Déjà Reviews

Re-published reviews from the archive

tchaikovsky nutcracker opus arte

Tchaikovsky: Nutcracker (Opus Arte)

(Déjà Review) Truly magical – the ideal family Christmas present [IL]

Praetorius: Lutheran Mass for Christmas Morning (Archiv Produktion)

(Déjà Review) A refreshing antidote to all those unimaginative festive compilations [DM]

Berlioz: L’Enfance du Christ  (Hyperion)

(Déjà Review) A performance to love and to cherish [SV]

Anne Sofie von Otter: Lieder and Mélodies (Archiv Produktion)

(Déjà Review) A most satisfying recital by major artists in repertoire which expands our understanding of the composers [TB]

Julens ljus (The Light of Christmas) (Proprius)

(Déjà Review) I suspect that many listeners will make attractive ‘finds’ among these 24 songs and the execution of them leaves little extra to be desired [GF]

Coronation george CDA67286

The Coronation of George II (Hyperion)

(Déjà Review) A wonderful recording of superlative music in performances that surely cannot be bettered [JL]

VW christmas CHAN10385

Vaughan Williams: Music for Christmas (Chandos)

(Déjà Review) Beautifully sensitive performances atmospherically recorded [RB]

Lutoslawski Christmas Carols Wit Naxos 8.555994

Lutosławski: Twenty Polish Christmas Carols (Naxos)

(Déjà Review) Makes one glad to be alive during the sparkling darkness of midwinter [DC]

Vivaldi Violin Concertos Mullova Onyx 4001

Vivaldi: Violin Concertos (Onyx)

(Déjà Review) Vivaldi, Mullova and Onyx are a winning combination [MC]

martinez recital naxos

David Martinez (guitar) Recital (Naxos)

(Déjà Review) A release that shows the guitar at its traditional best [ZT]

christmas prelude audite

Preludes for Holy Christmastide (Audite)

(Déjà Review) A first-rate collection with immensely assured playing [DM]

Strauss, Johann Jr.: Die Fledermaus (Warner Classics)

(Déjà Review) A vocally definitive version [RMK]

Schillings: String Quartet, String Quintet (cpo)

(Déjà Review) If only all recordings of unknown chamber music could be so well done [LF]

Cherubini: Medea (RCA)

(Déjà Review) A mouth-watering cast gives a memorable performance [CF]

Beethoven: Violin Sonatas (Naxos)

(Déjà Review) The greatest Beethoven violin sonatas performed by arguably the greatest duo partnership of the last century [SHJ]

Alwyn film2 CHAN9959

Alwyn: Film Music Vol. 2 (Chandos)

An excellent well-contrasted compilation of important British film music that needed to be rescued from oblivion [IL]

Bach katsaris Apex0927408192

Bach: Keyboard Concertos (Apex)

Marvellous performances of marvellous music [TB]

Turnage Music to Hear Black Box BBM1065

Turnage: Music to Hear (Black Box)

(Déjà Review) Turnage’s chamber music has a restrained confessional tone far from Turnage’s “public” statements. His chamber music communicates directly through simplicity, subtlety and sincerity. Highly accessible and communicative music [GF]

Fayrfax Masses Cardinalls Music ASV Gaudeamus CDGAX353

Fayrfax: The Masses (ASV Gaudeamus)

(Déjà Review) Magnificent discs containing sumptuous examples of early Tudor polyphony presented in first class performances [JQ]

Sumera Mushroom Cantata BISCD1560

Sumera: Mushroom Cantata (BIS)

(Déjà Review) As irreplaceable as a volume by a favourite author – be sure never to lend it to anyone; you’re unlikely to get it back! [DC]

Nielsen Aladdin Suite Naxos 8.557164

Nielsen: Aladdin Suite (Naxos)

(Déjà Review) An excellent introduction to Nielsen’s marvellous music. Established Nielsen enthusiasts should also add this splendid anthology to their collections without delay [JQ]

Scarlatti D: Complete keyboard sonatas (Erato)

(Déjà Review) This set is a pinnacle in the history of recorded music [PCW]

Stanford: Piano Quintet, String Quintet No. 1 (Hyperion)

(Déjà Review) Wonderful music and marvellously performed [MC]

Monteverdi: Stage Works (Apex)

(Déjà Review) Essential listening for all Monteverdi enthusiasts [JF]