The Life and Music of Elizabeth Maconchy (Boydell & Brewer)

An intellectually rewarding book, both absorbing and enlightening [SG]

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Enna: Violin Concerto, Symphony No.2 (Dacapo)

There is, unfortunately, little if anything that is distinctive in much of his music [JW]

Weinberg: Dawn, Symphony No.12 (Chandos)

An unexpected and thrilling pendant to Storgårds’ survey of late Shostakovich [NC]

Beethoven: Symphony No.3 & Overtures (DG)

A disc of distinguished Beethoven performances [JQ]

Prokofiev: Piano Sonatas 5, 6 & 9 (Naxos)

(Déjà Review) I was captivated with Glemser’s playing which emphasises the lyrical and romantic side [GH]

Lalo: Complete Piano Trios (MDG)

(Déjà Review) This is a most beautiful and appealing release, guaranteed to please chamber music lovers [MC]

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Echoes of Bohemia: Czech Music for Wind (Chandos)

A highly effective disc [JW]

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An Invitation at the Schumanns’ (Harmonia Mundi)

A delightful easy-listening programme with a couple of more substantial morsels [GF]

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William Wordsworth: Complete Music for Solo Piano (Toccata Classics)

Christopher Guild brings clarity, enthusiasm and commitment to this music [JF]

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The First Songs of Travel (Albion)

Despite reservations, Standen’s Songs of Travel merits a place in the VW discography [JQ]

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Works for Cello & Piano (LAWO Classics)

An attractive programme, expertly performed [RWe]

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Porte Chiuse (Closed Doors) – (Maurizio Vetri Editore)

Absorbing reading for anyone able to read Italian and interested in Italian post-war history, both musical and political [CH]

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Delibes: Coppelia (Apex)

(Déjà Review) Nagano has such an infectious way with this score that makes it very hard to resist [TH]

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Liszt: Piano works (Deutsche Grammophon)

(Déjà Review) A fine choice for those who enjoy their Liszt stirred, not shaken [MM]

Cooke String Quartets v1 Toccata TOCC0696

Cooke: String Quartets Vol 1 (Toccata Classics)

The first of two volumes of Cooke’s string quartets augurs well [HC]

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Puccini: Turandot (Pristine Audio)

Not an ‘icon’ perhaps, but unmissable for admirers of Callas and Puccini [WH]

Champagne Lumbye and his Idols Dacapo 8.224750

Champagne! The Sound of Lumbye and His Idols (Dacapo)

An entertaining, historically interesting tribute to Lumbye and his contemporaries, played with precision and admirable elan [GF]

Mahler Symph 1 Bychkov Pentatone PTC5187043

Mahler: Symphony No 1 (Pentatone)

A recording in which those who have been following the Bychkov cycle can invest with confidence [JQ]

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Bruch: Songs and Dances (cpo)

An ingenious collection of dances, though perhaps not to be played straight through [JW]

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Ataúlfo Argenta (conductor) (Decca)

Two LPs’ worth of Argenta’s legendary performances in classic Decca sound [PSe]

Bach Goldberg Variations Barenboim Elatus 2564600102

Bach: Goldberg Variations (Warner Elatus)

(Déjà Review) Excellent interpretations of these great works [KM]

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N Berg: Song of Songs & Symphony No 4 (Phono Suecia)

(Déjà Review) A warming chance to sample the music of Berg the Swedish romantic [RB]

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English Orchestral Anthems (Delphian)

I will be returning to this disc often [WK]

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Wagner: Orchestral Selections from Der Ring des Nibelungen (RCA/Sony)

It would be hard to find a more sumptuously played and superbly recorded Wagner disc than this one [MB]