Schuman: Symphonies 4 & 9 (Naxos)
Fine music by a composer who really had something to say [JQ]
All in Twilight (Daphne)
Borderless explorations of new or unknown repertoire, new ways of expression, illuminating eye-openers [GF]
Bartók: Concerto for Orchestra (Pentatone)
An outstanding version of the rare Four Orchestral Pieces and a very good one of the Concerto for Orchestra [SB]
Bruckner: Symphony 4 (Myrios Classics)
Roth makes a fine case for the original version of Bruckner’s Fourth [JQ]
Byrd: Pavans & Galliards, Variations & Grounds (Avie)
A masterclass of historically informed performance on the piano with zip, colour and eloquence [MG]
Ingegneri: Sacred Music, Vol 3 (Toccata Classics)
Another chance to discover fine sacred works by an underappreciated composer [GH]
Gesualdo: Madrigals (PHI)
Expressive interpretations, but the ensemble is not entirely satisfying [JV]
Rossini: Overtures (RCA)
(Déjà Review) Effervescent music and the unmatched panache of Reiner’s conducting are a winning formula! [PJL]
Saint-Saëns: Chamber Music (Hyperion)
(Déjà Review) A wonderfully presented release that is clearly one of my records of the year [MC]
Romantic Clarinet Quintets (Musical Concepts)
A warmly textured and rubato-conscious performance from an experienced clarinettist and chamber colleagues [JW]
Messiaen: Des canyons aux étoiles (Hyperion)
A fine new recording of Messiaen’s celebration of the natural world [SB]
Smith Brindle: Works for Solo Guitar Vol. 1 (Naxos)
Offers more than a servant’s entrance to this disregarded composer’s heritage [RB]
Mandolin works from the Gimo Collection (Tactus)
I have thoroughly enjoyed this recording, especially the sonatas by Gervasio [JV]
Ravel: L’heure espagnole (Harmonia Mundi)
No one interested in these two works will feel short-changed by its acquisition [GF]
Nielsen: Violin Concerto & Symphony 4 (Chandos)
Invigorating accounts [LW]
Anthems for the 21st Century (Signum Classics)
(Déjà Review) A most stimulating collection and it is hard to imagine that it could be performed better [JQ]
Leighton: Complete Solo Piano Works (Delphian)
(Déjà Review) Anyone interested in the composer will need to have this set [PCW]
Jacquet de La Guerre: Violin sonatas (Centaur)
Good performances but not top of the bill [JV]
Strauss: Four Last Songs (Sony Classical)
Not an account of the Four Last Songs that makes it into the pantheon [JQ]
Elfman & Hailstork: Concertos (Naxos)
Two attractive recent American concertos in excellent performances [RB]
Lhoyer: Guitar duos (Brilliant Classics)
Attractive rather than profound, primarily of interest to lovers of the classical guitar [GPu]
Sibelius: Symphonies (Musical Concepts)
An attractive bargain set; crisp playing and intelligent conducting embrace the whole gamut of moods in these wonderful symphonies [RMo]
Mills B: Portraits (Claudio)
Water-coloured emotions; attractively gentle, outwardly modest music [RB]
Poulenc: Piano music (SOMM)
(Déjà Review) An album to cherish that will undoubtedly figure highly in my recital discs of the year [IL]
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