Alphons Diepenbrock: The Life, Times and Music of a Dutch Romantic Composer (Toccata Press)

A rewarding read [SG]

Bruckner: Symphony No. 4 (Capriccio)

Poschner’s well-directed Complete Versions series continues [RMo]

Bruch + Tveitt (Berlin Classics)

A well-played but unbalanced programme [NB]

Boughton: Of Delights and Passions (EM Records)

Expressive directness and frolicsome invention in a series of Boughton disc premieres [JW]

Peacock Pie (Hyperion)

(Déjà Review) A delightful release which is a joy from first to last [HC]

Reverie polish Dux1765

Rêverie – Polish Cello Miniatures (Dux)

First recordings of works that deserved to stay buried [DJB]

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Bruckner: Symphony 6 (LSO Live)

Controversial and underwhelming Bruckner from Rattle [LD]

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A Beethoven Odyssey Vol. 7 (MSR Classics)

Brawn turns out thoroughly impressive accounts of these last three very challenging sonatas [RC]

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Voyages (Signum Classics)

A fascinating journey through Baudelaire’s and Goethe’s poetic landscapes [GF]

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Haydn: String Quartets (Hyperion)

Versions for hard-core period instrument enthusiasts [RMo]

Presti Vol2 DHR8140

Ida Presti & Alexandre Lagoya (guitars) Vol. 2 (Doremi)

A second souvenir of the art of this guitar duo, with special emphasis on the youthful brilliance of Ida Presti [JW]

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Atlantic Crossings (Gramola)

An offbeat concept produces a very rewarding album [MP]

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Ataúlfo Argenta (conductor) (EMI Classics)

(Déjà Review) Lisztians need to hear Argenta’s Faust; his El Amor Brujo is perhaps the best ever [RB]

Biber Sonatas Accent ACC24386

Biber: Sonatas (Accent)

The sonatas are fabulous, but the trumpet duos do rather drag on [DJB]

Mozart Symph 39 40 41 Blomstedt BR Klassik 900196

Mozart: Symphonies 39-41 (BR Klassik)

Masterful, ideally executed and engineered recordings of Mozart’s three greatest symphonies [RMo]

Stamitz Violin Concertos CPO 5554792

Stamitz: Violin Concertos (cpo)

Lively performances of little-known compositions from the end of the Baroque period [CRo]

Cage Choral Works Ondine ODE1402-2

Cage: Choral Works (Ondine)

An interesting corner of John Cage’s output expertly performed by a choir and conductor who really understand and enjoy working in the idiom [MS]

R Strauss Philharmonia Santu SIGCD720

R Strauss: Tone Poems (Signum Classics)

Some marvellous Strauss tone poems that mark the beginning of Rouvali’s stewardship of the Philharmonia [ST]

Schubert Eine Winterreise Naxos NBD0165V Blu-ray

Schubert: Eine Winterreise (Naxos)

Musically excellent and dramatically intriguing re-imagining of Schubert’s story [RWe]

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Mahler: Symphony 5 (Colorado Mahlerfest)

Excellent Mahler, with a unique coupling [LD]

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Schoenberg: Gurrelieder (Warner Classics)

(Déjà Review) Recorded just a week after 9/11, this stunning performance heralds a new era for Rattle in Berlin [CT]

puts city naxos

Puts: The City (Naxos)

Three substantial and very fine orchestral works; the Marimba Concerto is a joy [DJB]

beethoven trios casals sony

Beethoven: Piano Trios (Sony Classical)

A terrific Ghost Trio, less impressive E flat major Trio [PBW]

lalo casals cello sony

Lalo & Casals: Cello Concertos (Sony Classical)

My high expectations were exceeded by Jan Vogler’s compelling performances [MC]