MusicWeb International

Treats galore in this annual release that never disappoints [RCh]

Aleksandra Kurzak is in striking form with an album of arias sung by legendary French soprano Cornélie Falcon [MC]

A viola-fanciers’ delight with a well-balanced recital offering two sonatas and two smaller, but compelling, pieces [JW]

An enjoyable disc of choral music by an English composer of whom we will surely hear more [GPu]

(Déjà Review) Pure delight, this. Buy it [KS] – Thoroughly enjoyable fare. This is a most approachable coupling. [CC] 

(Déjà Review) Brilliantly orchestrated and balanced – moving forward in a blizzard of detail; the very antithesis of drab [RB]

An operatic discovery which delivers a musical and dramatic feast despite some deeply flawed vocal performances [MP]

Put aside preconceptions of “authenticity” and enjoy this for what it is – a celebration of some of Rameau’s most appealing music [RMo]

Of limited interest to Kreisler collectors [SG]

An important document of Crumb’s artistic journey in spectacular sound [MBu]

Fine transfers of the Kolisch Quartet’s 1930s discography [JW]

Smoothly arranged, expertly performed, yet utterly saccharine, stumbling awkwardly into New Age territory [RHa]

Be surprised by the restraint and elegance of Hoffmann’s chamber music [DS]

Absolutely first-rate Mozart keyboard playing [PSh]

A great CD, with a range demonstrating the worldwide appeal of classical music [KT]

Double, double toil and trouble – a witches’ brew from Freya Waley-Cohen [PH]

Maria Stratigou is winning once more in this third volume of Farrenc’s complete piano music [RCh]

I recommend this issue with all possible enthusiasm [GF]

Splendid performances of an early version of a Howells quartet and a jaunty, attractive work by Charles Wood [JW]

An attractive package [JQ]

(Déjà Review) Densely coiled and symphonically argued with the highest of skill … charts a grim and determined course [JW]

A lovely disc of an under-rated British composer’s music, superbly played and recorded [NH]

Wonderful playing in an essential addition to the Gipps discography [WK]

An unusual collection of early medieval songs from the female perspective, performed by a versatile trio of women [GH]