May 2023

Francesco Scarlatti: Dixit Dominus, Mass (Signum Classics)

Readers interested in by-ways of the baroque repertoire should find much to admire in the wilful Francesco Scarlatti’s music [GF]

Farrenc: Symphonies (Erato)

The primary recommendation for these three excellent symphonies [JQ]

Meditatio II – Music for mixed choir (BIS)

Calm and inspiring pieces, sung with exceptional control and beauty by this world-class chamber choir [GPJ]

Ligeti: Complete Works for a Cappella Choir (SWR Classics)

This contribution to Ligeti’s centenary sheds a new light on the early work of this fascinating composer [GH]

Das ist meine Freude – Love Songs and Psalms (cpo)

A compelling survey of sacred concertos from the 17th century [JV]

Rachmaninov: Symphony No. 2 (Chandos)

John Wilson has led me to enjoy this symphony as much as I have for decades [DMD]

Left Hand Legacy Vol. 1 (Cobra Records)

Fervent and passionate music making, a joy from start to finish [RCh]

Dyson: Symphony, Concerto da chiesa (Naxos)

(Déjà Review) Lloyd-Jones makes something very special of the concerto, and the other pieces are really very well done [RB]

Brescianello: Works for Solo Lute (Tactus)

An agreeable invitation into the intimate world of solo Baroque lute music [CRo]

From Jewish Life (SWR Classics)

A valuable boxed reissue from SWR’s vaults brings melancholy, vivacity and many disc premieres [JW]

Shadow Dances – British Works for Flute (Chandos)

A diverse and interesting programme beautifully played and recorded [NB]

Nina Kotova (cello): Solo Cello (Delos)

Passionate, gutsy cello playing in a beautifully planned programme [DM]

Vaughan Williams: Live Vol. 3 (Somm Recordings)

A remarkable archive set of Vaughan Williams conducting his own music [JQ]

Viennese Reflections (Gramola)

An unusual and illuminating programme of music for the organ with connections to Vienna [MSt]

Wagner: Die Walküre (Decca)

The ace that trumped Solti [LD]

Arnold: Wind Chamber Music (Naxos)

(Déjà Review) Sir Malcolm is in his element here and I was with him all the way [MC]

Offenbach: La Vie Parisienne (Naxos)

A winner in almost every respect featuring a new edition with an entire Act of previously unperformed music [MP]

Ruoff: Organ works Vol. 4 (Toccata Classics)

A little-known German composer who writes distinguished music for the organ with a wide variety of influences [MSt]

von Klenau: Orchestral works (Dacapo)

A strange triptych of previously unrecorded works by Paul von Klenau [JW]

20th Century Classics Vol. 5 (Beulah)

Kubelík the modernist at his wizardly best [DMD]

Alma Mahler: Meine Seele – Complete Songs (Fuga Libera)

Alma Mahler’s songs are utterly attractive, but the singing here may not be to everybody’s taste [GF]

Armenian Cello Concertos (BIS)

Fine performances of Soviet and post-Soviet cello concerti with a distinct Armenian accent [NB]

Mahler: Symphony 2 (Pentatone)

There’s a great deal to admire about this performance [JQ]

Beethoven/Brahms: Variations (Hyperion)

(Déjà Review) Tanyel’s playful Beethoven and loving Brahms make for a very attractive coupling [DS]