Déjà Reviews

Re-published reviews from the archive

pierremonteeux westhill

Pierre Monteux in Boston (West Hill Archives)

(Déjà Review) Authoritative, finely played, well recorded and transferred [JW]

strauss_ isadellacasa

Strauss: Four Last Songs (Naxos)

(Déjà Review) A magnificent souvenir of perhaps the greatest Strauss soprano ever [RMo]

Strauss: Der Rosenkavalier (Opus Arte)

(Déjà Review) This live recording has a great deal to offer [GF]

Vaughan Williams: String Quartets, Phantasy Quintet (Nimbus Records)

(Déjà Review) A popular grouping of RVW’s chamber works played with emotional fervour [RB]

R Strauss: Elektra (Warner Classics)

(Déjà Review) A sensible and impressive performance with no significant weak links [DH]

Rózsa: Three Hungarian Sketches & Cello Rhapsody (Naxos)

(Déjà Review) Committed, idiomatic and sharply attuned to the composer’s sensibilities [JW]

Pacini 866028283

Pacini: Il convitato di pietra (Naxos)

A different take on a well-known story is accompanied by a Pacini’s sure composition and an enjoyable first public performance [RJF]

Stravinsky rite ALC1131

Stravinsky: The Rite of Spring & Petrushka suite (Alto)

Voluptuous, elemental … an orchestra caught in headlong flight [RB]

Monteverdi Vespers SignumClassics

Monteverdi: Vespers of the Blessed Virgin Mary (Signum Classics)

(Déjà Review) In a word: magnificent [JS]

Korsakov Scheherazade Naxos

Rimsky-Korsakov: Scheherazade (Naxos)

(Déjà Review) I put the disc on expecting ‘decent’, but it’s spectacular [BR]

messiaen harawi naxos

Messiaen: Harawi & Trois Mélodies (Naxos)

(Déjà Review) An assault on the senses, but not to be missed [DC]

purcell dido naxoshistorical

Purcell: Dido and Aeneas (Nimbus Prima Voce)

(Déjà Review) Fascinating to hear such singers as Flagstad and Schwarzkopf in these roles [EML]

Vaughan Williams, George Butterworth: Songs (Nimbus Records)

(Déjà Review) English songs meet a thoughtful and highly sympathetic exponent with an unmistakable voice [RB]

Mozart: Symphonies 39 & 41 (Soli Deo Gloria)

(Déjà Review) Fine, vital live performances of two of Mozart’s greatest symphonies [JQ]

Malipiero: Tre commedie goldoniane (Three Goldoni Comedies) (Naxos)

(Déjà Review) A most rewarding reissue, and a tantalising glimpse into Malipiero’s endearing sound-world [DM]

Mozart: Sonatas for piano four hands (Challenge Classics)

(Déjà Review) Playing that is full of stylish élan and richness of character [DC]

American clarinet 907508

American Music for Clarinet & Piano (Harmonia Mundi)

An hour spent in very enjoyable company; terrific playing and program [BR]

City CDH55320

The Floating City – Sonatas, canzonas & dances by Monteverdi’s contemporaries (Hyperion Helios)

Not only is the music fascinating but the performances are special [GH]

Kalomiris Rhapsodies Naxos

Kalomiris: Rhapsodies and Symphonic Poems (Naxos)

(Déjà Review) A fascinating door opened onto Greek nationalist music [GH]

Haydn TheHeartofInvention Chaconne

Haydn: The heart of invention (Chandos Chaconne)

(Déjà Review) Discerning accounts presented sympathetically [MG]

gouvy orchestralworks sterling

Gouvy: Orchestral Works (Sterling)

(Déjà Review) Spirited and engaging readings of music hitherto lost in the chasmed realms of nineteenth century dust [RB]

lloydwebber celloconcertos sony

Rodrigo, Delius & Lalo: Cello Concertos (Sony)

(Déjà Review) A master cellist – adept, sensitive and enthusiastic [RB]

Gregson: Concertos Volume 3 (Chandos)

(Déjà Review) Splendid works in excellent performances and superb recording [HC]

Liszt: The Complete Songs Volume 1 (Hyperion)

(Déjà Review) I can hardly wait for the next instalment [GF]