May 2024

Delicate and intimate music, so interpreted by a master guitarist [ZT]

There is much to savour in this 59 year-old set [MP]

(Déjà Review) James’ story in Britten’s setting emerges magnificently [CC]

(Déjà Review) Sweet tuneful nostalgic delight – a must for Eric Coates admirers [IL]

One of the most glorious female voices of the 20th century, in a selection from famous recordings [EJW]

Yet more contemporeana that’s been somehow touched by the pop world – fascinating and unclassifiable [RHa]

The singing is especially good from some impressive young singers but the staging… [MP]

Take your seat in the stalls for scores from le cinéma français [RMay]

Incisive performances of three cantatas, among them one of Bach’s most beloved [JV]

A good, though not inspired version, which doesn’t compare to an earlier Jansons performance with the Concertgebouw [PT]

Lovers of this music need both Genz and Schwarzkopf/Fischer-Dieskau [GF]

A beautifully performed survey of Bennett’s often neglected choral music [CT]

Coarse at times, but often exciting, as one would expect a bleeding nun to be [MP]

A worthy performance of this massive work but others are better [SB]

A perfect match of music, organ and performer [JV]

Sir Simon Rattle and his new orchestra’s Mahler Sixth in top-flight performance and recording [EJW]

Two riveting and provocative vocal works which muse upon modes of communication in modern life. Virtuosic and entertaining [RHa]

A successful and enjoyable Britten anthology [JQ]

A good introduction to the symphonies [JF]

(Déjà Review) Uplifting and quite delightful, containing charming melodies [RW]

A companion to hold your hand through the works of an utter professional [RB]

Classic chamber recordings from the inimitable violinist Henry Merckel and his ensembles [JW]

A stimulating exploration of the Kreutzer Quartet’s talents [JF]

Here we go again … best avoided [RMo]