Martucci: (Da Vinci Classics)
A mixed bag, but the Quintet has definite merits [DJB]
Donizetti: Maria Stuarda (C Major)
Some good singing in this bel canto gem; pity about the pathetic set and non-production [RJF]
Chopin: Piano Works (SOMM)
An outstanding recital [RBe]
Dvořák: String Quartets Volume 5 (cpo)
Fine readings – almost, but not quite, the genuine article [SV]
Tchaikovsky: Symphony No. 6 (LSO Live)
A serviceable Pathétique, but not a great one [ST]
Rachmaninoff: The Bells & Elgar: Falstaff (Harmonia Mundi)
Very good performances of an unexpected coupling [JQ]
Mahler: Symphony No. 10 (Hänssler Classic)
A dark horse account of Mahler’s Tenth Symphony to rival any other [RMo]
Weill: The Seven Deadly Sins (BIS)
Excellent performances, sung in English, so particularly interesting [SB]
Giordano: Fedora (Deutsche Grammophon)
(Déjà Review) Domingo adds this Loris to his studio recorded audio legacy [RJF]
Chopin: Piano Concerto No. 1 (Naxos)
(Déjà Review) Nebolsin is the real thing, a genuine virtuoso who can interpret Chopin with imagination and style [RC]
Buxtehude: Vocal Works Vol 4 (Challenge)
(Déjà Review) Outstanding … full of rich, sonorous and decidedly beautiful choral music [MS]
Beethoven: Triple Concerto & Brahms: Double Concerto (Chandos)
(Déjà Review) Artistic insight, poignancy and exciting performance values [RB]
Mahler: Symphony No. 10 (Chandos)
A highly competent reading which lacks ferocity and excitement at key moments [RMo]
Jaëll: Chamber Music (La Boîte à Pépites)
A disc which does the music of Marie Jaëll a signal service [JQ]
Greenbaum: Piano Sonata No. 6 (Salisbury Records)
An enormously rewarding piano sonata, slightly stymied by an unhelpful written component [PRJ]
Mist on the Moors: The Piano Music of Reginald Redman (Heritage)
Honeybourne unveils Redman’s long‑lost landscapes [JF]
Kurtág: Fin de Partie (BMC)
The unmissable first recording of Kurtág’s masterpiece [DHa]
Passing Fancy. Beauty in A Moment of Chaos (Avie)
Although the programme lacks stylistic coherence, every piece is well worth hearing and is given what it needs [JV]
Brahms: Symphonies No.2, 4 (Chandos)
A good Fourth and an excellent Second [ST]
Reich: Electric Counterpoint (REKORD)
Stands both on its own terms and when compared to the best [DC]
Bortkiewicz, Ravel, Prokofiev: Piano Concerti (Pentatone)
A fine debut, three very different piano concertos for the left hand commissioned by Paul Wittgenstein [PRJ]
Coleridge: The Breath of Life (Convivium Records)
Melodic, warmly harmonised choral music, expertly performed [JQ]
Caldara: Forgotten castrato arias (Erato)
(Déjà Review) A bouquet of fine arias by a great yet underestimated composer [JV]
Brahms & Liszt: Piano Sonatas (Supraphon)
(Déjà Review) A fascinating disc from a pianist whose career is most definitely worth following [CC]
