Watkins: Symphony No.2, Concerto for Orchestra (Hallé)
A superb disc of life-enhancing music born of the Covid pandemic [PRJ]
Breaking Waves: Grace Williams, Bacewicz, Müller-Hermann (BIS)
A pleasantly varied release; Müller-Hermann’s piece is a real find [HC]
Malcolm Binns (piano) A 90th Birthday Tribute (APR)
An exceptional tribute to an exceptional pianist [RCh]
Boeck: Orchestral Works (Et’cetera)
(Déjà Review) A composer who revelled in the late-romantic style [RB]
Beethoven &; Fauré: Violin Sonatas (Pristine Audio)
(Déjà Review) This release goes a long way to cementing the Sammons discography [JW]
Tobias: Joonas (Ondine)
First recording of the original version sung in Estonian, meant to capture the composer’s intentions in this liturgical work [EJW]
Zachary Wilder (tenor): The Last Rose (Harmonia mundi)
A recording inspired by two precious historical instruments and a valuable manuscript [JV]
Finnissy: Organ Works (Métier)
A well-played survey of Michael Finnissy’s varied music for organ [DHa]
Sanromá: The Complete Boston ‘Pops’ Recordings (APR)
The formidable concerto achievements of Jesús María Sanromá in an irresistible 2-for-1 release [JW]
Howells: King David & Sine Nomine (Hyperion)
A rewarding CD which shines a light on an under appreciated part of Howells’ output [JQ]
Berg: Lulu (Opus Arte)
(Déjà Review) A fascinating set, one that is truly thought-provoking and stimulating [CC]
JS Bach: Organ Works (Divine Art)
(Déjà Review) An enjoyable disc then, and not your usual Bach greatest hits [GD]
Mozart: Piano Concertos 22 & 27 (Maestro Editions)
A Mozartian 90th birthday to Peter Frankl, live from Cleveland, and full of sensitive musicianship [JW]
Bach, Telemann & Albinoni: Concerti (Alpha Classics)
This deserves a place in a catalogue already full of recordings of Bach’s violin concertos [JV]
Geminiani: Concerti Op. 2 & 3 (Brilliant Classics)
Consistency of approach throughout the dozen Concertos override any misgivings in individual movements [CRo]
Liszt: Piano Concertos & Totentanz (Forgotten Records)
Thoroughly professional, historical performances of Liszt [RMas]
Braunfels: Jeanne d’Arc (Capriccio)
An important work in Braunfels’ output, exceptionally well served in this live recording. [JQ]
Brian: Symphonies 17 & 32 (Naxos)
What an important figure Brian was in English music – performances, recording and notes are all that you could want [BBr]
JS Bach: Sonatas for viola da gamba (Lyrichord)
The sheer musicality and joy of the performances makes them my first choice [JS]
Les Divas d’Offenbach (Alpha Classics)
An attractive disc displaying much of Offenbach’s characteristic appeal [RWe]
Mahler: Symphony No. 10 (BIS)
A fine account in first-rate sound, beautifully played, but missing the last ounce of desperation [RMo]
Robin Stevens: Orchestral Music, Vol. 1 (Toccata Classics)
A beautifully presented selection of diverting works [PRJ]
Elgar: The Songs (SOMM Recordings)
A welcome digital release of a collection of Elgar’s songs [JQ]
Art Nouveau: French Chamber Music Around 1900 (harmonia mundi)
An intelligent choice of music, given outstanding performances and sound [DJB]
