Downes: The Marshes of Glynn & Song of the Prairie (Prima Facie)
A highly recommended addition to the catalogue [PC]
Schubert: Winterreise (Le Palais des Dégustateurs)
Rouchon’s uningratiating vocals, lack of engagement with the psychology of the piece and poor word-pointing make this a real disappointment [SGa]
Muhly: No resting place (Linn)
A most rewarding disc [JQ]
Seaside (Another Timbre)
A welcome reissue of a contemporary classic [DHa]
Schumann: Complete Works for Violin and Orchestra (BIS)
(Déjà Review) Ulf Wallin clearly relishes these challenges [GD]
Smetana & Sibelius: String Quartets (Hyperion)
(Déjà Review) A well-filled disc and the performances of these quartets are as good as any [LW]
Stephen Hough’s Piano Postcards (Hyperion)
Magical from start to finish [RCh]
Choral Contemplations (Convivium Records)
Well-crafted, sincere music in excellent performances [JQ]
Grieg: Lyric Pieces Vol. 2 (Chandos)
Despite a cautious approach in places, Donohoe shows how much this music means to him, and what careful delight he takes in playing it [SGa]
Leonard Bernstein Conducts Wagner (Gala)
Extended extracts from three Wagner operas showcasing Bernstein and a trio of great American Wagner singers in top form [RMo]
Arnold Rosé (violin): Concerto and Solo Recordings (Biddulph)
The brio and panache, and occasional limitations, of a great violinist (and Mahler’s brother-in-law) [JW]
Bach: Cello Suites played on guitar (IBS Classical)
Interesting, but there are significantly better recordings available [ZT]
Victor de Sabata: New York Broadcasts 1951 (Pristine Audio)
A rare souvenir of a hugely under-recorded conductor in the company of two legendary artists, rendered into acceptable sound [RMo]
Songs by Gibbons and others (Orchid Classics)
A most enjoyable and stimulating album [JQ]
Piazzolla: Café 1930 (Supraphon)
Czech duo capture the spirit of Piazzolla [LW]
Leighton: Symphony No 1 and Piano Concerto No 3 (Chandos)
(Déjà Review) Well done Chandos – I waited for 36 years and you have not disappointed me! [JF]
Handel, Blow and Boyce: Choral Music (Hyperion)
Déjà Review) Certainly worth hearing for the music itself, especially the Blow and Boyce [JS]
Haydn: Symphonies No.49, 103, 104 (Forgotten Records)
(Déjà Review) Blech conveys well the feeling behind the classical restraint [MG]
Grandi: Vespro della Beate Vergine (Carus)
(Déjà Review) This disc charmed me far more than I could have imagined [RH]
Golijov: The Dreams and Prayers of Isaac the Blind; Vasks: String Quartet No.6 (Challenge Classics)
One much performed contemporary classic and one first recording make up this unusual programme [SB]
Finzi: Requiem da camera, For St Cecilia, In terra pax (Hyperion)
Enriching music, marvellously performed [JQ]
Mentor and Muse – Vaughan Williams, Maconchy, Grace Williams (Albion Records)
Women who shaped RVW’s musical world [JF]
Giordano: Marina (Decca)
A taut, highly dramatic and skilfully crafted verismo melodrama, which certainly justifies its revival [RMo]
Wood on the Tracks (SOMM Recording)
A disc of world premières, and numerous commissions, from a stylish cello quartet [JW]
