Krenek: Symphony No 4, Concerto Grosso (cpo)
(Déjà Review) Very impressive indeed [RB]
Chopin: The Complete Waltzes (Hyperion)
(Déjà Review) Breathtaking technique and musicality combined [DC]
Mahler: Symphony No 4 (BR Klassik)
A fine version by Haitink of this most attractive of Mahler’s symphonies [SB]
Hillborg: Orchestral & Concertante Works, Vol 1 (BIS)
A magnificent release on all counts and the Cello Concerto is a true masterpiece [HC]
Elgar: Elgar From the Archives, Vol 3 (SOMM Ariadne)
A release of great importance for all Elgar lovers [JQ]
Bruno Walter (conductor): Complete Warner Classics Remastered (Warner Classics)
Bruno Walter’s pre-WW2 conducting in the best transfers yet [DF]
Kabeláč: Children’s Choruses (Capriccio)
Charming and untroubled [JW]
Mahler: Symphony 8 (London Philharmonic Orchestra)
(Déjà Review) This extraordinary, visionary reading of the Eighth is an unforgettable experience [JQ]
Howells: The Winchester Service (Hyperion)
(Déjà Review) A superb, unmissable recital of Howells’ later choral and organ works [WH]
Beethoven Extended: Symphonies 5 & 7 (Harmonia Mundi)
An experiment in performing these great works which doesn’t produce obvious benefits [DJB]
Encores for Mr Scotts (Quartz)
An Old School violin recital celebrates a fine Australian player via his portfolio of salon charmers [JW]
Black Mozart: Jazz-inspired reinterpretations (Decca)
Listening to these brilliant Mozart reinterpretations is a sheer delight [ACG]
Richard Strauss: Orchestral Works (Warner)
The integrity and sheer musicianship of Kempe’s Strauss recordings demand their place in every serious Straussian’s collection [RMo]
Bruckner: Symphony 9 (Le Palais des Dégustateurs)
It’s fast, yet the Adagio somehow works [SV]
Britten: Complete Scottish Songs (Naxos)
(Déjà Review) An excellent and often moving release [JF]
Gounod: Faust (Warner Classics)
(Déjà Review) This Rizzi set trumps its competitors in many ways, not least the singing of Hadley and Gasdia [GF]
Schubert: Lieder (Avie)
A pleasant recital of no special distinction [RMo]
JS Bach: Partitas (Le Palais des Dégustateurs)
Good, clear Bach playing delivered with the benefit of deep scholarship, but sometimes lacking warmth and expansiveness [SGa]
British Music for Strings V (cpo)
Variety, contrast and novelty in a fine British selection [JW]
Shura Cherkassky (piano) Rediscovered Recordings Vol. 3 (Nimbus)
Cherkassky in fine form in rediscovered recordings, including valuable additions to his discography [RCh]
Handel: Inexorable Amour (Château de Versailles Spectacle)
An eminently well performed disc with only minor reservations which affect one’s listening enjoyment [MP]
Beethoven: Symphonies 5, 6 & 7 (Harmonia Mundi)
Some good things here but a Pastoral I wish I’d not heard [DJB]
Vaughan Williams: From Ursula, with Love (Albion Records)
A treasury of Vaughan Williams, preserved with Ursula’s love [JF]
Schubert: Die schöne Müllerin (Signum Records)
A brave experiment in exemplary and intelligent singing, but go to Roderick Williams’s earlier recording for a more traditional pairing [SGa]
