Weill: Die sieben Todsünden (First Hand Records)
Two rarities; the performance of the main work is quite disappointing [SB]
Shostakovich: Symphony No. 14 (BIS)
(Déjà Review) A superb performance by all concerned; a worthy addition to the catalogue [JP]
Beethoven: Late String Quartets (Nimbus Alliance)
(Déjà Review) Technically highly assured performances which communicate Beethoven’s vision well [PCW]
Vaughan Williams: Live Vol. 4 (SOMM)
Fascinating Vaughan Williams performances from both sides of the Atlantic in excellent transfers [JQ]
Broken Branches (Pentatone)
A superlative Songs from Chinese can’t quite redeem indifferent singing elsewhere [DM]
Stravinsky: Rite of Spring (Decca)
A disappointingly bland and flaccid Rite of Spring balanced by a far more compelling Firebird [RMo]
El cielo y sus estrellas (Orchid Classics)
An interesting disc with little-known repertoire from the New World [JV]
Chopin: Piano Sonatas (Deutsche Grammophon)
Performances of authority and distinction [SG]
Bruckner: Symphonies 3 & 6 (Unitel Editions)
Today’s pre-eminent Bruckner conductor conducts the essential Bruckner orchestra in superb live accounts of two of the more elusive symphonies [RWe]
Arthur Grumiaux (violin) The Boston Recordings (Parnassus)
(Déjà Review) Some of the most lofty and beautiful playing; I shall return to this disc with equal excitement and pleasure [JW]
Bach: Brandenburg Concertos (Archiv Produktion)
(Déjà Review) An excellent recording of the first three Brandenburg concerti [KM]
Scriabin: Symphony 2 (Naxos)
Falletta and the Buffalo Philharmonic have the measure of Scriabin [LW]
Dvořák: Slavonic Dances (Sony Classical)
A reissue of an imperishable “classic of the gramophone” – the greatest music of its genre in the best of 60s stereo sound [RMo]
Patiño: Música sacra para la Corte (Lauda)
An interesting survey of the impressive qualities of Patiño as a composer of sacred music for the liturgy [JV]
Blow/Purcell: Operas (Opus Arte)
A delightful baroque double bill in an enjoyable period production and setting [PCG]
Legacy (Naïve)
An imaginative programme, given fine performances [DJB]
Piccinni: Didon (Bongiovanni)
The level of the singing is such that I cannot, with the best will in the world, recommend this issue [GF]
Alla Turca (Atma Classique)
Invigorating yet subtly beautiful vocal and instrumental pieces expertly and sensitively played [MS]
Cesare Siepi (bass) (Nimbus Prima Voce)
Hearing Cesare Siepi in his mature youth is a treat indeed [GF]
Handel: Semele (Opus Arte)
A modern take on a Handelian opera which for once makes dramatic sense, and is good fun as well [PCG]
Reinecke: Works for 2 Pianos (CPO)
Joyous music making unveiling a rich seam of undiscovered two-piano repertoire [RCh]
Christian Ferras (violin) Edition (Eloquence)
A handsomely produced salute to the tragically short-lived Christian Ferras [JW]
Wellesz: Chamber Music (Toccata Classics)
Does this dark but gripping music proud [DMD]
Kleinknecht: Trio Sonatas for 2 Flutes (TYXart)
The Ensemble La Cantonnade is the ideal advocate of Kleinknecht’s music [JV]
 |
 |
 |
Featured Naxos review |
 |
 |
 |
 |
