January 2024

Blake at his approachable best in orchestral music [JW]

(Déjà Review) This disc represents the flowering of talent of an ensemble that, if they continue on their present well-chosen path, will achieve great things [CC]

Two attractive examples of this prominent American composer’s work [SB]

Three impressive lead singers in a remarkably innovative staging which leaves the historic context far behind [RWe]

More than just a souvenir of a fine recital [DC]

Not everything works here, but so much of this music is colourful, affirmative, original and incontrovertibly beautiful [RHa]

An excellent recording of a gripping but not loveable work [SB]

Too much programmatic conformity partially rescued by the engaging Rogowski [JW]

Callas’ stereo remake is a more mature and inward reading of the role – now in even fresher sound [GF]

(Déjà Review) One of the crowning glories of John Eliot Gardiner’s early recordings [PB]

Challenging works commissioned and inimitably performed by the King’s Singers [LW]

A very interesting piece in a fine live performance [JQ]

A sonically splendid recording of Tosca overshadowed by ghosts from the past [PT]

Three contrasting French sonatas offer rewarding virtues [JW]

Refined playing with a big sound [ZT]

Committed performances of works of cultural rather than musical significance [NB]

Simply wonderful piano playing [DMD]

(Déjà Review) One of the finest recordings of the Goldberg Variations on piano currently available [KM]

Music of great charm [SG]

A remarkable première for Amsterdam’s hyperorgan [DC]

Shihyun Lee never misses the mark in this wonderful collection of Mendelssohn’s sometimes overlooked piano works [RCh]

Like the cool stone of a monastery on a scorching hot Spanish summer’s afternoon [DMD]

A laudable addition to the discography of Mozart’s unfinished ‘Great’ Mass [DF]

The portrait of a fine composer – two concerti and recent orchestral music, all quite beautiful [HC]