October 2024

bach cantatas eloquence

Bach: Cantatas (Eloquence)

(Déjà Review) A wonderful disc of Bach cantatas with a star cast [EML]

Verdi: Noble Renegades – recital (Delos)

Sound, solid singing does not compensate for a lack of tonal variety, elegance and refinement [RMo]

Tchaikovsky: Rococo Variations; Dvořák: Cello Concerto (Orchid Classics)

Crawford plays splendidly but spotlighting him disadvantages the orchestra [MG]

Lecuona: Piano Music (Fuga Libera)

An engaging and varied recital of Lecuona’s colourful piano music [RCh]

Sutton: Orchestral works (Chandos)

A refreshing dose of new music in that much-loved English tradition [DC]

1927-1929: Orchestral Works by Jewish Composers (Rondeau Production)

The playing and recording is impactful; this is an easy disc to enjoy [JW]

Aho: Guitar Concerto & Horn Quintet (BIS)

A worthy addition to BIS’s monumental Aho edition [RHa]

Geminiani: Violin Sonatas op.5 (cpo)

(Déjà Review) Played with delicacy, sensitivity and warmth by three dedicated experts [MS]

Bruckner: Symphony No 5 (Profil)

(Déjà Review) Magnificent playing in a galvanising performance [TB]

Bliss: Works for Brass Band (Chandos)

This outstanding disc will be self-recommending to all admirers of Bliss’s music and to brass band devotees [JQ]

Handel: Total Eclipse (SOMM Recordings)

The best of Handel in instrumental arrangements [JV]

Kralik von Meyrswalden: Chamber Works (Hänssler Classic)

A better second impression of the Trio but the Nonet is the star here [DJB]

Lloyd: The Piano Works (Lyrita)

George Lloyd’s piano works grouped together and reissued in a ‘Signature Edition’ twofer [JW]

Mozart: String Quartet & Quintet (Aeon)

The coupling might seem offbeat, but this is exemplary Mozart playing, well worth hearing [DBa]

Jean-Paul Gasparian (piano): Origins (Naïve)

A brilliant introduction to Armenian piano music [SA]

Brahms: Ein deutsches Requiem (Naxos)

(Déjà Review) This performance is forever recommended, especially in this transfer [CC]

Broadstock: Symphonies Nos 1-5 (Et’cetera)

(Déjà Review) This set represents a magnificent, vividly living and very emotional achievement which I urge you to hear [RB]