Calace cd

[Ali]

Hi guys,
At the risk of boring you all....sound samples of the new CD are now up on my website;
Ali's website (http://www.alisonstephens.com/cds.html)
Click on the CD cover to get track listings and sound samples. Its out at the end of the month.
Have a good summer
Ali

[high_lonesome_sound]

I am intrigued, not bored! Thanks for posting this announcement.

[Jim Garber]

Wonderful, Ali. Any methods of pre-ordering in the US?

Jim

False modesty is not allowed on this forum. Didn't you read the guidelines? I'm going to have to report you to the mods (after I get the CD). http://www.mandolincafe.net/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/wink.gif

[Bob A]

Just tried a pre-order thru Amazon, but it's not listed yet.

Sounds like an Embergher to me; is it fair to poor Raffaele to use a Roman mandolin for his works? So Northern. And then there's the Mandolin Mafia to worry about. http://www.mandolincafe.net/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/blues.gif

[Eugene]

I periodically ask to pre-order at the local Borders Books & Music, last time a couple days ago. No go yet. I grow impatient.

Sounds like an Embergher to me; is it fair to poor Raffaele to use a Roman mandolin for his works? So Northern.
Is that comment tongue-in-cheek, or are some instruments considered more appropriate for certain composers?

(Should I admit to playing Bach on my electric Fender with a bit of flanging to boot? I know, I know, it's the height of tastelessness.)

[Bob A]

It's pretty much tongue in cheek. It is true, however, that the sound of an Embergher is rather different from a Neapolitan mandolin, to the extent that it is easily recognised in a recording. I am certain that an Embergher was used in the cuts I heard. They have a particular voice.

Whether that voice is the way to go or not is pretty much up to the artist making the recording. I am aware of at least one recording of the Calace preludes in which a Calace mandolin was used. I don't really think this is a big deal one way or the other.

On another hand entirely, I've been paying some attention to the violin world of late. There is perennial controversy about the suitability of modern vs old Cremona violins for concert use, and a large body of experimental trials wherein the audience is unable to tell whether a given instrument is 300 years old, or made last week. What I find surprising is that a relatively untalented hack like myself can actually identify the maker (or at least the general style of making) of a mandolin on a recording.

I'd be very amused to find that I was completely wrong in my guess that an Embergher-type instrument was used on this recording. I suppose I'd have to eat some crow publicly. I'm hoping I could substitute chicken?

It's summer, hot and boring, and I thought I'd see if I could get a rise out of someone. Looks like it worked, thanks.

I also trust that Alison would take no offence. Certainly none was intended.

[Jim Garber]

I'd be very amused to find that I was completely wrong in my guess that an Embergher-type instrument was used on this recording. I suppose I'd have to eat some crow publicly. I'm hoping I could substitute chicken?
Hmmmm.... what is the probability that Ali would use here beloved "Baby" '33 Embergher on a recording such as this. Pretty close to 100%, I would say.

It is only because Sr. Calace was a composer AND and luthier that it would even come up, right? Neapolitan music played on a Roman instrument? I suppose the same argument would be made for Vivaldi played on a non-Venetian instrument. Or George Gershwin played on a non-Brooklyn instrument. http://www.mandolincafe.net/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/smile.gif

Jim
(with tongue firmly in cheek)

[Bob A]

It was the fact that Calace made his own instruments that inspired the thought, but my point about the distinctive Embergher sound is, ah, sound, I think. Actually, it is about the only mandolin that I can identify by the sound; the others have their own tonality, but nothing so distinctive.

Of course, I hold firm to my belief that Italian mandolins have a different sound from US bowlbacks, but I sure can't define just what the difference is.

Do they make pianos in Brooklyn?

[Mark Levesque]

Hi Ali,
The sounds samples are wonderful!
I'm really looking forward to the new recording.

