Review
Rachmaninov and Stravinsky played on two pianos (SOMM)
(Déjà Review) The pianism is superb [BBr]
Schmitt: Piano Music (Naxos)
(Déjà Review) Persuasive interpretations of these challenging works [JZ]
Tchaikovsky: The Queen of Spades (Opus Arte)
(Déjà Review) Tells the story compellingly with excellent singing and playing from everyone [ST]
Corelli: Concerti Grossi (Pentatone)
An ideal mix of grace and energy, and a quite exceptional Fourth Concerto [DJB]
Kaya: Guitar Works (Naxos)
Refreshingly new guitar music, composed and played by a master musician [ZT]
Karol Szreter (piano): Parlophon and Odeon Recordings 1923-1931 (APR)
Valuable recordings of a pianist who died too young [RCh]
Sinding: Piano Trios (cpo)
Interesting, different, fun, rarely heard and very well played [JWe]
Kabalevsky: String Quartets 1 & 2 (Alto)
Fine performances by an unjustly neglected quartet [WK]
Sibelius: Symphony No 2 & 5 (Ondine)
(Déjà Review) Without orchestra, the Sibelius symphonies fail [BR]
Victoria: Requiem & Lobo: Versa est in luctum (Signum Classics)
(Déjà Review) Vivid, committed performances of some masterpieces of Iberian polyphony [JQ]
CPE Bach: Cello Concertos (Channel Classics)
Propulsive readings that could have been leavened with a little more emotion [DJB]
Bonis: Orchestral Works (cpo)
Pleasant and well-crafted music, well performed [JQ]
Sollima: Orchestral Works (Brilliant Classics)
Always melodic but never clichéd; Sollima’s orchestral writing should appeal to many fans of 20th century music [ACG]
Sibelius: Symphonies 2 & 5 (Ondine)
(Déjà Review) All in all, a magnificent success [DC]
Johann Strauss: Der Carneval in Rom (cpo)
(Déjà Review) Splendid – the story may be slender but the music is anything but [GF]
Downes: The Marshes of Glynn & Song of the Prairie (Prima Facie)
A highly recommended addition to the catalogue [PC]
Schubert: Winterreise (Le Palais des Dégustateurs)
Rouchon’s uningratiating vocals, lack of engagement with the psychology of the piece and poor word-pointing make this a real disappointment [SGa]
Muhly: No resting place (Linn)
A most rewarding disc [JQ]
Seaside (Another Timbre)
A welcome reissue of a contemporary classic [DHa]
Smetana & Sibelius: String Quartets (Hyperion)
(Déjà Review) A well-filled disc and the performances of these quartets are as good as any [LW]
Stephen Hough’s Piano Postcards (Hyperion)
Magical from start to finish [RCh]
Choral Contemplations (Convivium Records)
Well-crafted, sincere music in excellent performances [JQ]
Grieg: Lyric Pieces Vol. 2 (Chandos)
Despite a cautious approach in places, Donohoe shows how much this music means to him, and what careful delight he takes in playing it [SGa]
Leonard Bernstein Conducts Wagner (Gala)
Extended extracts from three Wagner operas showcasing Bernstein and a trio of great American Wagner singers in top form [RMo]
