March 2024

A survey by Ralph Moore

This impressive recital ‘parallels’ old and new favourites [JF]

A classic performance in a never-before-heard revelatory recording [NB]

This is in every way a distinguished Rachmaninoff album [JQ]

Annie Fischer in Schubert and Schumann: a great pianist in the BBC studios [JW]

Once again Impeccable music making from John Wilson and his Sinfonia of London [PRJ]

The strong ties between these two giants are highlighted in this vivid recital [RCh]

(Déjà Review) Phenomenally relaxed and efficient technique on the most challenging of organs [CB]

(Déjà Review) A significant series, a laudable one, and there’s no lessening in perception in this final volume [JW]

There is some beautiful playing in these wartime recordings [RCh]

Sinopoli and a powerhouse cast reveal unsuspected depths in Verdi’s early opera [MP]

A thoroughly enjoyable disc, fascinating music atmospherically played and well recorded [GPu]

A balanced orchestral portfolio follows Bacewicz from neo-classicism to her late style [JW]

These songs deserve more recordings but here the vocal shortcomings are hard to ignore [MBu]

Cage’s ‘thing’ advocated by three superb musicians, in sympathetic sonics [RHa]

Period-instrument Messiah, not to be missed [DF]

(Déjà Review) Overall a superlative disc, with flawless and very characterful performances [EML]

Anderszewski impressively realizes the character of these folk-inspired pieces [LW]

An international version of some very British works [SB]

Intriguing and consistently well performed arrangements for cello quartet [RM]

Not a library choice but there’s a lot going for this recording of the Eighth [JQ]

Folklore and colour, rhythmic variety and classical forms along with contemporary slants [JW]

An attractive homage to influential Catalan pianist Ricardo Viñes [MC]

A colourful Wagnerian romp with two outstanding interpreters among the large cast [MP]