Recordings of the Month

An outstanding release of a major oratorio of late German Romanticism ripe for rediscovery [PH]

A very fine, deeply satisfying account of Brahms’ great masterpiece [JQ]

A thought-provoking recording of Schumann and Liszt on an 1856 Erard [RMas]

As satisfying an account of the youthful Puccini’s first success as one could wish to encounter [RMo]

Enduringly powerful music receiving performances of remarkable skill and insight [NB]

A brilliant, revelatory release which enhances our understanding of Messiaen [DHa]

This wonderful disc of Lieder for soprano and different forces held me spellbound [PT]

A joyful recital of great music stunningly played and recorded [NB]

Inspirationally conducted, fantastically played and stunningly recorded, this demands the attention of all Mahler devotees [JQ]

The best Tosca released in the past half-century [GF]

A welcome return to the music of Shostakovich by the Jerusalem Quartet [DHa]

Virtuosic performances of Haydn full of wit, zest and the exuberance of life [PH]

These two works are ideal companions and Hirose is fervent in her brilliant playing of them [RCh]

Gloriously rich two piano works from an undeservedly forgotten Italian [RCh]

Rana again shows her affinity for Bach in these most wonderfully joyous performances [DJB]

A wonderful performance of Ravel’s masterpiece [JQ]

Tsybuleva scores very highly in this impressive set [RCh]

Superb accounts of Sibelius’ last two symphonies put the seal on a triumphantly successful series [RMo]

A compelling and profound work in a very fine premiere recording [JQ]

Another utterly satisfying and convincing traversal of Schumann’s enigmatic late sonatas [RHa]

Excellent recordings of three highly imaginative scores [JQ]

Authoritative and heartfelt performances, warmly recommended [SG]

An extravagant, gothic horror funfest from beginning to end [MP]

Another testimony to Zelenka’s brilliance [JV]