Beethoven Extended: Symphonies 5 & 7 (Harmonia Mundi)
An experiment in performing these great works which doesn’t produce obvious benefits [DJB]
Howells: The Winchester Service (Hyperion)
(Déjà Review) A superb, unmissable recital of Howells’ later choral and organ works [WH]
Mahler: Symphony 8 (London Philharmonic Orchestra)
(Déjà Review) This extraordinary, visionary reading of the Eighth is an unforgettable experience [JQ]
Handel: Inexorable Amour (Château de Versailles Spectacle)
An eminently well performed disc with only minor reservations which affect one’s listening enjoyment [MP]
Shura Cherkassky (piano) Rediscovered Recordings Vol. 3 (Nimbus)
Cherkassky in fine form in rediscovered recordings, including valuable additions to his discography [RCh]
British Music for Strings V (cpo)
Variety, contrast and novelty in a fine British selection [JW]
JS Bach: Partitas (Le Palais des Dégustateurs)
Good, clear Bach playing delivered with the benefit of deep scholarship, but sometimes lacking warmth and expansiveness [SGa]
Schubert: Lieder (Avie)
A pleasant recital of no special distinction [RMo]
Gounod: Faust (Warner Classics)
(Déjà Review) This Rizzi set trumps its competitors in many ways, not least the singing of Hadley and Gasdia [GF]
Britten: Complete Scottish Songs (Naxos)
(Déjà Review) An excellent and often moving release [JF]
Bridge, Britten & Bax: Sonatas for cello and piano (Hänssler Classic)
(Déjà Review) A very special issue [BBr]
Aldridge & Copland: Clarinet Concertos (Naxos)
(Déjà Review) An enjoyable new concerto and an old favorite, played with love and wit [BR]
Gordon: Field of Vision (Cantaloupe)
A vast sonic experience that is worth encountering [DC]
Schwindl: Symphonies (Capriccio)
One of those new classical discoveries that don’t come along every day [DC]
Schubert: Die schöne Müllerin (Signum Records)
A brave experiment in exemplary and intelligent singing, but go to Roderick Williams’s earlier recording for a more traditional pairing [SGa]
Vaughan Williams: From Ursula, with Love (Albion Records)
A treasury of Vaughan Williams, preserved with Ursula’s love [JF]
Beethoven: Symphonies 5, 6 & 7 (Harmonia Mundi)
Some good things here but a Pastoral I wish I’d not heard [DJB]
Holst: The Planets; Raitio: Moonlight on Jupiter (Ondine)
Admirably controlled and impressively recorded Planets, and a Finnish treat [ST]
Fomin & Wanczura: Orchestral Works (cpo)
Something of an off-the-beaten-track treasure [DC]
Poulenc. The Life in the Songs (Liveright)
An infectiously enthusiastic journey through Poulenc’s songs, which brings the composer to life [ACG]
The Beecham Collection Vol. 36 (SOMM Recordings)
An appealing programme drawn from three ‘late’ concerts, including a galvanised Tchaikovsky [NB]
Quiet City (Sono Luminus)
(Déjà Review) Great tunes, bluesy excursions and limpid romanticism [JW]
Bach: Cantatas Vol. 54 (JS Bach-Stiftung)
How can I have missed the first 53 volumes of this series? [DJB]
Bruckner: Symphony No.0 (MDG)
(Déjà Review) The symphony should have broader appeal, and is certainly a satisfying listen [GD]
