April 2024

Enjoyable performances compromised by the use of an anachronistic fortepiano [JV]

A mercilessly rushed series of performances which almost invariably sacrifices grandeur in favour of mere propulsion [RMo]

An outstanding performance of Bruckner’s Third from François-Xavier Roth and his Cologne players [MC]

A fine follow-up to Klaus Mäkelä’s previous Stravinsky disc [JQ]

Beautifully played, intense Slavic serenades [SFV]

(Déjà Review) Lyrical intensity, seamless affection [JW]

(Déjà Review) Highly attractive romantic music caught in the web of ley lines between Schumann and early Fauré [RB]

A fascinating disc, both for the enjoyable music it contains and for the cultural history which underlies it [GPu]

The only studio recording of Strauss’s biographical opera is a complete winner on all front [MP]

An accomplished, early Strauss chamber work of mild interest and a tender, carefully wrought, but slightly too cautious Metamorphosen [RMo]

Some dazzling playing and wonderful rarities to be found in this engaging recital [RCh]

A handful of unfailingly accomplished, virtually unknown trios, in handsome performances and ideal sound [RHa]

(Déjà Review) This disc has given me enormous pleasure and will continue to do so [JQ]

Altogether a pleasurable experience [RB]

Minor Schumann, but very pleasant listening [SB]

A consistently engaging anthology of ‘romantic’ music for solo harp, all perceptively played [GPu]

Goossens’ final Cincinnati recordings complete a worthwhile 3-CD series [JW]

Fine performances, presented in exemplary sound [JQ]

A good cast and excellent sound are featured on Rattle’s challenge to the Mackerras hegemony [MP]

(Déjà Review) There were times listening to this deeply impressive recording when I wondered whether the Orlando Consort were not, after all, the greatest ensemble of its kind anywhere. It’s that kind of disc [JW]

(Déjà Review) You must hear this! One of 2001’s top ten classical discs. Roll on the Naxos/Maggini Third Quartet – a work of symphonic impact and scale [RB]

Beautifully recorded new choral music with a message [DC]

Chandler fully explores the lyrical qualities of Tartini’s sonatas [JV]

A great performance revitalised in extraordinarily vivid sound – another Pristine remastering triumph [RMo]