February 2024
Mahler: Symphonies Nos 5, 7 & 8 (Pristine Audio)
Revelatory Boult in Mahler from the archives [LD]
Sibelius: Symphony No 4 (Alpha Classics)
A performance to convert the Sibelian reluctant to appreciate the bleak Fourth’s special qualities, in a death-laden programme complete with two superb companion pieces [RMo]
Noè Rodrigo Gisbert (percussion) Paraules (IBS Classical)
A rich variety of musical language bought to life by an admirably virtuosic and intelligent musician [MBu]
P Glass: Solo (Orange Mountain Music)
An invaluable insight into a master at work and play [PRJ]
Britten: Albert Herring (Decca)
A touchstone recording which is hard to beat for its general excellence and superbly detailed sound [MP]
Bach: Brandenburg Concertos (Danacord)
A near-complete 1930s Brandenburg Concerto cycle from Berlin and interesting additions [JW]
Dvořák: Complete Works for Violin & Orchestra (Hänssler Classic)
Violinist Mikhail Pochekin performs these Dvořák works with compelling verve [MC]
Mischa Maisky (cello) & Martha Argerich (piano) In Concert (Deutsche Grammophon)
(Déjà Review) A magnificent triumph for all concerned [CC]
Gloire immortelle! Grandes oeuvres patriotiques (Château de Versailles)
A pleasant romp through the realm of French patriotic music and beyond [MP]
Pejačević: Chamber music (Brilliant Classics)
A new recording highlights the lyricism and structural strength of Pejačević’s chamber music [JW]
Vaughan Williams’s Serenade to Music (Albion Records)
This important historical document must be judged on its own terms [JF]
Hartmann: Piano Works Volume 5 (Danacord)
Trondhjem continues exploring the pleasant piano music of this long-lived Dane [RCh]
Smetana: Má Vlast (Pentatone)
A very enjoyable account of Má Vlast, superbly played [JQ]
Rózsa: Overture to a Symphony Concert, Hungarian Serenade, Tripartita (Capriccio)
If you like this programme, you will like these performances [EJW]
Zayt Gezunterheyt – The Folk Soul of the Eastern Clarinet (Antarctica Records)
A simply outstanding meeting of stunning musicians and glorious music [PJ]
Shostakovich: Chamber Symphonies (BIS)
(Déjà Review) This is a challenging and absorbing listening experience [PJL]
Briggs: Hail, gladdening Light (Hyperion)
A memorable disc [JQ]
Jarrell: Orchestral Works (BIS)
Gripping, inventive, often beautiful music in superb performance and recording [HC]
Les Hautbois à la Chambre du Roi (Ricercar)
A fascinating picture of music at the time of Louis XIV [JV]
Felix & Fanny Mendelssohn: Choral Works (Chandos)
A full-blooded account of Mendelssohn’s weird pagan ballad, although his sister’s works will reward the curious listener in equal measure [RH]
Ponchielli: La Gioconda (Decca)
Perhaps not the finest La Gioconda recording but a deeply satisfying one nonetheless [MP]
Schubert: Winterreise (Genuin)
An imaginative and thoroughly rewarding re-working of Schbert’s Winterreise for voice, chorus and two accordions [PT]
Tcherepnin: Three generations of Chamber Works (Capriccio)
Nikolai’s quartet and Alexander’s piano quintet are the stand-out works here [SB]
A Scarlatti: The Cecilian Vespers (Avie)
(Déjà Review) The most exciting high baroque choral vocal music you will hear anywhere [PSh]
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