Alpha Classics

A charming trio of French first symphonies – not major music, but beautifully played and exuding good humour [RMo]

Four of Handel’s Chandos Anthems, stripped back and spring cleaned [ST]

Enlightenment in Germany with an Italian twist [PH]

A personal and touching tribute from Benjamin Appl to his mentor [DHa]

Eva Zaïcik gives a fitting tribute to the artistry of Célestine Galli-Marié who created the role of Carmen [MC]

Another volume to cherish from Alpha & Antononi [PH]

A cornucopia of wonderful songs, superbly sung, for every lover of art songs to delve into [GF]

A satisfying survey of the Russian Cello Sonata [DHa]

A new disc from a new star in the conducting firmament, featuring new music – and a couple of old warhorses [LD]

Nicholas Baldeyrou assembles a union of equals that is enormously appealing – bring on volume two! [ST]

A well-balanced programme that shows American music at its best [PRJ]

An absorbing, rewarding recital – another feather in the cap for Benjamin Appl [PT]

Scheherazade in a new guise: a disc for the Rimsky curious [ST]

An interesting and attractive coupling [PH]

An absorbing and enterprising programme, impeccably performed by a stellar partnership [RMo]

With abundant sonic splendour and musical prowess, Järvi and his band kick off their new Mahler cycle on a high (trumpet) note [KC]

A very fine new account of a neglected great opera [RWe]

Superb accounts of Sibelius’ last two symphonies put the seal on a triumphantly successful series [RMo]

There’s plenty of magic in the playing here [RCh]

The playing by both soloists and Camerata Bern is faultless [SA]

This disc will certainly be my favourite Yuletide companion for years to come [GF]

A showcase for the superb ‘Next Generation Mozart soloists’, a little flawed by the use of a hackneyed 19th century version of the Sinfonia concertante [MG]

This fine, well-judged recital explores familiar and less well-known works [JF]

Schmitt’s complete ballet in opulent orchestral dress, marvellously played [JQ]