The following list of gift ideas was compiled by members of the on-air staff of Texas Public Radio.  Read on for selections to satisfy music and movie lovers alike.  Please note: most of these gift selections are linked to an Amazon.com page for more information.  Of course you can find many of these items in a brick-and-mortar store, but should you decide to make any purchase through our Amazon links, a portion of your purchase will benefit Texas Public Radio.  Thanks, and Happy Holidays!

Classical Music Gift Ideas from Randy Anderson, KPAC Music Director

Beethoven: The Symphonies [Box Set]

Goldilocks had it good with options when it came to food and sleeping accommodations. Choice is good, and when it comes to which set of Beethoven Symphonies you want to buy, the number to choose from just got bigger. 

I’ve always been partial to the recordings Herbert von Karajan released in 1977 with the Berlin Philharmonic Orchestra, and these have been re-released on CD or for those who want the very best in sound, SACD. In 1975, the new home of the orchestra, the Philharmonie, was used for this cycle, and the acoustics are better than the earlier 1963 go 'round. Karajan is more exuberant, the music’s rhythms are more accentuated, and the balance between emotion and balance of sound is just about perfect. Also there was better equipment used, and no tape hiss compared to the first set — so you can crank it up!

 

Liszt Students Play Liszt

If you had a time machine, where would you go, and for what reasons?  I would point mine at Weimar Germany in 1880 to drop in on the master classes of Franz Liszt. The king of the piano still has a gleam in his eye, and occasionally astonishes his students with a personal demonstration.

Well, since time machines are out of the question, what about the next best thing? Out of Austin comes the latest release from the Kenneth Caswell collection on Pierian records, Liszt Students Play Liszt. These two CDs contain piano rolls of Liszt's students playing their master's music, and a few perform to give us a taste of how Liszt played this music for his pupils!

There are 18 pieces on these two discs from 100-year-old piano rolls, some of which were went undiscovered until 20 years ago. These rolls are turning into papyrus, and Mr. Caswell is doing his best to record all of these on his 1923 Feurich Welte Mignon player piano before they flake into history.

To top off the set, Ken found a recording of one of Liszt's last pupils, a Scotsman, Frederic Lamond, recorded in 1948, where he describes his journey to meet Liszt and becoming his student. This recording and the piano rolls from a century ago get us as close as possible to this miraculous time in music history—this side of a time machine, of course.
 
  

Classical Music Gift Ideas from John Clare, Classical Spotlight Host

The Claremont Trio: Beethoven and Ravel

Beethoven and Ravel is the latest disc from the Claremont Trio, and what a disc it is! Both composers capture the essence of the piano with strings, contrasting and complimenting lines and characteristics.

The early Beethoven Opus 1 #3 is played to perfection by the Claremonts, with tempos that are crisp and flexible. Lines are treated with care and seem spontaneous at moments in the gorgeous Andante movement. Fleet and nimble precision make the Finale sparkle and smile.

Ravel’s Trio from 1914 is the last work he wrote before joining the French army as a nurse’s aide.  It plays with Ravel’s sense of family history, drawing on his identification with his mother’s Basque culture.  Listening to the Claremont Trio, you might believe they, too, have a French and Basque background with the fire and elegance brought to this recording.  Seamless lines, gorgeous colors and virtuoso flair make this a delight to share with anyone on your holiday list, or for your own stocking!

 

Alondra de la Parra: Mi Alma Mexicana

Mi Alma Mexicana is a wonderful and exciting collection from The Philharmonic of the Americas and Alondra de la Parra.  The two-CD set celebrates Mexico’s bicentennial with well known and rare classical music gems from the past 125 years.

Not only are the musical selections thoughtful and engaging, the performances are top notch.  Rhythms are infectious and appealing, with melodies well crafted and lovingly phrased.  Take the Rosas Sobre las Olas for instance – a recognizable but overlooked waltz from 1884.  Cartoon fans will no doubt recognize it as “trapeze music!”

A must have for any music lover are Parra’s interpretations of Marquez’ Danzon No. 2 and the Huapango by Mancayo – a welcome addition to any stocking or iPod this holiday season!

John Clare Interviews Alondra de la Parra

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(Untitled)

(UNTITLED), a movie with Adam Goldberg and Marley Shelton about the avant-garde music and art scene, is out now on DVD and Blu-ray.  I was happy to interview Goldberg and (soundtrack) composer David Lang about the movie as it was coming out, and excited about the entire project!  You see, new music (and art) sometimes gets a bad rap, and while it is not always the case, sometimes new music makes audiences uncomfortable or skeptical.  (Untitled) plays with this notion as well as the genius of thinking outside the box, and the doubt created by the artists in their struggle to survive.

