November 2023
Scheller: Dead Grain (Acte Préalable)
Cold, creepy, crepuscular and clever – Scheller’s eerie sounds slither delightfully under the skin [RHa]
Stanfordian Thoughts 21. Lullabies and Hush Songs
by Christopher Howell
Flotow’s Martha
by Ralph Moore
Leiviskä: Symphony No 1 & Piano Concerto (Hänssler Classic)
Late-romantic works by a neglected Finnish composer in committed, well-recorded performances [EJW]
Jauchzet Gott (Accent)
A disc to treasure, with probably the best ever performance of Bach’s famous Cantata BWV51 [JV]
The Forgotten Danish Pianist Arne Skjold Rasmussen (Danacord)
Forgotten but Restored: the art of a fluent, fleet but nervous Danish pianist and Nielsen specialist [JW]
Martinů: Complete Piano Trios (Naxos)
The Arbors showcase these compelling works with vitality and élan [SG]
Nielsen: Aladdin Suite (Naxos)
(Déjà Review) An excellent introduction to Nielsen’s marvellous music. Established Nielsen enthusiasts should also add this splendid anthology to their collections without delay [JQ]
Sumera: Mushroom Cantata (BIS)
(Déjà Review) As irreplaceable as a volume by a favourite author – be sure never to lend it to anyone; you’re unlikely to get it back! [DC]
Mayer E: Piano Concerto, overtures (cpo)
Attractive music but only the later overtures are really outstanding [RCh]
Music on Christmas Morning (Naxos)
An enjoyable and varied Christmas programme, expertly performed [JQ]
Mischa Elman (violin) plays Mozart and Paganini (Biddulph)
RCA LPs restored, showing Elman schmoozing his way through Mozart and encore trinkets [JW]
Brahms: Double Concerto; Viotti: Violin Concerto No. 22; Dvořák: Silent Woods (Ondine)
A touching tribute by elite musicians to a friend and colleague [DMD]
Godecharle: Harp quartets (Ramée)
Well-written, entertaining harp quartets by a little-known composer, in excellent performance [JV]
Stanford: Piano Quintet, String Quintet No. 1 (Hyperion)
(Déjà Review) Wonderful music and marvellously performed [MC]
Scarlatti D: Complete keyboard sonatas (Erato)
(Déjà Review) This set is a pinnacle in the history of recorded music [PCW]
Beyond Twilight – Music for cello and piano by female composers (Delphian)
Vignettes, salon charmers and genre pieces from women composers [JW]
Berio: Complete Piano Music (Grand Piano)
The complete recording of Berio’s little-known piano works [GH]
Giordano: Andrea Chénier (Bayerische Staatsoper Recordings)
This superb version shows the work to be better than its reputation [RWe]
Stanley: Complete Flute Sonatas (Brilliant Classics)
Lively and sympathetic playing of Stanley’s flute sonatas [JW]
Atterberg: Aladin (cpo)
An interesting operatic curiosity featuring lush writing for the orchestra and chorus [MP]
Griffes: Orchestral Works (Naxos)
(Déjà Review) A nice addition to the impressionist repertoire, and a great diversion from Afternoon of a Faun [KS]
Monteverdi: Stage Works (Apex)
(Déjà Review) Essential listening for all Monteverdi enthusiasts [JF]
Salve Susato: 16th Century vocal works (Ramée)
Music which the great Susato printed, drawn together for a view of his incredible publishing achievement [GH]
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