Takemitsu: Spectral Canticle (BIS)
Sumptuous playing and sound entice us into Takemitsu’s magical kingdom [DM]
Eudice Shapiro (violin) (Biddulph)
A lovingly restored aural document of an exceptional violinist and remarkable musician [SG]
Bloch: Orchestral Works (Alto)
Often eloquently introspective but rising to anger and vigour [RB]
Bach Family: Motets (Christophorus)
Unusual performances due to relatively slow tempi, but full of expression [JV]
Atmospheriques Vol. 1 (Sono Luminus)
Dark Nordic masterpieces from this fine Icelandic orchestra [GPJ]
Clara Rockmore’s Lost Theremin Album (Bridge)
An affectionate tribute and mostly a pleasure that these recordings been set free [RB]
Debussy: Orchestral Works (Eloquence)
(Déjà Review) A delightful Debussy collection, excellently performed [MC]
Butterworth: Chamber Music (Dutton)
(Déjà Review) Tuneful and tonal works from a contemporary composer, in accomplished and suave performances [EML]
Farrenc: Symphonies (Erato)
Another important step in establishing the reputation of this gifted composer [GPJ]
Haydn: String Quartets Op 76 (NoMadMusic)
Fresh, mischievous Haydn from a brilliant young quartet [DMD]
Castrapolis: Neapolitan Cantatas & Arias (BIS)
An attractive programme of largely unfamiliar music from ‘Baroque’ Naples [GPu]
Harrison: Chamber Works (Resonus)
Chamber music pastures tilled by a little-known British melodist [RB]
Corfield Godfrey: The Nightingale and the Rose (Prima Facie)
Admiringly appraised … a contemporary ‘take’ on romantic and lush impressionism [RB]
Gade: Piano Works (Da Vinci Classics)
Attractive music but underwhelming performances [RCh]
Salonen: Wing On Wing (Deutsche Grammophon)
Three impressive major works in magnificent performances [CT]
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]