Recordings of the Month

If this doesn’t win every award going I will be astonished [DMD]

Fabulous music, hugely enjoyable [SA]

A stunner of a Mahler Eighth, one of the best since Solti’s classic account [RMo]

Blazingly impressive performances given with intense virtuosity and musical insight [NB]

This performance has completely revised my view of the Viola Concerto [DMD]

Magnetically communicative music given electric performances [DMD]

Great music, wonderfully played, in perfect recording [GPJ]

Sui generis: a disc that will change the way you hear Mendelssohn [ST]

A landmark recording revealed in the stunning realism of a new transfer on SACD [JQ]

A spellbinding confrontation of liturgical music from two traditions – a perfect ‘alternative’ for Christmastide [JV]

A disc to treasure, with probably the best ever performance of Bach’s famous Cantata BWV51 [JV]

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]

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

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

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

A delightful collection [SB]