Author: Stan Szpakowicz

Puccini: Turandot (Pristine Audio)

A thrilling live performance, worth hearing, if not the last word in Nilsson/Corelli versions of Turandot [PT]

Josquin Desprez: Josquin in Poland (DUX)

Not only Josquin in Poland, but Josquin sung in Polish style [JV]

Puccini: La bohème (Decca; Warner Classics)

Quite similar recordings, both with many but different strengths, so difficult to choose between [RMo]

The Graceful Ghost – Contemporary Piano Rags (Rivermont)

The Contemporary Piano Rag in the vitalising hands of a master practitioner [JW]

Falla: Orchestral music (SOMM Recordings)

A most enjoyable disc [JQ]

Smaldone: What no one else sees… (New Focus Recordings)

Music with a strong spirit of innovation and spontaneity [SA]

Mozart: La clemenza di Tito (Deutsche Grammophon)

(Déjà Review) May not outdo the competition completely but belongs up there among the best [GF]

Stevens: Piano Works (Dutton Epoch)

(Déjà Review) So many highlights here, any one of which would justify the purchase of this invaluable set [RB]

Bellini: Norma (Pristine Audio)

Five stars for Pristine’s sound rejuvenation but apart from Callas, the performance doesn’t live up to the quality of the transfer [MP]

Quartets Through a Time of Change (First Hand Records)

An imaginative selection of French string quartets [JW]

Schubert: Symphonies 2 & 6 (Forgotten Records)

Sprightly Schubert from Bamberg in fresh transfers which breathe new life into old grooves [PH]

Puccini: Madama Butterfly (Opus Arte)

This complements but does not replace Opus Arte’s 2018 filmed performance [RWe]

Górecki: Complete Works for String Quartet (Chandos)

Górecki’s impressive quartets are well worth hearing [SB]

Ricardo Gallén (guitar): Habaneras & Tangos (MarchVivo)

An enjoyable recording, but not Gallén best on offer [ZT]

Couperin: Sonates, Pieces de viole (Deutsche Harmonia Mundi)

(Déjà Review) An outstanding recording of some of Couperin’s finest compositions [JV]

Dvořák: Rusalka (Arthaus Musik)

(Déjà Review) A very welcome DVD release of one of English National Opera’s finer achievements [JL]

Colonna: Caro ardore, sacro amore (Dynamic)

Despite some issues, this disc may help restore Colonna to his rightful place in music history [JV]

Folksongs • Tour du Monde (Anima Nostra)

A unique musical romp around the world [GH]

Mozart: Mitridate, Re di Ponto (C Major)

Very high musical standards are let down by a disappointing production [MP]

Schumann: Carnaval; Liszt: Piano Sonata (Danacord)

Fascinating Schumann and Liszt on a contemporary piano [JF]

Elgar: Violin Concerto (Channel Classics)

Elgarian musing taken to interminable lengths, and unnecessary Delian reclothing [JW]

Wilfred Heaton: The Heaton Legacy (World of Brass)

A great exploration of the works of a little-known composer [KT]

Charles Munch (conductor): Munch conducts Romantic Favorites (West Hill Radio Archives)

(Déjà Review) A splendid set [JQ]

Anna Netrebko (soprano): Souvenirs (Deutsche Grammophon)

(Déjà Review) Unexpected delights, light but enjoyable and feel-good [MMB]