Music
 

Here is an eclectic, if incomplete range of performers and composers I have been listening to recently plus some other useful links. Enjoy!

Folk

Billy Bragg writes modern folk songs with a political slant. His new double album, The Essential Billy Bragg is an excellent collection of some of his best songs.

Bill Jones is a wonderful English female folk singer (Bill is short for Belinda). Her album Panchpuran has some interesting versions of classics such as Tam Lin plus other original compositions that warrant repeated listening.

Beth Orton, including her new double album, Pass in Time. She is touring to Sydney in February 2004.

Kate Rusby has a distinctive voice that can be heard on several albums including Little Lights and 10.

Steeleye Span, legends of British folk/rock will be in Australia in March for their 35th Anniversary tour. Personal favourite songs from their vast output are Saucy Sailor/Black Freighter medley from and Montrose, both from Live at Last, and the Padstow Song.

BBC Radio 2 Folk and Acoustic Homepage is an excellent source of information, particularly for English bands. For a broader range try BBC Music, Folk and Country.

Other singers

Ute Lemper is one of the great cabaret/jazz/musical singers with an amazing voice and presence. She is an outstanding interpreter of the works of Kurt Weil (both in German and English) and German cabaret songs. Two more recent recordings that include original compositions are But One Day... (2003) and the amazing Punishing Kiss (2000).

Rock

Hawkwind are the archetypal Science Fiction/Heavy Metal band and have been around for decades. Albums such as Space Ritual and Master of the Universe are classics whilst others such as Quarks, Strangeness and Charm have a quirky appeal.

Pink Floyd produced some amazing music. A comprehensive non-official web site can be found here.

Classical and Early Music

The Australian Brandenburg Orchestra can always be counted on to give a spirited live performance of baroque music. They have some really enjoyable recordings available as well including a great version of The Four Seasons with Elizabeth Wallfisch on violin.

Les Arts Florissants, directed by William Christie produce wonderful music. One of my all time favourite discs is their set of Purcell's King Arthur. Their web site has English and french versions and streams samples of their delightful music.

I have been a fan of Mahler's magnificent music for over two decades now, even if I do not seem to find the time to fully appreciate it. A useful site is A Complete Mahler Discography, by Vincent Mouret (watch the green links though!).

 
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January 7, 2004

   
     
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