British Choral Anthems (Naxos)

This recording of the Five Mystical Songs is touched by greatness [JQ]

de Lalande: Les soupers du roi (Château de Versailles)

Lively and colourful performances of Louis XIV’s favourite music [JV]

Nelson Freire (piano): The Unreleased Recordings (Decca)

Previously unreleased Nelson Freire recordings enrich the catalogue [JW]

Rachmaninov: Orchestral Works (RCA)

Responds to every seething texture, supple moment and elemental fury [RB]

R Strauss: Orchestral Works (RCA)

A welcome re-issue of three justly famous Strauss recordings in superb sound [RMo]

Eugene Ormandy (conductor) (Testament)

An interesting document, but only the Emperor adds significantly to the discography [SV]

matiegka guitar 9567

Matiegka: Sonatas for Guitar (Bridge)

An outstanding, indeed revelatory recording which makes an irresistible case for Matiegka’s sonatas [GPu]

Martinů: Larmes de couteau (Capriccio)

Martinů’s one-act operas heard in persuasive, lively performances [JW]

Howells: Piano Music Vol. 2 (Naxos)

An important survey played with skill, insight and care [NB]

Farrenc: Piano Works Vol. 1 (Grand Piano)

Marvellous playing here highlighting the splendid writing of this neglected composer [RCh]

Cooke: Organ Music (Toccata)

An absorbing exploration of most of Arnold Cooke’s organ music [JF]

Boult (conductor) Decca Legacy Vol. 3 (Eloquence)

Boult the accompanist and symphonic conductor straddling the mono/stereo divide [JW]

Hedges kingston 8574324

Hedges: Kingston Sketches (Naxos)

Another enjoyable reissue in the Naxos series of British light music [PCG]

Smyth cello SRCD412

20th C British Cello Sonatas (Lyrita)

Handy and Hughes stride forth in their latest volume of British cello sonatas
[JW]

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Fritz Kreisler: Bell Telephone Vol. 3 (Biddulph)

Kreisler’s 1945-50 radio broadcasts continue with a consistently good selection [JW]

Bezaly synergy BIS2339

Sharon Bezaly (flute) Synergy (BIS)

Creative programming; superior renditions [ZT]

VW extravaganza PASC672

Vaughan Williams: Extravaganza (Pristine)

Enlightening recordings by Boult of Vaughan Williams’ folk song suites and dance music [GT]

brahms connection qtz2151

The Brahms Connection (Quartz)

Stunning recorded sound, superlative performances of rare repertoire- an absolute winner! [DMD]

Dreyer sacred 96405

Dreyer: Sacred Music (Brilliant)

Dreyer’s works are well worth the efforts to save them from the effects of a flood [JV]

Hand PFCD192

Hand: Collection (Prima Facie)

A great introduction to the composer’s oeuvre [JF]

Brahms and Berg: Violin Concertos (Ondine)

Masterly performances of two major concertos by a violinist at the height of his powers with superb and sympathetic orchestral playing in support [SB]

Enescu Unknown Vol-2 Toccata TOCC0647

Enescu: The Unknown Enescu Vol. 2 (Toccata)

Restored Enescu reveals his versatility and variety in fine performances [JW]

Corelli Concerti Grossi-Murphy Alto ALC1473

Corelli: Concerti Grossi (Alto)

Vital, elegant, discreetly period accounts of some delightful music but also some short on originality or inspiration [RMo]

mattheson boris goudenow CPO 555502-2

Mattheson: Boris Goudenow (CPO)

A long hidden operatic version of Boris Godunov gets its first recording with a respectable cast of young performers [MP]