August 2023
Weill: Propheten (Capriccio)
An interesting world premiere and a masterly reading of the Whitman songs [GF]
Stravinsky: Oedipus Rex (Dynamic)
A decent concert performance of Stravinsky’s great work, with a rarity to precede it [SB]
Sinigaglia: Works for String Quartet Vol 2 (Naxos)
Sunny and engaging music, far removed from the typical late Romantic fare [DJB]
Noel Mewton-Wood (piano) 20th Century Piano Concertos (British Music Society)
(Déjà Review) Buy this and sample the phenomenon that was Noel Mewton-Wood [JQ]
Beethoven: Cello & Piano works (Naxos)
(Déjà Review) This cycle is looking likely to be among the best on record [DS]
Chopin: Recital 4 (ATMA Classique)
A satisfying recital with a wide-ranging selection and an experienced interpreter [MG]
Stefano Maiorana (theorbo) Secret Pages (Arcana)
A compelling juxtaposition of Baroque and contemporary music for theorbo [MS]
Vinders: Missa Fors seulement (Inventa)
Discover two masses by a shadowy figure from late-renaissance Belgium and some of his contemporaries [GH]
Jandali: Concertos (Cedille)
Distinctive, intriguing and thought-provoking music, presented in excellent performances and good recorded sound [GPu]
Skalkottas: Concertos (BIS)
An alternative take on Skalkottas’ concertos, essential for his devotees [JLW]
American Choral Classics (Divine Art)
An enjoyable performance of Copland’s fine In the Beginning; otherwise of variable quality [GPJ]
Casken: Darting the Skiff (NMC)
(Déjà Review) Truly inventive and stimulating music [TH]
Verdi: Simon Boccanegra (Morrison Music Trust)
(Déjà Review) With the frisson of live recording and none of the drawbacks, this set can confidently be recommended on all counts [TH]
French Music for Two Pianos (Nimbus)
Martin Jones and Adrian Farmer are masters of the French duo/duet repertory [WK]
Bigaglia: Cantate per soprano e continuo (Tactus)
Lovers of baroque vocal music, keen to expand their horizons, should investigate [JV]
Antheil: Violin Sonatas (Naxos)
Bravura performances cannot prevent ‘modern’ music from showing its age [NB]
Schubert, Mendelssohn, Beethoven: Fantasias for Piano (Hänssler Classic)
A really promising solo debut album [MC]
Rarities of Piano Music at Schloss vor Husum – August 2022 Festival (Danacord)
Well-chosen, interesting repertoire, and many discoveries [JF]
Albéniz: Henry Clifford (Decca)
(Déjà Review) Recommended for those looking for a vivid unfamiliar score to get their teeth into [LF]
Bach: Cantatas for Alto (Harmonia Mundi)
(Déjà Review) A disappointing recording, but a curiosity [KM]
Featured Naxos review |