Massenet: Le mage (Bru Zane)
This revival of a rare Massenet opera is compromised by a lack of melodic memorability and some less than ingratiating singing [rmo]
Takemitsu and Messiaen: Piano works (Stradivarius)
Beautiful music, well-played but presented in a slightly odd order [MBu]
Boito: Nerone (Dynamic)
A fine presentation of Boito’s unjustly neglected opera [WK]
Mozart: Orchestral Works (Gramola)
Turkovic’s performances compare favourably, and the mix of genres clarifies the distinctiveness of the symphony [MG]
Jackson: The Christmas Story (Delphian)
A compelling and innovative musical treatment of a well-loved story [WH]
Foulds: A World Requiem (Chandos)
Déjà Review) Ventures like this give one hope for the future of recorded music [PCW]
Purcell: Songs (Hyperion Helios)
(Déjà Review) Hard to imagine this music better interpreted [bw]
Wilfred Heaton: The Heaton Legacy (World of Brass)
A great exploration of the works of a little-known composer [KT]
Elgar: Violin Concerto (Channel Classics)
Elgarian musing taken to interminable lengths, and unnecessary Delian reclothing [JW]
Schumann: Carnaval; Liszt: Piano Sonata (Danacord)
Fascinating Schumann and Liszt on a contemporary piano [JF]
Mozart: Mitridate, Re di Ponto (C Major)
Very high musical standards are let down by a disappointing production [MP]
Folksongs • Tour du Monde (Anima Nostra)
A unique musical romp around the world [GH]
Colonna: Caro ardore, sacro amore (Dynamic)
Despite some issues, this disc may help restore Colonna to his rightful place in music history [JV]
Anna Netrebko (soprano): Souvenirs (Deutsche Grammophon)
(Déjà Review) Unexpected delights, light but enjoyable and feel-good [MMB]
Charles Munch (conductor): Munch conducts Romantic Favorites (West Hill Radio Archives)
(Déjà Review) A splendid set [JQ]
Wisdom & Strength: Sacred Choral Music (Delphian)
Highly accomplished performances of stimulating and inventive contemporary sacred music [JQ]
Gershwin & Rachmaninov: Rhapsodic (Navona Records)
A seemingly obvious coupling, but it doesn’t quite come off [SV]
Williams: Missa Cambrensis (Lyrita)
A stunning performance of a Mass with Mahlerian proportions [JF]
Martinaitytė: ALETHEIA – Choral Works (Ondine)
Beautifully imaginative, strongly expressive music in immaculately prepared performances [HC]
Bruckner: Motets (Gramola)
A handful of Bruckner’s lovely motets, beautifully done, together with some organ improvisations [SB]
Albert Sammons (violin) & William Murdoch (piano): Complete Sonata Recordings (Biddulph)
Pioneering sonata recordings from one of the world’s most distinguished duos [JW]
Vaughan Williams: Complete Symphonies (Decca)
(Déjà Review) Classic historic recordings. For RVW enthusiasts a classic page in the history of these symphonies [RB]
Ketèlbey: In a Monastery Garden & Other Works (Naxos)
(Déjà Review) Heartily recommended to Ketèlbey’s once more growing band of admirers [JW]
Kesselman: Would That Loving Were Enough (Blue Griffin)
A fascinating, many-sided programme, that should convert some sceptical listeners to contemporary music[GF]
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