Author: Stan Szpakowicz

A stunning CD – fantastic performances of strongly contrasting works [PBW]

This smorgasbord of fine English piano music demands exploration [JF]

Mompou fans will want this, but it remained a closed book to me [DJB]

A very measured Elgar Sonata and a world premiere of the Gurney Sonata [JW]

Three applicants for the cantor position in Leipzig in 1723 [DF]

(Déjà Review) A very successful and involving performance that conveys the essence of Bach’s masterpiece very well [JQ]

(Déjà Review) Verdi singing does not come much better than this [RJF]

Top-class performances by an excellent ensemble [JV]

The versatile art of Eudice Shapiro: a natural quartet leader rather than soloist [JW]

Superb engineering and wonderful playing hobbled by Thielemann’s reluctance to sacrifice beauty of sound to emotional release [RMo]

Remarkable playing that misses the range of Korngold’s elusive moods [NB]

Bregenz gives Giordano’s tragic tale a contemporary twist [RMay]

Three surprising and often skilled composers of winningly varied choral music from the city’s Leningrad years [RB]

(Déjà Review) The latest volume in this epic project is as good a place as any to start and may be approached with confidence [BW]

(Déjà Review) This collection does full justice to the finest lyric baritone Britain has produced since the Second World War [RJF]

Two old horn trios and one new – terrific performances and a flawless programme [LW]

This is how to put a relatively little-known composer on the map [JV]

A beautifully rendered conclusion to the Brabbins/Hyperion survey of the Vaughan Williams symphonies [NB]

A first video release of Bellini’s early work features some attractive singing and an elegant, if quirky, production [MP]

One of the greatest musical minds of our era [DMD]

Two rarities; the performance of the main work is quite disappointing [SB]

(Déjà Review) A superb performance by all concerned; a worthy addition to the catalogue [JP]

(Déjà Review) Technically highly assured performances which communicate Beethoven’s vision well [PCW]

The Cleveland Orchestra stakes a claim to be currently the best in the world [DMD]