Recommended
Ukrainian Preludes: Silvansky, Gozenpud & Yakhnina (Hänssler Classic)
Once heard, these works are difficult to ignore; this is an altogether magnificent disc [SA]
J S Bach: Cantatas & Motets (MDG)
One of the best Bach recordings I have heard lately [JV]
Beethoven: Piano Sonatas 3 & 29 (Hyperion)
Hamelin hits the heights with epic and fiery readings, gripping in every respect [SG]
Beethoven: Piano Works (Genuin)
Ulrich Roman Murtfeld is totally in command of, and enthused by, the music [MG]
Fred over jorden (Peace to the World) (2L)
Something rather special [DC]
Erlanger: La sorcière (B Records)
A tremendous performance of an unexpectedly compelling French rarity [PSt]
Earliest French Piano Recordings (APR)
A splendidly remastered and historically important tranche of piano recordings [JW]
Handel: Messiah (Alto)
A brilliant, flawless live performance graced by some stellar solo singing [RMo]
Rieti: Piano Concertos (Naxos)
A delightful disc of music by an unjustly neglected figure [PRJ]
Rameau: Les Boréades (Erato)
This splendid production might convert newcomers to the delights of French baroque [SB]
Rózsa, Bartók: Violin Concerti (LSO Live)
A truly outstanding recording in every respect [PRJ]
Edith Peinemann (violin) Radio Archives Edition (Meloclassic)
A set to treasure [SG]
Puccini: La Bohème (Decca)
A classic recording in a splendid remastering [JQ]
Mussorgsky: Sorochintsï Fair & Salammbô Suite (Naxos)
A completely convincing account of a rarely performed opera in a new orchestration for chamber orchestra [MP]
A monk’s life (Hyperion)
The Brabant Ensemble chart a pathway to the monastic way of life to memorable effect [PH]
Haydn, Ligeti & Hensel: String quartets (Solo Musica)
A fabulous debut recording, not to be missed [PBW]
Mozart: Piano Concerti Nos 1-4 (Chandos)
Performances to encourage an investigation of Mozart’s rarely played apprenticeship to the piano concerto trade [MG]
Pilgrimage: The Musical Journey of Kryštof Harant (Supraphon)
A unique coming together of Czech and Turkish renaissance music [GH]
Benjamin Appl (baritone) The Christmas Album (Alpha Classics)
This disc will certainly be my favourite Yuletide companion for years to come [GF]
Rutter: Brass at Christmas (Naxos)
This album is a gem from start to finish and will make many listeners’ Christmases merry [KT]
Viadana: Sacri Concentus (Passacaille)
An exciting disc that leaves one wanting more [JV]
Schubert: Symphonies 5 & 8 (Linn)
Emelyanychev convinces me that Symphony 5 is Schubert’s first symphonic masterpiece and he demonstrates the distinctiveness of Symphony 8, too [MG]
Shostakovich: Symphony 10 (Exton)
A Titanic Shostakovich Tenth of almost unique power and darkness [MB]
Kenneth MacMillan’s Manon: (Opus Arte)
An outstanding performance marks the 50th birthday of MacMillan’s great ballet [RMay]
