Ann Schein (piano): The Kapp Recordings (APR)
A wonderful tribute to a phenomenal artist [RCh]
FE Fesca: Flute Quartets (cpo)
(Déjà Review) Breathtaking flute playing [CR]
Ravel: Complete Solo Piano Music (Hyperion)
(Déjà Review) A set of stunning virtuosity, but with delicate colors at the same time [WK]
Delius: Appalachia & The Song of the High Hills (Chandos)
(Déjà Review) Beautifully shaped and sensitive readings [IL]
Prokofiev: The Gambler (C Major)
(Déjà Review) A major triumph [RC]
Friends in High Places: Baroque In The North (First Hand Records)
Musically compelling survey of music written for the musette in 18th century France [JV]
Bruckner: Symphony No. 9 (Profil)
The finest recording yet of Schaller’s completion of Bruckner’s Ninth, enhanced by the prowess of a great orchestra recorded in studio sound [RMo]
Beethoven: Symphonies Nos. 1-9 (Warner Classics)
Marvellous transfers of these vintage recordings [DF]
Nikolay Medvedev (piano) – Fusions (SOMM Recordings)
This well-played programme perhaps unintentionally reveals Kapustin’s limitations [NB]
Wagner: Lohengrin (Warner Classics)
(Déjà Review) A glorious reading becomes all the more appealing in its newest incarnation [ST]
Wright: String and Orchestral Music (Dutton Epoch)
(Déjà Review) Sparkle, rhythmic élan with a certain jazzy quality, and also in the English Pastoral tradition [GH]
Wood: String Quartets 2 & 4 (SOMM)
Accomplished and enjoyable music in excellent performances [JQ]
Beethoven: Variations for piano (Harmonia Mundi)
The thoughtful completion of Cédric Tiberghien’s Beethoven Variations project [DHa]
Earthly Solace: Eton Choirbook reconstructions (CRD)
Motets brilliantly brought to life again in superb reconstructions and sung with passion and sensitivity. [GH]
Büttner: Symphonies 3 & 4 (Capriccio)
Two substantial symphonies presented in the best possible light [NB]
Romantic Sonatas for Violin and Piano (Sterling)
Interesting repertoire but frail, uncompetitive performances and recording [JW]
Rituals: Ives, Hahn, Bolcom (Acis)
A thoughtfully constructed, beautifully performed song recital [DHa]
Ballet to Broadway. Wheeldon Works (Opus Arte)
An occasionally problematic programme, expertly performed [RMay]
Johann Ludwig Bach: The Leipzig Cantatas (Ricercar)
An outstanding set of the church music of Johann Ludwig Bach [JQ]
Respighi: Violin Concerto (Naxos)
(Déjà Review) A notable release for Respighi enthusiasts [IL]
Mozart: Airs d’opéras (Forgotten Records)
(Déjà Review) All lovers of elegant stylish Mozart singing should lend an ear to this disc [GF]
In Stile Passeggiato – Art of Diminution (Da Vinci Classics)
An excellent demonstration of the art of diminution [JV]
Elsa Dreisig (soprano): Invocation (Erato)
A really memorable recital from a soprano who has developed into an intensely communicative artist [MP]
Nikolaus Harnoncourt (conductor): Complete Teldec Recordings (Warner Classics)
Harnoncourt conducts some of the Concertgebouw’s finest performances [DF]
