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 phi

Beethoven: Christus am Ölberge (PHI)

A rewarding version of Beethoven’s only oratorio [SB]

mozart sonatas somm

Mozart: Piano Sonatas Vol. 5 (SOMM)

Sometimes monumental, sometimes impish, invariably engaging [MG]

Lutyens Piano Jones Resonus RES10306

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]

Adriatic voyage DCD34260

Adriatic Voyage (Delphian)

A compelling survey of Croatia’s musical past [JV]

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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]

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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]

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Schubert Revisited (Deutsche Grammophon)

A revelatory album [JQ]

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Bruckner: Symphony 8 (Tobu Recordings)

A wholly viable interpretation of indestructible integrity [RMo]

bacewicz violinissimo AP0539

Bacewicz: Violinissimo (Acte Préalable)

A feast of varied music for violin(s) [GPu]

wagner ring naxos

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]

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Tom + Will: Weelkes & Byrd 400 years (Signum Classics)

Two great English renaissance composers are juxtaposed, with outstanding results [GH]

Mustonen string quartet no1 LAWO LWC1243

Mustonen: Chamber Music (Lawo)

Two impressive new works by this versatile musician [SB]

Lutyens: Piano Music Vol. 2 (Resonus)

Jones strikes gold again [DMD]

matiegka guitar 9567

Matiegka: Sonatas for Guitar (Bridge)

An outstanding, indeed revelatory recording which makes an irresistible case for Matiegka’s sonatas [GPu]

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]