BIS
Beethoven: String Quartets Opp 74 & 130 (BIS)
A very fine recording of the Harp Quartet, although the outer movements of the Op130 quartet are lacking in power and thus take the disc down a notch [MZ]
Stravinsky, Bartok & Martinů (BIS)
A puzzling release in which clarity trumps nuance and warmth [JW]
Mahler: Symphony No 8 (BIS)
A stunner of a Mahler Eighth, one of the best since Solti’s classic account [RMo]
Anders Paulsson (soprano saxophone): Solitary Poems for Soprano Saxophone (BIS)
Beautiful, approachable contemporary music showcases the craft of a wonderful saxophonist [MB]
R Schumann: Piano Trios, Vol. 2 (BIS)
Superb performances of lesser-known but deeply rewarding Schumann [PBW]
Carolyn Sampson (soprano) but I like to sing… (BIS)
A delight from start to finish – Carolyn Sampson is on effervescent form [JQ]
Wigmore Soloists: Chamber Works (BIS)
Committed and inspiring performances of important chamber works [JF]
Folkjul – A Swedish Folk Christmas (BIS)
(Déjà Review) A refreshing Christmas disc, off the beaten track [GF]
Sumera: Mushroom Cantata (BIS)
(Déjà Review) As irreplaceable as a volume by a favourite author – be sure never to lend it to anyone; you’re unlikely to get it back! [DC]
Schubert: Impromptus (BIS)
A refreshingly intimate account of Schubert’s impromptus in masterly performances by a fortepiano player of unparalleled recording experience [MG]
Beethoven: Piano Sonatas Nos 8-11 (BIS)
(Déjà Review) A fresh viewpoint, though not everything convinces [CC]
Through The Night (BIS)
A stimulating medley of the best string music, beautifully executed [RMo]
Beethoven, Berwald: Septets (BIS)
Two lovely chamber scores for strings and winds [SV]
Beethoven: Piano Trios Nos 2 & 7 (BIS)
Beethoven doesn’t seem to be an ideal fit with this very fine ensemble [DJB]
Doráti: Orchestral Works (BIS)
(Déjà Review) Two harmonically astringent potently imaginative works coupled with a bright and light-on-the-toes serenade [RB]
Bach: Trio Sonatas (BIS)
(Déjà Review) New worlds of feeling in music that is certainly familiar [KM]
Janáček & Haas: String quartets (BIS)
At the very top of the list for these masterpieces [WH]
Sounds and Sweet Air – A Shakespeare Songbook ( BIS)
This fine, imaginative album will entertain and enlighten [JQ]
Respighi: Gli uccelli, Antiche danze ed arie (BIS)
A stylish, entertaining conclusion to John Neschling’s excellent Respighi series [JQ]
Rautavaara & Martinů: Piano Concertos (BIS)
This attractive coupling should win new friends for these works [SB]
Glazunov: Symphony No.1 & 6 (BIS)
(Déjà Review) Very enjoyable and well served by this release [JQ]
Skalkottas: Concertos (BIS)
An alternative take on Skalkottas’ concertos, essential for his devotees [JLW]