Massenet: Thaïs (Chandos)

Massenet’s opera is superbly rejuvenated in a recording which sweeps the field of all other versions [MP]

Bruckner: Symphony No. 2 (Profil)

A thoroughly commendable and consistent account of the most popular version of Bruckner’s Second Symphony [RMo]

Mahler: Symphony No. 9 (Deutsche Grammophon)

(Déjà Review) In playing and interpretation it takes its place among the finest [TD]

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Rakhi Singh (violin): Purnima (Cantaloupe)

Rakhi Singh’s exceptional playing and arranging skills in an exhilarating transatlantic contemporary violin recital [RHa]

Hough: Mirabilis (Orchid Classics)

Very rewarding choral music by Stephen Hough in terrific performances [JQ]

Flotow: Piano Concertos No. 1 & 2, Overtures (cpo)

Melodious, undemanding but always skilful and enjoyable light music [RMo]

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Dvořák: The Complete Piano Trios (Supraphon)

If this doesn’t win every award going I will be astonished [DMD]

Bruckner: Symphony No. 4 (Myrios Classics)

Roth makes an outstanding case for the original 1874 version of Bruckner’s Fourth [MC]

Baur: Chamber Music (Passacaille)

The Accademia de’ Dissonanti are ideal advocates of Baur’s music [JV]

Noel Coward and Friends: A Most Marvellous Party (Signum Classics)

What an absolutely splendid party! Darling, I couldn’t have liked it more [PT]

Diamond: String Quartets – Vol. 2 (Albany)

(Déjà Review) Scorchingly committed performances and recording of these monuments of twentieth century music-making [RB]

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Bruckner: Symphony No. 1 (Capriccio)

A tight, driven account of Bruckner’s First Symphony which is a success even if I still prefer Schaller’s version [RMo]

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Copland, Piston, Kay & Creston (Naxos)

An enjoyable, well-designed program, superbly played by a young ensemble [JH]

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A Pianist Explores Her Jewish Heritage (Centaur)

Fabulous music, hugely enjoyable [SA]

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Bach: Organ transcriptions (Brilliant Classics)

Well-crafted transcriptions hampered by a performing style that is too often heavy and ponderous [NB]

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The Degenhof Sessions (Genuin)

A wonderfully entertaining programme with some real treats [RCh}

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Kuusisto: Symphony (BIS)

Two remarkably cogent pieces, each composed by more than one hand [RHa]

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Recharged by Nature. Contemporary Nordic Works (Alba)

Delightful new music to recharge even the most jaded listener [DMD]

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Bellini: La Sonnambula (Warner Classics)

Anyone contemplating purchase of this set will be buying it for Maria Callas, and it is worthwhile for this alone [JP]

Vivaldi Four Seasons Plewniak Chateau de V CVS138

Vivaldi: Le Quattro Stagioni (Château de Versailles)

Too strident for my liking [DJB]

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Écoles de Paris – Paris pour École (EDA)

The Foreign Legion conscripted to the School of Paris with vitalising results [JW]

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Gill: Love Illuminates (Regent)

Restraint is the key-word here. Joanna Gill’s mottos: love, peace, reconciliation are whispered, not shouted. Smile governs over tears. Light over darkness [GF]

Mozart and the Organ LAWO LWC1257

Mozart and the Organ (Lawo Classics)

Most of the epistle sonatas and the three late organ works on one convenient disc [SB]

Schumann Symphs 1&3 Herreweghe PHI LPH040

Schumann: Symphonies Nos 1 and 3 (PHI)

Once accustomed to Herreweghe’s robust bass and firm sforzandos, I enjoyed his overall rounded approach and the superb brass playing [MG]