March 2025

Intriguing arrangements for brass band of some contemporary pieces [KT]

Anyone wanting a collection of Fauré songs need look no further than this [GF]

An interesting glimpse into Doráti’s Hindemith [DHa]

The best available transfer of a great performance of Bruckner’s Eighth [PSt]

A pleasant miscellany, though the number of very short tracks and the limited variety of instrumental colour makes sustained concentration difficult [GPu]

From early Gurney to Ian Venables, the Pastoral is renewed through warmly flowing compositions [JW]

Four world premieres of a neglected late Baroque composer played with aplomb and vigour [MS]

Cortot’s playing almost always convinces one that his is the true way [CC]

A superb release which should not be missed [MP]

Hard to find many positives here [DJB]

Fine performances but a problem with the recorded balance partially hinders one’s pleasure [GPu]

With abundant sonic splendour and musical prowess, Järvi and his band kick off their new Mahler cycle on a high (trumpet) note [KC]

These remarkable discs have been hard to track down so it is wonderful to have them collected together and to hear Etsuko Hirose’s dazzling pianism [RCh]

A welcome return to the music of Shostakovich by the Jerusalem Quartet [DHa]

(Déjà Review) Merckel admirers can savour his very special musicianship in works entirely congenial to him [JW]

(Déjà Review) Finely paced readings with a clear sense of the inner relationship of the parts, textures and drama [ED]

by David Barker

by Alan George

by Alan George

by Alan George

by Len Mullenger

Rübsam brings a fresh and intoxicating musicality to these captivating scores [SG]

Brilliant performances of unusual, even quirky, repertoire [NB]

Committed, full-throated bel canto singing – but it must be measured against formidable competition [RMo]