Striggio: Mass in 40 Parts (Coro)
A fascinating portrait of Striggio, but the performances are rather disappointing [JV]
Bruckner: Symphony 8 (Fontec)
Another decent performance blighted by the conductor’s very audible vocal intrusions [RMo]
Don’t Forget About Me (Toccata Press)
A powerful and moving study of a potential great of Czech 20th Century music [NB]
The Great Organ of Aarhus Cathedral (Danacord)
Superb performances, great sound quality, brilliant documentation and rewarding programming [JF]
Wagner: Lohengrin (Decca)
(Déjà Review) This set wins hands down [JP]
Bruckner: Symphony No. 2 (Profil)
A thoroughly commendable and consistent account of the most popular version of Bruckner’s Second Symphony [RMo]
Massenet: Thaïs (Chandos)
Massenet’s opera is superbly rejuvenated in a recording which sweeps the field of all other versions [MP]
Prokofiev: Cinderella (Opus Arte)
A highly imaginative rendition of Prokofiev’s ballet in Ashton’s timeless choreography [RC]
Turnage: Shroud, Winter’s Edge (Delphian)
Turnage takes his place in the English pastoral tradition [DMD]
Verdi: Ernani (Naxos)
There are better choices on CD and on video [GF]
Brahms: Piano Concerti (Linn)
A treat: the Brahms piano concertos given lavish and loving musical treatment [ST]
Noè Rodrigo Gisbert (percussion) Paraules (IBS Classical)
This recital of solo percussion works will appeal to the adventurous [SB]
Mahler: Symphony No. 9 (Deutsche Grammophon)
(Déjà Review) In playing and interpretation it takes its place among the finest [TD]
Noel Coward and Friends: A Most Marvellous Party (Signum Classics)
What an absolutely splendid party! Darling, I couldn’t have liked it more [PT]
Baur: Chamber Music (Passacaille)
The Accademia de’ Dissonanti are ideal advocates of Baur’s music [JV]
Bruckner: Symphony No. 4 (Myrios Classics)
Roth makes an outstanding case for the original 1874 version of Bruckner’s Fourth [MC]
Dvořák: The Complete Piano Trios (Supraphon)
If this doesn’t win every award going I will be astonished [DMD]
Flotow: Piano Concertos No. 1 & 2, Overtures (cpo)
Melodious, undemanding but always skilful and enjoyable light music [RMo]
Hough: Mirabilis (Orchid Classics)
Very rewarding choral music by Stephen Hough in terrific performances [JQ]
Rakhi Singh (violin): Purnima (Cantaloupe)
Rakhi Singh’s exceptional playing and arranging skills in an exhilarating transatlantic contemporary violin recital [RHa]
Diamond: String Quartets – Vol. 2 (Albany)
(Déjà Review) Scorchingly committed performances and recording of these monuments of twentieth century music-making [RB]
Recharged by Nature. Contemporary Nordic Works (Alba)
Delightful new music to recharge even the most jaded listener [DMD]
Kuusisto: Symphony (BIS)
Two remarkably cogent pieces, each composed by more than one hand [RHa]
The Degenhof Sessions (Genuin)
A wonderfully entertaining programme with some real treats [RCh}
