Martinů: Symphonies (Deutsche Grammophon)
A Martinů symphony cycle for the ages [DJB]
Farrenc: Nonet & Brahms: Serenade No. 1 (Centaur)
(Déjà Review) Buy it for the curiosity of the “Brahms Nonet”; stay for the warmth and wit of Louise Farrenc [BR]
Beethoven: Diabelli Variations (Harmonia Mundi)
(Déjà Review) Further enhances Paul Lewis’s reputation as a leading Beethoven interpreter [JQ]
Bach: Keyboard Works (Hyperion)
(Déjà Review) A truly valuable and life enhancing collection [DC]
Beethoven: Violin Sonatas 3 and 9 (Signum Classics)
(Déjà Review) This stunning Onyx release can compete with the very best [MC]
de Wert: Nono Libro de Madrigali 1588 (Glossa)
An impressive display of the art of Giaches de Wert [JV]
Godowsky & Stravinsky: Piano Music (Rubicon Classics)
An ambitious debut: both virtuosity and thoughtfulness in a fascinating Javanese-inspired suite. [ACG]
John Shirley-Quirk (baritone) English Song Anthology (Heritage)
John Shirley-Quirk’s definitive English recital [JF]
The Leipzig Collegium Musicum Volume 1: Music Before Bach (Pentatone)
An interesting start to a potentially valuable series [DJB]
Myaskovsky: Symphonies No.24-25 (Northern Flowers)
Myaskovsky’s symphonic brace that prioritises expansive tempi [JW]
Rangström: Kronbruden (Sterling)
A fine first recording of Rangström’s most important opera [WK]
Stevens: Orchestral Music Vol. 3 (Toccata Classics)
A very welcome triptych of releases [PRJ]
Noskowski: Piano Music 5 (Acte Préalable)
An engaging addition to the survey of Noskowski’s piano output [RCh]
Dale & Bowen: Piano Works (Hyperion)
(Déjà Review) Add this to your British piano collection without reservation [JW]
Beethoven: Fidelio (Decca)
(Déjà Review) This Fidelio will surely be one of the most important releases of 2011 [JQ]
Peter Donohoe (piano): The Chopin I Love (Somm Recordings)
Delivers all of the pianism and musical depth for which one could ask [DC]
Bruckner: Symphonies No 4 & 7 (Warner Classics)
Monumental, spiritual performances [DF]
Shostakovich: Symphonies No 6 & 9 (Challenge Classics)
Two of Shostakovich’s most subversive symphonies, brilliantly played and sharply characterised [NB]
Britten: Les Illuminations and other Works (Alpha Classics)
A very good Britten concert [SB]
Elgar: Piano Quintet & String Quartet (Hyperion)
(Déjà Review) Striking performances of these late masterpieces [JF]
Beethoven: Piano Sonatas No 8, 17 & 23 (Warner Classics)
(Déjà Review) Outstanding performances of three favourite minor-key Beethoven sonatas [WH]
Janitsch: Symphonies & Concertos (cpo)
Janitsch’s work is ripe for discovery and revival, assisted by excellent recordings such as this [DC]
From Dennis Brain’s Library Vol 2 Plus! (MPR)
Rare and well-chosen pieces from Dennis Brain’s library and some bonuses, all beautifully played [SJG
Lopatnikoff & Juon: Piano Trios (Naxos)
The Lopatnikoff is quite a discovery [DJB]
