Recommended
Brahms and Berg: Violin Concertos (Ondine)
Masterly performances of two major concertos by a violinist at the height of his powers with superb and sympathetic orchestral playing in support [SB]
Machaut: Remede de fortune (Blue Heron)
A rare chance to understand Machaut’s magnum opus in a wonderfully presented and performed version [GH]
Arnold: Orchestral Works (Chandos)
A superb overview of Arnold’s music from light to dark with a definitive concerto performance [NB]
Donizetti: Signor Gaetano (Pentatone)
A magnificent full-size portrait of a truly great bel canto artist [GF]
Akito Tani (piano): In Concert (Exton)
An exciting new talent, and a generous and rewarding disc [SG]
Rimsky-Korsakov: Christmas Eve (Naxos)
A superlative cast in a crisply modern, but relatively faithful production of a rarely performed opera [MP]
Schubert: Schwanengesang (Pentatone)
The final instalment of Bostridge’s Schubert trilogy is a partnership of equals, voice and piano coming together to create something very special [ST]
Song of Beasts (Ramée)
Impressive performances of fascinating medieval music about real and mythological creatures [JV]
Tomasi: Complete Violin Works (Naxos)
I have nothing but praise for this splendid disc [SG]
Beethoven & Mozart: Piano Transcriptions (BIS)
Sensational pianism, inspiration, and exuberant pianism in every track [MM]
Montgeroult: Etudes (BIS)
Superb performances and recording of piano studies which should rank alongside the very best [GH]
Igor Markevitch – Philips Legacy (Eloquence)
Recommended to all collectors of great 20th century conductors [GT]
Stravinsky: Symphonies (Chandos)
Superb new recordings of the Stravinsky symphonies with worthwhile extras [SB]
Walter Gieseking (piano) His Columbia Graphophone Recordings (Warner Classics)
A splendid collection [SG]
Sibelius: Symphonies 3 & 5 (Alpha)
Another winner in this series of Sibelius symphonies, suites and tone poems [RMo]
Milford: Organ Works (Priory)
A very valuable survey establishing the quality and beauty of Milford’s sensitive compositions [NB]
Beethoven: Piano Concertos (BIS)
Astonishing virtuoso playing in a highly empathic partnership – the best modern accounts I know [RMo]
Humperdinck: Der Blaue Vogel (Capriccio)
A premiere recording of an incandescent lost score [MP]
Berg: Orchestral works (Chandos)
Superb performances of two major works by Berg and two worthwhile rarities [SB]
Hartmann: Orchestral Music Vol. 2 (Toccata)
A great Romantic symphony and an unusual concerto [LD]
Bernstein conducts Stravinsky (DG)
A flawlessly played, atmospherically interpreted and beautifully presented collection of Stravinsky’s three major ballets with interesting bonuses [RMo]
The Art of Vadim Muntagirov (Opus Arte)
You will seldom find better, more compelling or beautiful performances than the ones recorded here [MMB]
Featured Naxos review |