Author: Stan Szpakowicz

Smetana’s dynamism brought out by a conductor of clarity and subtlety [JW]

One of the best recordings of Mozart’s concertos [JV]

Interesting repertoire, excellent playing [SA]

Busoni’s great Fantasia in its two piano version is the climax of this rewarding disc [SB]

(Déjà Review) Exciting recordings that throw new light on the originals, and absorbing in their own right [GPu]

(Déjà Review) This developing series is a triumph for the São Paulo Symphony, Roberto Minczuk and the BIS engineers [DH]

All the music is expertly crafted, highly attractive and, in the best sense of the word, entertaining [JQ]

Cécile Chaminade’s 1901 recordings revisited, and a raft of shellac performances of her works by other pianists [JW]

A welcome addition to the discography of Messiaen’s masterpiece, but the competition is fierce [PH]

A truly great lyric coloratura soprano of the early 20th century, showcased in first-rate transfers [RMo]

Attractive and accessible works [SB]

A valuable disc of music by a composer writing at the height of the Stalinist terrors [NB]

(Déjà Review) Tremendous, life-affirming Mozart playing, marking Pollini’s welcome return to this territory [CC]

A disc which evokes a significant cultural phenomenon from Napoleonic France [GPu]

A fitting tribute to a remarkable polymath [JF]

A valuable collection of rarely heard scenes from Donizetti’s operas [GF]

Another testimony to Zelenka’s brilliance [JV]

Clean, crisp, immediate interpretations, very well restored and remastered [RMo]

Achieved is the glorious work: The Orlando Consort sign off from Machaut [PH]

A valuable re-release by any standards [DC]

(Déjà Review) These are gorgeous performances and recordings of Delius favourites played unaffectedly yet con molto amore [RB]

Performances where the stars align [SG]

Some will find Schaller’s tempi in the first two movements controversial [RMo]

Restraint, clarity, freshness and leanness inform these performances [JF]