Respighi: Belkis, Queen of Sheba Suite and The Pines of Rome (Reference Recordings)
(Déjà Review) The exotic Respighi – contrasts the little known with the very well known. Recommended [AB]
Delius: Hassan (Chandos)
A welcome new recording of a substantial Delius score as originally conceived [NB]
Blackford: La Sagrada Familia (Lyrita)
Two very different, attractive recent works by Richard Blackford in excellent performances [JQ]
Donizetti: Dalinda (Oehms Classics)
Good, honest, open-throated singing in an intriguing and highly enjoyable reconstruction of a formerly lost work – and a star performance by the lead soprano [RMo]
Brahms: Violin Concerto (Forgotten Records)
Performances of elegance and charm [SG]
Meulemans: Orchestral Works (Phaedra)
Well-crafted and superbly scored works in which Meulemans’ orchestral flair and mastery are clearly displayed [HC]
Offenbach: La Belle Hélène (Regis)
Not for nothing has this Offenbach been counted among the five all-time great recordings of French opera [CH]
Rose in Bloom – recital (Orchid Classics)
An imaginative programme, stunningly performed [NB]
Ravel: Chamber Music (First Hand Records)
Good performances of Ravel’s three major chamber works [SB]
Center: Instrumental and Chamber Music Vol. 3 (Toccata Classics)
More music by an almost reclusive, highly original composer, played with understanding and care [GH]
Radu Lupu (piano): Live Vol. 1 (Doremi)
Some welcome additions to the pianist’s discography [SG]
Nielsen: Symphony No. 5, Flute Concerto (Hallé)
(Déjà Review) Brilliant performances of brilliant music, in other words a great buy [NHo]
Martinů: String Quartets No. 4, 5, 7 (Naxos )
(Déjà Review) Czech dances never seem to be far away … rollicking and suspense-laden [GH]
Shostakovich: String Quartets No 9 & 15 (Signum Classics)
Another fine disc from a quartet close to this repertoire [RWe]
Thomas Quasthoff (bass- baritone) Evening Star (Deutsche Grammophon)
A cunningly devised programme ideally showcasing Quasthoff’s vocal versatility and dramatic gifts [RMo]
Piazzolla: Buenos Aires (Naxos)
Well played if just a tad too restrained [NB]
Blackford: Songs of Nadia Anjuman (Nimbus Records)
Moving, expressive poetry set to intense but accessible music and performed with burning conviction [JQ]
Mahler: Symphony No 10 (Delos)
(Déjà Review) We will never know what Mahler 10 would have been like, but I’m sure it would not have sounded like this [TD]
Enescu: Piano Quintet, Quartet No 2 (Naxos)
(Déjà Review) Yet another jewel in the Naxos crown [KS]
Moore: Velvet (Heritage)
Soothing music, best listened to individually [DJB]
Handel: Complete Violin Sonatas (Delphian)
Fine advocacy from these gifted performers [SG]
Tarkiainen: Midnight Sun Variations (Ondine)
Music that is predominantly static but the composer’s skill means that it never drags [PRJ]
Vaughan Williams: The Steersman, The Future, Fantasia (Dutton)
Sheds fresh light on Vaughan Williams’ composing activities around the turn of the twentieth century [JQ]
Beethoven: Symphonies 5 & 6 (Hänssler Classic)
Expect to be surprised, moved and possibly irritated [CC]
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