Recommended

brahms connection qtz2151

The Brahms Connection (Quartz)

Stunning recorded sound, superlative performances of rare repertoire- an absolute winner! [DMD]

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 BHCD1012

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 CHAN20152

Arnold: Orchestral Works (Chandos)

A superb overview of Arnold’s music from light to dark with a definitive concerto performance [NB]

donizetti camarena PTC5186886

Donizetti: Signor Gaetano (Pentatone)

A magnificent full-size portrait of a truly great bel canto artist [GF]

Tani Exton concert

Akito Tani (piano): In Concert (Exton)

An exciting new talent, and a generous and rewarding disc [SG]

rimsky-Korsakov christmas NBD0154V

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 BIS2603

Montgeroult: Etudes (BIS)

Superb performances and recording of piano studies which should rank alongside the very best [GH]

Stravinsky Le Sacre Franck ALPHA894

Stravinsky: Le Sacre du Printemps (Alpha)

A superb Stravinsky collection [WH]

Igor Markevitch – Philips Legacy (Eloquence)

Recommended to all collectors of great 20th century conductors [GT]

Stravinsky symphonies CHSA5315

Stravinsky: Symphonies (Chandos)

Superb new recordings of the Stravinsky symphonies with worthwhile extras [SB]

Gieseking graphophone 902962455

Walter Gieseking (piano) His Columbia Graphophone Recordings (Warner Classics)

A splendid collection [SG]

sibelius symphonies 645

Sibelius: Symphonies 3 & 5 (Alpha)

Another winner in this series of Sibelius symphonies, suites and tone poems [RMo]

Milford organ PRCD1246

Milford: Organ Works (Priory)

A very valuable survey establishing the quality and beauty of Milford’s sensitive compositions [NB]

Beethoven concertos BIS2581

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 violin CHSA5270

Berg: Orchestral works (Chandos)

Superb performances of two major works by Berg and two worthwhile rarities [SB]

Hartmann orchestral TOCC676

de Hartmann: Orchestral Music Vol. 2 (Toccata)

A great Romantic symphony and an unusual concerto [LD]

Stravinsky bernstein 4455382

Bernstein conducts Stravinsky (DG)

A flawlessly played, atmospherically interpreted and beautifully presented collection of Stravinsky’s three major ballets with interesting bonuses [RMo]

Art muntagirov opus arte OA1359BD

The Art of Vadim Muntagirov (Opus Arte)

You will seldom find better, more compelling or beautiful performances than the ones recorded here [MMB]