Recordings of the Month
Bruckner: Symphony No 4 (Profil)
A magnificent account of the last version of Bruckner’s most approachable symphony, beautifully played in ideal recorded sound [RMo]
Chopin: Études (Decca)
These Études aspire to a narrative unlike any other recording ever made – and is often remarkable in doing that [MB]
Elgar: Symphonies Nos 1 & 2 (Hallé)
Distinguished recordings which surpass the earlier recordings by these performers [JQ]
Wagner: Das Rheingold (Pristine Audio)
A great performance revitalised in extraordinarily vivid sound – another Pristine remastering triumph [RMo]
Michael Spyres (tenor) In The Shadows (Erato)
I enjoyed some unhackneyed repertoire and the marvellous singing [GF]
Smith: Dark Flower (Redshift)
The magnificent quintet which gives this exceptional release its title is a must; the couplings are hardly less compelling [RHa]
Rachmaninoff: All-night Vigil (Chandos)
Musically and sonically outstanding [JQ]
Nielsen: Symphony No. 3 & Flute Concerto (Chandos)
An essential Nielsen recording that crackles with the chaotic energy of the life-force [NC]
Ruby Hughes (soprano): End of My Days (BIS)
An outstanding recital; elegantly conceived, ideally recorded and beautifully performed [RHa]
Messiaen: Turangalîla-Symphonie (Harmonia Mundi)
A top-notch Turangalîla from Toronto; stellar sonics, too [DM]
Mahler: Symphony 3 (High Definition Tape Transfers)
A classic performance in a never-before-heard revelatory recording [NB]
Zayt Gezunterheyt – The Folk Soul of the Eastern Clarinet (Antarctica Records)
A simply outstanding meeting of stunning musicians and glorious music [PJ]
The Great Organ of Aarhus Cathedral (Danacord)
Superb performances, great sound quality, brilliant documentation and rewarding programming [JF]
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]
Mahler: Symphony No 8 (BIS)
A stunner of a Mahler Eighth, one of the best since Solti’s classic account [RMo]
Shostakovich: String Quartets 7-13 (Genuin)
Blazingly impressive performances given with intense virtuosity and musical insight [NB]
Bartók: Concertos (Alpha Classics)
This performance has completely revised my view of the Viola Concerto [DMD]
Dependent Rising (Cedille)
Magnetically communicative music given electric performances [DMD]
Poulenc, Milhaud, Debussy: Music for two pianos (Orchid Classics)
Great music, wonderfully played, in perfect recording [GPJ]
Mendelssohn: Symphonies 3 & 5 (Linn)
Sui generis: a disc that will change the way you hear Mendelssohn [ST]
Britten: War Requiem (Decca)
A landmark recording revealed in the stunning realism of a new transfer on SACD [JQ]
A Byzantine Emperor at King Henry’s Court (Cappella Records)
A spellbinding confrontation of liturgical music from two traditions – a perfect ‘alternative’ for Christmastide [JV]
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Featured Naxos review |
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