Recommended

debussy préludes signum classics

Debussy: Préludes Books 1 and 2 (Signum Classics)

Tsybuleva scores very highly in this impressive set [RCh]

Steffani ARC24055

Steffani: Psalmodia Vespertina, Stabat Mater (Arcantus)

Steffani’s expressive powers displayed in full glory [JV]

Scriabin Sonatas Etcetera

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]

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Strohl: Musique de chambre (La Boîte à Pépites)

A seriously impressive set in every respect [JQ]

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Bestiary on Ivory (Bridge)

Very well performed and recorded, this disc should be heard by all who love the repertoire of the piano [GPu]

williams missa lyrita

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]

SchumannR sonatas CDA68354

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]

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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 bride lyrita

Higgins: Horn Concerto, The Faerie Bride (Lyrita)

Excellent recordings of three highly imaginative scores [JQ]

sokolov mozart deutsche grammophon

Grigory Sokolov (piano) Purcell and Mozart (Deutsche Grammophon)

Authoritative and heartfelt performances, warmly recommended [SG]

weber freischutz c major

Weber: Der Freischütz (C Major)

An extravagant, gothic horror funfest from beginning to end [MP]

schubert winterreise orchid

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]

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Zelenka: Missa Gratias agimus tibi, Vesper music (Carus)

Another testimony to Zelenka’s brilliance [JV]

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Pachelbel: Magnificat II (cpo)

An impressive display of Pachelbel’s art [JV]

Orient DynamicCDS8046

Journey to the Orient – Music for Flute and Guitar (Dynamic)

An enchanting musical journey towards the Orient involving familiar and brand new music [KT]

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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]