Recommended
Debussy: Préludes Books 1 and 2 (Signum Classics)
Tsybuleva scores very highly in this impressive set [RCh]
Steffani: Psalmodia Vespertina, Stabat Mater (Arcantus)
Steffani’s expressive powers displayed in full glory [JV]
Scriabin: Complete Piano Sonatas (Et’cetera)
An impressive debut in this demanding repertoire [SB]
Weill: The Seven Deadly Sins (LSO Live)
A collection of vivid performances of music by Kurt Weill [JQ]
Sibelius: Symphonies 6 & 7 (Alpha Classics)
Superb accounts of Sibelius’ last two symphonies put the seal on a triumphantly successful series [RMo]
Strohl: Musique de chambre (La Boîte à Pépites)
A seriously impressive set in every respect [JQ]
Bestiary on Ivory (Bridge)
Very well performed and recorded, this disc should be heard by all who love the repertoire of the piano [GPu]
G Williams: Missa Cambrensis (Lyrita)
A compelling and profound work in a very fine premiere recording [JQ]
Haydn: Die Schöpfung (BR Klassik)
A special Creation from Rattle with his beloved Bavarians [PH]
Zapała: Futility (Kairos)
Confrontational, challenging, novel, pessimistic – not for the faint of heart [RHa]
Massenet: Grisélidis (Bru Zane)
An admirable revival of one of Massenet’s most varied, inventive, yet neglected scores [RMo]
Schumann: Violin Sonatas (Hyperion)
Another utterly satisfying and convincing traversal of Schumann’s enigmatic late sonatas [RHa]
Opus V: Keyboard works by Mozart and J C Bach (Ars Produktion)
One of the best recordings of Mozart’s concertos [JV]
Zandonai: Francesca da Rimini (Urania)
A classic vintage account of a complex, absorbing, yet neglected opera in excellent mono sound, sung by a stellar cast [RMo]
Higgins: Horn Concerto, The Faerie Bride (Lyrita)
Excellent recordings of three highly imaginative scores [JQ]
Grigory Sokolov (piano) Purcell and Mozart (Deutsche Grammophon)
Authoritative and heartfelt performances, warmly recommended [SG]
Weber: Der Freischütz (C Major)
An extravagant, gothic horror funfest from beginning to end [MP]
Schubert: Winterreise (Orchid Classics)
An extraordinary recording debut: a self-accompanied recording of Winterreise which proves to be much more than just a gimmick [PT]
Endless Fascination: The life and work of Thomas Pitfield (Forsyth Brothers)
A fitting tribute to a remarkable polymath [JF]
Zelenka: Missa Gratias agimus tibi, Vesper music (Carus)
Another testimony to Zelenka’s brilliance [JV]
Journey to the Orient – Music for Flute and Guitar (Dynamic)
An enchanting musical journey towards the Orient involving familiar and brand new music [KT]
Danish String Quartet: Keel Road (ECM)
Immaculate production, impassioned musicianship, impeccable planning – do not let it pass you by [RHa]
Schubert: Piano Sonatas Nos 20 & 21 (BIS)
Artist and instrument sound inseparable in both poetry and dynamism [MG]