From the Last Week

A most worthwhile remastering of this classic Turandot, with sonic improvements throughout [EJW]

This disc will delight you if you should find it under the tree on Christmas morning [JQ]

An attractive and uncommon programme in a satisfying account [RWe]

Excellent performances of two classics and a discovery: a perfect opportunity to get to know this composer [PHa]

An admirable effort to reconstruct the original version of a once popular work which veers between the highly entertaining and the banal [RMo]

Glass’s piano etudes have become modern classics and these are fine performances [SB]

(Déjà Review) I have been completely re-educated as to the substance and content of these pieces. What more can one ask for! [DC]

(Déjà Review) A grand success and a major addition to the catalogue [RB]

A valuable archive bicentenary tribute to Bedřich Smetana [JQ]

A fine, dramatic, beautifully sung live recording headed by Finley’s noble Elijah [RMo]

A richly varied collection of loosely minimalist works [PRJ]

I cannot make a convincing case for this double set of live recordings conducted by Otmar Suitner [MC]

A re-release of three great recordings on a different label, whose raison d’être eludes me… [RMo]

Seven atmospheric pieces by Australian composer Brett Dean, wonderfully played by the London Philharmonic Orchestra [KT]

(Déjà Review) Makes me want to seek out more music by this composer and these performers. Should definitely be added to your collection [KS]

(Déjà Review) If you missed the earlier opportunities to acquaint yourself with these towering statements you should do so now, without delay [JW]

An outstanding performance marks the 50th birthday of MacMillan’s great ballet [RMay]

A disc of happy surprises with playing throughout that evinces warmth and sensitivity [SG]

Notated Jazz from the master of the art, Nikolai Kapustin, performed by his leading exponent [JW]

Inventive, interesting and accessible music, displaying an original approach to Christmas music [JQ]

Insights that reveal qualities in the music unimagined in earlier recordings [NB]

Admirers of Brendel will be glad to have these legendary recordings [SB]

I cannot remember a record I’ve enjoyed more this year or one I felt compelled to listen to time after time [SA]

A worthy testimony to the art of Frans Brüggen [JV]

L’Orfeo with a difference, especially in instrumental colour and dramatic projection [RWe]

An enjoyable, thoughtfully prepared Christmas album [JQ]

Wholesome songs from two Ulsterwomen of lyric, and folkloric, gifts [JW]

Paris, Pelléas, Party – a winning trio in this sparkling collection [RCh]

A good account of some of Puccini’s youthful works which is not necessarily an improvement on Pappano’s rival version [RMo]

A moving and timely disc, Dvořák’s matchless concerto stands alongside short works by Ukrainian composers [WH]

(Déjà Review) Thrilling, evocative performances captured in the best Chandos sound. Especially important for presenting the full score of Scott of the Antarctic [IL]

(Déjà Review) One of the stronger Warner Apex CDs. By all means buy it to play straight through and enjoy the stimulation of the juxtaposition of the music of these three composers [CC]

by David Barker

A desirable collection that captures the Cherkassky magic [SG]

This is one of the finest Prokofiev piano discs issued in recent times [RCu]

A showcase for the superb ‘Next Generation Mozart soloists’, a little flawed by the use of a hackneyed 19th century version of the Sinfonia concertante [MG]

A model of creative programming and performance [JV]

Two intriguing scores which bookend the composer’s compositional life [SG]

A near-hit and a miss; a good Bowen Concerto and an ordinary Walton [JW]

Freire enthusiasts should love the performances, sound deficiencies or not [DS]

Repeated listening to these Schulhoff scores offers revelatory rewards [MC]