Author: Stan Szpakowicz
Schumann: Symphony No. 1; Strauss: Sinfonia domestica (Orfeo)
(Déjà Review) Mitropoulos’ readings offer a must-hear, never less than fascinating experience [CC]
Auerbach: Milking Darkness (Challenge Classics)
Delta Piano Trio continue to excel in Auerbach’s music [LW]
Ekaterina Siurina (soprano): Where Is My Beloved? (Delos)
A stream of imperturbably sedate tone, virtually devoid of characterisation [RMo]
Puccini: Tosca (Pentatone)
An indifferent Scarpia, so this is not a premier choice, but great singing by Melody Moore and Ștefan Pop [GF]
Lully: Benedictus (Château de Versailles Spectacles)
An impressive testimony of Lully’s skills as a composer of sacred music [JV]
Beethoven, Berwald: Septets (BIS)
Two lovely chamber scores for strings and winds [SV]
Weyse: Sovedrikken [The Sleeping Draught] (Dacapo)
(Déjà Review) The score is bright, carries warm harmonies and is fast moving with enjoyable themes, and catchy motifs [RW]
Jazz Violin Concertos (Gramola)
Crossover concerti triumphantly bridge the gap between Jazz and Classical [NB]
Corigliano: The Lord of Cries (Pentatone)
An astounding new opera from John Corigliano receives a benchmark performance [PCG]
Festive Sounds (SWR Classic)
A pleasant hour of music basking in a warmly resonant recording [MP]
Pedersøn: Motets & Hymns (cpo)
This disc sheds light on liturgical practice in Denmark in the early 17th century [JV]
Cortese: Chamber and vocal music (Dynamic)
Not flawless but interesting (re)introduction to the work of a neglected neoclassical Italian composer [GPu]
Bach: The Art of Fugue (Alia Vox)
(Déjà Review) Buy this without hesitation if you want to discover the richness of this magnificent work, in a haunting, unique arrangement [KM]
Charpentier: In Nativitatem Domini Canticum (Erato)
(Déjà Review) This is a joyful celebration of Christmas and will make an ideal present for the coming festivities [CF]
Janáček: Káťa Kabanová (Unitel Edition)
Powerful performances, but spare and drab staging [LW]
Bach family: Family Affairs [motets] (cpo)
An impressive survey of the art of the Bach family [JV]
Villa-Lobos: Cello Concerti, Fantasia for Cello and Orchestra (Naxos)
A very fine opportunity to hear Villa-Lobos’s complete output for cello and orchestra [HC]
Hindemith: Cardillac (BR Klassik)
This concert performance of Cardillac makes a strong case for the opera [MC]
Tormis: Reminiscentiae (ECM)
A must for Tormis admirers; give him a try if you have not yet come under his spell [GF]
Mozart: Haffner Symphony, Paris Symphony, Oboe Concerto (Pentatone)
An auspicious start to a period-instrument series of Mozart symphonies [DF]
Dvořák: Complete solo piano music (Naxos)
(Déjà Review) Fine performances of seldom heard repertoire [JW]
Goossens: Chamber music for flute (Chandos)
(Déjà Review) A consummately successful collection [RB]
Respighi: Roman Trilogy (Ondine)
An outstanding performance and recording of these orchestral showpieces [EJW]