Cheers,
Mark

[Ali]

Hello everyone,
I certainly don't take offence and found the thread quite amusing! I guess it is a vaguely valid point since Calace did indeed make his own instruments and played them. I, however, don't like them particularly for various reasons, mainly personal taste and size related. Jim, of course, is spot on about my "beloved baby"...... we're joined at the hip I'm afraid..... I've had him for nearly 20 years now and he sounds better than ever....roll on another 20....and another 20.....hopefully I'll still be hacking out Calace on him then.....might leave a few notes out by then though......!! Then, hopefully, someone else will enjoy a faithful 60 years with him after me....Glad the sound samples are going down well......
All the best
ALI

[Jim Garber]

We rarely have the opportunity over here in the US to have world class players play on world class vintage instruments (hint, hint, Ali -- will you be touring the US with this new CD sometime?) However, hearing Het Consort live playing almost 100% Emberghers made me appreciate the tonal quality that you cannot even from recordings.

Jim

[Eugene]

I've been working on this myself for a while. Hopefully soon...

[Acquavella]

Quote: "I've had him for nearly 20 years now and he sounds better than ever....roll on another 20....and another 20.....Then, hopefully, someone else will enjoy a faithful 60 years with him after me...."

My address is...........please feel free to send baby, and Hugo for that matter, at anytime. They will be well loved and played. ha, ha. The samples sound great. I can't wait until it is available in the States. Cheers.

Chris

[Ali]

I think I'd find it very hard to get a work visa for "baby" and "Hugo". You know how hard it is now! So I'm afraid they will have to stay here with me......
Ali

[Alex Timmerman]

Hello Alison,


That's good news; can't wait to hear all of it!


Best regards,

Alex


PS. If you would like to play one of the Calace Concertos (or both http://www.mandolincafe.net/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/smile.gif) with plucked orchestra just say so. We could make a nice programme, I think (and you probably remember that it is an old wish from me to join forces and work together). And I'm sure the other members of Het CONSORT would also love to perform with you!

[Ali]

Hi Alex,
Not sure my hands would withstand both Calace Concertos in one programme - or the audience for that matter!! Although for various reasons we did end up recording for 10 hours on the 2nd day and put down both Concertos and the Polonese in that time.......so my hands are stronger than I think I guess........!! It would be certainly be an interesting concept and a challenge.....
I'd LOVE to do something with Het Consort....what a lovely invitation.....have you tried arranging Danza dei nani for plucked orchestra and soloist? Bet that would sound great as well......
I loved the disc you made with Sebastian with Het Concort doing Calace 1.....as you know, cos I reviewed it!
All the very best
Ali

[Ali]

Hi, Its now listed on the
Naxos Website (http://www.naxos.com/upcomingreleases.asp). So maybe pre-ordering will be available now....getting quite excited!
Ali #http://www.mandolincafe.net/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/mandosmiley.gif

[Jim Garber]

Hi Ali:
We need to get your bio (http://www.naxos.com/artistinfo/17391.htm) on their site. We mandolinists get no respect!!

Jim

[Ali]

Hi Jim,
I was offended initially too.....but then I checked everyone elses....the only biogs up are of those artists who have already had a disc out on Naxos......if niog is not up by time disc is actually released I shall email them.....
Thanks for the moral support though.....!
Getting excited and nervous now.......
http://www.mandolincafe.net/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/mandosmiley.gif

[Martin Jonas]

Ahh, but the header of your bio (http://www.naxos.com/artistinfo/17391.htm) page says "Alison Stephens Biography - famous Alison Stephens Classical collection and Alison Stephens mus" [sic]. There you are -- you're famous!

Martin

[Jim Garber]

Very strange... Duo Ahlert & Schwab have an issue on Naxos and yet they are not listed at all, not even just by name. Their CD came out last year, I believe. What I said... no respect...

