Bruckner: From the Archives, Vol 6 (SOMM Ariadne)

The conclusion of a most rewarding series of archive Bruckner recordings [JQ]

Brahms: Piano Trio No 1 & Schoenberg: Verklärte Nacht (Rubicon)

Beautifully played chamber works by Brahms and Schoenberg [MC]

Nelson Freire (piano): The SWR Recordings (SWR)

Mining the archive produces gold from Nelson Freire [PH]

Bizet: Carmen (Pristine Audio)

Pristine Audio newly preserves Le Conte’s achievement in making Carmen as crisp and light as a freshly made churro [MP]

Hugues: Works for Flute and Piano (Tactus)

Hugues is not a ‘lost’ great, but this disc shows his best pieces are worthy of rediscovery [GPu]

Stanley: Complete Flute Sonatas (Brilliant Classics)

Fine performances of neglected flute sonatas [JV]

Janáček: Jenufa (Erato)

(Déjà Review) A fine record of a great series of performances, particularly memorable for Karita Mattila in the title role and the playing of the Royal Opera House Orchestra [RH]

Schubert: Symphony No 9 & Mendelssohn: Die Schöne Melusina (Elatus)

(Déjà Review) A stunning classic recording, reissued in a sensible pairing – a must-have! [PSh]

Vivaldi EPRC0065

Vivaldi: The Four Seasons for violin & guitar (Evil Penguin)

A very familiar route, that leads to a totally new musical experience [ZT]

Szymanowski Diapason739933

Szymanowski: Collection (Diapason)

Szymanowski fans should snap up these classic recordings [SB]

FrenchTrios HC23045

French Piano Trios (Hänssler Classic)

The obvious enjoyment in playing together here results in committed performances that delight the ear [SA]

Auber vol7 8574597

Auber: Overtures Vol 7 (Naxos)

One of the best entries so far in this enterprising series [RMay]

Strohl chamber BAP0709

Strohl: Musique de chambre (La Boîte à Pépites)

A seriously impressive set in every respect [JQ]

newyear2025 Sony19802875582

Neujahrskonzert 2025 (Sony)

A Happy New Year from Vienna with Muti [PH]

Paer sofonisba ORR237

Paer: Sofonisba (Opera Rara)

A wholly admirable performance of a significant opera composer who was active immediately before Rossini [RJF]

Schuricht NY ARPCD0352

Carl Schuricht in New York (Archipel)

Schuricht leads the Vienna orchestra with surety and command [JW]

bliss pristine

Bliss conducts Bliss (Pristine Audio)

Bliss conducts excellent recordings of two of his major works, refreshed in fine transfers [JQ]

Smaldone What no one else sees New Focus FBR425

Smaldone: What no one else sees … (New Focus)

Thrilling contemporary music with strong jazz influences [GF]

Haydn Symphs v32-35 Hanssler HC24039

Haydn: Symphonies Vols 32-35 (Hänssler Classic)

An appetising collection of unfamiliar Haydn symphonies in unsurpassed performances [PBW]

RR Bannett Orchestral v5 Chandos CHSA 5266

Bennett: Orchestral Works Vol 5 (Chandos)

Another album of discovery in Chandos’ ongoing survey of R R Bennett [PH]

Schutz Wehnachtshistorie Ricercar RIC467

Schütz: Wehnachtshistorie (Ricercar)

A valuable compilation, in excellent performances and sound [RWe]

Teatro La Fenice Opera Collection Dynamic DYN38055

Teatro La Fenice Opera Collection Vol 1 (Dynamic)

A mixed bag of operatic performances from La Fenice contains some unexpected riches, but the choice of repertoire is unusual [PCG]

Martinu Julietta Supraphon 1081762613

Martinů: Julietta (Supraphon)

(Déjà Review) Surreal music drama defying operatic convention, illuminated by Martinů’s gorgeous yet poetically fastidious palette [RB]

Ligeti Vol 1

Ligeti: Ligeti Project Vol 1-3 (Teldec)

(Déjà Review) A beguiling combination of clarity and sheer weirdness. Whether a Ligeti fan or not, heartily recommended – a rare sonic experience! [TH]