Stereotypes, they say, are based on fact, and (Untitled) takes these with great and humorous intentions for a good story–music ranging from kicking buckets to the sublime sounds of the Pulitzer Prize winning Lang, and art spoofing Thomas Kinkade, to taxidermy art by real LA-based artist Kyle Ng.  Just as Amadeus isn’t factual, (Untitled) takes liberties with some characters. And while it isn’t a typical Hollywood romantic comedy, I say bravo to Jonathan Parker for bringing about a look (and laugh) at modern music!

(Untitled) is a perfect gift for that artsy someone who is hard to buy for. They will dig this!

Read John Clare's Interview with Adam Goldberg and David Lang.

 

Gift Ideas from James Baker, Itinerarios Host

Elly Ameling: 75 Jaar, Live Concertopnamen 1957-1991

Part of my introduction to Elly Ameling, many years ago, was her beautiful rendition of the wordless Pastorale by Igor Stravinsky. This piece is all of two minutes long, but it has stayed with me through decades of listening. When my reel-to-reel player mangled the tape which held the Ameling Pastorale, I was heartbroken to learn that this recording had evaporated from the catalog. Years of searching for a compact disc reissue have been futile, until now.

There’s both good news and bad news in this recently issued five disc set of live concert performances by Elly Ameling. The bad news is that this set does not contain the studio rendition of the Stravinsky which I sought. The good news just about washes away the bitterness of the bad, for this collection, released to honor the 75th birthday of Ms. Ameling, does have a live version of Stravinsky’s Pastorale. More importantly, amongst these five discs reflecting the supreme artistry of Elly Ameling are reprises of many of her most important recordings. But there is also a wealth of material never represented in her studio discography, including a carefully selected presence of contemporary music and a 1983 performance of Richard Strauss’ Four Last Songs.

Any lover of the vocal arts will delight in seeing this terrific set in their holiday stocking. You will, too.

 

Gabriela Montero: Solatino

The latest studio effort by the Venezuelan born pianist Gabriela Montero is an entertaining mix called Solatino. The program is mostly miniatures, with the expected spice of several of Ms. Montero’s trademark improvisations. In this case, the improvised numbers are completely original, that is, not based upon famous themes by known composers.

Fans of the Cuban composer Ernesto Lecuona will recognize La comparsa, Cordoba and, especially, Malaguena. There’s also a set of four pieces by Ernesto Nazareth, who is sometimes referred to as the “Brazilian Scott Joplin.” Welcome here is Alberto Ginastera’s First Piano Sonata, a Waltz by Teresa Carreño, known as the Valkyrie of the piano, and a sampling of 17 Piezas infantiles by Antonio Estevez.

Order early, as this is not officially released in the US until January 11, 2011, but can be purchased as an import through several online sellers.

 

Orquesta Sinfonica e Coro do Estado de São Paulo: São Paulo Samba (DVD)

One year ago, Gramophone referred to the São Paulo Symphony Orchestra as an up-and-coming ensemble to keep an eye on.  Most will agree they are among the finest orchestras in Latin America. Fans of KPAC’s Itinerarios have not only heard countless recordings by the Orquesta Sinfonica de São Paulo, but heard of the converted train station which is now the home of the orchestra and its chorus. With this DVD, São Paulo Samba, you can now see and hear what the fuss is all about.

Here is a New Year’s Eve concert by the orchestra, chorus and the Banda Mantiquera, a Brazilian big band. The program is a well made mix of pops and classical, a New World version of the Vienna Philharmonic’s famed New Year’s Day concerts. Be prepared to be spellbound by the swaying São Paulo Choristers as they sing Villa-Lobos’ Choros No. 10. This alone is worth the price of admission. But wait! One of numerous additional highlights is popular singer Mônica Salmaso’s rendering of several popular Brazilian songs. And you are sure to be charmed when conductor John Neschling steps off the podium for a quick waltz with Ms. Salmaso. Enjoy this delightfully presented concert on Christmas Day, New Year’s Day, or any day. Highly recommended!

 

RUseeN Reflective Apparel

Yes, it is great to get out on the road for a run, a walk or a bike ride, to be one with the out-of-doors. However, every runner and cyclist also needs to “see and be seen,” especially in the twilight and nighttime hours. Sure, we think everyone sees us, that the reflectors on our bikes and shoes are plenty. Don’t be so sure. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration reports that a pedestrian is killed in a traffic crash every 113 minutes. Just as alarming, a pedestrian is injured every 8 minutes in accidents involving automobiles.

