December 2023
Julens ljus (The Light of Christmas) (Proprius)
(Déjà Review) I suspect that many listeners will make attractive ‘finds’ among these 24 songs and the execution of them leaves little extra to be desired [GF]
Anne Sofie von Otter: Lieder and Mélodies (Archiv Produktion)
(Déjà Review) A most satisfying recital by major artists in repertoire which expands our understanding of the composers [TB]
Kodály: Háry János Suite, Symphony (Naxos)
Falletta and the Buffalo Philharmonic continue to shine in Kodály [LW]
A Winter Breviary – Choral Works for Christmas (Resonus Classics)
A stimulating collection of new Christmas music, immaculately performed [JQ]
Rachmaninov: Piano Concertos, Rhapsody (Channel Classics)
An individual, quite impressive view of these masterworks [RWe]
1723 Bach, Bertali, Biber, Corelli & Pisendel (Ramée)
A nice demonstration of the practice of ‘playing in the organ’ [JV]
Schubert: Die schöne Müllerin (Rubicon)
A fresh and stimulating alternative reading of Schubert’s masterwork that I urge readers to give a try [GF]
Gibbs: String quartets (Convivium)
Dappled watercolours from a minor British chamber composer [JW]
Vaughan Williams: Music for Christmas (Chandos)
(Déjà Review) Beautifully sensitive performances atmospherically recorded [RB]
The Coronation of George II (Hyperion)
(Déjà Review) A wonderful recording of superlative music in performances that surely cannot be bettered [JL]
Thomas Jensen (conductor) Legacy Vol 19 (Danacord)
Broadcasts of Nielsen concertos from unfamiliar soloists head a variety-packed twofer [JW]
A Winged Woman – choral music (Linn)
A superb and ambitious collection of choral music, with seven world premiere recordings [SW]
Biber: Twelve Sonatas (Accent)
Both the ensemble and the playing of the individual members are excellent and hard to surpass [JV]
Respighi & Shostakovich: Violin Sonatas (Orchid Classics)
Intelligent and assured performances of two contrasting sonatas which prove to be mutually illuminating [GPu]
Shostakovich: Symphonies (Deutsche Grammophon)
A dismal coda to an otherwise admirable cycle; variable sonics, too [DM]
Morricone: Cinema Rarities (Arcana)
Enjoyable arrangements of some of Morricone’s less well-known film music, but suffering from a lack of variety [DJB]
Vivaldi: Violin Concertos (Onyx)
(Déjà Review) Vivaldi, Mullova and Onyx are a winning combination [MC]
Lutosławski: Twenty Polish Christmas Carols (Naxos)
(Déjà Review) Makes one glad to be alive during the sparkling darkness of midwinter [DC]
Sweet was the Song (Regent)
A Christmas disc that deserves to stand out from the crowd [JQ]
Dlugoszewski: Abyss and Caress (Col Legno)
The effervescent and truly original work of a forgotten maverick in ideal performances [RHa]
Kaun: Symphony 3 (cpo)
A German (temporary) expatriate’s little-known orchestral music [JW]
Yunchan Lim (piano) (Deutsche Grammophon)
Towering performances of Beethoven and Isang Yun from South Korea [MB]
Shostakovich: Symphony 14 (Chandos)
The programme is sombre but the performances are superlative [WH]
Preludes for Holy Christmastide (Audite)
(Déjà Review) A first-rate collection with immensely assured playing [DM]
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