Farrenc: Piano Trios, Cello Sonata (Brilliant Classics)
A good introduction to the chamber music of this underrated and under-recorded composer [DJB]
The Nightingale and the Sparrow (Guild)
(Déjà Review) Plenty to enjoy in this delicate, yet never lightweight, repertoire [PW]
Glass: Signature (Analekta)
For the Glass waverers out there, this might be the disc that dispels doubts [DJB]
R Strauss: Choral works (Hyperion)
Choral singing of formidable accomplishment [JQ]
Fairy Tales (Quartz)
An eclectic programme, dynamically played if lacking complete virtuosic ease [NB]
Bach: Goldberg Variations (Deutsche Grammophon)
Freshness, new life, vitality and a wealth of new insights are bought to this oft-recorded work [SG]
Mozart: Piano concertos (Academy of Ancient Music)
A total delight [ST]
Puccini: I Canti (BR Klassik)
A disc that no Puccini admirer can dispense with [GF]
Rossini: Semiramide (Decca)
A feast of stylish bel canto singing for the two stars but the rest of the cast can only struggle though [MP]
An Eternal Harmony (Coro)
A well-balanced recital, beautifully sung, mixing old and new [RH]
Maderna: Serenata per un satellite & other works (Dynamic)
An important Maderna monograph seems to fill some gaps in the catalogue. One for the specialist, however, rather than the general listener [RHa]
Hughes: Oratorio – Dewi Sant (Rubicon)
A fine new recording of a Welsh oratorio [JQ]
Mozart: Sonatas for Piano & Violin (Deutsche Grammophon)
A magical new recording of the Mozart sonatas for piano and violin [RMa]
Mascagni: Cavalleria Rusticana (Prospero)
The original version of Mascagni’s masterpiece unfortunately let down by singing that cannot do justice to the music or drama [MBu]
Wranitzky: String Quartets (cpo)
A good introduction to the chamber music of a marginalised composer [SA]
Mustonen: Symphonies Nos 2 & 3 (Ondine)
Two attractive works by this gifted Finnish composer [SB]
Dreams Desires Desolation – English Song (Divine Art)
An interesting disc of English Parlour Songs suffers from a lack of personality and variety [PT]
Holmboe: Preludes for Sinfonietta Vol 2 (Dacapo)
(Déjà Review) Anyone who loves the symphonies will find these works as satisfying as the larger pieces. They are easy to listen to, once the Holmboe idiom has been assimilated, and will repay the listener ten times over [JP]
The Great Organ of Aarhus Cathedral (Danacord)
Superb performances, great sound quality, brilliant documentation and rewarding programming [JF]
Don’t Forget About Me (Toccata Press)
A powerful and moving study of a potential great of Czech 20th Century music [NB]
Bruckner: Symphony 8 (Fontec)
Another decent performance blighted by the conductor’s very audible vocal intrusions [RMo]
Striggio: Mass in 40 Parts (Coro)
A fascinating portrait of Striggio, but the performances are rather disappointing [JV]
Messiaen: Des Canyons aux Étoiles (Seattle Symphony Media)
This gorgeous recording now becomes my prime recommendation [DMD]
Cilea: Adriana Lecouvreur (Sony Classical)
A near total success that still wins the day among available recordings [MP]
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