February 2024
Bruckner: Symphony No. 2 (Profil)
A thoroughly commendable and consistent account of the most popular version of Bruckner’s Second Symphony [RMo]
Massenet: Thaïs (Chandos)
Massenet’s opera is superbly rejuvenated in a recording which sweeps the field of all other versions [MP]
Prokofiev: Cinderella (Opus Arte)
A highly imaginative rendition of Prokofiev’s ballet in Ashton’s timeless choreography [RC]
Turnage: Shroud, Winter’s Edge (Delphian)
Turnage takes his place in the English pastoral tradition [DMD]
Verdi: Ernani (Naxos)
There are better choices on CD and on video [GF]
Brahms: Piano Concerti (Linn)
A treat: the Brahms piano concertos given lavish and loving musical treatment [ST]
Noè Rodrigo Gisbert (percussion) Paraules (IBS Classical)
This recital of solo percussion works will appeal to the adventurous [SB]
Mahler: Symphony No. 9 (Deutsche Grammophon)
(Déjà Review) In playing and interpretation it takes its place among the finest [TD]
Noel Coward and Friends: A Most Marvellous Party (Signum Classics)
What an absolutely splendid party! Darling, I couldn’t have liked it more [PT]
Baur: Chamber Music (Passacaille)
The Accademia de’ Dissonanti are ideal advocates of Baur’s music [JV]
Bruckner: Symphony No. 4 (Myrios Classics)
Roth makes an outstanding case for the original 1874 version of Bruckner’s Fourth [MC]
Dvořák: The Complete Piano Trios (Supraphon)
If this doesn’t win every award going I will be astonished [DMD]
Flotow: Piano Concertos No. 1 & 2, Overtures (cpo)
Melodious, undemanding but always skilful and enjoyable light music [RMo]
Hough: Mirabilis (Orchid Classics)
Very rewarding choral music by Stephen Hough in terrific performances [JQ]
Rakhi Singh (violin): Purnima (Cantaloupe)
Rakhi Singh’s exceptional playing and arranging skills in an exhilarating transatlantic contemporary violin recital [RHa]
Diamond: String Quartets – Vol. 2 (Albany)
(Déjà Review) Scorchingly committed performances and recording of these monuments of twentieth century music-making [RB]
Recharged by Nature. Contemporary Nordic Works (Alba)
Delightful new music to recharge even the most jaded listener [DMD]
Kuusisto: Symphony (BIS)
Two remarkably cogent pieces, each composed by more than one hand [RHa]
The Degenhof Sessions (Genuin)
A wonderfully entertaining programme with some real treats [RCh}
Bach: Organ transcriptions (Brilliant Classics)
Well-crafted transcriptions hampered by a performing style that is too often heavy and ponderous [NB]
A Pianist Explores Her Jewish Heritage (Centaur)
Fabulous music, hugely enjoyable [SA]
Copland, Piston, Kay & Creston (Naxos)
An enjoyable, well-designed program, superbly played by a young ensemble [JH]
Bruckner: Symphony No. 1 (Capriccio)
A tight, driven account of Bruckner’s First Symphony which is a success even if I still prefer Schaller’s version [RMo]
Bellini: La Sonnambula (Warner Classics)
Anyone contemplating purchase of this set will be buying it for Maria Callas, and it is worthwhile for this alone [JP]
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