March 2024
Un air d’Italie: the mandolin in Paris in the 18th century (Arcana)
No-one with a fondness for the mandolin should miss this engaging disc [GPu]
Prokofiev: Alexander Nevsky (Vox)
Splendid performances on this Vox reissue, but the Lt. Kije Suite is the less popular vocal version [RC]
Weber: Oberon (RCA)
Weber’s magical score is lovingly presented on this fine set [MP]
Hermann: Complete Surviving Music Vol. 3 (Toccata Classics)
A fitting finale to the three-volume Hermann series; a carousel of small pleasures [JW]
Tchaikovsky: Orchestral works (Chandos)
A very well played anthology of what is not Tchaikovsky’s most memorable or celebrated music [RMo]
Gál: Concertinos (Hännsler Classic)
A fine addition to Gál’s discography [WK]
Poulenc, Duruflé & Alain: Organ Works (Apex)
An imaginatively planned programme, performed with dedication and total accomplishment [GPJ]
Arturo Benedetti Michelangeli (piano) Mozart & Beethoven (Music & Arts)
A must-hear for Michelangeli fans, and indeed for all lovers of great pianism [CC]
Bertin: Fausto (Bru Zane)
A long-lost operatic curiosity. Well-performed but recorded harshly, with no sense of stage atmosphere [MP]
Vaughan Williams: A Birthday Garland (SOMM Recordings)
Lovers of English song should not hesitate: acquire this disc and gatecrash Uncle Ralph’s musical party [JQ]
Take 3 (Alpha Classics)
Uproarious music-making, not to be taken too seriously [LW]
Bruckner: Symphony 2 (Capriccio)
A crisp, rhythmically alert account, making a wholly persuasive case for the original version of Bruckner’s Second Symphony [RMo]
Wennäkoski: Zeng (Alba)
A fine survey of Wennäkoski’s chamber music in good performances and recording [HC]
Stravinsky: Violin Concerto, Apollon Musagète (Chandos)
Superb recordings of all the works here [SB]
Myaskovsky: Complete Symphonic Works (Olympia/Alto)
(Déjà Review) A major stride forward in the Myaskovsky revival. Strong and broadly expressed interpretations mostly in modern digital recordings [RB]
Brahms: Sextets No 1 & No 2 (EMI Classics)
(Déjà Review) The quite wonderful playing of No 1, in particular, makes this an essential disc [CH]
Rameau: Platée (Bel Air Classiques)
Laurent Pelly’s production has matured with age and Brownlee gives the performance of his career in the title role [MP]
Rachmaninov: All-Night Vigil (Chandos)
Another way to listen to this imperishable masterpiece, beautifully arranged for and performed by lower, male voices [RMo]
Janáček: Káťa Kabanová (LSO Live)
We seem to observe the tragic events as they might really have happened – no hyperbole, just committed singing [MS]
Mischa Elman (violin): The Complete RCA Victor Recordings (Biddulph)
An Elman discographic lacuna is put right; fine transfers too [JW]
Busoni: Doktor Faust (Dynamic)
Good singing and lighting do not outweigh poor orchestral playing and perverse staging [SB]
Duruflé: Requiem & Poulenc: Lenten Motets (Hyperion)
There is wonderful French choral music here and it’s expertly performed [JQ]
Monteverdi: Vespro della Beata Vergine (Naïve)
(Déjà Review) So many details teased out by Alessandrini make this new version very compelling indeed [TH]
Mahler: Symphony 8 (Warner Classics)
(Déjà Review) – A second view: Superbly performed by all concerned and expertly recorded [JQ]
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