Author: Stan Szpakowicz

Copland: Music for solo piano (Naxos)

(Déjà Review) The playing complements the vivacity, complexity and depth of this fine music [JF]

Frescobaldi: Messa Della Madonna (Deutsche Harmonia Mundi)

(Déjà Review) Undeniably enjoyable, but probably more for the Frescobaldi devotee [PW]

M Haydn: String Quartets (cpo)

Six delightful and Instructive quartets by Michael Haydn [DF]

sibelius prokofiev decca

Sibelius & Prokofiev: Violin Concerti (Decca)

Terrific performances of two key works in the violin concerto repertoire [JQ]

Nathan Milstein (violin) The American Columbia Solo Recordings Vol. 1 (Pristine Audio)

Splendid transfers of Milstein’s 1930s baroque repertory [JW]

Paris est une fête (Fuga Libera)

Let’s party! [RMay]

Gebel: Johannes Passion (cpo)

(Déjà Review) A totally forgotten Passion from 18th century Germany – a splendid work, moving and enthralling [JV]

Mozart: Divertimenti (Apex)

(Déjà Review) The playing in all of these pieces is a delight [GPJ]

Zádor: Piano Quintet, Accordion Concerto & other works (Naxos)

Elegant and distinctive music by an overlooked original [NC]

20th Century Foxtrots Vol 6: Southern Europe (Grand Piano)

Delights all round on this Mediterranean exploration [RCh]

Brahms: Reimagined Orchestrations (Reference Recordings)

Schoenberg’s orchestration of Brahms’s Piano Quartet in a very well recorded, lovely performance, and two surprises [EJW]

Dodgson: Mirage – Piano music (Somm Recordings)

Challenging yet rewarding music, fine performance and recording [WH]

Schubert: Moments musicaux, Drei Klavierstücke (Danacord)

Absorbing and moving performances [JF]

Bowen: Piano Concertos Nos 2 & 3 (Dutton)

(Déjà Review) A most enjoyable helping of Bowen’s late-romanticism [RB]

Bruckner: Symphony No 6 (Profil)

(Déjà Review) If you are looking for mid-price Bruckner 6 in modern sound, look no further [PCW]

Center:  Instrumental and Chamber Music, Volume Three  (Toccata Classics)

Intriguing course through a whirlpool of inventiveness [JPu]

Donizetti: Alfredo il Grande (Dynamic)

No masterpiece, but a well-performed and welcome addition to filmed Donizetti [RMay]

Prokofiev: Symphony No.6 (The Cleveland Orchestra)

A memorably sharp and sympathetic Prokofiev Sixth [NC]

Scriabin: Piano Sonatas No 2-4 & other piano works (Bridge Records)

The cream of Scriabin’s early sonatas and a handful of miniatures in strong performances [RCh]

Finger Prints (EM Records)

Entertaining music played with affection and skill [NB]

Prokofiev: Piano Concerti (Danacord)

(Déjà Review) This fine addition to the discography could well be your first choice [JF]

Schwantner: Orchestral works (Hyperion)

(Déjà Review) Superb, immaculate and committed playing by all concerned, making the best of this strongly communicative music [HC]

Offenbach: Colorature (Alpha Classics)

A wholehearted recommendation for the unhackneyed programme and the magnificent singing [GF]

Thomas Pitfield • His Friends & Contemporaries (Divine Art)

A rewarding exploration [JF]