Handel: Total Eclipse (Somm Recordings)
Some of Handel’s most beautiful arias in instrumental versions, performed with vitality, sensitivity and rhythmical precision [GF]
Bach JS: The First Cantata Year, Vol. 1 (Hänssler Classic)
This first volume in the projected series of J.S. Bach’s First Cantata Year has got off to a most auspicious start [MC]
Oboe Concertos from Bohemia (Claves)
(Déjà Review) An excellently planned programme [NHo]
Tosti: Sogno (Pentatone)
A lovely recital with several rarely heard Tosti songs [GF]
Sgambati: Piano Concerto (Naxos)
A heroic performance of a remarkable piano concerto [JF]
Lutosławski: Orchestral works (Ondine)
Spectacular in every respect [SG]
Stravinsky, Bartok & Martinů (BIS)
A puzzling release in which clarity trumps nuance and warmth [JW]
French Music for 2 Pianos (Nimbus Records)
A delightful collection of Hahn, Koechlin, and Tailleferre for two pianos [RMas]
Bruckner: 10 Symphonies (Gramola)
Grand, broad, live performances of Bruckner’s symphonies now collected in a box set [RMo]
Szabó: Complete solo piano works (Brilliant Classics)
A scarcely known composer is permitted an eloquent and at times disconcerting calling-card [RB]
Vivaldi: Late Violin Concertos (Sony Classical)
(Déjà Review) Magnificent accounts to cherish [MC]
Finnish Piano Works (Hänssler Classic)
Richly evocative music that rewards repeated listening [RCh]
Hellstenius: Past & Presence (Lawo Classics)
A compelling concerto is the standout from this splendidly performed and recorded monograph [RHa]
Palimpsest: New Works from Old for Saxophone and Choir (Signum Classics)
Provocative and substantial listening fare. No dearth of grace or awe [RB]
Puccini: Manon Lescaut (Pristine Audio)
A so-so “classic” recording [RMas]
Mahler: Symphony No 8 (BIS)
A stunner of a Mahler Eighth, one of the best since Solti’s classic account [RMo]
Coste: Guitar Works Vol 6 (Naxos)
Another winner from Naxos [ZT]
Marchand: Suites (Aparté)
The performers deserve praise for bringing this unknown composer to our attention [JV]
Beethoven: Piano Sonatas Nos 13, 14 & 30 (Deutsche Grammophon)
(Déjà Review) This is a truly awe-inspiring offering from Pires which acts as a reminder of what a truly unique and inspiring musician she is [CC]
Mer(s) (Appassionato)
Well-played performances hampered by a claustrophobic recording [NB]
Karl Eliasberg (conductor): Schumann & Berlioz (Maestro Editions)
New light on a largely forgotten conductor – and in better sound than previously thought [RMay]
Cherubini: Medea (Pristine Audio)
Pristine’s revitalising of the sound here goes a long way towards countering any criticism of Callas’ sole studio recording of Medea [RMo]
amrwd (Tŷ Cerdd)
Delightful traditional numbers, performed with skill and imagination by these two fine Welsh musicians [GPJ]
Phases (Musica Solis)
Impeccably performed easy-listening entertainment in the best sense of those words, but the playing time could have been more generous [GF]
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