The title evokes the intimacy, delicacy, refinement and above all the douceur (sweetness or sftness) of early 18th-century French chamber music. The court of Lousi XIV required impeccable taste in all things, from manners, dress, furniture and architecture to art and music, much of which 'good taste' probably arose from the King's personal preferences. There were three basic court musical establishments: the Musique de la Chapelle Royale, the Musique de la Grand Ecurie (for the King's large wind band) and the Musique de le Chambre - a small band of (usually) flute, violin, viol, lute, theorbo and harpsichord, which provided performances for various entertainments; the music was also heard in the growing number of salons in the homes of the aristocracy. THe music is expertly performed by the splendid Elysium Ensemble

Programme:
COUPERIN:
Huitième concert dans le goût théâtral
Septième concert dans le goût théâtral
HOTTETERRE:
Suite in E minor
Deuxième suite de pièces à deux dessus
MORE INFO HERE

Michael Whiticker is one of Australia's urgent communicators. However his music may affect you it will never bore you with cliché or empty pleasntry. His work involves an impressive range of instrumental forces and contains passion and vigour, a wide diversity of style and a wealth of technical brilliance, encompassing influences from Korean classical music, to European avant-garde and much else, all performed with flair and exactitude by the Libra Contemporary Ensemble

Programme:
Quidong
oboe/cor anglais, guitar and percussion
Redror
alto saxophone and percussion
In Prison Air
guitar and tape
Ad Parnassum
flute, mandolin, guitar, harp, percussion, violin, viola and double bass
Tulku
guitar
On Slanting Ground
clarinet and tape
MORE INFO HERE

THE CHOIR OF ORMOND COLLEGE
A beautiful programme of sacred choral works from several centuries is performed by one of Australia's most accomplished choirs, that of Ormond College, Parkville. Directed by Douglas Lawrence, Master of the Chapel Music and organist, this is a fine and enterprising mix of old and new, familiar and not so familiar.
Recorded in Melbourne, Australia and Sion, Switzerland.
Programme:
Gregorio Allegri:
Miserere
William Byrd:
Sing Joyfully unto God
Beata viscera
Haec Dies
Francis Poulenc:
Four Motets for Christmas
Benjamin Britten:
Hymn to Saint Cecilia
Samuel Barber:
Adagio for Strings (Set to the AGNUS DEI)
J S Bach:
Singet dem Herren ein neues Lied
Wie sich ein Vater erbarmet
Lobet den Herrn in seinen Thaten
MORE INFO HERE

ELIZABETH ANDERSON (harpsichord)
Impossible to describe - the most incredible harpsichord album ever.
Tracks:
PALMER: Ragtime; Blues for Harpsichord
TRAD: Scarborough Fair
ALBÉNIZ: Leyenda: Asturias
BACH: Prelude in C minor, BWV999
DANDRIEU: The Lyre of Orpheus
DAQUIN: The Cuckoo
MAGEAU: Winter's Shadow
WHIFFIN: Cycles I
ANGLE: Chocolate Bunnies
LIGETI: Hungarian Rock
PURCELL: A New Ground
HANDEL: "The Harmonious Blacksmith"
LENNON/McCARTNEY: Eleanor Rigby
ALBRIGHT: Danza Ostinata
CONCEIÇÃO: Batalha
BROWN: Nine Rarebits
SCARLATTI, D: Sonatas in D minor, K517, in A minor, K175
GERSHWIN: I Got Rhythm
MORE INFO HERE

ELIZABETH ANDERSON (harpsichord)
"Barock" or the english/french version "baroque" is a German word which priginally meant "bizarre". It was not until early in the 20th century that it was used in Germany to describe music of Bach's time. This CD explores "Barock" music in the widest sense(s) of the word, ranging across four centuries; from Conceição's raw 17th century battle-piece, through traditional repertoire by Bach, Handel and Scarlatti; to jazz, blues, Beatles and Gershwin. Let's be clear - the baroque and classical works are played 'straight' and with the fabulous musicianship for which Elizabeth is renowned. After the release of her highly acclaimed recording of the Goldberg Variations (1996), and highly successful European and Japanese tours, Elizabeth Anderson said "I want to do something WILD!" This is it.
Tracks:
PALMER: Ragtime; Blues for Harpsichord
TRAD: Scarborough Fair
ALBÉNIZ: Leyenda: Asturias
BACH: Prelude in C minor, BWV999
DANDRIEU: The Lyre of Orpheus
DAQUIN: The Cuckoo
MAGEAU: Winter's Shadow
WHIFFIN: Cycles I
ANGLE: Chocolate Bunnies
LIGETI: Hungarian Rock
PURCELL: A New Ground
HANDEL: "The Harmonious Blacksmith"
LENNON/McCARTNEY: Eleanor Rigby
ALBRIGHT: Danza Ostinata
CONCEIÇÃO: Batalha
BROWN: Nine Rarebits
SCARLATTI, D: Sonatas in D minor, K517, in A minor, K175
GERSHWIN: I Got Rhythm
MORE INFO HERE

