J S Bach: Cantatas & Motets (MDG)
One of the best Bach recordings I have heard lately [JV]
Chopin Variations: Rachmaninov, Mompou & Busoni (Danacord)
Commanding performances of three works in homage to Chopin [JF]
Beethoven: Piano Sonatas 3 & 29 (Hyperion)
Hamelin hits the heights with epic and fiery readings, gripping in every respect [SG]
Pipkov: Complete Piano Music Vol 2 (Toccata Classics)
I have eagerly awaited Volume 2 and am thrilled to have it now as it certainly doesn’t disappoint [SA]
Frank Martin et ses contemporains (Claves)
A complete collection of Martin’s a cappella choral works, together with some by his contemporaries, beautifully sung [SB]
Romantic Pieces for Piano (Challenge Classics)
(Déjà Review) Well-played and recommended, especially for the Alkan [DBl]
Bruckner: Symphony No 4 (NCPA Classics)
The last in this set of nine Bruckner symphonies conforms to the imposing style and impressively high standard set by its predecessors [RMo]
Stevenson: Piano Works (Ondine)
A fantastic disc of Stevenson’s arrangements, elaborations and original pieces [JF]
Beethoven: Piano Works (Genuin)
Ulrich Roman Murtfeld is totally in command of, and enthused by, the music [MG]
Strauss: Ein Heldenleben & Mahler: Rückert-Lieder (Pentatone)
An interesting Strauss/Mahler coupling from early in 2024 which slipped through the reviewers’ net [PH]
Matthew Martin: Masses, Canticles, Motets (Linn)
This disc shows why Matthew Martin has achieved such a strong reputation in the field of English church music [JQ]
O Dolcezze Amarissime: Madrigali, Ricercari and Canzoni Strumentali (Fineline)
These performances offer a different perspective on the genre of the madrigal [JV]
Torke: Rapture, An American Abroad and Jasper (Naxos)
(Déjà Review) An excellent introduction to the sound world of Michael Torke. Minimalism with a difference [NH]
Bruckner: Symphony No 5 (NCPA Classics)
Another grand, weighty, live account from the NCPA of Bruckner’s most hieratic symphony, beautifully played and engineered [RMo]
Corelli ajusté à la flûte traversière (Da Vinci Classics)
Every lover of Baroque music will be delighted to listen to Corelli à la française [JV]
Bellini: Norma (Divina Records)
Simply one of the greatest ‘bel canto’ performances on record [MBu]
Sun Forest Lake (Candle Row Press)
A perceptive study of Sibelius and his key orchestral works [JQ]
Ormandy and the Philadelphia Orchestra – The Early Years Vol. 5 (Pristine Audio)
Excellent restorations of Ormandy’s ‘World’s Greatest Music’ recordings of the late-30s [JW]
Quilter: Go, Lovely Rose (Chandos)
A fine recital of songs is a welcome addition to the Quilter discography [PT]
Kats-Chernin: Wild Swans (ABC Classics)
(Déjà Review) Future listeners will wonder how music of this quality could possibly have escaped their attention [ZT]
Bruckner: The Symphonies (Naxos)
A superb contribution to the anniversary celebrations: original interpretation, fine playing, good sound and outstanding documentation [RWe]
Dvořák: Symphonies 5 & 6 (Melbourne Symphony Orchestra)
Fresh, vital, exuberant, strikingly energetic and authentic performances [RMo]