36 in F#
    rec. 23 November 1936
  15. Mazurka Op. 7/1 in Bb
    rec. 9 February 1928
  16. Mazurka Op. 7/2 in a
  17. Mazurka Op. 7/3 in f
  18. Mazurka Op. 24/4 in bb
  19. Mazurka Op. 41/1 in c#
  20. Mazurka Op. 67/4 in a
  21. Mazurka Op. 68/2 in a
    rec. 13 September 1930
  22. Polonaise Op. 53 in Ab
    rec. 28 February 1933 (first reissue ever, not known to have existed!)
  23. Nocturne Op. 55/2 in Eb
    rec. 23 December 1936
  24. Polonaise Op. 71/2 in Bb
    rec. 15 February 1929
  25. Paganini-Liszt-Busoni: La Campanella* (first release of rare unpublished text pressing)
    rec. 21 January 1924
  26. Suk: Minuet
    rec. 2 March 1928

cd 2: 77'39"
Ignace Tiegerman (1893-1968):

  1. Brahms: Capriccio Op. 76/2 in b
  2. Intermezzo Op. 117/2 in bb,
    rec. 1965
    Piano Concerto no. 2, Op. 83 in Bb:
    Oreste Campisi / Egyptian Radio Orchestra
  3. I. Allegro non troppo
  4. II. Allegro appassionato
    rec. 18 May 1954
  5. Romanza Op. 118/6 in F
    rec. circa 1956
  6. Franck: Variations symphoniques
    Saint-Saëns: Piano Concerto no. 5 "Egyptian"
    José Ferriz / Cairo Symphony Orchestra
  7. I. Allegro animato
  8. II. Andante
  9. III. Molto allegro
    rec. 1 June 1963

cd 3: 77'45"

    Chopin:
  1. Nocturne Op. 9/3 in B*
    rec. 1 June 1963 (encore)
  2. Prelude Op. 28/7 in A
  3. Prelude Op. 28/8 in f#
  4. Nocturne Op. 9/3 in B
  5. Scherzo Op. 20 in b
  6. Ballade Op. 52 in f
  7. Barcarolle, Op. 61
    rec. 1950s
    8. Field:
  8. Nocturne no.1 in Eb
  9. Nocturne no.13 in d
    rec. 1965
  10. Fauré: Nocturne in Eb, Op. 36
    Chopin: Sonata Op. 58 in b
  11. Radio Caire announcement
  12. I. Allegro maestoso
  13. II. Scherzo. molto vivace
  14. III. Largo
  15. IV. Finale. Presto non tanto
    rec. 1950s

cd 4: 67'52"

  1. Etude Op. 10/10 in Ab
  2. Etude Op. 25/6 in g#
  3. Etude Op. 10/3 in E, fragment*
  4. Ballade Op. 47 in Ab, fragment*
  5. Brahms: Handel Variations: I-XII*
  6. Beethoven: Sonata Op. 53: I fragment*
  7. Beethoven: Sonata Op. 31/3/II: fragment*
  8. Ravel: Ondine*
    rec. circa 1956
    9. Henri Barda:
  9. Tiegerman: Meditation
    rec. 25 December 1998
    10. Ignace Tiegerman:
  10. Tiegerman speaks
  11. Tiegerman: Rêverie viennoise*
    rec. circa 1956
    12. Severin Eisenberger (1879-1945):
    Chopin: Piano Concerto no. 2 in f, Op. 21:
    Alexander von Kreisler & the Cincinnatti Conservatory Orchestra
  12. I. Maestoso
  13. II. Larghetto
  14. III. Allegro vivace
    rec. 14 May 1938
    15. Kodaly: Hét zongoradarab, Op. 11:*
  15. No. 2 Székely keserves
  16. No. 6 Székely nóta
    rec. 1 May 1937

*previously unpublished

Play CD 4 in a computer to access the following files:

I. Friedman remembered (mp3 audio):

  1. Nikita Magaloff
  2. Paula Kessler Hondius
  3. Dr. Manfred Clynes
  4. Laurence Davis
  5. Ingebjørd Gresvik
  6. Ingebjørd Gresvik cont.
  7. Dr. Harry Rich
  8. Dr. Miriam Hyde
  9. Pnina Salzman
  10. Mack Jost
  11. Emil Telmanyi
  12. Mr. & Mrs. George Kugel, with Bruce Hungerford
  13. Patricia Rovik
  14. Andres Segovia, with Nina Walder

