Monteverdi: Madrigals (Naïve Records)
An exceptionally well-conceived, exciting yet controlled rendering [MS]
Telemann: Cantatas, Vol 2 (cpo)
Exquisite period-instrument performances of rarely-heard Telemann cantatas [DF]
Vaughan Williams: Live Vol 2 (SOMM Recordings)
Lani Spahr’s expert restorations have breathed new life into these important archive recordings [JQ]
Mahler: Symphony 2 (INAEM)
The premiere recording of a skilful reduced orchestration of practical value in the concert hall but not for home listening [NB]
Finzi: Clarinet Concerto (Naxos)
(Déjà Review) A fabulous collection recommended unreservedly [IL]
Korngold: Die Kathrin (cpo)
(Déjà Review) Music of your most romantic dreams and packing a grand emotional punch [RB]
Mayer: Piano works (Dynamic)
Attractive miniatures in the mould of Schumann and Mendelssohn [RCh]
Dodgson: Songs Vol. 1 (SOMM Recordings)
An enticing introduction to a fine composer’s songs [WH]
Julius Prüwer (conductor) Forgotten Maestro (Pristine Audio)
A welcome restoration of the recordings of a largely overlooked German conductor [JW]
Lincke: Overtures Vol. 1 (cpo)
There may be more to Lincke than the Gavotte Pavlova and Berliner Luft [RMay]
Bruckner: Symphony 4 (Exton)
Yet another superb Bruckner recording from a flawless Tokyo orchestra [RMo]
Yvonne Lefébure (piano): Inédits 5 (Solstice)
Solstice’s au revoir to a great artist [SG]
Verdi: Rigoletto (Opus Arte)
An imaginative and involving production, but flawed by some intrusive and insensitive vulgarities [PCG]
Golestan: Chamber Music (Forgotten Records)
Attractive transfers from the 1920s and 1930s of Stan Golestan’s chamber music [JW]
Bruckner: Symphony No. 5 (Fontec)
Another potentially engaging recording, fatally compromised by the conductor’s ill-disciplined vocal intrusiveness [RMo]
Haydn 2032 No. 13 (Alpha)
Rousing, exquisitely articulated performances of Haydn symphonies [DF]
Dmitri Hvorostovsky (baritone): The Philips Recitals (Eloquence)
This is a glorious collection that should be a source for delight for many years to come [GF]
Music for Strings (Chandos)
Superb playing and engineering; any reservations will centre upon the desirability of the programme [RMo]
Mozart: Coronation Mass (BR Klassik)
Refined, exciting, and extraordinarily well-sung period-instrument performances of selected Latin choral works by Mozart [DF]
Joyce: Caravan Suite (Naxos)
An interesting compilation of music by the “English waltz king” who outlived his era by half a century [PCG]
Handel: Eternal Heaven (Erato)
Music making of the highest order for anyone with an open mind for whom no borderlines exist [GF]
Debussy & Ravel: String Quartets (Forgotten Records)
A great quartet in core repertory and superbly communicative Ginastera [JW]
Czerny-Stefańska (piano) Concert Tours in Germany (Meloclassic)
An excellent all-round portrait of this outstanding pianist [RCh]