Performed by top Australian medieval specialists Cantigas, this is a collection of items that focuses on four importnat courts of the Middle Ages - those of Eleanor of Aquitaine (France); Gaon of Tiberias (Jerusalem); Saladin (Egypt) and Alfonso X (Castile and Leon in Spain.)
They are brought to life by a wide array of medieval instruments both from Europe and the Middle East, revealing each court's unique style and character. All the pieces are compositions by Cantigasbased on original melodies.
Tracks:
FRANCE:
A l'entrade del tens clar
Gaite de la Tor
Ce fut en mai
C'est la fins
Can vei la lauzeta
A chantar
De bone amour
JERUSALEM:
Hebrew Melody I&II (Niggunim)
Hebrew Melody III
Hebrew Melody IV
Hebrew Meoldy V (Fun shtot tsu shtot)
Hebrew Melody VI
EGYPT:
Taqsim - Turkish Melody I
Turkish Semai
Taqsim - Turkish Melody II
CASTILE & LEON:
Quen a omagen
Alegria
A que por muygran
Como o demo
Virgen Madre gloriosa
En todo nos faz merçee
MORE INFO HERE

TRIO MELBOURNE present a brilliant and rare collection of 20th century masterworks for piano, violin and cello including the first recordings of works by Sculthorpe, Yu and Baran.
Trio Melbourne are Roger Heagney (piano), Isin Cakmakcioglu (violin) and Rachel Atkinson (cello)
Programme:
Julian Yu:
Trio for violin, cello and piano
Ilhan Baran:
Dönüsümler
Aaron Copland:
Vitebsk
Dmitri Shostakovich:
Piano Trio, Op. 8 No. 1
Peter Sculthorpe:
Night Song
MORE INFO HERE

ERIC KLAY, bass trombone.
A varied selection of contemporary pieces and Broadway hits provides a musical spectrum from classical to big band showcasing the wonderful bass trombone. Includs the world premiere of a new work evoking the Australian outback. Klay is accompanied by a group of fine musicians including Simone de Haan (tenor trombone), Robert Cossom and John Acaro (percussion), Harry Wilson and John Barrett (didjeridoo), Catherine Friend (piano), Alan Bray (bass clarinet), Peter Neville (marimba), David Allardice (piano), Gary Costello (acoustic bass), Ron Sandilands (drums), Bob Johnson (trombone).
Programme:
Paul Sarcich:
Music for Tubes and Sticks
Eugène Bozza:
New Orleans
Robert Clérisse:
Pièce Lyrique
Lawrence Whiffin:
Sonata for Two Trombones (1st movement)
Ross Edwards:
Maninya IV
Duke Ellington:
Don't get Around Much Anymore
George Gershwin:
I've Got a Crush on You
Richard Rodgers:
Nobody's Heart Belongs to Me
John Barrett:
Tropical Funk
MORE INFO HERE

This 2 CD set is exactly what the title implies - a cornucopia* of horn music: from the familiar sonatas of Beethoven and Hindemith and the Saint-Saëns Romance to new and wondefully fresh pieces by several composesf, including those from Australia whose work deserves much wider recognition, such as George Dreyfus , Larry Sitsky and Helen Gifford. A bargain set at the price of one CD.
Performed by RICHARD RUNNELS (horn) with Brachi Tilles (piano) and Paul Sablinskis (marimba)
Tracks:
Ludwig van Beethoven:
Horn Sonata in F, Op. 17
Francis Poulenc:
Élégie
Jacques-François Gallay: Unmeasured Preludes - nos 22,23,25,26,27,31
George Dreyfus:
Tender Mercies
Ronald Caltabiano:
Rotations for 16 horns
Paul Dukas:
Villanelle
Eugène Bozza:
En Forêt
Helen Gifford:
Of Old Angkor
Camille Saint-Saëns:
Romance, Op. 36
Malcolm Arnold:
Fantasy
Robert Schumann:
Adagio and Allegro, Op. 70
Larry Sitsky:
Mertzazil
Paul Hindemith:
Horn Sonata in F
MORE INFO HERE

Robert Lloyd is better known in dance circles worldwide than muscial ones - best known for his kinetic, brightly coloured scores which have been performed on four continents. The backbone of Lloyd's work is percussion as displayed by the three works on this CD. 'Feral' is for vibraphone, keyboards and percussion; 'Bold New Buildings' for various keyboards and 'Nullarbor' for octabars and timbales. There is a wealth of varied and original material in these extended pieces, which have to be heard in full to be appreicated.

