Mustonen: Symphonies Nos 2 & 3 (Ondine)
Two attractive works by this gifted Finnish composer [SB]
Wranitzky: String Quartets (cpo)
A good introduction to the chamber music of a marginalised composer [SA]
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]
Mozart: Sonatas for Piano & Violin (Deutsche Grammophon)
A magical new recording of the Mozart sonatas for piano and violin [RMa]
Hughes: Oratorio – Dewi Sant (Rubicon)
A fine new recording of a Welsh oratorio [JQ]
Maderna: Serenata per un satellite & other works (Dynamic)
An important Maderna monograph seems to fill some gaps in the catalogue. One for the specialist, however, rather than the general listener [RHa]
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]
Sciarrino: Paesaggi con macerie (Kairos)
A remarkably original voice in contemporary Italian music [GH]
Cilea: Adriana Lecouvreur (Sony Classical)
A near total success that still wins the day among available recordings [MP]
Messiaen: Des Canyons aux Étoiles (Seattle Symphony Media)
This gorgeous recording now becomes my prime recommendation [DMD]
Striggio: Mass in 40 Parts (Coro)
A fascinating portrait of Striggio, but the performances are rather disappointing [JV]
Bruckner: Symphony 8 (Fontec)
Another decent performance blighted by the conductor’s very audible vocal intrusions [RMo]
Don’t Forget About Me (Toccata Press)
A powerful and moving study of a potential great of Czech 20th Century music [NB]
The Great Organ of Aarhus Cathedral (Danacord)
Superb performances, great sound quality, brilliant documentation and rewarding programming [JF]
Wagner: Lohengrin (Decca)
(Déjà Review) This set wins hands down [JP]
Bruckner: Symphony No. 2 (Profil)
A thoroughly commendable and consistent account of the most popular version of Bruckner’s Second Symphony [RMo]
Massenet: Thaïs (Chandos)
Massenet’s opera is superbly rejuvenated in a recording which sweeps the field of all other versions [MP]
Prokofiev: Cinderella (Opus Arte)
A highly imaginative rendition of Prokofiev’s ballet in Ashton’s timeless choreography [RC]
Turnage: Shroud, Winter’s Edge (Delphian)
Turnage takes his place in the English pastoral tradition [DMD]
Verdi: Ernani (Naxos)
There are better choices on CD and on video [GF]
Brahms: Piano Concerti (Linn)
A treat: the Brahms piano concertos given lavish and loving musical treatment [ST]
Noè Rodrigo Gisbert (percussion) Paraules (IBS Classical)
This recital of solo percussion works will appeal to the adventurous [SB]
Mahler: Symphony No. 9 (Deutsche Grammophon)
(Déjà Review) In playing and interpretation it takes its place among the finest [TD]
Noel Coward and Friends: A Most Marvellous Party (Signum Classics)
What an absolutely splendid party! Darling, I couldn’t have liked it more [PT]
 |
 |
 |
Featured Naxos review |
Featured Naxos review |
Featured Naxos review |
 |
 |
 |
 |
