Déjà Reviews
Re-published reviews from the archive
Donizetti: Elvida (Opera Rara)
(Déjà Review) I strongly recommend all lovers of the composer’s music and the bel canto genre to add it to their collections [RJF]
Bach: Keyboard Works (Hyperion)
(Déjà Review) A significant series, a laudable one, and there’s no lessening in perception in this final volume [JW]
Buxtehude: Complete Organ Works Vol. 2 (Da Capo)
(Déjà Review) Phenomenally relaxed and efficient technique on the most challenging of organs [CB]
Britten: Serenade for tenor, horn and strings, Nocturne, Phaedra (Naxos)
(Déjà Review) Overall a superlative disc, with flawless and very characterful performances [EML]
Beethoven: Overtures (Elatus)
(Déjà Review) There’s some great music here, so go and treat yourself [TH]
Bach: Sonatas for Violin & Harpsichord Vol. 1 (Analekta)
A disc that will have pride of place on my shelf and one that is sure to get repeated listening [KS]
Hahn: Violin Concerto & Piano Concerto (Maguelone)
(Déjà Review) A truly enchanting album calculated to chase away the winter blues [IL]
Biber: Harmonia artificiosa (Archiv Produktion)
(Déjà Review) It will be very difficult to find a performance which more convincingly explores these brilliant compositions [JV]
Mischa Maisky (cello) & Martha Argerich (piano) In Concert (Deutsche Grammophon)
(Déjà Review) A magnificent triumph for all concerned [CC]
Shostakovich: Chamber Symphonies (BIS)
(Déjà Review) This is a challenging and absorbing listening experience [PJL]
A Scarlatti: The Cecilian Vespers (Avie)
(Déjà Review) The most exciting high baroque choral vocal music you will hear anywhere [PSh]
Reich: Different trains, Triple Quartet, The Four Sections (Naïve)
A must-have for any serious music lover [KS]
English Guitar Concertos (Chandos)
(Déjà Review) The strong personality of dedicatee Julian Bream is ever present, but Ogden more than rises to the task. A fine disc [AD]
Messiaen: Vingt Regards sur L’Enfant-Jésus (RCA)
(Déjà Review) A recording notable for Serkin’s deep understanding of the composer’s sound-world and its emotional extremes [BH]
Busoni: Sonatinas (Centaur)
(Déjà Review) Slotchiver is an ardent disciple of Busoni and her playing is authoritative [CSS]
Dupré: Organ Works Volume 6 (MDG)
(Déjà Review) Recommended without reserve – player, music and instrument are perfectly matched [GS]
Canteloube: Chants d’Auvergne (Naxos)
(Déjà Review) I’ve little doubt it will be the definitive version for many years to come [AO]
Brahms: Symphony No. 1 (Naxos)
Alsop’s Brahms series has gotten off to an excellent start [PCW]
R Strauss: Ariadne auf Naxos (Deutsche Grammophon)
(Déjà Review) A reminder of all the strengths of this cruelly-underrated conductor/composer. Certainly, this is a major addition to the Strauss discography [CC]
Biber: Violin Sonatas (ECM)
(Déjà Review) I’ve been returning to this superb disc again and again over the past few weeks [GS]
Beethoven: Piano Trios (Hyperion)
(Déjà Review) It’s difficult adequately to describe the essential rightness of these performances [SV]
Alfvén: Symphony No. 4, Festival Overture (Naxos)
(Déjà Review) Should win many new friends for Alfvén’s music [WT]
The Nightingale and the Sparrow (Guild)
(Déjà Review) Plenty to enjoy in this delicate, yet never lightweight, repertoire [PW]
An Eternal Harmony (Coro)
A well-balanced recital, beautifully sung, mixing old and new [RH]
