Déjà Reviews
Re-published reviews from the archive
Rodrigo: Complete Orchestral Works, Vol 3 (Naxos)
(Déjà Review) A cracking collection of music outside the Guitar ghetto. Go for it. You will not be sorry [RB]
Talbot: The Dying Swan (Black Box)
(Déjà Review) A genuine voice for the new millennium. Played superbly [CT]
Gerald Finley (bass-baritone) Recital (Wigmore Hall Live)
An exceptionally fine recital [JQ]
Schubert: Trout Quintet (Berlin Classics)
(Déjà Review) Very satisfying, centred and gracious [RB]
Weber: Overtures (Naxos)
(Déjà Review) Delicate contrasts of mood and bright clear recording [RW]
Copland: Orchestral Works (Naxos)
(Déjà Review) In all respects, recommended without a moment’s hesitation [KS]
Schnittke: Concerti Grossi Nos 1 & 5 (Deutsche Grammophon)
(Déjà Review) A real feeling of being the definitive article [TH]
Martin: Tripytchon (ECM)
An extremely high quality product which deserves recognition [CR]
Monteverdi: Vespro della Beata Vergine (Warner Classics)
Soggy tempos and slack pacing entirely fail to convince [RH]
Turnage: Greek (Decca)
(Déjà Review) Whether uncomfortable or not this remains essential listening for lovers of contemporary music theatre [TH]
Donizetti: Roberto Devereux (Naxos)
The cast as a whole makes this the best set so far [GF]
Anderson: Orchestral Music Vol. 5 (Naxos)
(Déjà Review) Undeservedly neglected light music [IL]
Bach: Three Cantatas (Erato)
(Déjà Review) A mature artist who patently comprehends the beauty and purity of the music [MMB]
Janáček: Jenufa (Erato)
(Déjà Review) A fine record of a great series of performances, particularly memorable for Karita Mattila in the title role and the playing of the Royal Opera House Orchestra [RH]
Schubert: Symphony No 9 & Mendelssohn: Die Schöne Melusina (Elatus)
(Déjà Review) A stunning classic recording, reissued in a sensible pairing – a must-have! [PSh]
Paer: Sofonisba (Opera Rara)
A wholly admirable performance of a significant opera composer who was active immediately before Rossini [RJF]
Carl Schuricht in New York (Archipel)
Schuricht leads the Vienna orchestra with surety and command [JW]
Martinů: Julietta (Supraphon)
(Déjà Review) Surreal music drama defying operatic convention, illuminated by Martinů’s gorgeous yet poetically fastidious palette [RB]
Ligeti: Ligeti Project Vol 1-3 (Teldec)
(Déjà Review) A beguiling combination of clarity and sheer weirdness. Whether a Ligeti fan or not, heartily recommended – a rare sonic experience! [TH]
Coates: Orchestral Works (Lyrita)
(Déjà Review) One of the most handsome Coates collections [RB]
Debussy: Pelléas et Mélisande (Warner Classics)
(Déjà Review) A superb rendition of the opera [RMg]