Holst: The Planets & R Strauss: Tod und Verklärung (Gramola)
Two masterpieces transformed by Karajan’s alchemy [JF]
Mahler: Symphony No. 4 (Signum Classics)
(Déjà Review) A treasurable example of the work of a great conductor in repertoire with which he was not automatically associated [JQ]
Martinů: Piano Concertos Vol. 2 (Naxos)
(Déjà Review) Brilliantly captures Martinů’s coloristic effects and eclectic nature [RC]
Mozart & Brahms: Violin Concertos (Naxos)
(Déjà Review) Eye-opening and bargain-priced accounts of considerable interest [RMay]
Rachmaninov: Orchestral Music (Avie)
(Déjà Review) Magnificent performances, stunningly recorded [JQ] Certainly one to go for [RB]
Schubert & Brahms: Piano Trios (Biddulph Recordings)
Classic performances from Myra Hess and friends [RMas]
M Galilei: Lute Music (Solaire Records)
Will this turn you on to the subtleties of late-Renaissance lute music? [DC]
Prokofiev: Piano Sonatas 6-8 (Alpha)
Giorgi Gigashvili delivers impressive accounts of Prokofiev’s challenging “War Sonata” trilogy [RC]
Mozart: Mass in C minor (AliaVox)
An intriguing new performing version of Mozart’s great unfinished Mass [MP]
Mahler: Symphony 10 (SilverOak)
A weighty, expansive account, emotionally demonstrative and totally committed [RMo]
Pärt: Kanon Pokajanen (Harmonia Mundi)
Still up there with the best in a very narrow field [DC]
Mahler: Symphony No.10 (Denon)
Another driven performance of Mahler’s Tenth, strong on propulsion but marred by some erratic gear-changes [RMo]
Verdi: Simon Boccanegra (Prima Classic)
A live recording of the 1881 version, with excellent sound, but vocally disappointing [DJa]
Beethoven: Piano Sonatas op.109-111 (Chandos)
A wonderful new version of Beethoven’s last sonatas, and a fitting swan song for Imogen Cooper [SB]
Amram: Chamber Music (Naxos)
Not a man to cosy up to the great and the good [RB]
Mahler: Symphony No.2 (Warner Classics)
(Déjà Review) Acquire this superb new Mahler Second, but hang on to your copy of Rattle’s 1986 recording too [JQ]
Khachaturian: Spartacus, Gayane (Onyx)
(Déjà Review) A recording and a performance that bode well for the BSO/Karabits/Onyx partnership [DM]
Humperdinck: Hänsel und Gretel (Warner Classics)
(Déjà Review) A modern makeover for an old favourite [GD]
Haydn: Missa Brevis & Missa “Harmoniemesse” (Naxos)
(Déjà Review) Exceptionally elegant performances from a first rate band of musicians [KS]
Esther Rayo (soprano): Estrellita (Divine Art)
A very attractive recital of Spanish songs from the first half of the last century [RWe]
Riccio: Vocem iucunditatis – Sacred Music (Dynamic)
An important step towards a more complete portrait of a composer who has left more than just a few canzonas [JV]
Soulima Stravinsky: Rediscovered Recordings (Nimbus)
A fascinating rediscovery from the Nimbus archives – Soulima Stravinsky playing his own and his father’s music [DHa]
Castelnuovo-Tedesco: Piano Quintets (Naxos)
Nostalgia, victory and bardic introspection [RB]
Polish Kaleidoscope 4: Piano Duo (Chopin University Press)
Delightful four hand music from forgotten characters of Poland’s musical past [RCh]
