Bruckner: Symphony 4 (BIS)
Another weak instalment in this ongoing Bruckner cycle series [RMo]
Messiaen: Des canyons aux étoiles (Hyperion)
A superb performance of Messiaen’s visionary score [JQ]
Beethoven: Complete Piano Sonatas (Cambria)
Top-drawer interpretations in every respect [SG]
Frederick Stock (conductor) Chicago Symphony Vol. 2 (Pristine Audio)
Frederick Stock and his Chicago forces excel in major repertory [JW]
Sagvik: String Quartets (Nosag Records)
Mesmerising modernisms mixed with tenderness along the way [RB]
Contemporary Music for Harpsichord (Prima Facie)
A persuasive survey of music written for the twentieth-century harpsichord revival [MSt]
Shostakovich/Auerbach: String Quartets (Capriccio)
(Déjà Review) The programming shows real individuality; the recording is top-drawer and the playing first-class [CC]
Francesco Scarlatti: Dixit Dominus, Mass (Signum Classics)
Readers interested in by-ways of the baroque repertoire should find much to admire in the wilful Francesco Scarlatti’s music [GF]
Farrenc: Symphonies (Erato)
The primary recommendation for these three excellent symphonies [JQ]
Meditatio II – Music for mixed choir (BIS)
Calm and inspiring pieces, sung with exceptional control and beauty by this world-class chamber choir [GPJ]
Ligeti: Complete Works for a Cappella Choir (SWR Classics)
This contribution to Ligeti’s centenary sheds a new light on the early work of this fascinating composer [GH]
Das ist meine Freude – Love Songs and Psalms (cpo)
A compelling survey of sacred concertos from the 17th century [JV]
Rachmaninov: Symphony No. 2 (Chandos)
John Wilson has led me to enjoy this symphony as much as I have for decades [DMD]
Left Hand Legacy Vol. 1 (Cobra Records)
Fervent and passionate music making, a joy from start to finish [RCh]
Dyson: Symphony, Concerto da chiesa (Naxos)
(Déjà Review) Lloyd-Jones makes something very special of the concerto, and the other pieces are really very well done [RB]
Brescianello: Works for Solo Lute (Tactus)
An agreeable invitation into the intimate world of solo Baroque lute music [CRo]
From Jewish Life (SWR Classics)
A valuable boxed reissue from SWR’s vaults brings melancholy, vivacity and many disc premieres [JW]
Shadow Dances – British Works for Flute (Chandos)
A diverse and interesting programme beautifully played and recorded [NB]
Nina Kotova (cello): Solo Cello (Delos)
Passionate, gutsy cello playing in a beautifully planned programme [DM]
Vaughan Williams: Live Vol. 3 (Somm Recordings)
A remarkable archive set of Vaughan Williams conducting his own music [JQ]
Viennese Reflections (Gramola)
An unusual and illuminating programme of music for the organ with connections to Vienna [MSt]
Wagner: Die Walküre (Decca)
The ace that trumped Solti [LD]
Arnold: Wind Chamber Music (Naxos)
(Déjà Review) Sir Malcolm is in his element here and I was with him all the way [MC]
Offenbach: La Vie Parisienne (Naxos)
A winner in almost every respect featuring a new edition with an entire Act of previously unperformed music [MP]
