Cesti: Cantatas & Arias (Brilliant Classics)
Disappointing performances of some enjoyable 17th century Italian vocal music [CRo]
Veni Creator Spiritus – Second Vespers of the Solemnity of Pentecost (Ad Fontes)
As much an adjunct to spiritual elevation as a musical experience which will appeal to practising Catholics and lovers of liturgical music alike [RMo]
Reeder: Homestead (Another Timbre)
A beautiful, reflective new work for string quartet [DHa]
Poulenc: Piano Works (Meridian)
Pianistic sophistication, sentiment, wit and wonder [JF]
Dvořák: String & Piano Quintets (Supraphon)
Two very fine performances [MC]
Bax: Symphony 6, Overtures (Lyrita)
The symphony is essential Bax in performance and recording terms [RB]
Traetta: Rex Salomon (CPO)
Vivid recording of a rewarding forgotten oratorio [CRo]
Shostakovich: Orchestral Songs (Capriccio)
A wonderfully varied collection, in mostly excellent performances [GPJ]
Donizetti: Il diluvio universale (Naxos)
A pleasing, generally very well sung performance of what remains essentially second-rank Donizetti but one with some rewarding passages [RMo]
Carulli: Rediscovered Vol. 2 (Dynamic)
Rarely recorded music by Ferdinando Carulli, superbly played by a master guitarist on a period instrument [ZT]
Bach: Organ Works Volume 8 (Challenge Classics)
(Déjà Review) Those who like big-sounding Bach will enjoy this more than those who expect a lighter touch [BW]
Alfvén: Synnöve Solbakken Suite (Naxos)
(Déjà Review) An exciting recording dealing with a lesser-known aspect of Alfvén’s career [WK]
Sacred Treasures of Rome (Hyperion)
Excellent performances which demonstrate that Palestrina’s music is anything but boring [JV]
Farkas: Orchestral Music Vol. 6 (Toccata Classics)
A happy addition to Toccata Classics’ enterprising Farkas cycle [PRJ]
Chopin: Piano music (Decca)
A rewarding recital, if you can take to the first Ballade [SB]
Barraine: Symphonies 1 and 2 (cpo)
Impressive music, very well performed and recorded presents an unfamiliar composer with a confident musical personality [NB]
Bruckner & Mahler: Symphonies (Tahra)
(Déjà Review) These performances repay careful listening and study [JQ]
Bloch: Piano Quintets (Hyperion)
(Déjà Review) It is never too late to make good personal discoveries of great music [JFL]
Vivaldi: Vivaldi in the North (Proprius)
This beautiful recording embraces stylistic brilliance, refined virtuosity, and a joyful spirit of execution [ZT]
Welsh Music for Strings (Rubicon)
A little light music from the valleys – each piece a recording premiere [PH]
Works for String Quartet from South Africa (ECM)
An essential anthology of little known 20th and 21st century writing for string quartet [DHa]
French School Pianists play French concertos (APR)
This thoroughly absorbing set shines a light on spectacular pianism and unearths welcome rarities [RCh]
Hildegard: Celestial Harmonie (Naxos)
(Déjà Review) The sheer beauty and simplicity of the music can stand alone [GH]
Bach: Brandenburg Concerti (Avie)
(Déjà Review) All the benefits of period performance without the tears [BW]
