March 2024
Handel & Ferrandini: Choral works (Passacaille)
Convincing performances of two very different masterpieces [JV]
Stölzel: Ein Lämmlein geht und trägt die Schuld (cpo)
Hearing this very fine performance makes it easy to understand why Bach esteemed Stölzel’s Passion oratorio [JQ]
Weber: Der Freischütz (Deutsche Grammophon)
One might go hunting for a more complete version of this opera, but this one does the trick in most respects [MP]
Łukaszewski: Symphonies Nos 1 & 2 (Dux)
Two impressive choral symphonies by this important Polish composer [SB]
Beethoven: String quartets (Biddulph)
Two late acoustics from the Léner Quartet offer opportunities for contrast with their 1930s remakes [JW]
Ymaginacions – Mass upon John Dunstable’s square (Paraty)
A Lady Mass by a leading early Tudor composer in an exciting, unique performance [GH]
Bruckner: Symphony No. 5 (RCA)
Harnoncourt’s remarkable vision of this great symphonic master [TB]
Browne: Music from the Eton Choirbook (Gimell)
Near perfect music from the late fifteenth century sung in glorious style [JF]
Humperdinck: Hänsel und Gretel (RCA)
Christa Ludwig’s amazing Witch is the crowning achievement of this still essential recording [MP]
Joseph Szigeti (violin) Bach, Brahms & Vaughan Williams (Biddulph)
Humble pie time for a reviewer [JW]
Wagner: Die Walküre (Decca)
The last instalment of the Decca ‘Ring’ enhanced by remastering in magnificent sound [JQ]
Berg, Shostakovich & Ligeti: String Quartets (Hänssler Classic)
Despite splendid playing, the Minetti Quartet faces fierce competition [MC]
Bloch, Bruch & Dohnányi: Works for Cello & Orchestra (Claves)
Imaginatively programmed and superbly performed [DC]
Noskowski & Żeleński: Violin Sonatas (Naxos)
A couple of fine late romantic sonatas [RCh]
Atterberg: Piano Concerto (cpo)
(Déjà Review) A feast for unashamed romantics. Grand Romantic, heart-on-sleeve stuff, over the top music, delivered in bravura performances [IL]
Tveitt: A Hundred Hardanger Tunes Suites Nos 2 & 5 (Naxos)
(Déjà Review) Between Engeset and the RSNO, this music is coaxed into shape without effort or artificiality. Highly recommended [GH]
Vaughan Williams’ Serenade to Music (Albion Records)
Another transfer of the 1938 Serenade to Music and miscellaneous songs from the 16 singers [JW]
Beethoven: Sonatas & Variations for Cello & Piano (Et’cetera)
Maybe not essential, but certainly enjoyable [DC]
Sandrine Piau (soprano) Reflet (Alpha Classics)
An attractive programme of French orchestral songs that will provide much enjoyment, but there are better versions of the well-known songs [PT]
Emanuel Feuermann (cello) In Concert (Parnassus)
Exceptionally fine cello playing, and artistic quality is high throughout [SG]
Puccini: La bohème (Warner Classics)
This old recording still has plenty of rewards to offer [MP]
Cavalli: Il Xerse (Naxos)
A well-sung performance of a little-recorded work [RWe]
Donizetti: Elvida (Opera Rara)
(Déjà Review) I strongly recommend all lovers of the composer’s music and the bel canto genre to add it to their collections [RJF]
F Couperin: Leçons de Ténèbres (BIS)
(Déjà Review) Music-making of a high order [RH]
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