Reger: Requiem; Mahler: Orchestral songs (Capriccio)

A movingly immersive experience [MP]

bartok concertos alpha

Bartók: Concertos (Alpha Classics)

This performance has completely revised my view of the Viola Concerto [DMD]

Debussy: Études (Hyperion)

Performances with technical agility and remarkable interpretative skills [JF]

Energico (DUX)

Accordion meets chamber orchestra in colourful, zestful performances [JW]

Bonis: Entre Soir et Matin (CAvi-music)

The considerable talent of Mel Bonis showcased in a well-planned and well-executed survey [NB]

Berlioz: Herminie, Les nuits d’été, Cléopâtre (Arte Verum)

Impressive live performances by a singer of surprising vocal endurance but they don’t stand up against the best [RMo]

Garūta: Apple Tree (Skani)

Beautifully performed and recorded Latvian choral songs, influenced by folk music [EJW]

Albinoni: Concerti a cinque (Chandos)

(Déjà Review) An outstanding issue in all regards [TB]

Sean Shibe (guitar) – Profesión (Pentatone)

Lovers of guitar music should invest in this disc [GF]

Ravel: Daphnis et Chloé (Chandos)

A wonderfully refined and also exciting new version [SB]

Gluck: Orfeo ed Euridice (Opus Arte)

Dame Janet Baker’s unparalleled stage performance of Orfeo makes a triumphant return to the catalogues [PCG]

Flury: Chamber Music Vol. 1 (Toccata Classics)

Flury’s romanticism on rather low wattage in his string quartets [JW]

Egilsson & Pálsson: Skjálfti (Quake) (Sono Luminus)

An imaginative expansion on a soundtrack created for a little-known Icelandic movie, but try before you buy [RHa]

Copland, Creston, Kay & Piston: Concertos & Orchestral Suites (Naxos)

Mid-20th century Americanism in works of universal appeal [JF]

Bella Adamova (contralto) There is home (Supraphon)

A superb recital of art songs, all of which perfectly suit her crystal-clear voice [SA]

Schubert: The Piano Sonatas (DG)

(Déjà Review) If a one-pianist complete set is required at reasonable price Kempff proves a generally reliable guide [CC]

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Delius: A Mass of Life (LAWO Classics)

The mighty Mass of Life is revealed as a genuine masterpiece in this blazing performance [NB]

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Beethoven: Symphonies 1-9 (Dynamic)

A long awaited cycle that is ultimately disappointing [LD]

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Mozart: Piano Concertos Vol. 8 (Chandos)

Bavouzet and Takács-Nagy are an ideal partnership in demonstrating the zest, eloquence and operatic underpinning of Mozart’s piano concertos [MG]

Clara SchumannBrahms 4864202

For Clara: Robert Schumann & Brahms (Deutsche Grammophon)

A thoughtfully conceived and excellently executed programme [JQ]

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Distler: Die Weihnachtsgeschichte (OUR Recordings)

In the great German tradition of sung Biblical narrative, but reinterpreted for the early 20th century [ST]

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Berg: Symphonies Nos 4 & 5 (cpo)

Two wildly contrasting symphonies from the Swedish military veterinarian [JW]

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Rossini: La donna del lago (C Major)

A musically outstanding but unusual production of Rossini’s splendid opera [RWe]

Prokofiev Nevsky 09026637082

Prokofiev & Khachaturian (RCA Victor)

(Déjà Review) A classic recording restored in its best sound [TD]