The three works are:
Feral
Bold New Buildings
Nullarbor
MORE INFO HERE

Not the organ playing music from the opera (as on our piano CD 'A Night at the Opera') but a recital of rare and unusual organ duets played on the wonderful Ronald Sharp organ of Sydney Opera House by Sydney Town Organist Robert Ampt and Sydney Opera House organist May Johansen.
. These arrangements and original pieces are a distinctive addition to any collection.
Tracks:
George Frederic Handel:
Arrival of the Queen of Sheba
Ludwig van Beethoven:
Adagio für die Flötenuhr, WoO 33/1
Robert Ampt:
Waltzing Matilda - Duet for Four Feet
Felix Mendelssohn:
Overture for Wind Instruments, Op. 24
Percy Grainger:
Blithe Bells
Naji Hakim:
Rhapsody
Antonio Soler:
Concierto I
Louis Godard:
Niagara - Grand Galop de Concert
Gioacchino Rossini:
William Tell - Overture
MORE INFO HERE

Some of the best -loved Christmas melodies, both traditional and modern, in an unusual and entertaining arrangement for flute and harp, ideal for all Christmas parties and for gifts. The two Australian musicians make this a very special seasonal album.
Performed by Elizabeth Koch (flute) and Suzanne Handel (harp)
tracks:
Deck the Hall
It came upon the Midnight clear
Sleigh Ride
Coventry Carol
White Christmas
Greensleeves
Silver Bells
Frosty the Snowman
Away in a Manger
Christmas Day
Caroling, caroling
The first Nowell
Lo how a rose e're blooming
O Tannenbaum
Silver stars
The Christmas song
God rest ye merry Gentlemen
Have yourself a merry little Christmas
MORE INFO HERE

Vibrant young harpsichordist Jacqueline Ogeil showcases the very virtuosic side of the harpsichord featuring sparkling works by Scarlatti and elegant masterpieces by Bach, Handel and Rameau - and also the world premiere recording of Naji Hakim's 'Shasta' Suite. Ogeil studied with Hakim while in Paris. Like the recordings by Elizabeth Anderson this CD proves that the harpsichord is not old-fashioned or lacking in tonal colour but can be passionate and dramatic especially in performances as good as these.
J S Bach:
Chromatic Fantasia and Fugue in D minor, BWV903
D Scarlatti:
Sonata in C, K.420; Sonata in C, K.421; Sonata in A minor,K.175; Sonata in C, K.513
G F Handel:
Suite in B flat
J-P Rameau:
Troisième Concert
N Hakim:
Suite: Shasta
MORE INFO HERE

A further selection of works (see also MD3156), some well known but most a refreshing change from the usual, played on some of the superb organs in this lovely part of South Australia. The organs featured here are at: St John's, Tamunda (J E Dodd 1921); St Michael's Gnadenfrei/Marananga (W G Rendall 1880); Strait Gate Lutheran, Light Pass (J E Dodd 1925); St. Petri, Eden Valley (Laukhuff, c1900); Holy Trinity, Nuriootpa (Gebrude Walter, 1887); St Paul's Tamunda (J E Dodd 1928); St John;s, Ebenezer (D H Lemke 1875) The booklet gives a history of each instrument, its builder and of the music on the CD.
tracks:
Christopher Dearnley:
Gospel Fanfare
une Nixon:
Mr. Purcell's Procession
Erroll Garner:
Misty
Charles Marie Widor:
Andante cantabile (from Symphony no. 4)
Johann Pachelbel:
Chorale and Partitas 1-4, 7 & 8 on "Was Gott tut.."
Davide da Bergamo:
Elevazione, cantabile affettuoso
Samuel Wesley:
Air for the Organ
Fantasy
J S Bach:
Fugato from Magnificat, BWV733
Prelude and Fugue in D minor, BWV554
Felix Mendelssohn:
Andante religioso (Organ Sonata op. 65 no. 4)
Chorale and Finale (Organ Sonata op. 65 no. 6)
Johannes Brahms:
Es ist ein Ros' entsprungen, op. 122 no. 8
Théodore César Salomé:
Cantilène
Grand Choeur
Johann Nepomuk Hummel:
Andante in A flat
Marco Enrico Bossi:
Canzoncina a Maria vergine, op. 113 no. 3
Paul Manz:
Chorale Improvisation on 'Dearest Jesus at thy Word"
Louis Couperin:
Chaconne in G minor
Claude Balbastre:
Noel "Joseph est bien Marie"
John Stiller:
Improvisation in A minor
MOER INFO HERE

