Rimsky-Korsakov: Christmas Eve (Naxos)
A superlative cast in a crisply modern, but relatively faithful production of a rarely performed opera [MP]
Renée Fleming (soprano) Greatest Moments at the Met (Decca)
These live recordings form a tribute to one of the great voices of the past quarter-century [RMo]
Lourié: Chamber and Instrumental Music Vol. 1 (Toccata)
A transplanted Russian composer who valued intimate conjunctions and statuesque ritual [JW]
Dvořák: Poetic Tone Pictures (Sony)
A generous-minded performance somewhat let down by idiosyncratic recording quality [JW]
Vivaldi: Violin Sonatas (Forgotten Records)
Playing of elegance and refinement [SG]
Abel: Cello Concertos (Hänssler Classic)
Four graceful concertante works of the mid to late 18th century, which may not excite but do entertain [DJB]
Donizetti: L’elisir d’amore (Dynamic)
Another impressive release by the Donizetti Opera festival, uncut and on original instruments [RWe]
Song of Beasts (Ramée)
Impressive performances of fascinating medieval music about real and mythological creatures [JV]
Toscha Seidel (violin): Rare and Newly Re-mastered! (Parnassus)
The molten tonalist Toscha Seidel triumphs in a selection of his 78s [JW]
Sir Adrian Boult: The Decca Legacy Vol. 2 (Eloquence)
Boult’s Deccas handsomely boxed; two Messiahs, Acis and miscellaneous recitals [JW]
Schubert: Schwanengesang (Pentatone)
The final instalment of Bostridge’s Schubert trilogy is a partnership of equals, voice and piano coming together to create something very special [ST]
Mozart: Symphonies (Genuin)
The outer movements of Symphony 41 are splendid; elsewhere Klumpp’s Mozart can be a shade relentless [MG]
Maria Kliegel (cello) Anniversary Edition (Naxos)
A fine cellist – expression, technical mastery, character all there – but a shame that this is a collection of excerpts [RB]
Beethoven & Mozart: Piano Transcriptions (BIS)
Sensational pianism, inspiration, and exuberant pianism in every track [MM]
Jascha Heifetz: The Heifetz Collection Vol 35 (RCA-BMG)
Vivid and admirable shorter pieces but a Mendelssohn that has a heart of jagged tin [RB]
The Splendour of Florence (Linn)
In this annual release, Gothic Voices will not disappoint, even if other ensembles often cover the same musical territory [GH]
Adams: Sila (Cantaloupe)
Almost impossible to evaluate, but this has opened my eyes, ears and mind to something quite new [WH]
Tomasi: Complete Violin Works (Naxos)
I have nothing but praise for this splendid disc [SG]
Rastrelli Effect (Solo Musica)
Pleasant, with many different styles, but little to arouse much excitement [DJB]
Balakirev: Orchestral Works (MDG)
Attractive but undemanding scores performed with care and well recorded [NB]
Aaron Rosand (violin) The First Recordings (Biddulph)
Rosand’s first Vox recordings are restored for a new generation [JW]
Montgeroult: Etudes (BIS)
Superb performances and recording of piano studies which should rank alongside the very best [GH]
Aguilera: Organ Music (Brilliant)
Another fine contribution to the Brilliant Classics keyboard music catalogue [JV]
Sir Adrian Boult: Decca Legacy Vol. 1 (Eloquence)
The mono VW cycle offers the spine of Eloquence’s handsome Boult box [JW]
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Featured Naxos review |
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