Recommended
From Mannheim to Berlin (Challenge Classics)
Cello playing of the highest calibre [JV]
Fraser-Simson: Complete Settings of Songs by A.A. Milne (EM Records)
A complete delight [WK]
Haydn: Piano Trios (Praga Digitals)
An album of distinction from the Guarneri Trio Prague [MC]
French Sacred Song (Ad Fontes)
A fascinating programme, with top class performances in excellent sound [GPu]
Weinberg: Symphony No 12 (Chandos)
A superb, state-of-the-art recording of Weinberg’s symphonic works [GT]
Bartók: Concertos (Alpha Classics)
Characterful performances of familiar Bartók in a stunning vibrant recording [LW]
Jazz Violin Concertos (Gramola)
Crossover concerti triumphantly bridge the gap between Jazz and Classical [NB]
Corigliano: The Lord of Cries (Pentatone)
An astounding new opera from John Corigliano receives a benchmark performance [PCG]
Rodgers: Oklahoma! (Chandos)
A ground-breaking recording of a ground-breaking American musical [PCG]
Nielsen: The Symphonies (Deutsche Grammophon)
A distinguished addition to the Nielsen discography [JQ]
Folk Songs (Pentatone)
A life-enhancing experience of which I wish every music lover could be a part [GF]
Glass & Bjerkestrand: Violin Concertos (lawo)
Fascinating music, fine performances and recording, poor presentation [WH]
Shostakovich: Symphonies 5 & 9 (Naxos)
A first-rate pairing of two of Shostakovich’s more approachable symphonies in excellent sound [RMo]
Charpentier: David & Jonathas (Château de Versailles)
A staging of French baroque opera at its finest [MP]
Schubert: Die schöne Müllerin (Harmonia Mundi)
A marvellous reading of Die schöne Müllerin that should please every lover of this indestructible masterwork [GF]
Bruckner: Symphony No 4 (BR Klassik)
Another superlative rendering of a Bruckner symphony from Haitink [RMo]
Sheppard: Choral Works (Gimell)
Magnificent examples of Tudor polyphony, superbly performed [JQ]
Mozart and his Europe (Genuin)
A beautiful tone and natural, unmannered playing and flexibility of phrasing [RCh]
Respighi: Roman Trilogy (Ondine)
An outstanding performance and recording of these orchestral showpieces [EJW]
Britten: A Midsummer Night’s Dream (Opus Arte)
A superior reissue of Peter Hall’s other superlative Britten production from Glyndebourne [PCG]
Shura Cherkassky (piano) Complete Recordings (APR)
Astonishing playing from a giant of the piano world [RCh]
Liszt: Salon and Stage (Prima Facie)
This wonderful recital shows the amazing breadth of Liszt’s response to the composers who wrote for stages both grand and intimate [RCh]
Tubin: Kratt (Alpha Classics)
An excellent survey of Polish and Estonian music in virtuoso performances by Estonia’s Festival Orchestra [GT]
Shostakovich: Violin Concerto No 1 (Cedille)
Superb Shostakovich coupled with a contemporary concerto that challenges convention [NB]
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