Author: Stan Szpakowicz

Early accounts of two introspective quartets and of two often upbeat orchestral works [RB]

A benchmark production of Offenbach’s opéra bouffe, subtle yet full of colour [RW]

A most enjoyable guide to the world of contemporary US composers [DMD]

What should have been an important and innovative release ruined by basic failures of presentation [PCG]

Raiskin makes this work sing [RB]

(Déjà Review) Davis cleaves to traditional values with his superlative orchestra, splendidly recorded [JW]

(Déjà Review) Truly mind-blowing – I can’t imagine it being replaced any time soon [DC]

Good performances but not top of the bill [JV]

Not an account of the Four Last Songs that makes it into the pantheon [JQ]

Two attractive recent American concertos in excellent performances [RB]

Attractive rather than profound, primarily of interest to lovers of the classical guitar [GPu]

An attractive bargain set; crisp playing and intelligent conducting embrace the whole gamut of moods in these wonderful symphonies [RMo]

Water-coloured emotions; attractively gentle, outwardly modest music [RB]

(Déjà Review) An album to cherish that will undoubtedly figure highly in my recital discs of the year [IL]

(Déjà Review) A suitably warm and wonderfully detailed recording matches insight, imagination and colouristic sensibility [JW]

Characterful performances captured in phenomenal sound [SG]

Welcome contribution to the acquaintance of the sacred oeuvre of Philips and Dering [JV]

An intriguing revival of music which makes grand gestures but mostly remains oddly bland and uninvolving [RMo]

Norwegian variety from a less regarded composer [RB]

Music with melodic interest, well-devised formal structures and satisfying harmonies [JF]

An agreeable mix of gems from the treasure chest of British folk songs, selling for charitable purposes [GF]

Savage … touchingly melodic, melting and romantically inclined [RB]

(Déjà Review) That very rare bird indeed – an original film score that can stand on its own [PSe]

A delightful collection of modern concertos for the harpsichord [SB]