Elgar: Enigma Variations (Reference Recordings)
Beautiful, clean recording and stylish performances, but is the orchestra large enough? [SV]
Mozart: Symphony No.40; Strauss: Ein Heldenleben (Le Palais des Dégustateurs)
The jury is still out on Maestro Carlos Païta [RMay]
Joplin: King of Ragtime (Danacord)
This evergreen music would have benefited from a much simpler, more natural approach [PBW]
Bach: Johannes-Passion (Alia Vox)
Reflective and intimate [DF]
Cowie: Darkness into Light (Métier)
Evocative, iridescent, masterfully performed chamber music [JF]
Bach: St John Passion (Soli Deo Gloria)
(Déjà Review) A splendid new account, which all devotees of Bach’s vocal music should try to hear [JQ]
Alwyn: Violin Concerto (Naxos)
(Déjà Review) Some very impressive and often very romantic music [JF]
Mahler: Symphony No 9 (Deutsche Grammophon)
Sheer beauty of sound coupled with high drama in a stunning live performance [RMo]
Rangström: Kronbruden (The Crown Bride) (Sterling)
The only recording of Rangström’s opera, best enjoyed whilst closely following the libretto [EJW]
Manuel Tomadin (organ): Valvasone Organ Book (Da Vinci Classics)
Recordings like these can make one addicted to early Italian organs and their repertoire [JV]
Sibelius: Early Stereo Recordings, Vol 6 (First Hand Records)
Some impressive performances in very impressive transfers [RB]
Behzod Abduraimov (piano): Inferno (Alpha Classics)
Hellish virtuosity meets refined musical grace [JF]
Gál: The Right Tempo (Chamber Music) (Gramola)
(Déjà Review) Beautifully documented, superbly played and sympathetically recorded [GH]
Freddy Kempf (piano): Plays Rachmaninov, Bach, Ravel & Stravinsky (BIS)
(Déjà Review) A perfect vehicle to showcase Freddy Kempf’s talents as a virtuoso pianist [RBe]
The Art of David Munrow: Complete Warner Edition (Warner Classics)
Protean and prolific [JW]
Mahler: Symphony 7 (National Symphony Orchestra)
Doesn’t surpass my favourite versions [JQ]
Reich: Sextets (Colin Currie Records)
Two works from Reich’s best period and two later ones, superbly performed [SB]
Rutter: Gloria, Magnificat & Te Deum (Naxos)
I cannot imagine anyone who engages with John Rutter’s music being anything but delighted with this disc [NB]
Puccini: Gianni Schicchi (Regis)
A classic recording, which captures the spirit of the opera superbly [GPu]
Stevenson: Piano Music Vol. 8 (Toccata Classics)
Brilliant premiere recordings of masterly originals and transcriptions [JF]
Menuhin conducts Prokofiev (Nimbus)
(Déjà Review) An excellent document of Menuhin’s conducting prowess [OL]
The Romantic Piano Concerto: Reger & Strauss (Hyperion)
(Déjà Review) Absolutely outstanding [RBe]
Shostakovich: Symphony No. 1 (Philharmonia Records)
Rouvali puts his mark on this symphony in a splendidly daring and arresting manner [RMo]
Carolyn Enger (piano) American Ethos (Métier)
A curious selection of works to celebrate 250 years of American Independence [PRJ]
