November 2023

scheller grain acte prealable

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

Leiviska Symph 1 PC Hanssler HC23050

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

Jauchzet Gott (Accent)

A disc to treasure, with probably the best ever performance of Bach’s famous Cantata BWV51 [JV]

Arne Skjold Rasmussen pianist Danacord DACOCD 966-7

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]

Martinu Piano Trios Arbor Trio Naxos 8.572251

Martinů: Complete Piano Trios (Naxos)

The Arbors showcase these compelling works with vitality and élan [SG]

Nielsen Aladdin Suite Naxos 8.557164

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 BISCD1560

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 latermovertures 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]

Susato salve RAM2205

Salve Susato: 16th Century vocal works (Ramée)

Music which the great Susato printed, drawn together for a view of his incredible publishing achievement [GH]