The mission of RUseeN is to reduce those statistics by making us all more visible when we walk the dog or take a 5 mile jog. RUseeN’s products are not your common reflective vests. There is flair and imagination to be found here, though if you just want a lime yellow high visibility shirt, that’s here too. The great thing is that this apparel works, you WILL BE SEEN. But it’s also well made, using high tech wicking fabrics favored by runners and bikers. Take a look.

 

Gift Ideas from Ron Moore, classical music and opera host

Avant-Garde Art and Artists in Mexico: Anita Brenner's Journals of the Roaring Twenties

Weighing in at over 900 pages, with in excess of 600 pictures and photographs by Brenner's daughter. Edited by Susannah Glusker.  This is a unique and extraordinary survey of art and life in Mexico at a dramatic and colorful historical moment. Through the pages and in breathtaking images we see Frida Kahlo, Diego Rivera , José Clemente Orozco, David Alfaro Siqueiros, and so many other giants of the time. Up close and personal, life as history and history come alive.

Brenner was also a pupil of composer Carlos Chavez. Among her favorite composers discussed in the journals are Debussy and Stravinsky.

Avant-Garde Art and Artists in Mexico is published by University of Texas Press.

 

Joyce DiDonato: Alcina, Furore

People are always asking me, "What's new in opera?"

The answer is Joyce DiDonato, who was chosen Artist of the Year by Gramophone magazine.

Two discs I recommend from her fast growing discography are Handel's Alcina, and her Handel disc, Opera Furore with Les Talens Lyriques and Christophe Rousset.

 

 

 

 

DVD Gift Ideas for the Movie Lover from Nathan Cone, "Cinema Tuesdays" Curator

Over 10 years into the DVD format, there are still great new and classic releases, and now Blu-Ray’s high definition discs bring a new level of “wow” to your home theater.  Each year I try to present a cross-section of genres and styles in choosing the following sets so there's something for every member of the family.

The Complete Metropolis

In 2008, a 16mm print of Fritz Lang’s Metropolis surfaced at the Museo del Cine in Buenos Aires, Argentina.  After extensive restoration work, a nearly complete version of Fritz Lang’s classic science fiction epic is now available on home video, featuring 25 minutes of unseen footage that enhances characters, story, and the film’s climax featuring a flood, fire, and assorted mayhem. 

The movie is about the disconnect between the workers of Metropolis and the upper class that rule the city.  An hour-long documentary about the history of the film is included on the DVD and Blu-ray special editions of The Complete Metropolis. 

Even if it were not such a historic moment, this production would surely be, as Roger Ebert called it, “the film event of 2010.” Longer review online here.

 

Bridge on the River Kwai (Blu-ray)

“Madness!” is the final word in David Lean’s epic film, and it fits both Col. Nicholson (Alec Guinness) and Col. Saito (Sessue Hayakawa).  The two men engage in a battle of wills over the building of a bridge in western Thailand during World War II. 

The cast is first rate, and the incredible sets and location shooting will leave you shaking your head in wonder saying “they don’t make ‘em like this anymore.”

Yep, nowadays, they’d build that bridge out of computer pixels instead of timber.  But when the climax of the film finally arrives after nearly two hours, it’s worth every minute you’ve invested in this rich film.

The Blu-ray disc of Bridge on the River Kwai includes most of the special features that accompanied the original DVD release nearly a decade ago.  There’s also footage of Guinness and star William Holden on the Steve Allen Show from 1957, and a special text feature that allows viewers to compare the film to the book and actual accounts of prisoners of war.

Note: David Lean’s snowbound epic Doctor Zhivago was also given the high definition treatment this year.  Get Bridge for dad, and Zhivago for your mom.

 

The Red Shoes

My favorite movie that TPR screened this summer as part of the Cinema Tuesdays series was given a stellar DVD and Blu-ray treatment by the Criterion Collection this year. 

I was spellbound by The Red Shoes, the story of a young ballerina who must choose between her passion for dance and the man she loves.  The movie is loosely inspired by the Hans Christian Andersen story of the same name; that story directly inspires the central dance sequence in the film, a 15-minute ballet set to the Oscar-winning music of Brian Easdale. 

Camera tricks, flashy cutting, and the placement of the frame on stage give viewers the sense that we’re in the ballet, rather than watching it.  It’s all quite magical.  To read more about The Red Shoes, see my longer review online.

