Vivaldi: La Stravaganza (Transcriptions for Organ) (Brilliant Classics)
These transcriptions are nice complements to Bach’s arrangements [JV]
Donizetti: La favorite (Dynamic)
“La favorite” is well served in a complete new edition, well sung and staged [RWe]
Monteverdi: Madrigali amorosi (Deutsche Harmonia Mundi)
(Déjà Review) I can’t think of any better disc at budget price with which to get to know these marvellous works [TH]
Blake: Orchestral Works (Somm Recordings)
Blake at his approachable best in orchestral music [JW]
Escher: Chamber Music (Et’cetera)
A fine survey in committed performances; a good introduction to a superbly crafted and often beautiful oeuvre [HC]
Bruckner: Symphony No 5 (Capriccio)
A beautifully played recording of the Fifth Symphony for those who like their Bruckner a little leaner and faster with variations of tempi strongly contrasted [RMo]
Schubert: Lieder with Orchestra (BR Klassik)
Rewarding orchestral versions of Schubert songs, most sensitively performed [SB]
Tchaikovsky: Iolanta & The Nutcracker (C Major)
A conflation of opera and ballet, well-staged and performed, more than a seasonal song-and-dance show [RWe]
Couperin: Les Concerts Royaux (Château de Versailles)
Elegance and refinement were highly appreciated at the time, and that is exactly what we get here [JV]
Górecki M P: Orchestral Music (CD Accord)
Polish orchestral music that steps forward purposefully and beguilingly [RB]
Belcea Quartet – Debussy, Dutilleux and Ravel (Warner Classics)
(Déjà Review) This disc represents the flowering of talent of an ensemble that, if they continue on their present well-chosen path, will achieve great things [CC]
Donizetti: Lucia di Lammermoor (Pristine Audio)
Callas’ stereo remake is a more mature and inward reading of the role – now in even fresher sound [GF]
Polish String Quartets (Acte Préalable)
Too much programmatic conformity partially rescued by the engaging Rogowski [JW]
Hindemith: Cardillac (BR Klassik)
An excellent recording of a gripping but not loveable work [SB]
Blackburn: Ordo (Neuma Records)
Not everything works here, but so much of this music is colourful, affirmative, original and incontrovertibly beautiful [RHa]
Andrea Bacchetti (piano): In Concert (Monarda Music)
More than just a souvenir of a fine recital [DC]
Puccini: Tosca (Unitel Editions)
Three impressive lead singers in a remarkably innovative staging which leaves the historic context far behind [RWe]
Higdon: Concertos (Naxos)
Two attractive examples of this prominent American composer’s work [SB]
Purcell: Music for Queen Mary (Apex)
(Déjà Review) One of the crowning glories of John Eliot Gardiner’s early recordings [PB]
Cordelia Williams (piano): Cascade (SOMM Recordings)
Simply wonderful piano playing [DMD]
Ballard: Orchestral music (Naxos)
Committed performances of works of cultural rather than musical significance [NB]
Ivan Petricevic (guitar): Guitar Intersections (Hänssler Classic)
Refined playing with a big sound [ZT]
Bonis, Fauré, Hahn: Violin Sonatas (Chandos)
Three contrasting French sonatas offer rewarding virtues [JW]
Puccini: Tosca (Pentatone)
A sonically splendid recording of Tosca overshadowed by ghosts from the past [PT]
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