Recommended
Verdi: Aïda (Pristine Audio)
A superlative transfer of an Aida which should be in every serious opera collection [PSt]
Mozart: Requiem (Rondeau)
A vivacious, thoroughly enjoyable, smaller-scale “period” account of Mozart’s inspired but incomplete liturgical masterpiece [RMo]
Beethoven: Christus am Ölberge (PHI)
A rewarding version of Beethoven’s only oratorio [SB]
Mozart: Piano Sonatas Vol. 5 (SOMM)
Sometimes monumental, sometimes impish, invariably engaging [MG]
Lutyens: Piano Works Vol. 2 (Resonus Classics)
Another chance to discover little known works by a significant but often derided figure of twentieth century British music [GH]
Sibelius: Symphonies 5-7 (Pristine Audio)
The finest Fifth I know, and an excellent Sixth and Seventh, all given a new lease of life by Pristine as XR Remastered Ambient Stereo [RMo]
Rachmaninov: All Night Vigil (Pentatone)
The famous Vespers, beautifully sung and more intimate than usual but with no lack of gravitas [RMo]
Gideon Klein: Don’t forget about me (Toccata Press)
The life of a young genius tragically ended by a cruel and evil regime [SG]
Bruckner: Symphony 4 (Exton)
Yet another superb Bruckner recording from a flawless Tokyo orchestra [RMo]
Dmitri Hvorostovsky (baritone): The Philips Recitals (Eloquence)
This is a glorious collection that should be a source for delight for many years to come [GF]
Bruckner: Symphony 8 (Tobu Recordings)
A wholly viable interpretation of indestructible integrity [RMo]
Bacewicz: Violinissimo (Acte Préalable)
A feast of varied music for violin(s) [GPu]
Wagner: Der Ring des Nibelungen (Naxos)
An innovative and at times challenging production, with high calibre singing and playing [RWe]
La Femme – A Journey of Female Composers (Naxos)
A brilliant disc to cherish and to share [SA]
Tom + Will: Weelkes & Byrd 400 years (Signum Classics)
Two great English renaissance composers are juxtaposed, with outstanding results [GH]
Mustonen: Chamber Music (Lawo)
Two impressive new works by this versatile musician [SB]
Matiegka: Sonatas for Guitar (Bridge)
An outstanding, indeed revelatory recording which makes an irresistible case for Matiegka’s sonatas [GPu]
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 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]
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