March 2025
Puccini: La bohème (Decca; Warner Classics)
Quite similar recordings, both with many but different strengths, so difficult to choose between [RMo]
Josquin Desprez: Josquin in Poland (DUX)
Not only Josquin in Poland, but Josquin sung in Polish style [JV]
Puccini: Turandot (Pristine Audio)
A thrilling live performance, worth hearing, if not the last word in Nilsson/Corelli versions of Turandot [PT]
Stevens: Piano Works (Dutton Epoch)
(Déjà Review) So many highlights here, any one of which would justify the purchase of this invaluable set [RB]
Mozart: La clemenza di Tito (Deutsche Grammophon)
(Déjà Review) May not outdo the competition completely but belongs up there among the best [GF]
Shor: Composer’s Notebook, Vol 1 (Naxos)
A well recorded collection of contemporary pastiches [PRJ]
Decruck: Concertante Works, Vol 2 (Claves)
Modest in proportion but full of beguiling colour [JW]
The Last Castrato, Arias for Velluti (Château de Versailles)
Valuable both for the singing of Fagioli and for the rare repertoire that has been rescued for posterity after two centuries of neglect [GF]
Bach: Keyboard Concertos (Warner Classics)
Rana again shows her affinity for Bach in these most wonderfully joyous performances [DJB]
Schumann: Symphony No 2 & Bernstein: Divertimento (BR Klassik)
An enjoyable souvenir of Bernstein’s relationship with the Bavarian RSO [JQ]
Tarenghi: Works for 2 Pianos (Danacord)
Gloriously rich two piano works from an undeservedly forgotten Italian [RCh]
Sacred Choral Music (Oehms Classics)
Déjà Review) A rare treat for lovers of choral music, and for lovers of French music too [GPJ]
Mahler: Symphony No 2 (Guild)
(Déjà Review) An interesting supplement to Klemperer’s classic Philharmonia version and the only document of Ferrier in this work [CH]
Clara Schumann: Piano Music 1 (Grand Piano)
A decent opening disc for this worthy project but it would not be my first choice [RCh]
Jascha Horenstein (conductor): Horenstein in Venezuela Vol 1 (Pristine Audio)
A specialist but intriguing release showing a great conductor working, as it were, off the beaten track [JQ]
Busoni: Doktor Faust (Dynamic)
This production does not quite support the opinion that Doktor Faust is one of the great operas [RWe]
Chiaroscuro (Blue Griffin Records)
A fascinating programme, capable of weaving a magic all of its own [SA]
The Experts – The Bach & Silbermann Dynasties (Harmonia Mundi)
The performances are good, but the concept of this disc is not really convincing [JV]
So Written to After-Times John McCabe – A Life in Letters (Forsyth Brothers Ltd)
A fine addition to our knowledge of a significant musician, and to the spirit and culture of his profession [RWe]
Liszt: Organ (MDG)
Astonishing music on an astonishing instrument [CB]
Jongen: Piano Music Vol 2 (Pavane)
All who respond to Debussy’s, Ravel’s or Ireland’s piano music will find plenty to enjoy here [HC]
Simpson: Chamber Music Vol. 1 (Toccata Classics)
Fascinating products of Simpson’s apprenticeship, and first recordings of two major chamber works [RHa]
Adam: Giselle (BelAir Classiques)
Not a perfect Giselle – but still good to have [RMay]
Ligeti/Bartók: String Quartets (BIS)
The Marmen Quartet have the measure of Ligeti and Bartók [LW]
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Featured Naxos review |
Featured Naxos review |
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