Recommended
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]
Pachelbel: Magnificat II (cpo)
An impressive display of Pachelbel’s art [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]
Walton: Complete Song Collection (Delphian)
Vibrant, imaginative and sympathetic performances [JF]
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]
