Déjà Reviews
Re-published reviews from the archive
Gershwin: Orchestral works (Apex)
(Déjà Review) There may well be superior recordings of each piece, but as a whole it would be difficult to best this album [PG]
Volans: String Quartets Nos 1, 2 & 6 (Black Box)
(Déjà Review) The instrumental combinations and sonorities make for compelling listening [TB]
Xenakis: Works for Large Orchestra, Vol 3 (Timpani)
(Déjà Review) The constants that characterise him are the hallmark of a great composer. One can also hear the torment, the contradictory side of the creative impulse [TH]
Baines & Moeran: Piano Music (Lyrita)
(Déjà Review) Essential listening for all enthusiasts of British piano music [JF]
Beethoven: Piano Concertos (Deutsche Grammphon)
(Déjà Review) Lang Lang’s sparkling playing and considerable insights make for joyous listening [MC]
Boccherini: Cello Sonatas (Naxos)
(Déjà Review) A fine release of rare and interesting repertoire that will appeal to lovers of the cello [MC]
All is Bright (Avie)
(Déjà Review) A seasonal gift for a musical friend but you may be tempted to keep it instead as a treat for yourself [JQ]
Auric: Phèdre, Le Peintre et son modèle (Timpani)
(Déjà Review) Lovely music bound to please those already enthralled by Markevitch, Stravinsky and Bliss [RB]
Beethoven: Piano Works (Naxos)
(Déjà Review) Schnabel’s “Diabelli” set interpretative and intellectual standards which are a daunting challenge to all that followed [CH]
Alkan: Organ Works Vol 1 (Toccata Classics)
Works of stature and originality [PCW]
Chopin: Études – (Transc. Godowsky) (Warner Classics)
Starts with brief, polite applause and finishes with rapturous cheering, something I would have been actively joining in [TH]
Love from a Stranger – Four British Film Scores (NMC)
This is an extraordinary album – outstanding readings, a detailed recording set in a generously broad acoustic [DW]
Holmboe: Symphonies Nos 11-13 (BIS)
(Déjà Review) Drama and skill, production values of the highest … a major voice in the symphonic canon of the twentieth century [JW]
Ascension (Delphian)
(Déjà Review) An unusually stimulating selection of (mainly) modern church music [NHo]
Society for the Preservation of the American Musical Heritage (Bridge)
(Déjà Review) Rapturous, restive and troubled late-romanticism [RB]
Ropartz: Symphonies Nos 1 & 4 (Timpani)
(Déjà Review) A grand success and a major addition to the catalogue [RB]
Tippett: Piano Sonatas 1-3 (Naxos)
(Déjà Review) I have been completely re-educated as to the substance and content of these pieces. What more can one ask for! [DC]
Lutosławski: Symphony No 3 & 4 (Sony Classical)
(Déjà Review) If you missed the earlier opportunities to acquaint yourself with these towering statements you should do so now, without delay [JW]
Rubbra: Violin Concerto, Improvisations (Naxos)
(Déjà Review) Makes me want to seek out more music by this composer and these performers. Should definitely be added to your collection [KS]
Smyth, Beach & Spain-Dunk: String Quartets (Lorelt)
I cannot remember a record I’ve enjoyed more this year or one I felt compelled to listen to time after time [SA]
Telemann: Recorder sonatas & fantasias (Apex)
A worthy testimony to the art of Frans Brüggen [JV]
Berg, Janáček & Hartmann: Violin Concertos (Apex)
(Déjà Review) One of the stronger Warner Apex CDs. By all means buy it to play straight through and enjoy the stimulation of the juxtaposition of the music of these three composers [CC]
Vaughan Williams: Film Music, Vol 1 (Chandos)
(Déjà Review) Thrilling, evocative performances captured in the best Chandos sound. Especially important for presenting the full score of Scott of the Antarctic [IL]
Schulhoff: Chamber works Vol 2 (Supraphon)
Repeated listening to these Schulhoff scores offers revelatory rewards [MC]