Jim

[Ali]

Today is the day! The CD is released! I'm so excited...except that I will be in Leeds (N England) all day recording with Opera North
#http://www.mandolincafe.net/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/sad.gif
Also, I'm afraid that Eugene has discovered that the release date in the USA is not until Sept 25th. Sorry guys.
I performed the Concerto No.1 for the 2nd time in 2 weeks with Steven yesterday at a concert at noon for the Suffolk Villages Festival - the church was damn nearly full (about 250) - it was a bank holiday here yesterday......
Ali
http://www.mandolincafe.net/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/mandosmiley.gif

[Eugene]

I've ordered mine...and now I'm waiting.

[Jim Garber]

From where did you order it, Eugene?

Jim

[Eugene]

In person at the local Borders Books & Music. It's technically more a "hold upon release" than an order. They host our guitar society meetings, so I try to offer my support via commerce when I can.

[Jim MacDaniel]

Very nice Alison. (BTW, it is now available for pre-order at #Amazon (http://www.amazon.com/Calace-Mandolin-Concertos-Nos-2/dp/B000U7V9C6/ref=sr_1_2/105-1546949-4060400?ie=UTF8&s=music&qid=1188314936&sr=1-2).)

Unrelated question Alison: did Mr. Ogden arrange the guitar part for RV 425 on Music from the Novels of Louis de Bernières, or might it be available as sheet music for a duet somewhere? I would love to work on that as a duet with my guitarist brother (although I have no illusions that we will perform it near as well as you two did on that recording -- but your arrangement and performance are inspiring ;)

[Ali]

Hi Jim,
Thanks for your kind words.....
Yes that was Craig's own arrangement but it can be purchased as a mandolin and guitar duet in various editions. The guys here, no doubt, know which is best.....I'd avoid the Behrend one......we are planning to publish our version eventually via Astute Music.
All the best

Ali
http://www.mandolincafe.net/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/mandosmiley.gif

[Linda Binder]

Congrats on the new CD Ali! #The samples sound great. #I just pre-ordered mine through Amazon. #Thanks for the heads-up on that Jim M. #
--Linda

[Bob A]

My pre-order is complete. Thanks for the headsup and link.

Love the picture, Alison. Still, an easy, pleasant job for the photographer.

[Ali]

Awwwww shucks...... http://www.mandolincafe.net/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/biggrin.gif
Thanks

[Acquavella]

Check out Bob A, working it to try to get a free CD........Let me know if it works. So the CD happens to come out on September 25th, which just happens to be my birthday. hint, hint. I'm looking forward to hearing all tracks. From what I have heard so far it will be one of my favorites.

Chris......

[Bob A]

Happy birthday, Chris.

Actually, I'm not angling for a freebie; just a little online mash note. I have a fondness for beautiful women, and I enjoy making them blush. (It's great for the complexion).

[Ceratonia]

Picked up a copy in HMV Cambridge (UK) at lunchtime today - I'd gone in just to browse and it just jumped out at me # http://www.mandolincafe.net/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/smile.gif

Absolutely fantastic. Excellent job on the sleeve notes, too. Hard to believe there is only one mandolin playing in some places...

[Ali]

How exciting that its actually hit the shops at last. Thanks for buying it.
Ali
http://www.mandolincafe.net/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/biggrin.gif

[Jim Garber]

Ali:
When will you book your American tour to promote this CD? Long overdue, eh?

Jim

[Neil Gladd]

Check out Bob A, working it to try to get a free CD. <snip> So the CD happens to come out on September 25th, which just happens to be my birthday. hint, hint.
As if Chris weren't trying to get one free! http://www.mandolincafe.net/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/biggrin.gif Actually, MY birthday is September 4, but I will buy one to support the cause. I did get a lovely mandolin cylinder recording from Alex, though!

[Acquavella]

Quote: As if Chris weren't trying to get one free!

Well, of course I am. I have also already ordered a copy as well. Don't fret. You can't blame a chap for trying.

[Jim Garber]

Google sent me this link:
Calace CD (http://www.shopez.co.uk/product/Calace-Mandolin-Concertos-Nos-1-amp-2.html).

