Mascagni: Cavalleria Rusticana (Prospero)
The original version of Mascagni’s masterpiece unfortunately let down by singing that cannot do justice to the music or drama [MBu]
Wranitzky: String Quartets (cpo)
A good introduction to the chamber music of a marginalised composer [SA]
Mustonen: Symphonies Nos 2 & 3 (Ondine)
Two attractive works by this gifted Finnish composer [SB]
Dreams Desires Desolation – English Song (Divine Art)
An interesting disc of English Parlour Songs suffers from a lack of personality and variety [PT]
Holmboe: Preludes for Sinfonietta Vol 2 (Dacapo)
(Déjà Review) Anyone who loves the symphonies will find these works as satisfying as the larger pieces. They are easy to listen to, once the Holmboe idiom has been assimilated, and will repay the listener ten times over [JP]
The Great Organ of Aarhus Cathedral (Danacord)
Superb performances, great sound quality, brilliant documentation and rewarding programming [JF]
Don’t Forget About Me (Toccata Press)
A powerful and moving study of a potential great of Czech 20th Century music [NB]
Bruckner: Symphony 8 (Fontec)
Another decent performance blighted by the conductor’s very audible vocal intrusions [RMo]
Striggio: Mass in 40 Parts (Coro)
A fascinating portrait of Striggio, but the performances are rather disappointing [JV]
Messiaen: Des Canyons aux Étoiles (Seattle Symphony Media)
This gorgeous recording now becomes my prime recommendation [DMD]
Cilea: Adriana Lecouvreur (Sony Classical)
A near total success that still wins the day among available recordings [MP]
Sciarrino: Paesaggi con macerie (Kairos)
A remarkably original voice in contemporary Italian music [GH]
Wagner: Lohengrin (Decca)
(Déjà Review) This set wins hands down [JP]
Noè Rodrigo Gisbert (percussion) Paraules (IBS Classical)
This recital of solo percussion works will appeal to the adventurous [SB]
Brahms: Piano Concerti (Linn)
A treat: the Brahms piano concertos given lavish and loving musical treatment [ST]
Verdi: Ernani (Naxos)
There are better choices on CD and on video [GF]
Turnage: Shroud, Winter’s Edge (Delphian)
Turnage takes his place in the English pastoral tradition [DMD]
Prokofiev: Cinderella (Opus Arte)
A highly imaginative rendition of Prokofiev’s ballet in Ashton’s timeless choreography [RC]
Massenet: Thaïs (Chandos)
Massenet’s opera is superbly rejuvenated in a recording which sweeps the field of all other versions [MP]
Bruckner: Symphony No. 2 (Profil)
A thoroughly commendable and consistent account of the most popular version of Bruckner’s Second Symphony [RMo]
Mahler: Symphony No. 9 (Deutsche Grammophon)
(Déjà Review) In playing and interpretation it takes its place among the finest [TD]
Rakhi Singh (violin): Purnima (Cantaloupe)
Rakhi Singh’s exceptional playing and arranging skills in an exhilarating transatlantic contemporary violin recital [RHa]
Hough: Mirabilis (Orchid Classics)
Very rewarding choral music by Stephen Hough in terrific performances [JQ]
Flotow: Piano Concertos No. 1 & 2, Overtures (cpo)
Melodious, undemanding but always skilful and enjoyable light music [RMo]
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Featured Naxos review |
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