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]
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]
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]
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]
Copland, Piston, Kay & Creston (Naxos)
An enjoyable, well-designed program, superbly played by a young ensemble [JH]
A Pianist Explores Her Jewish Heritage (Centaur)
Fabulous music, hugely enjoyable [SA]
Bach: Organ transcriptions (Brilliant Classics)
Well-crafted transcriptions hampered by a performing style that is too often heavy and ponderous [NB]
The Degenhof Sessions (Genuin)
A wonderfully entertaining programme with some real treats [RCh}
Kuusisto: Symphony (BIS)
Two remarkably cogent pieces, each composed by more than one hand [RHa]
Recharged by Nature. Contemporary Nordic Works (Alba)
Delightful new music to recharge even the most jaded listener [DMD]
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: Le Quattro Stagioni (Château de Versailles)
Too strident for my liking [DJB]
Écoles de Paris – Paris pour École (EDA)
The Foreign Legion conscripted to the School of Paris with vitalising results [JW]
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 Classics)
Most of the epistle sonatas and the three late organ works on one convenient disc [SB]
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]
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