What does that mean: "Best Price: £4.59 - From Blah DVD"

Blah http://www.mandolincafe.net/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/rock.gif

Hardly!

Jim

[John Goodin]

I just thought to check our college's subscription to the online Naxos Music Library and was delighted to find this CD waiting for me. It looks like it was loaded on Sept. 1.

The first few minutes are very beautiful. It won't be easy to concentrate on work for the next hour!

So, if you're in the US and can't wait until the 25th you could subscribe to Naxos and at least hear the streaming audio version.

John G.

[Eugene]

Hmmm, I wonder if my university subscribes. I might have to explore.

[Jim Garber]

I linked to the Naxos link on the news page here and there is a link to downloadable files with pdf cover at Classics Online (http://www.classicsonline.com/catalogue/product.aspx?pid=309370).

It looks like they have some other interesting ones including Spaghetti Rag and Detlef Tewes' Romantic Musical Moments.

Jim

[Martin Jonas]

For those wanting to order from Amazon, be aware that the CD will not be found if you search for "Alison Stephens", but will if you search for "Calace". This is because for reasons unknown, they have entered only the name "Stephens" as performer into their listing, no first name. Threw me a bit at first.

Amazon.com ($9.98) (http://www.amazon.com/Calace-Mandolin-Concertos-Nos-2/dp/B000U7V9C6/ref=pd_bbs_sr_1/104-4319566-8655904?ie=UTF8&s=music&qid=1190207018&sr=1-1)

Amazon.co.uk (GBP4.99) (http://www.amazon.co.uk/Calace-Mandolin-Concertos-Nos-2/dp/B000U7V9C6/ref=sr_1_1/202-9350048-9249449?ie=UTF8&s=music&qid=1190207156&sr=8-1)

Glad to see that for once, the respective prices actually follow the exchange rate between dollar and pound.

Martin

[a12]

I just ordered mine.

[Eugene]

I was terrible ill yesterday, but did manage to get out and pick up my copy tonight. I haven't listened to the whole yet, but my first impressions are exactly as I'd expected: beautifully clean and sparkling tone, controlled and tastefully metered interpretations, yummy. I'm looking forward to feasting in full.

[Bob A]

Lucky Eu. Amazon just emailed me that they're experiencing a delay, should arrive in early October.

[Ali]

Hi Bob,
I was rather hoping that the choas surrounding the release here in the UK wouldn't spill into the USA. There are people who ordered from major retailers here in the first week of release (week beginning 27th Aug) who have only just got their copies or who are still waiting! Some stores have been very good, some have been very poor!
If its any good to you - I noticed that Amazon (USA) are also offering the whole album or individual tracks as a download (mp3). I didn't actually try it to see if its working yet....but there is another store called Classics Online who are also offering it as a download.
Anyway, the good news is that it is the No.1 seller in one of the main online UK classical music stores! (Crotchet) - ahead of Juan Diego Flores!
Thanks for all your continued support.
Eugene - I really hope it has lived up to your expectations.........
All the best
Ali

[a12]

"Lucky Eu. Amazon just emailed me that they're experiencing a delay, should arrive in early October."

I got the same message.

[Linda Binder]

I got a message from Amazon yesterday that mine shipped. It sounds like they didn't stock enough of them initially to meet the demand and they're waiting to get more in. Silly Amazon. Now they know....

[John Craton]

"Lucky Eu. Amazon just emailed me that they're experiencing a delay, should arrive in early October."

I got the same message.
Ditto for me http://www.mandolincafe.net/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/sad.gif Congrats, Linda, on being one of the lucky few. I guess for the rest of us our day will come.

