Sophie Bevan - De Profundis - Choral works by Parry and Elgar - COMPACT DISCS [CD]

Premiered by the Hallé under Sir John Barbirolli in 1953, the Sinfonia antartica originated in Vaughan Williams' score for the film 'Scott of the Antarctic'. With a highly original scoring (including solo soprano, wordless women's chorus, organ, piano and extensive percussion section), the work depicts the struggle of man over nature, as epitomized in Captain Scott's ill-fated expedition to the South Pole. The symphony is characterized with heroic themes, evocative orchestral effects and music which is at turns emotive and powerful. In contrast the Ninth Symphony depicts the more philosophical challenges of mankind. Initially receiving a lukewarm reception it has come to be seen as a work imbued with what Vaughan Williams authority Michael Kennedy described as 'a new richness of sound'. This enigmatic work is scored for standard orchestral forces, with the addition of saxophones and flugelhorn which add orchestral color. This was the composer's last symphony and was premiered just four months before his death in 1958. In construction it stands as the culmination of his compositional career, with elusive and constantly developing themes and evocative depictions of a wide range of emotions. The symphonies are coupled with two orchestral works, Norfolk Rhapsody No.1 and The Lark Ascending, which were previously released as part of an English music mixed composer collection.

S. Karg-Elert - Sacred Choral Works [COMPACT DISCS] date 01/01/2008

Machine Girl have always operated as an inimitable & inventive sonic phenomenon. The newly trio'd-Matt Stephenson, Sean Kelly, and Lucy Caputi-fortify a punk exoskeleton with electronic alchemy & cinematic ambition. Rave, metal, punk, & pummeling electronic collide & splinter like shrapnel into kaleidoscopic blasts of vibrant color & visceral sound. After amassing millions of fans & inciting critical acclaim, the band continue to elevate on their seventh full-length LP, Psycho Warrior (MG Ultra X).