Recordings of the Month

The first recording of all Songs of sundrie natures in exemplary performances show Byrd’s charm, humour and unwavering focus on the key messages [MG]

The key release of Rachmaninov’s 150th anniversary year – a revelation [RWe]

A highly attractive pairing of two of the greatest string quartets, interpreted and played to perfection [RMo]

A fascinating programme, with top class performances in excellent sound [GPu]

A ground-breaking recording of a ground-breaking American musical [PCG]

A beautiful tone and natural, unmannered playing and flexibility of phrasing [RCh]

Deeply committed performances, informed by consummate musicianship [SG]

A recording for the ages, revealed in full splendour in a new re-mastering [JQ]

The Orsini Ensemble rises superbly to all the challenges of this colourful and attractive music [GPJ]

Magical performances, illuminated and musically informed, recorded in superior sound [SG]

An enterprising pairing of two works given thrilling, gripping performances and sound [RMo]

Another recording of great importance and of great beauty from these performers [JV]

A delightful collection [SB]

A superb album [JQ]

A rewarding release, thought-provoking and inspiring [SG]

A legendary performance unfolds before you [NB]

These thrilling performances are fit to rank with the best in the Rachmaninoff discography [JQ]

This splendid recording reveals Franck’s opera to be a work of power and beauty [SB]

An unusual coupling of concertos in outstanding performances and sound [LW]

A hugely successful outing recorded in a very resonant acoustic [DMD]

Youthful but remarkably distinguished Mozart concerto performances [NH]

Probably the best recording of the Art of Fugue I know [DMD]

An indispensable memorial to Kaija Saariaho [GF]

A beautifully played selection of pieces from Ferrabosco’s Lessons of 1609 which should be on the shelves of all who love the viol [GPu]