sowerby book illinois

Leo Sowerby (University of Illinois Press)

This first class study is an absorbing read and well worth tracking down [SG]

Gebel: Johannes Passion (cpo)

(Déjà Review) A totally forgotten Passion from 18th century Germany – a splendid work, moving and enthralling [JV]

Mozart: Divertimenti (Apex)

(Déjà Review) The playing in all of these pieces is a delight [GPJ]

Rimsky-Korsakov: Kashchey the Immortal (Philips)

A decent representation of Rimsky-Korsakov’s rarely staged opera [MP]

Mahler: Symphony No 3 (BIS)

A sonic feast allows a persuasive vision of Mahler’s Third Symphony to shine forth [EJW]

Kuula: Complete Solo Songs, Vol 1 (Toccata Classics)

One already looks forward to the second volume [WK]

Huber: Piano Quintets Nos 1 & 2 (cpo)

Two sides of Huber’s chamber music – strict contrapuntalism and playful rhapsody [JW]

Larsson: Concert Overture No 2 & Sinfonietta (Phono Suecia)

(Déjà Review) Good examples of Larsson’s early and late styles [RB]

vivaldi oboe signum

Vivaldi: Chamber Music for Oboe (Signum Classics)

This a release to savour and the leading candidate for both my baroque and chamber record of the year [MC]

Elgar violin BIS2659

Elgar: Mot d’amour. Works for violin & piano (BIS)

A variably successful disc [JW]

Mozart lieder 5419794886

Mozart & R Strauss: Lieder (Erato)

A worthwhile disc, even if I am equivocal about some of the singing [PT]

Yujawang vienna 767308

Yuja Wang (piano) The Vienna Recital (C Major)

Yuja Wang displays her virtuosity and versatility [LW]

Holst150 somm 50302

HOLST 150 (SOMM Recordings)

Another fine anthology of historic live performances to mark an important anniversary [NB]

Beethoven sym9 811086

Beethoven: Symphony No 9 (Naxos)

A splendid achievement that transcends occasional lapses of orchestral technique and sonic limitations [JQ]

BachCPE trios 9994952

CPE Bach: Trio Sonatas (cpo)

Unjustly neglected music in good performances [JV]

Schurmann Piano Concerto Chandos CHAN20341

Schurmann: Orchestral Works (Chandos)

An appealing entry point into Schurmann’s eclectic neo-Romanticism [NC]

Ysaye VC PC Graffin Avie 2650

Ysaÿe: Rêves – Violin Concerto & Poème concertant (Avie)

With these Ysaÿe recordings, one senses that Philippe Graffin has embarked on a labour of love [MC]

Gunther Groissbock I live alone in my heaven Gramola 20005

Günther Groissböck (bass) I live alone in my heaven (Gramola)

A profile of the singer Günther Groissböck – no revelations, but there’s always the voice [ST]

Mozart Overtures Kolner Akademie BIS2062 SACD

Mozart: Overtures (BIS)

Willens is both stimulating and instructive. For me, he proves Mozart wants you eager to listen beyond the overture [MG]

Deja Review Britten Choral v1 Coro 16006

Britten: Blest Cecila – Choral Works Vol 1 (Coro)

(Déjà Review) Fecundity of original ideas [GH]

Deja Review Braga Santos Symph 4 Cassuto Marco Polo 8.225233

Braga Santos: Symphony No 4 & Symphonic Variations (Marco Polo)

(Déjà Review) Braga Santos – a nationalistic impressionist with Iberian exoticism. A top recommendation [RB]

osgood chamber convivium

Osgood: Chamber Works (Convivium Records)

A wondrous document, worth repeated playing [SA]

wagner walkure pristine

Wagner: Die Walküre (Pristine Audio)

This second instalment of Knappertsbusch’s 1956 Ring is very acceptable [SB]

dodgson celebration

Born by the Thames. Stephen Dodgson: A Centenary Celebration (de la Porte Publishing)

An excellent celebration of the life and music of a composer only now coming into his own [WH]