The wonderfully skilled recorder player Genevieve Lacey performs outstanding modern works for recorders by Australian composers. The disc title, as well as being the title of one of the major works on the CD, refers to the renaissance of interest in the recorder as a serious instrument - risen like the phoenix from the ashes of neglect! On the CD Genevieve is joined by Robert Chamberlain (piano), Ann Murphy (harpsichord), David Corbet (live electronics) and Hartley Newham (voice)

tracks:
BrentonBroadstock:
Aureole 3
Neil Currie:
Stopping by Woods on a Snowy Evening
Ian Shanahan:
Lingua Silens Florum
Cathy's Song
Helical Ribbon
Benjamin Thorn:
Pipistrelli gialli
Amanda Baker:
Phoenix Songs
Ros Bandt:
Flight
MORE INFO HERE

This CD explores three traditions of flute music: traditional folk melodies from Ireland and England; japanese music, both traditional and Zen meditation; and art music from the height of the European baroque.
It includes also 20th century compositions and collaborative improvisations, and all played with (literally) breathtaking skill by the fine Australian duo ANNE NORMAN and GREG DIKMANS.
TRACKS:
Van Eyck (1590-1657):
Variations on 'Doen Daphne d'over schoone maeght'
Trad:
Medley of Irish and English folksongs
Couperin (1668-1733):

Le rossignol-en-amour
Traditional zen meditiation:
Nesting Cranes
Linde (b.1930):
Music for a Bird
traditional Japanese:
Distant Cries of Deer
Nesting Song
Vivaldi :
Cadenza from 'Goldfish' Concerto
Clerambault:
Ecoutez les sons touchants
Trad:
Medley of Japanese folksongs
Bach:
Sarabande from Partita in A minor, BWV1013
Norman:
Spaces
Alone in a strange place
Daphne-bushi
MORE INFO HERE

The 'Little Organ Book' by J S Bach is in fact a major collection of 46 Chorale Preludes and includes many of his most well-known pieces, regularly found on 'compilation' albums, not so often in a complete set - indeed some of the pieces are very rarely heard, so we chose one of the less-often recorded ones as our audio sample.
Here Calvin Bowman provides an authorative performance on the fine Ahrend organ in the Robert Balckwood Hall, Monash University. The comprehensive booklet includes all of the texts on which the Chorale Preludes are based.
CD contains 46 Chorale Preludes, BWV599-644.
MORE INFO HERE

Rare early baroque works by Charles Dieupart (c1667-c1740), these 'Six Suittes de Clavecin' were stated on the first edition to be dedicated to 'Madame la Comtesse de Sandwich'. Dieupart was a French violinist, harpsichordist who spent the last 40 years of his life in England. Though known as Charles to his English contemporaries, his original name may have been François. It is possible that the dedicatee of these pieces was his harpsichord pupil for a time. The actual instrument for which the solo part is written is the 'flûte de voix' (voice flute) which is a recorder in D (a very rare instrument, set a third below the treble/alto recorder. R PREMIERE RECORDING
Suite 1 in A major
Suite 2 in D major
Suite 3 in B minor
Suite 4 in E minor
Suite 6 in F minor
MORE INFO HERE

Award-winning 1996 recording of Bach's major masterpiece. with (unusually) all repeats retained.
Elizabeth Anderson plays her 2-manual harpsichord in:
The Goldberg Variations, BWV 988
Italian Concerto, BWV971
14 Canons on the First 8 Bass Notes of the Aria from the Goldberg Variations, BWV1087 *

* with Lucinda Moon and Stephen Freeman (baroque violins)
MORE INFO HERE

Here at Divine Art we always look for the unusual, entertaining and unique, and so do our friends at Move. This album (the first of the Orchestra's five albums to date) is an absolute delight from start to finish, and when playing in our Music Cafe in the USA, draws applause from every customer. The works here range from the baroque Weiss Concerto, written in the early 18th century, to contemporary jazz and dance inspired pieces. The 1920s foxtrot rhythms in Althoff's 'Tanz Suite' are exquisite......Fabulous. tracks:
Sylvius Leopold Weiss (1686-1750):
Concerto for Guitar
Robert Schulz (b.1950):
A Celebration
Yasuo Kuwahara (b. 1946):
Song of the Japanese Autumn
Fred Witt (b. 1922):
Concertino for Mandola
Jurgen Klose (b. 1946):
Summertrip
Willi Althoff (1906-1971):
Tanz Suite
MORE INFO HERE