Impressions of Iberia (Da Vinci Classics)
An impressive debut recording from the Cygnus Trio [DJB]
Wien bleibt Wien: Waltzes & Polkas (MDG)
An utterly delightful programme, played with charm and elegance [GF]
Donizetti: Pia de’ Tolomei (Dynamic)
The whole production is effective both visually and dramatically [RJF]
Bardanashvili: Complete Piano Music (TYXart)
A perfect introduction to the music of this fascinating composer [SA]
Erik Möllerström (guitar) Guitar (Sterling)
A survey of recordings by Erik Möllerström, which is mainly of historical interest [ZT]
Stamp: Music for Brass Band (Toccata Classics)
Enjoyable and well-crafted works for brass band [PRJ]
Respighi: Roman Trilogy (Pristine Audio)
A classic historical recording is given a new lease of life in Ambient Stereo [RMo]
Wagner: Tannhäuser (Warner Classics)
After 64 years this recording remains a major contender despite a couple of flaws in the casting [MP]
Hely-Hutchinson: A Carol Symphony (Naxos)
(Déjà Review) Happy Christmas from Naxos, a real stocking filler! [NHo]
Shostakovich: Violin Concertos Nos 1 & 2 (Elatus)
(Déjà Review) The playing and interpretations of Maxim Vengerov steal the show [TB]
Bruckner: Symphony No 6 (NCPA Classics)
A magnificently grim, steady account, bringing out all the might and menace of this most ambivalent of Bruckner’s symphonies [RMo]
Ponchielli: La Gioconda (Pristine Audio)
Pristine’s fine new transfer gives a boost to Maria Callas’ first recording of La Gioconda with impressive results [MP]
Dett: Piano Works
Well prepared and affectionate, rhythmically sprung performances of Dett’s piano music [JW]
Debussy & Chaminade: Piano Works (Indésens)
Two composers, masters of their very different idioms, brought together by this talented young pianist [RCh]
Contemporary Landscapes (Beau Fleuve)
Four engaging narrative works from contemporary American composers [KT]
Barkauskas: Jeux (Avie)
(Déjà Review) Another Avie triumph [RB]
Gabriel’s Greeting (Hyperion)
(Déjà Review) A Christmas recording with a difference [BW]
Verdi: Il trovatore (Pristine Audio)
An obligatory buy for lovers of Il trovatore, never mind how many modern recordings you have [GF]
Rameau: Les Boréades (Erato)
This splendid production might convert newcomers to the delights of French baroque [SB]
Rózsa, Bartók: Violin Concerti (LSO Live)
A truly outstanding recording in every respect [PRJ]
Xaver Scharwenka: Piano Concerto No 1, Symphony (cpo)
Fine accounts of major pieces by an often-overlooked composer [RMay]
Gruodis: Piano music (Toccata)
There is much to discover from the ‘Father of Lithuanian Music’ [SA]
Weihnacht in Österreich (Gramola)
(Déjà Review) A model of creative programming and stylish performance [JV]
Shostakovich, Prokofiev, Scriabin: Piano Sonatas; Stravinsky: Serenade (ECM)
(Déjà Review) An absolutely tremendous disc, from all angles [CC]