II. Tiegerman remembered (mp3 audio):

  1. Prince Hassan Aziz Hassan

III. Photo albums:

  1. Friedman
  2. Tiegerman

IV. Chopin: Etudes — Friedman's Instructive Edition

V. Friedman's annotated scores:

  1. Liszt: Feux Follets;
  2. Balakirev: Islamey mm.21-36;
  3. Scriabin: Nocturne, Op. 9/2

VI. Leila Birbari Wynn: Memoir of Tiegerman

Read the liner notes

2011 Gamelan Gong Kebyar

World Arbiter 2011: Bali 1928, vol. 1
Gamelan Gong Kebyar

Music from Belaluan, Pangkung, Busungbiu
The Oldest New Music of Bali

Gamelan Gong Kebyar of Belaluan, Denpasar:
1-6 Kebyar Ding parts I-VI
7 Curik Ngaras
8 Kembang Lengkuas
9 Tabuh Telu
10 Buaya Mangap
Gamelan Gong Kebyar of Pangkung, Tabanan:
11 Gending Sesulingan
12-15 Gending Longgor parts I-IV
Gamelan Gong Kebyar of Busungbiu, Northwest Bali:
16 Tabuh Légod Bawa
17 Tabuh Cacelantungan
18 Kebyar
19 Tabuh Panyelah
20 Tabuh Gari

Hear Gamelan Gong Kebyar of Belaluan playing Kebyar Ding, part 1: Kebyar

Read the liner notes; here is the entire PDF text by Edward Herbst; an abbreviated version is printed in the booklet.

Click here for a glossary of Balinese terms used in the essay.

Note: the CD contains three silent films by Rolf de Maré

Our additional silent films made in Bali, on YouTube:

2010world_japanese_cover

World Arbiter 2010: Japanese Traditional Music
Noh · Biwa · Shakuhachi

Kokusai Bunka Shinkokai, 1941

Music for the Noh theater
1 Takasago (su-utai) utai: Kanze Tetsunojô VI
2 Yashima (su-utai) utai: Kongoô Iwao I
3 Hagoromo (ban-bayashi): part I
4 Hagoromo (ban-bayashi): part II
utai: Sakurama Kintarô, ô-tsuzumi:
Kawasaki Rikichi, ko-tsuzumi: Kô Gorô
taiko: Kakimoto Toyoji, nô: Issô Eiji
5 Matsumushi (su-utai) utai: Kita Roppeita
6 Aoi-no-ue (su-utai) utai: Sakurama Kintarô
7 Hachinoki (su-utai): part I
8 Hachinoki (su-utai): part II
shite: Sakurama Kintarô, tsure: unknown,
waki: Hôshô Arata
9 Youchi Soga (icchô): part I
10 Youchi Soga (icchô): part II
utai: Kondô Kenzô, ko-tsuzumi: Ôkura Rokuzô
11 Teika ichiji no dai (dokugin): part I
12 Teika ichiji no dai (dokugin): part II
utai: Umewaka Manzaburô I
13 Sanekata (su-utai): part I
14 Sanekata (su-utai): Part II
utai: Hôshô Arata
Kyôgen kouta:
15 Tsuchiguruma, "Nanatsu ni naru ko"
16 "Uji no sarashi", "Fuku no kami"
utai: Shigeyama Sengorô
Biwa:
17 Môsô biwa: Jishinkyô
vocal and biwa: Kitada Meichô
18 Heikyoku: Nasu no Yoichi
vocal and biwa: Satô Masakazu
19 Satsuma biwa: Ko-Atsumori
vocal and biwa: Yoshimura Gakujô
20 Chikuzen biwa: Gishi no honkai
vocal and biwa: Tanaka Kyokurei
Shakuhachi:
21 Fuke shakuhachi: Ajikan
shakuhachi: Miyagawa Nyozan
22 Kinko-ryû: Kokû reibo
shakuhachi: Aoki Reibo
23 Tozan-ryû: Iwashimizu
shakuhachi duo: Katayama Yûzan, Sekino Shôzan
24 Miny'ô-shakuhachi: Oiwake-bushi
shakuhachi: Wakui Kogetsu

Hear Matsumushi (su-utai) utai: Kita Roppeita

Read the liner notes (English)

Read the liner notes - Japanese (pdf)

153

Arbiter 153: Oskar Fried conducts Mahler, live recording!