While we wait with eager anticipation, I might mention another CD I just got a couple days ago. No mandolin, but a wonderful collection of pieces for lute, baroque guitar, theorbo, and recorder. I bought it because the recorder artist, Marion Fermé, is an acquaintance of mine, but I was utterly enchanted not only with her work on the recording but also and equally with the plucked strings played by Anna Kowalska and Anton Birula. For those interested in baroque plucked strings, I highly recommend it. The album, “Suites & Correspondances” features works by Bach, François Dieupart, Robert de Visée, and Couperin. More information can be found here (http://www.marionferme.net/English/index.htm).

Not to detract from Alison's much-anticipated CD, but for me it was a lovely consolation prize as I wait with bated breath for Amazon.

[John Craton]

Well, after getting a note from Amazon this morning that Alison's CD wouldn't be available until sometime in October, I just received notice that the item has shipped! I guess there is hope after all. Hopefully this means that the others who pre-ordered will likewise be getting their copies soon. http://www.mandolincafe.net/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/smile.gif

[Jim Garber]

All of a sudden it seems to be available for download in a number of places including Amazon, emusic.com and iTunes.

I am downloading it right now and hope to give it the first listen today. Exciting!

[Klaus Wutscher]

The CD is available as a download at emusic.com, but under the wrong artist name: the artist mentioned is Steven Devine, which is quite misleading. Had to search for Calace to find it. Will download as soon as my credits allow http://www.mandolincafe.net/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/mandosmiley.gif

[Jim Garber]

The CD is available at CD Universe (http://www.cduniverse.com/search/xx/music/pid/7494667/a/Calace:+Mandolin+Concertos,+Etc+%2F+Stephens,+Devi ne.htm) at a discounted price.

[Linda Binder]

Congratulations Ali, on this wonderful CD! Mine arrived yesterday and I'm really enjoying listening to it today. The playing, by both Alison and Steven Devine, is impeccable and so is the recording--great sound!

[Ali]

http://www.mandolincafe.net/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/biggrin.gif Thanks Linda
Thats great to know - I'll pass you're compliments onto Steven - would you believe he is a harpsichordist and Early Music conductor as a day job! Some people are too talented for their own good!

[Jim Garber]

Some people are too talented for their own good!
Look who's talking! http://www.mandolincafe.net/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/biggrin.gif

I have also been enjoying the recording.

[John Craton]

Just got my copy in today's post, and what a transport of delight it is! So far I've only gotten through the first concerto, but I must say I am moved. Such refined delicacy of technique, especially in that gorgeous Largo tranquillo. And what nice contrast the Rondo provides with all its bravado.

Congrats, Alison, and a hearty thanks for sharing this wonderful recording. As others have commented, the pianist is equally gifted and provides a truly admirable balanced performance. For those who haven't yet ordered this CD ... DO!

[Ali]

Sorry if this is getting boring now - but just wanted to say that the Calace CD made it to No.4 in Naxos bestsellers for Sept! I'm so chuffed. A BIG thank you to everyone.
Naxos Bestseller page (http://www.naxos.com/best_sellers.asp)

YAY!
http://www.mandolincafe.net/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/mandosmiley.gif

[Jim Garber]

So, Ali, will Naxos now sponsor your American tour? (hint, hint...)

[Neil Gladd]

I bought this from iTunes last weekend (I'm such a teenager...), but didn't have a chance to listen to all of it until today. Brilliant playing, Ali! I doubt that I will ever attempt either Calace Concerto as they are just too much work, but I am very glad that they are both available on a CD, now.

Since I don't have the physical disc (or program notes), I have a question about the way that it was recorded. It sounds like a live recording, done in a concert hall rather than a studio. Am I correct? I really prefer that, and will never record in a studio, again!

