August 2026

Janua (Psalmus)

A fascinating juxtaposition of a musical East-meets-West in 15th century Europe, ended tragically [GH]

Busoni: Works for Piano (Nimbus Records)

A dazzling treat of piano playing finally sees the light of day [RCh]

Schubert: Symphonies 4 & 5 (Forgotten Records)

(Déjà Review) I don’t think I’ve heard a finer Schubert 4 [CH]

Schnittke: Violin Sonatas (Naxos)

(Déjà Review) It’s hard to imagine more idiomatic, lively, sensitive and generally persuasive performances [MS]

Grieg: Complete Lyric pieces, Album Leaves (Nimbus)

An excellent complete recording of these lovely miniatures [SB]

Portsmouth Cathedral Choir: A Year at Portsmouth (Regent)

Portsmouth Cathedral Choir shines through seasons [JF]

Ravel: Le Tombeau de Couperin and Concertante Works (Atma Classique)

Interesting for the extra Tombeau movements, but otherwise not competitive [DJB]

Vaughan Williams: Riders to the Sea (EMI Classics)

RVW’s dark, atmospheric Irish tragedy and two works lamenting and celebrating the power of love [RMo]

Schmitt: La Tragédie de Salomé & Le Palais hanté (Chandos)

(Déjà Review) An auspicious and impressive debut for this new performing team [NB]

Rachmaninov: The Piano Concertos (Nimbus)

(Déjà Review) Consistently satisfying performances that reveal Rachmaninov’s music to the listener faithfully and without unnecessary ostentation [JQ][RB]

Riley: The Holy Liftoff (Sono Luminus)

Minimalism at its most profound; a beautiful, spiritual listening experience [ACG]

Ravel v3 AV2766

Ravel: The Complete Works for Solo Piano Vol 2 (Avie)

Buy this for Larderet, rather than the two new adaptations, or the ‘Complete’ tag [SGa]

Fusions SOMMCD0724

Fusions: Kapustin, Gershwin & Wild (SOMM)

Jazz‑charged virtuosity meets classical brilliance [JF]

Elgar SIGCD1005

Parry & Elgar: Choral works (Signum Classics)

Committed performances of interesting and rare choral works [NB]

Poulenc CDH55366

Poulenc: Voyage à Paris (Hyperion Helios)

Lott is husky and lovely in her upper register and with controlled abandon where necessary [Byz]

Mozart arias 4779297

Mozart: Arias (Deutsche Grammophon)

One of the most thrilling bass recitals that has come my way [GF]

Rossini IlturcoinItalia Phillips

Rossini: Il turco in Italia (Philips)

One of the best in a limited field [SW]

Mozart Cosifantutte CMajor

Mozart: Cosi fan tutte (C Major)

A rehearsal-room Così fan tutte that doesn’t ignite [DHa]

Dodgson SongsVol3 SOMMRecordings

Dodgson: Songs Vol. 3 (SOMM Recordings)

More Dodgson songs, some weighty, some less so, all superb, from Somm [WH]

Brahms ClarinetWorks SonoLuminus

Brahms: Complete Clarinet Works (Sono Luminus)

For a few quiet moments of autumnal reflection, coupled with fine, resonant and sensitive playing, look no further [SGa]

Piatti CapricesforSoloCello Naxos

Piatti: Caprices for Cello (Naxos)

(Déjà Review) A real treat for fans of the cello: solo works imaginatively written and impeccably played [BR]

MitropoulosconductsMahler MusicandArts

Mitropoulos conducts Mahler (Music and Arts)

(Déjà Review) An important and challenging set that deserves a place in any self-respecting Mahler collection [JQ]

Pioneering Haydn On Record: Symphony 16

by Christopher Howell

Borodin: String Quartet No.2

by Alan George