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]
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]
Mendelssohn: String Quartets (Cedille)
(Déjà Review) A suitably warm and wonderfully detailed recording matches insight, imagination and colouristic sensibility [JW]
Ravel: In Search of Lost Dance (CAvi-Music)
Exceptional Ravel from this brilliant multi-national trio [GPJ]
Mozart: Symphonies 39-41 (BR Klassik)
Wise, seasoned Mozart that gets just about everything right [DMD]
Le parfaict danser – Dance Music, 1300-1500 (Ricercar)
A splendid and highly entertaining disc [JV]
Copland: Orchestral Works (Sony Classical)
An all-sorts mixture including some very moving recordings from six decades ago [RB]