Lovro von Matačić (conductor) (Supraphon)

A tribute to a great and versatile conductor containing some superb performances, and some less successful [RMo]

Say: Violin Concerto No.2, chamber works (Naxos)

The music of this refreshingly different composer holds one firmly in its grip [SA]

Bernard Haitink (conductor): Portrait Volume II (BR Klassik)

A marvellous testament to Haitink’s longstanding work with one of his great orchestral partners [ST]

Folios of Light – Contemporary Japanese Piano Music (Azure Sky)

A recital of spiritual and serene Japanese piano music [PH]

Verdi: Simon Boccanegra (Opera Rara)

This must now become first choice for the original version [RMo]

The French Connection (Et’cetera)

(Déjà Review) There is nothing here that does not delight the ear [KS]

Bells for Stokowski (Reference Recordings)

(Déjà Review) There’s something for everyone, and very attractively played too [JW]

Elgar: The Dream of Gerontius (Naxos)

This version has much to commend it but it doesn’t displace existing recommendations [JQ]

Ravel: Très Franc (TYXart)

A joyful recital of great music stunningly played and recorded [NB]

Charpentier: Les Arts Florissants (Rubicon)

A respectable and in many ways enjoyable recording of two fine works by Charpentier [JV]

manon opus arte

Manon (Opus Arte)

A good choice for the ballet enthusiast but it doesn’t outperform older versions of this production [MP]

Prokofiev: Piano Sonatas (IBA)

A fascinating survey of Idil Biret’s solo Prokofiev [DHa]

Bruckner: Symphony No 9 (Hallé)

A performance of two halves: the first subject to vagaries in tempo which impede coherence, but the second triumphant [RMo]

Strauss I: Edition, Vol 3 (Marco Polo)

Déjà Review: this review was first published in April 2004 and the recording is still available. Johann…

Villa-Lobos: Symphony No 7 & Sinfonietta No 1 (cpo)

(Déjà Review) Exotic, strange, colourful, yes, but also very satisfying [PSh]

Midsummer ARCO004

Midsummer Dreams: Mendelssohn & Beethoven (ARCO)

The strict HIP approach works better for the Mendelssohn than the Beethoven [DJB]

Rupture CMCCD32823

Rupture: Works for Saxophone Quartet (Centrediscs)

A spectacular and colourful musical cavalcade [SG]

Shostakovich qtets2 96420

Shostakovich: String Quartets 10-12 (Brilliant Classics)

A well-played, superb sounding set [PH]

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Mahler: Symphony 7 (BR Klassik)

Inspirationally conducted, fantastically played and stunningly recorded, this demands the attention of all Mahler devotees [JQ]

Mozart krips 4758473

Mozart: The Great Symphonies 21-41 (Decca)

Classic accounts from a Mozart specialist, full of life and spirit [RMo]

Nordgren AlbaABCD484

Nordgren: A Letter to the Other Side (Alba)

Another fine addition to Nordgren’s discography [HC]

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Schubert: 24 Lieder (Warner Classics)

Lieder recitals just don’t get much better than this [MC]

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Vaughan Williams: The Poisoned Kiss (Chandos)

Undemanding delight, witty repartee, romantic enchantment [RB]

Beethoven Symphonies 4 and 8 Somm

Beethoven: Symphonies Vol. 5 (SOMM)

Scharwenka’s fine arrangements of these sunny, playful symphonies are superbly played [TMS]