 

 

America Lost and Found: The BBS Story

As the studio system imploded in the mid 1960s, a burgeoning independent scene sprang forth that recognized the cultural importance of the emerging counterculture. 

Bob Rafelson, Bert Schneider, and Steve Blauner, formed BBS Productions with money they earned from creating and marketing the Monkees on TV, and from the profits of their second production, Easy Rider, one of the many highlights in this box set.

Easy Rider offers a fascinating glimpse into the world of the counterculture; far from the rambling hippie odyssey that revisionist film historians would have you believe it is, Easy Rider is an examination of freedom, and whether anyone can truly achieve it.  The other films in the set include classics like Five Easy Pieces and the Oscar-winning The Last Picture Show.  Altogether, America Lost and Found features seven films produced between 1968 and 1972.

 

Ponyo

When the 2009 Academy Award nominations for Best Animated Film were announced, many were left scratching their heads at the Academy’s omission of Ponyo, a reinvention of The Little Mermaid by Japanese master Hayao Miyazaki.

In the story, a little fish, unfortunately named Brunhilda by her father, longs to be human and live on land after befriending a young boy, Sōsuke.  Using her father’s magic, she turns herself into a little girl, sending the ocean into a frenzy. It’s up to Sōsuke and Ponyo, as she now calls herself, to find a way to make everything right.

This is a wonderful movie for kids and adults. Miyazaki says the movie was aimed at five-year-olds.  Older than toddlers, but not quite young children, they still believe in magic.  This movie may help you recapture some of that feeling yourself.

 

White Christmas

Paramount issued a special “anniversary edition” of White Christmas on DVD last year.  Now, with Blu-ray players in more American homes, they’ve decided to release the movie in the high definition format.

White Christmas is warm and sentimental; it’s a remake of Holiday Inn, which also starred Bing Crosby.  Here, he’s paired with Danny Kaye as entertainers out to pay tribute to their old WWII general.  Along the way, there’s romancing with Vera-Ellen and Rosemary Clooney (who sounds and looks amazing singing “You Didn’t Do Right By Me”).  The songs are by Irving Berlin.  It’s a great movie to while away a cold and gray afternoon.  If it ever gets cold and gray in South Texas.

 

 

WORLD MUSIC GIFT IDEAS from Deirdre Saravia, host of World Music on KSTX

The Rough Guide to the Music of Afghanistan

Generally speaking, I like to steer away from politics on World Music, but as Afghanistan is mentioned daily in our news, I would like to suggest a familiarization with the music of the country.  The Rough Guide to the Music of Afghanistan is an excellent way to learn more about the place.

A two CD set, the first of disc has some modern popular music, and the second one has some intriguing titles, such as The Way To The Mosque And The Winehouse and My Decapitated Head.

 
 

 

Solas – The Turning Tide

The Turning Tide is the latest CD from Irish/American group Solas.  You may have seen them at the San Antonio International Accordion Festival this year.  They are always a star attraction at any festival.  The five members are astonishing musicians with many years of experience.  The female singer changes every few years but the replacement is always outstanding, as Mairead Phelan is on this recording.

It’s not really traditional Irish music in the purest sense, but traditional enough to please the harshest critics, and certainly entertaining for someone mildly interested in Celtic music.

 

 

Arling & Cameron: Sound Shopping, Music for Imaginary Films

Arling & Cameron are a Dutch duo who experiment with all kinds of modern music genres, but were initially inspired by Japanese Shibuya-kei, 70s light rock.  From this duo I recommend two CDs: Sound Shopping and Music for Imaginary Films.  Neither are recent releases, but the music is so quirky and fun that I would recommend both for a car journey, doing house work or simply whiling away the time.  These tracks are guaranteed to improve your state of mind without making too many demands on the brain!

Along with the above titles, you could do no wrong selecting from any of the previous World Music picks from this year.  You’ll find them here.

 

 

The Gift That Keeps on Giving

Of course, if none of the above selections strike your fancy, there's always the gift that keeps giving for a whole year... a gift membership to Texas Public Radio!  If you're looking for a gift for the holidays that is thoughtful and easy to buy, look no further.  A gift membership in Texas Public Radio is the perfect selection for anyone on your list.  Not only does it benefit your favorite radio programs, but friends, coworkers, or family will be reminded of your generosity and sense of community pride all year long, every time they tune their radio to KSTX, KPAC or KTXI.  Click here to give a gift membership today. Thank you!