NI 5815

20th Century Works for Cello & Strings
Raphael Wallfisch, cello
Sudwestdeutsches Kammerorchester Pforzheim
William Boughton, conductor

Of all the string instruments, the cello seems to come nearest to possessing a soul, partly because of its great range, from the deep nobility of its lowest baritone to bass register, to the plangent eloquence of its high soprano one. Of all the strings it has the most human-seeming voice, though a voice beyond the capacity of any one person to imitate over its full gamut. This human, soulful side of the instrument seems often to emerge most clearly when it is accompanied by other strings, a homogenous background against which it can stand out as an individual. The varied compositions on this disc form a powerful collection of modern works for this combination ...

NI 7946

Prima Voce - Tito Gobbi (1913 - 84)

A very few operatic artists gain a great reputation for their vocal talent and for their ability to create a believable character on stage. Tito Gobbi was such artist; one who could distil the essence of his roles thus offering his audiences a complete and unforgettable experience. Like a famous baritone predecessor Mariano Stabile (1888-1968) Gobbi’s legacy is of highly individual performances - in the theatre, on film, and in countless recordings - that remain benchmarks for succeeding generations.

NI 7947

Prima Voce - Victoria de Los Angeles (1923 - 2005)

It is generally accepted that Victoria de Los Angeles possessed one of the most beautiful soprano voices of the 20th Century. Her musicality was supported by a vocal timbre suffused with the bright warmth of an Iberian summer. Her appearances in the concert hall and opera house, and her first recordings, drew the highest accolades from the musical establishment, critics and public. Her personality, excellent technique and dedicated approach would have secured her place as a great singer in any age.