Rachmaninoff: Symphonic Dances, Pletnev: Rachmaniana (Euroarts)
Serviceable Symphonic Dances and an unexciting suite of piano-piece orchestrations [NB]
Kiel: Piano Works (Naxos)
Ms. Haughan is a solid advocate for Kiel’s very neglected piano works [JWe]
Rediscovering Liszt (Prima Facie)
One of the finest all-Liszt discs I’ve heard in recent years; a unique program concept and personality [MK]
Helen Charlston (mezzo-soprano): A Poet’s Love (BIS)
A very interesting performance of some well-known and some less well-known settings of Heine poems [DJa]
Copland: Symphony No. 3 (LSO Live)
A fascinating juxtaposition of two American symphonic works [JQ]
Hear, O Heav’ns: Chapel Royal Anthems (Nimbus)
(Déjà Review) A most enjoyably and intelligently conceived disc [JW]
Casals Encores (Hyperion)
(Déjà Review) Performances with feeling that never degenerate into sentiment [GA]
Contemporary flute concertos (BIS)
(Déjà Review) Four contemporary flute works stunningly performed and recorded [WH]
Antheil: Carnegie Hall Concert of 1927 (Nimbus)
(Déjà Review) A must-hear disc for anyone with any kind of passing interest in the development of 20th Century music [NB]
Kreutzer & Witt: Septets (MDG)
More of that sumptuous resonance please! [DC]
Kirnberger: Sinfonias (Hänssler Classic)
Well performed but really one for the curious collector [MC]
Chausson: Concert & Poème (Erato)
A charming, accomplished version of Chausson’s unusual chamber work [SB]
An American Dream? (Alpha Classics)
A stimulating and highly entertaining programme [JQ]
Spiritillo Mediterraneo (Pentatone)
An interesting, well played programme, but with percussion where it is not required [JV]
Schnittke: Three Sacred Hymns, Concerto for Choir (Fuga Libera)
Powerfully moving works recorded with authentic Russian voices [DC]
CPE Bach: Berlin Symphonies (BIS)
Splendid performances of these sparkling works [DJB]
Bach: Johannes-Passion (Harmonia Mundi)
A provocative but always thoughtful interpretation and performance [JQ]
Willem van Otterloo (conductor): The Original Recordings 1951-1966 (Challenge Classics)
(Déjà Review) Extraordinarily fine performances of a range of music [CH]
Peter Mattei (baritone): Great Baritone Arias (BIS)
(Déjà Review) A glorious disc! [OL]
Kaun: Symphony No 2, Sir John Falstaff (cpo)
Throwing light on yet another neglected late-Romantic German composer [EJW]
Schubert: Die schöne Müllerin (Signum Classics)
An unqualified success [JQ]
Raff: Dame Kobold (Naxos)
A lukewarm achievement at best [MP]
Dukas: The Sorcerer’s Apprentice, etc (Apex)
A classic recording of a trio of thoroughly enjoyable masterworks by Dukas, impeccably played [RMo]
Beethoven: Piano Sonatas 21, 17 & 31 (Delphian)
(Déjà Review) A huge surprise — superb Beethoven in the romantic mode, with great color and poetry [BR]
