February 2023
Humour and Classical Music: Fantasia
by David Barker
Pettersson: Symphonies 10 & 11 (cpo)
(Déjà Review) Deeply impressing pieces [RB]
Stravinsky: Violin & Piano (Chandos)
(Déjà Review) An unexpectedly wide range of memorable repertoire in colourful and personally characterised performances [LF]
Schönberg, Berg: Transfigurations (Alpha Classics)
Intelligently programmed and well played key works of the Second Viennese School [NB]
Fabien Sevitzky (conductor) The Indianapolis Symphony Vol. 6 (Pristine Audio)
The final release in the Sevitzky-Indianapolis series ends in a celebration of the dance [JW]
Verdi: Messa da Requiem (Rondeau)
I have honestly never heard anything like this… [RMo]
Heinichen: Dresden Vespers (Accent)
Excellent recording of music by a composer who was in no way inferior to the best of his time [JV]
Haydn: The Seven Last Words of Christ on the Cross (Brilliant Classics)
With added flute part, this arrangement is a welcome curiosity for those already familiar with the work [SW]
Arnold: Orchestral Works (Chandos)
A great way to fill the gaps in one’s Malcolm Arnold collection with these superb performances and sound LW]
Magdalena Kožená (mezzo-soprano) Le Belle Immagini (Deutsche Grammophon)
(Déjà Review) A disc that should be bought even by those who resist hype on principle [CH]
Bantock: Sappho (Hyperion)
(Déjà Review) A sensual and voluptuous delight [LM]
Sharon Bezaly (flute): Synergy (BIS)
Pleasing and moving, played with soulful and technical virtuosity [RB]
Araja & Pellegrini: Keyboard Works (Brilliant Classics)
Two little known composers whose work illustrates the polarities of harpsichord music in 18th century Italy [GPu]
Gideon Klein: Don’t forget about me (Toccata Press)
The life of a young genius tragically ended by a cruel and evil regime [SG]
Rachmaninov: All Night Vigil (Pentatone)
The famous Vespers, beautifully sung and more intimate than usual but with no lack of gravitas [RMo]
Rott: Symphony (Deutsche Grammophon)
Jakob Hrůša breaks a lance for the symphony by Hans Rott [JQ]
Vivaldi, Leclair, Locatelli: Violin Concertos (Harmonia Mundi)
An excellent demonstration of what was written for the violin in the high baroque era [JV]
Bax: Film Music (Chandos)
(Déjà Review) Bax’s discomfort with the medium of film music shows through [IL]
Dufay: Music for St Anthony of Padua (Hyperion)
(Déjà Review) Superlative performances, well recorded, of attractive music: another excellent Helios reissue [BW]
McCabe: Piano Music (British Music Society)
(Déjà Review) A most worthwhile issue of some compelling British music [BBr]
Mahler: Symphonies (Sony)
(Déjà Review) In spite of reservations, hearing this music played by this orchestra under this conductor at this time is thrilling [TD]
Vivaldi: Violin Concertos (Forgotten Records)
The elegant, refined art of Peter Rybar in fine transfers from his Westminster legacy [JW]
Yggdrasil (2L)
A gloriously recorded and performed collection of songs for trees and nature [DC]
Marschner: Overtures & Stage Music Vol. 1 (Naxos)
Long-forgotten music that’s well worth a listen [RMay]
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