Oskar Fried (1871-1941)
Mahler's disciple: live and studio recordings

Mozart: Symphony no. 40 in G minor, K.550* (Moscow, 1937); Eine kleine Nachtmusik, K. 525: Rondo (Berlin State Opera Orchestra. Berlin, 1927)
Rossini: La Gazza Ladra Overture (Berlin Charlottenburg Opera Orch. Berlin, 1928.)
Weber: Die Freischutz: Hunter's chorus (Berlin State Opera Orch. Berlin, 1927)
Wagner: Tannhäuser: Einzug der Gäste (Berlin State Opera Orch. Berlin, 1927)
Mahler: Das Lied von der Erde:
Von der Schönheit* [sung in English: final 8 bars missing]
with Astra Desmond, alto; BBC Symphony, 1936 live
Stravinsky: Firebird Suite (Berlin Philharmonic, 1928)

*first publication

Hear the Third Movement of Mozart's Symphony No. 40

Read the liner notes

Latest Releases:

2009

World Arbiter 2009: Japanese Traditional Music

Gagaku · Buddhist Chant
1941 Recordings of the Kokusai Bunka Shinkokai

Gagaku:
Kumeuta; Azuma-asobi; Taishikichô chôshi; Koma ichôshi; Etenraku; Konron hassen;
Seigaiha; Chôgeishi; Taiheiraku no ha; Taiheiraku no kyû; Batô (kangen);
Batô (bugaku); Koromogae; Kashin

Buddhist Music:
Tendai-shû: Shichisan; Shakujô; Kyôke; Taiyô; Rongi; Rokudô kôshiki
Shingon-shû: Ungabai; Kassatsu
Wasan: Shaka nyorai go-wasan
Goeika:Reijô Nachi-san

In 1942, a set of sixty 78 rpm discs documenting the most authentic traditions in Japanese music was privately issued. Due to the War and neglect, few copies survive. This disc marks the beginning of its restoration.

japanese (pdf)

Hear Gagaku Taishikichô chôshi

Read the liner loads

157

Arbiter 157: Scriabin chez Scriabin

Live at the Scriabin Museum, 1960
Vladimir Sofronitsky (1901 ­ 1961), piano

Alexander Scriabin (1872 ­ 1915):
Sonata No. 8, Op. 66;
Preludes Opp. 22/1, 11/12, 11/13, 37/1, 31/1;
Poèmes, Opp. 41, 61, 69/1&2;
Two Dances Op. 73;
Preludes, Op. 74/3-5;
Poèmes, Opp. 52/1, 44/2, 59/1, 51/3, 52/3; Poèmes, Op. 71
Masque, Op. 63/1; Vers la flamme, Op. 72; Fragilité, Op. 51/1;
Preludes, Op. 11/2,4,6,19;
Feuillet d'album, Op. 45/1;
Poème in F#, Op. 32/1;
Enigme, Op. 52/2;
Mazurka, Op. 40/2 in F#

Recorded in 1960, first publication on CD, most tracks never published in any format!

Hear Sofronitsky play Scriabin's Fragilité on the composer's piano

Read the liner notes

156

Arbiter 156: Charles Tournemire: Complete Recordings

Cavaille-Coll organ of Sainte-Clotilde, Paris

Franck: L'Organiste (excerpts); Pastorale; Cantabile; Choral No. 3 in A minor
Tournemire: L'Orgue Mystique:
Andantino; Paraphrase-Carillon
Five Improvisations:
Petite Rhapsody; Cantilene; Te Deum; Fantasie; Chorale

recorded in 1930 & 1931

Tournemire's revelatory improvisations and interpretations link his master César Franck to Messiaen. A profound and volatile mystic, his avant-garde experimentation emerges from plainchant and modes. These rare discs document the only surviving sounds of the organ Franck played on for thirty-one years before it was rebuilt in 1933.

Hear Charles Tournemire improvise a "Petite Rhapsody" 3:10

Read the liner notes

155

Arbiter 155: Stravinsky: Music for Four Hands(2 cd set)

The Nonesuch Recordings
Paul Jacobs & Ursula Oppens, pianists

CD I:
Petrouchka: piano four hands
Three Pieces for String Quartet
Concerto per due pianoforti soli
Sonata for Two Pianos
Five Easy Pieces
Etude for Pianola

total time: 79'14"

CD II:
Three Easy Pieces
Zvietochnoy Waltz

Paul Jacobs in concert*:
Stravinsky: Four Etudes
Jacobs on Stravinsky
Piano Rag Music
Tango
Ragtime
Debussy: Minstrels; General Lavine
Schönberg: Klavierstücke, Op. 33a/b
Jacobs speaks with Aaron Copland
Copland: Four Piano Blues
Copland: Danzon Cubano for two pianos (Jacobs, Copland pianos)
Jacobs on Bolcom
Bolcom: Ghost Rags
Jacobs on Rzewski
Rzewski: Down By The Riverside

* first publication

total time: 79'44"

Paul Jacobs and Ursula Oppens recorded Stravinsky's piano music for four hands in 1977 and 1981. It receives its first CD release, restored from Nonesuch's masters. In addition are excerpts from a recital of Jazz-influenced works, along with what may be Copland's last public performance as a pianist. Extensive liner notes by Jacobs analyze the music.

