Stanley: Complete Flute Sonatas (Brilliant Classics)
Lively and sympathetic playing of Stanley’s flute sonatas [JW]
Giordano: Andrea Chénier (Bayerische Staatsoper Recordings)
This superb version shows the work to be better than its reputation [RWe]
Berio: Complete Piano Music (Grand Piano)
The complete recording of Berio’s little-known piano works [GH]
Beyond Twilight – Music for cello and piano by female composers (Delphian)
Vignettes, salon charmers and genre pieces from women composers [JW]
Monteverdi: Stage Works (Apex)
(Déjà Review) Essential listening for all Monteverdi enthusiasts [JF]
Griffes: Orchestral Works (Naxos)
(Déjà Review) A nice addition to the impressionist repertoire, and a great diversion from Afternoon of a Faun [KS]
Aux étoiles – French Symphonic Poems (Bru Zane)
A compact survey of favourites and unknowns beautifully presented and adroitly performed [JW]
Wilhelm Backhaus (piano) Complete Acoustic & Selected Electric Recordings (APR)
A wonderful completion of APR’s series exploring Backhaus’ exciting early recording career [RCh]
Chilcott: Christmas Oratorio (Delphian)
A highly attractive disc on which very appealing music is performed to the highest of standards [JQ]
Verismo – Preludi e Intermezzi (Onyx)
A disk for all lovers of melodious music with substance; a happy mix, superbly played [GF]
Salve Susato: 16th Century vocal works (Ramée)
Music which the great Susato printed, drawn together for a view of his incredible publishing achievement [GH]
Dukas: Complete Works for Piano Solo (Simax Classics)
(Déjà Review) Buy this disc – you will thank me, I promise [KS]
Prokofiev: Eugene Onegin – Incidental music (Capriccio)
(Déjà Review) A superbly executed realisation of Prokofiev’s Onegin incidental music [JL]
Byrd: Songs of sundrie natures (Inventa)
The first recording of all Songs of sundrie natures in exemplary performances show Byrd’s charm, humour and unwavering focus on the key messages [MG]
Ponchielli: Piano Music (Brilliant Classics)
Unknown but attractive salon piano from a composer known for opera [RCh]
Dello Joio J: Piano Concerto (Bridge Records)
Impressive performances of three diverse and serious works [NB]
Cherubini: Medea (Pristine Audio)
This recording is an established classic, and should be in every decent opera collection, especially in this newest incarnation [GF]
Charpentier: Messe de minuit (Harmonia Mundi)
The perfect disc to musically celebrate Christmas [JV]
Alkan: Organ Works Vol. 1 (Toccata Classics)
(Déjà Review) Works of stature and originality … a strong recommendation [PCW]
Beethoven: String Quartets, Opp 127 & 132 (Deutsche Grammophon)
(Déjà Review) Beautifully paced, flawlessly executed [KS]
Prokofiev: Alexander Nevsky (High Definition Tape Transfer)
Kudos to these Texan forces for a first-class Alexander Nevsky reproduced in superb surround-sound [RMo]
Puccini: Manon Lescaut (Pristine Audio)
A jewel of a recording, splendidly remastered by Pristine [MP]
The Harpsichord of Louis XV (Château de Versailles)
Tradition and innovation in a compelling recital of French harpsichord music [JV]
Rachmaninov: Piano Sonata No 1 & Preludes (Alpha Classics)
The key release of Rachmaninov’s 150th anniversary year – a revelation [RWe]