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]
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]