Cabus: Piano music (Etcetera)
A most welcome survey of Peter Cabus’s piano music, finely performed and recorded [HC]
Schreker: Der Schatzgräber (Naxos)
A first video release of a rare Schreker opera deserves a heartfelt welcome [PCG]
Mompou: Piano music (Chandos)
Beautifully textured playing in these three atmospheric collections [RCh]
Hita: Obras vocal en Latin (Lauda)
Sacred music and performance of impressive quality [JV]
Schubert: Winterreise (Genuin)
Seasoned collectors will derive much pleasure from this unusual arrangement [GF]
Poulenc, Milhaud, Debussy: Music for two pianos (Orchid Classics)
Great music, wonderfully played, in perfect recording [GPJ]
Beethoven: Piano Sonatas (Warner Classics)
(Déjà Review) Kovacevich’s technique is never in question, but the performances are somewhat mannered and un-spontaneous [SF]
Britten: War Requiem (Decca)
A landmark recording revealed in the stunning realism of a new transfer on SACD [JQ]
Liszt: Orchestral Songs (Aparté)
The soloists are in fine form in this collection of Liszt’s orchestral songs in engaging period performances [MC]
Mendelssohn: Symphonies 3 & 5 (Linn)
Sui generis: a disc that will change the way you hear Mendelssohn [ST]
Penderecki: Orchestral Works (Naxos)
A beautiful, approachable vocal symphony coupled with two concertante works [WH]
Tailleferre: The Flower of France (Music & Arts)
The pianist misses no nuance of Tailleferre’s style [WK]
Folkjul – A Swedish Folk Christmas (BIS)
(Déjà Review) A refreshing Christmas disc, off the beaten track [GF]
Advent Carols from St. John’s (Nimbus)
(Déjà Review) Evocative and beautifully sung [CT]
Irrberge (Dux)
An interesting concept, though how much this really adds to the performances, I am not sure [MBu]
Advent Live Vol. 3 (Signum Classics)
Andrew Nethsingha’s farewell to St John’s – a beautiful disc and a culminating celebration [ST]
Déjà-rêvé – Dialogues across time (Audite)
Klavierduo Neeb debuts in attractive disc of two-piano works, with an assist from percussion friends [JH]
Our Indifferent Century (Delphian)
A fascinating programme, four works in search of a theme [WH]
Tchaikovsky: Symphony 4 (The Cleveland Orchestra Recordings)
A mismatch between conductor and composition however well it is played [DMD]
Beethoven: Piano Sonatas Vol. 8 (MSR Classics)
Nearing the end of his Beethoven piano sonata cycle, James Brawn continues to impress [RC]
Bach: Christmas Oratorio (Hyperion)
A stylish and committed performance that renews again one’s awe at the genius of Bach [JQ]
Philarmonica (Alpha Classics)
Le Consort deserves praise for bringing the music by the mysterious Mrs Philarmonica to our attention [JV]