February 2025

Excellent advocacy for Schumann’s less well-known works [WK]

Fascinating corners in the vast harpsichord repertoire from the court of the Sun King [GH]

Confrontational, challenging, novel, pessimistic – not for the faint of heart [RHa]

(Déjà Review) It is reassuring that in so ephemeral and vulgar a society as ours, music such as this still holds evident value [TB]

(Déjà Review) A series of recordings that has gone from unusual and interesting to groundbreaking and formidable [KS]

A contemporary Italian composer with a real gift of creating narrative music that engages the listener [KT]

Deft and charming songs from a composer best-known for his choral and organ music [JW]

Another utterly satisfying and convincing traversal of Schumann’s enigmatic late sonatas [RHa]

Another winning programme of wonderful cello music from Lyrita [PH]

An admirable revival of one of Massenet’s most varied, inventive, yet neglected scores [RMo]

A version of the Franck Symphony that matches the great versions of the past [CH]

A living text; a source of drama and commitment [JW]

An interesting programme compromised by effortful violin playing [NB]

Passionate performances of two important cycles that should be heard more often; and a contemporary work awaits posterity’s verdict [RCh]

Drama, dance and delight from a masterful saxophonist [JW]

Three lyrical and entertaining pieces from a talented Norwegian composer [KT]

Great performances re-released as a slightly odd coupling [MBu]

(Déjà Review) Played with commitment and passion [GH]

(Déjà Review) An epic pilgrimage of the spirit [RB]