Hear Jacobs & Oppens play Stravinsky's Andante from Five Easy Pieces (CD I: 13) 1'03"

Read the liner notes

2008

World Arbiter 2008: Lifting the Veil
The First Bluesmen (1926-1956)

Rev. Gary Davis & Peers
78 rpm discs from the Harry Smith Archive & private recordings

Leadbelly*: Sermon on Pancakes; The Blood's Done Signed Your Name; Gallows Pole; Leaving Blues*
Rev. Gary Davis*: Come Down to See Me Sometime; Lost John; Soldier's Drill;
Slow Blues in E; Mountain Jack; I Didn't Want to Join the Band;
Big Bill Broonzy: Starvation Blues
Leola B. Wilson & Blind Blake: Black Biting Bee Blues
Buddy Boy Hawkins: A Rag
William Moore: Raggin' the Blues; Old Country Rock
Gus Cannon & Blind Blake: Poor Boy
Ramblin' Thomas: Poor Boy; Hard Dallas Blues; Back Gnawing Blues; Sawmill Moan
Charley Patton: Mississippi Bo Weevil Blues; Screamin' and Hollerin' the Blues
Rube Lacy: Mississippi Jail House Groan; Ham Hound Crave
Edward Thompson: Seven Sisters Blues
total time: 76'38"
* previously unpublished

Liner notes include excerpts from an unknown, unpublished oral histroy of Rev. Gary Davis compiled in 1951.

Hear Leola B. Wilson & Blind Blake in 1926 (Black Biting Bee)

Read the liner notes

News:

A biography of Ignaz Friedman by Allan Evans will be published in June 2009

Click here for a link.

Premium CD series:

Support Arbiter and receive a newly restored historic recording. Our first offering is the 1936 Beethoven 9th Symphony under Weingartner (Vienna Philharmonic). Contributions are tax-deductible.

Hear the 2nd Movement

An Ignaz Friedman chronology (more than 700 programs) has been added to the site.

Indiana University Press has published a compilation of writings by pianist Moriz Rosenthal

Co-edited by Mark Mitchell, author of a biography of Vladimir de Pachmann, and Allan Evans, Arbiter's director, who produced a CD accompanying the book. The preface is by Charles Rosen. Click here for an image.

Our Origins:

elephant

Arbiter of Cultural Traditions, Inc., a non-profit arts organization, was founded in 2002 as a means to continue the work of the former Arbiter Recording Company in order to save performances by musicians both living and from the past whose work embodies our classical music at its height. The failure of the record industry to have done so makes our efforts all the more critical, as the challenges now faced make what we once took for granted as our cultural heritage into an endangered tradition. While artists such as Horszowski and Gieseking are well-known, the artistry of Ignace Tiegerman and Michal Hambourg is at the highest musical level, as the most significant artists often do not pursue or achieve lucrative musical careers. Therefore it is important to find the great music-making wherever it survives: our searching has brought us to such places as the basement shelves of Gieseking's daughter living in Germany, a hill-town in the Italian Dolomites (Ignaz Friedman's home) and areas of Cairo where pupils of Tiegerman still live. Note that all our previous publications by the Arbiter Recording Company will remain available and publication will continue undisturbed. Please check our upcoming projects page for information on new CD projects.

A world music sublabel, World Arbiter, makes available examples of classical and traditional music from other cultures. Today's world music scene is slipping back into the "International" genre it was before such guiding lights like Teresa Sterne of Nonesuch invented the Explorer series, which took serious music from all over the globe with utmost seriousness. We offer vital examples from genuine traditions backed by scholarly analysis that expands interest rather than dulling curiosity: one living master from India's classical tradition, Ashok Pathak, maintains his family's unique tradition, which like many, barely survived the dismantling of the Maharajahs' court patronage.

Please consult our Upcoming Projects page for news and sound samples.

Hear some of our artists in performance:

Aside from our familiar music projects (publishing CDs and maintaining reference material on historic pianists), we are expanding into other fields, which will expand our web site: