Recommended
Sibelius: Symphony No 4 (Alpha Classics)
A performance to convert the Sibelian reluctant to appreciate the bleak Fourth’s special qualities, in a death-laden programme complete with two superb companion pieces [RMo]
Zayt Gezunterheyt – The Folk Soul of the Eastern Clarinet (Antarctica Records)
A simply outstanding meeting of stunning musicians and glorious music [PJ]
Briggs: Hail, gladdening Light (Hyperion)
A memorable disc [JQ]
Recharged by Nature – Contemporary Nordic Works (Alba)
Two magnificent, distinctively folk-tinged concertos are vividly brought to life [RHa]
Igor Levit (piano): Fantasia (Sony Classical)
Another outstanding recital from Levit, with a superb version of the big Busoni work [SB]
Ludford: Mass (Paraty)
A new perspective on the performance of the music of the English renaissance [JV]
Donizetti: La fille du régiment (Decca)
Sign me up for this regiment: this recording is as good as it gets [MP]
Messiaen: La Nativité du Seigneur (Aeolus)
A glowing and atmospheric account in spectacular SACD sound [SG]
Bach: Goldberg Variations (Alba)
A poetic, refined, beautifully played account from a remarkable young Finnish pianist [RMo]
Mahler: Symphony No 8 (BIS)
Vänskä’s performance of Symphony of a Thousand; a rave review [EJW]
Verdi: I Lombardi alla prima crociata (BR Klassik)
An exciting, red-blooded performance, captured live in the clearest sound of any available version [MP]
de Monte: Madrigali spirituali (Passacaille)
Superb performances – the best possible case for Philippus de Monte [JV]
Bach: Goldberg Variations (Deutsche Grammophon)
Freshness, new life, vitality and a wealth of new insights are bought to this oft-recorded work [SG]
Mozart: Piano concertos (Academy of Ancient Music)
A total delight [ST]
The Great Organ of Aarhus Cathedral (Danacord)
Superb performances, great sound quality, brilliant documentation and rewarding programming [JF]
Messiaen: Des Canyons aux Étoiles (Seattle Symphony Media)
This gorgeous recording now becomes my prime recommendation [DMD]
Prokofiev: Cinderella (Opus Arte)
A highly imaginative rendition of Prokofiev’s ballet in Ashton’s timeless choreography [RC]
Massenet: Thaïs (Chandos)
Massenet’s opera is superbly rejuvenated in a recording which sweeps the field of all other versions [MP]
Rakhi Singh (violin): Purnima (Cantaloupe)
Rakhi Singh’s exceptional playing and arranging skills in an exhilarating transatlantic contemporary violin recital [RHa]
Dvořák: The Complete Piano Trios (Supraphon)
If this doesn’t win every award going I will be astonished [DMD]
A Pianist Explores Her Jewish Heritage (Centaur)
Fabulous music, hugely enjoyable [SA]
Kuusisto: Symphony (BIS)
Two remarkably cogent pieces, each composed by more than one hand [RHa]
Hindemith: Ludus Tonalis (DUX)
An admirable new account of Hindemith’s piano masterpiece [SB]
Lutosławski: Orchestral works (Ondine)
Spectacular in every respect [SG]
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