[Ali]

Hi Neil,
To answer your question....its not an actual "live" recording but was recorded in a small concert hall and certainly not a studio.....close miking and no acoustic is suicide for roundback mandolin sound I find!.....it was actuall recorded in a converted granary store in rural Norfolk...mostly bare brick surfaces with a lot of big wooden beams....its a very wierd shape which gives it a flexible acoustic depending on where on the stage you set up. About 80+% of the sound comes from a crossed acoustic pair of mics about 10-15 foot from both instruments...and another acoustic pair further back in the hall (we ended up only using a little from this pair as it lacked diction a bit).....so balance is pretty much natural.....we used a little close mic on piano (about 10%) and a very small amount on mandolin just to give a little clarity and diction......
For solo mandolin I would have chosen a more resonant acoustic but with grand piano that would have been suicidal - so the warm but slightly drier acoustic in the Old Granary gave us a good balance both in tone and volume between the two instruments.
We were very lucky really. I know the chap who runs the Old Granary and he is a piano restorer by trade - so he gave us the pick of three grand pianos to record with - we chosen a gorgeously rich and mellow Steinway Grand from the 1950's which Steven said was the best 20th century piano he has ever played!
So there you go - a long answer to a short question!
ALI

[Eugene]

...close miking and no acoustic is suicide for roundback mandolin sound I find!
I agree!

[JeffD]

I played the clips up on your site, which motivated me to immediatly order my copy of the CD on Amazon. I am looking forward to playing it in the car on a long drive I am planning next week. Long trips are when I really get to sit still and listen. A captive audience, complete with seat belt.

I have been a fan for years.

[JeffD]

And... I received the CD earlier today. Others are more qualified to explain the technical brilliances, let me just say that this CD rewards "lean forward" listening.

[Ali]

Thanks Jeff - is that good? Or is a comment that the recording level is too low??? Sorry if I'm being thick. Got two concerts coming up with Steven featuring the Hummel, Beethoven and Calace's Concerto No.1 - its about the 5th time we've done this programme since Aug. Its a really nice balance programme and the Calace certainly gives it a good boisterous ending!
http://www.mandolincafe.net/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/mandosmiley.gif
Ali

[JeffD]

Thanks Jeff - is that good? Or is a comment that the recording level is too low???
No its wonderful.

I have the good fortune to be able to work from a home office. So I am in sole control of the background music. I put your CD on, and I found I could not get work done because I was listening so attentively. So I quit early (another perk of the home office worker), and put your CD on the good speakers, sat back (well umm.. forward) and just listened through, as if it were a concert.

There are many good things I could say, but I especially want to mention the great interaction between mandolin and piano. One could feel you were both in the same space, reacting to each other. I love that, because it puts the human back into the music. Its not just Calace, its Stephens and Devine as well.

Great stuff. If you ever are playing in the States, within a three hour driving distance, I will be there. (Its not that you are not worth a further distance, I just don't trust my vehicle much farther than that.)

http://www.mandolincafe.net/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/biggrin.gif

[JeffD]

No mandolin content here, but just a note on this interaction thing. I have several recordings of Saint-Saens Organ Symphony. One recording is a favorite because of the interaction I perceive between the organ and the orchestra. Turns out they removed several pews and put the orchestra in the church with the pipe organ for the recording. That way that had this wonderful great old pipe organ right there with the orchestra - no "phoned in" performances, which happens now and again, and no compromise on the size of the organ. Really breathtaking.

[trebleclef528]

I've been playing the cd constantly for a month, when it's not playing our house guest asks if I'm ill!. It has to be one of your best and i agree with Jeff that the interaction between mandolin and piano is exceptionally good..........I'm not surprised that it reached No 4 on the Naxos best sellers.

When are you coming to see us Ali?.... the weathers still nice "up here" in Scotland. (Hi from Barbara, she's in Donegal with our orchestra (Da Capo Alba)
Hugs to you Ali... (in fact hugs to you all!)
Ian

www.mandolinscotland.org

[Ali]

Awww shucks - hugs to you and Barbara too Ian.
I'm so glad you like it. After your incredibly kind words about Con Espressione, I was worried that a months silence meant you didn't like this one and I was afraid I'd let you down!?
I'll be up there some day soon - promise.
ALI xx http://www.mandolincafe.net/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/biggrin.gif