Word: offing
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Dates: during 1940-1949
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Prokofiev: Concerto No. 3 (William Kapell, pianist, with the Dallas Symphony Orchestra, Antal Dorati conducting; Victor, 6 sides, 45 r.p.m.). One of Prokofiev's earlier and better works; powerful and percussive, it is just right for hammer-handed young (27) Pianist Kapell. Recording: excellent.
Britten: A Ceremony of Carols (the RCA Victor Chorale of Women's Voices, with Laura Newell, harpist; Robert Shaw conducting; Victor, 6 sides, 45 r.p.m.). Benjamin Britten's settings of these Old English verses, some of them anonymous, are ingeniously simple and tonally beautiful. Performance and recording: excellent...
Beethoven: Sonata No. 2: (Claudio Arrau, pianist; Columbia, 2 sides, LP). One of Beethoven's better middle-period sonatas (the "Waldstein"), played with great energy, eloquence and understanding. Recording: good.
Brahms: Sonata No. 3 (Julius Katchen, pianist; London FFRR, 2 sides, LP). Composed when Brahms was only 20, this is the romantic best of his three piano sonatas. Performance and recording: good.
Shostakovich: Symphony No. 6 (the Pittsburgh Symphony Orchestra, Fritz Reiner conducting; Columbia, 2 sides, LP). The Sixth illumines little of the musical method of Shostakovich that the Fifth did not highlight as well or better, and adds a little circusy trash at the end. Performance and recording: good.